Vol 27 issue 1

\ olunu' 27. issue 1 August 27, 1990

South wordS

Maine South Hi^h School

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Despite the many interior changes, Maine South's exterior o^'ers students the same friendly face on the first day back to school.

Changes rock Maine South The 1990-'91 school year brings with it a few changes. None are bigger than the radical changes which have taken place in the school's homeroom structure. They are really rather simple.

First of all, students will not attend homeroom in the popular, long- lived C-wing complexes anymore. From now on, each homeroom reports to its own separate classroom, which is in a designated area of its couiiselor. Tiie homeroom teacher will take on the duties of reading the daily announcements, previously read by the respective counselor. The counselors will still have time to roam between the classrooms and speak with their students. The counselor offices will remain in the C-wing complexes as they were last year. The homeroom arrangement is a unique and first - time occurence for the school. There is no word from school officials fm how long it will last.

According to Mr. Reese, Director of Student / Personnel Services, the shifting came about because of the remodeling and asbestos removal, which started at the end of the '89-

'90 school year. Unfortunately, the removal will probabaly extend into this year. Three of the school's six homerooms would have been displaced by the construction process. The school board decided that the best solution to alleviate confusion would be the shift of the homerooms as a whole, instead of only mov-

ing a few while keeping some the same.

The forty-nine school homerooms will now be spread out between the A-wing,Cwing, and V-wing. Hopefully, this change will work out best for the school, its students and the faculty.

Activities fill opening weeks After a long and hopefully enjoyable summer, most people returning to school are not quite up to date on the schedule of events for the beginning of this new school year. We at Southwords, as is long-standing tradition in the "Welcome Back" edition, will try tio fill you in.

There are several meetings to take note of in these first few weeks. For one, the Freshmen Parent Orientation Assembly will be held on the night of Wednesday, September 5th.

The All-Sports Drug Assembly, which requires mandatory attendance for all fall athletes, takes place Wednesday, September 12th.

Several important in-school Freshmen events are due to happen within the next three weeks. The Freshmen homerooms will hold Student Council Representative elections on September 5th. Also, the Freshman Kickoff Dance, or "mixer," will be held on September 19th at 7:30 p.m.

The most important change to become acquainted with this year is the remodelling and removal of asbestos from the Library that began over the summer and is scheduled for completion sometime this month. The $2.2 Million includes the removal of the asbestos in the Library, total remodeling of Library continued on page 2

peatures

Close encounters at Maine Soutli

by Chuck Cycholl Maine South High School is not only schoolwork, social activity, and detentions; it is a Noah's Ark of sorts having it's own collage of various critters within the very confines of dear old Maine. As a student at Maine South, one may expect to encounter any number of exotic and untamed creatures.

Two of these creatures will be explained in the following dissertation.

One of these grand creatures is a truly magnificent being - You've heard of the "Hounds of Baskerville," the "Bulls of Spain," and the "Elephants of Hannibal."

Much in the same spirit are the "Roaches of Maine South."

You see, back in 1964, Maine South was built on a garbage dump. This was considered a cost-efficient measure; the land was literally dirt cheap. So, today, the legacy continues: It was inevitable that years later the roaches, residing upon the land that dear old Maine was built upon, would resurface to claim their long-lost territory.

Thus, the great Roach War of Maine South commenced. My first experience was during my freshman year. After a long, hot day of football practice, we came back into the locker room to shower and change.

I opened my locker and hung up my jersey, and proceeded to undress. Suddenly, the biggest, brownest, hairiest roach I've ever seen emerged from my locker.

It poked its large head over the bottom rim of my locker and proceeded to throw itself onto the floor below. It then lurched forward

into action - needless to say, the big, brave, football players ran for cover.

It is rumored that these roaches play in Decon as sandboxes and steal away the smaller freshmen. Thus, all of you with slight stature, beware!

Next, we have the Maine South Pond Ducks. Our fine-feathered friends can be seen almost anytime (in season), and are always a substantial part of Maine South's character.

Every couple of years, a mother duck lays her eggs in the art courtyard. Unfortunately, this past year, one of the ducklings tragically died falling down the steps to the basement.

Measures have been taken to prevent this occurring in the future by screening off the entrance to the stairwell.

Mr. Deines, a teacher of the English Department, and coach of girl's varsity basketball, saved one of the little ducklings. It seems that the poor fellow fell into a ditch, and heroic Mr. Deines picked him up and carried him to safety. However, the mother duck was rather perturbed, and accosted Mr. Deines with a well placed swoop.

Late last May, the ducks were removed from the courtyard (as they are every year), and traditionally marched through the halls to the outside world by members of the custodial staff.

So when you're marching to class, be on the lookout for these two interesting creatures. You are sure to run into them, or even '•*>'i'^vi-tjr>.\ worse, they might run into you.

Southwords introduces 'Community beat' The Southwords news staff will attempt to start a "Community Beat" column this year.

The news staff, thus far consisting of senior Eric Eichin (editor), sophomore Marc Mazzuca (associate editor), senior Mike Robinson, and sophomore Tim Krahl, will do its best to keep you, the reader, informed on what is and what will be going on in and around "Action Ridge." This is in compliance with Southwords advisor T.R. Kerth's goal of "trying to get Southwords to become more involved with the community."

rated into the column. Hence, we want to try to instill a sense ofcommunity awareness into our readers.

Any student who would like to report news of their group is encouraged to contact a member of the news staff. Or, even better, he

or she could talk to Eric or Marc about joining Southwords as a news writer. We welcome any interested student to do so.

To conclude, we hope you will enjoy this new column. However, to make it successful, we need your input.

Changes in the school, cont'd. continued from page 1

temporary library facilities. The lockers for homerooms C103 and C108 have been removed to accomodate asbestos removal crews. In fact, homerooms have been moved Possible topics of interest to be covered in into the A-wing for the first semester this year, the column include church events, a preview with class sizes between 25-30 students.

Southwords will continue to keep you inof which movies will be at the Pickwick, and a police blotter. The Park Ridge Teen Center formed on any and all developments concernwill be covered, as well. The happenings of ing the remodeling and asbestos removal, local youth organizations could be incorpo- scheduled to take four years, from 1990-1993.

facilities, and all consulting and aichitectural fees.

The effect of the project on the students will be extensive. Only limited, temporary library services are available, with the notej exception of the Language Labs, which wi^ be closed first semester. The new writing lab: are open in their temporary home at A104 and A106. The ClOl hallway will conunue to be closed to student traffic, since it is housing the

P

peatures

JVIaine south activities begin

by Dan Berko rHF.FRLEADERS- Girls (and guys), are you the type of person who enjoys yellin, cheering, and dancing and want others to partaake of your spirit? If so, you may be able to find a berth on one of Maine South's fine cheerleading squads. Not only do you cheer the athletes on and motivate the fans but you also lead the rest of your classmates during the spirit competitions held during the sports assemblies held every season. Freshman: listen to the morning bulletin for tryout times.

PEP CLUB- Girls (and guys), are you the type of person who enjoys yelling, cheering, and waant others to partake of your spirit, yet remain out of the public eye (and those cheerleader's skirts)? Pep Club needs you.

Pep Club is responsible for the TPing of jock's houses, decorating their lockers, and painting banners to celebrate South's finest.

HAWKETTES- Thisfinedrill team is on the eeds girls for the JV squad. The Varsity uad coached by the Illinois Drill Team Association Hall ofFamer, Miss Bobrich, has kept the slate title in the kick category and drill team show category for the third year in a row.

These lithe girls also perform during halftime at Varsity basketball and football games. The bulletin will caarry information regaaarding tryouts.

m

lifestyle. Members offer each other warm fuzzies, friendship, and concern for their

by Eric Eichin problems. These students meet weekly with support groups to deal with the social Got an ear for music? Do you play a brass or pressures in this melting pot we call Maine woodwind instrument? If so, band is for you.

Although it is an actual class, and began South.

JOURNALISM- Although not in the rehersals a few days ago, athere is still time to popular National Enquirer format, nor as join (especially if you have first period free). vicious as Fleet Street, Southwords is an inter- The band is in dire need of percussionists this nationally recognized and award winning year. newspaper. This year the diligent staff will be Band consists of two parts: marching and working hard to bring Southwords to you consert. Marching takes place in the fall, with twice a month with the same high quality of the group playing and maarching at all home writing that has become the standard. football games, as well as theHomecoming All contributions or letters are welcome Parade. Then, in November, concert band and can be submitted in V-130, the South- begins. words office, or given to any Southwords This group practices daily to prepare for the editor.

Winter Band Concert in January. Another key Graffiti, the creative arts magazine, is event in concert band is the "Pops" concert another fine publication arganized at South. held in early May. From the middle of May to Its sponsor, Mr. Deines, the Fowl's Friend, is tthe end of the school yeaar, marching band is always on the lookout forjudges, typists, and once again the focus to prepare for the other workers, as well as contributing poets, Norwegian and Memorial Day parades. authors, and artists. There are three issues So if you are interested, talk to your counselor yearly, so there is plenty of room for creaative and band director Gordon McLean for a tryout. contributions.

Work can be submitted in the Writing Lab. Eyrie, the yearbook, is always willing to have more headline writers, photographers, and layout people. Be a part of the book that keeps precious memories alive in alumni's hearts. If you wish to be a part of the Eyrie adventure, inquire in C-138.

Band

ORCHESIS- Orchesis is dance troupe here at Maine South which is sponsored by Ms. Peggy Rushford. This troupe performs during halftime at basketball games, V-Show, the

by Lynn Lutzer Homecoming Parade, the Illinois State Dance The most beneficial way to help the enviFestival, and their own Spring show. ronment is to get involved. Thankfully, there Audition times will be posted in the bulletin. is a group of dedicated students at Maine South that have made a commitment not only ARENA PLAY- This is one of four big to the school but also to the community that theatrical productions put on through the ihey will help and serve to protect our environment and the people in it. Led by Mr. Drama Department. There are positions Twardy, the Ecology Club is a group that has available for not only the cast but also for the brought presents to sick children at hospitals, all important crew which builds sets, handles raise monry to give to organizations that will lighting, and handles other important help in preserving our environment, and befunctions which make the play a top notch came an active part in recycling and writing j}roduction. Audition information available letters to senators in order to protect our rain J the morning bulletin and on the drama wing forests, animals, and natural resources. If you Sullelin board. want to serve others, preserve our world, and have fun. Ecology Club is a definite way to do SNOWBALL- This is an organization of so. students dedicated to leading a drug free

Ecology Club

pommentarv

4

Like it or not, we're realiy back^

by Imran Siddiqui Well, we're back! After the luxurious days of summer, we're finally back in school.

Many people call high school graduation THE "bitter-sweet" moments in our lives, but I think otherwise. After the care-free days of summer, coming back to school is definitely bitter-sweet. But then again, it's also a horrid, scary, frightening and hair-raising experience.

ment? Or are they angelic beings, paving the And on and on and on. ..the clubs, organizaway for us to heavan? Well, chances are, tions and sports at South are too numerous to they're somewhere in between, and you'll list, but you get the picture. come to realize that they're actually human, Many of the new, and even some old, stulike you and me. Of course, by the time you dents may be wondering, what these clubs are. realize this, it' 11 be the end of the year, and you Well, these clubs and organizations are the may never see those teachers again, but that's core of Maine South. Without them, Maine besides the point.

South wouldn't be the school of excellence that it is today.

After adjusting to new teachers, all new These extracurricular activities range from Halfway through summer, when the student will have to adjust to the new buildswimming gets monotonous, the tanning too ing. It won't be a rare sight to see boggled the sports to the academics, and they provide painful, television too ludicrous, and when freshmen staring upwards and around as they the active student with lots to do after school.

Besides being very interesting, these orthe conversation starts to center around the try to decipher the meanings behind the A, C, weather, we begin to get bored, and even V, and PA wings. However, all you freshmen ganizations look good on college applica(god-forbid!) HOPE that school starts soon. out there, don't despair, many older, more ex- tions, and tend to enhance the students personHowever, as school nears, all of us begin perienced, upperclassmen still gel lost and ality, academic, and social life. to wonder if we really want to start again, and have to get directions from our friendly facon the first day of school, we begin to pray for ulty.

Thus, I can't say enough to convince you to the next holiday.

Within the first month of school, after the join these clubs. Make life more interesting.

Thus, by the time school does start, the hasty book-buying and schedule rearranging, Spruce up these drab days of school. Take up students are so confused as to what we really we students begin to settle in and go with the the challenge. Join a club! You don't become want, that a psychoanalytic session with Dr. flow of academia. However, just as we be- a real Maine South student until you do, and come complacent with our lives, we hear the chances are, by the time you join one club, Freud wouldn't straighten them out. you'll be itching to join another.

Well, once the trauma of coming to school daily announcements: wears off, we can actually open their eyes and With the myriad of activities here, no stii^^ "JOIN ECOLOGY CLUB, HELP SAVE take in the view. One of the first things we'll THE ENVIRONMENT." dent should become bored with school, and if see is probably a teacher.

"TRY OUT FOR CHEERLEADING TO you do, come on over to Southwards and write "Who are these creatures?" The student HELP SPUR ON OUR HAWKS TO VIC- some stories for us.

So, if I haven'talready said this, "Welcome TORY!" begins to wonder. back to Maine South." I wish you the best of "JOIN THE STATE CHAMPION Are they demons from hell, trying to pull luck here; you'll probably need it. the unsuspecting down into everlasting tor- HAWKETTES!"

What is Southwards?

Welcome to Southwards, the student written, student produced newspaper of Maine South High School. Southwards is an award winning newspaper, winning a first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association last year.

Unlike many other newspapers in the country. Southwards comes out just about every two weeks rather than once a month.

With this kind of production quota, there is a lot of work involved in the writing, planning, artwork, and production of the newspaper.

Although the schedules are always tight, there are many advantages to producing a paper so frequently. The biggest advantage is that our news and sports are much more up to date than many other papers. More up to date, but not as up to date as we would like. There is an eight day gap between the time Southwords goes to press and when it is distributed

during lunch periods, so the news isn't always fresh, but it's the best we can do.This article, along with the rest of the paper was actually written and produced during finals last June.

Southwards welcomes eager writers, photographers, and artists to join our respective staffs. If you are one of these eager writers, photographers, or artists, contact any member of the Southwards editorial staff, or our advisor Mr. Tom Kerth.

Southwards does encourage letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit obscene or libelous material. Because of limited space, some letters may be left out, or used in future issues. We are always looking for new ideas, so feel free to share your ideas with us.

If you want to send any letters to the editor ore are eager to write for us, come to room V-130, where there is almost always an editor to answer your questions.

Southwards Soulhvords is the student-produced H W spupcr of Maine South High School, Park Ridge, IL. letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-130 or given to a member of the editorial slafl' below.

Souihwnrds reserves the rlj^ht to edit letters containing obscene or libelous material.

Editor-in-Chief News editor „ A-ssociate News editor Commentary editors

Amy Huser Eric Kichin Marc Ma/./.uca Iu>ran Siddkiui Dave Saavedra Features editor Chuck Cycholl Associate I'eaturcs editor f a n Uerko Sports editors Natalie Kuehn Tom Lin Production cnlitors Jim Saisakom Carolyn Chandler ^ ^ \ Photo editors losh Andei son ^ | | ^ A'asmine Ki'-s Art editors Kll/abeih Uucklej Deborah Ch.ui Adviser .1'. U. KertU

gports

preview of boys* fall sports ^

Soccer

Boys' cross country This year's boys' cross-country team will once again be hurting in numbers of serious runners, but the team will not be lacking in any intensity or talent The varsity team, which has completed 500 miles of independent running over the summer in preparation for this upcoming season, will be looking for a 1st or 2nd placefinishin the very competitive CSL conference.

In order to achieve this goal, the Hawks look for leadership from their three returning seniors on varsity, Pete Gayford, Andy Hoveland, and Brian James. In addition, Pete Gayford, who has won both the freshman and sophomore conference race and has placed ninth in the varsity conference as a junior, will be hoping for the varsity conference title this year. Andy and Brian, both of whom had respectable conference races, will also need to place high in order for the Hawks to win conference.

But the burden of achieving victory will not only fall on the seniors; it will also fall on talented juniors. These runners will need to mature quickly in order for the team to compete well. This year's junior runners include Mike Raida, Mike Palac, Mark Wynne, Mike Weitzel, and Karl Steinke.

On the sophomore level, two runners, Andy Galios and Matt Staniec, will attempt to lead their team to victory after coming off a very productive season of their own last year.

Varsity head coach Drennan is optimistic about the upcoming season. "This team should have a few strong senior runners and an unusually strong group of junior runners, so the conference title should be in there for the taking."

All-state defender Derek Niepomnik hopes to lead the Hawks to another conference title.

After last year's season-ending 2-0 loss to Glenbrook North in the sectional finals, which shocked the highly-ranked Hawks, all juniors who would return this year quietly gathered together and decided that "next season is the season for Maine South."

The 1990-91 soccer season has now arrived. With determination, strong emotion, and hard work in the off-season, the Hawks feel they are now stronger than ever. And Ithough the Hawks have lost 11 players due graduation, including 5 all-conference ayers, the team remains optimistic.

Coach Steve Dezurko, who was honored last year as IHS A Region 5 Coach of the Year, returns to coach this year's squad to a state championship and to a successful defense of the Hawks' conference crown. Coach Dezurko looks for leadership among 4 returning starters from last year's team, seniors Vince Biank, Brian Kimura, Tom Lin, and Derek Niepomnik, who returns with all-state and all-conference recognition. Other returning varsity members include seniors Doug Beaumont, Derek Bengtson, Ross Crampton, Nate Melendy, and Brad Scott.

However, the road road will be difficult for the Hawks, who have a tough schedule which includes the New Trier Tournament, in which competition is restricted to only previous state finalists. In addition, the Hawks will compete in one of the toughest conferences in the state and against numerous highly ranked learns.

But the tough competition should bring out the best in the Hawks, who have been instilled with Coach Dezurico's "No Guts, No Glory" attitude.

Certainly, if the Hawks do not wish to be ^|Up:set again this year, the Hawks must perform tceptionally and up to their potential. With ^ l aawks pride, strong determination, and execution on the field, the Hawks hope to hear the victory song of "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, we are the champions, Ole!" echo all the way to the stale Senior runner Pete Gayford sets his sights on championship. another all-conference season.

4

Football

Senior Aaron Duda aims to better last year's outstanding 8-2 record.

The varsity football team feels optimistic about this upcoming season. The Hawks have been working out vigorously for the past nine months under head coach Phil Hopkins' statement, "You're not training for Maine East, boys, you're training for Evanston."

Leading the offense at quarterback will be senior Aaron Duda, who, with a host of receivers, hopes to take the Hawk attack to the air. Also hoping to contribute are seniors Amery Schmeisser and Mike Taglia, who will lead the Hawks ground game by running behind a line of seniors including Jim Purcell, Mike Cimiluka, and Paul Mulvaney.

On the defensive end, Mike Luehr will start at the nosetackle position, and Mike McCormick, Rich Sroka, and Bill Schmitz will head up the backfield.

With six returning lettermen but no returning starters, and a team that lacks the sheer power of last year's squad, the Hawks will hope to gain the experience needed to mature quickly. The tough schedule with a strong New Trier team, a combined Waukegan West and East squad, a consistently talented Evanston team, and a team ranked second last year in Indiana, does,not make the job any easier for the Hawks. But the Hawks still remain optimistic and believe they can play competitively. As 1990 graduate Brad Pawlowski remarked to the team, "You may just surprise yourselves."

sports

Girls' fall season is underway Girls' cross country 9 H ^ H H H H H H L P V M The 1990 girls' cross country team is looking towards a promising season. With most of last year's varsity team returning, experience and strength will be backing the runners.

Although the team has lost the services of Rachel Kelleher and Nancy Swienton, who have both graduated, they can look to Karin Hynes, Mary Michal, Susan Crawford, Lauren Ofenloch, Melissa Ponticelli and many otherretuming members. With the addition of new freshmen. Coach Gabauer should be able to lead the team to its usual series of victories.

Girls' swimming The 1990 Maine South girls' swim team has big plans for this year. With the returning varsity seniors Greta Malten, Cathy Bilson, Katie Carlson, Natalie Kuehn, Melissa Kinder, Jamie Scafa, and Kim Wiederer, and sophomores Caroline Bilson, Kate Reynolds, and Chris Cassin, many great accomplishments are expected. With the addition of a new coach, Mr. Deger, with his new methods and ideals, the 1989 swim season was an adjusting period for the Hawks. This season there are no excuses. The individual perseverance and strong attitudes of the members of this years girls' swim team make the future look bright.

LJ^WMf

With theyr_J„i- ; ! >. j i i Rachel Kelleher (from left) last year, runners Mary Michal, Karin Hynes, Susan Crawford and Lauren Ofenloch will carry the banner for the Hawks. players have graduated, the team should be quite capable of facing the difficult competiThe 1990-91 Maine South girls' tennis tion that lay ahead. Hopefully, some new season is filled with both great expectations leadership will emerge from this year's senand challenges. Although six valuable senior iors, who make up the majority of the team.

This years schedule, like the previous years, involves lough matches against highly M > • 1 •« • . competitive teams, such as New Trier, Glenbrook South, and Glenbrook North. With a iis home contest little hard work and perseverance, the Hawks will be able to soar above the competition.

Mon.8127 Wed. 8129 Thu. 8/30 Fri. 8/31 Sat. 9/1

nBWis. Sport

Girls' tennis

nigniignis

Boys' Cross Country Girls' Cross Country

Lyons invite V/S/F—8:30 Lvons Invite V'/JV—8:30 York S/V—11:30/2

Football Golf

Conant/Cr.Lk V/S—3:30

Soccer Swimming ft

Tennis Volleyball

Niles West JProspiecf V/JV/Tr—5;0C V/JV/Fr—4:30

Maine West V/S—3:30 at Barrington SA'^t/5:00

at Barrington S/V—10/2:00 Frerad Relavs V—1:00 Maine East Regina Hersev Invite jV/y>-4:30 j y / V - - 4 : 0 0 JV—8:00

Girls' volleyball After winning the Regional Championship in 1989, the girls' varsity volleyball team has great expectations for the upcoming 1990 season. Although losing key players to graduation, several players who contributed greatly are returning this season. Returning starters including seniors Jane Steffen, Emmy Pasier, and Laura Potter, in addition to regular substitutes returning are seniors Jennie Smith and junior Sarah Wanat, who will make up ^ W core of this year's team. With valuable retui^P^ ing players. Katherine Kougias and Slacey' Sasso, plus last year's J V, the Hawks of 1990 are prepared to rise to a challenging season this fall.