Vol 59, Issue 3 Southwords Winter Break Issue

English Department removes tracking for freshmen

Sayde Feeley News Editors

District 207 will introduce competency-based education (CBE) and single track classes into the English department in the 202324 school year.

Competency-based grading scales are structured around a four-point system, with a four demonstrating complete comprehension. The method focuses on mastery and makes it easy for teachers to gauge students’ weaknesses. This method is already used in the Math department as well as many electives, such as Intro to Business.

Along with converting to CBE, the district is also detracking the freshman curriculum, meaning that all incoming students will take English 1, rather than choosing between English 1 or English 1 Accelerated. Detracking aims to minimize the overlooking of a student’s abilities and instead opting for a more individualized approach.

“De-tracking is not looking at the data points that separate students, but instead, the individual strengths and weaknesses of each,” Ms. Julianna Cucci, Chair of the English Department said.

Teachers will address the same learning objectives with the entire class but give different work based on each student’s needs. They will also have to differentiate their instructional methods for all abilities.

The Maine South Board Meeting on Dec. 7 provided some insight on how all these new procedures will work at Maine South. This work towards an integrated English curriculum and a competencybased grading system started all the way back in 2019. Their main focus is creating a competency-based grading system and improving student skills.

Math classes have already implemented a similar system. Teachers will use a standards-based rubric to measure a student’s progress, but mold the rubric specifically for the level of their class. They will then record students’ progress on a Performance Indicator.

Students will also be provided with

additional support and enrichment opportunities, hence students’ education is more individualized.

Dubbed as an “All-in Experience,” all students will be enrolled in English 1 as 9th graders and English 2 as 10th graders. During 11th and 12th grade, students have expanded opportunities to earn college credit; AP and Dual Credit courses will continue to be awarded weighted credit.

These new procedures, especially de-tracking, have raised concerns among students and parents. Some think that these changes are going to be more harmful than helpful.

“I don’t think it’s fair for incoming students, especially those who are not as accelerated,” sophomore Marinna Marzano said. She worries that some may still struggle despite the different coursework that will be given.

“Everyone learns differently and I think teachers may have a hard time teaching all those different skill levels,” said Marzano.

However, the district promotes these new procedures as a necessary change.

“Schools, when we look at tracking

and the history in this country, have had very unequal reproduction of certain demographics and certain representations of students in certain tracks within schools so that not every kid is getting the same access to the highest level of learning,” said Ms. Cucci.

The school is concerned with giving all students access to more advanced courses, not just privileged individuals. Allowing students to take advantage of more opportunities also results in better student performance.

“Every time we open up access, we actually get more students in places where they can take more accelerated courses, and this brings our school performance up,” Principal Dr. Ben Collins said.

In addressing the concerns about meeting all skills levels, the district is stressing differentiation within classes.

“View it as different classes within classes,” Dr. Collins said. “Students will have different routes within classes to do what they want to do.”

For example, if you are a student preparing to go into AP Language, you will receive different readings than a student preparing to go into English 3. This differentiation of work will help accommodate all skill levels and prepare students for the particular classes they want to take through the English department.

Another concern that families have raised is about how colleges will

view these changes and the impact it will have on applications.

“I am worried incoming freshman will be seen as less advanced if they don’t have the option to take accelerated English,” sophomore Aleezay Ghani said.

The district believes that detracking will have no effect on the way colleges view applications. Selective schools look to see if students take advantage of the courses offered to them which also stresses the importance of access.

“Colleges want to see that if a course is offered to you, and it is a harder course, did you take it?” Dr. Collins said. “They don’t necessarily need the answer to be ‘yes,’ but they want to know what types of offerings you are partaking in.”

Detracking eliminates some accelerated classes and their weighted scoring, but because it eliminates them for all students, it doesn’t lower GPA’s in relation to peers. Detracking will lower the potential GPA for that grade as a whole, but because colleges will see what the potential GPA is, this will have no effect on admissions or scholarships. This also applies when comparing students’ GPA between schools.

“Colleges don’t compare Maine South students’ [GPA’s] with students from Stevenson or other schools,” Dr. Collins said. “They want to know that within the core of students at this building, how did you do?”

REWRITING THE PROGRAM Ms. Cucci, English Department Chair speaks to families about the new English program on October 13 at Pennoyer School. Presentations like this occurred at each of District 207’s feeder schools.

Anthony Sotto &

“De-tracking is not looking at the data points that separate students, but instead, the individual strengths and weaknesses of each.”

-Ms. Julianna Cucci

PHOTO COURTESY

DR. KRISTIN KOPTA

Virtual reality brings welding to the classroom

Olivia Das Gupta News Editor

Working with the CCRC and the College of DuPage, the Building Trades classes were given the opportunity to try their hands at welding through augmented reality.

On Nov. 9, an instructor from the College of DuPage, David Ellis, brought in electronic systems that simulated what it would be like to weld. Welding is done using heat to fuse metal pieces together when building.

“When you hit that spark, your electrons and everything are reacting then to the metal, creating that kind of fusion between the metal that you’re feeding and the metal that is already there,” Building Trades teacher Mr. Victor Fuentes said. “You’re connecting them, basically. Kind of like tape, but as a metal bond.”

To control different elements like voltage, gas, and feed rate, students input different data and then held a torch above a sensor that could detect distance and angle.

“They’re adjusting all the settings in augmented [reality] and they’re

actually holding the welding arm to then go along the metal,” Mr. Fuentes said. “So it’s about how fast, slow, what angle they’re at, if they’re tilting it too much, so they can practice with a real trigger.”

These variables helped make the experience more realistic to the real world.

“It’s pretty spot on about what you’re doing in your placements and everything, so it’s definitely a really good learning tool,” Fuentes said.

After the simulation, the program would give students a score to reflect how well they did.

“It was fun, and it was more like a competition,” junior Jakub Kieta said. “We were all competing for the highest score. I think it was very enjoyable.”

The Building Trades class is structured around active participation like this, making it a fitting activity.

“We usually do hands-on projects like building or cutting material with different tools,” Kieta said.

The class typically has students learning about different kinds of construction and building models

with wood.

“For the first five minutes [of class] we’ll go over what we’re going to do, and then we’ll go back into the shop,” senior Joe Ready said. “He’ll show us what we’re doing, and we’ll get to work.”

However, since working with real heat and metal can be expensive, this

simulation was a helpful substitute.

“It’s been a great learning experience for people who have an interest in this as a future career,” senior Matt Samano said. “I think it’s good that [students] are taught at a young age what they want to do when they’re older so they can get experience in that skilled trade.”

Eyrie ranks nationally in top 15 yearbooks by Herff-Jones

Sarah Brough News Writer

Volume 58 of the Eyrie, the Maine South yearbook, was recently featured in the Herff-Jones 2022 Portfolio, recognizing the top 10% of all Herff-Jones books published. In addition, the 2022 yearbook, “All Clear,” was selected for the HerffJones’s National Showcase Collection. This showcase is a collection of the top 15 books published through HerffJones, judged on design, theme, and overall coverage.

“I think the Herff-Jones recognition really comes from a gradual improvement of the book over the last four or five volumes,” yearbook adviser Dr. Richard Jones said. “It really began with our 2018-2019 book, and we’ve been good at tying the theme with the content. We are more strategic about the theme now.”

The “All Clear” theme of the Eyrie, Volume 58 was something that played a huge role in the book’s recognition.

“This [volume] really just came together,” senior editor-in-chief, Lily Kamienski, said. “Once we decided on our theme of ‘All Clear,’ everything just fell right into place. We used the

words ‘all’ and ‘clear’ and added those as elements for the pages, whether it was in question mods or headlines or captions. We also decided on a windshield wiper type design for the cover to represent that things are clearing up, and we are back together

as a school now.”

Despite their clever thematic elements, what made this yearbook so unique was the dynamic of the class.

“I think that the consistency and quality of the book impressed HerffJones largely because we are not a

curriculum or a class, but a hybrid,” Dr. Jones said. “We have a classroom and a period devoted for it, but you don’t get a grade or much credit—and there’s no form of a curriculum. Some of the other books in the showcase have three or four [class periods] of yearbook; kids are earning a grade to put the yearbook together. I think Herff-Jones saw that, and that’s why they wanted to honor us.”

Being back in person for school had had a significantly positive effect on the staff.

“[Last year] was our first year being back in the typical yearbook setting,” Kamienski said. “We had our office for the first time, which is such an important part of the book coming together. . . it’s such a safe place where we can all work together, bring in snacks, chat about our days, and just enjoy our time together.”

The Eyrie Volume 58 staff has set high expectations for future yearbooks to come.

“[The theme] itself was just so great,” Kamienski said. “The support we gave each other for every spread was just unmatched, and I think that really made this book award-winning.”

STEADY HAND DuPage instructor David Ellis guides junior Gianluca Modica through using the virtual welder. The screen recreates the positioning of the clamp.

MOVING FORWARD Seniors Lily Kamienski (left) and Mallory Crees (right) prepare for the next volume of the Eyrie. The class works during the whole year to generate ideas, gather photos, and design the yearbook.

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

in Brief

Olivia Das Gupta News Editor

Off campus lunch opens for seniors next semester

Select seniors will now be able to take advantage of an open campus during lunch periods next semester, with a few caveats.

Students will need to scan in and out of the building when going to lunch off campus, and each student will need parent permission to leave school during lunch periods. Also, students who receive tardies will have this privilege revoked.

“There is going to be criteria that it flags, so you can’t have any unauthorized class cuts, tardies, or things like that, and it resets every two weeks,” principal Dr. Ben Collins said. “It’s a privilege.”

The school is still in the process of finalizing the criteria eligible seniors will need to meet. Open campus may open up to juniors in the future, depending on the success of this pilot.

Pickwick Theatre planned to close in Jan.

Since the Park Ridge Herald-Advocate reported that the current owners of the Pickwick planned to close the theater in January, there has been interest among theater operators in keeping the historic theater open, though no operations transition has been confirmed.

“We haven’t really been told much, but I think they’re going to make an announcement sometime soon, so hopefully they tell us some more,” junior Sophia Yates, a Pickwick usher, said.

While the future for the building seems to point towards remaining a theater, the future is uncertain for its employees.

“I enjoy working there and don’t really want to find a new job,” Yates said. “But if I have to, I will.”

Students

work at school during Flex Student Support Day

Students who need to make up work or retake tests may take advantage of the Flex Student Support Day on the day before the start of winter break, Dec. 22.

Last year, a similar concept known as Bridge Week provided students with several of these optional attendance days in light of the pandemic.

“[Since] everybody needed so much help because of COVID, there was a whole plan that went into place,” Dr. Collins said. “Teachers basically stopped a lot of instruction in some classes a week or two before, and then tried to start catching kids up.”

There is not universal student classroom attendance on this day.

‘Just Text Me’ recognized nationally

Broadcasting Club’s PSA awarded by the All-American High School Film Festival

Emery Yates News Writer

In September of this year, the Broadcasting Club won the “Tindie” award for their short film titled “Just Text Me” at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York.

“I had submitted two projects, and we never really made any projects with [the festival] in mind,” broadcasting club sponsor Mr. Mason Strom said. “It’s the largest student film festival in the world for high school students.”

A few weeks before the end of the year, Mr. Strom brought the idea of creating a submission for the festival to his broadcasting classes. Junior Dylan Sarsany, junior Tyler DeMott, senior Riley Gibson, senior Gaetano Iannotta, Molly Bowe (‘22), and Konstantinos Zafiriadis (‘22) were all students who took interest in the project.

“It was a custom category for the All-American High School Film Festival,” Dylan Sarsany, the director of the film, said. “Mr. Strom came to us with the idea, because he knows that we like doing this kind of stuff. He thought that it would be a great idea to put it together.”

Just before the school year ended, they began to write the script.

“We held a two hour meeting,” Mr. Strom said. “We looked at all the ideas that the class had come up with and pulled what we liked from here, there, and everywhere among the three classes that came up with ideas.”

After the script was written, the crew filmed the video during summer break.

“We had two days of filming,” Mr. Strom said.

“One of them was supposed to be the only day, but got cut short because we underestimated the amount of time we needed to film. So we did a second day of filming sometime in mid June.”

This filming process proved difficult for the students at times.

“Those long, hot days were definitely the most challenging parts of filming,” Bowe, the producer of the film, said. “I think we filmed for eight hours one day, which was a real slog.”

During those days, it could be both physically and mentally taxing.

“There was a big challenge of people stepping on each other’s toes in the moment because everybody had their own ideas and creative input,” Sarsany said.

The process finally ended with the editing of the video before submitting it to the festival.

“Riley, the editor, edited the whole thing together and did a great job,” Sarsany said. “He finished just in time for the deadline, and then we submitted it.”

The film won in a specialized category that challenged the students to create a distracted driving public service announcement.

“This video has a lot of shock value with how it ends,” Mr. Strom said. “But also I think it’s just put together really well. It tells a parallel story of what would happen if you’re texting and driving, and what would happen in that same scenario if you weren’t.”

The video follows a driver, played by Ben McCarrick (‘22), who chooses to text while driving, leading to disaster. It then shows another scenario in which, by coincidence, he loses his phone and is incapable of making the bad decision, saving his life.

“[The video] sends a really powerful message in terms of the choices that we make when we get behind the wheel,” Mr. Strom said.

may complete

MAKING IT BIG Tyler DeMott, Riley Gibson, Gaetano Iannotta, Dylan Sarsany, & Molly Bowe (left to right) attend the AAHS festival in New York City. There, they watched the “Best of the Fest” and received their “Tindie” award.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Can sports divide more than unite?

The World Cup is one of the most influential and well-known sporting events in the world, with 32 teams representing various countries in the quadrennial spectacle.

While the games are usually hosted in the summer months of June and July, this year’s World Cup has taken place from November to December to avoid Qatar’s hot climate.

This change has driven unprecedented interest among the student body and staff members, as there are daily raucous viewing parties in the commons.

It’s no secret that sports play an important role in society. They go beyond entertainment and can be a microcosm of the challenges and successes we experience in our everyday lives. They provide a forum for societal change and reflect our culture and values.

Perhaps even more important, sports have the power to unite total strangers and bring people together to celebrate one thing. You get the freedom to pick and choose what

team you support and create friendly competition among peers.

Global sporting events such as the Olympics and the World cup are unique because they are representative of entire countries rather than individual cities, giving the teams nation-wide support and pride; however, this means that these teams are more than just a flag or a mascot—they embody a cultural identity.

This added element allows people to celebrate their own heritage and learn about others. This combination of competition and culture can also, unfortunately, lead to harmful disrespect.

You’ve probably heard the visceral screaming and cheering throughout the school when it’s game time, but there are unintended consequences to this fervor.

You may have heard chants of “USA” or trash talking of foreign teams from students who don’t seem to realize that their taunts affect our community in significant ways. These

discourteous taunts no longer feel like they’re about soccer—they can make others from differing backgrounds feel uncomfortable or out of place in the school.

Unfortunately, problems regarding lack of sportsmanship aren’t unfamiliar to Maine South students. Inappropriate language and behavior from some students at football games have become more frequent in recent years. While there have been many measures taken to prevent this, highstakes games can bring people to make spontaneous and disrespectful decisions.

This is why courteous conduct is crucial for sporting competitions like the World Cup. Maine South has a diverse student body made up of various cultures and countries that deserve to be celebrated, not denigrated.

As we get ready for the World Cup final, it’s important to understand that we can’t allow our excitement for one team to degrade someone else’s cultural identity.

Maine South High School

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

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

Student participation in the 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

Features Editors

Entertainment Editors

Sports Editors

Production Editors

Adviser

Mr. Stathakis

Jacob Mascort Campbell Micek Andjela Trkulja

Ava Jurek Lilien Schirazi Sofia Sclafani

Maggie Hershey Caitlin Vengazo Maggie Woods

Declan Colleran Kyra Demeros Thomas Hurley

Natalia Kowalewska Cathy Tserendavaa Ceylan Yildiz

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA

Study room privileges require respect—and staffing

Eliza Goldwasser Commentary Writer

One of the many helpful academic resources that Maine South offers for students is the LRC study rooms.

While they are in high demand, they seem to be left empty a majority of the time. This disconnect is caused by the procedure students must follow in order to book a study room.

Students have to fill out a form between 4 p.m. the day before and 8 a.m. the day of, and provide information such as the names of students utilizing the rooms, what subject they are working on, and what period they need the room reserved for.

Students often find this procedure to be frustrating, as many are unsure of their assignments before the day the study room is needed.

However, there are reasons that this system was put in place that must be addressed.

The library is a sizeable and multifunctional area in the school that is managed only by Ms. Suzanne Kowalski and Ms. Linda Ryan.

This places a large number of

responsibilities on the librarians: sorting books, helping students, and facilitating classes. In years past, the library had a third staff member whose sole purpose was to oversee the different spaces in the library, including the study rooms. This additional position allowed for an open system, where students could use the rooms on a walk-in basis.

Whether the exclusion of this role this year was due to the new scan-in systems or a reallocation of resources, it is a shame, as it has forced the librarians to create a procedure that doesn’t address student needs.

Unfortunately, another reason for the current procedure is the lack of respect students sometimes have for school resources.

This deficiency in courtesy can be seen in numerous areas of the school, from the trash-littered Commons and cafeteria to the defaced bathroom stalls.

If the study rooms are misused, they will be left unsuitable for the students who truly need them.

However, most students at Maine South have no intention of causing trouble, and it is disappointing to see the trend of taking away or limiting resources to all because of a few.

We as a community of students need to step up and have more respect for each other and our school so that the school, in turn, can give us the

responsibility to utilize resources available. Students who are 14 to 18 years old should not be put on leashes, yet they also should know how to behave maturely—especially in school.

There are a couple of ways to address this problem. The first is the reinstatement of a third library aid, which would allow students to use the study rooms freely, while still holding students accountable for their actions.

If this position returns, the form should still be available and used in order to give priority to students who sign up in advance. For students who

prefer walk-ins, filling out the form on a library computer would provide accountability by giving the librarians a record of which students have used the rooms, and when.

It is imperative to reinstate a full-time library assistant, as this is a problem both students and librarians alike want to see solved.

Another possible solution to explore in the meantime without additional staffing is a slow implementation of a more open reservation policy.

It could start as small as keeping the form open until the end of the first block, and could progress if students show that they are respectful.

Learning to take a break before winter break

between classes. The feeling of being overwhelmed is our general state of being leading up to the break.

Madison Basquin Editor-In-Chief

For me, the first fall of snow marks the beginning of the holiday season and all the festivities associated with it. It marks the start of a new season filled with colored lights and the year coming to an end and resolutions for the future. Even more important for many students, it also marks the end of the semester.

The final weeks of the first semester are a time of great stress for many students, myself included.

With grades close to finalized, we feel the need to cram in as much studying as we can in the hours

So, while some look forward to that first snow fall, I have begun to dread it. My cheer practices feel longer and the hours of sunlight much shorter. I have so many things to accomplish, and the 24 hours in a day just don’t seem to be enough.

Unfortunately, I can’t help but look at the negatives and turn a blind eye to all of the winter opportunities so many look forward to. Just hearing “Jingle Bells” gives me anxiety.

My mind is filled with overwhelming thoughts and worries about the year coming to an end; however, that is all they are thoughts.

I often find myself feeling guilty when I spend any spare time I have doing something other then my schoolwork or studying. If my friends ask to go out on a school night I

almost always say no and that “I am just too busy.”

This all has led me to a daily pattern which has grown very tiring: school, eat, cheer, eat, homework, sleep, repeat.

I feel as though I am stuck in a funk. However, if I veer from this schedule, I believe things are doomed to go wrong.

Back in November my friend and I had made plans to get food on a Wednesday night. I had forgotten all about it until she reminded me. I almost didn’t go. I mean, I still had some homework to complete and a test coming up. Nevertheless, I ignored all of this and I met up with her.

We didn’t do anything crazy just got hot chocolate and admired the decorated Uptown Park Ridge. The trees were beautiful with their bright lights, and I hadn’t even noticed the

decorations until right then.

I didn’t think about school or my cheer competitions the entire evening. It was as if all of my worries floated away for a few hours.

Of course, when the night was over, I was reminded of the homework I hadn’t yet finished. Except this time, I had no problem completing the assignment. I was refreshed and ready to complete it.

The next day, I was confronted by the end-of-the-semester schedule in one of my classes. This time, instead of freaking out, I looked to my friend in class and we set up a date to hang out to take our minds off school. Sure, I could be spending that time studying, but giving my brain a break allows me to better focus on studying when I choose to do so. By improving my mental health and happiness the other aspects in my life have seemed to follow.

STUDIOUS SPACES The study rooms in the library have a list of rules and sign-in and sign-out sheets by the door. These rooms are only available when scheduled ahead of time using the form online.

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

Elective requirements are too broad to be beneficial

has blinded us to the purpose of high school: to learn from our mistakes and become the best versions of ourselves.

Commentary Writer

High school is the time when we decide where our lives will take us. The classes are designed to prepare us for the future, but some do a better job of this than others.

Electives offer opportunities for students to explore different pathways. They give us exposure to possible career choices that we may otherwise be unaware of. These classes further our understanding of a variety of careers and potential future endeavors.

Currently, these elective classes are part of a large category of Maine South’s graduation requirements. To graduate, students only need two credits from the Fine Arts, World Language, or CTE departments.

This is a broad requirement, and it doesn’t exactly reflect the importance of elective classes. A large number of these elective classes are not taken by some students because we focus too heavily on core classes rather than the classes that align most closely with our interests.

Electives are frequently overlooked in favor of taking an extra AP course to “look good” for colleges.

We have become so stuck in the idea that we have to be perfect that it

The norm at Maine South seems to be to make your transcript as rigorous as possible in order to have a competitive edge when applying to college.

This is unacceptable; students should take the classes they want without worrying if they will have a lower chance of getting into a good school.

I have been guilty of choosing to do things because I think it will make me appear stronger academically. Our focus should be on exploration of interests, rather than auditioning for a to-be-determined college.

Elective classes are provided for a reason: to give us the chance to try new things and experiment with new classes and topics.

Requiring that students take more elective classes is necessary in order to move students in the right direction for their future.

Taking some classes that allow students to think differently than they do in other classes or partake in certain activities that allow their minds to grow prove to be incredibly beneficial to their futures.

Personally, I have always loved language and the arts. Tailoring my courses to doing what I am best suited for allows me to become stronger in my passions.

I would never have been able to move towards an interest in joining

the school newspaper had I not taken a Broadcasting class and found a love for sharing what I have to say.

Plus, I would not have taken a Broadcasting class if I didn’t already have the knowledge of the class.

Any kind of exploratory classes are helpful, regardless of what you may think you want to do.

Electives open students up to a wide variety of subjects, from Biotechnical Engineering to Orchestra to German.

The best we can do in high school to set ourselves up for success in college and beyond is to understand what we are good at.

We should be encouraged to explore what we are capable of and take

electives to improve our strengths. We can’t get better at what we are good at if we don’t know where to start.

Taking these exploratory classes is exactly what they sound like— exploring. They give us an idea of what we can excel at while enjoying it. We have to learn what we can do best to succeed in life.

However, despite the numerous school fairs to advertise these electives, District 207’s course requirements need to change to stress the importance of these career-oriented courses.

The elective courses offered at Maine South are incredibly diverse, and we have such a privilege to be offered to take a variety of classes to help us with our futures. The classes will benefit everybody in the long run.

In the end, it’s all about who you are and what you want to pursue.

Elective classes are offered to allow us to explore the a range of topics. Some students see this as a requirement to fill, while others jump on the idea and take advantage of all of the courses that we can take.

The elective course requirements are vague; they do not require enough courses to be taken to create success in college and beyond.

To get more out of these electives, there should be at least two credits required for each category of electives, or perhaps create recommended course paths based on student interests.

Whether you want to major in business, theatre, or teach French at a local middle school, there is a class for you.

Taking a class that will help you with your future, rather than an extra AP, will set you up for true success.

CTE IN ACTION Sophomore Lucy Hassman works on her multi view drawing in her CAD class. This engineering-type class shows students how to create and design their own projects.

Cece Tecu

PHOTO BY JACOB MASCORT

gingerbread problems

by ceylan yildiz

Attendance rates drop as breaks near

Tess Elliot Features Writer

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are some of the most prominent celebrations that occur between November and December. For many, these two months are also exciting because they contain Thanksgiving and Winter break.

Students of all ages, along with adults, look forward to these days off because they allow a rest from the hustle of school and work.

Holiday breaks are a time when people come together and participate in beloved traditions and festivities with family and friends.

Family gatherings can result in lots of traveling, which causes some to leave school or a job early.

However, most students will find that the days leading up to holiday breaks are important for up-

coming tests and quizzes.

As a result, missing school at this time can be stressful, as the workload might seem hard to manage.

CTE teacher at both Maine South and Maine West, Mr. Drew Schneider emphasizes the importance of students taking the time to make up missed work, even though their absence may not always be their fault.

“Students aren’t at fault for their parents making travel arrangements, but they still have to make up the work,” Mr. Schneider said.

Associate Principal for Student and Family Services, Ms. Kyleen Coia believes that while many students miss days because of holiday travels, quite a few also miss because of illness.

“Especially after COVID, we saw a large drop in student attendance not just around the holidays, but

in general,” Ms. Coia said. “If a student has to be out for a week or more, then that’s over seven days they are missing. This means that our school’s rate of attendance as a whole drops.”

At Maine South, there is generally around a 94% attendance rate throughout the year. Many teachers will find that they notice the most absences around holiday breaks.

However, Fine Arts teacher, Mr. Matthew Nix, didn’t see this trend with his students.

“I was actually surprised this year because, before Thanksgiving break, I normally notice an uptick in student absences,” Mr. Nix said. “However, this year, I didn’t really notice as many students that were gone.”

He did note that since Thanksgiving, more and more students were beginning to leave school, whether it be for sickness, family travel, or outside responsibilities.

It is not surprising that more students miss the days before Winter break versus Thanksgiving break, and this is due to the difference in length be-

Athletes face consequences for missed practice

Parikh Features Writer

The holiday season is a busy time for high school students, especially student-athletes.

This time of year is also a popular time for families to travel.

With the time commitment to sports, it is seemingly impossible to balance family vacations with sports practices and competitions.

Coaches’ policies on skipping practice vary from sport to sport; some are more lenient than others.

Cheerleaders practice during the fall and winter seasons. Ms. Stacy Pater, the head Varsity Cheer coach, strongly encourages athletes to come to practices during breaks.

“The majority of our students attend all practices during fall and winter break because we are in the middle of our competitive season, and since cheer is a team sport, we need everyone to attend to be able to have the most productive practices we can,” Ms. Pater said.

Freshman A girls’ basketball coach Mr. Keith Culbertson understands that students have to balance personal commitments with athletic ones.

“Over holiday breaks, there is never a requirement that athletes be at practices or events if there is a family event,” Mr. Culbertson said. “However, if a player is in town, the expectation is that she will be in attendance.”

He is very flexible with his athletes, but he also recognized how it could put athletes at a disadvantage if they miss practices.

“It is the same concept if a student misses class

for a day or two,” Mr. Culbertson said. “They will naturally fall behind because of the time missed and will need to work on catching up with the help of classmates and the teacher.”

From an athlete’s perspective, being there for the team is essential. Sophomore Ally Pape, a varsity basketball player, plans her family vacations around her practices.

“I think you should know that if you’re going to miss a solid amount of practice and/or games, you might be penalized a reasonable amount for it,” Pape said.

With any winter sport, being a part of the team comes with responsibilities. Boys’ basketball varsity coach Mr. Colin Wehman sees good attendance as something all his boys are happy and proud to accomplish.

“We try to make our sport as fun as possible, so missing is something guys do not want to do,” Mr. Wehman said. “What better place is there to be than in the gym over a break?”

Sports can have strict expectations for their athletes, but most athletes find these fair. When students commit to being a part of a team, they are expected to come to practices even during holiday breaks unless there is an important personal commitment they must attend.

Sophomore Juliana Careaga, a Varsity Hawkette, agrees with the policies because they set athletes up for success.

“Although there are high expectations set to attend practice, I think that is beneficial because we perform our best when we practice more,” Careaga said.

Miranda

tween the two breaks.

“More students miss the days before Winter Break because more students are traveling at this time,” Ms. Coia said.

Students aren’t the only ones who suffer when absenteeism occurs; teachers have to adjust their plans based on holiday breaks.

“All teachers want their students to succeed, but they can’t if they are missing too many days,” Mr. Schneider said. “When a student is absent a lot, it makes it hard for them to catch up with the rest of the class.”

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, but for those with lingering deadlines and work, knowing that you have missing assignments can weigh on your mind. Consistent attendance is so important, especially around holiday breaks.

“Studies have shown, and data has proven, that to be successful in school, you have to attend class,” Ms. Coia said. “Students are more likely to feel more connected to their education, peers, and school as a whole the more time they are there.”

Thanksgiving break absence rates

While

ex-

Skip or stay?

“I went on vacation with my family to Hawaii and I missed three days of school; the Friday, Monday, and Tuesday leading up to Thanksgiving Break. I feel like missing school didn’t have a strong positive or negative impact on my education, but if I had to pick one, it would be a little bit negative because of the work I had to make up. I had to make up a chemistry test, an English test, and a lot of reading for English. I had a fun time on the trip, though, and I feel like making up the work afterwards was fine.”

-Xander Cokee (‘25)

“I went to Florida and I missed two days of school—the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving break. Missing school definitely had a positive impact because I got a few extra days off, but it also had a negative effect because I had to catch up on work and make up two tests that I missed. I have not missed school before for an extended break. I feel that the benefits equal the negatives of missing school because I’m glad I missed school—I am just a little behind now.”

- Amelia

(‘24)

“Over Thanksgiving break I traveled to Florida, but I did not miss any school. Initially, I was planning on being absent during that last Tuesday before Thanksgiving break, but my flight was changed. While I was preparing to miss school, I was nervous about the workload I would consequently have to make up; but later, I realized that the trip’s benefits outweighed the drawbacks. School happens every day, but making memories with my family and extended family only happens once in a while.”

-Charlotte Hartung (‘25)

Stanek

Hawks share their opinions on whether missing school for a family vacation is worth making up all the missed class work, tests, and quizzes.

light on seasonal affective disorder

Michael Glushkov Features Writer

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one’s mood shifts as the weather gets colder. Waking up to chilling temperatures creates an unfavorable environment where hibernation seems to be the only desire.

In trying to balance academics and extracurriculars, it can be hard to get the motivation you need in order to successfully complete all your tasks.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that can occur year-round, but is most common during the winter months.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect anyone at any point in their life, regardless of their past medical history.

A few symptoms of SAD include lack of sleep, motivation, and appetite.

Sophomore John Walega has had some experience with the winter blues.

“You just feel it, as soon as the sun begins to set sooner day after day, everything just seems a little more bland,” Walega said. “It was harder to find the motivation to keep up with schoolwork, especially after a long day of school and sports.”

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, around 5 percent of the U.S. population has had some experience with SAD.

Symptoms of SAD tend to have a lasting effect on people for 40% of the year.

The leading theory is that during the winter months, the human body isn’t exposed to the same amount of sunlight that it usually is.

Therefore, the levels of serotonin produced in the brain decline significantly, causing the feeling of depression.

One treatment doctors recommend in cases of severe Seasonal Affective Disorder is phototherapy, also known as light therapy.

Light therapy is the process of exposing your body to artificial light, specifically, full spectrum light. You can do this by using full-spectrum light bulbs or a light box.

SAD is most commonly found in young adults, making it imperative to talk about and relate to the experiences of our fellow students.

Walega is a volleyball player at school but also plays for a club volleyball team.

He has found that his love for a sport has helped him emotionally. He advises his peers to try to find anything that will provide them with motivation and get them out of the slumps.

“Find motivation anywhere you can; it could be from classmates, teammates, teachers, parents, literally anyone,” Walega said. “I found motivation with my friends. When I found out some of my friends were going through the same thing, we decided it might help to spend more time outside. We started to wait for our daily carpool outside rather than inside. It may be cold, but it worked.”

Like Walega, sophomore Alex Wiacek had a similar experience battling Seasonal Affective Disorder.

“Year after year, my grades start to slip in the colder months,” Wiacek said. “I think a big part of it is a lack of motivation. I find myself dreading waking up for school and feeling especially unmotivated during swim practice and weight training.”

This is a common feeling shared by students all across the nation and even the world.

Junior Cece Tecu, president of the Mental Health Club, has some guidance for students who are feeling a little down and might not have the courage to wake up and come to school.

“My best advice is to look forward to something each day, to wake up in the morning, despite how you’re feeling, and find something in your day that you could look forward to,” Tecu said. “It’s so difficult to get up and to be active and present when you don’t feel like you can be.”

Talk therapy is another great way to treat the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Talk therapy involves talking,

listening, discussing, and counseling.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, talk therapy has been proven to effectively treat someone battling Seasonal Affective Disorder.

It has proven to have a longerlasting effect on people than any other treatment option.

Talk therapy is something that can be easily accomplished, even by just attending school.

“Talk to your teachers, talk to your friends, talk to your classmates,” Tecu said. “It’s always important to connect with others and make what you’re going through a little bit less big and a little bit more manageable.”

Maine South psychologist Ms. Sarah Kirkorsky notes that while avoiding school work may feel nice in the moment, it will be harder to catch up later on.

“Really try to maintain your social connectedness because it’s easy during the winter to stay inside and not get out of your sweatpants and just binge Netflix instead of getting to school and getting your work done,” she said. “This creates a snowball effect—you get behind in school, then you’re going to be stressed, then it’s going to be hard to get caught up, and then it’s going to be much more tempting to just let it fall by the wayside.”

The Student Services Team (SST) has many psychologists and social workers who are available to help.

Many students may think they are the only ones going through seasonal affective disorder, but it happens to everyone, in both big and small ways.

“There is an increase in kids that self-report feeling sad or more down during those (colder) times,” Ms. Kirkorsky said. “If students ever need to talk to someone, the doors to the SST are always open. Students are welcome to head over to the SST anytime and talk to one of the many psychologists or social workers.”

Forming relationships is crucial to staying connected within the school and with peers.

These types of bonds can be very beneficial to students experiencing SAD.

“Being involved at school is really important because that is kind of your tie to Maine South, whether it’s sports, clubs, or even just attending things like the V-Show or the basketball games are great ways to connect with other students,” Ms. Kirkorsky said.

“If students ever need to talk to someone, the doors to the SST are always open.”

-Ms. Sarah Kirkorsky

THEV-Showthat GOESWRONG

[WENT RIGHT]

Natalie Polinski Entertainment Writer

Each winter season, the Maine South Fine Arts department puts on a variety show, more commonly known as V-Show. This year, “The V-Show That Goes Wrong” was performed on Dec. 2 and 3.

The show’s theme was inspired by the 2012 Broadway comedy, “The Play That Goes Wrong.” Chosen by Student Directors last May, V-Show’s theme began a seven-month-long process to bring their ideas to life.

“It is a very well oiled machine,” V-Show director Ms. Carrie Saurer said. “Very professional and, in my opinion, very impressive.”

After a theme was chosen, students spent the summer preparing acts to display a variety of talents. They spanned from typical acts, such as singing and dancing, all the way to yoyo tricks and “Wordle the Musical.”

V-Show began with a video introduction, followed by the Footlighters, a cast of 50-70 students who performed a song and dance number to open the show. Throughout

the night, talent acts, comedy sketches, and music performances were showcased.

Between each act, the sketch comedy group, Trunk, performed two to three sketches. This also gave the crew time to set up for the next act.

Finally, the show was closed out with V-Show’s iconic traditions: Trunk’s “Top 10 List”—this year being the top ten scariest places to be—and an all-company performance of “Gonna Build a Mountain” from the 1961 musical “Stop the World–I Want to Get Off.”

“There are so many student-led aspects to the show, which a lot of people, I think, aren’t aware of,” Ms. Saurer said.

Whether it’s the acts on stage, comedy sketches, stage design, writing and producing music, or ensuring the show runs smoothly, students are involved in every step of the process.

The V-Show involves people with a variety of interests. This wide range of students allows for a representative show, while also encouraging new connections among students.

“There’s a lot of new people,”

senior Maren Nazar, a member of both the Vocal Jazz act and Trunk, said. “Different people come out for V-Show than for some of the other productions. It’s really cool, especially in Trunk, getting to hear from a variety of people.”

For students, the V-Show is an opportunity to come together with a variety of people and showcase the power of passionate teenagers.

“It’s a show for everyone to really get in tune with their creative side and do what they love,” senior Student Director Jillian Beck said.

The feelings of new friendship and creativity fostered by the V-Show environment weren’t just felt among the performers; behind the scenes, sentiments were the same.

For backstage crew, new members

and a tight-knit environment gave the crew an opportunity to create something special, not only for the audience, but also themselves.

“There are so many people backstage who have never been here,” senior Assistant Technical Director and Assistant Stage Manager Gigi Scarpelli said. “Crew is really small for V-Show, so it makes for a really tight-knit group of people when you’re back there.”

More than merely a show, V-Show gave students a chance to meet new people, share their creativity, and put on a show they are proud of.

“It’s a show for everyone to really get into their creative side,” Beck said. “It’s fun to create something where you get to work heavily with your peers.”

Maine South Dance Company brings art to life

Grace Halpert Entertainment Writer

Since auditions in May, the Maine South Dance Company has been preparing for this year’s iteration of their annual show, “The Art of Dance.”

Made up of freshmen through seniors who have a passion for dance, the company and their coaches have worked hard on choreographing, rehearsing, and perfecting the dances that will be performed in their show.

“The show is our way of showing how hard we have worked and the talent of our company,” sophomore Markella Himargios said.

Outside of practice, the company has made an effort to form personal bonds. They have held several team gatherings, such as a “Friendsgiving” and a pool party.

“It’s always great that we get to come together to just have fun and not worry about the pressure of the show

or dances,” Himargios said.

Every year, the Maine South Dance Company chooses a captivating theme that inspires the choreography.

This year’s theme, “The Art of Dance,” adds a unique layer of creativity to all the pieces.

Senior dance captain Olivia Killian is excited by the opportunities the theme provides.

“The show’s concept of ‘immersive art’ breaks away from our typical ‘storyline’ structure that we’ve had in the past years such as ‘Alice in

Wonderland’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’” Killian said. “Allowing each choreographer to select their own painting that they were inspired by has brought more creative freedom to the choreography process.”

Creativity is at the heart of what makes the company’s show so special every year. Each dance tells a distinct story. It is more than just a showcase of dances; it’s a production.

“Through lighting, costuming, and movement, we are bringing new life to what is typically a two-dimensional art and creating a unique experience for the audience,” Killian said.

The show features a variety of dance styles, allowing the company’s dedication and skill to shine through their performance.

Students can see “The Art of Dance” on Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Watson Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door for $7.

ONE LAST TIME Senior Trunk members perform “Gonna Build a Mountain” from side-stage left as the Footlighters and cast sing along. Student performers spent the previous summer preparing for this annual show.

PHOTO BY NATALIE COLLETTI

SOARING Senior Olivia Killian and the Maine South Dance Company practice a lift for their “Art of Dance” show. The show is the culmination of a semester of preparation.

PHOTO BY LILY GIAMBARBEREE

Best BREAK

ever!

The best ways to spend your free time this winter break

Support a local charity

Kids Above All Toy Room

Maggie Hershey Entertainment Editor

Local organization Kids Above All has been working to help children around the Chicagoland area since 1894. Through various donation drives and volunteer events, the nonprofit helps ensure that kids facing poverty still have access to necessities.

During the holiday season, Kids Above All offers a service opportunity in their “Toy Room.” Donors purchase gifts for a child that they are given a wish list for. Then, volunteers package these

Watch classic holiday comedies

donations alongside more gifts such as books, toy cars, stuffed animals, and clothing. Everything is put into a black trash bag—a “Santa Sack”—and given to the children.

Recently, Key Club members volunteered at the holiday Toy Room to package these Santa Sacks.

“We were given a paper with an age, name, and toy preference,” sophomore Nina Kulas said. “I then went and looked for a toy fitting the want of the child. We also threw up a few books and wrapped it in a bag, sealed it, and moved on to the next one.”

The Toy Room offers students the opportunity to help those less fortunate than themselves and spread holiday spirit.

“I felt very fulfilled since I was doing something to benefit the community,” sophomore Elizabeth Drakontaidis said.

Anyone can volunteer for Kids Above All,

Movies filmed in Chicago

Home Alone (1990)

ON THE NICE

Information

be found at

money, time,

Emma Donohue & Maggie Woods

Entertainment Writer & Editor

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

The beginning of a franchise and one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time, the 1990 classic “Home Alone” follows Kevin McCallister: a boy left home alone for the holidays. While Kevin slept through his alarm, his family flew to Paris without him. Now, he is troubled with providing a Christmas for himself and defending his home from burglars. This nostalgic film has real-life Chicago suburban charm. It’s a must-watch every holiday season for all ages to relive the true meaning of Christmas: tricking adults and family. This comedy is no longer on Netflix, but you can stream it on Disney+, Prime Video, or Apple TV.

Lucy, a lonely CTA employee, saves her crush from being hit by a train on Christmas day. While Peter is in a coma, his family mistakenly assumes that she is his fiancée. Peter’s family takes Lucy into their family with overwhelming love, including her in their holiday festivities. Stuck in this lie, Lucy does not know how to tell this dream family the truth. If you’re not one for the cold, you can experience the magic of Christmas in Chicago from the comfort of your home. This rom-com is sure to make you feel loved and grateful this holiday season. Stream this classic on Disney+, Prime Video, or Apple TV.

Lucy watches her crush, Peter, fall onto the tracks at the Randolph/Wabash CTA ‘L’ station.

Wacker Drive is home to Lucy’s favorite hot dog stand and is featured many times throughout the film.

The iconic Home Alone house is only about 30 minutes northeast of Park Ridge and can be visited at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka.

Chicago’s festive holiday decorations make a cameo in this still shot of the State and Lake CTA ‘L’ station just to the north of the Chicago Theater.

LIST Sophomores Ryan Schoenstedt and Elizabeth Drakontaidis cross items off of children’s wish lists at the Kids Above All Toy Room. They pick out gifts for the children and pack them into “Santa Sacks.” either individually or with a group.

about donating and volunteering can

kidsaboveall.org. Whether you have

toys, or all three, Kids Above All is a wonderful way to give back to the community this winter break.

As the burglars chase him down the street, Kevin hides in a nativity scene outside Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette. (Interior scenes were filmed at Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park.)

As he’s trying to chase Kevin, a police officer slips on the ice rink in the park across from what used to be Hubbard Woods Pharmacy (now Graeter’s Ice Cream) in Winnetka.

PHOTO BY MAGGIE HERSHEY

a live holiday performance

The Joffrey’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Colleen Compton Entertainment Writer

The Joffrey Ballet is performing “The Nutcracker,” a classic winter ballet, from Dec. 3-27.

The classic story of “The Nutcracker” follows a young girl named Marie in 18th-century Germany as she receives a toy nutcracker as a gift for the holidays. Later that night, her new nutcracker comes to life and leads her on a magical winter adventure.

What makes the Joffery Ballet’s

See local holiday decorations

performance of “The Nutcracker” special is that it’s set in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair. As the story progresses, it not only explores the world of “The Nutcracker” but also what the 1893 World’s Fair was like.

The Joffery Ballet itself is a part of Chicago’s history, being an internationally renowned company that was the first to appear on American television.

The two-hour performance will be a spectacle you don’t want to miss, but just in case you can’t make it downtown, “The Nutcracker” story itself is a winter classic which can be enjoyed in many other ways, from the “Barbie in the Nutcracker” film, to the E.T.A Hoffman novel “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” which the ballet is based on.

Meacham Avenue’s ‘Candy Card Lane’

Caitlin Vengazo Entertainment Editor

For the past three years, residents on Meacham Avenue in Park Ridge have been creating jumbo holiday cards set up in their front yards during winter. Inspired by the original “Candy Card Lane” tradition of her hometown in San Diego, Kellie Tolzien decided to organize a similar event for the block in 2020.

“Because of COVID, and with little to do, the entire street participated,” Tolzien said. “It’s fun to look out the window and see the street full of people walking in the snow and enjoying the different cards.”

This year, the invitation has been extended to neighboring streets, and junior Lauren Marogil’s family chose Star Wars as the theme for their debut card.

“Our storyline is the spirit of Christmas filling Darth Vader’s heart, and for one night, the

Make a holiday recipe

characters forget their differences,” Marogil said.

This winter break, take a walk down Meacham Avenue and surrounding streets to see all of the creative holiday cards.

French Yule Log Cake

Anna Chukurov & Maggie Hershey Entertainment Writer & Editor

The yule log cake—“Bûche de Noël” in French, which translates to “Christmas log” —is a common dessert eaten during the holiday season. This cake is derived from a French holiday tradition in which people would burn a log in their fireplace for three days to ensure good luck in the new year. The coal was used year-round as medicine, and the ashes were said to protect people from lightning strikes.

The tradition of burning a yule log took a decline in the mid-nineteenth century, and instead, people started setting a log on their dining room tables as a reminder of the tradition.

A French pastry chef thought people would enjoy making and eating a yule log cake rather than looking at one on their table, and soon enough, people were baking and eating yule log cakes.

“It’s a very chocolatey, sweet cake,” sophomore French Club member Eve Hinton said. “It’s basically

rolled up, so it looks like the inside of a tree, and you decorate it so that it looks like a log.”

Today, the yule log cake remains a common dessert eaten around the holiday season. If you want to try your hand at making this classic treat, check out the Easy Chocolate Yule Log Cake recipe from Life, Love, and Sugar’s online blog. If you’re not up to bake it yourself, try the Malted Milk Chocolate Bûche de Noël from Whole Foods Bakery (pictured).

On Dec 19, the French Club will be meeting at 7:45 a.m. in room A205 to enjoy this classic holiday treat. Students will be baking their own yule log cakes to celebrate the holiday season.

Gift Guide

Scrambling to find the perfect gift with little time to spare? These budget-friendly gifts will satisfy even the pickiest of your loved ones this holiday

Waterproof Shower Speaker

Have you ever tried to play music from your phone while showering, but you can’t change the volume or skip a song? This waterproof speaker connects to your phone via Bluetooth and lets you skip or pause songs, adjust the volume, and even answer calls while showering. You can purchase this gift on Amazon (ships with Prime) for $15.

For the person who’s always asking if someone has a charger, this car-key sized cordless iPhone charger fits in anyone’s bag or pocket, or even on a key chain. This battery-saver is easy to transport and is a must-have when traveling. Buy it for the friend whose phone can’t seem to keep a charge on Amazon for less than $20.

Disposable Camera

These old yellow cameras that our parents used to buy are making a comeback! This trendy gift is a fun and nostalgic way to capture the moment. The best part is the anticipation of waiting to see the photos and reminiscing about the good memories once they’ve developed. You can pick one up for just $12 at your local Walgreens, CVS, or Target.

This is the perfect gift for anyone who drives a car with an outdated audio system. This handy FM transmitter plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and broadcasts your phone’s music, which is connected via Bluetooth to the car’s radio. Save your loved ones from the corny radio hosts, and order this handy transmitter on Amazon (ships with Prime) for under $15.

Cordless iPhone Charger

PHOTO BY CAITLIN VENGAZO

Whole Foods Malted Milk Chocolate Bûche de Noël

PHOTO BY JAKE SNYDER

PHOTO COURTESY ILLUSTRATION BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

Boys’ wrestling team looks to future

Thomas Hurley Sports Editor

The boys’ wrestling team athletes are feeling optimistic about this season because of the individual dedication and team work ethic they see.

“Everybody in the program that has practiced and suited up has wrestled matches, not an easy feat,” Coach Kevin Hansen said, as the team has over 100 male athletes.

The size of the team can pose some challenges.

“We utilize all of our room space,” Mr. Hansen said. “There are a lot of moving parts: concussion tests, lockers, equipment, weight certification, pictures, busing, line-

ups, a new setup, clock issues, a new girls’ team…there’s a lot going on!”

With the football season extending into mid-November, the team was missing a number of wrestlers who also play football.

“If we had had them on our lineup, we possibly could have eliminated our two losses to Andrew and OPRF, as we had a few holes in the upper weights,” junior captain Teddy Flores said.

Despite unfortunate outcomes at those events, the team has five wins under their belt so far, playing a key role in their optimism.

“We feel that this year we have the squad that can make it happen if everyone does their job,” Flores said.

He credited the two freshmen

starters for having an impact despite being in their first year.

“Brett Harman and Gavin Hoerr have really stepped up to the plate,” Flores said. “It’s never easy being a freshman on the varsity team and they have yet to flinch thus far. The successes of these two have played a part to the success of the team.”

The boys’ wrestling team has high goals this season: “Win Conference, win Regionals, get all 14 guys to Sectionals, and go to State as a team,” Coach Hansen said.

The team can only achieve these goals by being physically and mentally prepared for future meets.

“Wrestle with honor and be mentally tough,” said Coach Hansen

Freshman swimmer makes it to State

Kyra Demeros & Sophia Jaroch

Sports Editor & Sports Writer

swimming journey.

“My friends and team have really kept me in this sport,” Juiris

Wrestling program adds girls’ team

Kyra Demeros Sports Editor

The wrestling program has a new addition this season: a separate girls’ team. The change was a result of the IHSA making girls’ wrestling an official sport, which includes adding it to the state playoff series.

Having an all-female team has brought many benefits.

“We are now able to compete in duals and tournaments that are directed towards females” Head Coach Juan Diaz said.

This allows athletes more time to practice their techniques with a smaller group of wrestlers. The change is also very much appreciated by female members of the program.

“By having a separate team, the program is able to have more girls be encouraged to join,” senior Angela Lee said. “As captain, I tried to recruit some in the past, but many didn’t want to participate because that would mean they would have to have physical contact with boys.”

“The girls are more comfortable in the sport and are helping the number in women’s wrestling grow every year,” Lee said.

Not only has this addition made wrestlers more comfortable, but it has also made them closer to the other females on the team.

“We have created this bond that draws us closer to each other,” freshman Angelina Guanajuato said. “The girls’ wrestling team is one big family.”

This new team has certainly brought on success for these athletes. The team has had multiple place wins, in just their first two tournaments.

Freshman

Sarah Juiris qualified for state with a 52.31 second time for the 100-yard freestyle at the IHSA Sectional meet at Glenbrook South. Then, at the state meet, which was held at the FMC natatorium in Westmont on Nov. 11 and 12, Sarah finished 16th with a 100-yard freestyle time of 52.26 seconds.

Juiris attributes her success to her parents and teammates. With their support, the sky is truly the limit for her. They have always been her biggest supporters from the beginning of her

much energy and excitement,” Juiris said. “It’s definitely nerve-wracking competing at the state level, but with my teammates, coaches, and other swimmers cheering and sharing my enthusiasm, racing felt like second

Despite initially feeling some nerves, Juiris was able to place

“I am so excited to practice with my teammates and meet new people next year,” Juiris said. “I can’t wait to create new memories and experiences with my team.”

“Our goals for the season are to get strong and focus on improving all season long,” Coach Diaz said. “I believe that by the end of the season we will see some of our girls competing at the Illinois State Wrestling Tournament.”

While the girls’ and boys’ teams might now be separate, the wrestling program is still one big family.

“I still believe that we are one team, just a new program allowing female wrestlers the opportunity to compete with other female teams,” Coach Diaz said.

PINNING DOWN THE COMPETITION Freshman Brett Harman wrestles a Taft High School opponent at the home meet on Nov. 23. Harmon won the match by fall.

Sarah Juiris, ‘26

PHOTO BY HAYDEN MAGAD

World Cup 2022 captivates student body

Declan Colleran Sports Editor

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup underway, students are finding ways to support the various nations.

The competition, which has historically taken place in the summer, was moved to the winter to avoid the blistering heat of host nation Qatar’s summers.

Fans of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) were excited to see their team compete in the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

After tying against Wales and England, the USMNT needed to beat Iran to qualify for the Round of 16.

Around the school, students were streaming the match on their Chromebooks. Some teachers even projected the game for their class to watch.

In the 38th minute, Christian Pulisic scored, giving the USMNT a 1-0 lead. With a goal scored, the Americans just had to prevent Iran from scoring in order to advance from Group B.

After eighth period was dismissed, hundreds of students converged on the Commons to see the game’s finish.

Tension built in the room as the Iranian team pushed hard for a tying goal. In the game’s 100th minute, the referee finally blew his whistle, sending the USMNT through to the Round of 16.

Upon hearing the whistle, the crowd that had gath-

“U-S-A, U-S-A...!” Hundreds of students gather in the Commons to see the end of the United States vs. Iran World Cup match. The Americans held on to win the game 1-0, sending the crowd into a wild frenzy.

ered in the Commons erupted into celebration. Chants of “U-S-A, U-SA…” and “It’s called soccer!” could be heard throughout the school.

“In the Commons, there is a ton of energy,” junior Sam Middendorf said. “It was very entertaining because of how excited some of the people watching would get.”

The USMNT went on to play the Netherlands in the Round of 16, but defensive woes saw their tournament come to an end.

Despite the loss, many have been surprised by how much attention the USMNT’s run got.

“Everyone has been very passionate and supportive about soccer in the US,” senior Luca Canetta said.

For many students, the World Cup in Qatar has been their first experience closely watching profes-

sional soccer.

“I noticed there are a lot more people interested than I thought there would be,” Middendorf said. “I absolutely think that soccer is growing in the United States.”

The interest of students throughout the school has not just been limited to the USMNT. As the games moved into the knockout rounds, students were excited to see the world’s strongest teams go head-tohead.

“I love the atmosphere,” junior Victoria Switala said. “A lot of kids are streaming on different platforms and cheering for their teams and talking about players and goals.”

The tournament will draw to a close this Sunday, Dec. 18, when the final will take place. FIFA will then begin planning for 2026, when soccer’s biggest competition will come to North America.

“I think the World Cup is so unique because this tournament is so universal,” Switala said.

My experience at the World Cup in Qatar

Sayde Feeley News Editor

Over Thanksgiving break, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

While I was only there for a couple of days, it was one of the most memorable trips I have ever been on. I went to three games in total, but my favorite one was the USA vs. Wales match.

A couple hours before the match, the streets began to fill with people dressed in USA or Wales flags as everyone made their way to the stadium. Some people went all out with

face painting and complete outfits.

Once we reached the stadium, the lines to get in were extremely long, but that was to be expected. Besides, it gave us a chance to talk with other fans and learn where they were from.

Nothing prepared me though for the number of people in the stadium once we walked in. The game hadn’t even started, and the crowds were insane.

Everywhere I looked, I saw people chanting and singing. Based on the energy of the fans, I could tell something important was happening without even looking at the game.

The noise hit a crescendo when Timothy Weah scored, giving the USA a 1-0 advantage. As the ball hit the back of the net, tens of thousands of spectators leaped into the air in celebration. It was amazing to see complete strangers hug and celebrate together over this victory as if they had known each other forever.

This World Cup brought so many cultures and people together. The diversity of the event really contributed to the incredible experience I had. It was definitely an unforgettable trip, and I hope to see another World Cup in the future.

supporting at the FIFA World Cup?

United States

Sam Middendorf, ‘24

Poland

Victoria Switala, ‘24

Argentina

Luca Canetta, ‘23

What country are

Serbia

Mateja Radosavljevic, ‘23

you

“I would say the USA will be a top five country in

“My dad is from Argentina, and he is very pas

“I’m most passionate on having Poland win because my family is from there.”

“My nationality is Serbian; I’ve been supporting them my whole life.”

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Boys’ basketball looks to engage student section

Julia Van Roeyen Sports Writer

The boys’ varsity basketball team achieved their first win of the season at the Lyons Township Thanksgiving Tournament against Fenger Academy. Since then, they have faced some challenges with a 1-5 record.

In his first year as the varsity head coach, Mr. Colin Wehman has high hopes regarding the amount of student support at the boys games.

“We will try to make it as fun of an event as possible,” he said. “The boys’ basketball games have not been well attended, and this will change this year.”

There are many appearances planned to keep the crowd as engaged as possible. The cheerleaders made appearances at the games on Nov. 29, Dec. 3, and Dec. 9.

“The varsity cheer team has always done an awesome job of supporting our boys’ basketball team and we know they will continue to create a positive and energetic atmosphere,” Mr. Trevor Fritz, basketball coach and sponsor of Hawk

Nation, said. “Hopefully we can get it to be the norm to attend the boys’ or girls’ basketball games every Friday night.”

Aside from the sideline shows, there are other plans to keep the crowd entertained. The games will be themed, and halftime activities may range from raffles to shooting contests, and even to giveaways.

“Friday night home games all winter, the best place to be is in our gym,” Coach Wehman said.

Not only does a larger turnout make games more exciting to attend, the energy from the crowd can help the team’s performance. Several players feel that a large student section could play a role in motivating the team to reach their full potential on the court.

“I think with a great student section our team could feed off of the energy and play better,” senior Kaden Karstens said. “Our students are great and have done a great job cheering at football games during the fall, and hopefully we can get a big student section to attend basketball games during the season.”

Similar to how the community comes out for the football games in the fall, the basketball team hopes to feel the same support during the winter.

“[Having a larger student section] will bring a lot of energy and motivation to the team,” senior Ryan Pothast said. “I also think a big crowd can affect the other team and be intimidating.”

This year’s team has a lot of young talent, including one freshman and three sophomores. Their dedication during practices and off-days helps to build their harmony as a team.

Despite a strong work ethic during practice, success is hard to come by in one of Illinois’ toughest conferences for basketball.

With several conference games coming up, the Hawks are looking to find more consistency on the court.

“I am happy with what the team has formed into,” sophomore Tyler Sierra said. “I believe that we can continue to grow as a team. As we learn more about each other and continue to play together, it will form team chemistry that will help us defeat opponents.”

Hawkettes aim to repeat as national champs

Ava Kontuly & Maeve Strotman Sports Writers

Last year, the Hawkettes placed in the top five at the IHSA State Competition and took home a National title. This year, Coach Casey Fritz and the captains, seniors Maya Burda and Madison Gatz and junior Payton Cassidy, are ready to lead the team to even greater success.

“Our goal for the season is to always push to be better than last season,” Coach Fritz said.

The team plans to exceed the success of last season by placing in the top three at State and winning Nationals. This would be a historic feat considering the girls have never won back-to-back National titles.

To achieve their goals, the Hawkettes practice daily, in addition to weekly ballet and technique sessions.

Although practicing every day is

exhausting, senior Maya Burda claims it is the key to success.

“It’s hard to stay motivated 24/7, but that’s just what it takes,” Burda said.

Performances at basketball games have also provided valuable experience for the team.

“It helps us better control our nerves for the actual competition by already

knowing we can do the dance when under pressure,” sophomore Sydney Gatz said. “Basketball games are a great way of helping us reach our full potential.”

The Hawkettes will perform again this Sunday, Dec. 18 at the Hawkette Holiday Spectacular, the team’s annual holiday show.

Even with all the hard work the Hawkettes are putting in, there are always challenges along the way.

“The hardest challenge is finding a balance for everything,” Coach Fritz said.

Despite a rigorous practice schedule, the Hawkettes are still finding ways to be successful academically.

“It is really important to be able to keep up with school and manage your time to avoid getting so stressed,” sophomore Juliana Careaga said. “Staying on top of everything makes balancing school and Hawkettes a lot easier.”

Along with the stress of school, the team must also balance the physical stress they put on their bodies performing at such a high level.

“We always push through the pain, and it is all worth it in the end,” Burda said.

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

LAY-UP Freshman Panayiotis Sotos drives to the basket and scores against Hersey on Nov. 29. The Hawks came up short, losing the game 64-49.

SHOWTIME The Hawkettes perform during half-time of the boys’ basketball game on Dec. 9. The team will return to the Spec Gym this Sunday, Dec. 18, for their annual holiday show.

PHOTO BY CATHY TSERENDAVAA

PHOTO BY LENA SCHNEIDER