Vol. 55, Issue 4

Vol. 55, No. 4

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

During this season of giving, Maine South students step up as community leaders and engage in a variety of volunteer opportunities. See pages 8-9 State of the art Shop non-stop

Senior artists show off their work at Ianelli Studios.

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Hot Stuff

Student shoppers share their Southwords suggests six of Black Friday experiences. the best local hot chocolates.

Pages 10 Page 11

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

December 18, 2018

Rugby Rumble

Students seek opportunities to compete in unique sport.

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NEWS

| December 18, 2018

South senior artwork featured at Iannelli Studios

Luigi Laudando

News Writer n weekends from Nov. 9 to Dec. 16, over 40 seniors had their artwork on display in the Senior Art Show at Iannelli Studios in Park Ridge. The showcase specifically celebrated upper level visual arts students who dedicated three or four years to art classes.

Each year, Iannelli studios offers the Don Peglar Scholarship to Maine South Visual Arts students through the Kalo Foundation, which owns and operates the studio.

“Having the show at a local Art Gallery and former studio of Alfonso Iannelli is a wonderful opportunity to bridge the relationship of Maine South Students to the Park Ridge arts community,” said art teacher Ms. Mary Lee Moore.

Maine South held its first art show at the studio in 2012. This year’s showcase opened with a reception ceremony attended by all the participants on Nov. 15. This year’s reception drew its largest audience ever, with over 120 artists, family members, and community members in attendance.

All seniors enrolled in an art class, regardless of level, could have their artwork on display in the showcase.

There were over 45 seniors that

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PHOTO COURTESY MR. GREGORY REGALADO

ART FROM THE HEART

Ianelli Studios in Park Ridge put various works of art from Maine South seniors on display. Each of the 45 seniors had two pieces included in the showcase.

exhibited two works of art each. Art classes include Design and Materials, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Ceramics, and Digital Imaging.

S eniors could select pieces completed during any of their four years at Maine South.

“I decided to put in a couple pieces from my sophomore year,” said senior Emilia Fogel. “One was a watercolor still-life, and the other was a charcoal landscape drawing of the LA County Art Museum.”

Wor k on d i spl ay i n clu d e d paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and digital art.

“I had two of my digital pieces displayed at the showcase,” said senior

Kaitlyn Reich. “It was so awesome to not only see my artwork on display, but different types of artwork as well.”

Fogel also appreciated the variety of work.

“It was really cool to see work from all types of art classes because we don’t usually get to see what they work on,” she said. “It’s also awesome to see the progression of my peers’ work over time, and to see their evolving skill sets with different materials.”

Some of the artwork on display was also for sale to friends, family, and community members, with the proceeds going to the artist to be used towards art supplies and college tuition.

Some students also submitted AP Art portfolios to the college board for the opportunity to receive college credit. Art courses offer the opportunity for students to pursue majors and careers in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Art Law, and Art Education. Many art students have also taken advantage of the opportunity to take Oakton dual credit classes, like Photo 3.

“The work from the Iannelli show will be featured again in January, right here at Maine South, as part of our very ‘First Annual 23 meets 19 Art Exhibit,’” said Ms. Moore.

“This show is a tribute to honoring those students who have been in our program multiple years who leave a legacy of creativity, passion for art, and talent in design while welcoming incoming students who are the future of Maine South.”

In addition to the work created by class of 2019 art students, this art show will feature work from over 100 incoming District 64 art students that will make up the class of 2023.

Their pieces will be displayed in the library, main hallway, and in art display cases throughout Maine South.

The Maine South art department hopes that this is the first of many joint exhibits with District 64.

C-Team victorious at state Schedule changes planned for Michael Paprocki

News Writer nce again, the Maine South Constitution Team took first place at their state competition.

“We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution,” colloquially known at Maine South as “C-Team” is a yearly competition founded by The Center for Civic Education involving high school students from throughout the United States.

A team from each state is sent to the National Championships in Leesburg, Virginia. Maine South will be representing Illinois at the competition in late April.

Maine South competed at the Dirksen Federal Building on Dec. 7, where they took first place for the 24th year in a row.

“I thought the competition went really well,” senior Will Burgis said.

“It was cool to see that every single person on the team contributed positively.”

Constitution Teams are divided

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into multiple units which debate d i f fe re nt a sp e c t s of t h e U. S . government, both historically and in current events.

C-Team sponsor and social science teacher Mr. Andrew Trenkle has worked with the 24 students since May. “The students do a lot of research and prep work on their own.” he said.

“It’s equivalent to a serious varsity sport.”

C-Team responsibilities include various group and individual assignments such as readings, assessments, presentations, debates, and essays. They also have meetings before and after school, rehearsals with guest judges, and mock hearings.

The team members were proud of their performance at the state competition and found the victory to be very rewarding.

“We all worked really hard and were very prepared and I think all of that work paid off when we won state,” Burgis said.

second semester block days

Stephen Pontikes

News Editor eginning on Jan. 8 and continuing throughout the second semester of the 2018-2019 school year, Maine South will be splitting periods five and six into thirds to ease congestion in the lunch rooms.

This change is a precursor to changes that will occur during the 2019-2020 school year. Second semester will serve as a “testing period” for the new schedule change.

The change will split some classes during periods five and six in order to add lunch slots to periods 5Y and 6Y, rather than having lunch periods solely during the X and Z periods at the beginning and end of periods five and six.

The change was considered after it became apparent that there was overcrowding in common areas at the start and finish of periods five and six.

“We had focus groups with

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students, faculty and parents and asked them what they thought,” Principal Dr. Ben Collins said.

“Everybody said that they would be open to split periods if it resolved the problems with current lunch periods.”

At the start of second semester, English, Social Science, and Special Education departments will have split classes with lunch periods during 5Y or 6Y. Starting on March 15, CTE, Fine Arts, Health, Guided Study, Math, and World Language departments will have their lunches during the middle of the block, and the classes formerly there will go back to the conventional start or end segment for lunch.

This year, students and staff have experienced several major changes as a result of the new hybrid schedule.

“It’s already a big ‘try it’ year this year, so why not?” Dr. Collins said. “It may take some time to get used to, but I think it will work out.”

December 18, 2018

| NEWS

Maine South holds annual lunch for retired teachers

Kevin McNulty

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

Editor-in-Chief aine South’s annual retiree luncheon took place on Nov. 19 in the faculty cafeteria.

Retired Maine South teachers from all departments of the school made their way back to the Hawks’ nest to enjoy lunch with some of their former colleagues. Faculty and retirees were served a Thanksgiving-style turkey lunch with all the trimmings.

During the luncheon, current Maine South Principal Dr. Ben Collins gave a presentation about construction plans covered by the referendum. He emphasized how future renovations at Maine South are designed to reflect the quality of education, and that the school’s positive reputation is a direct result of the retirees’ devotion to the school.

Some former staff members were surprised to hear about the changes that are expected to be made, although some retirees that live in the district already supported the renovations.

“The school has changed very little since I left, but I’m excited to hear that change is coming,” retired social science teacher Ms. Sandy Deines said.

Nearly 40 retired teachers made it back for the event.

The diverse group ranged from teachers who retired in 2018 to teachers who worked at Maine South when it first opened in 1964. Many current and former teachers acknowledged that it was a larger group than in years past.

“In my 12 years of retirement, this is the best

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LET’S EAT

Retired teachers Mr. Jack Tilley, Mr. T.R. Kerth, Mr. Cliff Adamo, and Mr. Ken Reese (left to right) share a Thanksgiving lunch with their former colleagues. Almost 40 retired Maine South teachers attended the luncheon.

turnout I’ve seen for this event,” Ms. Deines said.

“The word is getting out that we get treated very well when we return to Maine South.”

Current and former teachers were delighted to recall stories from their time together at Maine South. Some of the retired teachers even spoke with current teachers who had been students in their classes.

The retirees spent about two hours in the faculty cafeteria, so current teachers would have a chance to visit during their lunch periods. They noted the

“I just really wanted to see everyone. I told all these teachers to enjoy it because it goes by fast.”

-Ms. Susan Maurer

MAKING

Kindness

luncheon was a great chance to catch up with their old colleagues.

“I just really wanted to see everyone,” former school counselor and 2018 retiree Ms. Susan Maurer said. “I told all these teachers to enjoy it because it goes by fast.”

The homecoming was extra special for some of the departed teachers who returned for the first time since leaving Maine South, including former English teacher and Southwords adviser, Mr. T.R. Kerth.

“The English department has remained largely the same since I retired, so it was great to see all the people that I considered my second family for so many years,” Mr. Kerth said.

PHOTO COURTESY MEGAN MCKAY

Junior Megan McKay picks up and recycles litter to help keep our school clean.

CONTAGIOUS

Maine South students and staff dedicated a week to making kindness contagious for the fifth year in a row by performing random acts of kindness around the school. Students sent in photographs of kindness in action.

Junior Caroline Tully (upper right) brings cookies to her physics class for her and her classmates (sophomores Julia Pop, left, and Nelly Hadlaw, right) to enjoy.

Freshman Leo Corbett places a note saying “Be Positive!” on a locker.

PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE GEIER

Seniors Kamila Bochenek (left) and Valerie Fresh (right) pose with positive and welcoming hand-made posters. On their way into the school, students saw their classmates holding up these posters at each entrance with the hopes of brightening someone’s day.

PHOTO COURTESY VALERIE FRESH

PHOTO COURTESY CAROLINE TULLY

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NEWS

| December 18, 2018

Scholastic Bowl competes in Stevenson tournament News Writer he Maine South Scholastic Bowl Team attended the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association Kickoff at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire on Nov. 17. Maine South was one of two dozen schools that participated in the tournament and finished with four losses and four wins.

The team members who competed were seniors Jaivon Harris, Sabrina Nash, Jakub Wolsza, Suteetida Chit Arkhah, Anil Joshi, and junior Jacob Grandinetti.

The tournament was divided up by a bracket system.

“The tournament consisted of four rounds that determined a placement in a new bracket with four more rounds after,” Harris said.

“For the games themselves, we have five players, and we each get a buzzer,” Harris said. “The moderator then reads a toss-up question, which means that either team can answer,

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

Emma Crosson

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BUZZER BEATER

Seniors Maria Kedzierski, Suteetida Chit Arkhah, and Jaivon Harris (left to right) work on improving their skills during after-school practices. The Maine South Scholastic Bowl Team competed in their kickoff tournament on Nov. 17.

but one player must buzz in and give an answer. If you buzz in early enough, you can get extra points. If you get the toss-up question wrong, then none of your teammates may answer, but another team may. If you answer correctly, you get a bonus,

which is a series of three related questions that you can answer with the help of your team.”

The questions covered a variety of fields, including fine arts, current events, literature, history, science, mathematical problems and

equations, and occasionally sports or pop culture.

While the Maine South team did not receive any awards, the competitors still found the tournament to be worthwhile because of the opportunity it gave them to improve.

“We started off rough, but in the second half, we won every match,” Harris said. “I think we had the knowledge most of the time, but we were just hesitant to buzz in. The second half [of the tournament], we did well with making sure we were coming to a consensus most of the time.”

Varsity coach Mr. Jason Dutmers w a s p l e a s e d w it h t h e t e a m’s performance.

“They did awesome,” he said. “We have a determined group of students, and I believe that we will have a strong team this year.”

Students interested in competing on Scholastic Bowl should contact Mr. Dutmers or Ms. Amy Krukowski.

Charlotte Geier News Editor

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awareness that this is happening and to introduce methods to reward students who follow the rules and treat our space with respect.”

Me mb e rs of t he c amp ai g n committee have worked to implement effective incentives for students to clean up their waste.

“The committee was brought together to brainstorm and implement some ideas for the campaign,” Mr. Berendt said. “The members [of the committee] were divided into three subcommittees: awareness, accountability, and incentives.”

The committee initiated the campaign through flyers, a video, and prize incentives.

Flyers that said, “In a Galaxy far far away, Maine South High School Cafeteria” were posted throughout the school by the committee in midNovember.

or nearly three months, Maine South students, administrators, and custodians have been working on a campaign aimed to encourage students to keep the cafeteria clean.

“The campaign was initiated by a growing concern from students that the areas in which they are designated to eat are not clean when they arrive at their tables,” Assistant Principal Mr. Dave Berendt said.

Students joined the cleanup committee through various clubs and organizations.

“I got involved in the campaign because I heard leaders from both Underclass Council and Principal’s Advisory Council announce that it was happening,” sophomore Lydia Keller said. “I thought it would be a great way to help the school because it really is a pain stepping over all the food on the floor in the cafeteria just  CLEAN UP OUR ACT to get to my table.”

The Southwords editorial board Concerns for custodial staff discusses how campaigns like this motivated initiation of the campaign should not be necessary. as well.

See page 5 “It’s unfair to the custodial “The posters were a little ‘hint’ staff that they have to pick up a ridiculous amount of leftover food of the video made with the help of and wrappers,” Keller said. “So, this WMTH,” Keller said. “The video was project started as a way to raise played on Nov. 29 during Hawk Talk.

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PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE GEIER

Students participate in campaign to ‘keep the cafe clean’

KEEP THE GALAXY CLEAN

Posters were hung up around the school before the launch of the campaign to tease the video trailer for the cleaning campaign. Like the flyers, the promotional video shown to students during Hawk Talk had a Star Wars theme.

Our hopes are that the video raised awareness for what, when, and how the campaign is happening.”

The video featured a Star Wars theme, pegging the cafeteria as a “galaxy” which Stormtroopers have invaded by throwing trash on the tables and floor. The video introduced ticket incentives for students to pick up their waste.

“We just wanted a fun way to reach out to the student body to show them the problem, and what they can do to help,” Keller said.

Soon after the video came out, a ticket reward system was implemented

in all eating spaces in the school.

“The reward system is that tickets are handed out to those caught keeping the cafe clean,” Keller said.

“Then those tickets can be turned in to the main office to claim a treat.”

The campaign will carry on throughout the rest of the semester.

After it ends, the committee hopes students will continue to clean up after themselves.

“Now that students are aware of the mess they are leaving behind, we hope they will hold themselves more accountable for their garbage,” Keller said.

December 18, 2018 | COMMENTARY

STAFF EDITORIAL

We don’t need bribery to be decent

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n the past month, students and staff have begun a campaign to “Keep the Cafe Clean.” First and foremost, we should be ashamed that this campaign is necessary. It should be expected that teenagers clean up after themselves; unfortunately, that is not the case at Maine South.

The truth of the matter is that the uncleanliness is just a product of laziness because G some students believe there’s RAPHIC BY MIC HAE no downside to leaving their trash.

L FR AZIE R The unclean ambiance of the student cafeteria may also cause students to be careless with their each lunch period, and a video garbage. With the low, stained ceilings promoting the campaign.

We d on’t b e l i e v e t h at t h e and rotted-out window frames, few students have pride in the decrepit incentives are a factor in the recent space. Hopefully the proposed cleanliness because most students renovations will inspire students to seem unaware of the tickets, and many students who receive them throw the take care of our building.

Despite our disappointment that tickets out. What did help were the the campaign is even needed, we have announcements during lunch and noticed a significant difference in the the video at the beginning of the cleanliness of the cafeteria as a result campaign because they promoted awareness of the problem. of the initiative.

There has also been an increase in The campaign has included handing out tickets for throwing the presence of administrators and out trash, which are redeemable for safety monitors in the cafeteria which prizes, two announcements during has helped with the cleanliness in the

cafeteria because they are making sure that students throw out their trash.

While it isn’t exactly their job to hover over cafeteriagoers, it certainly raised awareness of the issue.

This year has marked more freedom f or s t u d e nt s du r i n g f re e p e r i o ds, w it h no requirement to scan in to study halls—so we need to accept the responsibility of cleaning up after ourselves if we want to keep these new privileges.

There are other movements around the school where awareness has been a contributing factor to their success, such as the Make Kindness Contagious Campaign and the Suicide Awareness Team.

When it comes to issues of basic human decency, however, we should be able to recognize on our own that we aren’t behaving appropriately. We shouldn’t have to live in filth, and our custodians shouldn’t have to clean up excessive filth. We shouldn’t need raffle tickets to achieve these goals.

Now that we are all aware of the problem, let’s act our age and clean up our trash.

weekend, I noticed that all the women who were reporting during the game were sideline reporters, and that it is rare for there to be male sideline reporters. And it wasn’t just this game—and it isn’t just football.

There is a noticeable lack of female sports commentators and play-byplay announcers. Yes, there are a few exceptions like ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza who is the “Sunday Night Baseball” analyst. There are also Suzyn Waldman, New York Yankees color commentator, and Doris Burke, NBA analyst. This year, there was also the first all-female broadcast team for NFL games that took place on Amazon’s live-streaming platform.

However, these are the very few exceptions to the male-dominated rule.

Many people argue that women should not have these jobs because they don’t know the sports well enough. However, the trend is the same for basketball, even though women’s and men’s basketball have

essentially the same rules.

Also, these people have a double standard for women and seem to ignore this idea when it comes to men who never played the sport professionally.

For example, Vin Scully, who is believed to be one of the best baseball announcers of all time, never played professional baseball. Scully is not the only example of this; many male announcers have never played the sport they broadcast. So, why would it matter if the person was a woman?

50% of WNBA coaches are male. So, if men can coach a women’s sport then why can’t women announce a male sport?

Although there has been an improvement in women gaining jobs in sports broadcasting, we need to address the sexism that is prevalent in sports media. In this day and age, when women are just as knowledgable about sports as men, gender discrimination in sports journalism must end.

More women needed in sports journalism Colleen Johnson

Editor-in-Chief remember being at a party when I was little and hearing two men talking while watching a football game. The words they said will always stick with me: “Why do they have women sideline reporting the football game? They’ve never played it—they don’t know anything about it!”

At the time, I was shocked by this. Growing up with two older brothers, I immediately thought, “Hey, I know sports!” I didn’t think that I would ever consider being in sports journalism, but I knew that that statement wasn’t right.

Now that I am older and plan to study journalism, possibly sports journalism, I realize even more how wrong this statement was. When I was watching the Bears game this

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

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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 new Southwords office (B115B), 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 Colleen Johnson Kevin McNulty News Editors

Jessie Beck Charlotte Geier Stephen Pontikes

Commentary Editors Lena Pontikes Julia Uhlig Features Editors

Erin Martin Victoria Pontikes Jonathan Ryser

Entertainment Editors Veronica Espinoza Georgia Fosse Ella Melcher Sports Editors Katie Carmichael Amalia Laskaris Art Editor

Shannon McGreevy

Photography Editor

Jen Beck

Production Editor Michael Frazier Adviser

Mr. Stathakis

SouthwordS

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COMMENTARY

| December 18, 2018

Optional finals should finally become an option

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a student put in during the course of the semester.

If a student has a high grade in class, it means they understood the content, paid attention in class, prepared and completed work, and thus should not have to take a final on the subject as they already put in the work to get where they are.

And if the student’s grade doesn’t reflect a semester worth of hard work and dedication?

Students should have the option to take the final to demonstrate that they deserve the higher grade.

If a student were to have a mid-range grade, like an 85%, the final might not have any impact whatsoever on the overall grade.

Thus, there is no reason to take the final at all.

Others, may simply just not care.

And to that I say: just let them not care. We should all be responsible for our own successes and grades, and the decision to take a final or not speaks loudly regarding how much students care about their work.

At the end of the day, having one big test that has the power to discount hours of effort put into the class causes a considerable amount of stress that is completely avoidable.

Instead, let’s look at the big picture, and take that time to spend with family and friends, celebrating all of our hard work put into the semester.

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Commentary Writer ram studying, sleepless nights, and a developing caffeine addiction are par for the course during those three dreaded days of each semester—final exams.

The recent schedule change places finals week prior to holiday break, so the accompanying stress crushes the holiday spirit. Holidays should be a fun and joyous time and unfortunately many can’t enjoy the holiday due to the intense wave of anxiety from the week prior.

Although I support ending first semester prior to break, as this prevents the need to study over holiday break, another change needs to be made: finals should be optional.

Final exams are a make or break point for many students in respect to their grades. Rarely are finals not a turning point in a student’s grade, and many times, they have negative effects.

Some students see final exams as a way to raise their grade, but for many others, final exams are incredibly mentally demanding because of their potential to lower grades.

The resulting effect on GPA has incredibly important implications for college applications.

This grade point average, and grade for that matter, is not an accurate reflection of the student’s work throughout the semester, as one test has the power to alter the entirety

ILLUSTR

Laura Pomilia

of the grade.

Typically, the weeks before finals are already filled with tests to finish up units right before break.

Studying for these tests, as well as the final exam that is a mere few days later, is unnecessary and can be unproductive.

It’s possible, but difficult, to study for both, but with many students at Maine South taking six or more classes, studying for twelve different tests in a short time frame is hardly manageable.

Many of the large projects or presentations given by teachers at the end of the semester could just as easily compensate for a final assessment.

Much of the general good-feeling surrounding the holiday season is the time spent with friends and family.

On weekends, holiday gatherings are missed or attended while feeling guilty about the studying that should be getting done.

Times of love and joy should not be hindered by the stress of finals.

Should one miss out on cookie baking, shopping, or decorating the house with others because of studying for finals?

Preparing earlier may seem like an option, but it is difficult. This is not because teenagers are irresponsible or lazy, but because students tend to have extracurricular obligations on top of the extensive homework load from teachers.

Most students at Maine South are involved in clubs, sports, and/or the fine arts, all which take up time. For me, personally, musical auditions, vocal performances, and the fine arts

holiday concert are right around the time of final exams, and on top of all of the other clubs and programs I am involved in, it is an incredibly stressful time.

Studying for finals is a priority, of course, but final exams should not have to hinder students’ life outside of school, including sports, fine arts, clubs, time with family and friends, and time for themselves.

Teachers may be objecting as certainly many believe that final exams are necessary to accurately represent what was learned.

However, I would like to counter and say that final exams are not an accurate way of portraying the work

Should final exams be optional for any students?

“I think finals should be optional because if your grade is stable enough, you can get a low grade on your final and it still would not affect your overall grade. ”

Amanda Post (‘21)

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“Yes, in some classes I have an A, and if I take the final its not going to change my grade...At my old school, if you had an A, you didn’t have to take the final and I think that should be the case here.”

Brennan Keeley (‘20)

“I think that everyone should take them because everyone should be tested whether they mastered the material throughout the year, no matter what their grade is in the class.”

Greta Fogel (‘22)

December 18, 2018

| COMMENTARY

Maine South preparing us for the road ahead Gabriel Blindauer

Commentary Writer eing a Maine South student comes with many obligations and high expectations from your peers, but the benefits of simply just attending the school almost certainly outweigh the challenges of actually fulfilling responsibilities.

The most notable positive I can think of is South’s tailor-made, college-preparedness system.

Now, when I say “tailor-made,” I don’t necessarily mean that everything the Career and College Resource

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Center has to offer is “unique” when comparing it to other school's college preparation system, but I do believe that our CCRC is highly effective, and the statistics don’t lie.

According to Maine South’s Illinois State Report Card, 91% of students who graduated from Maine South in 2018 and had planned on going to a two- or -four year university did. Comparing this to the State of Illinois’ 75% average in this category, I think it is safe to say we are well-served here. But if you, like many, don't care about statistics, just take a quick look at the CCRC website.

Internship programs, college search resources, and tons of college visiting opportunities are just a few of the general resources that are usually sought after when planning

for college.

Keeping all of this mind, you might be asking, “What about those who don’t want to go to college?” Well, the CCRC has you covered there too.

Almost all of the resources that can be found regarding college preparation also have their own counterparts in vocational (trade) schools as well.

The Maine South staff, specifically teachers and counselors, also do an amazing job at reinforcing the criteria and values required for postsecondary success. The positive attitude that Maine South staff promote toward achieving your aspirations is unmatched.

The option to take accelerated, dual-credit, and AP classes gives those students who may require more of

a challenge the opportunity to have a more rigorous course load and learn important life skills, like time management.

Having a well-educated and informed staff doesn’t just boost Maine South’s image on a state report card—it really does make an impact on the individuals who will be the leaders of the next generation.

No matter what kind of aspirations you have set for yourself to be achieved in the next 5-10 years or so, Maine South can assist you in any way you need.

With all the resources available to us, Maine South students have no excuse not to explore all of the postsecondary opportunities that they find meaningful and choose the right fit for themselves.

unique quality should not be any different. It just makes people different. Yet, when someone uses the r-word, all that makes them a person is stripped away.

Every time I hear someone use the r-word, I call them out. Too many times, I’ve gotten a snarky response like, “why does it matter? I’m not saying it to an actual retard.” Or a stubborn adult will defend themselves, claiming they use it because they are from “a different time,” and that it was a “normal phrase growing up.”

Of all the other phrases you could use, the use of the r-word is a particularly harsh blow, but not in the way it's intended.

The intent of those who use the r-word may not be to directly hurt someone with a disability, but because of its connection to people with intellectual disabili-

ties, it still creates a divide between those with disabilities and those without.

The r-word has created a stereotype of people with disabilities as lesser people.

This is just as deIL L U ST RA rogatory as using T racial slurs or using any other type of hate speech.

By referring to people with intellectual disabilities as the r-word, or even using the word to describe something, you are putting people with disabilities below yourself.

However, this exclusion extends far beyond people using the r-word. The damage the r-word has caused is a world-wide issue.

Because of the r-word, people treat those with disabilities as different. This has led to kind people, those who mean well, to unknowingly “baby” people with disabilities. This has created a whole new type of exclusion.

Those with disabilities know they’re being excluded too.

Eliminating the r-word is the first step in ending the stereotype. The next is treating everyone, including those with disabilities, with respect and dignity.

You can “choose to include” and end the use of the r-word.

Derogatory language has no home at Maine South Charlotte Geier

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News Editor he term “mental retardation” was used in medical terminology up until 2010, when Rosa’s Law replaced it with the term “intellectual disability.”

The change in terminology was as a result of both the improper use of the term, plaguing it with a negative connotation, as well as the misrepresentation of the community of people who do have intellectual disabilities. The term was derived based on the word “retard,” meaning “to hinder or to slow down.”

Although the r-word is no longer used as a medical term, use of it as slang is unfortunately still prevalent.

Usage of the r-word as slang originally emerged decades ago, as a way to take a jab at someone by comparing them to people with intellectual disabilities.

Not only did this make the rword a derogatory term, it created a prejudice towards people with intellectual disabilities as “stupid.”

Not only did the use of this term of derision exclude people with disabilities, its medical definition improperly characterized people with intellectual disabili-

ties as a hindrance. But my friends who have intellectual disabilities, and all others in the community, are so much more than their disabilities.

My best friend has an intellectual disability. However, this does not define him. He’s pretty darn good at sports, he talks politics with me, and he is absolutely hilarious.

Just because he talks differently, thinks differently, and interacts with people differently than most, he is a person, like you and me. He is a person before his disability.

And for my friends who need more specialized care, who are nonverbal, or who can’t walk: they are capable of so much. Too many times, people judge my friends who have these limitations as being lesser because of them.

They are so quick to judge them as incapable because of their differences. That’s all a disability is: a difference.

How they live is not better or worse than anyone else. In addition, a disability is only a small part of who they are.

Needing glasses or being short are not characteristics that define us as people; being born with a

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FEATURES | December 18, 2018

Blanket of Dreams

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lanket of Dreams” is an event held at Mary Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church a few times a year. At Blanket of Dreams, participants cut and tie the edges of two pieces of fleece to create a tie blanket to donate to the homeless. The simple directions make this event fun and easy for people of all ages to participate in.

“It is really easy, and I also like to make them for people as gifts,” junior Margot O’Malley said.

O’Malley and her friends participated in the most recent Blanket of Dreams on Nov. 17.

“It is really fun,” O’Malley said. “I’ve been doing it every single year since freshman year.

They play Christmas music and it is really chill depending on what time you go.”

Along with O’Malley, Maine South’s Fashion Club attended the event in November.

Fashion Club has volunteered at Blanket of Dreams for the past several years, yet still finds the same joy each time the members participate.

“Blanket of Dreams always makes me feel so happy when I see all the people that come to help out,” Fashion Club president Nicole Cortez said. “I love making the blankets or

Caroline Tully

Features Writer helping other families make theirs. Staying until the end every year to help count all the blankets is super exciting.”

While the volunteers do enjoy spending time with their peers, it is also a great opportunity to get to know others who are passionate about helping out around the community.

“I was helping one family and they told me they live in the city and they came from there to do the event,” Cortez said.

Overall, Blanket of Dreams is very rewarding for both the homeless people who will receive these blankets and the volunteers.

“It’s a lot of fun, and you can go at your own pace,” O’Malley said. “It is a great time, and you know you’re helping people,” O’Malley said.

Blanket of Dreams stretches far beyond the creation of blanket for the homeless. It ties people together to help the less fortunate and to learn more about others who want to help the community while still having a great time.

“I always tell people to go to it because it’s an easy, and fun way of helping the less fortunate feel warm, loved, or even important around the holidays,” Cortez said.

PHOTO COURTESY MEGAN MCKAY

WARM AND COZY (Top Left) (Left to right) Juniors Arlena Wang, Natalie Miteus, Maddie Szkwarek, Megan McKay, pose with a blanket they made. The blankets are made by cutting the edges of two pieces of fabric and tying the fringe together.

BRINGING BOXES (Bottom Left) Boxes filled with shoes, gloves, hats, and other winter necessities are stacked high at Maine South. Last year Bridget collected boxes to donate to Botswana, and this year the donations will go to the homeless of Chicago.

Helping Hands

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elping Hands is a student-run service club that chooses a project each year to help either the local or international community. The club was founded by senior Bridget Handley and some of her close friends in 2017.

Handley has always felt passionate about volunteer work.

“I believe that helping others is one of the easiest things to do to make the world a better place,” Handley said.

Handley shares her passion with her younger sister, Maddie Handley, who is vice president of the club.

“Sometimes we can forget how fortunate each and everyone one of us are to have such basic necessities in life,” Maddie said.

Last year, the club donated 300 shoeboxes filled with clothes, toys, and books to children in Botswana. They were overwhelmed by the success of their annual project. They are hoping for even more students to participate in the project this year.

This holiday season the club is working with Dr. Patrick Angelo, A.K.A. “The Angel of Lower Wacker Drive.” Dr. Angelo is a Chicagoan who goes downtown every week to help homeless people by giving them clothes,

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Claire Primeau

Features Writer food, and other necessities.

“Dr. Patrick Angelo doesn’t just deliver supplies—he gives hope,” Maddie said.

Helping Hands wants students to donate blankets, gloves, and hand warmers. The items must be thick, warm, and in good condition.

All donations will be given to homeless people in Chicago.

“I feel that no one should have to worry about having basic necessities, and with the approaching winter, I think it’s important that everyone can have the things needed to stay warm,” Bridget said.

Students can help by dropping their new or lightly used items in the bin located outside the Main Office. All students and staff are able to make contributions.

Helping Hands wants to get as many students involved as possible.

“We make it simple for students, staff, and their families to participate,” Maddie said.

Helping Hands has their meetings the first Monday of every month, and all are welcome.

“We’d love for more students to participate,” Bridget said.

Helping Hands is excited for the project, and is anticipating the event to be a huge success with the help of the students.

Help PHOTO COURTESY BRIDGET HANDLEY

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uring the holiday season, it is especially easy for however, despite their busy schedules many stu events. Here we highlight four of these philanthropic gels Christmas party, Salvation Army bell ringing, an

ta’s

PHOTO COURTESY AMY STROTMAN

December 18, 2018 | FEATURES

OLA Christmas Party

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very year, in Humboldt Park, Our Lady of Angels Parish hosts a Christmas party for those in need within the area.

Many students involved in Mary Seat of Wisdom Catholic church, and specifically the CRUX Organization, will be participating this year to make this Christmas better for those in need.

One student, junior Amy Strotman, will be attending the event with her twin sister, junior Libby Strotman.

“CRUX, the youth group at Mary Seat of Wisdom, goes to Our Lady of Angels to help the church throw a party for the community,” Amy said, “We go to provide families with clothes and toys, but also to help them feel the joy and togetherness of Christmas.”

The church receives donations from various drives during the winter, and the goal of the Christmas party is to organize them and help families pick out what they most want.

“If you’re older than 18, you can be a personal shopper and work with the adults and help them pick household goods and groceries,” junior Keelin Kelly said. “Most people, including me, will stay at the tables and talk to the kids to ask them what toys

Julia Anderson Features Writer

they would like as they stop by our stations.”

The ages of people receiving gifts ranges anywhere from babies to senior citizens. There is something for everyone to take home at the end of the day.

“We organized and passed out gifts at tables to any kids walking through,” said senior Aidan Herguth. “So they had four gifts to pick from and we helped them pick out anything they wanted from all these donated toys—basketballs, games, etc. It was really cool to see how happy all these kids were and how thankful their parents were.”

For the volunteers of this event, the day starts early at 8:00 a.m. at Mary Seat of Wisdom for a prayer and blessing. They then drive in groups to Our Lady of Angels in Humboldt Park, and learn their jobs for the day. They work for a few hours and then get their lunch break. Once the flow of people has died down, they meet back at Mary Seat of Wisdom around 5:00 p.m.

These three girls are only a few examples of the fantastic leadership and compassion all the volunteers have. Because of their exemplary qualities, more and more people are able to enjoy the upcoming Holidays.

CHRISTMAS MIRACLE (Top right) (Left to right) Seniors Aidan Herguth, Brendan Buckley, Garrett Gebavi, (below) Kelly Rose, Julianna Savage, and Samantha McKibben, volunteer at Our Lady of Angels in Humboldt Park.

DOING THE MOST GOOD (Bottom right) The signature Salvation Army sign and bucket stands outside of Mariano’s in Park Ridge. Most of the student volunteers stood outside local grocery stores.

Salvation Army

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pers PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

r students to get caught up in school and shopping; udents spend their time volunteering at a variety of c activities: Blanket of Dreams, Our Lady of the Annd a Helping Hands shoebox collection.

s the holidays approach, jingle bells are not the only things ringing during the season. Salvation Army bells can be heard at the beginning of November all the way to Christmas Eve. Senior Stephen Marino organizes the bell ringing and has been volunteering with the organization for quite some time.

“My family has rung for the Salvation Army for several years now and I have coordinated bell ringings for the past four years, so it’s kind of a holiday tradition. I also enjoy doing it and giving back to the community,” Marino said.

Volunteers stand with a red bucket and ring a bell to attract people to donate money.

Salvation Army collects donations for food, clothing, and housing assistance for people in need. The non-profit organization helps children, adults, and families.

“The proceeds from these bell ringings are essential and important in the Salvation Army’s ability to fund their programs, which benefit many communities in the Chicago area,” Marino said.

Each bucket’s funds go directly to families of the same division or community. Park Ridge has multiple places where bell ringing happens during the season.

Abigail Tiu

Features Writer “The bell ringings occur in the time approaching the holiday season at locations like Tealula, Starbucks, and, most commonly, Jewel Osco,” Marino said. “Across Chicago and across the country, bell ringings like these occur very frequently. I typically manage one or two dates each year.”

The organization hopes to get many volunteers to help out at their locations.

Although numbers vary, there are roughly 75-120 people who participate at any given time and place. Students often volunteer for service hours but take away much more than just credit.

“It benefits students because it teaches them to give back and be grateful for what they have,” Marino said.

Clubs and organizations from Maine South, such as National Honor Society, participate as well. Juniors Meghan Quigley and Ava Chiovatero represented NHS. “We found that whenever someone would donate and we would thank them, they would get a big smile on their face,” Quigley said. “It made everyone feel good.”

“Despite the cold, it was really great to be able to help a good cause and get in the holiday spirit,” Chiovatero said.

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FEATURES

| December 18, 2018

Deck the

Victoria Pontikes

Features Editor he holidays are hectic for all; from family events to Secret Santa, the malls are constantly jampacked with people vying for the best deals. While trying to find the perfect gift at the right price, this time of year can be overwhelming for all.

To put a stop to seasonal stress, some Maine South students have turned towards Black Friday shopping, using the day’s discounts to spend quality time with friends and family, having fun while finding the right presents for everyone on their lists.

While Black Friday is off-putting to some because of its frenzied, materialistic reputation, some Maine South students choose to flip this stereotype on its head, spending the holiday making memories with friends and family.

“It’s a really special part of the holiday season for us,” senior Sabrina Nash said. “A lot of people have negative opinions of Black Friday and I can see why—after a day of being thankful for what we have, we turn around and spend a whole day shopping. However, for my family, the day isn’t about getting the best deals or buying as much as we can.

Sometimes we don’t buy anything at all. It’s just another chance to spend time together.”

Nash typically goes to Old Orchard on Black Friday, and admits that the crowding does cause problems.

“Just finding parking is a nightmare. We drove around for about an hour this year, following people in the parking lot trying to get a spot,” Nash said.

However, she doesn’t let that affect her time at the mall.

“When we are together, we have fun no matter what we’re doing,” Nash said.

The family’s tradition has been integral in their holiday celebrations, with roots spanning two generations.

“My mom has two sisters, and for as long as I can remember, the three of them would gather around the table after dessert on Thanksgiving and flip through pages of Black Friday ads, planning for the next

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my cousins each year after Thanksgiving when I was too young to drive myself. As I got older, I started going shopping with my friends and it was always so fun,” Rogowski said.

This year, however, Rogowski found herself on the other side of the register due to her job at the clothing store Aritzia. Still, she enjoyed Black Friday just as much.

“I worked 11 hours, so I had a different perspective than previous years,” Rogowski said. “I was constantly trying to help everyone, the store was a mess, and people had to wait in such long lines for fitting rooms. It’s a much different experience when you are the one trying to please and manage everyone while

PHOTO BY ERIN MARTIN

day,” Nash said. “My younger cousins and I always dreamed of tagging along. A few years ago it was finally decided that we were old enough, and it’s been a tradition with the girls in our family ever since.”

Senior Margaret Rogowski shares similar sentiments, expressing that her Black Friday pursuits are merely for the thrill of the experience.

“I try to get up and go at around 4 a.m., not because I need to, but because it just adds to the excitement and fun,” Rogowski said.

Rogowski, who either goes to Oak Brook Mall or the Water Tower Place, has loved Black Friday shopping for many years.

“I started going shopping with

HAPPY HOLI-DEALS Junior Julia Kafkes checks out the sales rack at Edie

Boutique in Uptown Park Ridge in search of the perfect gift. Kafkes also spent much of her shopping time at Oak Brook mall and Target this holiday season.

making sales and being tired. It was so stressful but so fun.”

Other Maine South students agree, but they place extra emphasis on the functionality of Black Friday.

Junior Julia Kafkes has been Black Friday shopping with her family since sixth grade. She and her family scour the sales for the best possible prices on presents of all kinds.

“The best deal I’ve received was my Amazon Alexa which I got for $10, and all the Free People clothing I got on sale, since it is usually very expensive,” Kafkes said.

The long-standing tradition is highly anticipated, starting as early as Thanksgiving day. A few years back, the family began going earlier in search of even better deals.

“I go to Target at around 10:30 on Thanksgiving night and on Black Friday I go to Oak Brook at around 9 a.m.,” Kafkes said. “On Black Friday, my family used to clean the house up from having people over and set up the Christmas tree prior to going to the mall. We later realized all the steals are gone by the time we’d get to the mall at around 4 p.m..”

Black Friday offers something for students searching for the best holiday bargains or simply seeking an eventful day out. Senior Sam McKibben found both during her Black Friday shopping trip with her friend, junior Greta Miller.

“It was both of our first times, so it was a thrilling adventure,” McKibben said. “We went to the Rosemont Outlet Mall and it was very crowded and hectic, which made it more exciting. Along with the experience, the deals were great too. It was overall a great time and an exhilarating experience.”

After an enjoyable first time, she has plans to continue this in the future.

Overall, Black Friday presents many memorable experiences for students, ranging from extreme holiday shopping, to spending quality time with family and friends.

ENTERTAINMENT

| December 18, 2018

You’re a great movie, “The Grinch”

Emily Korzeniewski Entertainment Writer

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s the holiday season is upon us, “The Grinch,” a new adaptation of the holiday classic has been released. Many remakes do not live up to the original, but “The Grinch” is an exception to this.

The new movie begins similarly to the classic, opening on the town of Whoville and all the Whos. This is followed by an introduction to the Grinch and his daily life with his dog, Max. During the beginning of the movie, the audience is also introduced to Cindy Lou Who and her family.

Similar to other versions of the tale, the Grinch wants to create a plan to end Christmas for the Whos. However, in this version we also see that in order to save Christmas for her family, Cindy Lou makes a plan of her own, which is to talk to Santa Claus. The movie follows these two characters through their respective missions. Along the way, we are introduced to many new characters that weren’t in the original film.

Despite some new twists, the film’s ending is similar to the original, and fans can take away many important lessons that resonate with the classic story.

In this newest “Grinch” adaptation, there are many changes that give it a very modern twist. One big change is how much the music has changed.

The classic song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” is by Tyler the Creator. Another big change is the

characters’ voices. The old film was narrated by Boris Karloff, whose deep voice gave a sense of foreboding throughout the film. The new version utilizes voices that are warmer, which can make children less uneasy.

The new film is no longer just a short story, but a humorous film with well-developed characters.

The newly-added scenes give the new generation of viewers more knowledge about the classic characters.

For example, in this version, the Grinch has an empathetic side to him, as seen by how he acts towards some of the animals in the story. Likewise, Grinch’s dog, Max, is now a more developed character with a personality that helps make him an instant fan-favorite. The audience gets to learn more about characters they have been introduced to in the past, in addition to being introduced to new characters that have an important contribution to the newly-added scenes in this version of the film.

Since technology has improved drastically since the first movie, the graphics in the new version are very detailed. This leads to a deeper understanding of the settings and new textures that were not visible in the original. Even though this causes a loss of simplicity from the original, we gain more characters, plot, and setting, which help viewers enjoy the new version. The original Grinch’s characteristics and attitudes are modified in the new movie, but viewers can now enjoy a more humorous and lovable Grinch.

This movie is a breath of fresh air because of the

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

new information given to viewers about the original characters and the introduction of new, lovable characters. This movie is great for all ages because the new version upholds the story’s reputation of being a holiday classic. It’s definitely worth seeing with your family and friends this holiday season.

‘Super Smash Bros.’ returns with an ‘ultimate’ twist Anthony Sarullo

Entertainment Writer

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s Nintendo’s top f ig ht ing franchise, “Super Smash Bros.” is always a big sell. With each new game, new video game icons, modes, and stages are added, creating an everexpanding library of past and present content (including characters that were around before Mario).

However, each game has unique characteristics, from roster to number of items used in battle. “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” which was released on Dec. 7, 2018, is no exception.

The first deviation (and arguably the most exciting) in this new game is its roster. Where before, getting into the next game was up to chance (for example, Mewtwo the Pokemon was included in Melee, but was removed from the next game, Brawl), this game made a proclamation: everyone is here! From Snake from “Metal Gear Solid” to Pac Man (who needs no introduction), every single fighter from all previous games is included

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in this installment.

Because of this, the number of new fighters included in this installment is smaller than previous games.

However, this is made up for by the introduction of “echo fighters,” clones of other characters that have a slightly different move-set and look (for example, Daisy is an echo of Princess Peach).

The next important addition is the new single player mode, World of Light. While every other mode in

this edition lacks a story, World of Light begins with a simple premise: hundreds of characters from the world of Smash Bros. lose their physical forms, and become spirits.

In fact, all the fighters too, from Mario to Pikachu to Donkey Kong lose their bodies as well. There is only one survivor—Kirby. As you continue in World of Light, your goal is to reawaken the spirits and the fighters to take down the one who cause this calamity—Galeem, an all-new villain.

As the player progresses, newly unlocked spirits can be used to power up fighters in World of Light to make battle easier, each with unique affects.

Another helpful addition is that freed fighters can be used in play as you unlock them—Kirby’s no longer the only one getting glory.

As for the game itself, it is easy to play. Controls are smooth and responsive, and there is a large difference between many characters.

Playing World of Light for long periods of time may get tedious, but there are a plethora of other modes

to play, so it never feels as if play is required. Every ten minutes, after players complete a vs. battle or exit out of World of Light, they will be challenged by a character that can be unlocked. This was perfectly paced so it felt like characters were being unlocked rapidly, but not so fast it became monotonous. Because World of Light also holds unlocks, it’s easy to get a decent number of characters in the first few hours of playing.

The only criticism with this mode is the frequency of spirit battles. On the way to points where players could “awaken” certain fighters, I came across many spirits. Since there is a leveling system, I rarely used most spirits due to not wanting to waste time leveling them up when I already had high-power ones. However, this does not affect anything outside of adventure mode, so it is a minor issue.

Overall, the game is a system seller.

If you are interested, it’s worth dropping the dough for a Switch, and if you have a Switch system, “ Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is a must-buy.

December 18, 2018 | ENTERTAINMENT

Band and choir students travel to Disney World Delaney Bannon

It may have seemed like an average Entertainment Writer parade, but there was a lot of behindthe-scenes work that needed to be uring Thanksgiving break, done. The band spent time inside numerous band and choir and outside of class to memorize the students traveled to Walt Disney music for the parade.

World in Orlando, FL to perform for “We prepared by learning how park guests. to march during band camp this “The purpose of the trip to summer,” Mr. Hutter said. “We also Orlando was to provide a positive had our first parade this year for performance experience for the band Homecoming which taught everyone and choir that they will remember how to do a parade. Finally, we forever,” band director Mr. David worked on the special music for the Hutter said. “As an added bonus, the Disney Parade during the class time. trip also helped the band and choir We performed a three-song medley students bond, which will help create from ‘Frozen’ that included: ‘Do You a tighter ensemble for the rest of the Want to Build a Snowman?’ ‘For the year.”

First Time in Forever,’ and ‘Let it Go.’” In order to be selected to perform, There was only one night where both ensembles sent in videos of prior the entire band congregated to performances. Once it was revealed practice the piece. Also, each of the they were selected, students started six band classes were tested on their preparing for the trip as soon as the memorization of the parade music school year started. to ensure a seamless performance.

In addition to spending the trip in Having little practice and preparation four different parks, the band marched together, the band worked together to down Main Street in the Magic create a successful outcome. Everyone Kingdom while the choir performed devoted time and effort to perfecting in a candlelight processional in Epcot. their piece because they knew how All of these events took place important this was—only three bands during a four-day trip which required were selected to play in this parade. patience, practice, and perfection.

“There’s something amazing about “Even during the summer, the performing for people who come band had the Disney parade in mind,” from all over the world,” senior drum senior drum major Grace Dziedzic major Grace Dziedzic said. “Like said. “We worked quite a bit more when five-year-old girls wearing Elsa this year on marching during night dresses heard our music was from rehearsals and in class.”

Frozen and started jumping, or when While the band students were able a little boy couldn’t stop staring at to select their material for the parade, the trombone section because they the choir was given specific music looked so awesome. To know that we from Disney to be sung during their were able to give those people such an performance. experience is so cool.”

“Choir students were asked to Not only was the band given a learn and memorize 18 different performance opportunity, members songs in four different languages,” of the choir also participated in choir director Mr. the Candlelight Mat t h e w Ha n e s “I know I will never Processional said. “They learned forget the memories located in Epcot. it on their own, and Similar to I made, the laughs I then we worked on t he b and, t he had, friends I bonded choir also had it outside of class.”

Due to the with, and the once-in- rehearsals prior large crowds and to the trip to p e r f o r m i n g i n a-lifetime performance prac t ice t heir s u c h a p o p u l a r opportunity we got.” music. place, band and Maine South -Sam Mayer (‘20) choir members choir students logged numerous hours were formed into of work to present themselves in a mass choir with students from four the best possible light. There were different high school choirs for the extra rehearsals added to ensure this processional. outcome.

Choir students only had around a

PHOTO BY LENA PONTIKES

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MARCHING THROUGH MAGIC

Band director Mr. David Hutter and band students march through the Magic Kingdom. Students started preparing for this event at the beginning of the school year.

PHOTO COURTESY LENA PONTIKES

SING ALONG

Choir students sing one of their 18 songs at the Candlelight Processional in Epcot. Students combined with four other choirs at this event.

month to practice their music before it was time to show off their piece.

At the performance, the choir sang 18 different Christmas songs, in four different languages. The choirs that sang there truly wanted to be there, which was evident with the amount of work they dedicated to the performance.

The trip was a fun experience for both the band and choir. No matter how sleep deprived and exhausted everyone was, the students felt it was worth it to see their hard work pay off.

“Everyone was just so filled with joy, no matter how tired we were,” junior choir member Sam Mayer said. “The magic of Disney truly filled all our hearts. I know I will never forget the memories I made, the laughs I had, friends I bonded with and once-in-a-lifetime performance

opportunity we got.”

The trip delivered memories from both events band and choir students participated in. Over the span of the four-day trip, students were thankful for their performance opportunities in Disney World.

“I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everyone involved,” Dziedzic said. “I loved getting to spend time with so many wonderful people. My friends, the chaperones, the teachers, the people from the travel agency, the Disney staff that helped us backstage, the list goes on.

It takes so much time and energy to plan trips with 160 students, and I know there were nights that our teachers, Mr. Hutter, and Mr. Hanes, were at school late. Everything came together so well, all thanks to all of the hard work of everyone involved.”

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SPORTS

| December 18, 2018

Cheerleaders put a focus on the details

Girls’ basketball adjusts to new coach PHOTO BY JESSIE BECK

Maura O’Driscoll Sports Writer

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SEE YOU IN COURT

Senior guard Nicole Scales races an Evanston guard to the ball in a game on Dec. 7. The team lost the game 63-38.

Julianna Moore Sports Writer he varsity girls’ basketball team is preparing for a season of hard work and reaching their goals this year. They hope to win 25 games and compete for the CSL South conference championship, and the sectional championship.

Some of the girls have been on the team for a few years, but this year is different with Mr. Jeff Hamann as the new varsity coach.

“The transition between coaches has been very smooth because all of us have had Coach Hamann on JV in previous years,” junior Greta Miller said. “Their coaching styles are different, but each has his strengths. For example, last year we really worked on pushing offensive transition, and this year our focus is on high-intensity defense.”

Senior Hannah Schilling also sees this transition going smoothly as the players are adapting to different focuses as a team.

“Most of us had Coach Hamann as our JV coach in previous years, so the transition has been easier than if a completely new coach had been brought in,” Schilling said. “Much of our system is the same, but some philosophies have changed.”

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The girls are working to improve their skills in various aspects of the game.

“I hope to improve as a leader on and off the floor,” Schilling said. “I’m not the most vocal person, so I’d like to improve upon communicating with the team.”

Senior Nicole Scales has a ls o b e e n a dominant player on the team, leading as the starting guard this season as well as last year. She will be continuing her career next year playing division one basketball at North Dakota State University located in Fargo, North Dakota.

“I hope that this year I can help distribute the ball to get my teammates open shots,” Scales said. “I want to make all the players around me better, while hopefully leading us to many wins this year.”

When the team prepares in

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ith football season over, the cheerleading team is preparing for their competition season. The team is refining their stunts and making some minor adjustments before competition.

“During competition, it is more about just throwing the stunts and our tumbling in the routine since most of our learning and skill improvement is done in the summer,” senior Morgan Lasso said.

The team must practice their routines day-in and day-out in order to perfect each detail.

“We run through our routine over and over again until our coach feels confident in it,” Lasso said. “In addition to this, we practice timing and cleanliness of stunts, tumbling, and jumps individually.”

The team has also worked with a tumbling coach throughout the season to get in-depth work on specific skills that will help to make their routines more cohesive. “[Our tumbling coach] would set up drills for us and spot us while we work on new skills like tucks, layouts, fulls, or specialty passes,” sophomore Ella Pawlowski said.

Sophomore Avery Dolson is a new addition to the team this year and has proven herself as a standout on the team already.

“This is Avery’s first year on Maine South cheerleading and she has great tumbling skills, is a solid base, and is very positive during practices,” Pawlowski said.

The team has struggled with injuries this season that has been affecting the team. This is an obstacle they will have to work with for the rest of the season.

“Since the beginning of the season, we’ve had a lot of injuries including ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists,” Pawlowski said. “Despite what people may think, competitive cheer is a difficult sport that requires a lot of teamwork and athleticism to succeed.”

Through the obstacles, the team has stuck together as they all strive to reach the same goals.

“We all are there for the same reason—to work as a team to achieve our goals,” Lasso said.

practices for games, Coach Hamann implements game-like drills. He hopes to help the girls improve on their overall game.

“Maine South girls’ basketball has a very long history of excellence,” Coach Hamann said. “My goal is to continue on that tradition of excellence and make all the former and c ur rent co aches; for mer, current, and future athletes; and our community proud of our program.”

Coach Hamann wants to put an emphasis on the experience, too.

“I want the girls to have fun every day playing the sport they love with each other,” Coach Hamann said.

New members of the team, sophomores Nicole and Niamh Gardiner and Niki Manolis, are making a tremendous impact on the team.

“The sophomores have made a huge impact on our team,” Miller said. “Both Gardiners start, and when Hannah was out at the beginning of the season, Niki stepped up as our point guard. The sophomores definitely don’t play like sophomores and are extremely aggressive when taking the ball to the basket. All three have great defensive energy and I can’t wait to watch them grow more as players.”

Scales is also impressed with how well the sophomores are doing on the team.

“It is unbelievable the amount GRAPHI C BY MIC of talent that they have HA EL at their age,” Scales FR AZ said. “Once they get more experience, t he t h re e of them will be a force to be reckoned with.”

Coach Hamann plans to continue to use his own philosophies and also incorporate the methods implemented by former varsity coach Mr. Mark Smith.

“I love the game of basketball [and] I love teaching and coaching,” Coach Hamann said. “I will bring an enthusiasm and passion every day and my hope is, that my enthusiasm, passion, and energy will be contagious to my team.”

December 18, 2018 | SPORTS

Boys’ basketball returns four impactful starters Johnny Kapustiak

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

Sports Writer

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tarting out the season with a few losses to New Trier, Lyons Township, and Evanston, Maine South hopes to bounce back quickly, leaning on their returners.

With four senior starters on the roster, it has helped the Hawks make big plays both offensively and defensively. The team is comfortable and confident on the court, allowing them to take risks and go for bigger plays.

“Having four senior starters is very important to us,” starting senior guard Essam Hamwi said. “Some of the seniors didn’t get to play last year, and them contributing for us and making plays is big. They are showcasing their skills very well and it makes us a veteran team.”

The new junior additions were easily initiated into the team culture and have helped create a more cohesive offense. “[The juniors study] the offense and defense of their upcoming opponents,” junior point guard Tyler Houck said. “We work hard and are a major part of the team.”

Knowing the opponent’s offense and defens e helps the Hawks

BALLIN’

Senior forward John Gardiner drives for a lay-up against Evanston on Dec. 7.

The Hawks lost the conference game in overtime, 52-54.

uniquely tweak their plays in order to be successful against the specific tendencies of their opponents.

S enior p ower for ward and

starter, Dan Crane, sees his team’s weaknesses, but believes that despite them, this team has the ability to go far in the state tournament.

“A thing we need to improve on is our defense,” Crane said.

To help out their defense, senior newcomers to the starting lineup, John Gardiner and Jonathan Ryser, bring some height and strength that will help the team’s rebounding, allowing them to run a fast-paced offense.

In his 21st season as varsity head coach, Mr. Tony Lavorato has faith in his players, and feels confident that his team has what it takes to be successful this year if they continue to fine-tune their defense.

“The Hawks can definitely score, but their defensive chemistry and rebounding will truly be the keys to their success this year,” Coach Lavorato said.

Having the summer to prepare, the Hawks practiced four days a week, played in a league at Lyons Township, and attended an overnight tournament at Illinois Wesleyan to end the summer.

With their continued work on defense and their veteran experience, the Hawks look to string together wins in the second half of the conference season.

The Hawks will be competing against Lakeview on Dec. 21 and in the Holiday Classic on Dec. 26.

Annika Wagner wins State and sets a new record Matt Herguth Sports Writer

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unior Annika Wagner was a standout in the IHSA state finals for girls swimming.

At the state meet on Nov. 16 and 17, she not only came first in the 200 IM, but broke the state final record with a time of 2:00.13. She also came second in the 500 Freestyle with a time of 4:48.53.

The Maine South Swim/Dive team ended up 11th in state, completing an overall successful weekend for the Hawks swimming program.

Even though Wagner broke the state record and took first place, the record breaking time for the 200 IM was not actually Annika’s lifetime best time. Her 500 Freestyle was considered her better swim because she beat her lifetime best by 4.5 seconds, and it took a state record swimmer to beat her in that event.

Head Coach Donald Kura sees Wagner’s talent in the pool, but her attitude and mentality toward competing is what separates her from her competitors. “ W h a t makes Annika so special is that she doesn’t take the losses or the bad swims too hard and doesn’t get too high when she does something really special,” C o a c h Ku r a said. “She has a unique ability at her age to put things into perspective and move on to the next event.”

Although this was an extraordinary accomplishment, this is nothing new for Annika.

Just two weeks after placing first at

state, she swam at the USA Swimming Winter National Championship in North Carolina, along with Olympic swimmers such as Katie Ledecky and Nathan Adrian. Even though she didn’t qualify for the Olympics, she finished in 8t h place, r i g ht b e h i n d some legendary O l y m p i c swimmers.

“It was just really cool and an amazing opportunity to be able to swim with them,” Wagner said.

Wagner spends multiple hours in the pool each and every day. Daily practices can be very challenging, but through all the obstacles Coach Kura says that Annika has maintained a “tremendous” work ethic with a great

“She has a unique ability at her age to put things into perspective and move on to the next event.”

-Coach Donald Kura

attitude day in and day out.

The entire swim/dive team works just as hard and pushes Annika to achieve her goals. “[The team] deserves a ton of credit for the time they put in, especially since my coaching staff and I rarely ever have an easy day of practice,” Coach Kura said.

The coaching staff puts in a lot of time for their players, waking up for early mornings, running practices, and doing everything in the best interest of the girls. “[Coach Kura] has prepared us all season with what we need to succeed,” Wagner said. “[He is] extremely inspirational and pushes us for our goals individually and as a team.”

Since Wagner is only a junior, she has another year to come back even stronger and continue to leave her mark on the program at Maine South and potentially make her mark at the national level as well.

SouthwordS 15

HOCKEY | GIRLS' GYMNASTICS | BOYS' SWIMMING | BASKETBALL | CHEERLEADING | HAWKETTES | WRESTLING

Rugby gains popularity among students Katie Carmichael & Amalia Laskaris Sports Editors

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ince the formation of the USA Rugby organization in 1975, opportunities for Americans to play rugby at the youth, high school, college, club, and international levels have increased.

While rugby is relatively unknown, a growing number of Maine South students have devoted themselves to the sport.

Rugby is a contact sport played with 15 players on the field at a time. The objective of the game is to get the ball across the goal line.

In order to score, players can run, pass, or kick the ball. After attempting to score a “try,” the team is given the opportunity to score a goal with a conversion, similar to football. Games are played in 40-minute halves.

Juniors Sean Hayes and Rachel Kaplan, and freshman Rhys Bangeman all play rugby competitively at nearby rugby clubs.

Bangeman began playing rugby in first grade, when his dad encouraged him to get involved after refereeing some rugby games. Bangeman started his career playing touch. As only a freshman, he has already played for eight years.

Bangeman has specifically enjoyed all the different contributions he can make on the field.

“I like the fact that every position can tackle, have the ball, or score, whereas in football, each position has a s i n g l e r o l e ,” Bangeman said.

B a n g e m a n’s passion for the sport has continued to drive him to keep playing t hroug hout his high school career.

Kaplan has been playing for five years after first being introduced to rugby by her sister. Having moved to Park Ridge from Virginia last year,

she has rugby experience at high levels in both regions and played on the state team for both Illinois and Virginia.

Over the years of playing rugby, Kaplan has learned many lessons and cherished her time as a player.

“I like how while playing it’s a very competitive and fast-paced style of play, but as soon as the game is over, despite the rivalries on the field, everyone becomes like family,” Kaplan said.

“Rugby teaches its players a lot about sportsmanship, respect, discipline, and teamwork.”

Hayes is relatively new to the rugby world. He began playing two years ago when he joined the Arlington Stallions Rugby Club.

Hayes, who is also a member of the football team at Maine South, decided to give rugby a try when he was intrigued by the similar aggression and offense that rugby had.

“The sport seemed interesting and aggressive,” Hayes said. “[I like] the tackling.”

Bangeman, who started by playing touch rugby, began to play tackle and is continuing to play this year for the Arlington Stallions. He has earned a starting position for three years on the team.

Maine South’s rugby players have achieved incredible accomplishments so far in their career, and are continuing to work toward more goals.

Bangeman was selected for the select side (all-star) state team for under 12, Hayes and the Arlington Stallions earned themselves a state championship as freshmen, and Kaplan was invited to a girls’ high school allAmerican camp.

Bangeman and Hayes both play under coach Paul Bergman.

B ergman has helped Bangeman and Hayes to push themselves to the best of their ability.

Bergman’s coaching techniques and

“I have learned the importance of always believing in myself and my style of play.”

-Rachel Kaplan ‘20

NICE "TRY"

PHOTO COURTESY RHYS BANGEMAN

Freshman Rhys Bangeman (right) makes a break down the field alongside his Arlington Stallions teammates during a rugby tournament last spring. The U14 team was the state runner-up in 2018.

grueling workouts have benefitted Bangeman and Hayes. “[Bergman] helps me improve with a lot of intense conditioning and repetitive drills,” Bangeman said.

Hayes credits Bergman for helping him to develop as a player and become a stronger, more well-rounded athlete.

Hayes and his team put in constant work in and out of season to improve their game. “[Bergman] holds lots of workouts for the team during the offseason,” Hayes said.

Kaplan currently plays for the Northwest Side Narwhals Youth Rugby

Club, but she has had the opportunity to play under many different coaches.

“I have learned the importance of always believing in myself and my style of play, but, at the same time, as a more experienced player, to be a leader to my teammates,” Kaplan said.

Despite the tough practices and the challenges of playing rugby, all of Maine South’s rugby players have enjoyed their time with the sport.

Even though Maine South doesn't have a rugby team, Bangeman, Kaplan, and Hayes all plan to continue their rugby career throughout the rest of their time in high school.