Vol 24 issue 8

souihwoRcIs Maine Township High School South

Vol.24, No. 8

December 18,1987

South ranks well in comparison Comparing other schools to Maine South, this institution has by far a higher standard level. Maine South has much to be proud of, not only the students, but also the faculty.

In the Advanced Placement program, last year Maine South had thirty scores of five on the advanced placement tests. Also, Maine South had four of District 207's twenty-three National Merit semi-fmalisls and twenty-one of the district's thirty-eight National Merit commended students.

The average Maine South composite ACT score was a 21.0, which is two points higher than the Illinois average. Also, on a national scale, Maine South is in the top 15% for ACT scores.

Enrollments for 1986-87 were 82.8% in mathematics, 61.0% in science, 61.1% in social science, and 107.4% in English. Furthermore, Maine South had a95.8% high school graduation rate, while District 207 had a 92.7%, and the state 82.6% The average District 207 teacher has been

Hawk Boosters Hold Boxer Bash The Hawk Boosters will sponsor their annual sock hop, "Boxer Bash" on Friday, December 18, after the basketball game against New Trier. Students are urged to wear the wildest pair of shorts they have. With the pwrmission of Dr. Cachur, the dance will be held in the main gym. Admission is free, and a disc jockey will provide the musical entertainment. Refreshments wUl be served in the foyer. Furthermore, a door prize of four concert tickets, including limousine service, will be given.

The Hawk Boosters is an organization of parents, led by President Jim Kilberg, whose primary purpose is to boost the school spirit. They raise money for the school teams to buy, for example, additional equipment for the weight room that the scliool could not provide. This year they have donated a computerized score-board for the school's use. The Hawk Boosters mainly raise money through their annual barbeque and golf outing.

Mrs. TuUy, chaiman of the "BoxerBash", hopes itiat the different approach to the school dance will bring greater student attendance and another large success.

teaching for nineteen years, seventeen of which have been spent in District 207. Over 88% of the teachers have at least a Master's degree and the pupil-teacher ratio is 18.5 to 1.

Mr. James Elliot, Sujjerintendant of District 207, remarked in his School Report Card," We in

Verber up for hall of fame Mr. Verber, head basketball coach and physical education teacher at Maine South, has been nominated as a candidate for his college's Hall of Fame.

The tremendous success Mr. Verber enjoyed on the baseball team at Bowling Green State in Ohio earned him this nomination.

Mr. Verber was given a four year scholarship to attend Bowling Green, part of the Mid-American conference, where he played baseball all four years. Mr. Verber first entered the varsity squad during his sophomore year, with a batting average of .330. His main fxjsitions on the varsity team were center-field and first base. Mr. Verber led his team with an outstanding batting average of .394 during his junior year. Senior year, as a captain for his team, Mr.Verber again led his team with a .396 batting average. During his senior year, Mr. Verber also led his team in runs scored and fielding percentage. In addition, he also placed in the top two for stolen bases for two consecutive years.

Throughout his playing career at Bowling Green, Mr. Verber received many honors for his dedication to baseball. During his junior and senior years Mr. Verber was named Most ValuablePlayer (MVP). At the end of his senior season Mr. Verber also received two of the highest honors any college

Jan. 4

Winter Break begins 9-11 PM—Hawk B(K)ster St)ck Hop Sch(X)l re.sumes

athlete can receive, third team All-American and first team All-Midwest.

Representative visits Soutii c^

Newsbriefs Dec. IS

District 207 are proud of the performance of students in Maine Township High Schools compared to the performance of other students around the state. But a good school district should never remain static. Therefore, we will continue to work to improve the education for all of our students."

U.S. Representative Henry J. Hyde, pictured here in front of the Capitol building, came to Maine South to speak on the missile treaty.

Republican Henry J. Hyde, U.S. Representative for the 6th District, came to sp)eak to Maine South Accelerated Government students during eighth period on December 7, 1987. As a class project for Mr. Feichter's government class, Trudy Gross chose to write to Mr. Hyde, requesting him to speak to Maine South students.

Mr. Hyde mainly spoke about his concerns' for ihc Missile Treaty that was negotiated with the Soviet Union. This proposed treaty will ban all of United State's and Soviet Union's 300-3300 milerange intermediate missiles, which would also mean dismantling the existing weapons that come in this range. Although these missUes are only about five percent of the total, it will be a beginning for nuclear disarmament.

Currently, Mr. Hyde is an active member in Congress. Being his 7th term, he is on the Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and the Selective Intelligence Committee.

News

page 2

December 18, 1987

Students awarded for November Each month, faculty members are asked to name outstanding students in their classes to receive Student of the Month awards. In November, ninety students were honored. They are, listed by department: Art: Amy Karabin, Jennifer Fitzsimons, Aima Choi, Eric DeWitt Business: Steven Berecz, Gina Faso, Lynn Fett, Roger Fyke, Christine Johnson, Bob Sroka, Laura Wagner Drivers Education: Dale Van Diggelen, Bill Zoellner

English: Christine Albright, Rebecca Bahnsen, Catherine Ciprian, Jim Falzone, Andrew Hovland, Lauren Ofenloch, Tanja Pajevic, Ma.x Ranft, Michael Reardon, Marcus Semel, Michael Skoczylas, Jessica Stack, Kristina White Foreign Language: John Cox, Eric DeWitt, Beth Koehn, Jill Howard, Margaret Zimmermann, Julie Sebastian, Collette Sedivy Health: Sarah Hess Home Economics: Robin Harris, Michele Dotson, Kristine Anderson, Heather Shields, Amy Karabin, Lisa Dimberg

Industrial Education: Amy Josefson, Sean Preston, Joseph Wisniewski, Kevin Valasek Mathematics: Shirlee Bohannan, Richard Bondarowicz, Tim Duerkop, James Dunn, Kristinc Gableson, Dorothy Golas, Christopher Johnson, Mary Michal, Dave Schwalb, Jennifer Sohier,Tina Thrush, Carmine Tucci Physical Education: (Boys) Brad Pawlowski, Christopher Balagot, Eric Eichin, Christopher Gusloff, Dave Lazzaro, Tony Kamezis (Girls) Erin Michniuk, Jennifer Green, Maura Scott, Erika Salemme, Barbara Emery, Jane Helmick, Sophie Papageorge Science: Tom Alicoate, Rebecca Bahnsen, Keimeth Carlson, John Cox, Nicole Frenzel, Christine Gnutek, Lisa Heyden, Tracy ICrahl, John Kujak, Joseph Morandi, Tom Thein, Debbie Uselding Social Science: Joy Poskozim, David Hartwig, Robert Martell, Michele Dotson, Kris Thorsson, Mark Hageli, Doug Beaumont Speech/Drama: Angelica Silkowski, Tamara Dayton

Well-liked custodian dies '

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, Mr. Richard Foksinski, 1940-1987

1

Mr. Richard Foksinski, First Shift Supervisor of the custodial staff, died at approximately 1AM on December 8, 1987 at the age of 47. Mr. Foksinski had served Maine South for twelve dedicated years.

Following a heart attack at the end of October, Mr. Foksinski had op>en-heart surgery. On Thanksgiving day, about a month later, he suffered a relapse and was sent back to the hospital. However, at the time this issue went to press, the cause of his death was still not known.

Mr. Foksinski left to all faculty, administrators, and students who knew him many wonderful memories. Mr. Robert Yoshioka, Head Custodian at South, described him as an "easy-going and a very understanding person. He was dedicated to his job and had an openness about him that people loved."

Mr. Foksinski was one of the school staff members featured in aprofile in the May 15,1987, issue oiSouthwards, where his sensitivity and love of life were clearly revealed to the student body.

We will miss him.

Lave He fund begun Since 1967, Mr. Lavelle had dedicated his life's work to the Maine South Speech/Drama department. Mr. Lavelle died suddenly on November 11, 1987. He was not only a terrific teacher, but he was also a great friend to all who knew him. Although recently plagued with a heart condition, he continued to work. This work included the after-school efforts he put into stage crew for many of the various plays over the years.

The David A. Lavelle Memorial Scholarship has been established at Maine South at tlie request of his family. It is hoped that this scholarship will be a self-perpetuating one for a Maine South senior who intends to pursue a career in Speech/Drama.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to this sholarship fund may do so through the Maine South bookstore. Funds are still being collected and it is hoped that two S250 scholarships will be awarded on Thespian Night when they give out the awards for thespians. Although plans are still tentative, decisions will soon be made regarding future plans.

As Mr. Dave Downing said.'This is the way Mr. Lavelle would want to be remembered, helping students to continue their education."

Southwards SouihHords is the student-produiotl newspaper of .Maine South High School, Park Rldi^o, IL. Letters to the editor should be delivered to room V.130 or given to a niemt)er oltlie editorial statT listed below. Southwards reserves the right to edit all letters containing obscene or libelous material.

Kditors-lnchief......\Ieredith Itrammeier Maura Seolt .VHS Editor Kavila Sabnani Commentary Editor laj Pinto Features Editor Melissa rhornlcy Sports Editor Katie O'Connor Photo Editor Jody MtCorniick Produclitm Editor Janelle Slaughter

December 18,1987

Commentary

page 3

The Democrats—a motley crew

by Jay M. Pinto Partlofallpart series attempting to inform the student body about the Presidential Candidates and a brief summary of their views:

1988 is coming at us at warp factor 9 and with is comes that exciting process so unique to this great nation, the Presidential election. This election is important in many different ways. The United States is at a new junction in various aspects: the economy, foreign relations, arms control, the dollar, AIDS, federal spending, and the plight of cities all are problems at pivotal points, points where strong leadership and weak leadership will drive the US into (take your pick) was, depression, sickness, death, and misery. Not to make you worried, though, for all the candidates for President arc capable individuals who can accomplish many great things, right? Right? Uh, oh.

Let's examine each of the Democratic candidates so we can get a better feel for their qualifications or lack thereof. The Democrats are a motley crew: Representative Richard Gephardt from Missouri, Senator Paul Simon from Illinois, Jesse Jackson, Senator Albert Gore of Tennessee, exArizona Governor Bruce Babbitt, and Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.

Dukakis is one of the front runners. This means that some hazy group of people have designated him the leader based on various polls. Undecided is probably the largest percentage in these polls, but hey, that;s not the pollster's problem. Anyway, the major selling point of Michael Dukakis, the son of Greek immigrants, is Dukakis's home state economy's amazing tum-around. Inflation dropped from the double digits to 4%, and unemployment plunged 20%. How much of this "Massachusetts Miracle" was Mr. Dukakis's fault is debatable. He did object to tax reductions that helped it along. He believes in increasing trade to reduce the trade deficit. This is the logic of a man

out of Harvard Law School and also a former member of the faculty at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He exudes calm, confident leadership.

Jesse Jackson may ne the most contraversial candidate of them all. The only black, he is an excellent orator and a skilled debater. A Baptist minister from South Carohna, Mr. Jackson has many accomplishments including being the head of Operation PUSH. He also negotiated with the Syrians over others who the release of an American airman shot down over Lebanon. He may have strong support in the South and with others who now consider him a viable candidate instead of the rabble rouser of 1984.

Paul Simon is the most loksy candidate. Sporting a homey bowtie, this Illinois Senator can point to a long career in government to bloster claims of much experience. He also ran a small town newspaper in Southern Illinois and faced up to the local mob when he exposed corruption in government.

Simon proposes a New Deal style works program to aid the unemployed. Citing the crises in the economy, he also favors a balanced budget amendment. However, with the estimate of the works plan at 8 billion, this may be slightly hypocritical. Still, Simon can score points with the many voters tired of slick packaging. He stands for a return to old values and the elimination of the tenet "Style and no substance."

Dick Gephardt is another of the "front rurmers."

He has pressed hard for adding protectary bite to trade laws. His protectionism rings of the SmootHawley Act, you remember the one that kicked the nation into the depression. Mr. Gephardt is a Congressman from Missouri.

Senator Albert Gore is the candidate that is lucky to be from the South. The South will play a major role in the 1988 election. At a chipper 39, he is the baby boomer candidate; at Harvard he protested the Vietnam war. He has fought for tougher

warnings on cigarettes despite being from a state where tobacco is a big crop. He has supported our naval presnece in the Persian Gulf, the bombing of Libya, and the invasion of Grenada. And he has guts. While other candidates were tip-toeing around criticizing other Democrats, Gore cried out against the Democrats' "politics of retreat, complacency, and doubt." He also lashed out at Reaganomics after the Stock Market crash. This young fighter may the one to go all the way. His youth and vitality (read good looks) appeal to many voters and his stance on many issues may as well.

Besides, if he doesn't win, he could easily guest start on Dynasty.

Finally we have Bruce Babbitt. Ex-governor of Arizona, Babbitt has the fortitude (or stupidity) to say that taxes must be raised. Honest he may be, but I doubt that is what Americans want to hear. Babbitt has a very interesting biography. He was a civil rights marcher and also worked as a anti-poverty worker in Venzucla. As Attorney General, he pursued land fraud cases with such fervor that he was placed on the mob's hit list. He also has been an Indian rights lawyer. Ironically, a man with this past won the governorship of Arizona, a very conservative state. Babbitt is 49. He proposes a Value Added Tax or a consumption tax that would raise S50 billion in revenue. He would like a "universal needs test" for all expenditures to determine priority of government programs. Who knows whether voters will buy his pitch?

There they are, ladies and gentlemen. One of these men may be the next President of the United States. Luckily there is still time to move. But that is unlikely, so use your brain and watch these candidates in the next few months because what they say and do will help you decide whether it would be better to live in Canada for the next four years Next time: The Republicans

Letters to editor reflect hostile feelings Get psyched up, not out Thefollowing letter was received in response to Doug Hodapp's article. MS Student Kicks Back in Psych, primed in the November 20,1987 issue of Southwords.

Dear Editor: Recently 1 picked up an issue of Maine South's own Southwards and was deeply disturbed when I read an absurd commentary written by Doug Hodapp. I feel it is my duty to my classmates and Mrs. Lloyd to shed some light on the inaccuracy of Mr. Hodapp's view of the PBR course.

Obviously Mr. Hodapp's inability to enjoy and relate to the subject matter in PBR is due to his lack of imagination not Mrs. Lloyd's teaching ability.

As for the format of the class, although Mrs. Lloyd presents information in an interesting matter it is not a circus or a resting place for Mr. Hodapp. He also criticized the the degree of difficulty of the tests and course in general. Why then, Mr. Hodapp,

do handful of x/oiir your f*>llrtuj fellow etiiHAntc students rt»f>t*i\jf» receive an Ar\ just iiict a a hanH fill r\f an outstanding grade?

I am sorry that Mr. Hodapp cannot appreciate Mrs. Lloyd or her PBR course. Maybe he will continue to be happy in his other courses that only require memorization and the ability to parrot back facts or apply a formula or two rather than PBR which requires a little thought and imagination on behalf of the student.

Mr. Hodapp probably is unaware of the value of a psychology course. Many people in various diverse professions have taken a year or two of psychology. I find PBR an exceptional cornerstone to the courses I will be required to complete in association with the courtroom law I will study in graduate school.

I hof)e Southwords will not be as irresponsible in the future to print garbage such as Doug Hodapp's recent commentary.

Kristin Stientjes, '88

^"^ Editor's Note— It is not the responsibility of Southwords to decide which opinions are of merit and which are not, but to provide an open forum for the e.vpression of ideas. Letters to the editor are printed as they are received, though Southwords reserves the right to edit material which is obscene or llbelou.s. Replies to all artiles are welcome.

Let's set the record straight Dear Editor: In response to Ms. Stientjes' letter, I have penned the following: Ms. Stientjes contends that I am unable to "enjoy...or appreciate" Mrs. Lloyd's PBR course.

That's untrue. I was merely trying to point out that the class arrives as a relief. Coming from classes with extreme competition, where receiving an A over a B can mean the difference between happicontinued on page 6

tEClfie night HUVZ CgtiStmaS'-

Maine South style

tuas t^e niflftt before Christmas, anlr all tftrougft ^ark Zitfgz, yict a creature teas stirring. J^o one eVer is. ^ JftaJrjust settlelr Jrotun lor a Jong tointer's nap, Wlien 3f sprang from my beJr anJr gai)e my fore^eaJr a siap.

••folloto met" sai& Boc C a c t e , "there's lots an& lots more!"

SnJr ^e rus^e& me off, tol^isking tJ^roug^ eac& corri&or. liot a s\x\,gH W monitor toas to be seen, anJr ti^e l^alls toere all fillelrtoiti^itfte sounirs of Springsteen.

"S^ftouglf) mv project toas trtte on ti^e &avtoegot back, I'Jr forgotten mv books to^en J packeJr mv backpack.

So alti^ougb it toas late an& 3f felt likt a fool, i slipped into mv jacket an& tru&geJr off to sc&ool.

Witi^ a toink of l^is tyz an?r a noJr of Us &eaJr, Ift toas on to tj^e s c W cafeteria toe speir, tlij^ere no enJrless lines nor ol& tra^s &i&toesee, JBut an elegant Ifiostess, an& all foo& toas free.

7^

m i tbt snotoflakes toere blotoing an& piling in mounJrs; Wften 3( got to iflllaiite Soutft, tftere toas no one arounJr. ^6e Salltoavs toere vacant an& sihnt anJr bare.

If searcl^e^ anJr called out, but no one toas tftere. §>o off to mv locker If toent toitft all spee& ^0 pick up tfte papers anJr books Iftooul&nee&.

W^en to^at to my toontrering eves sJ^oulJr appear?

Br. Cac^ur, in relr, toitft a grin ear to ear. ^^e flasft of Us tyts anJr t^e tilt of Us fteaJr Soon gaVe me to knoto 3f ^a& nothing to Jrrea^.

Ifje skipped Jroton tfte Sail mti) a c&uckle so jollv.

If follotoeJr to fin& out tfte cause of Us toUy. ^^e gym toas Us first stop ti^is toon&erful nigftt, WUvz my eves &i?r be&ollr a most mart)elous sigl^t.

"STtoo phantom teams toere at toar on tfte floor, ^nlr a stan&ing-room crotoJr cotU& be 6ear5r tftrougft t|)e iroor.

Witlj a toink Br. C stuck ]^is t^umb in Us ear, Sn& tl^e crotoJr roare& to life as tfte l^atoks beat lieto "Crier! ^^en off to tj^e givls' game our principal fleto, ^nJrftetoiggleJrj^is nose, knotoing just toftat to 5ro. anJr tftere stooJr Coacft Beines, a gleam in Us eye, :jror Us girls noto all stoo& ot)er seVen feet UgU "Cfte otfier sports teams all ma&e out just as ^zllmz stoimmers, tfte toresUers-anJr no gymmsis fell.

Vt

®ur plates toere pileJr Ug%toit]^ti^e finest \>y far, jFrom filet mignon to frenc^ catiar. ^j^e ceiling toas lit toitft a bright cban&elier ®t)er fountains all bxtbbling toitt) Coke an& root beer ^ften U calleJr tl^ie cockroac&es to come out an?r plav, In& tftev gatl^ere^ around to l^earto&at^etooullrsa^.

So U taught tftem to sing-to&at atoon&erto see! ^beir tinv, clear Voices maJre stoeet barmonv®ff to %t® ^e raceJr an& left nothing t]^e same, ajr&ing carpeting, can&y, an& i)ijreo games. anJr t][)e library, too, toas a part of our toalk, "Wbere fie aJrlre& a sxgv, tfiat sailr, "(i^Vervone €;alk!" '^Us toas fun, but mv books toere siiW toaiting for me.

So If toent to mv locker, anJr tobat ?ritr % see ^BBut a locker so roomv, so spacious, so toi&e, ^ou coulJr fit ttoo halfbacks an& a lineman insiJre. % tappet out tfie co&e on its digital lock, Sn& tbe &oor sprung toite open, an5> tbere to mv sfiock lUas mv project, all finisbeJr, as neat as coulJr be. ^ben If IranceJr an& % clappeir anir J sang out m glee.

So % ran Iroton tbe ball in a searcb for tbe elf IDbo ba& 0it)en tbese gifts, but in spite of mvself, If coulJr not finJr Boc C, tbougb If bearJr Us Voice Quake, ••iUlerrv Christmas to all, an& to all a goo& break!"

page 6

Commentary

December 18, 1987

Alumnus Profile

Chris Inserra (76) lives "to help people"

by Lisa Hey den Alumnus Profile is a new feature being introduced in this issue o/Southwords. This column is designed to highlight the achievements of former Maine South students. Suggestionsfor alumni to be profiled in this column will be welcomed and may be turned in to the Southwords office, room V-130 or given to a member of the editorial staff.

Many people do not know Chris, but those who do will never forget her. Why? Chris is for people.

Her full name is Chris Inserra, and she is one of Maine South's very own.

She is an eighth grade teacher at Saint Thomas of Canterbury School in Chicago. She also plays the guitar and sings.

In high school, Chris was very involved with extracurricular groups. While at Maine South she played on the varsity volleyball team and was very active in intramurals. "I do enjoy sports," she slated. To add to her list of achievements, Chris was involved with the Maine South musical and she played the guitar with a group at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church.

She and two friends play their music locally; she is in a group called Voices, which plays "to

make money for scholarships for students going to private high schools in our area, since the public schools there do not have high standards and have many gangs."

The music she and her partners play is folk music—music with a message. According to Chris, "I feel that the music we play is much like that played by Peter, Paul and Mary. Our group sings songs protesting arms and politics. I enjoy sending the message; music is one of the best ways to get a message across."

Chris Inserra has done many things in her life to help people living in or near poverty. When in college, she helped in a shelter for battered women.

She has also walked in many peace marches and has even been arrested during some of them. "I feel it is wrong that most tax money is spent on arms," she said.

Chris has put her beliefs to action, which can be seen in her attempt to live at the poverty level so that she would not have to pay taxes, since over half of the revenue is spent on armaments and defense.

She kept it up for a long time until she got the yearning to travel to help people. She found that she could not do much traveling without a larger income, so she decided to take more salary and to live a more normal life, hoping that someday war will

not devour more than fifty percent of taxes.

Every year Chris goes to Washington, D.C. with many others to protest some of the ideas of the government. She stated, I feel that the law of government is not just, and I would rather follow the law of God." Chris Inserra has daring plans for the future. In the summer of 1988, she hopes to leave her home in Chicago for a time and live with the people of El Salvador and Nicaragua. This is something she feels she has to do. She feels that the voices of the illiterate peoples of Central America are not being heard, and she feels that with her presence and her literacy, she will lend her power to the jjeople so that ihey can be heard. Chris hopes to teach them what they need to know for economic stability.

Chris Slated that the poor people in El Salvador like the United States citizens to come to their country and live there for a while, since the United Stales government has iroops that are taking the people out of their homes. She said, "When United Slates citizens are there, it is less likely that United States' troops will open fire on the people."

Chris' values have always come first, and she does what she believes is right. As she staled, "I grew up knowing to help people," and she has.

Letters to Southwords editor continued continued from page 3 ness and despair for some students, I enjoy having a class with a comparatively informal atmosphere.

Despite Ms. Stientjes' conjecture, I like PBR. It's innovative. It's informative. Above all, it's fun. I would assume thatmost PBR students like to attend a class where they don't know what to expect each day. Whether a student is breezing or just getting by, whether he aces or barely passes every test, he undoubtedly enjoys theparticipal basis of PBR. As corny as writing the bird story was, it was nevertheless enjoyable and educational.

However, Ms. Stientjes apparently missed the point of the article: I WAS TRYING TO BE SATIRICAL. No, I was not criticizing Mrs. Lloyd's class. Rather, I was poking fun at the whole idea of psychology. I extracted some of its aspects (inkblot tests, dream analysis, the tracing of everything back to the mother-child relationship) and ihen created fictitious speakers and dialogues in order to write a tongue-in-cheek satire. Woody Allen has satirized psychology in nearly every film he has made. Although I'm definitely not in the same league as Allen, I tried to obtain the same response.

Humor is difficult, though; what may be humorous to one individual may not be to another.

Hopefully, I have reached a few people with my article. Yet, I seem to have offended some who look it the wrong way, notably Ms. Stientjes. Although I recognize the pertinence of psychology in contempwrary society, I also believe it is important to find humor in today's sacrosanct institutions.

Doug Hodapp, '88

You chose to—don't complain Dear Editor: In reference to Patricia Tseng' s article in the las t issue of Southwords, I would like to reply. Does she have the right to complain? No, she does not.

Patricia decided on the life of a Hawkette. No pain, no gain. Sure, everyone is not surprised when they do well in competition. They are good, and we are proud to have them in our school. It is nice to have someone do well all the time, but if a person has to complain about what they choose to do they should ask themselves, "Why do I do it?" People often ask me why I am a trainer. We receive no recognition, and if it were for the attention from the guys I would have been gone a long time ago. I do it because I enjoy it. I enjoy helping f>eople get better and prevent tnem from getting injured. It is not a glamorous job, but I am not complaining. I chose to be a trainer. Just like a Hawkette chooses to be a Hawkette. The article should not be "Can you?" it should be "I choose to." I could ask the Hawkettes just as many questions about other kids in Maine South and their jobs, but I won't because we have all chosen our own life here. We have no right to complain. Someone once told me if a person complains about what they are doing it implies that nobody works harder than they do. Nothing personal, but I think you're wrong.

Linda Infante, '88

Just kidding—honestly!

Dear Editor: Last week after the article Can you take the Hawkette challenge? was jjublished in Southwords, a certain varsity soccer player came up to

me and said, "Some challenge. Can you run the five miles that we have to for soccer tryouts?" No, I can't. Can I tape up a football player's sprained ankle in the mud and rain, like a trainer? No, I can't.

Can I slam my body against a tackling dummy, like a football player? No, I can't. Can I harmonize like a Concert Choir member? No, I can't.

My point is that everyone has challenges. That anicle was not trying to say that our challenges were harder than anyone else's, because they're not. All the article was doing was showing a humorous inside look at Hawkettes. We were poking fun at ourselves and did not mean to offend anyone.

Honestly, it was all in good fun.

Erika Salemme. Hawkette, '88

And they call this progress!

Dear Editor: As I sit here and look at my supjjlementary progress report, I wonder why the faculty even bothers with them. When these new improved progress reports were introduced to us last year, we were told that they were to work for ihc student in a positive way.

If this is true, why are there eight deficiencies to choose from and only five conuncndations? For example, if a student does not complete his or her homework at all times, hisAier teachers can check three deficiencies: does noido assigned work, does not bring required materials to class, and does not make up work on time.

In my opinion, these reports arc misleading and a pain in the butt. Maine South should go back to sending progress reports in the mail if a sludenl is failing or in danger of failing a subject.

Jenny Sunimerfield, '88

Sports/Commentary

December 18,1987

page?

Christmas: not all fun and games event. Today's Christmas is one of big money, where girls want expensive clothes, guys want Yes, as you well know by reading the twentyexpensive cars, and children want Cabbage patch eight other columns about it, Christmas is upon dolls and Transformers—oh wait, that was last us—literally. It seems Christmas is everywhere: year. lights outside, trees inside, and a rotund, old man in Every conceivable indulgence can be seen on a red suit everywhere. Wait a minute! Is that television commercials where Santa Claus sells Christmas? I think not. gifts better than Rodney Dangerfield sells light Sure, when you think of Christmas, presents beer. Although gift giving is nice and it is based on and SantaClaus are the first things to come to mind, the wise men giving gifts, Christmas should not be but it must not end there. By definition Christmas materialistic, as it has become, it should be based is the birihdate of Christ Jesus. This definition does not include a green elf, a flying fawn, or a fat man, only the birth of Christ. (For those of you in Mr. Feichter's Government class, this is not religion in The Hawks varsity gymnastic team is looking the school paper, this is history.) Thus, Christmas promising; this year's team may be small, but the should be a time to rejoice over Christ's birth and size allows the head coach. Miss Phyllis Goll, to share joy between all people. spend more time with each individual. The hard Unfortunately, Christmas has taken on other work of the team is paying off, and the results show connotations in the two thousand years since that an improvement in the skills of each girl.

The Other Side With the leadership of senior captains, Anna Jenkins and Jen Alexovich, Miss GoU claims, "This is the hardest working group of girls as a team that I've ever had. There have been outstanding individuals in the past who have worked hard, but this particular group works well as a whole."

The Hawks started off their season with a first,

by Chris Deger With all of the law suits regarding the display of very impressive meet. Although they lost 109-117 the Christmas crib scene, it's a wonder that Christ- to Niles West on November 28, the girls performed mas still exists today! The commercial, secular very well. The freshman team put up a strong fight pressure of buying and selling, rushing around, with Josie Butera on bars, beam, vault, and floor; parties, etc. only touches the surface of what Christmas is all about. The secularization of the theme that should guide our lives. The simple act of holiday has me wondering at times what is the giving of ourselves to others leads us to a noble goal message of Christmas? of what being human is all about. We often like to The most succinct answer, I think, lies in a time- shop, buy presents, and approach Christmas from honored Christmas special, "A Charlie Brown that traditional gift-giving genre. But a more preChristmas." Charlie Brown is frustrated with the cious gift that we so often forget about is the gift of commercialization of the holiday and attempts to ourselves—good quality time that we so often do seek the meaning of Christmas. Linus, his friend, not share with others; using our talents to make our responds with a dignified, but simple explana- world better; being as good a friend or family tion—the recitation of the nativity according to member as we possibly can be.

Luke's Gosp>el. Whether you take the nativity as The Christmas season is, indeed, a time of gifts, real or not, it nonetheless has a powerful theme: a time of giving, no matter what denomination or Christmas is the lime for giving. faith one adheres to; it is a time for renewal, a time I think that is the most wonderful and powerful

by David A. Schwalb

on the joy of giving, not the duty of it. It should not be observed through today's worldly connotations; instead we should look to its basic definition.

Christmas is a time of joy. The joy of giving, sharing and fellowship among family and friends.

It is not Grinches or snowmen named Frosty or even Santa Claus; it is a two-thousand year birthday. If that is remembered, Christmas will bejoyful even if the new car does not come. That is Christmas.

Gymnasts ready to start

Time has come to give of ourselves

Annette Pappas on beam and floor; Stacey Sass on floor; Melissa Kinder on bars and vault; Jenny Schacke on floor and beam; and Heather Lewis. On the varsity level Jen Alexovich, Marilyn Cieszykowski and Kathy Smith competed on all four events; Anna Jenkins on bars, beam and vault; Kerry Muno on floor and beam; and Frani Borchers on floor and Marilyn Cieszykowski on vault. The highlights of the meet were Jenkin's 8.2 score on vault and Ciez's 7.5 score on floor.

However, the team's second meet against Glenbrook North was not as impressive; the team lost 91 -107. "It was an unlucky coincidence that everyone happened to have a bad meet on the same day; even if we did not perform our best, we still stuck logetlier as a team and encouraged each other," concluded senior Jen Alexovich. . for hope in mankind and ourselves. It takes a good deal of effort—^but no one said life was going to be easy, either.

Twenty things to do on Christmas break

5. Write a letter to your congressman

by Keith Piscitello 6. Compose a symphony On the eve of another Cliristmas Break, I can 7. Visit an empty college or university look back on three past Cliristmas breaks full of 8. Hang out and act cool at Summit Square sleeping late, watching the game-shows and soaps 9. Find your innemiost spiritual being and general notliingncss. Well, I'm not going to let 10. Go ice fishing tliat happen to me this year. In fact, I've tliought 11. Solve world crises ahead and written a top twenty list of fun and 12. Rent a Dr. Seuss film to enhance vocabulary interesting things to pass the time.

13. Hunt reindeer 1. Write a book 14. Serf, tan, and play volleyball at Oak St. 2. Start an ant fann 3. Hit the ski slopes Beach 4. Take up a hobby (like stamp collecting or 15. Help old ladies across the street yoga) 16. Cruise Golf Mill

17. Go bowling 18. Beat up your sister 19. Visit the Hard Rock Cafe (in London or New York) 20. Do homework? Nah, not something that demanding.

Well, no matter what interesting or bizarre things you do, I'd like to wish all of you, your friends, your enemies, you acquaintances, your family, your grocers, your plumber, and your neighbors all a very merry Chrisunas and a happy New Year.

Sports

page 8

December 18,1987

South wrestling team sets high goals The varsity wrestling team here at Maine South has high hopes for the 1987-88 season, and beating St. Joseph on all three levels, including a 54-6 varsity win on Wednesday, November 25. This certainly seems to warrant some high goals, getting the season off to a good start. Thus, the team promises to be a test for every opponent it faces this year.

At the November 28th tournament at Holy Cross, the varsity squad captured fifth place out of eight teams. In that tournament five Maine South wrestlers placed in the top three of their weight class. Tom Gonzalez, Jeff Jacobucci, and Mike Caliendo each wrestled their way to a second place finish in their prospective weight classes, 106-112, 120-126, and l27-132pounds.BothSteveBringas and Bill Kuehn took third, Bringas at 99-105, and Kuehn at Heavyweight.

On Friday, December 4, the Hawk wrestlers met Waukegan West in a home meet. All three levels came away victorious, including the varsity, who beat the previously unbeaten Waukegan West

varsity team by a score of 35-21.

Starling at the 98 and under weight division for the Hawk's varsity team is freshman Mike Morandi; understandably, Mike lost to a more experienced wrestler from Waukegan West. Maine South came right back to take the lead though, with two consecutive major decision wins. The first came from Steve Bringas, wrestling in the 99-105 pound class. Tom Gonzalez followed with another major decision win, his in the 106-112 pound weight division.

Lance Caldwell, in his first competition back from injury proceeded to pin his opponent, earning his team six points. In the next three matches Jim Jacobucci, Mike Caliendo, and Jeff Jaccobucci all won their matches by decision, making it six consecutive weight classes wrestling victories.

Despite extreme efforts by four Hawk wrestlers, the next four matches were all won by Waukegan West. With only one match left, Maine South had already clinched a victory on the varsity level.

Bill Kuehn, wrestling in the last match, pinned his Waukegan West counterpart to make the final score 35-21, a successful win for Maine South.

Both the junior varsity and freshman teams should likewise be very competitive this year. Both squads defeated St. Joseph to start off their season.

Both levels proceeded to beat Waukegan West in their second meet of the year.

Among the junior varsity wrestlers are juniors Mark Hageli, Joe Morandi, Matt GoUiet, Mike Heidkamp, and Ed Uhlig. Also competing at this level are talented sophomores John Nelson and Chris Komo. The freshman team, coached by Bob Conigho, has little experience, but hopefully with some good coaching they can win many meets and have a good season.

"Fans really help. They get you pumped up and ready to win," said senior wrestler Mike Caliendo.

With that in mind, all three levels are going against New Trier tonight in the field house, aiming for another victory.

MS boys' basketball heads for the top The boys' basketball team awoke from its hibernation over the Thanksgiving holidays, participating in the annual three day Thanksgiving tournament which included teams from Maine South, Buffalo Grove, Prospect, and Maine West High Schools.

The Hawks first travelled to Prospect for a series of games and were slated to play Buffalo Grove. The first half of the game began with a shaky start, but the half ended with a slim lead for Maine South of 30-27. In the second half the team came to life, outscoring the Buffalo Grove Bison nearly two to one. As the Bison easily were herded by the Hawks, the final score resulted in a commanding 64-48 victory.

Buffalo Grove hosted the second series of games, where Maine South confronted the Knights of Prospect. The Hawks defeated the distraught Prospect team with a final score of 68-52. Senior Keith O'Shea had 19 points, of which three were three-jx) inters.

With these two victories under the varsity

team's bell, the last series of games were held against cross-to wn rival Maine West in the friendly confines of Hawk territory. In the first half neither team could grasp a suffient lead, but the Warriors battled to take a 31-25 advantage over the Hawks with a seven point rally shortly before halftime; with only a few minutes left in the contest, Maine West had established a substantial lead. However, excellent play under pressure moved the Hawks to within two points of their opponent The highlight of the game occurred with only moments remaining as Marc Semel's last second shot put the game into overtime. Maine South went on to win the game 61-58. Junior Matt McLain led the Hawks in scoring and rebounds with 15 points overall. In addition, seniors Marc Semel and Steve Vrbancic capitalized on key plays and kept the Hawks in the game.

On Friday December 4, the Hawks took on Waukegan East and again were able to tack on another impressive victory to their undefeated record of 4-0. According to a pre-season poll of the

Holiday Sports Highlights Sport Boys' Basketball

Fri. 12/18

Sat. 12/19

New Trier V/S 5:00

Girls' Basketball

New Trier V/JV/F 6:00

Swimming

Waukegan W V/F 5:00

Wrestling

New Trier 3 levels 6:00

Man. 12/21

Tue. 12/22

Home

Sat. 12/26

Wheeling Tournament— V—TBA Mersey Holidi y Tournament Varsity

Prospect Tourney V—9:30 AM

area teams, Waukegan East was ranked 23rd.

Senior Marc Semel remarked, "We were slightly surprised that we were able to defeat them as easily as we did because they supposedly were a very good team; Waukegan East had a record of 2-1 coming into the game and we expected the game to be a lough contest."

The Hawks were up by five points at the end of the first half. Throughout the third and fourth quarters, Maine South's lead gradually increased through a strong consistent team effort. The leading scorers of the team were junior Matt McLain and senior Keith O'Shea, who helped add to the final totals of 58-37.

IM's provide a welcome break Winter intramurals are starting up again for the 1987-88 school year. Intramurals are a ftin alternative to the inierscholastic season for snidents who do not have the time or the talent to be inierscholastic athletes, or for athletes who are between seasons. It can also be an activity for athletes to keep in shape for their upcoming seasons.

The girls' and boys' intramurals system are basically run the same way, but the boys' program is based on a point system. Points arc given for participation, ten points for a team and two points for the individual, and for ilie place that ihe individual or team comes in. The boys' intramurals for ihe year include touch football, street hockey, cross country, swimming, basketball, track, volleyball, badminton, and termis.

On the other hand, girls compete as individuals; therefore, all awards of trophies and ribbons are given to the participants. The girls' intramurals for soccer are taking place on Tuesday nights witli Mr. T.R. Kerth and Mr. Jack Tilley running the program. Later in the year, girls' swimming, paddleball, badminton, and termis will also occur.