Vol 25 issue 1

souihwoRcIs Vol. 25, no. 1

Maine Township High School South

August 29, 1988

Welcome back

Maine South begins 25th year

When the doors opened this morning, Maine South began its 25th year of operation.

Since 1964, Maine South has always been a source of pride for its staff, students and community. So in this, the year of Maine South's silver anniversary, the administration and faculty have planned many exciting events and activities centering around 25 years of service and pride.

Over the summer, a select committee made up of both past and present school administration, faculty, and staff met to discuss plans for this year's celebration.

The best example of their work is the newly dedicated "Spirit of South" statue on display in the art court. Major funding for the expansive 3 1/2 foot bronze sculpture of a hawk in flight was provided by the Dr. Clyde K. Watson Memorial fund along with help from Student Council and community groups.

Currently in the works are plans for an aimiversary theme to the Homecoming dance, featured alurrmi at Southfest '89 and the pwrformance of alumni in both the Marlin show and the 25 anniver' sary celebration of the V-show. The committee will continue to meet throughout the school year to coordinate efforts for this exciting anniversary year.

RACK

The news from a quarter century ago On the first day of school. 25 years ago, life was very different for Maine South's student body.

These students had been taken from their old schools and tlirust into a new and quite unfinished setting, to complete their high school education.

However, these students pulled together to make Maine South the pride and joy of Disuict 207.

The building, itself, was in a state of disarray.

Rumor has it that even some seniors asked underclassmen for directions. The pond was surrounded by dirt rather than lush, green grass and geese. The library was still under construction, and, at times, it contained more students than books. However, when it was finally completed. Maine South's library system was considered one of the most innovative in the area. We should also note that Dr. Clyde K. Watson was our school's first principal.

Despite all of the confusion, many school s[X)nsored organizations and traditions were started and still carry on today. Southwords released its first issue on September 18,1964. Rather than wonA'ing about how many periods would be left in the day, Maine South's Student Council was busy drawing up its constitution and getting it ratified by the

school board. The drama department had its program under way early in tlie year witli the production of its first annual arena play. Life with Father.

On the athletic field, the Hawks were considered nothing more than newly hatched fledgelings.

However , they spread their wings and flew to victory. earning more conference titles than Maine East (our all time nemesis) had since 1960.

It is amazing just how much we now take for granted, which was non-existent 25 years ago. For example, the controversial topic of the first year was the student body's desire for wall clocks. As one can see. the school got the clocks, but how did we get them? The Student Council Service Committee began a clock drive in which several school clubs (there weren't nearly as many back then) helped raise the money. This may seem like a simple solution, however, each double-faced clock we see in the halls today cost SI22.45 in 1964. Imagine what they would cost now.

This story has been just a sampling of tlie trivia that will be seen in Volume 25 of Southwords to commemorate the fantastic achievements of tlie first Maine South students, and to help understand

how their decisions affect us now. Also, Southwords will present complete coverage of the many anniversary events to come throughout the year.

Stay tuned!

South's New teachers Maine South has bwr> fonunnie enough 10 be able lo share four new slalT rnenibers with other Maine sclioojs. The teachers, ihcir depanmcnt and .sh;iriiig schools arc listed below: .Vlalnc luist Mr. Grej: Aldcrson An Maine ^^'e.st Mrs. Simdra Deines Social Science Mr. Iraiicis Vauiiel Music •Mrs. Shirley Vcrlx-r Home Economics

August 29,1988

Features

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Clubs and organizations offer all Almost any interest a student might have can be both clubs, the job experience "makes the students enjoyed and nurtured at Maine South through a more active in the community." variety of clubs and organizations.

Ecology Club

anyone who would like to help with the magazine can report to the Southwards office or talk with Enghsh teacher Mr.Deines.

Ecology Club is a growing organization that performs many valuable activities for Maine South and the Park Ridge community. Under the sponsorship of biology teacher Mr. Twardy, the club participates in both the Homecoming Carnival and the Health Fair by having booths promoting science.

The club meets twice a month, organizing outside school events such as adopting animals from various local zoos, and bringing Christmas presents to hospitalized children at Lutheran General. Anyone interested should contact Mr. Twardy and listen for announcements in the bulletins.

The spirited, high-kicking Hawkettes are Maine South's state champion drill team. Last year, the varsity Hawkettes were state champions in their kick routine. The varsity Hawkettes work all summer long and through March, when the stale competition is. In addition, they perform at both basketball and football games. Try-outs for the 1988-1989 junior varsity Hawkettes will be held close to the begiiming of the year. The JV team then trains to make varsity.

Business Club Business Club, sponsored by Mrs.Geiger, gives its members a chance to experience the responsibility of running a business. The club runs the concession stand in the gym foyer, ordering food items and setting their prices. The more hours a member of Business Club works, the larger the discount given to that member on club activities. Some of tfiese activities include a Halloween party, a bowling party, and a V-Show pizza party. The profits from the stand are also used to throw a Christmas party for the faculty's children, to fund the club's end-of-the-year banquet, and to award two scholarships worth S400 each.

Cheerleading The Maine South Cheerleaders hail our athletes at many spwrting events. With four squads, freshman, sophomores, junior varsity, and varsity, they are able to cover every level of sports. The Cheerleaders get the crowd into the game keep spirits high even when the Hawks are not performing well. Try-outs for the new freshman squad will be held soon. Listen to the bulletins in homeroom for the times when clinics will be held.

c.c.o.

One of the lesser known clubs at South is Child Care Occupations (CCO). This is not only a club, but a two semester, three period, two credit course.

One has a choice: Child Care Occupations, Preschool, or Child Care Occupations out of school.

CCO Preschool combines classwork with actual experience in a preschool. Members learn many techniques for working with children. In CCO out of school, students receive on-the-job training in nursery schools, day care centers, recreational programs, public and private schools, and nursing homes. One period of a school day is devoted to learning about the field of child care and the opportunities it holds. To be in any of the CCO classes.

Child Development must be taken first.

Distributive Education The Distributive Education Club, sponsored by Mrs.GIunz, works with the Distributive Education classes to provide students with job experience in marketing-related careers. The club members participate in state and national compxjtitions on topics ranging from salesmanship to advertising. The money needed to attend these competitions, two of which were held in Springfield and Triton College, comes from the club's cheese and sausage fundraisers. The money raised also pays for an annual banquet held to thank the employers of the D.E. members.

D.O.C. Diversified Occupations Club and Cooperative Work Training Club work with Diversified Occupations and Cooperative Work Training classes to give students job experience. Students in these courses are automatically members of the corresponding clubs and they meet once a month during class to discuss future activities they wish to participate in. According to Mr.Sass, the sponsor of

Eyrie Each year. Eyrie provides students with the opportunity to look back and remember past events, and to keep these memories forever. The yearbook staff, however, starts work at the beginning of the year, taking pictures, deciding on a dominant theme for the yearbook, working on headlines, and concentrating on style. Deadlines are set, and then the paste-ups begin—for a staff of approximately only ten people, it is a difficult job.

Therefore, the staff is looking for new members.

Anyone interested can report to C-138 and talk to Mrs.Constantine, the srwnsor.

First Aid The First-Aid Team is a group consisting of students that have a taken a course in standard firstaid, which is offered as a non-credit course at Maine South. Practices are held once a week from December to April. The team allows students a chance to practice and refine skills through several competitions held in March and early April.

French Club If a student is taking French and would like to learn more about the culture, and have a good time as well, French Club is looking for new members.

This club, sponsored by Mrs.Marie Markus, is known throughout the school as a very enjoyable and educational club. The French Club has an annual candy sale to raise money for the special dinner at the end.

German Club Another language club is very active at Maine South—German Club, which is sponsored by Mr.Gast. It is unique in its fund-raising; instead of selling the usual candy bars, they sell Gummi Bears. The club also has an end-of-the-year German dinner, participates in the Homecoming Carnival, and sells advent calenders at Christmastime.

If anyone enrolled in a German class has an interest, the German Club urges them to join.

Graffiti The creative writing magazine at Maine South, Graffiti, has provided students with the opportunity to publish theirproseorpoetry. The editors and staff judge works anonymously on a set scale, and if the work meets required standards, it is printed.

In the past, writing contests have been held, with prizes given to the winners in the short story and poetry categories. Three issues come out yearly, and the last issue is dedicated to seniors. Submissions of any writing or artwork are apfa-ecialed, and

Hawkettes

Health Unlimited An active group in the health department is Health Unlimited. Sponsored by Ms. Purdy, this group's major project for the year is the Health Fair. Attending lectures and inviting speakers on various health topics is how they obtain much of the information used at the fair in February. Local centers also take part by setting up tlieir own booths with demonstrations, posters, pins, and pamphlets.

Health Unlimited also volunteers their help at the blood drive and takes part in a First Aid for Little People (FALP) program, where members travel to area grammer schools and teach the children basic first aid techniques.

H.E.R.O. I firmly believe that leadership can be learned," stated Mrs. Berry , the H.E.R.O. club sponsor. H.E.R.O. (Home Economics Related ( Occupations) allows students to develop leadership qualities through participation in a vocational student organization. Club members also compete on state and national levels with other H.E.R.O. members in such areas as child care, fasliion merchandising, and food service. The club has fundraisers to pay for an Employer Appreciation Banquet and other activities.

Italian Club Of the four language clubs at Maine South, the Italian Club, sponsored by Ms. Weber, is the smallest but will always welcome new members. Every year, this club participates in the annual Columbus Day parade and ends the year in a .special banquet.

To raise money for the banquet, Italian Club sells candy. The club also participates in many school functions, such as the Homecoming Carnival and Parade as well as the Taste of Maine South.

Marlins The Marlin Synchronized Swim Club, sponsored by Mrs. Dawn Butler, begins in February.

Students who were not a member previously, try out at the beginning of February. Current members try out with an act, which they have choreographed, for a solo, duet, trio, or quartet. Shortly after that, the club practices every week. The number of days that an individual must practice per week depends on the number of acts they are in. All this practicing is to perfect the acts for the show, put on at the end of March. Last year's show entitled "Pizzazz" was ^ a big success.

Mathletes

,

..

"Mathletes" is a group of exceptional maui students who compete against other schools in a

August 29,1988

Features

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a chance to catch Hawk spirit

monthly mathematics contest. The club allows •nonihlv mathematics contest. The club allows |tudents to demonstrate their skills in competition vith other "Mathletes" throughout the Chicagoland area. This club meets regularly to go over the topics for upcoming competitions. "Mathletes" also gives students achance to learn new mathmatical techniques that wUl help them in their future math courses. Most teachers offer some extra credit to their students for participating as well.

Operation Snowball Operation Snowball provides a full day to educate teens about various aspects of alcohol and drug abuse. Operation Snowball is designed to enhance self-esteem, to build self-confidence, and to teach sound decision-making skills. The project brings students together to discuss common issues, problems, and solutions.

Orchesis Orchesis Dance Club has been a popular organization at Maine South for many years. Part of the reason for its success is due to the fact that anyone who has an interest in dance can join. It makes no difference whether one has eight years of experience or none at all, everyone is encouraged to try out. Orchesis performs annually in the Homecoming Parade and Carnival, the V-Show, and its own show every spring. Orchesis has also performed at the AFS Assembly, the Spring Sports Assembly, and at many girl's basketball games.

Practices are held two days a week on the average, and more frequently during busy periods. Orchesis c u r r e n t l y consists of about thirty members, a panel ^ ^ officers, and their sponsor, Mrs. Peggy ^ ^ s l i f o r d . Try-outs are held at the beginning of every school year, and anyone interested should attend.

Pep Council Pep Council promotes school spirit. TP-ing and making locker tags are Pep Council's weekly way of supporting South's athletics. Pep Council takes an active part in Homecoming. They sponsor a "Spirit Week" and the Firelight Pep Rally the night before the Homecoming game.

Photo/Art Club The Maine South Art Department offers two clubs: Art Club and Photography Club. The sponsor teachers are Mr. Mastrolonardo and Mr. Bragiel, respectively. The Art Club participates in the Homecoming Carnival with a booth, has an annual picnic, and takes field trips to the Art Institute, . Botanical Gardens, and The Museum of Contemporary Art. As a fundraiser, the Art Club sold Christmas wreaths and had a concession stand at the Southfest last year. The Photography Club is a new club started only last year. The club plans to have a photograph sale at ChrisUnaslime and possibly a calender sale in the New Year. The Photo Club is also planning field trips to take pictures in downtown Chicago. Both clubs are looking for new members, and tliey do not have to be in any Art or Photo courses to join.

President's Club

•

President's Club is a relatively new but important organization to appear at Maine South. Started just a few years ago, its members consistof the club leaders and the presidents from the various organi-

zations in the school. The purpose of the club is to zalions in the school, t h e Dunsoseot the club is to talk about any changes in the scool policy and to work out any difference of opinions that arise between different organizations. In the past,, the President's Club has sponsored the annual blood drive, and has also helped in many other schoolrelated and community activities. The club promotes cooperation between the different groups at MaineSouth, and helps improve everyone's school situation.

Riding Club TheMaine South Horsebackriding Club is open to anyone with an interest in horses, even if they do not know how to ride. Riding Club meets several limes a year to plan riding outings at a nearby stable, fund-raisers, and parties. This year, they also hope to have an entry in the Homecoming Parade, as well as visit the Brookfield Zoo to observe horses. So, if anyone is interested or even slightly curious, contact the sponsor, Ms.Smith.

I Science Olympiads The Science Olympiad is another academic competition for bright science students. Olympians compete in various areas of science by doing highly involved experiments and projects. These projects are demonstrated in competitions. The projects are then judged giving Maine South a score. Last year, Maine South's Science Olympians performed quite well. They qualified for state competition, taking eighth place overall.

Ski Club Ski Club promotes skiing for all interested Maine South students. Members of the Ski Club are encouraged to perfect and develop new skills. The club plans eight trips, including a weekend and a week long trip over Spring Break.

Southwards

Southwards, the award-winning newspaper of Maine South, issues a paper every other Friday. In S.A.D.D. these issues there are avariety of articles; features, S.A.D.D (Students Against Driving Drunk) commentary, sports, and news. TTiere is always educates students about the real risk of alcohol. something for everyone. This year, the Editor-inThey participate in the Homecoming Carnival and Chief is senior Melissa Thomley. Working with post signs in the halls to remind students of the sponsor Mr.T. R. Kerth, Melissa, the other editors, dangers of drunk driving. and the rest of the staff will try to keep the newspaper up to the award-winning standards.

Spanish Club The largest club at Maine South is the Spanish Student Council Club because the majority of language students Student Council promotes student ideas and study Spanish. This club, sponsored by Mrs.DeGiorgio, is mainly known for its many activities which foster spirit and participation in 'Tiestas" and breakfasts, but the Spanish Club also the school. Student Council holds many fundparticipates in many other activities. The club has raising activities, such as the selling of the "Busy two candy sales, a dirmer at a Mexican restaurant, Signal" and Maine South sweatshirts and T-shirts. and is involved in the 'Taste of Maine South."The They also hold the ice cream social twice a year. profits from the fund-raisers are used to buy audio- Student Council also helps with the V-Show and visual material for the Spanish classes, and the club the Homecoming festivities. They also sponsor a also awards three scholarships to outstanding sen- food drive, a teacher breakfast, and a Faculty Apple Day. iors in Spanish.

page 4

Features

August 29,1988

Alumni profile

From desk to lecturn—alums who teach

by Eden Morris With school here once again, enthusiasm is one of the many emotions felt by people who comprise this great entity called Maine South. Yes, enthusiasm is radiated not only by students ready to prove their advanced knowledge, but by faculty members as well. In particular are those who not only learned much during their time as students here, but thought enough of Maine South to come back and teach.

Mrs. Gieger (class of '65), now teaching business education, had taken several business courses in her senior year and enjoyed not only the material presented but the teachers as well. This experience influenced her to major in business education at U of I. However, she felt there was a debt to be paid to the teachers who had helf)ed her so much; and she could do it by becoming a teacher herself. After graduation, Mrs. Gieger applied at Maine South and was eventually hired for work in business education.

Now she looks back to a time when a student's life was different here at our beloved Maine South. For example, girls were not permitted to wear slacks, and senior pranks were much more elaborate. Mrs. Gieger thinks that high school is for learning while having a good time, even as it was in the past.

Mr. Andrews (class of '68), of the mathematics department, had been majoring in math and

computer science, when he realized that he spent much of his time helping engineering and physics students with their math. He then decided to teach as a career.

Lx)oking back, Mr. Andrews also remembers the dress code; no jeans , shirts tucked in, and socks and belts were standard each day. He also recalls the old building; the cafeteria was in the area where the Career Resource Center and Deans' Offices now lie, there was no fieldhouse, and the football team played on Maine East's field.

He now feels that since more students are working, they become less involved with school, which used to be the center of all activities. The school spirit is hurt as a result. However, he notices no real attitude changes over the years, and is pleased with his career. 'Teaching is a good reward in itself," says Andrews.

Mr. Lonergan (class of '74), also belonging to the Business Education Department, presents to his students the fact that he was also a student here.

Mr. Lx)nergan cares about the students' academic performances, not to mention the image Maine South has and the importance of being a student here.

Mr. Lonergan has had a long record with district 207. He had worked at Maine North prior to its closing. He applied at MS and, after being fired, was"excited about being here." After sitting through aduU Homecoming assembly his firstyear

as head volleyball coach, he decided to make ? , change. This included being more involved with \ his students and firing up the school with rousing assembly speeches, such as the one from las t year's Homecoming assembly.

Mr. Lonergan has noted many differences since his time as a student here. First of all, comes the smaller number of students. Next, an observation of high school students across America, average income has increased, which makes more students able to own cars and become less dependent on their parents. A result of testing this new freedom comes at school, in a situation where a student is asked to do something he feels unnecessary, like having a hall pass verified, he feels that there is too much emphasis on "What do I have to get?" when it comes to grades and less time spent "learning to learn," taking classes for enjoyment and enrichment. Mr. Lonergan also believes, that because so many students hold part-time jobs, they are being forced to grow-up too fast.

We students might want to call a time-out and look at ourselves. Are we worthy of such wonderful teachers? Do our jobs really conflict so much with school? Are we enjoying it, or are we making school a prison for ourselves? Think about it. Remember, Mr. Lonergan would say,"Wc are the Hawks and the Hawks are the best!"

Note • Mr. Lonergan was reluctantly transferred to Maine East for the year, wfiere he still remains loyal to the Hawks.

Performing arts offerings The performing arts department spwnsors a variety of activities to participate in throughout the year.

The first production of the year is the Arena Play, which is held on the stage with the audience on three sides of the acting area. The play is performed the last two weekends in October. Tryouts are held within the first few weeks of school so Usten to the bulletin for tryout information.

Contest speakers, which also begins in the fall, enables speakers to work alone, in duets, or in groups. The participants travel to other schools to perform and compete in many categories, such as: oral interpretation, humorous duet, radio broadcasting, and group interpretation to name a few. No tryouts are held; anyone interested can participate.

V-show, the next major production of the year, holds tryouts in October and performs in early December. You must tryout with an act: singing, dancing, comedy (basically anything). The staff, made up of both students and faculty, picks the acts which will add to the overall production.

Right before Christmas break comes AllSchool Play tryouts. Usually a comedy, the play is performed in the auditorium, for one weekend in February.

The spring musical, the major production of the year, enables students to participate as actors, dancers, singers, or in the pit orchestra, which accompanies the performers. Tryouts for the production are held in February; performances in May. Concert Band, which perfoms in all concerts

throughout the year doubles as the M arching Band, which was honored by going to Disney World to perform last year. Members of Concert Band also participate in Pep Band and Jazz Band. Another facet of the band is the stunning flag corps, which practices with the band during the summer and march with them at the football games.

Concert Orchestra, consisting of string players, holds a fall concert in early November and participates in "Christmas at South" and in a spring concert. Selected members make up the chamber orchestra which plays at community events and honors nights at South. Both Concert Band and Orchestra meet homeroom and first period daily.

The other main musical group at South is the Concert Choir, who also perform at many concerts throughout the year. From the Concert Choir, the best members are selected to the Choir Ensemble, which performs in the community as well as here at school. Tryouts are held for both boys and girls at the end of the preceding year. It is reccommended thatone take Girl's and Boy's Chorus before trying out for Concert Choir.

Another large facet of the drama department is our WMTH Radio and T.V. stations. WMTH radio has their own broadcast, sharing time with Maine East and West. Students can tryout for their own show on which they can play music or host a talk show. WMTH T.V. produces a show every month called Maine South Magazine seen on on cable channel 82 on selected Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month. The show features the average life of Maine South , along with many sjjecial events.

Southwords .S"ou//tHorrf.s h the student-pnxliicod iu'Wspa|)<T of .Maitu" South Hiyh School, Park Ritl[;e, 11Letters to the editor should he delivered to room V-130 or given to a inemlMT ol' the editorial sl;itT below. S'oulhworiU reserves the rijjht td edit letters containing ohscene or libelous material.

Editor-in-chief

Melissa 'I'lioriiley

Sens editor Conimentarv editor I'catures editor Sports editors

Mike Mctiarry .,..lan Waldron Androv Marlinek Mary (hoi Mark Hermes Diane VVorobeC Ii"> Koxials T. R. KiKh

Photo editor Produilion editor Adviser

Fall Sports, contd. continuedfi^ompage 6 The season looks bright for the girls' swim team. Varsity coach Dawn Butler is predicting a "very competitive season." She says,"Wc have three marvelous seniors, four outstanding freshmen from last year and the juniors who wcren t in good health last year are both well. " R c t u n i i n ^ ^ varsity swimmers are seniors Kristina Algniina;^^ Beth DuBrock, Kristen Kiniura, juniors Tahiia Alag, Tanya Dayton, Mary Hannah, Leslie Shewfelt, and sophmores Catliy Bilson, Katie Carlson, Natalie Kuchn, and Greta Malien.

August 29,1988

Commentary

We're backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but think positively

by Jan Waldron We're back...

Let's try to look at the situation positively.

I'm sure that most of you are sick of summer, who wouldn't be? The long, hot days of sun, the lack of pressures, the quest for the perfect noncancerous tan, the...O.K. So maybe you're not quite sick of summer.

But let's look at this new school year positively.

It's back to our friends, it's...it's...it's back to fun after-school activities, it's the...the...the quest for knowledge, for...well, I tried.

But let's try to think positively.

For seniors, this will be the year of supremacy, to be the tops-of-the-heap. The year for fun. The year to create memories. The year to sit on the floor at assemblies(whoops! forgot). The year to worry about whether or not one will graduate. The year to

worry about whether or not one will be accepted into college. The year to cram full of facts for the A.P. exams.

I'm still thinking positively, are you?

For juniors, it's the year finally to be upperclassmen (and we all know how incredible that is to the psyche), to rise above the chaotic mass of lowerclass depravity. The year to begin legally parking in school lots. The year to have to wake up at dawn on Saturdays for tests that they tell you not to worry about, but mean the difference between Princeton and Oakton.

I hope that you're still thinking positively.

Sophomores...well...you're no longer freshmen. Enough said.

Now you're thinking positively again.

And now that we've sunk through the ranks, we get to the freshmen. (Diabolical laugh.) First of all.

it is not necessary for you freshmen, and I use the term with disgust, to always address seniors as "Sir" or "Ma'am" unless instructed to by the individual. Secondly, don't try to hide, we know who you are. (Diabolical laugh.) Thirdly, the first annual, bi-weekly, freshmen-wash-senior-car-day will be held this Saturday in the jock-lot at 8 a.m. sharp. For Freshmen, this is the year to be the butt of all jokes, usually made by stupid sophomores.

TTjis is the year to run the gauntlet down crowded halls, to try to be on lime for class, with pennies being hurled at you, also by stupid sophomores.

And the year to have a built in excuseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;after all, you are just freshmen.

I hope that I have pointed out a few positive aspects about this new school year. Thank you for your time.

And freshmen, this Saturday, don't be late.

The view from the eyes of a senior

by Wendy Burgess

What does it feel like to be a senior? Hmm. Let me think about that. Well, first of all, being a senior feels strange. It's hard to imagine me and my class being at the top of the Maine South ladder. For the past three years here at Maine South, I have looked up to seniors. I have respected them and admired them. Seniors always seemed to be sort of ominous, Jike Gods, all-mighty and powerful. Being a senior tiyself, I really don't feel all-mighty and powerful.

I n fact, I feel pretty much the same as usual. Oh, of course, I do feel a little bit superior as I look down at the lowly freshmen, after all, I AM A SENIOR! I think seniors have the right to act a little cocky towards the lower classes. After all, we have been here for three long years and most of us are not noticeably damaged. As seniors, we are supposed to know everything that goes on here at Maine South. Notice I say "supposed to;" when you think about it. Seniors are people, too. We make mistakes and space-out and walk around like we have no idea what's going on. Seniors are human.

But at the other end of the specffum, many people, as they become the all-mighty seniors, become a wee bit too cocky for their own good.

O.k., everyone's allowed to have their senior image, but some people take this image way too far.

For instance, when seniors start to knock people over as they strut down the hall, or when their noses do a formidable job of point removal, you begin to see that acute senioitis is already setting in, and it's only September. The sad part is, these are the early stages of the disease. Believe it or not, the disease develops even further over the winter months. By May of senior year, underclassmen beware!

I think lliere are a lot of misconceptions about Senior year. First of all, being a Senior doesn't make you feel all that different. Maybe a small burst of confidence mingled with self-assuredness, |Sut nothing real noticeable. I think tliat a lot of 'seniors just want to be normal human beings, not great, all-powerful gods. Secondly, unbelievable as it may seem, seniors will actually associate with underclassmen. A select few underclassmen may

experience (are you ready for this?) friendliness.

Last of all, while senior year may have its advantages (Prom, graduation, senior-cut day, oops!), there are disadvantages, I see a lot of trials and tribulations ahead of me. College applications.

interviews, transcripts, the A.P. exams, to name just a few.

All in all, I'm looking forward to my senior year (as I'm sure everyone else is) and I hope that it will live up to some of my expectations.

How sweet to be back.... really!

by Brad Richter Oh, glorious day!

Can you think of anything more satisfying than the very first day of school? I can't either.

I have been waiting all summer with reckless anticipation for the arrival of...well, sometimes I just can't talk about it. My feelings of joy are just too overpowering. I mean, can anyone imagine my excitement upon hearing that this year my math class will be 20 minutes longer! I'm not afraid to say that I wept far into the night.

And I'm quite sure that I'm not alone in my feelings. Just this morning I noticed, on many occasions, at least three groups of twenty or more people engaged in the fine art of running to-and-fro whilst screaming Uke banshees,"Oh; there is a God! I'm going to the dean! They sent me a green slip! An invitation no less!"

I realize it must also be an emotional time for the teachers. I can see in their eyes the genuine regret

athaving to make us read anything worthwhile. I'm sure they would rather sit around and tell us just about everything their child has ever done, starting w ith their first birthday and ending with their ballet recital where "Sweetheart" was the only child not to fall off the stage. But I've certainly never had a teacher like that.

No, really, I haven't. It's just a sick fantasy of mine.

Just setting foot in this fine institution of higher education gave me such a tremendous feeling of pride inside. It was either thator gas, I can't be sure.

Nonetheless, these feelings I carry deep inside of me are so very inspiring.

Perhaps I'll write a sonnet about them!

Oh, joy! Ipray every night before retiring to bed that my wondrous high school days will not be cut short by such trivial things as graduation, coma, or death.

No, really, I'm serious.

Southwards seei<s responsible commentary com'men-ta-ry, /;.

11 you h.'ive wnllcii a cdluriui lliiii you wish to see printed in Southwards, and thai resembles ilie accompanying defiiiiiion, plea.sc ^ of oxplnnaiory noles or annouuions. submit it to commentary editor Jan Waldron or drop it off in the Souihvords of! ice, V -! ,30. The a scrii's i>f remarks or observations. idciis cxpre,ssod in the columns printed m Sou:fnvords do not necessarily represent iliose of the adiiiinisiraiiun, faculty, or nc\vspa|xn staff.

1. a comment.

page 6

Sports

Fall teams ready to start winning While the majority of the school considers today to be the start of the school year, hundreds of athletes have been hard at work for several weeks to prepare for their fall seasons. With returning letter winners setting the pace and enthusiastic underclassmen set to fill the gaps left by graduating seniors, the outlook for the Hawks is bright.

Football Football season is here again and the 1988 Varsity Hawks are ready. Football may seem to be a sport that lasts for a few months and then promptly ends, but not with Coach Hopkins. He insists on weight training during the off-season by all his players. These players are in the weight room almost every day from November until May which is when spring training camp starts. At training camp, the players run sprints and hurdles as well as lift weights for hours at a time. Coach Phil Hopkins is very optimistic about the upcoming season because so many of this year's players worked hard during the off-season. Leading the way are fifteen returning lettermen: Sean Barry, Doug Briles, Aaron Butcher, John Cecchin, Paddy DriscoU, Matt Duda, John Ferraro, Mark Hageli, Tim Hoffner, Jim Kokosioulis, Bob Milka, George Ogorek, Norm Osimani, Anders Thorson, and Spilios Venetsolopoulis. Coach Hopkins is also pleased with the performance of many of the returning seniors and a handful of the upcoming juniors. Fans are urged to come see the Varsity Hawks do very well those Saturday afternoons this fall.

team, Todd Lilleberg is planning on a successful season. Also running for the Hawk cross country team is 1987 captain Bill Keane, as well as seniors Ken Alt, Scott Dummler, and Paul Knueppel, all jiroven consistent rurmers.

The sophomore team, coached by Jack Marino, is expected to run well. Sophomore standouts include 1987 freshman Conference Champion Pete Gayford, Dave Pluska, and Vince Blank, who all finished in the top ten at the freshmen conference meet.

The cross country team looks forward to an outstanding season and hope to send many ruimers downstate.

Golf After an extremely strenuous summer of weight lifting and running, the Maine South 1988 golf team is ready to take on another season.

This year's team is faced with replacing threefounhs of the nucleus of their 1987 sectional team.

Leading the way for the Hawks is senior Brian Meyer. Brian was an exceptional golfer as a junior, carding a 76 at the Cog Hill regional which advanced him to the sectional meet. Juniors Joe Curcio, Tom Currey, and Neil McCarthy also figure to be instrumental for the Hawk golfers. Returning sophomores Sean Sivore and John Brown should score well for the Frosh/Soph team.

The golf team, guided by Head Coach Ron Ross, hopes to have a successful, low-scoring year.

Soccer

Boys' Cross Country

The 1988 Maine South soccer team is working Under the guidance of Coach Bill Drerman, the hard to better their second place finish of 1987.

Varsity Cross Country team looks to 1988 as a Guided by Coach Dezurko, the 1987 Hawk soccer season with great pxjtential. players captured a historic second place in state.

After a summer which included running to stay With many returning lettermen from the state in shape and in many cases some weight training, tournament including: Jason Chidester, Mike Demany returning lettermen are ready to take on the fort, Gary Gorski, Jim Hill, Cory Lentz , Dan 1988 season. Junior standout and MVPof the 1987 Schaeffer, Keith Sciarra, Mike Tworek, and Ro

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•

tiawK nigntignts m

Sport

Mon.8/29 Tue. 8/30

m

Wed. 8/31 Thu.9/1

Fri. 9/2

home contest

Sat. 9/3

Boys' Cross Country

Lyons In v.

Girls' Cross Country

Lvons Inv. V'/JV—9:30

Football

York V/S—i::t>0 ,

Golf

4 levels—9:30

Con/Cr. Lk. V/S—3:30

Wauk. E/W V/S—3:00

Con/Lk. Pk. V/S—3:30 Harrington V/5v-4:30

Soccer

Oak Park F/JV-4:30 Maine \V.

Swimming

V,',|\—1:30

St. Viator V7JV—4:30

Tennis Vollevball

Fremd Inv. V—1:00

Wheeling

Mies N.

V7,IV;F.4:30

WJV.'F—.^;flfl

Summer's End Tourn.—V 4:30 (at New Trier) 9:00

Wietecha, the Hawks have high hopes for their , 1988 season. ' Coach Dezurko kept his players in shape all summer with summer soccer camps and a weight program he set up. Coach Dezurko also kept tabs on incoming freshmen and returning players through the many various soccer leagues.

Successful seasons from the 1987 J.V., sophomore, and freshmen teams seem to indicate that Maine South soccer will be a force to reckon with for some time.

Tennis As the girls' tennis team hits the courts this fall, the girls and Coach Kent look forward to a strong season. Although the team lost some key players, the varsity will find leadership among reluming letter winners Kelly Gill, Jackie Howe, Jen Kaleta, Kris Pugliani, and Emina Zvizdich.

This year, however, will be a "building year" but Coach Kent and the tennis team hope to place well in conference. New Trier, Evanston, andbotli Glenbrooks will be tough teams for Maine South to defeat. Nevertheless, the squad and its coaches have a positive outlook for the season.

The junior varsity team, coached by Mrs. Bondi, looks forward to a good season from its reluming members and also from numerous freshmen. The season begins on the first of September at home against St. Viator at 4:30. •

Volleyball The girts' volleyball team is looking forward to ( a tough but promising season. The team has been working hard all summer in a volleyball league against tough opponents. With the loss of five team members, the varsity team is led by returning Ictterwinners: seniors Denise Dohr, 1987 MVP Janet Johnson, Cheryl Roma, and M;u-gie Sheridan, and juniors Laura Wagner and Diane Wolfe.

Tlie team hopes to play well in conference against tough teams such as Evanston, Glenbrook South, and New Trier. The team, coached by George Sherman, will begin the season on August 30 with a home meet against Wheeling.

Girls' Cross Country The girls'cross country team is off and running.

They have a su-ong team this year with varsity letter winners Laurie Anderson, Krista Heitzman, Rachel Kellcher, Margo Metzinger, and Karen Walker returning. Last year's team won conference by defeating Glenbrook South and also came home with the regional championship trophy. They look forward to another winning year.

The loss of two seniors from the previous year will hinder some of the team's strength. Siill, the team looks better than ever with new people filling in the spaces, including Karin Hynes and oilier fin members.

The team's outlook for the season is bright.

Their first invitational will be on the third of September at La Grange. This meet will determine ilie top teams in state. The girls should be confident and ready for this challenge with the help from long workouts and great coaching by Mr. George Gabauer. continued on page 4