AWARDS | May 16, 2019
RECOGNITION of the class of
College Awards & Scholarships
Auburn University Colvard Future Leader Scholarship–Kai Jones Freshman Academic Scholarship–Kai Jones Stafford Scholarship– Kai Jones True Blue Scholarship–Kai Jones Baylor University Founders’ Gold Scholarship–Neil Lewis Bradley University Dean’s Scholarship–Emily Rothstein Legacy and Sibling Scholarship–Samantha Denver, Emily Rothstein Presidential Scholarship– Samantha Denver, Amine Filali Calvin College Dean’s Scholarship–Ben Fink Carroll University Trustee Scholarship– S ophia Alb ano C ar thage C ol lege Carthaginian Merit Scholarship–Kylie Figgins, Sarah Tully Presidential Scholarship Finalist–Kylie Figgins Clemson University Out of State Scholarship–Jennifer Briglio Concordia University Chicago Faculty Scholarship–Kevin Louie Creighton University Ethics and Social Responsibility Scholarship–Aidan Herguth Magis Award– Aidan Herguth Davenport University Athletic Scholarship–Tylor Baker DePaul University Collegiate Award–Owen Kopka Dean’s Scholarship–Samantha McKibben, Ellie Naughton, Dan Tinaglia, Katia Vaselopulos Presidential Scholarship–Anil Joshi Scholars Award–Josh Bess, Aiden Carolan, Jack Dombro, Maria Kedzierski, Kelsey O’Meara, Ally Van Pelt Drake University Presidential Scholarship–Carly Swanson Duke University Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship–Lauren May Elmhurst College American Dream Scholarship–Tyler Jozwiak Blue and White Award–Madeline Shembeda Dean’s Scholarship–Tyler Jozwiak Founders’
Scholarship–Rebeka Krochmal Legacy Award Scholarship–Tyler Jozwiak Music Department Scholarship–Tyler Jozwiak Presidential Scholarship–Grace Hanrahan Trustees Scholarship–Joshua Seiser Elon University Elon Engagement Scholarship– Henry Hoelscher Emerson College Aspire Scholarship–Jonathon Lassa Trustee Scholarship–Jonathon Lassa Florida Gulf C oast University Green and Blue Scholarship–Michael Pompei George Mason University Athletic Scholarship– Jack Bolz Mason Freedom Scholarship–Jack B ol z G ord on C ol l e ge Found e r s’ Scholarship–Zech Pappageorge Theater Scholarship–Zech Pappageorge Harding University Academic Scholarship–Ada Solak Illinois Central College Athletic Scholarship–TJ Fleita Illinois State University Construction Management Endowed Scholarship–Nicholas DiVito Park Ridge Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship Award–Katherine Novak Presidential S cholarship–E l lie C ar r ier Redbird Scholarship–Allison Clements, Nicholas DiVito, Thomas Maksimowicz, Katherine Novak Illinois Wesleyan University Academic Achievement Scholarship–Eunsoo Chon, Kevin Murphy Alumni Scholarship– Marlena Baran, Molly Morrissey, Sophia Stefaniuk Jennings Award–Eunsoo Chon Indi ana State University Honors S c h o l ar shi p – E m i l y Wo l f In d i a n a Un i v e r s i t y B l o o m i n g t o n D e a n’s Scholarship–Julianna Savage IU Scholars Scholarship–Charles Romano Iowa State University Adventure Award–Peter Abajian, Samuel Hale y College of Engineering Scholarship–Samuel Haley Journey Award–Vincent Quattrone John Carroll University Ignatian Award– Ma r i a n o Au d i n o Jo h n s Hop k i n s
2019
University Hodson Trust Scholarship–Ian Spears Kent State University Legacy Scholarship–Morgan Lasso Presidential Scholarship–Morgan Lasso Knox College Founders’ Scholarship–Hala Halabi Knox Trustees Scholarship–Hala Halabi Lake Forest College Presidential Scholarship– Lauren Bowler Lewis University Dean’s Scholarship–Robert Olson Loras College Presidential Scholarship–Abbey Kwiatkoski St. Joseph’s Alumni Scholarship–Abbey Kwiatkoski Loyola University Chicago Damen Award–Aleksandar Ristic Dean’s Scholarship–Robert Niemczyk, Ariola Shtaro Plocieniak Scholarship–Caroline Weber Presidential Scholarship–Kamila Bochenek, Jacqueline Dohr, Michelle Dolecki, Anne Papciak, Mohammed Rasheed, Jacqueline Szewczyk, Caroline Weber Rambler Award–Katarina Lippman Trustee Scholarship–Mohammed Alsawi, Salvatore Pecoraro Marquette University Dean’s Scholarship–Emma Sebo Pére Marquette Scholarship–Hannah Cehaic, Katie Dingle, Lily Haugen, Ainsley Owen, Michael Perr y, Emma Sebo, Kavin Wattanayuth Presidential Scholarship– Alyssa Nowak McKendree University Dean’s Scholarship–Nicole Rafalo Miami University Academic Scholarship–Cristina DeFilippis, Sarah Quinlivan Presidential Scholarship–Cristina DeFilippis RedHawk Excellence Scholarship–Kevin Corcoran, Lily Getz Michigan State University Out of State Scholarship–Patrick Burke North Park University Presidential Scholarship– Kinga Kochanowski, Anastasia Lisova, Emily Reczek Northwestern University General Scholarship–Jakub Wolsza Oakton Community College Oakton Educational Foundation High School Senior Scholarship– William Coyne, Ryan Hauser Ohio
Northern University Talent Award–Carina Milano, Trustee Scholarship–Carina Milano The Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship–Carley Bomrad, Natalie Ciupinski, Katarina Jankovic, Maxwell Ortwig, Dominic Parenti, Cindy Ren Provost Scholarship–Carley Bomrad, Cindy Ren Trustees Scholarship–Katarina Jankovic Purchase C ollege Talent Scholarship–Grace Dziedzic Purdue University Presidential Scholarship–Chase Crawford Saint Louis University General Scholarship–Michael Murphy Madrid Campus Rubio Madrid Scholarship–Valerie Joaquin Presidential Scholarship–Roman Stefaniuk Vice Presidents’ Scholarship– Danielle Dyball, Matt Herguth, Kathleen O’Grady School of the Art Institute of Chicago Competitive Excellence Scholarship–Nikki Woroniecki General Scholarship–Gray Lopez Visionar y Scholarship–Nikki Woroniecki Seattle Pacific University College for Christian Colleges and Universities Tuition Exchange Scholarship–Violet Kamienski Syracuse University Dean’s Scholarship–Anna Hyslop Texas A&M University Keys to Aggieland Scholarship Outreach–Nathan Ja r e c z e k C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t i o n Scholarship–Nathan Jareczek Maroon Scholarship–Nathan Jareczek Texas Christian University General Scholarship– Kathleen McGuire Triton C ollege Presidential Scholarship–Giuseppe Muscarino Tulane University Founders Scholarship–Elias Francque The University of Akron Advantage Award–Theodore Bateman Frederick, Irl A. Scholarship– Theodore Bateman Guarantee Scholarship– Theodore Bateman William B. Kurtz Memorial Scholarship in Theatre Arts– Theodore Bateman The University of
Department Awards Applied Technology Award
Violet Kamienski
2 SouthwordS
Art Award
Business Education Award
English Award
Family/Consumer Sciences Award
Nicole Woroniecki Natalia Kurowska Zechariah Pappageorge Kinga Kochanowski
Mathematics Award
Owen Mech
Senior iSSue | AWARDS Alabama Presidential Scholarship–Anna Gerbich The University of Arizona Excellence Award–Emma Nazar General Scholarship–Tara Henley University of California, Santa Cruz Dean’s Scholarship– Alice Petrick The University of Chicago National Hispanic Recognition Award–Lila Alonso University of Colorado Boulder Athl e ti c S ch ol ar ship – Kat i e Ha l e y Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship–Katie Haley Engineering Scholarship–Peter Jakubczak, Mark Olszewski Presidential Scholarship–Peter Jakubczak, Mark Olszewski University of Dayton Study Abroad Scholarship–Yvette Kolendo Trustee Scholarship–Yvette Kolendo University of Illinois at Chicago National Science Foundation S-Stem Scholarship–Roman Bodnarchuk Provost Scholarship–Roman Bodnarchuk University of Illinois Springfield Lincoln Merit Scholarship– Zygfried Kurzymski Undergraduate Award–Zygfried Kurzymski University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Civil Engineering Excellence Scholarship–Cole Steffen College of ACES Scholarship–Olivia Heffernan, Patrick Slojkowski Commitment Scholarship–Karolina Orzech Engineering Scholarship–Michael Roche Engineering Freshmen Scholarship–Cole Steffen Eva & Jra Carroll Scholarship–Nick Catanese HELP Scholarship–Nick Catanese Illinois Promise Award–Julia Rideout President’s Award – Ju l i a R i d e out Preside ntial Scholarship–Cassandra Soto University of Iowa National Scholars Award–Nathan Crees University of Kentucky Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship–Colin Chalfin, Katie Schoneman, Austin Short, Alana Urquhart College of Engineering Scholarship–Alana Urquhart KY Futures Scholarship–Alana Urquhart University of Mar yland Journalism President’s Scholarship–Kevin McNulty University of Michigan Athletic Scholarship–Thomas Brady University of Missouri Mark Twain Scholarship–Ryan Clark, Tyler Hogue University of Notre D am e Su z ann e an d Walte r S c ot t Scholarship–Sara Nelson University of S outhern C a liforni a Preside ntial Scholarship–Hannah Kreger General S c h o l a r s hi p – O w e n Me c h Tr u s t e e Scholarship–Owen Mech Viterbi Fellows
Award–Owen Mech The University of Texas at Austin Moody Honors Scholarship– Jennifer Beck University of WisconsinMadison Great People Scholarship–Sophia Post Western Illinois University Minority Scholarship–Charlie Janes Presidential Scholarship–Charlie Janes Winona State University Athletic Scholarship–Luke Preston Worcester Polytechnic Institute Presidential Scholarship–Richard Feldman
Outside Awards & Scholarships
ACE Scholarship–Ryan Chip American Legion Constitution: Finalists–Lucy Campbell, George Dalianis, Margaret Edsey, Connolly Ferraro, Sara Nelson, Stephen Pontikes, Hannah Schilling, Cole Steffen AXA Achievement Scholarship– Emily Buerk AXA Foundation Rodman Scholar Stipend–Emily Buerk Brett J. Harman Endowment Fund–Sean Kelly, James Nuzzo III Camp Employee Scholarship (General)–Eden Sjogren Central States Hockey Association Scholarship–Marco Izrael Central States Development Hockey League Scholarship–Marco Izrael Chris Harris Memorial Scholarship–Olivia Heffernan Daughters of Penelope Scholarship– Chuckie Secor Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award– George Dalianis District 207 Ken Reese Senior Service Award–Valerie Fresh, Anna Gerbich, Kevin McNulty Dolan Design Award–Ryan Chip, Sara Nelson Elyssa’s Mission Scholarship–Kamila Bochenek, Hannah Schilling Falcon Scholar–Jaivon Harris Grayhill, Inc Hill Scholarship–Matt Audino Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling Scholarship–George Dalianis Inserra Family Scholarship–Danny Wolf The Kalo Foundation - The Don Pegler Scholarship–Kaitlyn Reich, Nicole Woroniecki Lutheran General Neuroscience Department Award– Julia Nawara Lutheran General Scott Scholarship–Julia Nawara Maine South Art/Photo Club Scholarship–Gray Lopez Maine South Educational Award–
Music Award
Physical Education Award
Grace Dziedzic
Robert Inserra
Cristina DeFilippis Maine South Music Boosters–Lauren Bowler, Daniel Diaz, Grace Dziedzic, Ryan Hauser, Paige Keller, Nicholas Kracik, Jonathon Lassa, Katherine Novak, Zechariah Pappageorge, Magdelana Pontikes, Carly Swanson Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club Scholarship– S ophia Albano, Caroline Araneta, Jennifer Beck, Thomas Brady, William Burgis, Lucy Campbell, George Dalianis, Cristina DeFilippis, Daniel Diaz, Grace Dziedzic, Nicole Gountanis, Katie Haley, Andrea Hassman, Adam Hauser, Olivia Heffernan, Aidan Honan, Nathan Jareczek, Sarah King, Michael Kornely, Nicole Koziol, Hannah Kreger, Emma Lemke, Alexandra Mack, Shannon McGreevy, Kevin McNulty, Alexander Melcher, Julia Nawara, Sara Nelson, Kylie Parker, Allison Paxhia, Caleigh Pistorius, Marian Pojani, Sophia Post, Madison Purtell, Sarah Quinlivan, Cindy Ren, Katherine Roche, Michael Roche, Hannah Schilling, Ariola Shtaro, Luke Wagner, Anna Zei Maine South Science National Honor Society Presentation Scholarship–Nicole Gountanis, Matthew Schilling Maine South Speech, Drama, Broadcasting Boosters–Theodore Bateman, Jennifer Beck, Angeli Benuzzi, Lucas Byron, Ellie Carrier, Olivia Davis, Daniel Diaz, Grace Dziedzic, Emilia Fogel, Lilyana Haugen, Paige Keller, Sarah King, Jonathon Lassa, Alexandra Mack, Carina Milano, Katherine Novak, Anne Papciak, Zechariah Pappageorge, Allison Paxhia, Magdalena Pontikes, Hailey Springer, Toma Stojakovic Maine South Goodwill Award–Sophia Albano, Andre Caro, Michael Frazier, Sarah Gleason, Hala Halabi, Kai Jones, Saida Mehrdadi, Marina Pojani, Ekaterini Vaselopulos Maine South Hawk Boosters Scholarship–Katie Haley, Emma Lemke, Julia Nawara, Sophia Post, Charles Romano Maine South Maine Scholars–Thomas Brady, William Burgis, Lucy Campbell, George Dalianis, Margaret Edsey, Sara Nelson Maine South Outstanding Female and Male Athletes–Caleigh Pistorius, Thomas Brady Maine Teachers Association: Helen Dobbins–Kylie Parker Memorial Scholarship Award–Daniel Diaz National Merit Scholarship–William
Burgis, Lucy Campbell National Merit Scholarship Program: Commended Students–Lila Alonso, Lauren Bowler, Ellie Carrier, George Dalianis, Samantha Denver, Katherine Dingle, Jacqueline Dohr, Margaret Edsey, Connolly Ferraro, Samuel Haley, Yvette Kolendo, Stephen Marino, Lauren May, Sabrina Nash, Sara Nelson, Eva Nicholson, Stephen Pontikes, Kelly Popper, Michael Roche, Jonathan Ryser, Hannah Schilling, Ian Spears, Cole Steffen, Austin Tauber, Luke Wagner National Merit Scholarship: Finalists–Connor Alcock, Thomas Brady, Aidan Honan, Hannah Kreger, Jonathon Lassa, Alexandra Mack, Owen Mech, Yvonne Walker National Scholars Program Scholarship–Armando Spuria Norridge/Harwood Heights Rotary Club Scholarship–Eden Sjogren Parent Scholarship Club Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver–Sarah King Park Ridge Community Church Eric Nelson Scholarship–Sean O’Brien Park Ridge Panhellenic Club–Katherine Novak Park Ridge Rotary: Make a Difference Scholarship–Sophia Albano, Kamila Bochenek, Julia Nawara Park Ridge Soccer Scott Wade Memorial Soccer Scholarship– Lauren May, Alexander Melcher, Sophia Rouse, Katherine Wolinski Robert V. Simonson Award–Yesenia Martinez Rotary Club International Educational Scholarship–Katherine Novak Rotary Club Leadership Award–Eden Sjogren Rotary Club Scholarship (General)–Julia Nawara, Eden Sjogren Second Chance Scholarship–Sean Clark, Katie Haley, Ryan Hauser, Gwyne Viola The Sophia Pichinos Scholarship–Kelly Popper Thomas Ziemek Memorial Scholarship– Sean Kelly Twentieth Century Club & Foundation Paula O’Connor Award– Kevin McNulty Twentieth Century Club & Foundation Scholarship–Abigail Cohen, Maura Hart Twenty-First Star Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Good Citizen Award–George Dalianis Twenty-First Star Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Peggy Ross American History Scholar Award–Lucy Campbell Will Dushkek Memorial Scholarship–Paige Keller, Alexander Melcher, Charles Smith
Science Award
Speech/Drama/ Broadcasting Award
Social Science Award
World Languages Award
Yvonne Walker
Jonathon Lassa
George Dalianis
Daniela Conforti
SouthwordS 3
COLLEGES
| May 16, 2019
“Oh, the Places you’ll go!”
Class of 2019
Post-Secondary Plans Alabama
Auburn University–Kai Jones, John Morales University of Alabama–Anna Gerbich, Katy Harms, Isabella Sivore
Arkansas
Harding University–Ada Solak
Arizona
Arizona State University–Joey Bellisario University of Arizona–Tara Henley, Emma Nazar
California
University of California, L os Angeles–George Kuritza, Sophie Lawrence University of California, Santa Barbara–Peter James, Aaron Lazara University of California, Santa Cruz–Alice Petrick University of Southern California– Hannah Kreger, Owen Mech
Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder– Katie Haley, Peter Jakubczak, Mark Olszewski US Air Force Academy Preparatory School–Jaivon Harris
Florida
Florida Atlantic University–Sarah Stephens Florida Gulf Coast University–Cole Chiovari, Michael Pompei
Georgia
Emory University–Katie Carmichael Georgia Institute of Technology– Stephen Marino, Jonathan Ryser
Illinois
Augustana College–Olivia Davis, Grace Taglia Bradley University–Samantha Denver, Amine Filali, Alex Olson, Kaitlyn Reich, Emily Rothstein
4 SouthwordS
College of DuPage–Katie Fordice, Nicholas Kracik Concordia University Chicago– Kevin Louie DePaul University–Josh Bess, Lucas Byron, Aiden Carolan, Jack Dombro, Dominik Gajda, Ronan Gallagher, Kevin Giblin, Anil Joshi, Maria Kedzierski, Owen Kopka, Samantha McKibben, Kelsey Meara, Hodo Menetti, Ellie Naughton, Michael Reilly, Dan Tinaglia, Ally Van Pelt, Katia Vaselopulos Elgin Community College– Katherine Smail Elmhurst College–Grace Hanrahan, Tyler Jozwiak, Rebeka Krochmal, Madeline Shembeda, Joshua Seiser Harper Community College–Illia Dzhuravets, Michael Frazier, Ben Marshall Illinois Central College–T.J. Fleita Illinois State University–Brian Brown, E l lie C ar r ier, Al lis on Clements, William Coakley, Nicholas DiVito, David Flynn, Valerie Fresh, Sarah King, Julia Lukasik, Thomas Maksimowicz, Katherine Novak, Miriam Perkowski, Bobby Rinaldi, Daniel Ruane, Orkide Serpin, Thea Simic, Emily Torre Illinois Wesleyan University– Marlena Baran, Eunsoo Chon, Gretchen Cox, Sarah Gleason, Molly Morrissey, Sophia Stefaniuk, Kevin Murphy Knox College–Hala Halabi Lake Forest College–Lauren Bowler Lewis University–Robert Olson L o y o l a Un i v e r s i t y C h i c a g o – Mohammed Als awi, Kamila B ochenek, Ostap Busko, Dean Corriero, Jacqueline Dohr, Michelle Dolecki, Maura Hart, Marco Izrael, Katarina Lippman, Robert Niemczyk, Anne Papciak, Salvatore Pecoraro, Mohammed Rasheed, Aleksandar Ristic, Ariola Shtaro, Valerie Simpson, Jacqueline Szewczyk, Caroline Weber McKendree University–Nicole Rafalo North Central College–Michael
Byron North Park University–Kinga Kochanowski, Anastasia Lisova, Emily Reczek Northern Illinois University–Emily Pasko Northwestern University–Connor Alcock, Efthimios Bournias, Jon Halvorsen, Eva Nicholson, Matthew Schilling, Jakub Wolsza Oakton Community College–Ramez Alkurdi, Alec Andras, Julia Brogan, Lauren Belz, Aaron Briggs, Trace Carey, Andre Caro, Luke Carolan, Connor Coffey, Lance Contreras, William Coyne, Dan Crane, Lydia Cruz, Natalia Czernecka, Francesca Dellumo, Alyssa Demeo, Arianna Demonte, James Fleming, Michael Foldvary, Nevin Garduno, Eric Guce, Seray Gursoy, Molly Hamilton, Ryan Hauser, Jacob Iffland, Valerie Jezierny, Anne Juska, Kaitlyn Kachiroubas, Fahad Khan, Marta Karp, Klaudia Kopacz, Jaxon Lamphere, Eilis Lynch, Patrick McCall, Gabe McCall, Dylan McGillivray, Audrey Moss, Jessica Nichols, Alexander Papanastassiou, Taylor Pietszak, Scott Ronczy, John Serralde, Amaan Shaik, Ashley Soderlind, Alexis Starostecki, Toma Stojakovic, John Suarez, Jessica Sweitzer, Gabriela Szef, Joey Usher, Gabriella Vos, Colin Walsh, Nicolas Yassini, Sarah Zawadzka, Annie Zei Olivet Nazarene University–Eden Sjogren Parkland College–Ryan Anderson, Brooklyn Gonzalez, Kevin King, Chuckie Secor School of the Art Institute of C h i c a g o – G r a y L o p e z , Ni k k i Woroniecki The University of Chicago– Lila Alonso, Stephen Pontikes Triton C ommunity C ol l e ge– C h r i s toph e r Br u n n e r, Ni c ol e Dziadana, Marcell Fitzgerald, Sean Kelly, Kevin Lowe, Giuseppe Muscarino University of Illinois at Chicago– Matt Audino, Roman Bodnarchuk,
Augustin Kim, Alejandro Rodriguez, Emmy Uzquiano University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign–Jovan Barac, Noah Balduf, Alexandra Breaux, Brendan Buckley, Michael Cash, Nick Catanese, Ryan Chip, Daniela Conforti, Matteo Coscino, Noreen Daly, Ian Dempsey, Tymon Duchnicki, Maggie Fortune, Taylor Gatz, Garrett Gebavi, Marina Gianos, Bridget Handley, Olivia Heffernan, Aidan Honan, Shannon Hopkins, Yuliya Ilnitzkaya, Natalia Kurowska, Macy Lee, Eric Lelo, Lexi Leongas, Ella Main, Rachael Malinowski, Jack Meer, Ryan Miller, Quinn O’Rourke, Karolina Orzech, Allison Paxhia, Julia Rideout, Katherine Roche, Michael Roche, Kelly Rose, Margaret Rogowski, Sophia Rouse, Grace Savino, Katie Seskiewicz, Patrick Slojkowski, Cassandra Soto, Cole Steffen, John Wessel, Alexander Winton University of Illinois Springfield– Zygfried Kurzymski Western Illinois University–Charlie Janes, Patrick Tobler
Indiana
DePauw University–Mary Frances Sheffert Indiana University Bloomington– Caroline Araneta, Isabella de la Navarre, Alyssa Faltin, Dylan Harris, Michael Kinnavy, Vanessa Micki, Patrick O’Malley, Caiden Purcell, Charles Romano, Julianna Savage, Nick Schimpf, Gia Tortorella, William Wachowski Indiana State University–Emily Wolf Purdue University–Chase Crawford, Daniel Diaz, Laura Downey, August E bl i ng , Ad am Hau s e r, Et h an Lavaccare, Alex Melcher, James Nuzzo, Julia Uhlig, Luke Wagner University of Notre Dame–Will Burgis, Sara Nelson
Iowa
Drake University–Carly Swanson Iowa State University–Peter Abajian, Samuel Haley, Katherine Henning, Vincent Quattrone Loras College–James Keefe, Abbey Kwiatkoski The University of Iowa–Lauren Conoboy, Nathan Crees, Melissa Cronnolly, Louis Kenyeri, Ryan Marques, Sean O’Brien, Andy Pape, Luke Passaneau, Alexander Walega
Kansas
University of Kansas–Finn Bauer, Siobhan Grace, Roy Jacobsen, Jack Naughton
Kentucky
Senior iSSue
New Jersey
Texas Christian University–Kathleen University of Kentucky–Colin Pr i n c e ton Un i ver sity –Ni c ol e McGuire The University of Texas at Austin– Chalfin, Haley Letner, Devin Nelligan, Gountanis Jennifer Beck Austin Short, Alana Urquhart, Francesca Loise, Katie Reidy, Katie Schoneman Hamilton College–Michael Altman George Mason University–Jack Bolz University of Louisville–Armando Purchase College–Grace Dziedzic Spuria Syracuse University–Anna Hyslop, University of Virginia–Emily Buerk The College of William & Mary– Colleen Johnson Madeline Dort Tulane University–Ashlyn Enright, Elias Francque Duke University–Lauren May Elon University–Grace Gallery, Seattle Pacific University–Violet Kamienski Kaylee Hayden, Henry Hoelscher University of Washington–Matt Johns Hopkins University–Ian Dietke Spears, Danny Wolf University of Maryland, College North Dakota State University– Park–Kevin McNulty Nicole Scales American University–Kalia Butler, Michal Klempka Georgetown University–Margaret Emerson College–Jonathon Lassa The College of Wooster–Maddie Edsey Ha r v a r d Un i v e r s i t y – G e o r g e Warren Dalianis, Filip Dolegiewicz John Carroll University–Mariano Tufts University–Connolly Ferraro, Audino Victoria Pontikes Kent State University–Morgan Lasso Carroll University–Sophia Albano Worcester Polytechnic Institute– Carthage College–Jillian Bacon, Kylie Kenyon College–Paige Keller Richard Feldman Miami University–Kevin Corcoran, Figgins, Stepan Sovyak, Sarah Tully Gordon College–Zech Pappageorge Cristina DeFilippis, Lily Getz, Lucy Marquette University–Hannah Ignoffo, Sarah Quinlivan, TJ Ryan, C ehaic, Kat ie Ding le, D ani lo Dobrilovic, Zach Farahany, Lily Meghan Smith, Gwyne Viola Calvin College–Ben Fink Haugen, Alyssa Nowak, Michael Oberlin College–Emilia Fogel Davenport University–Tylor Baker Ohio Northern University–Carina Perry, Grace O’Leary, Ainsley Owen, Grand Valley State University– Milano Emma Sebo, Kavin Wattanayuth, Isabella Grebski The Ohio State University–Carley Gary Weisling Michigan State University–Connor Bomrad, Aidan Buschmann, Natalie St. Norbert College–Sean Cavanaugh Buggy, Patrick Burke, Madelyn Ciupinski, Katarina Jankovic, Julia University of Wisconsin-Madison– Corvo, Rosty Tymoshchuk Nawara, Maxwell Ortwig, Dominic Madeline Biagi, Annabel Bochat, Ana University of Michigan–Sarah Parenti, Cindy Ren Gauder, Michael Kornely, Alexandra Biagi, Thomas Brady, Alexia Iatrides, The University of Akron–Theodore Mack, Nel Malarz, Alexa Milkowski, Sabrina Nash, James Nelles, Austin Bateman Magdalena Pontikes, Kelly Popper, Tauber University of Dayton–Cole Dow, Sophia Post, Hannah Schilling, Yvette Kolendo, Caleigh Pistorius, Katherine Wolinski University of Wisconsin-Parkside– Kylie Parker, Becky Streit Emily Glascock, Sean Sodaro University of Minnesota, Twin Un i ver sity of Wi s c on si n Cities–Nicole Koziol Winona State University–Luke University of Oregon–Joe Devereux Whitewater–Sean Clark, Colin Frink Preston
New York
Louisiana
North Carolina
Virginia
Washington
Maryland
North Dakota
Massachusetts
Washington D.C.
Ohio
Wisconsin
Michigan
Minnesota
Oregon
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
Military
Missouri
Rhode Island
Vocational
South Carolina
Canada
Marines–Saul Merino University of Pittsburg h– University of Mississippi–Brian Andrea Hassman, Maggie Lynn Coast Guard–Penelope Zaris Barry Ethan Leach, Teagan McKitrick Brown University–Lucy Campbell Saint Louis University–Danielle Dyball, Matt Herguth, Kathleen O’Grady Un i ver sity of M i s s ou r i – Ja c k Clemson University–Jennifer Briglio B ergtholdt, Ryan Clark, Tyler Hogue,Cole Schmeisser, Roman University of Tennessee–Mitch Stefaniuk Washington University in St. Louis– Kaminsky, Madisen Werdell Madison Purtell
Tennessee
Nebraska
Texas
Pipefitters Local 597–Damian Emmer McGill University–John Rozynek
Ireland
Trinity College Dublin–Shannon McGreevy
Spain
Baylor University–Neil Lewis Saint Louis University Madrid C rei g hton Un i v er s it y – A i d a n Texas A&M University–Nathan Campus–Valerie Joaquin Jareczek Herguth
| COLLEGES
Class of 2019
BY THE
NUMBERS Based on the self-reported survey data of 583 seniors
436
going to a fouryear college or university
122
going to a twoyear college or university
5 3 94
going into the workforce going into the military
going to Oakton
(highest enrollment numbers for a 2-year college)
47
going to UIUC
(highest enrollment numbers for a 4-year college)
SouthwordS 5
UNSUNG HEROES
| May 16, 2019
Bridget Handley
H
aving known Bridget for the past three years, I can safely say that she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. In and out of school, she is constantly doing whatever she can to make life better for those around her. Selfless is a word that perfectly describes her. If anyone needs help with homework or just needs someone to talk to, Bridget is always there. Last year, Bridget and her sister Maddie cofounded the Maine South Helping Hands Club. The club’s purpose is to annually organize a service project to help the local and global community. Inspired by her recent trip to Africa, the goal of the 2017-18 project was to send shoe boxes full of clothing, toys, and school supplies to young children in Shakawe, a rural village in Botswana. Seeing these children in person, many of whom walked around barefoot, left a huge impression on her. Bridget realized how fortunate she was and decided to use that to help others who faced a much different reality. She wanted to make a difference in these people’s lives. Working with the Maine South National Honor Society and Lakeshore recycling, Bridget’s club was able to raise and send over 300 shoeboxes to the children of Shakawe and significantly help a community in need. This year, the club's project was centered on helping the homeless men and women in the Chicagoland area face the upcoming winter. Bridget and her club worked with Dr. Patrick Angelo and were able to gather around 150 blankets, gloves, and hand warmers to help make the winter more manageable for the homeless population. Bridget’s contributions to the Maine South community over the last four years will be dearly missed. Fortunately, she will be bringing her incredibly caring nature to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is majoring in Business next fall.
6 SouthwordS
Sophie Lawrence
Sarah King
by Connor Alcock
by Charlotte Geier
by Kylie Parker
T
here is no easy way to encapsulate the legacy of Sarah King in a brief tribute. Our lives first crossed paths over a mutual passion for working with people with disabilities. Our friendship has grown stronger through our common interests. Sarah envisions a world of inclusion and respect, and she works towards that goal every day. Sarah is not one to seek attention. Instead, she patiently seeks opportunities to lend a helping hand. With her free time, Sarah is constantly nurturing others. During her off periods, Sarah is an aide in the Life Skills classrooms at school. During her after school hours Sarah spends time with her friends with disabilities while their parents are at work. When she walks into the room, she is swarmed with hugs from our friends with disabilities. Outside of school, Sarah continues to captivate people with her warmhearted personality. She has spent countless hours at Special Olympics events as well as Avenues to Independence. This past winter, Sarah attended a local Special Olympics Youth Activation Summit where, after presenting what Special Olympics meant in her life, Sarah was selected to represent Special Olympics Illinois, in Washington D.C. Sarah has spent an unprecedented amount of time working to improve the lives of those with disabilities and has impacted our community tremendously. Sarah not only belongs to Hawk PALS and Special Olympics, but she also serves as an advocate for mental health awareness. I had the honor of working with Sarah for this year’s Suicide Awareness Campaign in which we visited freshman classrooms to educate them on the seriousness of mental health. This fall, Sarah will be attending Illinois State University where she will pursue a degree in Special Education as she hopes to become a teacher.
A
lthough I just met Sophie Lawrence last year, it was evident before I met her how much everyone appreciates her kind heart and joyous nature. Since getting to know her, I’ve seen how Sophie has dedicated herself to everything she’s involved in and how she always thinks about the greater good. As Key Club co-President, Sophie is a leader of Maine South’s largest club, one dedicated to community service. While she has never been an officer for Key Club in past years, Sophie took on this honorable and time-intensive role with excitement. Sophie has improved the club in so many ways and is always eager to add new opportunities for members or to organize the next club meeting. In addition, Sophie is the co-President of Environmental Club, where she facilitated Maine South’s participation in Crayola’s ColorCycle and organized multiple forest preserve cleanups this year. Sophie is constantly recruiting new people to join both clubs, and has fostered communities of active members in doing so. Sophie is also a four-year member of the girls' lacrosse team, and she was a captain her senior year. While leading these clubs and sports, Sophie still manages to actively participate in so many other extracurricular activities at Maine South, including Spanish Club, Photo Club, Art Club, and Southwords. Sophie is always there to help out when people need it most. She is constantly eager to participate in Key Club events when there aren’t enough members signed up. No matter what she does, Sophie always puts her best foot forward. While Maine South will miss Sophie’s philanthropic nature, the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles will be fortunate to gain a dedicated and intelligent new student next year.
Senior Issue
Andre Caro
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by Nick Luedke
orking under the radar for most of his life, Andre Caro has served as a driving force in helping out his community and his family. Andre is constantly putting others before him, sacrificing free time and other commitments to uphold his ideals of self-sacrifice and community service. Andre's dedication to others began at a young age. While most people mature through high school, Andre's circumstances thrust him into the hardships of life early on, forcing him to take a leading role. A few years ago, Andre's grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Because of this, Andre was obligated to take a substantial portion of time out of his personal life to help support her. There have been many days where he has placed his personal and social life aside in order to assume the role of her caretaker. Even with all the tasks he faces at home, Andre has still had the time to help out his community. During this past winter, he took time out of his day to day life to help the homeless during the polar vortex. He posted on social media and asked the people of the community to donate clothes so he could go around the Chicagoland area and provide warm jackets, shirts, and other articles of clothing to the homeless to help them through the winter season. Despite everything going on in his family life, Andre still makes time for his peers and the people of his community. Andre Caro is one of the most caring and kindhearted people I have ever met. He is constantly putting others before himself and is willing to help anyone with whatever they ask of him. Andre Caro is the living embodiment of an unsung hero. Andre's dedication to others, whether they be his closest family members or strangers who simply share the same area code, has shined through in the entirety of his life. These qualities will carry him far as he goes to Oakton Community College this fall.
Fahad Khan
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by Connor Buggy
hroughout his four years at Maine South, Fahad Khan has worked tirelessly towards inclusivity for students of all ethnic backgrounds. He also fosters a positive and welcoming environment every day. Fahad is constantly checking in on not only me, but seemingly everyone he talks to. Little things like, “Hey, it seemed like you were down and out in the hall today—is everything good?” to “How have you been?” are just small ways Fahad shows he genuinely cares about you. Ambitious, outgoing, genuine, friendly, and courageous are all traits that come to mind when describing Maine South senior, Fahad Khan. Fahad is never shy about talking about what he loves: his religion. From reading the Quran to praying multiple times a day, Fahad embraces his faith with everything he does. Being of a religious minority can sometimes make a person feel secluded, as they hesitate to practice their faith in a judgement-filled setting. However, throughout his entire time at Maine South, Fahad has made it his mission to enlighten our student body on what exactly a Muslim is. In the fall of 2018, with the help of Mr. Hansen, Fahad created The MSA club—the Maine South Muslim Student Association. Open to everyone, not only Muslims, Fahad teaches anything from how certain religions should be respected to how to be a voice to stand up against violence and injustice. Fahad's welcoming club is a testament to the inclusivity he strives for every day. Taking initiative is never easy, but doing so with little to no hesitation is a trait only a true leader possesses. His inclusive and forward-thinking attitude will take him and his community far as he moves on to the next stage of his life at Oakton Community College. Fahad's selflessness truly serves those around him, and he left a mark on our school that will ultimately last a lifetime.
| UNSUNG HEROES
Max Torres
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by Michael Kornely
can't honestly tell you how I initially met Max; however, over the years he has been my closest friend and supporter. Max is one of the most hard working people I know, constantly at work at his financial internship or at the pool as a lifeguard, he seems never to have a day off. The few days that Max gives himself a break, he's putting his time towards a good cause. Max has volunteered at the Sauganash Study Center for the past two years, and throughout his tenure, he has attended almost a dozen visits to the homeless. Max has interacted with and provided company to those who have less than him. He always demonstrated genuine respect to all those he met. Last year he was able to attend the Mexico service trip through the same organization. On this trip, Max was able to build homes, teach in a school, and interact with the community of Monterrey. He has committed himself to helping others throughout his four years here at Maine South. Some of the best memories I have had with him have been getting tacos every other week. Despite our busy schedules, it was a short time in which we could catch up. Max always showed an interest in what was going on in my life and proved to me that he always had my back. No matter what was going on, he was able to make light of a situation, and always found a way to put a smile on my face. I don't believe he gets all the credit he deserves. He has pushed himself so hard throughout his entire life. Now, as he goes to Arizona to become a pilot next year, I have come to realize how fortunate I have been to have him as a friend. Max had the determination and ingenuity to help fix up his dad’s 1980-something BMW. As he will now move on to Airbusses, I believe he has the skills to fill the shoes of his dad as one of United’s most well-respected Captains, and continue to be a charitable person in his free time. His kind demeanor and his passion for community service will serve him well in the future.
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MEMORIES | May 16, 2019
8 SouthwordS
Senior iSSue | MEMORIES
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RETIREE COMMENTARIES
| May 16, 2019
Continuously evolving with each generation Mr. Kevin Scotellaro
Assistant Principal for Student Services n looking back over my career in education (teacher, department chair, assistant principal), my thoughts often arrive at the evolution of all of us—students, teachers, and administrators. We are all so different now than we were 10, 15, 20 years ago. When I think of students, I think of how much harder it seems to live, learn, and grow up in our society these days. While there has always been pressure and stress in evolving as a human being, never before have people had to deal with the constant barrage of unfiltered communication known as “social media.” It is certainly not shocking to say that this can have significant impact on how we live. Beyond social media is the impact of growing up in Park Ridge and surrounding areas, where there can be direct or subtle pressures to compete and succeed academically. Having grown up nearby in Niles, I can clearly detect greater pressures these days to succeed, whether it be from administration encouraging students to consider taking an AP course, from parents wanting their kids to attend an elite college, or from other students talking up their successes and aspirations. Having said that, I know there is another side. Other generations have had their struggles, too. My parents’
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generation grew up in the throes of the Depression that was soon followed by World War II. While anyone who knows me, even superficially, knows my memory is challenged, I can clearly hear my father asking me some 55-60 years ago, after putting an excessively large portion of food on my plate, “are you gonna eat all that?” Of course, it was only later in life that I truly realized what he meant by that. Having had so little growing up, and then fighting or dealing with such a cruel world war, was a tough way to become a man or woman. But I know why that generation came out of it so well that they are often referred to as the “Greatest Generation”: resilience. It is this characteristic of human life I hope all generations can develop a greater sense of. With so many factors impacting how one lives now, I am hopeful that, over time, that our collective sense of resiliency will evolve with us. When I think of all us who teach or are administrators, I see an evolution over the eight years I have been at Maine South. What was a very good high school then, is even better now—so much better. We have reached a point in time that all of us think of you, the student, as a “whole child.” Not just teaching “what I love to teach,” or working at “what I love to do” - but to consider each student has a life full of responsibilities and
expectations, and being sensitive to all of that. Perhaps that can indirectly contribute to greater resiliency for all of us. Finally, since I have the floor, here is my strongest memory of Maine South. After that really awful, bitter winter a few years ago, I was walking quickly down the back hallway near the cafe, swamped with all sorts of things to do. But on this day in early April, I noticed that the sun was actually shining, and students were outside, laughing and having fun. Since my memory was challenged as to how the sun looked, I stole a moment to go outside of door 20 near the patio. I turned and looked and confirmed the sun was again orange and bright. As I stepped backwards, I accidentally brushed up against a student who was playing hacky sack with a bunch of guys. I quickly
apologized, as did he, and laughed that I just had to see if that thing in the sky really was the sun. Then, without hesitation, this young man smiled and asked if I wanted to join in the game. Thinking of all I had to do and laughing to myself I said, “thanks very much, but I gotta run.” As I took one step toward the door that little Kevin on my left shoulder (the one that reminds to see the world in its proper perspective) said, “hey you moron, do you realize what just happened?” I stopped, turned around, and said to the guys, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to play for a bit.” All of them welcomed me warmly and I hung out with these guys for a while. This short exchange and game of hacky sack represents the very best of Maine South and our community. How incredibly nice it was for this 15 or 16 year old to offer to an old guy in a tie, clearly an administrator (or someone pretending to be one), to play in a game that included not just himself, but 5 or 6 others. He must have felt a sense of confidence that his pals would also be welcoming to this adult stranger. This simply reflects the kind of human beings we have among us at Maine South who spend four years with us, and then go off to do marvelous things. I am so grateful to all of you, and the parents who raised you, for being such great human beings.
The first four years of my teaching career were at Proviso East in Maywood where I also coached girls’ basketball. It was a school that taught me many things right out of
college, the first being students need strong role models. But most importantly, I experienced an atmosphere where consistently followed rules and enforced consequences truly helped to support teachers and allowed them to teach students in the classroom. For the last 29 years I have taught math at Maine South and have worn many other hats. I coached girls’ volleyball; created and ran Project Connect, which matched staff members with a student mentee; and was the Attendance Review Board (ARB) coordinator, working with administration to improve student attendance and remind students and parents that it is difficult to learn when you are not in class. For the last 18 years, I have worked as an assistant dean, meeting with students to help them change
their behaviors and attendance patterns. For 28 of my 29 years at South, I have been a Senior Class Sponsor, working closely with each senior class to plan the Homecoming dance, the overnight Six Flags Great America lock in, Senior Breakfast and Senior Prom. Working with 28 sets of senior class officers as they are finishing their last year at South and preparing for their next steps in life has been a joy and very fulfilling. I have truly enjoyed teaching and working with students. I have worked beside many great people at both Proviso and Maine South. I will miss the mathematics department; they are special people who work hard to prepare students to be successful in any area they choose. I am excited and ready for my own post-high school adventure!
The magic that comes from working with others Ms. Susan Deering Mathematics Teacher
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fter teaching math for 33 years, I am ready for this big change ahead of me. For the last 50 years, since I was five, mid to late August has meant school time, not just for me, but for my extended family. My mother, sister, brother, sister-in-law, two aunts, and two cousins were/are all educators. So as a family, our lives have revolved around the “school schedule” for my entire life. August 2019 will be a huge change that I am very excited for. I look forward to sleeping later, exercising more, working in my two-acre yard, using my newly-renovated pool, starting piano lessons, traveling with my husband, restoring antiques, renovating my house, and reconnecting with friends near and far from Chicago.
10 SouthwordS
Senior Issue
| RETIREE COMMENTARIES
The theory of kindness is not up for debate
Mr. Jack Marino Science Teacher
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’ve been given 600 words to say goodbye to Maine South and I thought I would take this opportunity to mention a few other things before I said goodbye. Being a science teacher, I’ll start with the misconception that many people seem to have about the word “theory” in science. Sometimes you’ll hear people say that something is “just a theory” sort of implying that it is probably not true. These people use the word “theory” to mean a “guess” or a “hunch,” but a “scientific theory” is an explanation of a phenomenon that has been experimentally tested over a long time and has been widely accepted as being valid by the vast majority of scientists in that field. For example, there is much more scientific consensus on the theory of evolution than some people would have you believe. There will always be a few scientists who still think there is not enough evidence for evolution, just like you might find scientists who are not convinced that smoking is hazardous to your health. In addition, scientists rarely speak with absolute certainty, so when society looks to them for guidance, it can seem confusing. Scientists are more apt to qualify their statements and talk about probabilities. The media and political pundits
can misconstrue this lack of absolute certainty as being wishy-washy and thus portray the scientists as being much more unsure about things like the health risks of smoking or the age of the earth or the human influence on climate change than they actually are. Science should be apolitical. It only seeks the truth—not the Truth, but the truth. If we use it correctly it should inform our decisions and make our lives safer, healthier, and more enjoyable. Staying on my soapbox, I’d like to share a thought on why we should be kind to each other. Before I start, I want to admit that each generation is generally more tolerant and empathetic to each other than the previous generation. So it’s a little hypocritical that I’m preaching to you about kindness. With that in mind, here is my argument for being kind. Since you’ve been on this earth for at least fifteen years, you probably know that while life can be incredibly beautiful and awesome, there are times when it can crush us. Sorry to be so dire about this, but nobody gets out of here alive. We all have people in our lives whom we love dearly. Unfortunately those people are not impervious to disease or tragedy, and they are not immortal. So each of us is destined to have some really sad times in our lives. Like it or not, that’s part of the deal. So if you have the choice of giving someone a hard time, being indifferent to them,
or being kind to them, choose kindness, because, just like you, that person undoubtedly has some hard times ahead. Rather than add to that burden, lighten it. We are all contemporaries, on the same spaceship, so why not make this ride as pleasant as possible? Finally, if I could wish anything for each of you it would be that you would maintain your deep sense of wonder throughout your life by reading and learning and traveling and having thoughtful conversations with the people you will meet along the way. Certainly having the opportunity to interact with and enjoy a portion of the thousands of amazing people who have passed through Maine South for the last 33 years has made my life richer and more interesting. For this, I am very grateful.
After graduation, I moved to New York City to work professionally in the business. Marriage brought me to the Chicago area. As a young mother with three daughters, I worked freelance, and in 1991, I was asked to take over costuming the spring musical, “Annie,” at Maine South High School. The following year, I was hired as costumer for all productions. After several years, Mike Pressler, the Fine Arts Chair, asked if I had ever considered teaching. The department was growing, and I was with students daily and seemed to have a “knack” for it. I returned to school for certification and began teaching in 1997. And so it began—the classroom and the shows.
In the classroom, I have challenged and been challenged by amazing students, each with their own unique gifts and abilities. The sheer number of students I have known is incomprehensible, but they have all shaped me. All have gone on to experience meaningful lives, and I take particular pride in the many who pursed careers in the arts, theatre, or special education. For someone who did not plan a career in education, teaching has been the perfect fit. I can honestly say I have loved almost every moment of it. Recently, a colleague inquired about the number of shows I had worked on. I was curious, so I added them up. Ten years costuming three shows a year = 30. Nineteen years costuming two shows a year = 38. Nineteen years directing one show a year = 19. 87 shows...really? And each production ran for 3-7 performances. Now that requires multiplication. Then there were the years that I was doing V-Show, too. The faculty and staff at South are amazing, and my colleagues in Life Skills are my heroes. My family in Fine Arts are beyond the very best. Ours is a department that is inherently collaborative in nature. We continually create art together, each bringing to the table our own particular talent, all the while placing heart and soul on the line in a very vulnerable—and intimate and public—way. I am so very honored to have been a member of the Fine Arts Department. I will miss this important, world-changing work; but it is time.
Closing the curtain on a rewarding career
Ms. Lauri McCleneghan Fine Arts Teacher
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t is so very hard to believe that I am leaving Maine South after 28 years. It is amazing to me that I am retiring from multiple decades of service to a profession that, as a young adult, I never considered. I’m reminded of what the poet says about the best laid plans... I spent much of my childhood in rural Alabama on a military base, reading everything I could get my hands on. As a result, my career goals were to become a helicopter pilot, a large animal vet, or a professional reader. Helicopter pilots went to war, and the likelihood of making a living as a professional reader was non-existent. Needless to say, I enrolled at Albion College in a pre-med track to become a vet. My extroverted, theatre major roommate, worried about my introverted nature, encouraged me to join her in the theatre as a member of the props crew for “Gaslight.” Turning a blank stage into an 1880’s upper middle class London home was a challenge I had never faced yet thoroughly enjoyed...and the costumes! I was hooked, and the following year, I changed majors. The switch was liberating. Beyond the theatre curriculum, I was able to take classes in anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, art, and literature. A liberal arts education expanded my world view and encouraged a lifelong journey of curiosity and reflection.
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RETIREE COMMENTARIES
| May 16, 2019
Finally graduating, and it only took 34 years
and afterwards the students were actually a bit distraught and wanted to know what they could do about this seemingly insurmountable problem. We talked about calling or writing an email to their congressmen. At first, they did not believe that would make a difference; after all, they were just 15 years old and couldn’t even vote yet. I told them to give it a try and I showed them how easy it was to find the contact information online for their elected officials.
Several students emailed their senators and representatives before they left class that day. The next day, one student came in so excited because he had actually received a response from his senator. That was one of the most joyful days of my career, to see my students take what we learned and try to make a positive difference in the world. My 32 years at Maine South have been wonderful. I have had terrific colleagues all throughout the school, but especially in the Science department. My fellow science teachers are the best. We help each other and are there for each other in tough times. We celebrate the big things and little things together. I could not have made it without all of them. I will miss you all, but it is time to move on to other adventures. My husband says, “Don’t think of it as ending your teaching career—think of it as finishing a chapter. Now you get to write a new chapter.” He’s a smart man, and I could not have taught for 34 years without his love and support. If you know me, you know that I usually have a quote or joke of the day. Here is one of each to leave you with. This quote is from Bill Nye: “Science is the key to our future, and if you don’t believe in science, then you’re holding everybody back.” My final joke of the day: You know you are retiring when your fellow staff members greet you in the hall with, “Oh! Stop smiling!”
sort of a poster child for switching directions to pursue new passions. I changed majors three times in four years of college—from vocal performance to theatre to graduating with a degree in social work. After a few years following that path, I decided to pursue my other passion: teaching English. Tack on a master’s degree; get the job at South; eleven wonderful years go by. Then the old passion path twisted back to social work. Tack on another master’s degree; counseling job opens up at South; and I switch trails once again, continuing a journey that I’ve been on for the last 21 years. Truth be told, as an English teacher, I thought carrying armloads of essays home to grade was a lot of work; but, as a counselor (or social worker or school psychologist) what we carry home in our hearts every night is much heavier some days. But I’ve loved it. Life lesson alert, students: it’s okay to change your mind. You don’t have to have everything all figured out at this point in your life. Just start exploring, gather information, take some career treks, go on some job shadowing opportunities. Knowledge is indeed POWER. Well, it’s soon time to pack up my bags once again and choose yet another path to hike. I’ve tried throughout my life to follow my heart—to choose what I love to do, not what would make me the most money or what others have told me
that I “should” do. Students, I wish only the same for you. Allow yourselves the dignity to choose your OWN journey. Start with what brings you joy, but be ready to take a few twists and turns along the way. Keep your options open and your hiking boots at the ready. I’ll see you on the trail.
Ms. Marianne Gonzalez Science Teacher
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hen I was a kid, my brother, two sisters, and I would play outside all summer with the other kids in the neighborhood. On the rainy days, we were stuck inside and had to come up with games. One of our favorite games, believe it or not, was school. I think that was the first time I thought about being a teacher. I didn’t think about it again until my sophomore year at NIU when I was deciding my major. I knew at this point I loved science, particularly biology. I was talking to some of my classmates about what they were majoring in and when someone said teaching, it just clicked. I knew that was it. My first two years of teaching were at a small school near Rockford. I lived in Belvidere and I wanted to move back to the suburbs of Chicago. I missed my family and friends. Lucky for me, District 207 was undergoing tremendous growth and I was hired. I have really loved teaching freshmen biology these past 32 years. I love working with freshmen. They are fun and energetic and always surprise me. I can honestly say that I have learned quite a bit from my students over the years and that their energy has kept me going. One of my favorite memories was when we watched a movie about climate change
Every path leads into a new, surprising adventure Ms. Krista Clarke Counselor
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llow others the dignity to choose their own journey”—one of the many quotes that I have stuck to my file cabinet, taped to my door, pinned to the walls of my counseling office. My own 32-year journey as a Maine South Hawk is finally coming to an end with over half my life walking these hallowed halls. Hired first as an English teacher, I taught English 1, English 2, Accelerated English 3, and Oral Communications for 11 years. And I loved it. I still get a tear in my eye when I pass by an English 1 classroom with “To Kill A Mockingbird” playing on the screen and catch that pivotal moment toward the end of the movie when Scout sees Boo Radley for the very first time, hiding behind her door...“Hey, Boo…” Ah, yesss. I could take a detour here and spend the rest of this column extemporizing on the HUGE life lessons housed in this one novel. Read it again—all of you. It’ll be good for your soul. But, I digress. As I said, I loved teaching English and can still recite, on demand, the first few lines of the prologue of “The Canterbury Tales” in Middle English as well as Macbeth’s soliloquy; however, teaching was not my first “path.” As I’ve shared with many of my counselees, I’m
12 SouthwordS
Senior Issue
| SENIOR COMMENTARIES
To be proud of myself, there are some people I must thank Kevin McNulty
Editor-in-Chief ack in September, I was completing college application essays, and I was trying to encapsulate all that I have done over the past four years. My freshman and senior year English teacher, Ms. Headley, was helping me with one of my essays, and noticing all of my accomplishments, she told me I should be very proud of myself. I told her I would be proud of myself in May when my high school career officially concludes. Well, it’s May. I must admit that I am quite proud of myself. Those who know me well know that I like to talk about myself more than anyone, but I think I need to take a step back and acknowledge those who have allowed me to be proud of myself. I need to thank those who have given a little bit of themselves up for me. Warning: sappy content. Thank you to all of those that came before me. This includes friends of mine who are in college and people who have held the same roles as I currently do. Thanks for showing me the way, and thanks for pioneering all of my achievements. Thank you to all those behind me, who listen to me. There are many people that I have been designated
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OH BROTHER
A few years after this picture was taken, I would describe the day when I ate three slices of cake as “the best day of my life.” Lord give me the strength to hold off the freshman fifteen.
to lead. I wanted thank all of those people who follow me and do it so honorably. I’ve accidently developed an audience here at Maine South, for which I am thankful. Thank you to my close friends. You know who you are. I can’t do anything without the support you give me, and I hope I do enough to reciprocate that support. I’m lucky to have such guys and girls who always have my back, something everybody deserves. I’ve made so many wonderful memories with all of you, memories I will cherish long after we throw our caps in the air. Thank you,
now and always. Thank you to my haters. You drive me to be more like me, such an invaluable gift. How about we get together for coffee in 10 years? Thank you to my teachers. No group of people have had more of a quantifiable impact on me than my teachers, elementary and middle school teachers included. It’s every teacher’s goal to build a more knowledgeable student, and all of my teachers have done that for me. A special thank you to those teachers who have gone out of their way to help me, those that have taken time
from their personal lives to assist me in my schooling. Thank you to all of my coaches, directors, sponsors, and advisers. I have to say, I am very involved at our school, so I have had quite a bit of interaction with these kinds of people. Though it started with youth and high school sports coaches through my first few years of high school, my experiences have grown to include much more. My involvement with V-Show, WMTH, Student Council, Southwords, and more has made me appreciate the work that directors, sponsors, and advisers do for us students. Thank you for allowing me to benefit from your dedication. Thank you to my family. My parents gave up everything for the sake of my brother and me. I am amazed every day at their zeal for our success and their commitment to our futures. The persistent love I feel from each of them is enough to motivate me to be the best that I can be, and I do everything with the hope of making them proud. Absolutely nothing that I have accomplished could have been accomplished without you. Mom, Dad, Marty: thank you, and I love you. Mrs. Headley was right; I do have a lot to be proud of, but it’s all thanks to these people.
Try new things, even if you think you know what you want
Colleen Johnson
Editor-in-Chief oing into sophomore year, I thought that I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. After having health problems starting in eighth grade, I thought that I had figured out that I would be a pediatric nurse. I wanted to do this so that I could help other kids in the future. At the end of my freshman year, I decided that I wanted to join more activities. So, I signed up to be a Southwords sports writer after my English teacher talked about it in class. I was unsure of what would happen or if I would like it at all, but I figured I’d try it out. I also signed up to be in a journalism class sophomore year since I needed another semester course. I had no clue how to write articles, and I figured it would help me with the paper. I started writing for the paper, confused, but I enjoyed it and I was slowly getting better. I then started the Journalism class
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second semester. Right away it was one of my favorite classes I’ve taken at Maine South. I thought it was actually interesting and I wanted to work on it—something I wasn’t used to feeling about school. At this point, I started to doubt if I wanted to be a nurse. I decided to interview to be a Southwords sports editor for my junior year. It took some persuasion from my parents because I didn’t think I knew enough to an editor; it seemed so intimidating. But, since I had an increase in interest with journalism because of writing for Southwords and taking the journalism course, I decided to interview. Luckily, I became a sports editor. Very quickly it became apparent to me that I no longer wanted to be a nurse. I had wanted to be a nurse because I wanted to help people; that had not changed. However, I realized that I could help people differently. Instead of helping people with medicine, I would help people through journalism.
SAY CHUCK-E-CHEESE My third birthday was every three year old’s dream:
Chuck-E-Cheese and a Dora cake. As you can see by my face, my love for dessert started at a young age.
I’ll forever be thankful to the people who introduced me to Southwords and journalism overall. I not only learned what I want to study and go into as a career, but I also learned one of the most important lessons of my life. You should always try new things, even if you think you
know what you want. My life has forever been changed for the better because of Southwords. If I had never tried something new, like I did with Southwords, I would’ve been going to who knows what school and going into a career without ever knowing my true interest.
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SENIOR COMMENTARIES
| May 16, 2019
Sometimes there’s a different path to happiness Katie Carmichael
Sports Editor oing into high school, little 14-year-old me thought she knew what her whole future looked like. Up until high school, my entire identity had been the fact that I played volleyball. It sounds a little ridiculous, but it was true. I loved the sport, and I had big, big dreams. Naturally, I thought if I continued on the same path, I could waltz my way to greatness with just some oldfashioned hard work. Throughout my freshman year, I pretty much kept up the strides toward my goals. It wasn’t until sophomore year when I started to question myself. The pressure of playing competitive club volleyball intensified and I wondered if ultracompetitive sports were really for me. I was terrified of letting people down and dealing with a season where I consistently struggled to play well; it was a painful combination. When it
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all became too much, I decided to take a break for a month, despite my strong consideration of throwing everything away and quitting for good. Over the month of March 2017, I was forced to look myself in the mirror and really figure out what my goal was in all of this. It took a little while, but I realized that I completely forgot the fact that volleyball is just a game; I had allowed it to determine my self-worth and confidence. With a lot of support from my parents, I decided to make volleyball a much smaller aspect of my life. I had to realize that there was so much more to me than just sports. I had to realize that I, without volleyball, was enough. I wanted to be known for being a good person instead of a good athlete. It’s been a long journey to becoming a confident player again and regaining the joy of playing, but I wouldn’t trade the challenges for an easier route. If none of that
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL
Flashback to 13 years ago when my backpack was light enough to carry with one hand.
had happened, who knows where I would’ve ended up. Maybe I would have achieved my 14-year-old dreams, but would I have been happy? I learned so much about myself and
it led me to the perfect school and volleyball program for me at Emory— every day I feel more and more confident that I chose the right place for my future. This may seem like I’m overemphasizing a sport, but for a lot of athletes, their sport turns from a hobby to a defining characteristic as they grow up. I think sports somewhat have taught me about life, but more importantly, sports have taught me about myself, and I’ve learned who I am and who I aspire to be. I realize it’s ironic that after I decided to make volleyball a smaller fraction of my life, I decided to write my reflective senior commentary about volleyball—but the hard times I had with volleyball fundamentally changed me as a person and brought me to a future I’m excited about. I am now confident that I am prepared for whatever endeavors I face in the years to come.
Dear teenage girls: an important message Jen Beck
Production Editor s one of five daughters of a strong woman, who is herself a daughter of a strong woman, who is a daughter of yet another strong woman (and so on), I am no stranger to the female experience—an experience which can be defined simply as a lifetime of jumping over hurdles that our male peers will never face and could never understand. Even in the twenty-first century where feminism is at its strongest, it’s still a tough world if you’re a girl. As my older sister did for me, I do my best to bestow any shred of wisdom I have onto my three younger sisters. And now, as I am nearing the end of teenhood, I look back at my greatest failures and triumphs with a newfound wisdom that would’ve changed my life, had I only known. Arguably the toughest time in a girl’s life is her adolescence: filled with the confusion of not yet knowing who you are or the places you’ll go; desperately trying to stay true to yourself in a society that tells you to do anything but; trying to love yourself in the face of insurmountable insecurity; and trying to navigate the social and romantic landscape of middle school and high school. It is nearly impossible to juggle
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all of these internal battles, especially in the face of sexism which can manifest itself in both obvious ways—biased dress codes and athletic discrimination—and subtle ways— the scrutiny with which any given movement of a young girl is often met. In s i mp l e t e r ms , we c an’t enjoy anything. Unlike our male counterparts, we are ridiculed for everything we do. If we wear makeup, we’re trying too hard. And if we don’t, we’re slobs who put in no effort. If we go to parties, we’re out of control. But if we don’t, we’re lame. If we like popular culture, we’re basic. But if we don’t, we’re quirky. And quirky is annoying. If we listen to Justin Bieber or One Direction, we’re laughed at. But if we listen to Twenty One Pilots, we’re trying to be different. If we wear mini skirts and crop tops, we’re sluts. If we wear collared shirts and pants, we’re prudes. If we achieve success, we’re overachievers. But if we don’t, we’re lazy. If we eat junk food, we’re pigs. But if we eat healthy, we’re too concerned with our bodies. If we excel at math and science, we’re pretentious. But if we don’t, we’re stupid.
If we’re good athletes, we’re “good for a girl.” But if we’re not athletic, it’s because we’re girls. If we have boyfriends/girlfriends, we’re needy. But if we don’t, we’re undesired. If we take charge, we’re either bossy or a “bitch.” But if boys do, they’re called “leaders.” If we cry, we’re overemotional. But if we don’t, we’re “ice queens.” If we’re into sports, we’re too masculine. But if we’re not, we’re too feminine. If we’re confident, we’re cocky. But if we’re insecure, we’re looking for attention. If we stage photos and craft our social media profiles, we’re fake. But if we post candids with #nofilter, we’re ugly and unexciting. It feels as though no thought, action, or word we think, do, or say is safe from society’s intense, unwarranted criticism of how we live our lives. And if we complain about it, we’re met with a “Don’t be dramatic” or a “It’s not a big deal.” But it is a big deal. It’s a big deal because this condescension that plagues our lives every day is the root of so much of our self-loathing. How can we not look down on ourselves when everyone else seems to be doing so?
STIRRING UP GENDER NORMS Even from a young age I was breaking out of traditional female roles in the kitchen.
I don’t think we’ll ever be able to fully rid ourselves of our insecurities, but adopting a mentality that enables you to say “I don’t care” in the face of scrutiny and adversity is the key that I have only recently discovered. I only wish I had it in my back pocket throughout my teenage years. In my last article for Southwords, I dedicate these final words to you, teenage girl: wear what you want, watch what you want, say what you want, do what you want, enjoy what you want, live how you want.
Senior Issue
| SENIOR COMMENTARIES
A letter to the teacher that gave me a chance Lena Pontikes
Commentary Editor hen I first came to Maine South, I didn’t expect much to come out of taking any fine arts classes. All throughout middle school and elementary school, no matter how many hours of dedication and practice that I put in, I was never the favorite, never the first chair in band, never had the solo at the holiday chorus concert, never got the role in the play, and was almost always overlooked. When I came to Maine South, I e x p e c t e d t o b e c omp l e t e l y overshadowed by other students in my classes, just as I always had been. Although many of my teachers over the past four years have poured knowledge and support into me, the very first time that I felt like anyone truly saw me, not only as a musician but as a person, was in my freshman choir class led by Mr. Hanes. At the end of my freshman year I was given an opportunity that
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RAINY DAYS
You can’t tell from this picture, but everything I am wearing is bright yellow.
changed my life for the better. I opened my sophomore year schedule on Aspen to find that I had been placed in one of the school’s toughest music ensembles, and I was overjoyed and scared out of my mind all at the same time. To this day, it’s still amazing to me that anybody saw that much potential in me as a freshman. As a sophomore in a choir made
up almost entirely of seniors, I often left rehearsals in tears. At the time, I hated Hanes for throwing me into the shark tank and forcing me to catch up. Looking back on it, willing myself to catch up with the rest of my class as a sophomore defined my experience as a high school student. From there, my career began as a musician. Suddenly, I was leading an ensemble of my own and writing music for it— something I never thought I’d be capable of doing. With that opportunity came a plethora of life lessons to be learned. The most valuable lesson that Mr. Hanes has taught me is that hard work pays off. The first piece of music that I arranged for Maine South’s a capella ensemble was derived from days of frustration and sleepless nights. I didn’t have much faith in myself at all, but what I did have was the unwavering support from my director. Watching my piece performed on stage for an audience was the
most fulfilling and rewarding rush of adrenaline that I’ve ever gotten, and that experience truly taught me that persistence is valuable. The choral department at Maine South has challenged me more than anything. Respect, discipline, professionalism, and responsibility are just four of the ways that Mr. Hanes and this program have not only helped me grow as a student, but as a person. Throughout my four years at Maine South, I’ve acquired skills that I never would’ve imagined that I could possess. I am proud to say that I’ve truly found where I belong. I’ve become the leader and mentor that I had always wished I would be, and I owe everything to one incredible teacher who saw all of that in me even when I couldn’t see it in myself, and pushed me to my utmost potential. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for giving me a chance, and thank you for shaping me into the person that I am today.
10 things to do before you graduate from Maine South Julia Uhlig
Commentary Editor lthough everyone’s high school experience is different, there are some things Maine South has to offer that I believe everyone should take part in. This is a list of some of the things I have found to be quintessential Maine South experiences not to be missed. Go to Hawkfest: Walking around Hawkfest is the best way to start and end the year at Maine South. It’s a tradition I have always loved and something everyone should truly enjoy. Bring as much money as you can, buy a bunch of raffle tickets, and enjoy the games and food. If you have the opportunity to dunk one of your teachers, don’t pass it up. Take part in food truck month: Food Truck month is one of Maine South’s best and most anticipated times of year. The line can get a little long, but when else can you walk into class with grilled cheeses or fresh donuts? Join something without your best friends: I decided to go on the Spain Trip through Maine South, although all of my friends were going on their own senior spring break trip. I had no clue who was going on the trip, and that trip was easily one of
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the best experiences of my life. So, whether it be a club, sport, or some sort of class trip, try to join an activity without your friends and you might be happily surprised. Take a class just for fun (even if it means filling your schedule): I heard about crime science from friends who were a year older than me and I always wanted to take it. I knew I had a busy schedule second semester, but I told my counselor I wanted to take the class anyway. I do not regret my full schedule; the class was so fun and definitely worth it. Connect with a teacher: Teachers here at Maine South are not only great role models, but they can also shape our interests and shape our futures. It is nice to get to know more about your teachers by talking to them before or after class. You will find out they are normal, amazing people who are sometimes just as fun to talk to as your friends. Go to an under-appreciated sports team event: Everyone has fun at football games, but other sports that are not as well attended are just as entertaining. It is fun seeing some of your classmates who aren’t as well known doing the sport they love. Get a panini: Even though some of the food lines are a little sketchy,
JUMPING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL
At all of my family birthday parties we had bouncy houses and piñatas. Looking back, all of those parties were complete chaos, but in the end, all the kids left with only minor injuries and smiles from ear to ear.
the panini line is one you cannot graduate without trying. Anyone will tell you it is the best food you can get at Maine South (besides the food trucks). Try to go to all the school dances one year: Although getting dressed up for school dances is not for everyone, there is something so fun about taking pictures with your friends at a big event with the school. Watch the band in the morning: Yes, the band performs every game day, but one morning try to ignore the fact that it’s 8 a.m. in a crowded hallway and the band is playing at full volume. Appreciate the students’ dedication and efforts to increase
school spirit. It can be fun walking behind them or seeing the person who sits next to you in math marching down the hallway on game day. Don’t sweat the small stuff: Overall, high school is a huge part of your life. It always has its ups and downs. School is meant to be some of the best years of your life before all the “adulting” comes barreling at you. So, even if you don’t do all the things on this list, try to make as many memories as possible. All the little things you believe to be insignificant can change the way you remember high school. So, make friends, enjoy opportunities, and remember your time at Maine South.
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SENIOR COMMENTARIES
| May 16, 2019
Introducing retrospective Jonathan Jonathan Ryser
Features Editor ver the past four years of high school, I have grown. Though some things have stayed the same, I am a very different person than I was at the beginning of freshman year. In many ways, each of my four years fit high school stereotypes, yet I have had my own, individual experiences. The past four years have been three separate steps in the evolution of me. In the beginning, I was the typical freshman. Physically, I was moderately tall, and still had a round face and plump cheeks that my grandmothers could not stop pinching. Though I was in no way ready for it, on that first August day I was immersed in high school. With it came new faces, classrooms, and a completely different environment. Freshman year was my easiest academically, but the hardest socially. Under most circumstances being an introvert is not ideal, and when meeting new people or presenting in front of the class, it is a burden. Thankfully, I had
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an outlet: basketball. It was the one place where I could feel comfortable despite the challenges and struggles that came along with it. Sophomore and junior years posed many of the same challenges. Unlike the previous ones, they were much harder academically, and I was forced to work harder than I had before. I had to learn how to manage
A TIP OF THE HAT
Here’s me at two years old getting ready to throw my hat at graduation.
my time so that I could balance my life. I slowly but surely worked past my quiet nature and managed to make my voice heard enough so that people actually knew who I was. Basketball, along with other activities, undoubtedly helped in this growth. Finally, my senior year has marked the end to high school. I have continued my evolution, and in many ways, this has been the biggest step. I have more confidence than I ever had before, and I am no longer afraid of public speaking. However, I still wouldn’t call myself a talker. With ever-increasing school work, I have learned from my peers in mastering the timeless art of procrastination. I am in no way the perfect person, but I have seen improvement in my social skills, focus on success, and overall maturity. Despite many continuing flaws, I have stopped worrying about the little things; maybe it’s just senioritis, but I think it’s more of a product of all the adversity I have had to go through in and out of school.
Who I am today can be generally associated with the changes I have undergone the past four years, but I cannot go without mentioning that the catalysts for these changes are the people I have spent the most time with and the memories I have made with them. When looking back, I can attribute large parts of who I am to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and teachers. Each person and memory has affected me in a different way, effectively making me who I am today. I have changed over the past four years. Over the next four and beyond, I hope to continue to grow and change as I become a responsible adult, ready for the world. Though after college, I may be able to look back on a whole different set of experiences, I will always have high school. The memories and people that have been a part of my life for the past four years will stay with me throughout my life, in how they have helped shape me and the spots they have taken in my mind and heart.
What’s so odd about odd numbers? Stephen Pontikes
News Editor hat’s so odd about odd numbers?” Odd numbers are weird. Simple as that. One could start by wondering why adding two odd numbers together always yields an even result. Shouldn’t two odds make another odd? That’s something strange, but that’s nothing compared to when you divide odd numbers by two. When that happens, you get something even weirder: a decimal! Two is a nice number. When even numbers take this number as their divisor, they produce beautiful whole numbers! But what do you get when you do the same thing with odd numbers? Something not so nice and whole. The oddities of odd numbers can take something as even and clean as the number two and use it to create something so fractured and annoying. These characteristics are strange and all, but there is one thing that I will truly never understand about odd numbers. Sure, two odds making an even and halving odd numbers giving decimals is pretty strange, there’s no doubt about it. But that’s just how math works, and I do love math, so
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I’m okay with it. The thing that just baffles me about odd numbers, however, are their cannibalistic tendencies. I think there’s one perfect instance I can write about which perfectly illustrates the complete and utter oddity (to a point of vulgarity) of odd numbers: that fateful day when seven cannibalized nine. On that day, seven savaged nine and consumed his remains, much to the utter horror of six, an innocent bystander. Six spent the rest of his days constantly living in fear of seven, wondering which odd number would bite the dust next. To this day, seven has not claimed another victim, but odd numbers everywhere are on the lookout for more cannibals. One might ask, “how is one instance representative of a ‘tendency’ among all odd numbers?” To that person, I would respond with the reaction of the other odd numbers. Where was the news coverage on odd number primetime news shows? Where were the tabloids recounting the tale of seven, a psychopath, eating innocent number nine? Where was the public outcry from the odd
SENIOR SMILES
Not much has changed besides a few more teeth and a slightly better haircut.
relatives of nine and other “fearful” odd numbers around the globe? There was none. For such a heinous deed, why would seven, the odd number who brutalized and consumed nine, not face any consequences? The answer is plain and simple. The practice is accepted among odd numbers, and seven eating nine was just another day in the life of an odd number. Other instances of odd numbers being cannibalized have been kept under wraps. Odd numbers simply felt no reason to share with the rest
of the world that they condone eating each other, because the practice was just so ingrained at that point. The only reason any of the outside world knows of these deeds is because of brave number six. Six decided to tell the world about the heinous acts seven committed. This was especially remarkable, considering that seven is an extremely high profile number, being revered by all and regarded as “lucky.” Despite the repercussions six could have faced for exposing the odd number community, as well as doing so through seven, a celebrity of sorts, six acted. Six proudly proclaimed his fear of seven, as the day that seven cannibalized nine was the most traumatic moment in his life. He knew that the outside world must know about the rampant cannibalism in the odd number community. To this day, six, despite his fear, is regarded as a hero for the light he shed on this issue. There is even a legend told to children detailing the happenings of the day where everything changed. “Why was six afraid of seven?” “Because seven, eight, nine.”
Senior Issue
| SENIOR COMMENTARIES
Why I’m taking my talents overseas Shannon McGreevy
Production Editor he most common question I am asked when I tell people where I will be attending college in Ireland is “why?” Such a loaded question deserves a more detailed response than my usual, “because I love it there.” The whole prospect of studying f u l l - t i me i n anot he r c ou nt r y thousands of miles away seems like an adventure that many people can’t wrap their heads around. But, the decision was a no-brainer for me for a few reasons. For starters, the entire system of education is entirely different in Ireland. There is a huge emphasis on learning for the sake of gaining knowledge, rather than continuous assessment and stress. With built in “Reading Weeks,” which are sprinkled throughout each semester, the expectation is that students are assigned no homework or projects and given the chance to explore the campus library and read anything they would like. This
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themselves out there. I never would have felt like I could do something as huge as this without the support of my teachers and coaches. While it will not be easy to be so far away from
home, all of the lessons I have learned in high school will most definitely not be forgotten. Perhaps even more importantly though, the undying support of all of my family and friends allowed me to make this decision. My parents always love an excuse to come to Ireland, and many of my friends are already booking flights for over their breaks. I cannot wait to be able to show people around my newfound home and let them experience everything that Trinity, and Ireland, has to offer. Even though my application to Trinity was somewhat of an afterthought at first, deep down I feel like I knew this was the place I would end up. Call it fate if you want, but when I was very young, my family and I vacationed to Ireland. We took a tour of the Trinity campus, and at one point my mom turned to me and said, “You know, Shannon, if you work really hard, you could end up here one day.” I’m sure she’s happy to know I took her advice.
compared to Maine South’s nearly 2,500 students. At Badger, I was met with so many different types of people from so many different situations. I met the children of rich real estate agents, farmers that work from sunrise to sunset everyday, poor kids that lived paycheck to paycheck in trailer homes, and everyone in between. No matter how different these people were, I noticed one thing they all had in common: they had respect for each other. No matter what walk of life you were from or what kind of car you drove or what clothes you wore, if you were nice to someone and showed them common courtesy, they returned the favor. Badger taught me that no matter where a person is from, what job they have, or what they look like, be genuine, be nice, and more often than not, people will return the courtesy. And if they don’t, then cut them off because they are not worth your time or effort. I left Badger half way through BIG STEPS FORWARD I might have a better car now than the one in sophomore year and came to school where I’m currently writing this this picture but, I am not a better driver.
commentary: Maine South High School. I spent most of high school here and it taught me a pretty important lesson. No matter how far you go in life, how much money you make, how nice your car is, or how big your house is, stay humble. I have seen so many Maine South students who think they are the top dog because of how rich their family is, what car they drive, or any one of the countless stupid things they believe judges popularity or status. They think they sit on this throne, but when they enter the real world that throne will be pulled out from under them and they will not be prepared. Most students at Maine South are not like that and are nice people with good intentions, and maybe I’ve been a little harsh in my criticism, but I have been told my blunt nature is both my best and worst quality. One thing I learned through all of high school was, to quote the Joker, “Why so serious?” Breathe, smile, take your time, and don’t be so serious. Do what you want. As long as you’re not bothering anyone else then who cares what they say about you?
method of encouragement to read and discuss with your peers really helped me to decide that this is a community I would like to be a part of. Ireland is known for its happy go-lucky people, a stereotype that is almost completely true. Whether you are a lost tourist or a town local, people never fail to give a wave or ask you how your day is. I have experienced the kindness and trustworthiness of the people in Ireland. For example, just this past time I was in Ireland visiting Trinity College, my taxi driver had given me his phone number when he learned I would be attending in the fall in case I ever needed a “lift.” It is the kind of unprecedented and unexpected warmth and kindness that makes me feel comfortable spending time so far away from home. Maine South has prepared me well for this experience. Being involved in so many clubs, sports, and activities has taught me the skills necessary to succeed. Maine South really allows students to explore all of their interests and put
SENIOR YEAR TAKES THE CAKE Similar to Dora the
Explorer, I will be exploring my way through Europe in college next fall!
Three high schools, one big take-away Michael Frazier
Production Editor ’m not a writer. I have been a photographer and production editor for this publication for two and a half years, and it was probably the best experience I’ve had in high school. I realize very few people will read this, which means I could throw whatever I want onto this page, but instead I’m going to get all preachy and tell you about what lessons I’ve learned from the three different high schools I’ve attended in my last four years. These lessons don’t just apply to high school but to all of life. My first high school was Guerin Prep in River Grove. It’s a private school with about 200 students in the entire school. Guerin was not a very rich school; despite it being private, most of the kids there were on scholarships or financial aid programs. It didn’t teach me much, but it taught me a life lesson that I think is an extremely important one: don’t get pressured into doing things you don’t want to do. If you don’t want to do something then just don’t. People may call you some names that I can’t
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publish here and they might even stop being your friend, but if they are willing to end a friendship because you won’t do what they say, then it was never a friendship you should have been a part of in the first place. Before the end of freshman year I moved to Badger High School in Lake Geneva. Badger covers four complete towns and has about 3,000 students
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SENIOR COMMENTARIES
| May 16, 2019
You’re your own worst enemy, and your own best friend Victoria Pontikes Entertainment Editor
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IF YOU LIKE PINA COLADAS Ever since 2005, my love for smoothies has only grown.
longer a mark of my failure. I now celebrate each and every person I meet for their uniqueness and what I can learn from them. My unhappiness with myself led me to a jaded and pessimistic worldview, in which I cowered from the capabilities of others. Today, I realize that the only way I can truly improve myself is through the guidance and wisdom of others. To 13-year-old Victoria, comparison was toxic. It led me astray; I fell further and further from
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THANKS FOR 1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068
Vol. 52, no. 1
October 9, 2015
1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068
Vol. 52, no. 2
November 20, 2015
December 16, 2015
ON TH ES
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Sizzlin’ Styles
Golf Gurus
Students talk about their Beat the heat with these cool Boys’ golf kicks off another experiences as custodians. summer trends. strong season. Page 8 Page 12 Page 15
Wall of Honor
Maine South adds two new inductees. Page 4
Being Isis
Laugh it Off
Junior wrestles with the mis- Students prepare for the conceptions of her name. opening of “Candide.� Page 6 Pages 8-9
Athletic TLC
A spotlight on the trainers’ daily routine. Page 16
Students gain an early ex- MS custodian trains to beperience in the workplace. come an MMA champion. Page 7 Page 8
Freshman AP courses boost challenge index. Page 4
Emily Myers speaks about her future in the Air Force. Page 6
See page 4
Hawk Voters
Battle of the Ballot Lasting Legacy Students explain why they support each candidate. Page 4
Clinton makes the most of her short time at South. Pages 8-9
Laugh It Off
TV shows use humor to discuss the election. Page 11
Treat yo’self
Smaha Spotlight
Celebrate your birthday with A look at the Smaha family a month full of freebies. legacy at MS. Page 11 Page 16
Junior Megan Wilcox and senior Jack Cahill-Lemme star in this year’s musical, ‘Big Fish.’ See page 12
We The People Constitution Team makes some big amendments. Page 4
Got roomie?
Spontaneity when choosing a roomate may not be bad. Page 7
Camera Ready Aces on the Team
Maine South students share Seniors lead boys’ volleytheir experiences as models. ball into a hopeful season. Pages 8-9 Page 16
Vol. 53, no. 5
pitch
PHOTO BY TED WYSHEL
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY MECH
With only hours left in the election, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump continue to have their sights set on the highest office in the land. Social Science dept. holds a mock election. Page 2
Act Your Age
Students fail to respect authority figures. Page 4
Maine South’s parking lots have reached a new level of chaos.
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
The Big Show
Powderpuff proves girls can Senior experiences success WMTH broadcasters shine be fierce and feminine. with shoe purchase program. spotlight on athletics. Page 6 Pages 9 Page 16
See pages 8-9
District 207 responds to e-mail inundation. Page 2
erfect 1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068
The band, choir, and orchestra win 17 awards at a national competition held in Washington D.C.
See pages 14-15
See page 13
Girls on the Field Get Your Kicks
Vol. 53, no. 4
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TACKLING Parking lot problems THE ODDS Risking the roads Lots of problems
TAKEOFF Bright Idea
December 16, 2016
After its first Conference loss in 16 years, Maine South football wins the state championship in a stunning upset of Loyola.
The Maine South Fall Play, “The Sparrow,� uses theatrical rigging to help its characters soar. Precautions considered to prevent accidents. Page 2
February 3, 2017
Vol. 53, no. 3
So you’re not traveling this Spring Break. Fear not—Southwords has your guide to the ultimate staycation.
You’ve Got Mail
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All eyes on the
Clothing business booms Southwords predicts the 2016 Athletes share their unique for senior Jaziah Vargas. Academy Award winners. game day traditions. Page 11 Pages 8-9 Page 16
! ge rds k pa wo bac uth on— So licati in App JoStaff
November 8, 2016
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Ethnic generalizations harm society. Page 6
Holiday classics rival their Nationally-ranked fencer modern counterparts. competes globally. Page 13 Page 16
! e ue verag Iss n co ial ctio ec f ele Spages o
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ReadyFOR
Vol. 52, no. 8
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See pages 8-9
Quick to Judge Man With A Plan The Oscar Draft Game Day Rituals
AP Availability Military Bound Carol Competition Fencing Master
Boys’ soccer celebrates a noteworthy season. Page 16
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October 14, 2016
April 21, 2016
Maine South is hosting the ‘Mr. Hawk’ pageant in order to raise money for the annual school wide fundraiser. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MONICA BIELAWIEC & KATE PAPCIAK
PHOTO BY MONICA BIELAWIEC
Fast & Furious
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MONICA BIELAWIEC
The Free ACT Real World Skills MMA Madness
District open to paying for state ACT. Page 3
Vol. 52, No. 7
BIG
Maine South is hosting the ‘Mr. Hawk’ pageant in order to raise money for the annual school wide fundraiser.
PHOTO by MOnica bielawiec
With Thanksgiving approaching, Southwords heads to the Windy City to rate the best pies in town. See page 2
PHOTO BY LAUREN PAPP
ILLUSTRATION BY BASIA CHRUSCINSKI
AP courses are more than just a score. Page 7
Junior Janitors
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See page 3
See pages 2-3
AP Agenda
March 24, 2016
Mr.Hawk
The ‘Star Wars’ resurgence electrifies students and teachers alike as generations of fans unite for the return of the popular saga. See pages 8-9
Maine South welcomes students with a brand new layout featuring Student Service Teams.
Vol. 52, No. 6
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GET HOOKED ON
force
See page 12
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February 26, 2016
Vol. 52, no. 4
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Faithful to
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PIE STUFF
From exuberant costumes to thunderous chants, super fans redefine what it means to show true Hawk pride.
Vol. 52, no. 3
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September 4, 2015
GREAT YEARS PHOTO BY MONICA BIELAWIEC
o one is better than you, but you are not better than anyone.� For a 13-year-old, self-doubtful Victoria, this phrase seemed to be a shallow promise. How could equality really be an inevitable truth in a world that I only looked at through comparisonhued lenses? I often thought not about at what I could be, but who I could be. For years, I tried to contort myself to fit my own impossible standards. What I wanted wasn’t real; it was an amalgamation of others, a Frankenstein’s monster of internal and external traits fueled by desperation and inadequacy. I was so enamored by my creation—my hand-stitched mental leech—that I was unable to realize its destructive potential. It was born from hate, and, like all evil things, from hate it was slain. Throughout high school, I’ve grown monumentally as a person, but the most important thing I’ve learned is to forgive myself. I’ve discovered the intricacies of a person who for years I’ve tried to change. While I sometimes may not like what I find, I must nonetheless accept it. I no longer measure myself by the standards of others. In embracing myself, I’m more open to embracing others as well. The success of others is no
truth, undermining myself by magnifying my flaws. Now, I’ve learned that only I have the power to stop my subconscious self-sabotage. Whenever I find myself wandering off into selfdoubt, rummaging through self-hate and worry, my mantra of equality tugs at me: “no one is better than you, but you are not better than anyone�. Yes, some people are simply smarter, faster, stronger, or more successful than others. But this, absolutely, does not make one person better than another. Self-worth is ever changing. Much like a fingerprint, one’s self-worth may manifest completely differently from person to person. Still, each individual is just as worthy and deserving. Now, I understand the detriments of not accepting yourself. Out of hatred for yourself, you fabricate something to incessantly beat you down. Out of hatred for the unattainable and the damaging, and out of love for yourself, you let your creation fizzle into nothingness. I’m sharing my story to make sure people don’t make the same mistakes. I refuse to let anyone hold themselves back because they are too busy looking at the potential of others to realize their own. Take it from someone who’s learning to love herself: no one is better than you, but you are not better than anyone.
Beverage Bill
Cook County places a tax on sugary drinks. Page 2
December 19, 2017
Deck the Halls
Local family Christmas display benefits charities. Page 7
Silent Knot
Spice up your holiday wardrobe with scarves. Page 12
Swim Superstar Freshman Annika Wagner breaks school records. Page 16
Post-Truth
“Fake News� replaces reputable journalism. Page 7
Working It Out
Athletic Alumni Fresh Folk Tale
Southwords reviews the best Talented MS graduates now Theater tech shines in this play at the collegiate level. year’s winter play. gyms in Park Ridge. Page 10 Page 12 Page 9
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April 20, 2018
Vol. 54, no. 4
1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068
Vol. 54, no. 7
See page 4
Select classes shift focus to blended learning. Page 3
See the Light
Viral Vectors
A tour of Chicagoland’s most Physics teacher gains fame festive decorations. for instructional videos. Pages 8-9 Page 12
Senior Claire Connolly plays Bebe in ‘A Chorus Line.’
Water Woes Donation Registration Hot Diggity Dog
Senior rower climbs national rankings. Page 16
Some faucets removed from service after tests. Page 2
TV ISSUE
THE December 18, 2018
Vol. 55, no. 4
1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068
MARCH 22, 2019 • VOL. 55, NO. 6
SOUTHWORDS SPECIAL ISSUE EVERYTHING TELEVISION!
State of the art Shop non-stop
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Senior artists show off their work at Ianelli Studios. Page 2
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
SCREEN 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
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL FRAZIER
Spring musical challenges a smaller-than-usual cast with original Broadway choreography. See page 10
Crew Chief
Rugby Rumble
Students seek opportunities to compete in unique sport. Page 16
TIME An in-depth look at how we consume television at Maine South and elsewhere.
Regular sports coverage on pages 18-20
Senior helps lower age for organ donors in Illinois. Page 12
Southwords reviews the best hot dogs in Chicagoland area. Pages 8-9
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April 18, 2019
Batter Up
Baseball gets off to hot start under new coach. Page 14
Vol. 55, no. 7
Together WORKING
Security guard Mr. Mike Roach hands out backpack tags to promote a greater level of trust between students and staff, especially regarding the issue of vaping. See page 8.
Sleep In
School start times to be later in 2019-20. Page 3
Lots of Polyglots Into the Woods
Students discuss the advan- Spring musical, ‘Into the tages of being polylingual. Woods,’ continues April 26-27. Page 9 Page 10
Kickin’ It
PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER
Despite the implementation of general parking, empty spots remain abundant. Mixing it Up
Singular Sensation
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL FRAZIER AND JUSTYNA LEPA
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
Parking sux
Girls’ soccer off to historic start. Page 16
Senior Issue
GRADUATION TIME
These gray shirts featured "207 Time"-themed logos, a nod to the new app.
GOOD LIFE
Takashi Murakami's cover art for Kanye West's "Graduation" was conveniently used to symbolize the seniors’ coming graduation.
| SENIOR COMMENTARIES
OVER THE HILL
Some seniors sported shirts that parodied the popular outdoor brand, "Patagonia."
SENIOR
TEE
PARTY FRIENDS FOR LIFE
This shirt mimics the "Friends" logo from the ’90s sitcom.
SENIOR MODE
Scott's hit, "Sicko Mode."
This shirt references Travis
Seniors demonstrated their creative abilities, showing off original designs on T-shirts. Ranging from clothing brands to music parodies, they all showcased the senior spirit.
BIG AND BOLD
Simple and to the point, these Maine South-themed shirts used a stylized "BIG" with "19" serving a dual purpose.
CLASS FROM THE PAST
These tye-dye shirts were a throwback to "That ’70s Show."
LIFE IS GOOD
These T-shirts repped openly optimistic "Life is Good" graduation-themed logos.
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FEMALE ATHLETES
| May 16, 2019
Colleen Johnson Badminton
Nicole Scales Basketball
Brooklyn Gonzalez Cheerleading
Carley Bomrad Cross Country
Colleen Johnson was a twoyear varsity member and a captain her senior year, having played the number-one and number-two singles spots and number-one doubles spot. She was known for being strategic on the court and persevering despite tough competition; Johnson has been a great help to her teammates and has led by example. She was known for her strong work ethic and determination during the season. “It is not often that players are at the top spots for both doubles and singles,” Coach Eve MuirWilson said. “Colleen is a good leader and a great support to the team.” Johnson will be attending Syracuse University to study journalism.
Nicole Scales was a two-year captain and three-year varsity starter as guard. Her skills led her to receive All-Conference honors in the CSL for three consecutive seasons. Scales was an All-Tournament selection for many tournaments, in addition to an IBCA All-State Special Mention. She scored 1,064 points in her career, 8th all-time in program history; she was first in program history for three-pointers and fourth all-time for free-throw percentage. “She is a true model for players on how to lead, support, and treat her teammates,” Coach Jeff Hamann said. She will be playing Division I basketball at North Dakota State University.
Brooklyn Gonzalez was a four-year varsity member who was a secondary base. She has been invaluable in mentoring the younger cheerleaders on the team. She is someone who always motivated the team at practices and competitions to continue to work hard and do their best. This past season, under the leadership of Gonzalez, the varsity team placed second in the CSL Conference and sixth at Sectionals. “She always had a smile on her face and brought such a positive attitude to the team,” Coach Brittany Pater said. “She had goals for her stunt group that she achieved by the end of the season.” Gonzalez will be attending Parkland College.
Carley Bomrad was a two-year varsity member and was a captain her senior year. Her commitment to the team was evident. She was a member of the top seven runners for the past season, running as the number five runner. During her junior year, she was the difference maker in advancing the team to the IHSA State Cross-Country meet. “Carley is a great teammate and a great leader,” Coach Jeff Downing said. Her teammates consider her easy to talk to, willing to listen, and someone who models how to become a better runner through dedication and discipline. Bomrad will be attending The Ohio State University next fall.
Hannah Schilling Soccer
Emily Reczek Softball
Margaret Edsey Swimming
Jennifer Ptak Tennis
Hannah Schilling was a four-year varsity player and two-year captain who has played forward, midfield, and defense. Schilling is of high character and took being a good teammate very seriously. She is very skilled on the field; she is able to track the other team’s best player when needed in order to add more pressure. Although quiet, she led the team by example, always putting her teammates first. “Hannah can do it all on the soccer field,” Coach JJ Crawford said. “She is an incredible athlete.” Schilling will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she may play club soccer or basketball.
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Emily Reczek was a four-year varsity catcher and captain. Her determination gave her many opportunities to take on a leadership role within the team. She gave great support to her teammates. “Anyone that knows Emily’s story about her time on varsity can learn that hard work pays off, and when your number is called, you need to be ready,” Coach Emmy Pasier said. In her career, she had multiple three-hit games and a fielding percentage of over .980 in all four years behind the plate. Reczek will be continuing her softball career at North Park College and will be majoring in nursing.
Margaret Edsey was a four-year varsity swimmer, primarily swimming freestyle. She always had the best interests of the team in mind, and cared about achieving the team’s goals for the season. During her senior year, she qualified for State in the 400 free relay. Because of her leadership, performance, and contributions to team success during meets and in practice, Edsey was chosen as this season’s senior MVP. “Her attitude has helped create an environment where hard work and commitment are expected by all team members,” Coach Donald Kura said. Edsey will be attending Georgetown University.
Jennifer Ptak was a three-year varsity member who has played both number-one and number-two singles. She was a three-year Sectional runnerup and State qualifier, placing in the 16th her senior year. In addition, she was a three-year All-Conference selection. “[Jen] is hardworking, and a driven person who leads by example,” Coach Gerry Smith said. She has impacted the team through her guidance, and ensured that her teammates were always put first. She is a great competitor who has continuously worked to improve every year. Ptak will be attending Carthage College to play tennis.
Senior Issue
Noreen Daly Golf
Noreen Daly was a three-year varsity golfer and captain. Daly is described as uplifting, passionate, hard-working, and focused on and off the course. “She has a unique competitive attitude that allows her to play consistently over long tournaments and come out with a win,” Coach Kayla Hansen said. She was voted MVP unanimously by the team and coaching staff for her competitive attitude that has allowed her to play consistently at many tournaments. She scored a 9-hole low of 36. This season, Daly was also a Sectional and State-qualifier. She will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign next year.
Caleigh Pistorius Gymnastics
Caleigh Pistorius was a four-year varsity member and two-year captain. Although challenged by injuries, Pistorius remained persistent to get her skills back. Placing in the top five scores on Maine South’s record board has led Pistorius to be the most decorated gymnast in school history. She was a Sectional and State-qualifier all four years, in addition to All-State honors. This year, Pistorius led her team to State for the first time in school history, placing third overall. “She has been a vital part of the team in assisting others with being the best athletes they can be,” Coach Tessa Robinson said. Pistorius will be attending the University of Dayton.
Katie Dingle Track & Field
Katie Dingle was a four-year varsity member and two-year captain. In her high school career, she has been a runner, jumper and hurdler. Dingle has earned All-Conference honors and has qualified for the IHSA State meet individually in the high jump and hurdles. “Katie leads by example as she shows her fellow teammates how to train, how to prepare for meet, and how to compete at the highest levels,” Coach Jeff Downing said. Currently, Dingle has five school records in the track program. Dingle will be attending Marquette University and competing on scholarship there.
Hannah Kreger Hawkettes
Hannah Kreger was a four-year varsity Hawkette and two-year captain. “You could always count on Hannah to be a helping hand, and a voice of reason,” Coach Casey Gibbons said. “Her positive energy inspired her team to work harder every day.” Kreger helped lead her team to win a National Championship her senior year and place second her junior year. Along with being a part of Hawkettes, Hannah was also a part of the Studio 22 company team during the off-season. Her commitment and dedication has led her to be a 2019 CSL and IHSA Scholar Athlete. Kreger will be attending the University of Southern California.
Katie Carmichael Volleyball
Katie Carmichael was a four-year varsity setter and two-year captain. Rarely leaving the court during her junior and senior years, she was chosen senior MVP. She was also nominated for Athlete of the year for the CSL Conference, along with being a two-year All-Conference selection. Her hard work ethic set an example for her team. “Katie went into every practice as if it was a game setting,” Coach Kathleen Durkin said. “While she kept up the competitive spirit, she made sure that the volleyball experience was fun.” She will be continuing her volleyball career at Division III Emory University.
| FEMALE ATHLETES
Katie Haley Lacrosse
Katie Haley was a four-year varsity player who plays center midfield. Haley's perseverance and leadership displayed through the years is part of the reason she was chosen as this year’s senior MVP. Her commitment and dedication to the sport has been very evident; Haley has received All-Conference honors, as well as IHSA All-State honors during her time on the team. “Katie is a natural born athlete with a strong passion for lacrosse,” Coach Paige Comito said. “[She] is one of the best lacrosse players to come through Maine South.” Haley will be playing Division I lacrosse at the University of Colorado-Boulder next fall.
Jillian Bacon Water Polo
Jillian Bacon was a four-year varsity member who played utility and hole set. Bacon shares a spot as the leading scorer on her team, as well as having the second most positive turnovers as a leading defender. “Jill’s legacy is inspiring girls to excel and never stopping at people’s expectations—going above and beyond,” Coach Heather Rehm said. Bacon’s attitude was infectious, and her passion paved the way for younger athletes at Maine South. As a dominant player on the team, she always rose to meet challenges. Bacon will continue her water polo career playing at Carthage College.
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MALE ATHLETES
| May 16, 2019
Bobby Rinaldi Baseball
Bobby Rinaldi has been a twoyear varsity member of the baseball team, where he competes as a third baseman. Rinaldi comes with a strong work ethic everyday to practice. “Bobby is a prime example of what a Maine South Hawk baseball player is supposed to look like,” Coach Brian Lorenz said. “[He] wants to make not only himself better, but his teammates as well.” Currently, Rinaldi leads the team in RBI’s and has helped them to big wins against Loyola Academy, Lane Tech, and York. Rinaldi will be attending Illinois State University next year.
Filip Bulatovic Basketball
Filllip Bulatovic was a three-year varsity player on the boys’ basketball team as a guard. Bulatovic served as a captain this year and was selected as a CSL All-Conference player. Bulatovic had 972 career points; he had 16.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game. He earned Special Mention All-State, First Team All-Area for The Villager, Second Team All-Area for Pioneer Press, and All-Area Honorable Mention in the Sun-Times. Bulatovic is currently undecided in where he will attend school next year, but he will be continuing his basketball career.
Luke Wagner Swimming
Luke Wagner was a four-year varsity swimmer, competing as a freestyler. “Luke has been a very talented, hard-working, consistent swimmer who has been a subtle, steady, and supportive member and captain this year of the boys swim team,” Coach Christopher Deger said. Wagner has been an anchor for three school record-breaking relays in the 200 medley, 200 free, and 400 free. He has been a very versatile member of the team with success in long distance and sprint swimming. Wagner will be attending Purdue University next year, where he is considering playing water polo.
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Tommy Brady
Cross Country
Tommy Brady was a t hree year varsity runner for the cross country team. He is known as a great competitor, but always shows exemplary character—earning the CSL Sportsmanship award this year. “Tommy is an incredibly dedicated and positive young man who exemplifies the sport of running and the sportsmanship associated with it,” Coach Greg Nordahl said. Brady holds two school records and earned a second-place title in State this year. He will be attending the University of Michigan next year, where he will run Cross Country and Track.
Stephen Marino Tennis
Stephen Marino was a four-year varsity member of the boys’ tennis team, competing in first and second singles and first and second doubles. He is also a captain this season. Marino is known as a dedicated and compassionate member of the team. “He has dedicated himself to the sport and has made himself and others better players,” Coach Gerald Smith said. Marino is a captain this year, and he has made the sectional lineup the last three years and plans to do that again this year. Marino will be attending Georgia Tech next year, where he plans to continue playing tennis non-competitively.
Danny Wolf Football
Danny Wolf was a two-year varsity starter for the football team as a running back and outside line backer. “His ability to communicate on the field, his tenacity on every play, and his production on both sides of the ball have been outstanding,” Coach David Inserra said. Wolf was the leading rusher with 610 yards, 8 TD’s, and he had 56 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. He earned AllConference and All-Area Honorable Mention in the 2018 season. Wolf will be attending Johns Hopkins University next year, where he will be continuing his football career.
Tommy Brady
Track & Field
Tommy Brady, a three-year varsity runner, has excelled at the 1,600M and the 3,200M over his career. Brady has set an example for the rest of the program with his extremely high work ethic. “Tommy is the top 3,200 meter runner Maine South has ever seen,” Coach Scott Sutschek said. Brady took 8th place in the 3,200M at State his sophomore year and 3rd place his junior year. This puts Brady on track to be the first three-time All-Stater in track at Maine South. He will be attending the University of Michigan next year, where he will continue his Cross Country and Track career.
Senior Issue
Henry Hoelscher Golf
Henry Hoelscher was a twoyear varsity member of the boys’ golf team. Hoelscher was one of the most consistent players on the team this year—leading the team to their third straight Regional title.“He always played with composure and purpose, had an awesome swing, and unbelievable distance off the tee with a driver,” Coach Steve Scholl said. This past season, Hoelscher shot a 39 nine-hole average and a 77 eighteenhole average. He shot 79 at both Regionals and Sectionals. Hoelscher will be attending Elon University next year, where he will try out for the golf team.
Mark Olszewski Hockey
Mark Olszewski was a four-year varsity member of the boys’ Maine Hockey team and served as a captain this year. Olszewski has been an extremely dedicated and selfless player for the team over the past four years. He helped lead the team to a state-semifinal appearance in the 2018-2019 season. “Mark is an exceptional hockey player, he sees the ice well and he embraced his role as a leader,” Coach Greg Mrofcza said. “Mark leaves large skates to be filled both on and off the ice for Maine hockey.” Olszewski will be attending the University of Colorado-Boulder next year.
John Gardiner Lacrosse
John Gardiner was a two-year varsity member of the boys’ lacrosse team where he played midfield, defensive midfield, close-defense, and long-stick midfield. Gardiner is known as a dedicated and versatile athlete, going through a few position changes. He has been a positive role model in the program. “His great team-first attitude is an example to his teammates and the program of how players need to buy in to achieve team goals,” Coach Camerin Staffel said. Next year, Gardiner will attend Marquette University, where he plans to participate in club lacrosse and club soccer.
| MALE ATHLETES
Alex Olson Soccer
Alex Olson was a three-year varsity member of the boys’ soccer team as a midfielder. Olson was selected as a Pioneer Press All-Area Athlete this year as well as making the AllTournament team at the St. Charles and Jacksonville tournaments. “He has excellent technical skills and deceptive quickness that combine to make him a dangerous attacking midfielder who can shoot effectively with either foot,” Coach Daniel States said. Olson totaled 28 goals and 11 assists over his career. He will be attending Bradley University next year, where he will continue his soccer career.
Jack Bolz Volleyball
Jovan Barac Water Polo
Jon Halvorsen Wrestling
Jack Bolz was a three-year varsity player for the boys’ volleyball team. He is one of the top-rated opposite hitters in the area and is known for his competitiveness and positive attitude. “Jack is a true competitor and is always looking for ways to better himself and to help his team succeed,” Coach Gary Granell said. Bolz leads the team in kills, blocks, and passing percentage so far this season. He has helped bring the team to a winning record so far this year. He will be attending Division I George Mason University next year, where he will play on the volleyball team.
Jovan Barac was a three-year varsity member of the boys’ water polo team as a hole set. He has been a huge scoring weapon ever since his freshman year on JV. “[Barac is] a dependable scorer, a hard shot, and a very determined player,” Coach Terry Lyons said. He is one of the all-time leading varsity scorers at Maine South and will most likely finish his career around the fifth or sixth. Barac is a smart player that is known for having a good sense of humor on the team. He will be attending the University of Illinois next year and is considering playing water polo there.
Jon Halvorsen was a four-year varsity member of the wrestling team where he competed in the 170 and 182 pound weight class. Halvorsen was a two-time captain as well as a two-time all-stater in wrestling. “Jon has set a new standard of excellence for Maine South wrestling. The expectation for our top athletes has been raised,” Coach Kevin Hansen said. He was Maine South’s first state finalist in 50 years and finished his career third in all-time victories in Maine South history. He will be attending Northwestern next year, where he will continue to wrestle.
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SENIOR ATHLETES
| May 16, 2019
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