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Volume 2 5 . issiit- 2 Se|>teiul>er 16, 1988"
SouthwordS
M.iine South Hi^li School
Senior editor wins workshop awards Senior Melissa Thomley, editor-in-chief of Southwords, gained much experience in the workings of a newspaper when she attended two oneweek seminars at Indiana University and Iowa State University this past summer. Not only did Melissa acquire skills in newspaper production, but she also was awarded for her excellence of writing and layouts at both Iowa and Indiana, including a $300 scholarship from the Indiana Daily Student Newspaper in conjunction with the journalism workshop. Both college and high school level instructors were present to give lectures ranging from basic interviewing skill and feature writing to photography and ethics of journalism. At Indiana, Melissa was a part of the editor's group which focused on editorials, features and news reports based on various lectures. TTie group also concentrated heavily on staff motivation and organizational techniques needed to run a sucessful paper.
Because Maine South does not offer classes dealing with newspaper layouts and production, everything Melissa was exposed to was new to her. "I learned so much because I'd never been taught this kind of thing before." The atmosphere at Iowa State was much less stressful and demanding. The schedule was basically the same with lectures and assignments to be completed, but the time was divided between writing classes and desine/layoutlabs. Melissa thought that "the instructors were great. I got to know them personally." When asked which program was better and for what reasons, Melissa stated, "Indiana was very stressful and required a lot of work and time but also forced you to be responsible for all the deadlines that you work under in a real newspaper situation." Melissa hopes to interest more underclassmen in Southwords and use her new-found knowledge to improve and make Southwords even better this year.
CRC offers students new staff, programs As college approaches, the CRC has been a beacon of light at Maine South for all of the confused students destined for higher education. For the past four years, Mr. Misevich headed the CRC as the Career Counselor, but now, we have been confronted with a major change. Miss Feurer, who has been a counselor here for seventeen years, is now heading the Career Resource Center. In changing jobs. Miss Feurer has chosen to give up the intense student relationship of a counselor for the more information-oriented position at the CRC. As a counselor, she enjoyed working with
the students, and says that she has not given up that aspwct of her job,;"I looked on it as anew challenge, helping the students in new ways." Mr. Misevich, on ilie other hand, missed dealing with students of all ages, not just juniors and especially seniors. He is no su-anger to counseling, having been one for his first eight years at Maine South (he first came to the school in 1972). "Being Career Counselor dealt more with things, while I wanted to deal more with people." Thus, when given the chance, Mr. Misevich decided to return to his old position, taking overMiss Feurer's
National Merit semifinalists named
old complex. As for the future of the CRC, Miss Feurer has many plans. On September 27, a program is planned for the top 5% of the senior class to simulate the admissions procedure of an IvyLeague school. For the winter, a program is planned for juniors, and another for seniors with problems making decisions for the future. By expanding the CRC's horizons,Miss Feurer hopes not only to better prepare seniors for college, but also expose more of the younger students to the inevitable choices students will make about their futures.
Newsbriefs September 21- -Yom Kippur—no school. September 27—CRC program: "The Two R's—Reading and Rating"—for students who are considering applying to selective colleges. 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., C-100.
Mulnfi S«ut}) prlnclpSitDi'^Thomas Cwhur {iifl^ and director of student pcrsimncl scrvktK Mr. Kcnnclh RtHW (right) CO«grstul»te National Merit semifinalists Chris Sttyp, Ro Wiftwha, .Ian Waldrim, and Mfg Lobltjt;
October 1—Homecoming day. Pancake breakfast in cafeteria, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Any organizations wishing to sell advance tickets as a fundraiser contact Ms. Bobrich.
Q ommentary
Bush, Dukakis—the issues, please? by Malt Krause The details of the presidential race this summer were not the highlights of this summer's-TV season, because, plain and simple, there really were no real details. The candidates never taUc about the issues that should be brought up. They never seem to speak of matters that will be brought up if they ever get elected, such as taxes, the national debt, or the arms race. The subject that was brought up often and really aggravated me was mandatory saying of The Pledge of Allegiance in schools. George Bush began it by announcing that in 1977, while Michael Dukakis was Governor of Massachusetts, Dukakis vetoed a bill from the legislation calling for the mandatory reciting of the Pledge by all public school children every day. After his armouncement. Bush was quoted as saying,"rm more patriotic than the other guy." In response to this statement, Dukakis said.'Tm more responsible than the other guy." Then, in another attempt to draw the press away from the important issues. Bush implied that Dukakis was trying to prevent Massachusetts schoolchildren from saying the Pledge. Dukakis again denied the allegation against his patriotism. The ability to delve into an opponent's past, whether the statements are true or not, does not influence my decision on who would be the best qualified to run a country. The question is, "What has any of this got to do with the state of our country lasoii^ ui uiiiguiiuuu wiuiuicsiaieuiourcounu'y
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Meeting the world face to face Ppotopimon by Melissa Thornley
When teens from Egypt, South Africa, Canada, West Germany, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, Chile, Honduras, the United States, and at least thirty other countries all live together for a week, many new and different exf)eriences are shared and many friendshijK made. But, when this diverse group of people begins discussing nuclear arms control, the crisis in the Middle East, U.S. involvement in Central America, human rights, and world politics, many harsh comments and biting remarks cause a great deal of tension and shattered egos. This friendship and tension, when combined together, created an eye-opening week where many people from completely different backgrounds shared their ideas and beliefs. The event where all of this took place was the World Affairs Seminar at the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater, where students came to argue their opinions, defend their countries, and leam more about the world around them. Most of these students were sponsored, as I was, by their local chapter of Rotary International, the organization which helped sponsor the seminar. From the very first day, everyone was already introducing themselves and by the middle of the week we were perfectly comfortable with one another. Voicing an opinion, no matter how odd, in front of hundreds of students, became a habit— people fought for the microphones. With every topic we were forced to take off our
blinders and look at controversies from another angle which most had never been exposed to before. Many old stereotyjjes and opinions were left behind in light of new information which we received from professors, leaders of political organizations, and officers from the State Department. All of these speakers were experts in their field and had strong feelings on their topic. Tliey brought opposing viewpoints and confiicting arguments which often confused us, for no one knew who to believe or who was "right" or "wrong." This, however, was the entire point. No one was entirely "right"; no one was entirely "wrong." Each individual had to decide for himself, not only who and what to believe, but why. In addition to lectures, we had discussion groups where everyone had a chance to argue and defend his points. These discussion groups became more dangerous as the week progressed for we became so involved in the issues that we fought for our opinions until we were furious, screaming insults and criticisms without thinking first. We all learned quickly that, though the anger and screaming accomplished nothing, it was inevitable and had to be dealt with. On the final day, an open forum was led by a panel made up of the international students. Not to anyone's surprise, this "open forum" ended up more or less as an anti- United States rally. Everyone, including Americans, had criticisms of the U.S. government andoffered ways of improving it. Though many were extremely harsh, these criticisms were not meant as hateful remarks, but as continued on page 3
George Bush is in I'avor of mandatory reciting of The Pledge of Allegiance by schoolchildren; MichaelDukakisisagainst it. Do you think that saying the Pledge should be mandatory? Why?
NoelDal/:fir«i)-hhmk it should. This is Amor KM and we should show more respect for America because we're American.
Carolyn Seni; '89- 1 ilon't think so. I lion't tliink ii's really necessary.
Jeff Stack '8') h should be mandatory. You start the day off knowing that your school is in a relatively free country. Alice ril/^fi •aid, custodiiil slalf-No I d o n ' ^ ^ ihink there's a n y t h i n g ^ ^ \v;ong with it, 1 ihink that by ihotinieiliey g'clloHigti .School, tlK-y kni)\v where their allegiauL-e is and they shouldn't have to recite It.
commentary
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This is it—let's make the most of it
by Jan Waldron Once upon a time, first period, in a far-off land, Maine South, there was a senior trying desperately to cope with reality. Reality in the sense of pilingup assignments, and essays, and applications-you see, there was so much to do, she didn't know where to begin and, after beginning, didn't know when she was finished. When she looked at her projects, from a distance, they didn't seem too painful. But, when she did begin to work, she felt that the task was too great for her, it was as though she was having to pick out all the symbolism in a William Carlos Williams poem...by herself. She was terrified that someday, when she got to be old and decrepid, when she got to be 30, she would find out that these truly were the best years
of her life. Granted, she was not doing any really heavy suffering -undergoing Polynnesian Water Torture, or being forced to listen to "New Age" music for long pieriods of time, but already, and it was only the third week of school, she was waiting for graduation. There were a few ways to make her senior year easier; A) she could drop all of her classes and take gym and senior-study all day; B) she could stop all mental labor and enter a comatose state like that of one who watches professional wrestling; C) she could go to Los Angeles and become a writer for the series Moonlighting, or; D) she could just sit down and begin to work. She knew that she liked idea A the best, but that most prestigious colleges exjject their candidates to take at least one real class
their senior year. Lucky for our poor senior, the clock chimes for passing period and her lime of deliberation has ended. The moral of this story is a simple one-Forsome of us, it's our senior year. This is our last opportunity to take a chance and try all the high schooltype-siuff before college. Don't give yourself ulcers, as the poor senior in our story did, over colleges and classes. Yes, these are impwrtant, but this year is your last opportunity to try out for the team that you've always wanted to be on, to take a chance and audition for a play, to enter the music programs. This isn't a get involved article, it's a this is it!make the most of it!
Leaving the seminar, I realized that I had never felt so strongly about our country before. I had never, at the same time, felt so proud and so ashamed of our country—proud because of our tremendous freedoms, resources, and abilities; ashamed because of the way we often take our freedoms for granted, waste our resources, and
ignore our abilities. I still feel, now more than ever, that the United States is one of the greatest countries in the world. I only wish that we all would try harder to use this to the world's advantage, instead of to its disadvantage.
Meeting the world, cont continued from page 2 viewpoints to help us better understand our government. In the end, all of us had a more complete understanding of our own countries and also of ourselves—all brought about by being exposed to different beliefs.
The home of the Hawks—today
Southwards
iSouihwordi Is the stiidont-produccd newspaper Of .Maine South High School. Park Rid^c. IL. J^elters to the editor sliould be delivered to room fV-13l> or given to a member of'the editorial slatT Jbtlovv. Southwards reserves the right to edit let|Wrs eontainini; obsctiie or libelous material. Kdilor-iii-thief
Melissa Thornley
News editor Commentary editor features editor Sports editors
Miki' McOarry Jan Waldron .\ndrew Martinek Mary Choi Mark Hermes Plane VVorobec ,lim Ko«ats T. R. Kcrth
I'hoto editor I'roduetion editor Adviser
years ago
peat ures
peatu res
South students see the worlcL through American Field Service Jake Concannon— Brazil
When someone thinks of Brazil, they usually picture Pele or Rio. Rio is internationally known for its beaches, night life, sun, and, of course, women. I'd have to honestly say that my two weeks in Rio were My summer was spent in Brazil. I was placed the two best weeks of my life. The people in Brazil were very warm and inwith a family in the capital city Brasilia. I was lucky, because they were very similar to my own so quisitive about the American culture. They asked the change wasn't that difficult. My 21 year-old me questions about our economy and political brother Mauricio and my 24 year-old sister Helena system. Even their diets have been slightly Ameriwere the exact same ages as my brother and sister canized. Their food base is rice and beans, but they at home. Having a 21 year-old brother made it have McDonalds too. Their fashion, however, is easier for me to go out and do fun things like going very European in the cities. To have opportunities like meeting more to parties, night clubs, and bars. My parents were quite intellectual and wealthy. My mom was a people than you can imagine, travelling to a strange psychologist and my dad was a sociologist. They country, becoming part of anouther culture, and were great because they treated me like a respon- trying to learn a new language is definitely the payoff in AFS. This trip has made me more percepsible person. We also had the opportunity to travel a lot. I tive of things I never really noticed or appreciated. visited Sao Paulo, the third largest city in the world My memories and new friendships will last a lifewith a population of 11 milhon people. I also saw time. I'm sure, if any of you are considering an AFS all the beaches of the Copacabana in Ipenema. excursion, there is a family somewhere around the However, the most fun I had was in Rio de Janeiro. world willing to take you in.
Dana Lockwood— Argentina I had no summer this year. I went to the city of Resistencia, Argentina, in the Southern Hemisphere. I lived with a family of five: my mother, father, and three sisters who were ages 16,13, and 12. We became very close as are most Argentine families. Because it was winter there, my sisters went to school. It began at eight and lasted until twelve with classes that were 80 or 40 minutes long. I rarely went to school; instead I spent much of my time walking around the city of about 300,000 people. I was able to meet many people while walking because, in general, the people of Argentina are much more friendly than the people in the United Stales. At about 12:30, we ate limch, the largest meal of the day. Then at one, one of my sisters left for school which lasted until six, because the high school was divided into morning and afternoon classes. From twelve until four, the whole city closes down, and most people sleep.. At
night, if my sisters were feeling extremely inspired, they would do homework, but that was very rare because most Argentinian parents don't put stress on education as long as the students pass their classes. Instead, in the evenings, we would have friends over and dance or just sit aroimd talking. Friends in Argentina are considered like family and we almost always had friends sleeping and eating over for days at a time. I didn't travel much during my stay in Argentina, but we did spend a little over two weeks in the country on a ranch owned by my host mother's father. The ranch is about 200,000 acres and has no electricity nor running water. It's a beautiful place with dense forest, huge open fields, and lagoons from which we drank. The ranch is filled with large wild animals, such as cattle, horses, ostriches, and pigs. For the first time, I saw the reality of life and death. There it is survival: the foundaion and simplest level of the world. It was the fastest, most exciting summer of my life. I learned more about myself, culture, and human nature in two months than I had ever learned in my life.
Beth DuB "ck-^/n/and
This past summer that I spent in Finland was the best summer of my life. At first I was hesitant to go away leaving family and friends for eight weeks, but in return I experienced a different culture. I lived in a small town called Tervakoski, about 40 minutes north of Helsinki. My family there consisted of my mom, dad, and a 15 year-old sister named Terhi. I lived in a modem apartment injhe inj middle of Tervakoski. The village was ceni^ aroimd a paper factory where my dad worked It is hard to explain how many new things I experienced because every day was a new adventure. Some of the things I did were fishing with a stick in the forest, swimming in the lakes, taking saunas, picking berries and mushrooms, and making some of the closest friendships anyone could ask for. When I fished, I fished for my dinner. I learned to clean and the cook the fish also. The food there is very natural. The meat is sausage—horse orreindeer mostly—served with potatoes and berries picked from the forest. I went swimming almost every day. The lakes are surprisingly warm and clean considering that most of Finland is in the Arctic Circle. One of the strangest things I experienced was the Fiimish sauna, which was the Finns' way of cleansing themselves. I took saunas about three times a week in the nude, and usually with the whole family. When I went to parlies or relatives houses, I soon learned that I was expected lo take a sauna. This was their way of showing hospitality-
Every home in Finland has a sauna, which is much warmer than one found in a hotel. They are around 250 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the really neat things that I experienced was the midnight sun, where the night isn't really night at all. The sun would be up at around one o'clock in the morning which, at first, made it irnoossible to sleep. ^^feke people were the greatest. Everyone in l^TOcoski was very friendly. The Firms are shy at first, but I was at an advantage because almost every teenager spoke English. The friendship I had with my sister Terhi is one that will last forever. Before I left at the airport we cried for at least fifteen minutes. It seemed like we had known each other for years. My family did everything they could for me. One of the most exciting things was going on a trip to the U.S.S.R. I spent four days in the Soviet Union. It was a five hour train ride into Leningrad, which was one of the most beautiful cities I have ever toured. It was very different from the United Slates. The Soviets would buy just about anything from me, from jeans to makeup. They are behind the times a few years with the fashions, but they aren't offered the same things that we are. The whole summer was the best. In fact, I am planning to go back as soon as I can. I fell in love With everything in Finland from the people to the nature. I encourage anyone to go on an AFS excursion in future summers for the experience of a lifetime.
IVIeg Filkins^co/omd/a Bogota, Colombia, is not the place where most students would choose lo spend their summer, but through AFS I was given the chance to experience one of the best summers of my Jjik With a population of six million, Bogota, the ^ ^ tal, is a city of many diverse peoples and cultures. Heavily influenced by tJie European culture, Bogota is a very "westernized" city. However, it tries to keep much of its typical Spanish flavor and is very proud of its Spanish heritage.
Lying in the tropical zone, Colombia does not have seasons as we know them. Instead there are two seasons—the rainy season and the dry seaS(^J was in Colombia for the rainy season during l^^^^dy months. Situated 6000 meters above sea levei in a valley of the Andes Mountains, Bogota has an average year-round temperature of 60 degrees falirenheit. Other areas of Colombia, how^^er, especially on the Caribbean coast, expericontinued on page 6
KristaHeitzman—Wfesf Ger/nany I spent my AFS summer in Germany, or Deutschland, with a young, contemporary family. My host mother was 27; my host father 29; my liitle sister two. I lived in a very modem home in a small town called Schauenburg, about 15 miles away from Kassel, a city with a population of 200,000. Kassel is almost in the center of Germany, not too far from the East German border. Because my parents were so young, I spent most of my lime with them and their friends. TTierc were many family parties and cookouts not unlike those from back home. I even went to a neighbor's wedding and learned of an unusual custom. Friends are invited to celebrate on the night before llic actual marriage. Part of the custom is to bring bottles and glasses which are then thrown against a brick wall. On the wedding day, only family members are included in the celebration. We would often go to Kassel for shopping and sightseeing during the day and for entertainment at discos and pubs in the night. Often during the day, I would run at a sport complex to keep in shape for cross country. The people I ran with would always ask questions about America. Almost everyone I met seemed to know at least a little English, for it's required in school. It seemed as if all of the popular music was in English, if not the same as our own top 40 songs. On a short trip we took to Bavaria, we visited
Mount Zugspitze, the largest mountain in Germany. We also toured Germany's most famous castle—Schlon Neuschwansien or "Cinderella's Castle." Before I traveled to Schauenburg, I spent a few days in Fulda, Germany, with 160 other AFS students from the United Slates. Finally, before reluming to the S talcs, I stayed with another fiunily in Bremen for a few days. The most important part of my AFS summer in Germany is the bond I now have with a family 1 know I will always feel close to. I know I'll go back someday and I know I'll sec themhere in the United Slates.
Kelly G\\\—Sweden Where can you find topless beaches, unlimited sunlight, blonde hair, blue eyes, and toned bodies? You will find this and more in Sweden, where I spent my summer. Sweden has a population of 8.5 million people who are scattered throughout the country. I spent my summer trying to get to know these quiet, cultured, and reserved people. The Swedes are quite worldy, more "Americanized" than I had anticipated. Surprisingly, the Swedes have McDonalds, 7-11, American football (namely the Bears), designer clothes (which are very expensive; S70 for a pair of Levi's jeans), American music, and tlie Hard Rock Cafe. I basically felt at home right away. Swedes are a very family-oriented society. However, they are very liberal when it comes to marriage. To them it is perfectly acceptable to live together and have children without being married. On the other hand, they are conservative in ihe sense that they are economically frugal, because they generally don't make a lot of make a lot of money. They're also very big on conserving energy and the environment. Swedish law states that they even have lo shut off their car engines while waiting for passing trains. While I was there, I lived with a ivpical family. I had a 21 year-old brother in the militarj', so he was only home on weekends. Another sibling, my 19 year-old sister, who had previously
done an A.F.S. trip to Califomia, went back for a visit about the time I arrived. With them gone most of the lime, I played the role of big sister to my younger brollicr, 8, and sister, 14. My parents abroad were very much like my American parents. Like many parents, both there and here, lliey both worked, as well as raise a family. More things that took getting used to were girls who don't shave their legs or wear bras, guys who are shy and have no eitiquelte, and paying to go to the bathroom. When you have to go bad, thirty cents doesn't seem like much. The Swedish diet is quite different fromours in America. They eat five limes a day—lots of coffee and cakes. I loved the snacks and homecooked meals. Most of tlie lime, raw fish was the main course, always served wiili potatoes and, many limes, breads and cheeses. Luckily, most Swedes are into exccrcising. To bum off all of those calories, tlie Swedes do an outdoor form of aerobics which involves more running. The Swedes also love the outdoors and are really into camping. Many families had summer cabins, without ihe luxuries found in American summer houses; e.g. flush toilets, cleciriciiy, television, etc. They are very concerned with teaching their children about the environment. I really enjoyed Sweden.
For more on AFS summers, see page 6
peatures Meg Filkins, cont'd continued from page 5 ence temperatures of 90 or 95 degrees every day in extremely high humidity. My family in Colombia consisted of my mom, my 21 year-old brother Pedro, and my 17year-old sister Lena. Before I left for Colombia I knew absolutely no Spanish and when I got to Colombia I found out only my brother spoke English. Needless to say, I picked up quite a lot of Spanish over the course of the eight weeks, but communication was still one of my major problems. One of the big things to do in Colombia is to go dancing at the bars that feature Colombian-style music. Colombian dancing is very easy to learn but very difficult to master. Nobody dances without a partner and their feet are constantly moving. The two main styles of dance in Colombia are salsa and marenge. There are also clubs to go to where American music is played, but it consisted mainly of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and George Michael. Around Bogota there are many famous sites which are always crowded with tourists. In Downtown Bogota is the Central Square, where people gather at all hours of the day. In this area, all the government buildings and historical sites lie. While I was in Bogota, the city was celebrating its 450th Anniversary and throughout the summer the city hosted various festivities. Up and down the streets ofBogota (called Centro) are markets which sell everything from fine leather bags to Colgate. Also located in the Centro is the Gold Museum which is said to be the largest collection of gold jewelry in the world. Colombia is a leading center for gold, emeralds, and leather goods, all of which can be bought at extremely low prices. The food in Colombia is not what most people expect it to be. While Mexican food is very spicy, Colombian food is very bland. Tliey eat a lot of beef and chicken, and very fe wvegetables. On all the street comers there are hot dog stands, and they have such fast food restaurants as Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts. One of the best things about Colombia is the open and friendly people. Despite my commimication problems I had no trouble making friends. Colombians are warm and outgoing people, and very open to new experiences. Everyone wants to practice what little English they know with the "Americanos" and they always make you feel very much at ease.
Kathryn Metzinger—Cosfa Rica Costa Rica es pura vida. That national slogan truly reflects the lifestyle, people, and surroundings of the small Central American country in which I spent the summer of 1988. Natorally, the first question which comes to most people's minds is, "Did you see any Contras?" and that is then followed by, "Did you get caught in any fighting?" The answer to both of those questions is no. Costa Rica is a peaceful country; in fact, there is no army in Costa Rica. The Ticos, as the people of Costa Rica call themselves, believe entirely in peace and frown at the actions being taken in their neighboring countries. I travelled to Costa Rica on the AFS program. In Costa Rica I lived with a family that consisted of 7 brothers, 2 sisters, a mother, and a father. My family owned the local butcher shop and all but two of the children lived at home. Naranjo, my town, was in the mountains and completely surrounded by coffee plants. The church in Naranjo was the main attraction. Every town in Costa Rica is basically set up The same way; the church is in the center and in front of the church is a public jjark and town square. Being such a small country, Costa Rica was easy to Q-avel around. Busses traveled all over the country. The main attraction to Costa Rica is its magnificent beaches. Also, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean are only about 5 hours, by bus, from each other. The Pacific Ocean features the best deep sea fishing in the world while the Atlantic Ocean is a surfer's Caribbean paradise. Three active volcanoes stand in Costa Rica. The volcano Escazu erupted in late July, the volcano frazu is known as the 'Powder Key of Nature,' and the volcano Poas contains the largest crater in the world. All three of these volcanoes are National Parks and are very frequently visited by American tourists. San Jose, the capital city, is very advanced in civilization compared to the cities in the mountains. McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken were all major restaurants. A Big Mac was certainly a welcome reminder of America after eating mainly beans and rice in Naranjo. The National Theater stands exactly in the middle of the main tourist plaza in San Jose. The theater itself is still used for operas and fancy occasions. OIKC inside, one feels as if he has stepf>ed back in time and entered a spectacular ballroom. The plaza around the theater is filled with vaidors selling authentic jewelry, purses, hammocks, and basi-
Barb Larson—Greece My AFS excursion took me to the mediterranean nation of Greece. I spent two months with a Greek family in the city of Piraeus. My family abroad consisted of two sisters, my sister Pitsa's husband, George, and their mother, Rita, who worked as a secretary. George worked as a welder in the Grecian Navy. Nassia, 20 and Pitsa, 22, my two sisters, spoke perfect English and acted as translators for me. However, I did take advantage of one of the most educational aspects of AFS, learning a new language while experiencing the culture that goes along with it. I picked up many Greek phrases, and I knew Greek when I left.
Piraeus, my home city, bordered the capital city, Athens. I visited Athens arid saw many wonderful sights. The most memorable of these sights was the magnificent Acropolis. Later in my trip, I vacationed with my host family in the seaside village of Arkitsa. Here I visited wonderful beaches and saw forest fires raging on nearby mountaintops. These fires were very sad, but beautiful to watch. The people there were extremely friendly and I had no problems being an American in a foreign country.
cally anything else one could imagine. The n a - ^ ^ tional gold museimi is built underneath the entire ^ ^ plaza. A jungle train travels through the rain forests, jungles, and mountains to the Caribbean port city of Limon. The train is old and well used. The seven-hour ride from San Jose to Limon is the most entertaining ride of one's life. It's a cross between trying to soak up all the beautiful, unbelievable scenery and making sure that you don't bounce out of your seat.
Julie Cline—Egypt This summer I visited Egypt. Contrary to what most people believe, it's more than just sand, camels, and pyramids. For the majority of my two-month trip, I lived in Cairo with my host family. My mother was a divorced insurance broker with three children: Dina, 16; Nancy,13; Rania, 11. Dina left after the first month of my stay to spend a year in Iowa through AFS. My family was middle class Egyptian, which is about upper-lower class by American standards. One of the oddest things about my family is that they were Christian when ninety percent of Egypt is Muslim. It's hard to forget that it's a Muslim country. The call to prayer can be heard almost everywhere at five specific times throughout the day via l o u d ^ ^ speakers at every mosque. The Islamic religioi(^p^ plays an extremely influential role in Egyptian culture. The religion keeps very strict control on their women. All women must cover their hair, and the more devout worshippers would wear all black dress and veils over their faces. Even though I lived with a Christian family, I couldn't wear shorts or tank tops outside. However, the strict religion benefits the nation by keeping the crime rate down. Because of the strict ways of Egyptian women, I tended to stand out quite a bit, and my blonde hair didn't help much. Needless to say, I was stared at quite a bit. Another interesting part of Egyptian culture is the food. There is no junk food in Egypt. The food is also much heavier on the stomach than American food, and also more fattening. I spent a good portion of my two months travelling. First I visited a tiny city called Marsa Matruk, located on the beaches of the Mediterran, about twenty miles from Libya. Here I visited some of the most beautiful beaches in the worid. I also suyed in a village on the Israeli border near the Red Sea. However, the most enlightening trip I took was when I went to Luxor and Aswan. Here I visited the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens. It was in these places that the pharoahs and queens were entombed after their deaths. I also visited the East and West Banks of the Nile. The East Bank housed temples, symbolizing life, and the West Bank housed tombs symbolizing death. ^ ^ ^ I should also add that one of the most p l e a s i n g ^ ^ asp)ects of my trip was the people. The Egyptians are generally very nice, though not well educated. They are very interested in foreigners. I got quite a bit of attention. Sometimes chilA-en would follow me or grab my hand and try to speak English.
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Golf team swings into new season After encountering a brief situation that could have involved dropping the word boys from the lillaboys' golf, the golf team got off to a start that could have been better, but also could have been worse. IHSA rules state that any sport which isn't offered for both boys and girls must accept athletes of both sexes on one team if their talents warrant it. Prior to the season, several girls indicated a desire to play golf at Maine South; however, none of the girls finally elected to try out. In interscholastic competition there are two levels for golf: Frosh/Soph, which is led this year by Sophomores Sean Sivore and John Brown, and varsity where seniors Brian Meyer and Kent
Carlson, juniors Tom Currey and Neil McCarthy, also competed on the varsity level last year, and and sophomore Adam Wenz have been scoring should score well this year. Sophomore Adam Wenz, who was unable to compete last year due to well. Seven competitors on each level travel to a knee injury, has also come through for the varsity meets, which are held at various golf courses tliis year. This Monday the Hawk golfers compete throughout the northwest suburbs. These fourteen competitors then all play nine holes; the lowest against conference rival New Trier in their first four scores from each level make up the team score home meet, at Park Ridge Country Club. Golf isn't for that level. So far, the varsitj''s combined score exactly a spectator sport, but interested fans won't has been in the mid 170s; they hope to be in the be turned away because of lack of room. middle to low 160s by the end of the year. Senior Brian Meyer, coming off a 1987 season that included a third place 76 at the Cog Hill regional, has high expectations for the 1988 seaAfter a summer which included frequent runson. Senior Kent Carlson and junior Tom Currey ning for many of the members of the Girl's Cross Country team, the season got underway. Right from the start, their hard work and dedication paid off; as our Hawk runners placed third in the LaGrange Invitational. The lone freshman on the New Trier, the team played well defeating Niles team, Susan Crawford, ran to an imjwessive first West and Deerfield before losing to New Trier and place finish in the frosh/soph division. Susan is Evanston. They were able to come back, however now rurming for the varsity squad. and beat Glenbrook North. The top runers for this year's varsity team, According to Coach George Shermer,"If we con- coached by Mr. George Gabauer, include Laurie tinue to improve, we have a possibility of winning Anderson, Lauren Ofenloch, Rachel Kelleher, the championship." Nancy Swenton, Krista Heitzman and Karen "The team has great potential," agreed co-cap- Walker. tain Janet Johnson. "If we continue to work toTommorrow, the Girl's Cross Country team gether, we'll have a successful season." u-avels to Glenbrook South for the annual Titan Invite, where all the runners hope to make significant time drops in their respective races.
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Volleyball opens with big wins The season looks bright for the Girl's Varsity Volleyball Team which has begun with impressive wins over Niles North and Maine West. The team consists of Seniors Denise Dohr (cocaptain), Cheryl Roma (co-captain), Mary Sheridan, Margie Sheridan, Meg Lobitz, Carolyn Seng, Karen Tocki, Mary Hoeder, and juniors Diane Wolf, Laura Wagner, Margie O'Connor, Vickie Colovos, and Shannon Duffy. At the Summer's End Tournament hosted by
Alumni profile
^Scott Sutschek, 77, leaves mark at South Six years after leaving Maine South. Scott Sutschek returned to donate his skills to the school. Sutschek was thoroughly involved in school sports, competing in cross coimny for three years and crack for four. He helped set several records in track, including a time of 1:55.6 in his leg of the 3200 meter relay (5th all-time best), a 3:22.6 in the 1600 meter relay (2nd all-time best), and the stillundefeated time of 7:43.7 in the 3200 relay. "If I could go back and pick several athletes from the past with which to build a track team, he and some of his contemporaries would be at the top of the list," explained Mr. Bill Drennan. Sutschek's former track coach. "To me, he was always someone I could count on." After graduating from South in '77, Sutschek went to the University of Illinois in ChampaignUrbana. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in both education and physical science. From the time he graduated from college until 1983, when he returned to Maine South, Sutschek lived in Utah where he took up skiing. He then came back to South, becoming a full-time substitute for four years and an assistant track coach for five seasons. Meanwhile, Maine South had changed. When asked what ihe biggest change he noticed in South I was, Sutschek replied, "Enrollment." Maine South " had lost 1600 students in the six years he was gone. While he now works as a paramedic and a firefighter in Hoffman Estates, Scott Sutschek has left his mark on Maine South as a student, athlete, coach and teacher.
Swimmers are 'best in long time' The Girl's Swim team has started off the season well with an impressive 110-46 win against Maine West and placing third in the Fremd Invitational. "This is the best team I've had in a long time," commented Coach Dawn Butler. Sophomores Lee Kuehn and Greta Malten agreed that, "Uie team is small but it has a lot of depth." Lead by captain Kristen Kimura, the Varstity swim team consists of Seniors Kristina Algminas and Beth DuBrock, juniors Tahira Alag, Tanya Dayton, Mary Hannah, and Leslie Shewfelt, sophomores Katie Carlson, Lee Kuehn, Greta Malten, and Jamie Scafa.
Outstanding singles pace tennis team Willi an impressive 6-1 win over St. Viator, the Girl's Varsity'Tennis team started what looks to be a promising season. Lara Assaf, Kelly Gill, and Linda Swalla all played outstanding singles matches, while Jermy Kaleta and Kris Pugliani put in an excellent doubles match. Though the season has started off slowly. Coach Kent and the tennis team have been working hard and hope to do well in Ihe upcoming conference matches. The team will host the Maine Souili Invitational tliis Saturday at 9 a.m.
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Hawks open with narrow victory The football season officially started for the Maine South varsity football team on Saturday, September 3, in the exciting home opener against the Dukes of York High School. The Hawks had had a21 -14 lead when on the last play in regulation time of the game the Dukes scored, making it 2120. The Dukes sealed their fate, though, by missing the extra point. Scoring for the Maine South Varsity were Matt Duda with two touchdowns, and George Ogorek with one. Rich Campbell put all three extra points through the goal f>osts to give the Hawks the edge. Norm Osimani had a key interception that aided the Hawks' winning effort. Mark Hageli and Kevin DiLuia had several key tackles to help bolster the defense. Other importantplayers ofthe game were John Ceechin and Jim KokosiouUs in the backfield. Bill Vrbancic on defense, and the entire offensive line. Coach Phil Hopkins stated, "This was an important win for us in regards to the playoffs." The Hawks are shooting for at least six wins in their nine regular season games in order to earn a state playoff berth. Tommorrow, September 17, Maine South varsity football takes on Highland Park in a home game, starting at 12:00 noon.
Senior Jim Koltosioulis puts the hit on a York running back as Junior Steve Mendo sprints to provide support in the Hawlis' 21-20 season opening victory.
Soccer team rated Illinois' best in '88 The Maine South soccer team is off to a good, if a little predictable, start. Rated number one in the state and area by the Sun-Times, many eyes are watching the Hawks' opening games for a clue on just how tough the top-rated team is. Despite all the hype of newspaper ratings and the memory of last year's second-place state finish, the Hawks were mentally prepared for their opening game against Harrington. Victorious, 5-0, Maine South faced little challenge from the opponent, but was and still is facing injury problems within the Hawks' own ranks. For the opening game, forwards Matt Melendy
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and Mark Pukal were injured and forward Mike Tworek was removed from the game after being injured by a Harrington player. Illustrating the importance of ihe injuries to these players is the fact that both Tworek and Pukal had two goals apiece, so South' s scoring potential could be hurt if injuries get worse. In the second game of the season, the Hawks' offense was flying with an overwhelming victory over Niles West, 10-0. Eight of the ten goals were scored by differentplayers, including Mike Nugent (2), Chris Bemben (2), Andy McCarrell, Kevin O'Leary, Ro Wietecha, Graham Salemme, Jason
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Sports nignngnis Sport
Fri.9/16
Sat. 9/17
12:00-^1F/JV
Golf ;S Libertyvllle 1 4:3()_,]V/F
Liberty viile 10:0ft^V/S
New Trier 3:30—V/S
Evanston 3:00—V/S
Dcerficid 4:30—V/S [iV?F
Waukcgan W. 4:30—V/S
Diiwni-rs Crx N 5:30—V/JV
Tennis Volleyball
Thu. 9/22
Highland Pk.
Football
Swimming
Tue. 9/:!0 St. VLaiH'Rvs 4:30—\,S'K
Titan Inv. 4:30—V girls
Cross Country
Soccer
Mon. 9/19
home contest
Main* East 4:30—V/,1V,'V
Niles West Hawk Inv. 4:30—V/JV 9:00—V Lane Tech Quad Glcnbrook .N. 5:00—V/JV/F
Kenton 4:30—F Prospect 4:30—\/.IV.'V
Glonbrook N. 4:30—V/JV
Chidester, and Cary Gorski. The Indians posof^^ little threat, with the Hawk defense giving up o n l ^ ^ one shot on goal. This year's offense is strong, as returning seniors Melendy, Tworek, McCarrell, Cory Lentz and Pat Owens, as well as newcomer Pukal (senior) all compete for three starting positions, even though coach Steve Dezurko emphasizes the impwrtance of who finishes over who starts. With Melendy out for an indefinite time with a knee injury, the other senior forwards, as well as sophomore Derek Niepomnik, will have to take over. The halfback (midfield) line is also strong with seniors O'Leary, Bemben, and Aaron Lenzini; juniors Chidester and Salemme, with three-time varsity lettetman Nugent anchoring in the middle. However, the big question coach Dezurko is asked by other coaches and reporters is what his defense will be like. After graduating an all-senior defense plus the goalie, many critics feel South's weakness will be on defense. To fight this problem, Dezurko is carrying an unusually high number of defenders—seven. Behind starters Mike Defort (junior), Gorski, Wietecha, and Greg Goelkel (seniors), are Paul Schermerhom, Chris Such, and Dave Rundblad. Senior Keith Sciarra tends the goal with backup duties shared by Dave Szalczynski and Matt Golliet. With constant comparison to last year's defensive powerhouse, this year the Hawk defense will have to prove itself in every game. ^^^ Upcoming games include Libertyville on Sal^^B urday and Deerfield on Monday, both away. The next home game will be Thursday at 4:30 against Waukegan. The really big game, however, will be on the 24th against Buffalo Grove, possibly the toughest team the Hawks will face this season.