Vol 59, Issue 2 Southwords

November 4, 2022

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Vol. 59, No. 2

HITTING THEIR

STRIDE

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN MAGAD AND MAEVE RAFFERTY

Luca Arcuri (‘23) and Olivia DeLuca (‘24) qualified for State along with the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, which placed in the top five at Sectionals See pages 14 & 15

Hawk Pride

Maine South hosts first ever Pride Week.

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Hidden Hardship Students share experiences living with diabetes.

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On the Job

Student internships reap unexpected benefits.

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Spice it Up

Southwords samples Fall flavors.

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NEWS

| November 4, 2022

Samara Lefler

News Writer h e Wor l d L a n g u a g e s a n d Mu l t i l i n g u a l D e p a r t m e nt celebrated World Languages and Multilingual (WLML) Week during the week of Oct. 17.

“WLML Week celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the wide variety of languages that our Maine South

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PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

OPENING DOORS

Robert V. Allegrini shares his experiences as the National Italian American Foundation President.

community speaks at home and with family and friends,” Ms. Tona Costello, head of the World Languages and Multilingual Department said.

While many students are learning a language or speaking another language already, World Languages Week promotes linguistic education to all.

“We believe that being bilingual or multilingual is a superpower,” Ms. Costello said.

To honor WLML week, international music was played in the mornings on the PA. The week began with a welcome breakfast for the French exchange students. They shadowed students in school for three days, visiting classrooms and learning a bit about the classes.

“The activities during our celebration included Multilingual Bingo on Tuesday, Oct. 18 in the Commons during lunch periods,” Ms. Costello said.

The next day, an event from years past returned.

“We brought back the infamous Dodgeball Tournament on Oct. 19,” Ms. Costello said.

The six teams were the French, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, and German clubs, as well as a Multilingual team.

Thurs day and Friday were International Career Speaker Days.

“The speakers were from many different professions including manufacturing, media and advertising, medical, business, administration, interpreters, and much more,” Ms. Costello said.

Students enrolled in a language went to presentations during their class period at the library, and learned how linguistic skills have aided each of the speakers in their careers.

“My language skills opened doors to business and civic opportunities and made me be more marketable,” speaker Robert V. Allegrini, National Italian American Foundation President, said.

The week’s celebrations wrapped up with the universal language: food.

concerns about the change.

“I feel like CommonApp is a bit more organized than SchooLinks because it feels simpler when I look at the browser,” senior Matthew Heffernan said. “It doesn’t help that SchooLinks is filled with a lot of stuff that makes it hard to navigate so I like CommonApp a bit better.”

Obtaining letters of recommendation has also been more challenging for students this year. Although the system itself has not changed, many have found it a hassle to adjust and navigate the new platform.

“I think that the CommonApp and SchooLinks connection gets difficult to understand and it gets really confusing when submitting applications,” senior Emily Cook said.

Despite some hesitation from students, there hasn’t appeared to be a significant change on the teachers’ end. In fact, several teachers had positive things to say.

“From the teacher’s perspective, doing letters of recommendation in SchooLinks has been pretty similar to previous years,” Ms. Amy Kladis,

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

Celebrating World Language and Multilingual Week

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Ms. Julia Sosnivka, a program associate at WorldChicago, speaks to students about promoting citizen diplomacy.

“The final event was a Multilingual Breakfast at 7:45 am on Friday in the library for any student who speaks another language at home,” Ms. Costello said.

CommonApp newly synced with SchooLinks

Anthony Sotto

News Editor ollege deadlines are coming to a close and seniors are starting to complete their applications.

This year, the school has combined application platforms SchooLinks and CommonApp in order to apply to colleges and request teacher recommendations.

The main reason for this change is to streamline the submission of documents needed for applications.

The new platform also allows staff to monitor a student’s application progress and admission decisions as well as help efficiently gather data for counselors.

“It puts e ver ything in one platform,” Ms. Robyn Moreth, college admissions and post-secondary counselor, said. “Before, students had to go to another platform in order to send transcripts. They had to use a variety of different ways in order to get these documents in support of their submitted applications. We are able to send documents more efficiently now.”

There have been mixed feelings around the school about the shift in platform. Many students have found the change useful and easy to navigate; however, some students have

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Career and Technical Education teacher, said. “SchooLinks is easy to navigate, and it’s nice to see the ‘to do’ lists with deadline dates.”

The changes appear to have a greater effect on the student body than on staff. The few changes that staff have seen seem to be positive ones, making the process a bit more organized and manageable.

“For [counselors], I’m able to see a student’s list and I’m able to see documents that are still needed with just a couple clicks,” Ms. Moreth said.

“It’s much more streamlined.”

November 4, 2022

| NEWS

Lunch line procedures adjusted to facilitate organization Sayde Feeley

News Editor tealing and overcrowding in the lunch lines were a large problem last year, which the school is addressing with new protocols.

Students are now required to place their bags outside of the purchasing area and move to a sectioned-off line. There, monitors allow a limited number of students in every couple of minutes. Monitors try to keep around 30 kids within the purchasing area to avoid large crowds.

“We have a wide range of students who need to enter the lunch area and allowing an unlimited number of students into the space all at once is dangerous for students who struggle with crowds, those in wheelchairs, or those with injuries or who have mobility concerns,” Mr. Micheal Edwards, Assistant Principal for Student Services, said.

Not only is overcrowding a safety concern, but it also contributed to the theft problem last year. Fewer people also means better visibility so adults can keep a better eye out for shoplifting. Last year, the school received many reports of students sneaking items into their backpack or

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eating parts of the meal before even paying for it.

Mr. Edwards had also been timing the new cafeteria system to ensure it is as efficient as possible. He has found that if a student enters the cafeteria five minutes after the block period has started, it takes about seven and a half minutes for them to get their food and check out. The time is half as long if the student were to get in line immediately when the period begins or half-way through the block.

The majority of students feel that these changes have helped prevent theft as well as create a more organized cafeteria.

Sophomore Kelsey Rouse believes that the new process is even faster than the one last year, despite the lengthy line to get in.

“Now that they only allow a limited number of people in the cafeteria, the lines are shorter and people can get their food more efficiently,” Rouse said.

While one might wait the same amount of total time to get food, the process of getting in and out of the roped-off cafeteria is smoother and less crowded. This has made students feel less anxious.

“It was very chaotic in there last

ALL LINED UP

PHOTO BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA

Students wait in line to enter the cafeteria area during sixth period B lunch. The area has been roped off into sections with stanchions to keep things organized.

year, but now I think it is much more organized,” Rouse said.

Others, such as junior Jimmy Johnston, are not huge fans of the new requirements.

“While I do think they have fixed some issues, I don’t know if that was the best way to go about it,” Johnston said.

He wishes that there could have been another solution that did not require such a lengthy entrance line.

“At the end of the day, though, it is a small compromise to make for a more organized space,” Johnston said.

Maine South is still hoping to add more changes to the cafeteria in the future. Staff is looking for ways to customize the menu options and open it to a wider range of students.

“So far we have added non-dairy options for creamer, explored adding hot sauce as a condiment, and are working to have more familiar meals that reflect the cultures of Maine South,” Mr. Edwards said.

For the time being, the school is going to continue monitoring the area to keep it organized and safe for all students.

Pride Week celebrated for LGBTQ+ History Month Olivia Das Gupta News Editor

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r i d e We ek w as c el ebr ate d throughout the building last week from Oct. 24-28 to support the LGBTQ+ community.

The idea for the celebration was generated by senior Isabel Jimenez earlier this year.

“It honestly all started as a simple idea during lunchtime,” Jimenez said. “I decided to make a Google Doc and write down all of my ideas, and it fleshed out into a full week of festivities.”

Jimenez made the decision to approach administration with her ideas in September, and eventually it was approved and preparation began.

The week kicked off with a T-shirt contest on Monday and trivia in the cafeteria on Tuesday. On Wednesday, students were encouraged to dress as their favorite LGBTQ+ icon and Thursday morning marked Maine South’s first pride parade. The week concluded with karaoke in the cafeteria on Friday.

“I wanted to make sure that

HAWK PRIDE

PHOTO BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA

Students and staff march through the hallways for Maine South’s first Pride Parade on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 27. Many wore the “Hawk Pride” t-shirts that were available to purchase in the bookstore.

everyone felt welcomed and felt like they belonged,” Jimenez said.

“I intended for people to be able to recognize that, yes, some of us are different, yet we are all still equal.”

October is LGBT History Month in the US and aims to recognize the accomplishments of advocates throughout history. The school’s

GSA club has been recognizing such accomplishments on the screens in the commons along with announcements over the PA system. In the past, they have also distributed educational resources to staff on the topic. “[GSA] is a club that provides a safe space for students who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies,” Ms. Jennifer

Sarashinsky, the sponsor of GSA, said. “It’s the Gender and Sexualities Alliance, though some students still call it the Gay-Straight Alliance.”

The GSA meets bi-weekly to support one another, have discussions, and participate in activities. While Pride Week did not start with the GSA, it has its enthusiastic support.

“I think it’s great that students felt comfortable enough to say we should have a Pride Week, and that there are students that are willing to participate,” said Ms. Sarashinsky. “It’s also really nice to see support from the staff that are allies to LGBTQ+ students or our staff who might also be a part of the community. It’s nice to give all of those folks a way and an ability to show their pride for who they are.”

While this was the first Pride Week at South, it does not look like it will be the last.

“Maine West actually did their own celebration during pride month in June of last year,” said Ms. Sarashinsky.

“So I’m hoping that we can get some support to do something with them this year.”

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NEWS

| November 4, 2022

French foreign exchange students visit Maine South 22 students from Lyon, France learn about American culture Olivia Das Gupta and Anthony Sotto News Editors

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hrough an exchange program organized by French teacher Ms. Emily Delahanty, the school was able to have nearly two dozen French students stay with host families from Oct. 14-26. The French students shadowed Maine South students to experience American high school life first hand. Outside of class, they visited sites around Park Ridge, saw Chicago landmarks, and attended typical high school events like football games.

“I was looking for pen pals for my students, and [the Lyon students’] teacher Ms. Knaff proposed that we do an actual exchange, and we decided to make it happen,” Ms. Delehanty said.

French 1 and 2 teacher Ms. Laura Ortega saw this as a great opportunity

to help students make connections with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

“It’s hard to conceive that struggle and also the joy of communicating in the language until you find that human connection, so I think that it’s absolutely transformative that we can have an experience where we have French students and American students in the same classrooms trying to connect,” Ms. Ortega said.

The program was educational, both in terms of learning a language, and also understanding other people’s experiences.

“I would hope that they learned tolerance and also that there are many ways of doing things and that different countries have different approaches to different problems,” Ms. Ortega said.

When the students arrived, they noticed many of these differences, particularly between Maine South and their own school.

“Maine South is bigger, and at our school we don’t use computers—it is all paper and pencil,” second-year French lycée student Maud Thevenet said. “For lunch, all of us buy lunch.

None of us bring it.”

The social life within the building was another surprising difference.

“My high school is very different because, for example, I was shocked

PHOTO COURTESY TYLER HATTERY

CHANGING THE GAME

Exchange students Louane Bois (left) and Nathan Berthet (right) attend a Bulls game at United Center. Not only did they get to attend a professional sports game, but they attended Maine South athletic events as well.

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PHOTO BY LIVIA JOLINEAU

THE AMERICAN DREAM

Andre Bochet (‘23), Esteban Gualino, Paul Cavalier-Blavin, Gabin Rolland, Daniella LoPiccolo (‘23), & Lucie Banda (left to right) attend a party in the exchange students’ honor. The exchange students noticed a considerable difference between French and American culture.

by people wearing Crocs, and we haven’t got American football games,” second-year lycée student Laura Fournier said. “I think we can talk very friendly with teachers here and not in France.”

A couple students remarked that American students and staff seemed more laid back than what they were accustomed to.

“The American students just come in pajamas or leggings,” second-year lycée student Louane Bois said. “In France, if you wear that, it’s because you’re in sports.”

In fact, the students noticed many differences in sports culture. Many expressed their interest in American football after watching a Maine South game.

“I liked the football game,” Thevenet said. “We don’t have this in France, at least like this. I enjoyed how everyone was so excited and how everyone cheered and sang.”

She also explained that sports were not as integrated into school life at her school.

“All sports facilities are separate from the school,” she said. “We have to walk to play sports.”

These sorts of outings allowed the French students to spend a lot of time together and with their host families having fun. Students did various activities including visiting The Ledge at Willis Tower, going to the Halloween Fright Fest event at Six Flags, and eating at classic Chicago restaurants like Portillo’s.

Exchange students also got a taste of the traditional high school party in America.

“We sang and danced to French and American music at parties, did an American candy taste test, and got

to talk to our friends,” Thevenet said.

The students also expressed their fascination with broader American culture.

“I think that everything is bigger in America,” Bois said. “Your house is bigger than you need. In France, you just get what you need. Here, the buildings are bigger, higher. The food is bigger. We can’t ask for soda refills, you get it just one time. Americans are also really cool because they say ‘hi, how are you?’ In France they say ‘hi’ but they don’t ask ‘how are you?’”

Other students said that they learned a lot about language.

“I learned a lot for my English vocabulary and also the whole trip was amazing,” Fournier said. “I learned a lot of slang.”

The experience was also beneficial for the families who hosted the students.

“It was definitely very cool for a lack of better words,” senior Vivian Kopka said. “I really liked how even though she was immersing herself in my culture, I kind of felt connected with her culture as well. She brought a lot of French goodies and it was difficult at times to speak the language with her, but, overall, it was a really good experience.”

The school in France has invited Maine South students to visit, and they are hoping to make a spring break or summer trip.

“I think [the exchange] has been really amazing on a personal level, but also in terms of global citizenship and broadening students’ perspectives. There were many tears upon departure, and I hope the kids will stay in touch and keep these relationships for years to come,” Ms. Delehanty said.

November 4, 2022

| COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CATHY TSERENDAAVA

i guess i'm having fries...

keep it moving!

Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords

c-lunch problems

STAFF EDITORIAL Opening up the possibility of open campus A s many have noticed, there is clear overcrowding in the cafeteria and commons area, the only places available to eat during lunch periods at Maine South. Not only are the spaces themselves crowded with students sitting and eating, but the cafeteria serving lines are packed as well.

In response to an increase in theft, the school has had to limit the number of students allowed inside the serving area at one time to monitor students better. Because fewer students are allowed in the serving area, there is often a line that can extend all the way to the HPL. For students, who have less than 40 minutes to eat, waiting in line can amount to a significant portion of the lunch period.

In order to preserve student lunch time and create a more positive environment, the school should move to an open campus for lunch.

An open campus would drastically reduce the number of students inside the cafeteria and commons during lunch periods, which would provide numerous benefits.

With such crowded lunch periods,

the level of trash left inside both the common area and the cafeteria is concerning. Fewer students would create less trash, but more than that, it would also make cleanup more manageable.

Currently, during the last lunch period of the day, students find the cafeteria is sold out of many of the most desired food options. This can be problematic for students with dietary restrictions.

Not only would an open campus allow students to eat food other than what is offered in the cafeteria, but it would also mean that there is more food left for those who do not choose to eat outside of Maine South.

Open campus would present some unique challenges, but none that can't be overcome.

In order to make this happen, the school would likely need to allocate more resources to security personal to check students in and out during the middle of the day—but this additional cost would also keep the school safer.

By implementing a “scan out” policy, the staff would know if someone left the building and could keep accurate records of students in

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

the building for safety purposes.

It is possible that students would overestimate how much time is available to them during the 40-minute lunch period and tardies could increase. This is easily solved by revoking open campus privileges after a certain number of tardies has accumulated.

If Maine South chose to adopt an open campus policy, it would make sense to start with smaller, more controlled conditions.

The school could begin by solely offering this privilege to senior students, many of whom have parking passes and have earned the extra layer of responsibility.

If all goes well and there aren’t an excessive number of tardies or absences, open campus could be allowed for non-lunch free periods and to juniors as well.

Starting off on a smaller scale would allow for a more controlled execution of the open campus.

Eventually, more students would be allowed to leave during their lunches and off-periods, leaving the cafeteria and commons a less crowded and cleaner environment.

S outhw ord s i s a stu d e nt - r u n publication designed as a public forum for student opinion and balanced reporting on topics relevant to the Maine South community.

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

Stu d e nt p ar t i c ip at i on i n t h e newspaper, whether through readership, submitting articles, or voicing comments or concerns, is encouraged.

Signed letters to the editor can be 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 Madison Basquin Elizabeth Handley News Editors Olivia Das Gupta Sayde Feeley Anthony Sotto Commentary Editors Jacob Mascort Campbell Micek Andjela Trkulja Features Editors

Ava Jurek Lilien Schirazi Sofia Sclafani

Entertainment Editors Maggie Hershey Caitlin Vengazo Maggie Woods Sports Editors

Declan Colleran Kyra Demeros Thomas Hurley

Production Editors Natalia Kowalewska Cathy Tserendavaa Ceylan Yildiz Adviser Mr. Stathakis

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COMMENTARY

| November 4, 2022

Bell issues and lack of clocks cause confusion Jacob Mascort Commentary Editor as that the normal bell or the two-minute bell?” This question is common at the beginning of the period after this year’s addition of the “warning bell sound” that alerts the student body when there are two minutes left in the passing period.

While the warning bell certainly has benefits, it also ends up causing confusion.

With the removal of clocks in the hallways, teachers and students often mistake the warning bell for the start of class, and vice versa.

During the 2019-2020 school year, hallway clocks were all over the school. However, as construction

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began, the hallway clocks began to disappear, or not work entirely.

To clear some confusion, administration brought back the hallway music that plays over the intercom system until 8:28 am, which is when the two-minute bell rings.

This adds a sense of “musical chairs” in the hallways because when the music stops, it alerts the student body that they must rush to class quickly so they are not late for their first class of the day.

To maximize the benefits of the warning bell system during the other periods of the day, creating a different tone for the two-minute bell would cause less confusion, and result in fewer tardies.

It would also be helpful for the school to install large digital hallway clocks that can be found in many other high schools.

Another point of confusion is this year’s lunch block bells.

TIME FOR CHANGE Large

digital clocks like these in the halls at Prospect High School would help keep students on time and where they need to be.

These bells ring at the start of A, B, and C lunches, however, there are no bells during the lunch periods that ring to signal the end of the lunch block to alert students to go back to class.

To clear up this confusion, the school should add back the dismissal bell during the lunch periods.

Furthermore, while there are some speakers located in hallways around

the cafeteria and commons, the volume is too low to be heard when these areas are populated, specifically during the lunch block.

The commons and cafeteria are crowded with hundreds of students having their own conversations, and while the bells can be heard in quiet spaces such as the library or the ARC, they are often hard to hear in the loud areas of Center Court.

Increasing the volume of the speakers in Center Court would not only keep students on time, but also keep students safe in emergency situations.

By adding clocks back into the hallways, students will be able to know where they need to be at what time.

In addition, changing the tone of the warning bell would eliminate the confusion between bells for the student body and limit the number of tardies they receive throughout the day.

Campus restrictions are a result of our own behavior Katelyn Whitlock Commentary Writer any upperclassmen may recall a time before hybrid learning when campus felt more open.

Students roamed the building as they pleased, and it wasn’t uncommon for students to be hanging out in the soft seating throughout the school.

During that time, there was a sense of freedom among the students, who had more autonomy during the day.

Recently, the administration has become more strict about students’ freedom to move around on campus.

They implemented many new policies, such as requiring passes to leave Center Court during lunch or during free periods.

Security is stationed right outside the commons to prevent students from going any further during these times.

They also removed the couches that once stood in the back hallway in an attempt to restrict students from hanging out in spaces closer to A-wing and B-wing.

To improve security throughout the school, other hallway seating was also removed.

The seating, while not anywhere near classrooms, had notoriously been a hotspot for students during the day, causing a need for additional monitoring.

Restricting student access to anything outside

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PHOTO BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA

NO ACCESS The picture above shows now-empty front hallway near commons during a lunch period. This year, students must stay in Center Court during their lunch periods.

Center Court during lunch and free periods solves the problem of students going to A-wing and disrupting class, but in practice, causes some problems of its own.

Many students have been frustrated by a lack of access to the ARC and Testing Center.

When trying to visit these resources, during lunch, students need to have a pass from a teacher stating that they are allowed there at that time.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes creating a feeling of restriction for students is the closed bathrooms throughout the school.

There are hall monitors who are stationed in the PE wing and in the back hallway to supervise the bathrooms in that area.

Unfortunately, the administration is unable to fully staff all bathrooms to be supervised, which

adds to the number of locked bathrooms.

Some bathrooms are closed for maintenance, but others are closed as a result of students’ poor behavior.

While it is frustrating to go on a hunt for an open bathroom, it is even more frustrating that our own behavior is the cause of these restrictions.

In essence, we are making our own lives more difficult.

All of a sudden, finding an open bathroom or meeting with a teacher have become hassles.

While it would be easy to say that the school should just hire more security to open up our halls, ultimately, a majority of these issues are based on poor student behavior.

The chance to have a more open campus lies in the hands of the students.

November 4, 2022

| COMMENTARY

Campbell Micek Commentary Editor hile many teenagers spend lots of time researching different career options, my interests have always been apparent.

From a young age, I was fascinated by people of all walks of life—where they lived, how they operated, their culture, hobbies, and background.

The news channel was a personal favorite, and if “60 Minutes” was on TV, then I was busy. I was a sevenyear-old girl who was full of curiosity, and as it manifested, nosy.

This passion for people, globally, evolved into an interest in politics and policy, and for a while, I believed I would be a reporter.

Similar to the reporters I grew up watching, I would travel worldwide covering a range of intriguing topics that would reach millions. That is what I dreamed of.

At Maine South, I found school organizations that provided me with many opportunities to express these interests of mine; however, the one that remains the most impactful was an internship.

The summer going into my junior year of school, I contacted Ms.Laura Wilkens, the career coordinator, about a potential internship opportunity.

I detailed what I hoped to be involved in as an intern, and, collaboratively, we brainstormed possible placement ideas.

While the school year had yet to begin, I was able to get a jump start on the internship process.

Typically, you begin interning at the beginning of the school year; however, given my request over the summer, I started in July of 2021.

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I was placed at Park Ridge Living Magazine. Before agreeing to intern here, I was aware of the time this particular position required, but because of the experience I knew I would gain, I happily accepted.

My first assignment was to pack 100 gift bags. Part of Park Ridge Living’s mission is to reach the community through events, one of the largest being the Back to School Bash, my first event as an intern.

I helped set up, stuffed bags, and assisted in running the event. I spent three days a week, two to three hours a day accomplishing various tasks as an intern.

I was most intrigued by the publication that Park Ridge Living produced monthly.

Every month, a new family was featured on the front cover, and shared their story, along with many other community members.

The first story I wrote was about a local group of women who had breast cancer and their journey in collectively raising money for a breast cancer awareness walk.

While the story was a short 600 words, having the opportunity to contact such strong women reminded me of why I chose my internship.

In October of 2021, I had the unique opportunity to help put on a fashion show.

As part of the process, I met with the designer of the show, who was an accountant turned fashion designer based in Chicago, attended the open call for the models, had dinner with the sponsors, posted on social media daily, put together many silent auction items, stuffed 500 “swag bags,” and had many meetings with Wings, a local charity that helps women in cases of domestic abuse.

This event was unlike anything I had ever been a part of. Over 400 people attended.

Students Speak: “I work for a local publication. I continue to grow my communications experience, researching, developing social media and interviewing community members. I have learned about many of the great business owners, retail and service providers in Park Ridge.”

Demi Heinz ('23)

PHOTO COURTESY CAMPBELL MICEK

Internships set up students for professional success

PACKING BAGS For her first assignment as an intern, senior Campbell Micek packed 100 bags for the Back-to-School Bash, one of the largest events hosted by Stroll Park Ridge every year.

By far, the highlight of my time as an intern, the fashion show raised over $75,000 for Wings.

During my time as an intern, I completed articles for the newly acquired magazine, B eLocal Northwest Chicagoland Far Suburbs.

While all of these tasks consumed quite a bit of time, and at times I was overwhelmed, this experience gave me insight into publishing a magazine, managing media, and hosting events.

Little did I know that my sixmonth internship would develop into employment.

I am currently the head of the Marketing department for Stroll Park Ridge (formerly known as Park Ridge Living), BeLocal Northwest Chicagoland, BeLocal Northwest Chicagoland Suburbs, and BeLocal Northwest Chicagoland Far Suburbs, a total of four publications that reach 19 greater Chicago suburbs.

In my current role, I manage all social media, posting two or three times a week on each account, about

15-20 times a day on each story, and editing video content.

Where I was once assisting in helping at the Back-to-School Bash, this year I had the opportunity to run it by myself.

I have also more recently been meeting with the current interns, assigning them various assignments, and showing them how to create articles and utilize Canva pro, as I once did as an intern.

So, while many teenagers are hostesses at a restaurant or scoopers at ice cream shops—as I once was, I am managing social media and marketing in a professional setting, and am doing something that will have a direct impact on my career.

Having gone through the internship program, I can confidently say receiving a professional experience in high school is an opportunity that all high schoolers should have. My internship not only taught me many skills, but solidified my interest in my career. Now, as a senior, I have a better sense of what I intend to pursue.

Student interns share their enriching experiences.

“I worked at First Midwest Insurance. I learned how to manage a work environment and use a lot of new, innovative business technology.

This prepared me for my major in business. It was a great experience, and I hope to return this summer.”

Jack Hartung ('23)

“I am a German 4/AP teacher aid. I lead students in preparation for the AP test, I administer speaking test assessments, and I assist students struggling with assignments.

This internship has benefited me linguistically.”

Pavel Oman ('23)

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FEATURES | November 4, 2022

As COVID restrictions are lifted, field trips return K

eeping students engaged in class is one of the most challenging things for teachers. There are thousands of techniques aimed to combat this issue, however, sometimes students need something to help them re-engage, such as field trips.

Field trips are created to help students gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of a topic; however, sometimes students view them as a break from school rather than an educational opportunity.

Recently there has been a rise in field trips, including the Photo 2 and Digital Imaging trip, and AP European History (AP Euro) trip.

AP Euro students went to Chicago to visit Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, giving them a chance to learn how European history connects to their own city. Photo 2 and Digital Imaging students explored The Grove and the Botanic Gardens to take photos.

History teacher, Mr. Andrew Trenkle was one of the teacher’s that took students on the AP Euro trip to Chicago this past October. He is also one of the Constitution team (Cteam) advisors, and if they make it to Nationals, which is in the spring, the C-team competes in Washington D.C. “When done right, [field trips] are beneficial,” Mr. Trenkle said.

“We just completed one at the Art Institute, and I hope it helped students experience and see some of the art that they study and understand its connection with European history.”

The new information that the students learn through their participation in the trips tend to go hand in hand with the curriculum.

“Students are required to respond to multiple choice questions on the visual arts in history [for assessments], and practicing this at the museum was helpful,” Mr. Trenkle said.

Fine Arts teachers Mr. Gregory Regalado and Ms. Mary Lee Moore took students on the Photo 2 and Digital Imaging field trip. Mr. Regalado believes it had a significant educational impact.

“It is a great seven-hour field trip where students can go to gather re-

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◄ GALLERY

WALK AP European

History students went to the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park on Oct. 14 for their field trip where they analyzed paintings. Their analysis was later used to complete an assignment for homework.

BREAKING NEWS Newspaper

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Features Writer & Editors

sources,” Mr. Regalado said. “All of the pictures they took on the field trips last week are going to be used in their artwork throughout the rest of the year. It is the foundation for the rest of the year, so it is crucial.”

Aside from academics, field trips also provide new experiences for students.

“It’s giving experiences to students that they otherwise wouldn’t have,” Ms. Moore said. “I am always shocked by the number of students that have not been to the Art Institute.”

Sophomore Gianna Musso, a Photo 2 student, found the field trip to The Grove and Botanic Garden to be an eye-opening experience.

“I really got to see a lot of different environments and things that you wouldn’t think could create a good photo that turns out really cool,” Musso said.

These field trips were both an enjoyable and fascinating experience for students; however, they did take time away from other classes.

For students who miss a lot of classwork due to the trip, it could prove to be challenging to catch up.

Students must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the trip in deciding whether it is worth missing a day or part of school to participate in the event.

Sophomore Olivia Skora was eager to participate in the AP Euro trip, but also knew she would miss a lot of work.

“I was excited to go, but I do remember thinking about all the important things I would miss, and I made sure I didn’t have any tests that day,” Skora said.

While students have a lot of work to make up after field trips, teachers have a lot of work to complete before a field trip can even happen.

“First, we needed to connect with the locations that we were visiting,” Ms. Moore said. “Mr. Regalado took care of the Grove and I took care of the Botanic Garden. Then we needed to fill out forms to get it approved.

We had to do the accounting and figure out how much it was going to cost. Finally, we had to prepare the material for the field trips: planning what the students will be doing, printing the maps, and making the itineraries.”

Beyond all this, teachers also have to organize the student permis-

PHOTO BY AVA JUREK

Practicum and Eyrie students attended the Kettle Moraine Press Association Conference field trip on Oct. 14.

They listened to keynote speaker, Lindsay Christians’ experience with music journalism.

PHOTO BY LILIEN SCHIRAZI

Miranda Parikah, Ava Jurek, & Lilien Schirazi

sion forms and payment for those attending the trip.

“There are a lot of steps in the process,” Mr. Regalado said. “It isn’t just like ‘we’re going on a field trip’.

There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work involved.”

Although these trips require lots of time and effort to organize, teachers recognize the benefit trips will have in opening new career opportunities for students. Administration encourages teachers to make sure that there is a career focus on trips, as it was one of the questions on the field trip request form.

“When we go on a field trip in a couple weeks with a select number of students, we are hanging a show,” Mr. Regalado said. “They are going to receive the gallery experience. They are going to talk to the curator of the gallery. It is a true hands-on experience of important lessons on how to hang a show.”

Teachers acknowledge that these experiences expose students to new career possibilities.

“They may think ‘wow that’s a job? I actually enjoy this. I can do this for a living. I want to pursue this.” Ms. Moore said.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 had a huge impact on field trips, stopping them for a significant amount of time. This pause has made students more enthusiastic to be given the chance to go on field trips once again. “[There is] definitely more engagement than simply seeing something on a screen,” Mr. Trenkle said.

“Oftentimes the guides at museums provide a lot of information beyond my expertise as well.”

Field trips seem to improve social relations. Communication between peers and teachers is a foundational part of learning in school, so being given a chance to connect with each other outside of the classroom environment is very beneficial.

“You get a unique experience with your students for the day,” Ms. Moore said. “Having a chance to talk for a while on the bus ride, is different, as you are not just standing in the classroom. Even noticing the students’ interactions are different.

I really liked that. There was communication between the students that don’t normally hang out. I got to know students in different ways, which I thought was good.”

November 4, 2022 | FEATURES

Engagement requires more than just enrollment of input and active participation from the club as a whole.”

Features Writer Challenges especially arise later very fall, Maine South students on in the year as students get busier; crowd the commons at the annual students gradually devote less of their Activities Fair, eager to join as many time to the clubs they so excitedly joined months earlier. clubs as they can.

“The 3rd quarter slump hits hard However, as the year progresses, many of these students fail to remain on the involvement end and the acaactive members of the clubs they demic end,” Tecu said. “I get it 100 percent. We [officers] know we just previously joined.

This issue is prevalent especially have to try our best to make our meetin larger clubs, such as Student ings and events worthwhile through the tougher times of the year.”

Council and Key Club.

Key Club, which has rapidly “We have just under 250 students registered in the Student Council grown to be one of Maine South’s Google Classroom," Mr. Gregory largest clubs, faces similar challenges.

Regalado, a Student Council sponsor, Senior Colette Gordon, Key Club said. “Our whole group meetings get president, notes that only a third of Key Club members have been active about 50-70 members.”

Student Council understands thus far.

“Key Club had over 430 students that many students are looking for a low-commitment club where it is in the Google Classroom, but we acceptable to be unavailable for some have had 100-120 students attend our monthly meetings," Gordon said. meetings.

Therefore, club officers work “To be an official member, there is a to keep all students engaged and two-hour service minimum for each involved in order to work around semester. We have some members that participate in events almost students’ busy schedules.

Junior Cece Tecu, a Student Coun- every week and other members who cil officer, is grateful for the dedica- may only participate every couple of tion shown by active members, and months.”

Similar to Student Council, Key she works to make Student Council inclusive and representative of the Club’s active member count declines throughout the year. student body as a whole.

“Our most active time is during “The members we have contribute in the most vital ways; just showing first semester—specifically with new up and putting in effort is a big help,” members and freshmen,” Gordon Tecu said. “We as officers dedicate said.

Key Club’s goal is to be flexible and ourselves to making sure the members feel heard in whatever they have inclusive to promote service throughto contribute. We aren't a Student out the entire student body, despite the students’ Council withworkload. Key out students.”

“Having a leadership role Club sponsor, Although Mr. Jim McStudent Coun- in a few activities and being Gowan, works cil is an inclu- able to make a true impact with student sive club that on those programs is far more leaders to creprides itself on ate new service being flexible meaningful than signing with student yourself up for more than you opportunities available to all involvement, can juggle.” students. productivity -Ms. Meghan Wood “The main levels may be focus of the affected by the club for several years has been that number of active members.

Though they try to be understand- we didn't want the club to become ing of packed schedules, Student punitive in any way,” Mr. McGowan Council functions better when more said. “The goal is to have as many members attend meetings and events. students complete service in a way “It’s always better to work with that makes sense to them. We try to larger numbers, especially with some- balance our offerings to be inside and thing like StuCo,” Tecu said. “We do outside of Maine South.”

Even with teachers implementing our best work overall when we get lots

Maggie Sheehan

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ILLUSTRATION BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA

ways to keep students active during t heir clubs, a busy work lo ad sometimes gets in the way.

“We know that we are working with students who have incredibly challenging academic schedules, and are also involved in athletics and other extracurriculars so we want to make service accessible to them, but not burdensome or stressful,” Mr. McGowan said. “I think that is why we have seen such a jump not only in total members, but also in active members, as it is a safe place to get involved and, once they do, they keep signing up for more and more events.”

A recent strateg y Key Club has utilized this year is creating motivators for students to encourage them to get involved. Key Club’s new service hour tracking site, Track it Forward, awards students as they complete service hours.

“One of the benefits of the ‘Track it Forward’ site that we have already found interesting is that students can easily see their own service hours and the service of the club as a whole,” Mr. McGowan said. “We debated about using the ‘service hour badges’ available on the site and, in the end, thought that they would be motivational.”

Even with the adaptivity offered by clubs, many students still remain inactive members of the clubs they are part of.

Sophomore Eliza Goldwasser, a member of many clubs, has an idea of why there is limited club activity.

“An issue that often arises is that many clubs have their meetings on the same mornings, which therefore limits the number of times [students]

can attend the meetings,” Goldwasser said. “I prioritize clubs that I paid dues for, but it’s unfortunate that many clubs I want to be a part of meet at the same time.”

An additional reason students are inactive members in the clubs they joined is to pad their resumes for college applications.

Post-secondary counselor Ms. Robyn Moreth discourages students from joining more clubs than they can handle, because colleges value quality over quantity in terms of student involvement. “[Colleges] want you to participate in activities that matter to you,” Ms. Moreth said. “A laundry list of activities is not what they value over students’ depth of involvement.”

This advice should encourage students to manage the number of clubs they participate in and focus on their influence in activities they are truly passionate about.

This strategy will not only be more beneficial to students, but also help solve the clubs’ challenges of having more inactive members than official members.

Counselor Ms. Meghan Wood emphasizes a similar point. She does not promote students getting involved in extracurricular activities that do not feel genuine to who they are. She believes that clubs are meant to build community and help students explore their interests.

“Having a leadership role in a few activities and being able to make a true impact on those programs is far more meaningful than signing yourself up for more than you can juggle,” Ms. Wood said.

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FEATURES | November 4, 2022

Just myT Y P E

Type-one diabetics do more than one might expect to manage their condition.

Caitlin Vengazo

Entertainment Editor

I

t’s 8:00 p.m. on a school night, and junior Violet Shembeda is just getting started on her homework.

For the past four hours, she’s been fighting a silent, incessant battle that hardly anyone would recognize from an outside perspective: typeone diabetes (T1D). Commonly diagnosed during childhood, T1D is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas completely stops producing insulin—a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or blood glucose. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent or cure T1D. Shembeda was diagnosed with T1D three years ago. Living with her condition is difficult in high school, especially when she is trying to complete her schoolwork while experiencing high or low blood sugar.

“I could be low or I could be high and feel fine, but it could swing the complete opposite way,” Shembeda said. “And that’s really hard, especially after school when I’m trying to do homework, but I can’t because nothing is working, and I feel like I’m shutting down.”

Experiencing high and low blood sugars is inevitable with T1D. There are many factors that impact a person’s blood glucose level.

Fluctuations in blood sugar can be caused by too much or too little insulin needed to balance aspects such as: carbohydrates, exercise, stress, sleep habits, dehydration, caffeine, hormones, and more. Each factor varies from person to person.

High blood sugar occurs when there is not enough insulin to turn

carbohydrates into energy and is treated by taking extra insulin. Low blood sugar is generally caused by physical exercise or taking too much insulin, and low blood sugar is brought up using fast-acting carbohydrates, such as by drinking juice.

“When I’m low, I get bad headaches and I lose focus on what I’m doing, I get shaky hands, and I can get drowsy,” Shembeda said. “When I have high blood sugar, it can sometimes be hard to focus and I am thirsty.”

Keeping track of these everchanging blood sugars can be a challenge, but relatively new diabetes technology has helped people like Shembeda manage blood sugar more smoothly. A continuous glucose monitor called a Dexcom is used in lieu of finger-pricking which helps reduce the burden of management.

“My Dexcom helps monitor my blood glucose and gives me a blood sugar reading every five minutes,” Shembeda said. “It gets switched every 10 days, and it saves me from having to prick my finger to know my blood glucose.”

In addition to a continuous glucose monitor, Shembeda wears an insulin pump, which inserts a tiny tube called a cannula under her skin to deliver insulin throughout the day.

“My pump works with my Dexcom to get a blood sugar reading, then it gives insulin to correct my blood sugar if necessary,” Shembeda said.

“I am also able to easily give insulin for my foods during mealtimes or manually correct my blood glucose.”

Although technology is available, some choose different ways to manage their T1D. Instead of using an insulin pump, junior Joe Mullarkey chooses

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INFOGRAPHIC BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

Cannula: a little tube that is inserted under the skin that insulin travels through

Up to 200 units of insulin is stored here

This strong adhesive lasts up to three days

Dexcom

Continuous Glucose Monitor

Inserts small sensor under skin for monitoring (size of two hairs)

Transmitter: sends blood sugar reading to connected device every five minutes

Adhesive patch is similar to a bandage

to do multiple daily injections to administer insulin.

“I give myself six shots per day: five shots of fast-acting insulin throughout the day and one long-lasting insulin shot at night,” Mullarkey said.

Without taking blood sugar fluctuations into account, Mullarkey’s daily management routine might look simple; however, extreme high and low blood sugars can have a significant impact on a person with T1D. Sophomore Josefina McCauley was diagnosed when she was 18 months old and has to manage her blood sugars while swimming.

“To prepare for swimming, I always try to have my blood sugar above 150 mg/dL or I tend to go low very fast,” she said. “Once, I saw that my blood sugar was 80 mg/dL, so right before my race, I drank an entire Gatorade and a juice box to try to get it up. However, sugar takes some time [up to 15 minutes] to make my blood sugar go up.”

In this case, even with careful monitoring and treating her low blood sugar, it was not enough “Being diabetic has taught me to keep her in a safe range. to be responsible for my own “When I was halfway health. I learned how to manthrough my race, I was age my own injections and about to flip at my wall, when low blood sugar properly. It I suddenly felt super dizzy has taught me to accept and weak, and then what I can’t I blacked out for control and two to three secJoe make the onds,” McCauley (‘25) best of it.”

Mullarkey (‘24) said. “My coaches

In their own words...

“Being diabetic has taught me how to communicate with people about my condition. Since I was four, I had to tell my teachers if I felt dizzy or if Josefina I needed to go McCauley to the nurse.”

Omnipod

Tubeless Insulin Pump System

were watching me and immediately ran over with my bag of juice and the special medicine [Baqsimi] that we have to take if we pass out.”

Even in less extreme cases, blood sugars can be challenging to manage, especially at inconvenient times.

“My biggest struggle has been those nights where you have a really bad low or your blood sugar is constantly going low, and you’re not getting enough sleep,” Mullarkey said.

While low blood sugars can be scary due to the looming possibility of losing consciousness, high blood sugars are also worrisome.

“Being high isn’t as dangerous as being low,” McCauley said. “However, if blood sugar is high for a very long time, diabetics can develop something called ketones, which is when our body isn’t processing the sugar and carbs, so it starts to feed off of fat, which releases dangerous toxins.”

It sounds like a lot to deal with everyday, but even with the setbacks of diabetes, diabetics can do anything that a nondiabetic can do.

“It’s not like I am a different person because of it, it’s just something that I have to do,” Shembeda said. “I have other sides of me and other things that I enjoy, and diabetes is not one of those things.”

Although T1D has its fair share of ups and downs, diabetics live fulfilling lives despite their condition.

“It is hard sometimes, but I know that I can manage it and live a mostly normal life,” McCauley said.

November 4, 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT

Symphony Orchestra plays their way to UIC Josefine Hennes

PHOTO COURTESY MATTHEW NIX

Entertainment Writer ymphony Orchestra, directed by Mr. Matthew Nix, performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) on Oct. 18. They were invited to perform alongside Northside Prep High School Chamber String by the director of the UIC orchestras, Mr. Timothy Fawkes.

“This is a new experience for everybody in the program,” Mr. Nix said. “This is my sixth year at Maine South and, in my time here, this is the first time we have traveled to college campus for an invitational.”

Upon arrival, the Symphony Orchestra attended a presentation from UIC faculty and students. This presentation included speeches from the faculty and department chair for UIC’s School of Theater & Music Performance. In, between, students got to watch performances by chamber groups and faculty.

Students learned about how many college students find a way to continue performing after high school.

“The most interesting thing I learned was how many students in the orchestra were non-music majors and how many different ways people could get involved,” senior Kyungsoo Chon said.

After the presentation, they rehearsed their pieces for the concert, which included “Andante Festivo” by Jean Sibelius, “Four Future Memories, Op. 89” by Stephanie Ann Boyd, and “Night on the Bald Mountain” by Modest Mussorgsky.

When they finished rehearsing, students had the option of watching the Northside Prep High School

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TASTE OF COLLEGE LIFE

Symphony Orchestra students combined with orchestras from North Side Prep High School and University of Illinois at Chicago to perform two pieces. This was an opportunity for students to see what it would be like to play at the college level.

Orchestra rehearse with the UIC orchestra, or taking the time to further explore the UIC campus.

“It was a really cool experience,” sophomore Lucy Hassman, bassist in Symphony Orhcestra and Jazz Band, said. “We got to explore the campus, and I learned a lot about college life and how to keep music in our lives after high school.”

Later, there was a combined rehearsal between the orchestras of Northside Prep, Maine South, and UIC for the finale of the concert. They played “Adoration,” by Florence Price, and “Holberg Suite,”

by Edvard Greig.

“It was really nice for students to watch other orchestras from different programs and buildings perform,” Mr. Nix said.

Overall, the orchestra’s positive experience playing at UIC may lead to future field trips to colleges in the area similar to this experience.

“It is 100 percent something we would do

again,” Mr. Nix said. “It was important because, for many students, playing in college might be the next step for them, so by getting to meet many college students, they got to ask questions about everyday life.”

Besides playing their own music, orchestra students found it valuable to hear other schools play and see what college life is like.

“In a reflection form after the concert, students mentioned that their two favorite things from the day were hearing other orchestras play and exploring the campus” Mr. Nix said.

Overall, the invitational to the University of Illinois at Chicago was a unique experience for students. They got to meet, watch, and play with other orchestra students and learn what it would be like to play in college.

“It’s a really fun way to get out of school and learn to play in a different environment,” Chon said.

‘Midnight’ madness: pop with a hint of revenge “Midnights” by Taylor Swift

Hana Brkic & Maggie Woods Entertainment Writer & Editor

“M

idnights,” Taylor Swift’s newest studio album was released on Oct. 21 and quickly broke records on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Swift released 13 songs as promised, and surprised fans by releasing seven bonus songs in the “3 a.m. Edition” of the album, which was released later the same night.

“Midnights” is Swift’s first new release since 2021, when she rereleased “Red (Taylor’s Version).”

“Midnights” sold over 1.2 million album units within its first three days of release, making it her most successful release since “Reputation” in 2017.

As a Tennessee native, Swift got her start in the music industry writing country music. Over the past 16 years of her career, she has continuously

changed her style of music, which left fans guessing at the genre of her newest album. “Midnights” seems to be a foray back to pop.

All 20 songs were written by Swift herself. Lana Del Rey is featured on a track called “Snow on The Beach.”

However, this feature was slightly misleading to fans, considering Rey only sang background vocals on the piece.

Despite this disappointment, it’s safe to say “Midnights” lives up to the hype. Songs like “You’re on your own,

kid,” “Karma,’’ and “Anti-Hero” have quickly become radio and TikTok worthy. Their clever lyrics and fun beats make them perfect for carpool karaoke. Others, such as “Lavender Haze” and “Labyrinth” have softer melodies, similar to her last album, “Evermore,” making them great study tunes.

Other tracks such as “Paris” and “Bejeweled” seem to follow the style of Swift’s traditional pop songs, while others like “Mastermind” and “Maroon” highlight her undeniable lyrical genius.

Swift’s lyrics, while catchy, may lack substance to the average listener.

To appreciate their full meaning, you must be familiar with the drama in Swift’s personal life.

Although “Midnights” contains great singles, they all give off different vibes, making the album as a whole feel rather incohesive. In other words, many songs are playlist-worthy, but do not belong to the same playlist.

Additionally, Swift uses notably

more colorful language than her past family-friendly albums. Swift seems to be revealing more of a controversial edge in her music. Six out of the 20 songs that were released are considered “explicit” by most streaming services.

The concept of revenge is also explored by Swift throughout “Midnights.” Songs “Vigilante S---” and “Karma” contain vicious lyrics. “They say looks can kill and I might try,” Swift sings, leaving listeners to wonder whom this is directed towards.

There is talk that these piercing lines are meant for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in the wake of their recent drama. Swift has yet to comment on these rumors.

Swift continues to set industry standards. With her instant-hit album, she broke two Spotify records: most streamed artist in a single day and most streamed album in a single day.

Between the upbeat tunes, soft melodies, and dark lyrics, it’s hard not to love at least one of these tracks.

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ENTERTAINMENT

| November 4, 2022

The necessity of testing the waters in high school wasting my time trying to be good at something that I wasn’t.

Regardless of these intense feelings that I had been facing, the profuse fear that I had of the embarrassment and regret that I could potentially face Elizabeth Handley from taking the easy way out was Editor-In-Chief constantly lingering in the back of my uring freshman year, you are mind, especially for something that I presented with many unfamiliar had been working so hard for. opportunities and challenges that I considered giving up altogether, force you out of your comfort zone, but I decided to stick it out and conand that can be overwhelming at tinue through my junior year. times. While these opportunities may This feeling of disappointment and be right in front of you, they may not frustration continued throughout the seem feasible until you are an upper- following season and I was feeling classman—when it’s almost too late. hopeless. That’s when I noticed that Getting involved is something the only diver on the team had quit the school promotes the very first and the diving coach was looking for time you step in the building, but as new recruits. I didn’t think much of a freshman, I still felt too intimidated this at first, until I realized that this to try something new. was a moment I had been unknowDue to the pandemic, I took a long ingly waiting for: a chance to start hiatus from the sports I had previous- anew. ly played, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted I inquired with my coaches about to continue playing them. In spite of the possibility of switching to the divthe numerous years I had dedicated ing team and I was allowed the chance to playing lacrosse in my youth, I to try it out. I was given a few practices became complacent with the mass to gauge my potential and interest, amounts of new and I ended up free time I had ac- “I didn’t think much of this loving it. The exquired. It wasn’t citement of trying until a friend had at first, until I realized that something new inspired me by this was a moment I had and excelling at it talking about the been unknowingly waiting was a refreshing upcoming water feeling and one polo tryouts that for: a chance to start anew.” that I had been I yearned for the longing for. This, feeling of being a however, marked part of a team. the end of my swimming career. It Deciding last minute to play water was a bittersweet moment, but I knew polo my freshman year was one of the that this change would ultimately be best decisions I have made in my high beneficial for me. school career, as it presented me with I am almost at the end of my first years of friendships and an outlet for season of diving, and it’s strange to skills that I never knew I had. I started think that the sport that I initially out not knowing what the sport was would never have considered trying to being awarded JV Most Improved is now one that I thoroughly enjoy and JV Captain the following year. and can’t imagine my life without. I Because of this newfound love of went from swimming on the JV level aquatic athleticism, I made the deci- to diving both JV and varsity in duel sion to also join the swim team my meets and I have formed close bonds sophomore year. with the other divers who started in Despite my success in water polo, the same boat as me. swimming was a different story. JoinFeeling anxiety to come out of ing late was already a disadvantage to your shell and explore new endeavbegin with, and the physical demand ors is normal and never easy, but of the sport was intense. I had lots of there is never reward without risk. I fun with my new teammates, but I would have missed out on one of the never seemed to truly enjoy my time best experiences I’ve had in my high like others did. This was very dis- school career had I been too afraid to couraging, and it felt as though I was dive in head first.

D

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PHOTO COURTESY MR. DAVID HUTTER

PASSIONATE PERFORMANCE

The saxophone section played songs including “Careless Whisper” and “Sax Ditty” at the annual Band Spectacular. Each year this event is organized to raise funds for the band program.

Band performs in yearly ‘Spectacular’ Lyn Brush

Entertainment Writer n Oct. 22, the band performed their annual Band Spectacular, a review performance of songs from the past marching season that also serves as a fundraiser for the parent-run Music Boosters.

“Every section does their own section feature, and it’s a great way to represent everybody and the band season,” junior saxophonist Courtney Miller said.

The Spectacular was kicked off with the drumline playing their iconic “Street Beat” as the rest of the band rushed in from just outside the gym to play the fight song.

“The drumline played some of our cadences, including ‘Hawk’ and ‘Trade-off,’” junior percussionist Joseph Lennon said.

Although permission was given to go wild for these performances, some sections, like the flutes, took a more serious angle.

“The flutes performed a ‘Sectionals Through the Ages,’” Berthold said.

“It started with all the freshmen performing songs from their first year of band and the sophomores, juniors, and seniors [also played songs from their freshman year]. It was almost like a trip back in time.”

Most groups opted for something comedic. The clarinets, for example, performed a few songs from the Star Wars franchise, complete with a “lightsaber” (glowing clarinets) battle.

In addition to comedic relief, classics were also performed.

“The saxophones performed ‘Careless Whisper,’” Berthold said.

“It’s very classic for them. We also have something called ‘Sax Ditty,’ which they play at every game and always end their Sectionals with, so that’s very traditional.”

O

The trumpets played “Prince Ali” from “Aladdin,” including one student being carried on top of another’s shoulders.

The mellophones and trombones performed three songs: “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars, “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles, and their gameday favorite, “Trombone Cheer.”

The low brass section got creative and performed a medley.

“My section did a combo song of the ‘Final Countdown’ and the ‘Oompa Loompa Song’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” sophomore tubist Matthew Serritella said. “We didn’t win [the fundraising competition] but we made people smile and laugh, and that’s all I really wanted.”

Finally, the band played one last fight song with the flutes and clarinets in the audience aisles and the Hawkettes dancing along.

During the show, donations were collected from the audience at the event competitively.

“We have a competition of who can raise the most money for their section,” Berthold said.

The trombones and mellophones ended up winning the fundraising competition, earning themselves a pre-playoff football game pizza party and bragging rights.

The band uses these donations to fund various events throughout the school year.

“The money we raise goes to do things like support private lessons, senior scholarships, buying instruments for their music programs, special meals, parties, and events outside of school,” band director Mr. David Hutter said. “I don’t know the final dollar amount yet, but it’s going to all good things to support our music program.”

November 4, 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT

Is pumpkin spice all that nice?

Southwords samples peculiar pumpkin spice products so you don’t have to

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Tortilla Chips These chips are a new addition to Trader Joe’s fall snacks. Although more pumpkin flavor was exPHOTO BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA pected, the subtle flavor is WHY SO SERIOUS? Junior Seamus Lynch (center left) and senior Finley Pullano (center right) along with the surprisingly delightful. seventh period Drama 3/4 class practice Roosevelt student Sarah Inwood’s rendition of “Twelve Angry Men.” This play features These chips are more on charming characters such as a unicorn-puppy and Spongebob, showing off the creative mind of elementary students. the savory side, which would pair well with a sweet dip, such as mango salsa. Overall, these pumpkin tortilla chips are worthy of a spot in the pantry.

Written in

CRAYON

Studio Show looks to D64 students for annual 30 plays in 60 minutes Lydia Zweifel

Entertainment Writer tudents from Drama 3/4 come together to create and perform a production in the late fall every year. This year the students and director Ms. Carrie Saurer added a twist to content of the show.

“Previous shows have most commonly been 30 plays in 60 minutes—which is the same format as what we are doing this year, except [in the past] they’ve been written by students or taken out of the Neo-Futurist format,” junior Isa Frede said.

This style production was popularized by the Neo-Futurist theater troupe and their show “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind,” which originated the 30 plays in 60 minutes structure.

“This year, it’s all written by children,” Frede said. “They submitted short stories based on popular titles.”

Frede, along with her peers, have been working to block, stage, and plan lighting and sound effects for this year’s Studio Show, “Written in Crayon,” since the beginning of the school year.

Stories were written by students from all five District 64 elementary schools in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

The students were given a title of a popular play or musical as the basis for what their story would be about. They were allowed to create any story out of their understanding of the show’s title and their imagination.

Then, the students in Drama 3/4, along with Ms. Saurer, collected these written stories and implemented them into their show. This was done by reviewing the stories, choosing 30 winners, and adapting those winning stories into short performances.

“It has been a surreal experience,” junior Giona Maccaferi said. “I’m going to be honest, not many times will I ever get to read plays written by elementary schoolers—unless I have kids in the

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future. I’ve gotten to go inside the mind of a child and experience the real world through their point of view.”

Junior Anthony Serritella was excited to see how the elementary students reacted to seeing their story performed.

“It’s been a treat seeing their interpretation of show titles,” Serritella said. “[It’s exciting] putting it on for them knowing they will know it’s their play, and seeing a big smile on their face.”

This year’s show not only involved elementary school students, but audience participation as well.

A student emcee picks audience members to call out numbers. Each number corresponds to one of 30 plays. When a number is called, the actors and actresses rush to the stage, and attempt to complete their scene within two minutes so that all plays are completed within the 60-minute time-frame.

This performance also had a more diverse audience than past shows.

“Instead of an audience of only high schoolers, there will be children watching the show along with their parents and teachers,” Maccaferi said. “It will be a great experience for everybody.”

Despite these changes, “Written in Crayon,” maintains the same charm as previous shows.

“It still has the same appeal that has been so popular over the last several years,” Ms. Saurer said. “There is tons of audience participation as the audience gets to pick the order in which the plays are presented by the actors. It’s short, sweet, and hilarious.”

Between audience participation and the fastpaced feeling, this year’s Studio Show offered a unique viewing experience to the audience.

“If you came to the show, you saw the future of Maine South theater,” Ms. Saurer said.

“Written in Crayon’’ was performed on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. and there were snacks and refreshments at the end of the show.

Goldfish x Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Grahams D on’t b e f o o l e d by t h e pumpkin packaging of this limited edition crossover between Pepperidge Farm and Dunkin’. Although they were quite tasty, this snack lacked the pumpkin spice flavor that its name suggests. Rather than pumpkin, they tasted exactly like graham crackers.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter This fall spread had potential but sadly missed the mark.

Unlike some other products on this list, the pumpkin flavor was too overpowering.

It included pretty much every fall spice known to man, and strangely, a hint of orange. Ultimately, this combination was too rich.

Hostess Pumpkin Spice Twinkies Hostess has hopped on the pumpkin spice train, and it’s off ici a l ly derai le d.

T h e s e pu mp k i n spice cream-filled sponge cakes are simply disgusting. The flavor of the filling was too overpowering and the cake itself was strangely moist. Given the choice between starvation and these Twinkies, we might go hungry. These are a very hard pass.

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SPORTS

| November 4, 2022

Boys’ cross country places third at Sectionals Madison Basquin Editor-In-Chief

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he Maine South boys’ cross country team has placed third out of 18 teams at their Sectional meet on Oct. 29. This qualifies the team for the State final on Nov. 5 where the top seven runners will be racing.

Seniors Alex Wille, Joey Karlesky, Luca Arcuri, and Luke Pravecek, sophomore Owynn Garrelts, and junior Connor Foley all ran sub-16-

minute three-mile times and placed in the top 35 of the race.

The team was coming off a big win at Regionals, and they had high expectations for their performance at Sectionals.

“We placed third, which still qualifies us for the state meet, but we really wanted the win,” Pravecek said.

“Due to my injury and an injury to Luca [Arcuri], feeling a bit rusty after not racing the past few weeks, we fell short of our goal. This was definitely

a humbling experience, but I’m optimistic that the team can bounce back at the state meet.”

Preparation is the focus for the season’s final race.

“Our team is mentally preparing to stay smooth and calm during the race,” Garrelts said. “We are all getting our rest, and we are all trying to visualize the race, so we know what we need to do to get top five.”

The team also has the advantage of many of the top runners being

returning seniors.

“I think our team dynamic helps us a lot,” Karlesky said. “The majority of our runners are seniors who have been training together since freshman year. This really helps motivationwise because of how close we have grown as a group. We also stand out because our team has some of the best pack running in the state, in my opinion. We all race near each other which helps motivate each person to run faster.”

Getting to know the player behind the number As the football team looks to make a deep playoff run, we look at key contributors for the season

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COLLINS #92 MARQUES #4

enior Brady Marques has been playing football for thirteen years. Brady’s inspiration to continue playing football comes from his two older brothers, Ryan and Justin. Marques credits Coach David Inserra for having pushed him to be the best he could be, no matter what the circumstances were. His favorite thing about participating in football is the community that has been built. “My teammates are my best friends and I’ll always battle with them to victory,” Marques said.

MIDDLE LINEBACKER

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enior Noah Collins has been playing football since he was seven years old and has been on varsity for two years. Julius Peppers was Collins’s inspiration to play football, but Coach Terry Anderson, his freshman lineman coach, left the biggest mark on him. He opened up Collins’s understanding of the game which led him to love it even more. The part he enjoys most about Maine South Football is how much it inspires the younger community. He remembers going to games when he was younger and being amazed over the skill of the varsity players; now he plays the role of being the player younger kids look up too. “I will miss the bonds that I made with my teammates on Wilson Field,” Collins said.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

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enior Ryan Pothast has been playing football since his freshman year and has been on varsity for the past two years.

The coach that has made the biggest difference in his life is Coach Trevor Fritz.

Coach Fritz continuously pushes Pothast to step outside of his comfort zone on and off the field. He cherishes the brotherhood and friendships he’s made over the years on this team. “They’re the closest friends I have made in my life,” Pothast said. He will miss the relationships he has built with not only the players but the coaches as well.

PORRELLO #62 POTHAST #2

Sports Editor and Sport Writer

WIDE RECEIVER

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enior Tommy Porrello has been playing football since he was five years old. This is his second year on the varsity team. Porello’s inspiration comes from his older brother, whom he looked up to when he played. A coach that has made a huge difference in his life is Coach Kevin Stock. Not only was he a coach for Porello, he was a teacher for him as well. His favorite thing about this program is the traditions. As he begins his next chapter after graduation, he does not plan on playing in college, but will focus more on education. “I am truly grateful to play for such a wonderful program and to play football in a town that supports Maine South as much as Park Ridge does,” Porrello said.

LEFT GUARD

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unior Samuel Cooper has been playing football since he was six years old. His passion and inspiration for this sport first came from his older brother, who also played football. Cooper credits Coach Inserra for his significant impact on his athletic journey. He taught him that in order for a team to be successful you must put your team before yourself. Cooper remembers this every time he steps on Wilson Field. “Your team is like your family, it’s a brotherhood…

When we have great energy we have a great time, and we play better,” Cooper said.

SMITH #72 COOPER #24

Kyra Demeros and Madison Walker

FREE SAFETY

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enior Bennett Smith began playing flag football in first grade and has been playing tackle football ever since fourth grade. Smith’s inspiration to continue playing football comes from his dad and watching the late-night varsity football games when he was five years old. “I would look up to these players and be amazed,” he said. “Now as a player, it’s a proud moment to see all of these kids looking up to me and my teammates like we are superstars.” Coach Inserra has made the biggest impact on Smith; he has helped him become a better leader, and a better role model. “This program has given me countless memories that one could only wish to relive” Smith said.

RIGHT GUARD

November 4, 2022 | SPORTS

Boys’ soccer season marked by successes and improvement

Lucas Cosma

Sports Writer he Maine South boys’ soccer team won their playoff game against Leyden 3-1 on Oct. 20. However, their season wrapped up with a playoff loss to Oak Park-River Forest on Oct. 21.

The unique team dynamic and some high expectations brought the team a season filled with exciting wins and team camaraderie.

“We wanted to prove everyone who doesn’t think Maine South is capable of going far in the playoffs wrong,” junior Zachary Malinsky said.

The boys’ varsity soccer team had a winning record, going 11-5-4 and finishing third in the Central Suburban League conference.

The playoffs this year had a different feel to them.

“This year’s team is intensely passionate about the game and they can’t wait to go out and just play,” Coach Dan States said.

The team played well for much of the season, finishing second at the

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St. Charles Tournament, even with many of their key players out. They also had to overcome a few challenges along the way, losing to two of Maine South’s biggest rivals, New Trier and Evanston.

“We did have a few struggles,but that was fixed very easily with team bonding; playing as a team rather than for individuals,” Malinsky said.

The squad came together this year, making the game more fun for not only the players, but also the coaches.

“This has become a close knit unit—very much a team that is not directed by singular individual players,” Coach States said.

The team had 15 different goal scorers this season, a number that has not been reached by many previous teams at South.

Many of the seniors have expressed that this is the most fun they have had playing soccer.

“This year’s team is unique because of our chemistry and the bonds we’ve formed throughout the season,” said senior Nino Grimaldi.

Boys’ golf players compete at State Drew Koenen

Sports Writer oys’ golf had a successful season this year, with two players qualifying individually for the state tournament.

The team followed up a terrific 5-2 season last year with a record of 5-3 in head-to-head matches and 3-2 in Conference play, even in one of the most competitive conferences in the state.

The boys also had a win against New Trier, who ended up winning State. Although the team did not make it to State, seniors Ji m m y R ou rke a n d Ryan RYAN BELZ (‘23) B e l z

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still qualified individually.

“Obviously, it was a little disappointing not making State as a team, but with that being said, we still put forth a great effort and I am proud of everything we accomplished this year,” Rourke said.

After competing with the best teams in State, the boys’ golf team has shown their abilities in a challenging playing field.

“It felt great to play with people from other schools that I had grown up playing with in tournaments,” Belz said.

“Both Coach Adam and Coach Young were very helpful and supportive down state while playing in the rounds.”

JIMMY ROURKE (‘23)

PHOTO BY MAEVE RAFFERTY

REGIONAL CHAMPS

(left to right) Sophomore Luisa Arcuri, senior Morgan Gioia, junior Ryan Mullarkey, and senior Caitlyn Seurynck run at the girls’ varsity cross country conference meet at Glenbrook North.

Girls’ cross country looks forward to state meet

Thomas Hurley

Sports Editor ollowing some impressive performances during the regular season, the girls’ cross country team placed fourth in their Sectional and qualified for the State meet.

Junior Olivia DeLuca placed 10th in the sectional, and senior Morgan Gioia, senior Caitlyn Seurynck, junior Ryan Mullarkey, and sophomore Luisa Arcuri all placed in the top 50.

“Sectionals was extremely stressful because I wanted my team to qualify for State more than anything,” DeLuca said.

Despite the stress, the girls have had success both individually and as a team in some of the most competitive races in the state.

At the Palatine Meet of Champions, Maine South placed sixth out of nearly 30 teams throughout the Chicagoland area, and at the Peoria Invite they got second place.

Then, the girls went on to win the conference meet on Oct. 15, with four Hawks earning All-Conference.

A week later, they also earned first at Regionals, proving their ability to compete against the best in the area.

“These wins have been great confidence boosters,” Seurynck said.

The team is especially excited to have success following the regular season.

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“The team won which was pretty cool since we haven’t gotten a postseason plaque in my time on the team,” Gioia said.

Despite doing consistently well at every race this year, the season hasn’t gone without problems.

“During this season, a lot of my teammates have gotten injuries and currently two of our top seven runners are injured and out for the rest of the season,” Arcuri said.

To overcome challenges throughout the season, the girls have incorporated new training methods and utilized their bond as teammates.

“We have added a lot of cross training like morning yoga and lifting to build strength, and I think all the girls have felt stronger during our races,” Gioia said.

Finding success at State will require mental fitness, too.

“The best way to stay as calm as possible is to find things to distract you before the race,” DeLuca said. “I always listen to music on the bus ride or talk to my teammates about topics that aren’t related to running so I don’t stress out.”

Moving forward, the girls are excited to compete against the best runners in the state.

“We are really just looking forward to seeing what the team can do once we get to State,” Gioia said.

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CROSS COUNTRY | FOOTBALL | GOLF | BOYS’ SOCCER | GIRLS’ SWIM & DIVE | GIRLS’ TENNIS | GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

Underclassmen play key role in girls’ volleyball Sophia Jaroch

Sports Writer he girls’ volleyball team began this season with a victory against 2021 state champions, Nazareth Academy, in a thrilling match. The Hawks also defeated Hersey, York, and Resurrection during the regular season.

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PHOTO BY NATALIE COLLETTI

HUDDLE UP

The Hawks regroup heading into the second set against New Trier.

Coach Kathleen Durkin is very proud of this team’s accomplishments, especially considering that sophomores and juniors make up the core of the team. With only 3 of the 13 varsity players being seniors, Coach Durkin has had to rely on younger players.

Sophomore, Sofia Rossi, has been a key part of the team’s success. Her versatility as a six-rotation player means she can be a powerful hitter in the front row, or a consistent passer in the back. Rossi leads the team in kills (hits that are not returned from the other team).

Her consistency has not gone unnoticed, however. Sofia was named to the all-tournament team at the Glenbrook North Invite.

Though the team had success in the regular season, they also experienced some challenges.

“We have had our struggles, though, as the team has suffered four concussions and a senior has been out with illness,” Coach Durkin said.

Despite numerous player injuries, the team retains high hopes for the rest

PHOTO BY NATALIE COLLETTI

READY POSITION (left to right) Junior Caroline Almquist, senior Sophia Boborci,

junior Athena Tsalapatanis, senior Kat Mladenovic, and sophomore Sofia Rossi prepare to return a serve against New Trier on Oct. 20.

of the season. Following an early exit in the playoffs last fall, the girls sought to make a statement in this year's postseason.

The Hawks’ first postseason test was against Hoffman Estates in the regional semi-final. The girls won in two sets, punching their ticket to the regional championship game against Loyola on Oct. 27.

The Ramblers, ranked 13th in the

state, narrowly defeated the Hawks in two highly contested sets.

Though the girls came up just short at Regionals, they are proud of what they accomplished and are excited for next season.

"It was such a great experience getting to know this group of players," junior Sophia Gianaris said. "I'm very thankful I got to be a part of it, and I look forward to next season."

Girls’ golf sends record number of players to Sectionals Julia Beck

Sports Writer

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he girls’ golf team had a very successful finish to their season. For the first time in Maine South girls’ golf history, five players qualified individually for Sectionals: junior Jessica Hoffman, and seniors Ciena Metzager, Libby Stewart, Maggie Woods, and Tessa Penn. Prior to this season, the record for the number of players who qualified for Sectionals was four.

Though the girls’ big achievement came at the end of the season, it was a long time in the making. During the pre-season, the players frequented the driving range and local courses to fine tune their game ahead of the fall season.

“Everyone worked hard in the summer to prepare for this season so we started pretty strong,” senior Tessa Penn said.

The season started off on a high disciplined work ethic.

“This varsity roster this season note with solid performances during conference play. However, competing has been so dedicated to working in the CSL South, likely the tough- hard and making golf a priority while est conference in the state, presented supporting each other as a team,” Hansen said. some challenges "They work for the Hawks. on their own They came “I have made lifelong game, support up just short in their teammatches against friendships on this team mates’ game, New Trier, Glen- and I'm looking forward and uplift each brook North, to continuing playing golf other into playand Glenbrook with them in the future.” ing better and South.

-Libby Stewart ('23) being a betDespite the ter version of difficulty of their themselves.” conference, the The team’s work ethic and togirls pulled off a win against Evanston, getherness paid off in the conference defeating them by a single stroke.

Heading into the conference tour- tournament, where senior Maggie nament, the girls were feeling very Woods placed eighth, and junior Jesconfident. Coach Kayla Hansen attri- sica Hoffman tied for ninth place.

Following the conference match, butes the team’s success to their unrelenting support for each other and the Hawks entered the Regional tour-

nament. Four of the six competing Hawks qualified for Sectionals as individuals with their 18-hole scores.

Senior Libby Stewart tied for 10th place with a player from Niles West.

This forced a sudden-death playoff for the final individual spot in the sectional tournament.

With a large crowd watching, Stewart and her opponent tied the first two holes with bogeys. Stewart earned her spot in Sectionals on the third hole, after the Niles West player hit her ball into a hazard.

“Everyone was proud of the hard work put in to get to the next level,” Libby Stewart said.

With Sectionals being the final round of the season, the team’s five seniors have concluded their golf careers at Maine South.

“We always had a fun time with each other on and off the course.”

Stewart said.