Vol. 56, Issue 4 Southwords

NEWS

| December 16, 2019

Former astronaut inspires students to dream big

Jessie Beck

Editorial Assistant r. Michael Massimino, a former astronaut for NASA, New York Times Bestselling Author, Columbia University Professor of mechanical engineering, and recurring guest on CBS comedy “The Big Bang Theory,” came to Watson Auditorium on Nov. 8 during seventh and eighth periods to share his experiences and advice with Maine South students regarding his career path and STEM careers.

Massimino earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University in 1984. After earning his master’s degree in Technology and Public Policy and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he went on to work at NASA first as an engineer, then later as an astronaut. In 2016, he published a book called “Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe” which became a New York Times Bestseller.

Massimino was in the Midwest representing Columbia University, and Career Coordinator Laura Wilkens reached out to see if he would like to give a presentation at our school. Massimino came voluntarily to share his experiences and promote Columbia University.

“This was a really unique opportunity because we don’t often have guest speakers come to Maine South, and this one was really interesting,” senior Niko Koupas said.

In his talk, Massimino focused mostly on his

D

experiences at NASA. He shared how prior to enjoying the magnificent views, the adventure of a applying for the job, he never thought he would lifetime has begun!” become an astronaut. In fact, after finally building Massimino displayed many photos throughout up the courage to apply, he was not offered a his talk, including his graduating class of astronauts position right away. He explained that he didn’t and pictures from space. One picture showed give up on his dream—he applied several more Massimino as a little boy, wearing an astronaut times until he was finally admitted to the astronaut costume for Halloween. He smiled as he held up training program years later. his toy astronaut Snoopy. Many years later on his Teachers and students alike enjoyed this part space flight, he recreated the same picture with of the story.

Snoopy and shared this with the students.

“I really appreciated the fact that he talked Since this message can be applied to any career, about how he applied three the event was a valuable or four times before he was “Most people think that experience for all students, accepted,” physics teacher Ms. being an astronaut is not just those pursuing STEM Kay Orosz said. “He just kept careers. on improving his qualifications. just a childhood dream, Many stud ents found I really really appreciated that but the way he did it Massimino’s talk to be very detail.” shows that it’s possible” inspiring.

Massimino shared pictures “Most people think that -Joana Flores, ‘21being an astronaut is just a an d s t or i e s of h i s f l i g ht assignment and some of the childhood dream, but the way mechanical work he performed. He worked on that he did it shows that it’s possible,” junior Joana upgrading the Hubble Space Telescope on two Flores said. different servicing missions, STS-109 Columbia Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at and STS-125 Atlantis.

Columbia University Jessica Marinaccio joined During the Atlantis flight, Massimino became Massimino and provided information about the first person to tweet from space. He admitted opportunities at Columbia. The CCRC hoped that that he had no idea what the tweet should say and this would inspire students in both their college decided he wouldn’t think about it until he got to search and career pursuits. space. Once in flight, he settled on a message that he “We hope that students will be inspired by deemed not quite as legendary as Neil Armstrong’s Massimino to follow their passion and work hard famous words from the moon: “From orbit: Launch to achieve their goals,” Ms. Wilkens said. “Even was awesome!! I am feeling great, working hard, & when those goals seem out of reach.”

Seniors showcase artwork at Iannelli Studios

Michael Paprocki News Writer

ach year, Maine South High School hosts an art showcase where the seniors involved in advanced art classes showcase their work from all of their years at Maine South. The showcase was designed for higher level art students who have taken three or four years of art classes.

The showcase is held at Iannelli Studios on Northwest Highway near Uptown Park Ridge.

Each year, Iannelli Studios offers the Don Peglar Scholarship to Maine South visual art students through the Kalo Foundation, which owns and operates the studio.

The work on display at Iannelli Studios spanned from small-scale sculptures, copper artwork, and traditional paint-on-canvas works to other unique art forms. Students had the option to select pieces finished during any of their years at Maine South.

This year, over 20 senior artists were represented at the show.

The art show is looked forward to by students, staff, and parents alike.

“I love the senior showcase because it really shows how much amazing talent we have at South,” junior Thomas Tricario said. “As an instrumentalist myself, I have a great appreciation for the arts, and it

2 SouthwordS

PHOTO BY KEELEY FLYNN

E

ART ON DISPLAY Seniors Celine Kapolnek and Mariya Bendus (left to right) look at various art displays at Iannelli Studios. Works on display included paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and digital art. makes me happy to see all the talent at Maine South that is expressed through this event.”

Some of the artwork on display was also for sale to friends, family, and community members.

The proceeds went towards art supplies and college

tuition.

To see a glimpse of the efforts the students of the Art Department has worked on, visit the display cases in the V-Wing and the boards in the Auditorium Lobby.

December 16, 2019

| NEWS

Maine South Mock Trial team visits Harvard PHOTO COURTESY CHARLOTTE GEIER

Lilli Bresnahan News Writer

O

ver the weekend of Nov. 15, the Maine South Mock Trial team attended the Angela R. Mathew High School Seminar Program at Harvard University.

Each fall, the Harvard Mock Trial Team puts on two seminars offering tips, training, and practice for high school teams. The Maine South team spent two days at the university.

“We chose to apply and attend,” social science teacher and Mock Trial sponsor Mr. McArthur said. “We were kept busy from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, with breaks to go out and eat on our own.”

There were themed sessions for the two days the team visited Harvard.

Each session came with a presentation or lecture by a member of the Harvard team. Sessions focused on various aspects of case presentation. “[There was] a breakout session with a mentor from the Harvard team whose job it was to help our students take the information from the presentations and work it into putting together a case for a scrimmage with another school on Sunday evening,” Mr. McArthur said.

“On Sunday evening, we did a two

I OBJECT!

The Maine South Mock Trial Team attends the Harvard Mock Trial program. The team spent two days at the university.

hour scrimmage with a school from New York.”

The experience provided multiple benefits for students, including help to prepare for their next competition.

“We were able to see how a high level college team would prepare their case and use evidence,” senior lead attorney Kendall Koenen said.

“It will greatly help us compete against the competitive schools at state and regional competitions. We learned [that] less is more when it comes to using and presenting evidence and how we should properly set up our examinations. Additionally, they had a lot of small tips to help us with presentation skills.”

Another benefit from the program was learning to work better as a team.

“It really helped us understand and comprehend how to work as a team and to understand how important being a cohesive unit instead of individual performers is,” senior Carolina Kuja said.“I think the most valuable thing we learned was attorney/witness chemistry.

You’re supposed to know each other and be helping each other out. If you just regurgitate the information in the affidavit, it sounds rehearsed and is just super boring to watch. I learned how to be a better witness.

Characterization is a really important part of likability and how much the

jury and judge trusts you.”

Overall, the trip improved the team’s competitiveness.

“I was looking for new ways to continue to improve the team’s competitiveness, and I think the Harvard program did a good job,” Mr. McArthur said. “We picked up some tips, and a well-written handbook that I can share with our other students.”

Sponsors of the Mock Trial team saw benefits to team members and sponsors alike.

“For myself, I didn’t learn anything really new that I didn’t already know, but I did pick up some new ways to describe to students what they are trying to do with their case preparation, and why,” Mr. McArthur said.

Te a m m e m b e r s h a d t h e opportunity to listen to both old and new information.

“For the students, hearing from Harvard students was hearing some new ways of looking at things that I’d been telling them for a while, and it was more fun hearing it from a variety of people in some new and sometimes entertaining ways,” Mr. McArthur said. “They were also forced to quickly work as a team to meet a short case deadline.”

New associate principal hired Adjustments made to finals Gabriella Laudando

from the University of Illinois later this month. Ms. Jun currently lives in News Writer t t he Novemb er b oard of Champaign with her husband.

Ms. Jun has been the associate education meeting, the board approved the recommendation of Ms. principal at Champaign Central High Iris Jun to become the new Associate School for the past five years. She was Principal of Human Resources for the also the department chair for the ESL department at Palatine High School 2020-2021 school year.

“Her deep experience in equity, for ten years, and she taught in the approachable nature, instructional department for 19 years.

Additionally, lens, and operational she has been a a b i l i t i e s m a k e s “Her deep experience in dean and the Title her a dynamic team member who equity, approachable na- I Coordinator.

E n g l i s h will support our ture, instructional lens, c ont i nu e d work and operational abilities Department chair Matt Parrilli has at Maine South,” been hired for principal Dr. Ben makes her a dynamic the same open Collins said. team member.”

Over 100 -Dr. Ben Collins position at Maine West. candidates applied “We will miss Matt very much for the three open Associate Principal at South, but know that he has done positions.

Ms. Jun has degrees from the remarkable work and will be leaving University of Illinois, Northeastern the [English] department in great Illinois University, and Roosevelt shape for the next department chair,” University. She will receive her Ph.D. Dr. Collins said.

A

Emma Crosson

News Editor hanges have been made to the structure of finals since the publication of the previous issue.

Seniors in a semester class will now have optional finals. All grades for seniors in a semester class must be entered by teachers prior to 7:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13.

Seniors must inform teachers by the end of class on Monday, Dec. 16 whether or not they will be taking the final exam.

Non-seniors will still be expected to attend the final exam period regardless of the type of assessment

C

given, with the exception of P.E. classes (Health classes must still attend finals).

Teachers may decide to give a different assessment, such as a unit exam or project, or no assessment at all on the designated finals day.

The schedule remains two exams per day over the course of four days, going from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The policy about waiving second semester finals for AP exams is also in place.

The LRC will be open from 6:3011:45 a.m. for individual silent study, and the student cafe will be open from 7:00-11: 45 a.m. for collaborative study.

2019-2020 First Semester Final Exam Schedule TUESDAY, 12/17

WEDNESDAY, 12/18

THURSDAY, 12/19

FRIDAY, 12/20

PERIOD 1 8:30-10 a.m.

PERIOD 2 8:30-10 a.m.

PERIOD 7 8:30-10 a.m.

PERIOD 8 8:30-10 a.m.

PERIOD 3 PERIOD 4 10:15-11:45 a.m. 10:15-11:45 a.m.

PERIOD 5 PERIOD 6 10:15-11:45 a.m. 10:15-11:45 a.m.

SouthwordS 3

NEWS | December 16, 2019

Decade in review: the 10 biggest changes to Maine South Luigi Laudando News Editor

W

ith the start of a new decade and big changes to come to Maine South, Southwords looks at all the changes that have occurred over the last decade. Here is a definitive list of the ten most significant changes.

2010: Mr. Messmer becomes new principal

2010: Quest Foods becomes new food provider

Mr. Shawn Messmer served as Maine South principal from the 2010-2011 school year to the 2016-2017 school year. Mr. Messmer become an assistant superintendent for the following school year. Prior to coming to Maine South, Mr. Messmer was an assistant principal at a high school in suburban Philadelphia.

2011: Collaboration day schedule change

1 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a

8:48 – 9:24 9:29 – 9:45 9:50 – 10:06 10:11 – 10:27 10:32 – 10:48 10:53 – 11:11 11:16 – 11:34 11:39 – 11:57 5b 12:02 – 12:20

Starting with the 2010-2011 school year, Quest Foods replaced Sodexo as Maine South’s food provider.

Dissatisfaction with Sodexo and a lack of healthy options led to the change. Quest Foods also offered a more direct relationship with students. The school’s original agreement with Quest Foods was a four-year contract, but it was extended, as Quest Foods is still Maine South’s food vendor.

6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9

12:25 – 12:43 12:48 – 1:06 1:11 – 1:29 1:34 – 1:52 1:57 – 2:13 2:18 – 2:34 2:39 – 3:15

Traditionally on collaboration days, school would start at 9:40 a.m. every other Wednesday. The 2011-2012 school year saw this change to 8:48 a.m. every Wednesday. This change stayed in place until the shift to the hybrid schedule for the 2018-2019 school year. Collaboration day was eliminated for the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers now have meetings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

2016: 40% rule and retake policy

The district revised its grading scale to not allow any scores under 40%. This policy was implemented to lessen the effect of the “killer zero” on an assignment that could skew a student’s grade. There was also the implementation of a retake policy for summatives that allowed students to complete remediation work in an attempt to improve their grade. The better grade of the two assessments would count. This part of the retake policy changed the following school year with the retake score being the one that counted, regardless of whether it was an improvement.

2018: Hybrid schedule

The district shifted away from the traditional nine-period day for a new hybrid schedule. School start time changed from 7:45 to 8:05 and late start moved to Thursdays at 8:45 instead of 8:48. Regular eight-period days had 50-minute periods, while the late start day had 45-minute periods. Tuesdays (periods 1, 3, 5, 7) and Wednesdays (periods 2, 4, 6, 8) were block days with 90-minute periods.

2019: Phone pocket policy

The 2019-2020 school year saw a drastic change to Maine South’s historically liberal phone policy. In the past, students were allowed to keep cell phones in their pocket during class. Under this new policy, each classroom has a numbered pouch for student phones. Students are required to place their phone in the pouch for the duration of each class period.

4 SouthwordS

2015: School year starts and ends two weeks earlier

Starting with the fall of 2015, the start and end of the school year was moved up two weeks. This was done to have first semester finals coincide with the start of winter break, so students wouldn’t have to re-learn material after break. Under the old calendar, finals would happen two weeks after returning from winter break. Ending the school year earlier would also help students in gaining summer employment.

This new calendar is still in place.

2017: Dr. Collins becomes principal

After Dr. Messmer’s promotion to Assistant Superintendent for District 207, Dr. Ben Collins became the new Maine South principal. Before becoming principal, Dr. Collins served as the Associate Principal for Teaching and Learning at Maine West for three years. He also served as Division Coordinator for Fine Arts, CTE, and Physical education and Music Department chair at Batavia High school.

2018: Cafeteria and C-wing construction

To accommodate the new hybrid schedule, visible construction changes were made to the building. A new extension to the cafeteria was added, along with the enlargement of C-wing rooms C134 and C140. These changes eliminated outdoor seating and caused the relocation of English classrooms.

Academic support rooms and the testing center were also relocated.

2019: Revised hybrid schedule

After the introduction of the hybrid schedule, changes were made to accommodate overcrowding. Most significantly, block days moved to Wednesdays and Thursdays., and the order of periods on block days also changed, with lunch periods starting and ending the day. This was done so all students with a lunch period would be guaranteed at least one school day with late arrival or early dismissal.

COMMENTARY

| December 16. 2019

‘OK, Boomer’ is rude, but relevant Jason Lee Commentary Writer ver the past month, the popular phrase, “OK, Boomer” has transcended its way from a meme on the popular social media app, Tik Tok, to mainstream media and common slang. “OK, Boomer” is used by Millenials and Gen Z’ers to dismiss out-of-touch Baby Boomers for their oldfashioned tendencies and condescending behavior towards younger generations.

After years of Boomers badgering Millennials for eating avocado toast and Gen Z’ers for their “screen addiction,” both generations have come up with a phrase to poke fun at Boomers themselves.

However, some are offended by this new expression because of the ageist connotations and disrespect for a generation so used to being respected. Some even go as far as to declare it a fireable offense as a form of age discrimination.

The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects members of the workforce over the age of 40 from age-based discrimination or harassment. Saying “OK, Boomer” could potentially fall under this category, which has a lot of people riled up. Meanwhile, there is no federal protection for members of the LGBTQ in the workplace. Calling a Boomer a “Boomer” at

O

The Baby Boomers are deserving of the ridiwork is considered hate speech, but it’s still legal to fire an employee for their sexual orientation or cule they’re receiving because the opinions they gender identity. This is yet another example of the have led to laws (or lack thereof) being made that government using its time and resources to pro- harm other generations. For example, Boomers have neglected to enact gun control. Many Boomtect those who need the least protection.

Although it’s not the most polite thing to say, ers value the Second Amendment and tradition so many Millennials feel justified in their using this much that they’d rather continue in this trajectory sharp comeback against older generations. The of shootings rather than make laws to stop them.

Many Boomers also deny the legitimacy of cliBaby Boomers have blamed the “Me Generation” (a degrading nickname they gave Millennials) for mate change, even though they are the creators of “murdering” about every market you could think it. We need to change this, yet many Boomers in of, from department stores and casual dining to politics have deemed climate change insignificant, if not a “hoax.” Boomers are the housing market and dia“For so long we’ve been entitled to their opinions, mond industry.

Millennials are also ac- raised to believe that the but when their opinions neglect or cause serious cused of having a poor work older generations are problems, they absolutely ethic and bad money management, preferring to spend automatically right and are deserving of ridicule.

For so long we’ve been their money on experiences shouldn’t be questioned.” raised to believe that the rather than material goods. older generations are autoMillennials are in serious financial strife and debt, most of which is student matically right and shouldn’t be questioned. That’s debt because many Millennials chose to further not true. Age does not equal awareness. We must their education by pursuing a degree. Millennials stand up to advocate for the problems we see in don’t have enough disposable income to be pro- the world. It is our responsibility as the future of longing the life of casual dining establishments or our nation to resist the apathy of older generations and create the world we want to live in. the superfluous luxuries that Boomers enjoy.

Although many Boomers are offended by the On top of that, Millennials are busy with humanitarian efforts, such as fighting racism and phrase, it’s a small price to pay for change. If a other human rights violations. In addition, they’re Boomer in your life is harping on about how clirising up to try to save a rapidly decaying environ- mate change doesn’t exist or that gun control isn’t ment. Millennials have bigger fish to fry than to necessary, there’s one comeback that will apply to everything: “OK, Boomer.” stop the designer handbag industry’s decline.

My quest to reignite my Christmas spirit Erin Martin

Editor-in-Chief hen watching “The Polar Express” for what felt like the millionth time, something about my Christmas spirit felt different. At the end of the movie, the boy receives one of Santa’s bells, and when he shows his parents the next day, they can’t hear it because they no longer believe in the spirit of Christmas.

I never thought I would become the kind of person that could no longer hear the bell; unfortunately it seems I have.

Christmas morning used to begin with me waking up at an ungodly hour and forcing my sisters to come along, waiting for our mom to tell us to come downstairs. I’d make my sisters cover my eyes so I would be surprised by all the presents.

Now, I sleep in too late and am woken up by my sisters. I go downstairs, eyes uncovered, still

W

yawning. As I’ve grown up, I let the magic slip away. Somehow I let myself forget that, as they say on the “Polar Express,” seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.

This year I’m ready to bring the magic back; I am determined to hear the bell. I am going to encompass the spirit of Santa and his most important characteristics: generosity, kindness, and warmth.

My mom always tells me to be grateful for what I have and as I’ve learned, she’s always right. Ever since my sisters left for college I have dreaded the “quality family time” that my mother forces around the holiday season.

I realized, though, that the memories of making Christmas cookies with my family are going to be the ones I remember. So, instead of going to my friend’s house and sitting on my phone for hours, I am going to stay home and cherish the time I have when my sisters and I are all under one roof.

What makes Christmas the most special is giving to others. There is so much magic that we ignore during the Christmas season as we get older.

Whether we are too busy with finals, sports, or work, we forget to stop and take in the holidays. It is the time of year that, for some reason, everyone

does their best to be the best person they can be.

While, yes, some are persuaded by Santa’s naughty and nice list, others are simply inspired by the holiday spirit, something I strive to achieve.

This year I will be participating in the Our Lady of Angels Christmas Party in Humboldt Park for the second time. Seeing the faces of those young kids and their parents as we hand them their holiday gifts is what embodies the spirit of Christmas.

“Believing” doesn’t have to just be in regards to one person or thing but rather believing in yourself that you can help others.

As Christmas morning approaches I have decided to bring a few traditions back. This year, I plan on baking cookies and leaving them out for Santa, leaving out carrots for the reindeer, and going to bed early in hopes of a doe-eyed morning.

While, yes, the circumstances of Christmas morning have changed, I am choosing to participate in the fun.

Growing up doesn’t have to mean that the magic dies; if anything, the magic grows into something even more meaningful.

If I focus on family and giving back to the ones I care about, I am positive that this year I will be able to hear the bell.

SouthwordS 5

COMMENTARY

| December 16, 2019

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

Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords

ILLUSTRATION BY ISABEL GIBSON

STAFF EDITORIAL

Inconsistent communication often leads to student frustrations

D

istrict 207 is constantly making changes in order to improve the school environment. Finals are now four days instead of three. Most recently, first semester senior finals were made optional for semester classes. Additionally, teachers must now have senior grades for semester classes finalized by the morning of Friday, Dec. 13 so students know whether or not they should take the optional final.

These changes to finals have been largely appreciated by the student body, as many feel the four-day finals schedule eases stress and optional semester class finals for seniors better aligns with second semester policies.

H o w e v e r, w e a l s o b e l i e v e that the administration needs to empower students by more clearly communicating these changes to the students themselves.

Students were not sent any emails about these changes to finals, and many students only found out about the changes through teachers announcing the changes during class.

The only place for students to be able to find these changes on their own was in Hawk Squawk, the online bulletin meant for parents. Otherwise, the new finals policy was sent or communicated only to administrators, teachers, and parents, and students were left in the dark about what to expect for finals.

This is not the only time a lack of communication to students has occurred: recently, changes to the PSAT were not directly relayed to

6 SouthwordS

juniors, and students were unaware of the new phone pocket policy until the first day of school this year.

The block schedule was implemented to increase independence and allow students to take learning into their own hands, yet we cannot be expected to do so if school changes are inconsistently and indirectly relayed to us.

Another issue with the adjustments to finals has been their timeliness.

These changes were not finalized until Nov. 19, less than a month before finals. As students, we want to be informed of these changes as far in advance as possible so we know what to anticipate as we progress through our courses.

For many of us, whether or not we have to take a final can be the determining factor in retakes, make ups, and other work we must take care of before the end of the semester. We also have to plan how we study for finals based on how many finals we have each day.

Student frustration with policy changes extends beyond finals.

While most students are pleased with the new policy, this is not always the case. For example, last year’s block schedule needed numerous adjustments after students voiced concerns.

While we understand minor

adjustments must be made after a new policy is implemented, many of these problems could be anticipated with student input before new policies are enacted.

When drastic changes to the school are being made that directly affect students, we should be able to voice our concerns.

While we understand that not every decision can be entrusted to teenagers, we believe there are still ways that the district can solicit a diverse set of student opinions before implementing significant change.

R i g h t n o w, e a c h school has a Principal’s Advisory Council. If D207 drew students from each council to create a district-wide advisory team, then administration would be able to focus on student learning from the people directly impacted.

Not only would a district-wide council improve student learning, it would also allow administration to see things from a student perspective prior to implementing new policies.

This council could work with each of their schools’ administrative teams to make sure all changes that directly affect students are not only communicated by email to parents and teachers, but to students as well.

As students, we are expected to be invested in our learning. However, this won't be the case until we can contribute to the conversation.

“Many of these problems could be anticipated with student input before new policies are enacted.”

Southwords is a student-r un publication designed as a public forum for student opinion and balanced reporting on topics relevant to the Maine South community.

Unsigned staff editorials represent the consensus opinion of the Southwords Editorial Board. Personal commentaries represent the opinion of the author alone and do not represent the opinions of the publication nor District 207.

Student par ticipation in the newspaper, whether through readership, submitting articles, or voicing comments or concerns, is encouraged.

Signed letters to the editor can be delivered to the new Southwords office (B115B), given to a member of the editorial staff, or e-mailed to southwords@maine207.org. Southwords reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief

News Editors

Georgia Fosse Charlotte Geier Erin Martin Emma Crosson Luigi Laudando

Commentary Editors Gabriel Blindauer Laura Pomilia Features Editors

Victoria Murphy Lily Niziolek Elizabeth Ryser

Entertainment Editors Veronica Espinoza Ella Melcher Kristen Meyer Sports Editors

Sam Corbett Tyler Houck Amalia Laskaris

Production Editors

Keeley Flynn Isabel Gibson Aly Trunzo

Editorial Assistant Adviser

Jessie Beck Mr. Stathakis

December 16, 2019

| COMMENTARY

Family matters: contentious conversations shouldn't ruin traditions

Adam Ferraro Commentary Writer

T

owards the end of each year comes a time known as “the holidays." It’s pretty vague, but we know what the term encompasses­— Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas presents, and a New Year’s Eve party. Most importantly, however, it means the potential for family conflict.

Everyone is familiar with that one crazy uncle, aunt, or grandpa who seems to cause an argument right when they walk in the door. Even worse sometimes, is the truculent family member who prepares themselves for these crazy relatives, and welcomes a fight.

Most bystander family members dread witnessing these clashes, and rightfully so, but to exclude a relative because of their differing beliefs goes against the fundamental ideas of the holidays.

In a political sense, the climate right now is extremely tense, dividing families all across the nation. These issues are also one of the reasons that family traditions and gatherings are becoming less prevalent; however, political conflict is no reason to alienate a relative or cease to host family get-togethers entirely.

The holidays were meant to be spent with family­—time to

give thanks, sit down to dinner, and share love and laughs with every member of your family. Problems tend to arise when those said family members attempt to impose their beliefs on others. While there are clearly differences, my family is still able to sit down at the table and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and send Christmas presents every year. This is mainly due to the fact that we choose to avoid such controversial subjects entirely. Instead, we opt to start conversations on more timid subjects, such as places we've traveled recently or mildly interesting work-related stories.

Admittedly, this may be different for your family. Political discussion and arguments may be unavoidable. In this case, I would argue that a respectful discussion about politics is much healthier than having a screaming match with your grandpa. Persuading someone of your ideas, if that is your intention, is much better done in a civil and respectful manner. It also gives you much more credibility.

The reality is that family arguments can

ILLUSTRATION BY KEELEY FLYNN

genuinely ruin traditions or the motivation to have gatherings if the disputes are a recurring event. But these argumentative relatives must also consider that families are the most important people in your lives. Whether you like them or not, they will always be in your life.

Consider yourself, for one moment, as the person who doesn’t align with the political ideals of the family. Imagine you are that “crazy” aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc. Imagine a Thanksgiving alone, a Christmas with no presents or cards.

Imagine knowing that you are the outcast in your family. There truly is nothing worse. At the end of the day, your staunch opinions do still matter, but you also have to consider the affect that you would have on your greater family.

If the holidays are meant to be spent with family, spend them with family. For most, you will only see them a handful of times each year. Cherish those moments, because they won’t happen often. If you think you are that one relative, consider a more respectful way of getting your point across and try to consider the effect your opinions have on other people. Your priority should be to make meaningful contributions to conversations, but if you believe that conflict has arisen from something you or someone else has said, then it may be best to just walk away from the conversation. If you are not the argumentative relative, allow that member to express their ideas if they are willing to be cordial and respectful, and most definitely allow them a seat at the dinner table. No one should spend the holidays alone, nor should cherished traditions and family gatherings be disregarded solely because of disagreements.

Sex trafficking is an American atrocity that needs to be prioritized

LATK O

RGAN

undreds of thousands of young girls are disappearing every year due to sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is the appalling act of harboring victims by force for commercial sex and exploitation—in other words, modern-day slavery.

In such a modern and developed country like the United States, it’s shocking to hear the statistics of sex trafficking and how it’s currently at its alltime high. It’s even more surprising to hear that sex trafficking wasn’t even illegal until 2000.

Since then, it seems that the rate of trafficking victims has increased rapidly. According to Business Insider, The United States ranks along with Mexico and the Philippines for being “one of the world’s worst places for human trafficking” in 2018. It's also estimated that the number of trafficking victims is in the hundreds of thousands. According to World

Y MO

H

ION B

Commentary Writer

ILLUS TRAT

Athena Baharopoulos

Population Review, Illinois is ranked fifth in the US with the most sex trafficking reports. Young children­—especially young girls—are at high risk of becoming victims. There are more than 300,000 children who are at risk of sexual exploitation. For sex traffickers, children are easier to handle and don’t demand working conditions.

Law enforcement’s inaction is part of the reason why the majority of girls trafficked are Black, NativeAmerican, and immigrant women. These minorities are continuously classified as criminals, as authorities misconstrue the line between prostitution and trafficking.

This issue seems like a matter we should leave to law enforcement, but at most times, the victims are perceived as unimportant and the system is turned against them. Sex trafficking victims are being criminalized for acts they were forced to commit by their traffickers. Even worse, the Trump Administration has withdrawn funding for legal services that help trafficking victims in

ways like expunging their criminal records and adjusting them back into society.

It’s essentially up to us now to help these victims and raise awareness to prevent it. It’s such a shame that the United States, one of the world’s most developed countries, is ignoring its citizens and isn't using its authority to fix the problem.

The best thing that we can do as average citizens is to protest and lobby our elected officials to address this issue with severity.

There are also private organizations trying to solve this problem. For example, Dressember—whose sole purpose is to combat human trafficking—does a great job at promoting this issue and offering ways to help. Participants of Dressember can simply raise funds by committing to wearing a dress or a tie for every single day of December. These funds go to “rescuing, protecting, and restoring the lives of trafficking victims and survivors worldwide.”

It’s through organizations like these where we can offer our help and make a meaningful impact— an impact that will save lives of children and young girls who have the right to a normal childhood and innocence.

SouthwordS 7

ENTERTAINMENT | December 16, 2019

Disney Plus delivers childhood TV shows, movies, and more

Anthony Sarullo

Entertainment Writer s the popularity of streaming services grow, it’s no surprise that a company like Disney would want to throw their hat in the ring. On Nov. 12, Disney Plus, a service dedicated to showing Disney media both old and new in a convenient, Netflix-style format, began streaming.

For $7 a month, the service can be accessed on up to four devices at once.

These devices include TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. Disney Plus boasts a robust catalog of Disney films and shows. The sheer volume of old Disney productions helps the service fit its “out-of-the- vault” theme.

While browsing the catalog, you can find safe bets like Marvel movies, the “Star Wars” trilogies, and Disney Channel shows like “Boy Meets World” and “Kim Possible.” Or, if you’re in the mood for memories of a rainy elementary school indoor recess, there are the “Buddies” movies of the

A

“Spooky,” “Treasure,” “Super,” “Santa,” and “Space” varieties. Additional content includes a plethora of movies you might glance at in a library or video store, but never actually check out.

For instance, Disney Plus is proud to host the Herbie “quintilogy.”

Remember all of those holiday classics, like “Home Alone” or “The Santa Clause”? Well, not only are they on the platform, but so are the sequels you never knew you needed or wanted. They offer “Home Alone 2,” “Home Alone 3,” “The Santa Clause 2,” and the bombastic finale, “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”… you get the idea.

Odds are if you can say “that’s

a thing?” it’s here waiting to be discovered. S ome non-Disney properties, like Rogers and Hammerstien’s “The Sound Of Music,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” and “The Simpsons” seasons 1-30 also await to be seen on Disney Plus.

It isn’t all old material though.

The service has an array of original content, the most anticipated being “The Mandalorian.” If you’re not a “Star Wars” fan, there’s also “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” a live-action remake of “Lady and the Tramp,” and the 12-part series, “The World According to Jeff Goldblum.” New content is coming to the service down the line, such as a show in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, a Marvel series starring the character Loki, and a “Lizzie Mcguire” reboot with Hillary Duff reprising her lead role.

As of now, the selection is somewhat limited, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t entertaining. Fans of

different franchises like Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars would enjoy the service, as well as anyone who grew up watching Disney Channel can experience old favorites and then some.

However, it’s worth noting that the service isn’t perfect. During “peak hours” like weekend nights, the platform frequently buffers or crashes on the most popular content.

With that said, those who still aren’t committed to subscribing should keep an eye out. Disney has promised that there is still a healthy stream of content, both original and classic, that will be arriving later.

Disney Plus offers a wide selection of classic Disney TV shows and movies, along with newly added TV shows. If you are a nostalgic teen, wanting to take a stroll down memory lane, you will be satisfied. Otherwise, it would be best to stick with Netflix unless a certain original show or movie catches your eye.

Michelle Ferek

Entertainment Writer

W

it h Novemb er ove r and December here, the most wonderful time of the year has begun. In the spirit of the snowy season, Maine South’s Hawkettes will be putting on a show called the “Hawkettes Holiday Spectacular.”

The dance team has been practicing since late fall. The “Spectacular” will showcase their competition dances for the season as well as an opening and closing number choreographed specifically for the show.

“At practice, we clean each routine by going over them 8-count by 8-count,” Hawkettes captain, Grace Wambach said. “As captains, we help our coach clean routines and work with the team on the sides.”

Wambach and her fellow captains and Hawkettes coach Casey Gibbons have been working together to perfect the routines with both varsity and junior varsity teams. The opening and closing numbers will be danced together with both junior varisty and varsity teams.

“We have been putting on this holiday show for a very long time— it’s one of our most-known traditions and biggest fundraisers,” Wambach said. “It’s a showcase for all the dances

10 SouthwordS

we have learned throughout our season and all our hard work.”

What makes the performance special is that it will be performed at Maine South. Usually, the Hawkettes perform on national stages in front of judges, but the “Holiday Spectacular” is exclusively for students and families.

To add to the festive spirit, the Hawkettes will be dancing their routines from the football season to holiday music. The show will also feature a variety of performances, including showcases from Orchesis and fan-favorite, Drumline.

“The Hawkette holiday show is a really fun opportunity for us because we get to collaborate with the Hawkettes,” senior Orchesis officer Claire Primeau said. “Orchesis and Hawkettes are very different, but we both share a passion and love for dance, so it is nice to come together through that.”

Orchesis will be featuring studentchoreographed dances from their “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired show, “Down the Rabbit Hole.”

“We performed in the Hawkettes show two years ago with dances from our show ‘A Night at the Movies,’” Primeau said. “This year will be a completely new experience. We will need to convey the classic story of

PHOTO BY MELANIE PARANGALAN

Holidays bring ‘spectacular’ show with Hawkettes

HOLIDAY VIBES Seniors Mia Salemi, Grace Wambach, Bonnie Harris, Erin Martin, and Daryna Liubchyk (left to right) rehearse for the holiday show. Their favorite thing about practices is spending time with each other.

‘Alice in Wonderland,’ but only in two or three pieces rather than our hour-long show.”

Drumline will also have their own unique performance as a way to add variety to a very dance-centric show.

This will be the third time that Drumline will be performing at the Hawkettes show. The Hawkettes performed at the “Band Spectacular,” a fundraiser at the end of the marching season, and Mr. Hutter and the Drumline wanted to make sure the favor was returned.

“Having had a sister who was a

Hawkette, I know pretty well that the halftime shows during the football season are only a tiny portion of what the Hawkettes do,” senior Micah Orr said. “The holiday show is a great way to see the full extent of what the Hawkettes do, and with Drumline performing, there’s really no reason not to go.”

The Hawkette Holiday Spectacular will run in the Spec Gym on Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets may be ordered online at hawkettehoildayspectacular2019. eventbrite.com or at the gym for $5 per student and $10 per adult.

December 16, 2019

| FEATURES

Split time in split households during the holidays Victoria Murphy

Features Editor s having two Christmases twice the fun or twice the anxiety? For students with divorced parents, the holidays can be complicated.

For senior Jacqueline Prato, the holidays serve as a reminder of what life used to be like prior to her parents' divorce.

“The past few years for Christmas day we would come together as a family, and I really appreciated that,” Prato said. “But things are changing, I guess.”

It’s difficult for Prato to imagine the holidays without spending time with both parents.

“This Thanksgiving, my mom [wasn't] there,” Prato said. “It’s just hard getting used to the fact that my whole life my mom has been there, and now she’s not there.”

While senior Shealyn O’Sullivan’s parents live under two miles away from each other, her family also stopped uniting over the holidays.

Her parents separated just over a year ago, and this new reality is harder to adjust to at Christmastime.

“I miss Christmas morning,” O’Sullivan said. “My grandma and aunt would come over, and it was really fun. We don’t have that anymore because aren’t in the same houses. It was dysfunctional when we were all there—but we were all there.”

O’Sullivan struggles with contradictory Christmas wishes: wanting

iNFOGRAPHIC BY KEELEY FLYNN

I

her whole family present while also trying to avoid unnecessary tension.

“I don’t want my dad to not be there, but I also don’t want my dad to be there,” O'Sullivan said.

This dichotomy is something students grapple with. Haunted by the ghost of holiday past, many students put forth effort to ensure that both parents feel included in celebrations.

Sophomore Ally Nelles’ parents divorced seven years ago. She more acutely feels the effects of balance both parents during the holidays.

“I end up missing out on certain things to be with the other parent,” Nelles said. “For example, I’ve had to miss New Year’s celebrations to be with either my mom or my dad. Even though we try to celebrate twice, parties aren’t exactly something that can happen again.”

While students try to make both parents feel included, juggling time between parents can become burdensome and add undue pressure to a student’s holiday break.

Senior Elizabeth Gorney’s parents began divorce proceedings when she was in eighth grade. However, the struggle of giving each parent their due time persists.

“I like to balance my time between both sides of my family, but sometimes one parent won’t want me to see the other family if it’s not their weekend,” Gorney said. “It often feels like everything is all on me, and I have to be the sole one in the middle

69% 31% Adolescents in a twoparent household

Adolescents in a oneparent household

According to the 2017 Population Survey: United States Census Bureau

ILLUSTRATION BY EDEN WENING

satisfying every side of my family.”

When the stress of being pulled between parents during the holiday season gets overwhelming, Gorney knows she can always turn to her friends for solace.

“I get lots of support from those who don’t even have the same situation but can relate in other ways,” Gorney said.

Gorney has confidants who deal with similar situations around the holidays.

“There are also many other students with similar familial issues who I enjoy talking to and relating to on the familiar problem of the holidays and having to switch back and forth,” Gorney said.

Prato notes that there sometimes are benefits to living in two houses.

“If you get annoyed with one parent, you can always go to the other parent’s house,” Prato said.

Additionally, some students relish having two homes for double the celebration.

“It’s almost like I have two of everything,” Nelles said. “I have two Thanksgivings and two Christmases and even two birthdays.”

With more choices available, some students experience a heightened sense of autonomy along with twice the number of gifts.

O’Sullivan hopes to raise her hypothetical children with that same

attitude of self -reliance, specifically during the holidays.

“I’ve felt very independent and singular,” O’Sullivan said. “I worked on Christmas and Christmas Eve last year.”

O’Sullivan and Prato have had similar experiences, as their personal growth was a by-product of their living situations.

“Both of my parents work late, so I always have to take care of my younger brother,” Prato said. “I had to become more mature and help out a lot more than I would if my parents were still together.”

While family ties may appear to fray during the high stress of the holiday season, bonds may actually strengthen. Prato and her two brothers have pulled together, united by their shared experiences and difficulties.

“We have become closer because of what happened and we rely on each other more,” she said.

Students, despite the difficulties that may arise, can take gratification in their real, complicated holidays and in their families’ idiosyncracies.

“There is nothing I wish was different, because I always try to look on the bright side,” Nelles said. "When my parents first got divorced, obviously, there was plenty that I wished had turned out differently, but now I am thankful for what has come of it.”

SouthwordS 11

FEATURES

| December 16, 2019

‘Trashing’ old ways of the cafeteria

Elizabeth Ryser and Lily Niziolek Features Editors

D

uring lunch periods in the cafeteria, a lot of waste is produced, and most students are not careful about where they dispose of it.

Environmental Club is looking to make a change by hosting a trash audit, implementing new recycling tables in the lunch rooms after winter break, and educating the freshman during their Hawk Pride lessons.

Senior Catherine Vittallo brought up the idea of a trash audit after seeing the need for a change in the waste habits of students.

Environmental Club sponsor, Mr. Howard Knodle, is helping Vittallo organize the audit. The audit, originally scheduled for Dec. 2, has been postponed until after break.

“The trash audit is to get a baseline of how much stuff is being recycled or thrown away so that we can then compare as we move forward how much change we are making,” Mr. Knodle said.

Enhancing students’ understanding of their impacts on the environment, this audit will serve as an eye opener, showcasing how much waste could be recycled in the cafeteria.

“My main goal for the trash audit is to raise awareness,” Vittallo said.

“It’s sad how many environmental issues are overlooked when in reality, they need to be prioritized because it significantly impacts everybody’s life.”

Junior Sophia Kappel, co-president of Environmental Club, noticed that

while in the cafeteria, recycling is not one of the a major priorities.

“I see when I throw out my trash that most of the stuff in there is recyclable, so it’s just really annoying,” Kappel said.

Kappel hopes the audit will give members of Environmental Club and other students an opportunity to fully grasp the idea of recycling.

“I thought it would be really fun to get the kids in the club to have a hands on experience,” Kappel said. “You can hear about something 100 times, but until you actually do it you don’t really understand.”

Attempts at recycling are often unsuccessful as recyclables need to be untainted in order to be recycled efficiently.

“Maine South does recycle, but most of what is recycled is contaminated and therefore isn’t able to be repurposed into something else,” Vittallo said.

Kappel nearly made this mistake herself.

“There’s one [recycling bin] in the extended cafeteria that has a tiny little note on the side of it that says ‘recycling bin’ and I didn’t even notice that it says ‘recycling,’ so I almost threw my trash in there,” Kappel said.

As a way to motivate recycling in the future, special tables will be implemented after the winter break in the cafeteria. The tables will be equipped with a place to dump liquids and different sections for compost, trash, and recyclables.

Before the tables are introduced, proper education is needed to ensure a successful and environmentally

Salty Jenny by Jennifer Nikolic

12 SouthwordS

PHOTO BY KEELEY FLYNN

BUCKTHORN BATTLE

Environmental Club members work in Kloempken Forest Preserve to remove the invasive species, Bukthorn. Juniors Camila Vivas and Mary Sirbu (center & right) make their contribution and help restore the prairie to its original state.

friendly launch.

“I definitely see a need for more education at Maine South,” Vittallo said. “Just by glancing into the recycling, you often see contaminated cups with straws that should not be placed there. Many people forget after grade school how to recycle, so I think it’s important to bring back the education to older groups.”

Environmental Club is reaching out to other groups around the school to help to further educate students.

“Coming up, we are going to try to educate all the Hawk Pride leaders who will then educate the freshmen and put together a video with broadcasting classes to be shown to the science classes,” Kappel said.

Vittallo secured a grant with SWANCC, a garbage dump located in Glenview to support the introduction of these tables.

“The grant is going towards waste sorting systems in the cafeteria so that there is more than one option for garbage besides just trash,” Vittallo said.

Christmas Wishlist

The Environmental Club is fundraising through pledges, in hopes of matching the grant to show the school’s commitment to recycling.

“We as a club don’t want to sell candy, we don’t want to sell things that can’t be recycled, we want to sell something that has meaning,” Mr. Knodle said.“The idea of this pledge is to get people to pledge money for you to go out and do something good for our community.”

As a way to fundraise, students took their conservation ideas beyond the school’s premises.

Environmental Club will be helping clean up an invasive species in order to restore the Kloempkin Forest Preserve.

“Students will seek pledges for the work they will preform to improve a local ecosystem,” Mr. Knodle said.

“The money obtained will be given to the recycling efforts at Maine South.”

Pledges will provide money for each hour of work, and the money will go towards a matching grant.

Student involvement and enthusiasm is crucial in making a noticeable change to the waste issue at Maine South. Kappel suggested a competition to involve the students.

“The four different bins for the four different grades could be cool because it’s always fun to have a game because then people can get into it and if it’s promoting something positive, that’s even better for us,” Kappel said.

Environmental Club is eager to see the impact these new advancements will have in the cafeteria and how they will influence others.

“This year, with a real project to focus on, it’s really exciting to get to share that with the school and show what we’re all passionate about and get other people to get passionate about it, too,” Kappel said.

December 16, 2019 |FEATURES

‘Assassin’: mixing community and competition Tamara Dokic

necessarily your close friends,” senior Features Writer Caroline Tully said.

Many other students joined for ne-hundred forty-two seniors, hundreds of Nerf Guns, and similar reasons.

“I think it’s a fun way for our grade one competition: “Assassin,” formerly a small tradition among just a few to bond,” senior Regina Lee said. friend groups at Maine South has “Also, my friend, Kendall Battaglia, is become a massive battle within running the game, and I heard about the senior class, bringing together how much fun it is from her. I’m a many students whom were initially pretty competitive person, so I enjoy playing.” strangers to each other.

Hig h s cho ol t radit ions are Those wishing to take part in the game each paid an entry fee of $5. important in reinforcing community Students picked a partner and were values and a shared identity.

The participants felt that Maine then assigned a target to “eliminate” South didn’t have as many traditions by shooting them with a Nerf gun.

The Assassin game is student- run, as other high schools, so they pushed autonomous from teachers and for making the game popular this year.

“I want Maine South to have a administration.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Assistant senior tradition, and the traditions we Principal for Students Mr. Dave have don’t compare to other schools,” Berendt said. “I think it’s even cooler senior admin Kendall Battaglia said.

The admins want this tradition to that the school isn’t involved.”

However, student admins did continue on and be something that reach out to School Resource Officer future Hawks can look forward to.

“On our Instagram account, we Anthony Raitano. This protected against possible misunderstandings have a lot of kids from younger grades as the Park Ridge Police were following the account, so this tradition is something that younger students informed of the game.

“I recall one call for service, but can look forward to, just like they look the guys were aware of the Assassin forward to senior prom,” Honan said.

Although the game’s original game,” said Officer Raitano.“That resolved everything. There were no intention was to build a tradition and to connect the student body, problems.”

While admins sought to increase the admins and participants ran into community awareness of the game, some difficulties, making it difficult to admins changed the game’s format to achieve the goal of the game.

One must send in video proof, increase student interest.

“We did a circular pattern instead have witnesses to testify, or have a confession from of a bracket, so you the target in order don’t know who is to prove that trying to get you “Certain people have person is out. out,” senior admin gotten out of hand— However, some Molly Honan said. have run into “We [the admins] calling people’s work disagreements thought it’d be more or stalking them.” in the spirit of the -Caroline Tully, ‘20 about whether a shot qualified or game not knowing not. who has you.”

“There are a lot of arguments about The admins hoped that the game would bring about tradition, fueling whether someone got shot or not, so school spirit and bring about a sense it’s difficult as an admin, making the final call, because people get mad at of senior community.

While the prize money of $700 you,” Honan said.

The game rules are ver y prompted many seniors to sign up, people have also joined in hopes of complex, which can also lead to getting closer with their classmates, misinterpretation and disagreement meeting new people, and creating a over guidelines.

“The rules are too complicated,” Maine South tradition.

“I decided to join the game Tully said. “You can clear up a lot of because I thought it would be a fun confusion by simplifying the rules.”

Not only have the rules created way for all of the seniors to bond for our last year, especially since you’re a clash, but the prize money has also doing it with people who aren’t fueled unhealthy competition.

PHOTO BY ALY TRUNZO

O

NERF OR NOTHING Senior Jimmy DeJulio works on his aim from behind a car.

DeJulio and his partner have eliminated two players throughout the game thus far.

“I heard that some kid got hit by a car, which shows how dangerously competitive people have got with the game,” Lee said.

Some participants have not been following all of the game guidelines.

“One of the main issues was people crossing boundaries, like passing onto private property, and breaking rules that we shouldn’t have to state, like going into people’s backyards, doing drive-bys or car chases, which is illegal in the game and by law,” Battaglia said.

Tu l l y a g r e e s t h a t t h e competitiveness has escalated.

“Certain people have gotten out of hand—calling people’s work or stalking them—and it’s prevented them from getting to work or practice on time,” Tully said. “It’s completely interrupted their daily lives.”

When the supposedly friendly game got twisted out of proportion, some participants had to face serious repercussions.

“Some people have taken it too far, and because of them taking it too far, we have given consequences like suspensions [from the game], because a lot of things have happened that you don’t want to be liable for,” Battaglia said.

These liabilities may include student safety.

“That’s what we worry about: running in oncoming traffic,” Officer Raitano said.

With the winning team receiving a $700 prize, many are willing to go to extreme measures to achieve this rewarding incentive which may

warp the friendly competition into a dangerous mess.

“The money is so much to deal with, and since it’s so high, it’s making people anxious and go crazy playing the game,” Battaglia said. “If we could change the rules and have the prize money go to the school-wide fundraiser or some charity, it would be much better.”

Others, however, like the thrill of fighting for the prize.

“People would not want to play if they didn’t have the chance of winning the grand prize,” senior Nicolas George said.

Numerous teams claimed that, if they win, they would donate the money to a good cause “Personally, if I win, I would donate all the money to the schoolwide fundraiser,” Tully said.

Despite these difficulties, this game has been a positive experience for Maine South, bringing the senior community closer together in a way never seen before. People are reaching out to others for help, even people they’re not that close with, leading to new bonds and friendships.

“It’s a good conversation starter amongst seniors,” Lee said. “You now have something else in common with your grade.”

The majority of the senior participants have expressed satisfaction with the game.

“I love the competitive nature of the game,” senior Kristina Scavelli said. “Everyone is just trying to have fun and win. I’m looking forward to playing again.”

SouthwordS 13

SPORTS

| December 16, 2019

New conditioning coach helps cheer gear up for season Maura O’Driscoll Sports Writer

L

ast year, the cheerleading team placed sixth at Sectionals, just missing the top five who advance to State. This year, the girls are working hard to meet their one main goal: qualify for State after last year’s team came up short and failed to qualify.

“Just missing the chance to qualify was hard for the team to deal with, but it has been motivating us to work even harder this year,” junior captain Avery Dolson said. “As a team, we understand that nothing is going to be perfect. As long as we continue to fix and improve on our routine, we should be more than ready later in the season when our tougher competitions start.”

The team is working very hard this year and focusing more on the details at each practice, from conditioning to the routines.

“We are working to improve our routine by breaking down our practices to cover all areas of the IHSA score sheet,” Coach Brittany Pater said. “The team knows how close they were last season to making it to State, and our goal is to make it this year.”

The team is very positive about the upcoming competitions, thanks to the help of the new conditioning coach Chrissy Davis. Davis is also the Hawkettes’ head conditioning coach.

With the help of Davis, the team is able endure longer practices, ensuring their full routine is prepared.

“This year, we are practicing every day with the help of a new workout coach and stunting and tumbling coaches,” junior Brianna Berry said.

“The level of talent we have to bring this year is awesome, and everyone is working so hard.”

With the rigorous workouts and the extra effort the team is putting in this year, their goals look very achievable.

“We are hoping to place in the top ten teams at the five practice competitions that we have, place first at our conference competition, and place in the top five teams at our sectional competition,” Coach Pater said.

The team will be competing at the Mustang Round-up on Dec. 21 at Rolling Meadows High School.

14 SouthwordS

Addition of Trapp brings Maine success

Elizabeth Ahne

Sports Writer aine varsity hockey is 7-2-1 in league play, holding their own against teams like New Trier and Loyola, after having played 10 games against the top 11 teams in the state.

“If we can put more pucks in the net and fix our net front presence on both the offensive and defensive end of the ice, we can easily become a top 10 team,” senior captain Nick Ronnel said.

Despite the successful league record, the team has had some difficulty with the new addition of players.

“We struggled at the beginning of the season with our chemistry,” senior Will Trapp said. “But things have started to turn around and we have found our legs as a team.”

It can be difficult at times to maintain that balance of having fun and being serious in the locker room, and while some players might not agree with the way the team is led, steps must be taken to create a more cohesive team presence. Ronnel has focused on developing greater team chemistry.

“The best thing we can do is be uplifting,” Ronnel said. “Regarding our on-ice roles, it is very important for the three [captains] to offer advice on players’ mistakes, and comment on the shifts [when they do well].”

The team has come together not only with the help of the captains, but also through practices that focus on key aspects of the game. “[Tuesday] practices consist of all kinds of drills—breakout work, basic drills, power play, penalty kill, 1v1, 2v1, and scrimmages—to simulate game play,” Trapp said.

The team’s Thursday practices,

M

PHOTO BY ALY TRUNZO

LINE CHANGE

Senior Will Trapp fights for the puck in practice on Dec. 5. Trapp switched from the Central States Development Hockey League to Maine hockey this season.

however, consist of more in-game “I chose not to continue playing situations. competitive hockey after my senior “Our Thursday practices focus on year because of injuries,” Trapp said. flow drills and power play or penalty “AA took up a lot of my free time and I kill drills,” Ronnel said. was never involved in school activities By working on teamwork-type or able to go to school dances. I drills, Maine has brought the players wanted to play for my school in front together by allowing them to get a feel of friends.” for each other’s style of play, even with Ronnel also switched from AA players that range from sophomores hockey to Maine hockey after eighth to seniors on the grade for a similar team.

“If we can put more pucks reason.

Despite this in the net and fix our net “I wanted to gap in age and play wit h kids the loss of four front presence on both the from my school,” defensemen last offensive and defensive end Ronnel said. “I season—one who of the ice, we can easily wanted to be able was named to the to play Maine my become a top 10 team.”

All-State team freshman year and -Nick Ronnel, ‘20 create bonds that I last year, and one who is currently could have for my playing D1 hockey—the team has high school career.” gained some key players.

Although the captains are typically “The addition of Will Trapp was the chosen ones to bring the team nothing less than huge,” Ronnel said. together, Ronnel emphasizes that the “Trapp fills this much needed hole of most important leaders aren’t the ones a top-level defensemen who can line with the letter on their chest, but the up against any player in the state.” ones who can consistently step up on Trapp switched from his club and off the ice. team, Central States Development “A hard worker is someone who Hockey League, to Maine hockey can get the team going and leads by this year. example,” said junior Will Gournis.

Boys’ Cross Country finishes sixth at State Sam Corbett

Sports Editor fter placing fourth at Sectionals, the boys’ cross country team advanced to the state meet at Detweiler Park in Peoria on Nov. 9.

“We knew if we got through our sectional that we would be able to compete at State,” Coach Greg Nordahl said.

Led by seniors Joey Kasch and Adam Christopher and junior Eamon Brady, the team placed sixth overall with a team score of 206 points.

A

Four runners set personal records at the event, and Kasch placed 17th overall with a time of 14:41.88.

Christopher came in 36th place with a time of 14:54.05.

“As a team, I feel extremely proud that we all pulled it together,” Christopher said. “The team results throughout the regular season were inconsistent, so I am very happy that our team got it together at State.”

Kasch noted the pride of his team both before and after the race. “ The team had confidence,

courageousness and a strong mindset, which I believe led to our success,” Kasch said.

Looking to next year, Brady knows replacing the seniors will be tough.

However, he still has confidence.

“So many of our current guys are seniors, so the team is going to have a very different look next year,” Brady said. “I definitely think that we can put something good together and perform well next year because a lot of the younger guys have great potential.”

SPORTS

| December 16, 2019

Girls’ basketball relies on underclassmen to start Liliana D’Alesio Sports Writer

T

he girls’ basketball season is underway, and the Hawks have set lofty goals for this upcoming season: win Conference, win Regionals, and win at least 20 games. Other aspects of these goals are to become stronger and faster, reduce the amount of turnovers, and focus on outplaying the opponent for the full game.

Along with these, most of the players have their own individual goals as well.

“One of my personal goals is to become a better leader,” senior captain Greta Miller said. “I want to focus on being vocal on the court. Communication on and off the [court] is a very important aspect of our team environment.”

Miller believes that this will be a tough challenge, but overall, it will yield later success.

This year’s girls’ basketball team returns three out of five starting players from last year’s team: Miller, juniors Niamh Gardiner and Nicole Gardiner. The Hawks are hoping for success with the help of new players, including sophomores Emily Pape and Caroline Barker.

Practices for the girls’ basketball team vary from day to day depending on what they need to improve, though each practice incorporates conditioning, drills for plays, and game-like situations. A competitive environment is always present to encourage and motivate each other constantly. “[Practices] are tiring, but crucial for development and full of communication and learning,” junior captain Niki Manolis said.

The team tailors practices to the style of play that their opponents use, often watching film in order to better understand the team they will play in the next game. In practice, the players will mimic a particular offensive or defensive play of their opponent to understand what they need to do in those situations.

Pushing and motivating one another each and every day is an essential tactic for success according to the team. Each practice is designed for improvement while also maintaining the aspect of fun. The girls know when to be serious and when to crack a joke or two. The team includes several talented and competitive players that push the team

PHOTO BY ABBY SHOWALTER

NEXT ONE UP Junior captain Niki Manolis defends against the Niles West Wolves on Dec. 6. Manolis is the starting point guard this season, taking over for 1,000-point scorer, Nicole Scales (‘19).

to their highest limits.

“All the returners want to help, and the newcomers are eager to learn,” Miller said.

Miller believes that this tactic will encourage a successful season.

“Our philosophy has always been, ‘the biggest game of the year is the next one,’” Coach Ham an n s ai d. T h i s ideal helps the girls stay motivated in each game, whether the competition is tough or not.

“They are hoping for the opportunity to play for the CSL Championship on our home f l o or ag ai nst defending state champ, Maine West,” Coach Hamann said.

Despite age gaps and different friend groups, the players on the team tend to connect well from year to year. They become extremely close by the end of the winter because of the extensive amount of time spent together.

“Whether it’s at a pasta party, on a long bus

ride, at a Christmas party, or simply at one of our Saturday morning practices, we create many memories together and get to know each other very well,” Manolis said.

“The girls also came up with some adjectives that would come to mind when people watch this team play,” Coach Hamann said. “ Those adjectives are tenacious, tough, aggressive, smart, and fast.”

Each player is excited and determined to carry out each of their team and individual goals; displaying these traits ultimately aids this process.

The team is looking forward to games against rivals Glenbrook South and New Trier since they always display tough competition. Another known team goal is to beat Evanston, who knocked them out of the post-season playoffs last year.

“We had 19 wins and lost in the Regional Championship game, so that will be a motivation for us all season long,” Coach Hamann said.

“Throughout practice and games, there is a special emphasis on a ‘team first mentality,’ where players focus on controlling their effort and attitude,” Coach Lavalle said.

An Illinois All-State hockey team member her freshman and sophomore year, Ahne is the team’s head captain.

“She has an incredible work ethic and positive attitude for her team to feed off,” Lavalle said.

Captains play a crucial role in leading warmups and giving motivational speeches before every game. Ahne makes sure that everyone’s skill gets recognized so that the team can succeed as a whole.

As far as having a new coach, all of the girls have emphasized the positive impact he has had. Miller commends Coach Lavalle’s dedication towards the team.

“Coach Lavalle always pays attention to every single one of his players at practice to notice the different skills they need to improve on,” Miller said.

Lavalle emphasizes playing the game the right way.

“We focus on doing the little things right, as that will help lead to big things,” Lavalle said.

The team will compete on Dec. 22 at the 5/3 Bank Ice Arena against Latin School of Chicago.

“Our philosophy has always been, ‘the biggest game of the year is the next one.’”

-Coach Hamann

Girls’ hockey trusts Lavalle, Ahne to lead team

Courtney Lee

Sports Writer ut on the ice, the Maine girls’ hockey team has won four of their first nine games so far.

With the leadership of their new head coach, Nick Lavalle, their captains junior Phoebe Delia, and seniors Elizabeth Ahne and Katie Miller, the team has managed to win some games against high-level teams, but they are pushing for more.

In practice, the girls are put into game-like situations, which include 3-on-2 and 1-on-1 drills, along with drills that focus on power plays and penalty kills, requiring a lot of focus on details.

O

SouthwordS 15

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

Wrestling sees success despite loss of All-Staters

Charlotte Geier

Editor-in-Chief he boys’ wrestling team lost multiple key wrestlers from last year’s season. Despite this, the team entered the season with a variety of strong wrestlers in each weight class.

The team has started the season 7-1 with wins over Maine West, Richards, and Palatine.

“We have a nice mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen who will contribute to the varsity team’s success this year,” Coach Kevin Hansen said. “I really like the balance the team has with at least two competitive wrestlers at each weight class.”

The team had to be even more focused during their off-season in order to make up for the loss of multiple state-ranked senior wrestlers.

“Every individual on the wrestling team has been working hard to fill the shoes of the wrestlers that we lost,” senior Ben Taalman said. “We have done more off-season this year than any of my other high school years.”

Despite the losses, the boys have

For Coach Hansen, the team’s goals are consistent with past years.

“Our goals never change: win our conference dual title, win the conference tournament, [and] win Regionals, which is the equivalent of a sectional title in most sports,” Coach Hansen said.

The team always knows that the CSL has tough opponents, but winning conference is the objective.

“I am e x p e c t i ng [ s i m i l ar ] competition this year,” Taalman said. “Our rivals, Evanston and New

Trier, are good every year, and I look forward to watching us compete in these key duels.”

With multiple top-ranked Illinois teams in their season schedule, the boys are taking the competition in stride as preparation for State.

“We always expect the best,” junior Clay Cichowski said. “It’s what makes us better as a team, and we like to see how well we can do.”

The rigorous preparation and tough competition the team will face is all intended to help the team start off strong and stay strong through the year.

“Really, we are looking to build from last season as opposed to rebuild,” Coach Hansen said. “We are going to surprise some people who think we will be in a rebuilding year.”

Although the boys are anticipating this tough competition, they are still excited to work as one unit throughout the season.

“I’m excited to see all of our veterans and new talent work together to have one [great] 2019-2020 season,” Cichowski said.

most need for high schoolers’ help, of players.

During the game, many of the and it has been the most popular sport for students to work. referees feel pressure from all over Junior Rachel Bull is a soccer the field. Players, coaches, and parents referee for Edison Park and Park often argue calls and yell at referees.

“My least Ridge in the spring and fall “A good referee is one that favorite part about seasons. ref f ing is w hen goes unnoticed; they do a the parents yell “As a referee, at me for a call my job is to not good job officiating so the even though they only make sure players and coaches are p r o b a b l y d o n’t all the rules of able to put all their focus know what they t h e g a m e a r e on the game.” followed but are talking about,” -Franky Smeriglio, ‘20 s e n i o r s o c c e r to monitor the referee Kailey Pepin players’ safety on said. and off the field,” Bull said.

Many of the referees are much Typically, referees will arrive early to prepare the field. The soccer younger than the parents of the referees will check goals and flags to players and it can be difficult to deal with distractions. make sure they are secure.

“I am nice and respectful towards Then, they will meet with players and coaches to go over ground rules the parents until they decide to be for the game and check the equipment disruptive and talk to me like I am a

child that has no idea how to do their job,” sophomore Park Ridge soccer referee Izzy Kiessel said.

Senior Franky Smeriglio is a United States Soccer Federation certified referee and works in Park Ridge. He also says that he deals with complaints but knows how to manage them.

“Even if the coaches get angry at a call during the game, we usually talk to them about it at halftime or after the game to explain to them to make sure that we’re on the same page,” Smeriglio said.

Smeriglio believes that the best way to referee is to stay out of the spotlight.

“A good referee is one that goes unnoticed; they do a good job officiating so the players and coaches are able to put all their focus on the game rather than how well the ref is doing,” Smeriglio said.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA NILLES

T

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Maine South has started the season 7-1. Junior Clay Cichowski squares off against a member of the Grayslake Central High school wrestling team.

continued this hard work into the beginning of the season, with intense practices each day.

“Our practices start with a warmup, an hour of technique, 45 minutes of live wrestling, and 15 minutes of conditioning,” Taalman said.

While the team has multiple new wrestlers, the ambitions of the team remain the same.

“Many of the new varsity wrestlers have goals of qualifying for state this year,” Taalman said.

Increased refereeing of youth sports among students

Tyler Houck

Sports Editor any Maine South students dedicate long hours to their sports teams with practices, games, and workouts. However, in the offseason, a growing number of students are putting their knowledge of the game to good use. Refereeing for youth sports has become increasingly popular among students looking to make some money who have free time and often have a sports background.

In the Park Ridge, Edison Park, and Niles park districts, there are a myriad of different sports to be a referee for: indoor and outdoor soccer, football, baseball, and basketball.

The fall soccer season starts in early August and ends in late October.

Edison Park also has an indoor season that starts in early February and ends in late March.

In recent years, soccer has had the

M

16 SouthwordS