Vol 30 issue 12

\ olume 30, issue 12 March 25, 1994

South wordS

Maine South U.S. Park Ridge, IL

Cafeteria debate continues

by Chuck Kaufman In the past two months, the halls of Maine South have been filled with much discussion about problems with the cafeteria. This overall concern with the cafeteria came to a head recently when some students decided on their own to boycott the cafeteria for a day.

In attempting to address the student body's concerns in a more productive manner. Student Council recently increased its efforts to work with the administration, Marriott Food Services, and the lunch line personnel to discuss problems in the cafeteria and to consider possible solutions.

Initially, the Student Issues ^ommittee began to draw up a list of concerns expressed by various students. Later, this list was presented to Full Council where some additions were made.

In general, the concerns surrounded three major areas: the

quality of food, the sanitation and health procedures both in the lines and in food distribution, and the pricing of various items.

Then, on February 24, the Student Issues Committee, along with the president of Student Council, Joe Steinfels, and the sponsors, Mr. Feichter and Ms. Finneran, met with Dr. Cachur, Cindy Cohen, the district Marriot representative, and Sue Gorden, the coordinator of the Maine South cafeteria, to address this list of concerns.

In the discussions of food quality, many students shared their experiences of receiving hot food that is not hot enough or cold food that is not cold enough.

In particular, cold french fries and unchilled sandwiches were cited as examples.

In addition, problems with the freshness of buns, fi-ench fries, and bagels were brought up. At the February 24 meeting, Cindy Cohen and Sue Gordon See Cafeteria debate page 6

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The many faces of movie violence

by Maria Poulos Violence - a trend in movies that, in some people's view, has continually gotten worse. There is a lot of controversy over what is appropriate and what should be censored. Recently, this controversy entered the Park Ridge community and wreaked some havoc. Faces ofDeath4 was featured at Golf Mill Theater two weeks ago.

For those not familiar with Faces of Death, it is a series of movies that show live footage of pie dying. Usually, these chps not show a loving family huddled around their old, dying grandmother who has her family's support during her de-

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parture, but rather, bloody accidents and violent murders.

One such clip of an accident featured a girl getting run over by a motor boat, then a close-up shot on what was left of her.

Another showed an alligator biting off a guy's head. Even more gruesome was one clip in the series consisting of people bashing in the heads of live monkeys, taking out pieces of the monkeys' brains with their knives and eating the pieces.

If people are wondering who would go to see something like this, they should take a look around. Many Maine South students participated in the event.

And many of them also support

the movie's right to be shown in public. When asked whether or not these kinds of movies should be censored, sophc)more Kierstin Forsythe said, "No. Those movies are great. I think they're kinda funny."

Senior Carey D<!ma comments further by saying, 'It's not really accesible to the public. You have to go out and find it, so people know what they're getting."

Of course, there are two sides to every story. "My brother wouldn't let me see it because it was too horrible," s;nior Shawnee Pourmehdi says.

"I was eight ye;irs old when I first saw it and it was sick," remembers senior Mjg O'Donnell.

Among other violent movies that have gained some notoriety among Maine South students are Reservoir Dogs, A Video Drone, andA ClockworkOrange.These movies have excessive violence and some even contain scenes showing brutalization of women through gang rape. All of these movies are available at local video stores.

Finally, commenting on the general trend of violence in movies, Marjee Chmiel says, "I think it's sick that my eight year old brother can watch people's faces being blow off without even flinching. Sometimes he'll even laugh, he's so jaded from movie violence."

Commentary

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Kazoos and advice what a graduation

by Katie Burns The majority of my Mends have no faith in the nature of mankind and express this lack of faith verbally all the time.

People, my friends say, don't do anything that doesn't benefit them direcdy.

This is the reason, of course, that my friends volunteer at hospitals, churches, and homeless shelters for no money and no recognition. This is the reason that people take in foster children, relative's children, and foreign children, caring for them as their own and never knowing how long they can stay.

This is the reason so many whites support equal rights for races of all colors and the reason so many men support equal rights for both sexes. This is the reason that people from here to Pakhistan to Iceland dedicate their lives to helping the helpless and the reason that one friend puts in long hours to help another in a class. This is the reason that one family adopts stray animals and another adopts the neighborhood's kids.

People, my friends say, don't really care about anything or anyone.

That explains the fact that when a person breaks down in tears, everyone in the area immediately crowds around like so many caring and clucking mother hens, regardless of age or social grouping. That explains huge arguments over human rights in mere classrooms. That explains dying for a cause or a religious belief or to save the lives of others.

That explains how petty arguments are so easily forgotten when another is hurt and in need of help. That explains why parents care and provide for their children and why children later care and provide for their parents through all the heartache and pain involved along the way.

People, my friends say, are out there to screw you over at the very first opportunity they get.

This must be why there are so many dear and lasting friendships in the world. This must be why so many people entrust their most secret dreams and hopes, thoughts and feelings to one another and the confidence is betrayed so relatively few times. This must be why a couple can fall in love, be married at twenty-two, and be buried side by side on a grassy plot under two flat stones bearing the simple epitaphs "Husband" and "Wife."

This must be why billions of total strangers can be thrown into the common fishbowl we call the Planet Earth and make it a lovely, interesting, and caring place to be.

People, my friends say, are people.

To this, in truth, I agree and happily. I would have it no other way.

by Audrey Howard This weekend I went to my first graduatio n party. I know. Commencement will not happen for another 2 1/2 months (argh!), but a family that some of my friends and I babysi t for is moving and will miss our graduation, so they decided to throw us a little shindig;.

Granted, it wasn't quite your ordinary part)'.

The beverage of choice....tea. Festivities included a mock graduation which consisted of marching in circles behind a five-year-old to a kazoo rendition of "Pomp and Circumstance". We received diplomas, brilliantly scripted in crayon, and we tossed cardboard party hats into the air.

The gala was conducted with a light frovolity, yet an undercurrent of seriousness pervaded. I realized not only that a family that is very close to me will be moving away, but also that my friends, and many of the faces I see everyday in the halls of Maine South, will be moving away as well. Sure, it's easy to say, ' I can't wait to graduate," but in doing so, aren t we taking for granted the things we have prej;ently? I wonder how excited I'll be seven months from now, with my companions more than just a few blocks away. I realize that I should make the best of the rest of my time here in high school with the friends that I'v; just now learned to fully appreciate, instead of merely pining for the future. I should also dump some of the haughty senior attitude that I and others like me have recently acquirecl.

High school really isn't so bad. It's the waiting for the next big step in life that is unbearable.

With this in mind, it would be unjust to discount the four years we spend here. Think

of all the things you actually did learn (even while sleeping through Physics, like a certain commentary writer). Or the sport at which you worked and worked to prove your ability.

I truly believe that we depart from Maine South as wiser, stronger, more mature individuals. That's what high school is for-a preparation for bigger and better things.

Despite the knowledge that we've aquired here, to blunder onto the college scene without some further preparation would be unwise. We've all heard tips such as watch out for the cafeteria food, bring your laundry home for your mom to do, and so on. Well, our "graduation speech" at the party contained several more leamed-the-hard-way tips that might prove useful: 1.) Never take a class that starts before 10 a.m.

2.) Don't write home only when you need money - your parents catch on really quickly.

3.) Always take at least one easy class per semester.

4.) Don't give your money to the guys hanging out in front of the liquor store - they will take your money and run!

5.) Two years after you graduate, no one' will ask you about your college grades.

(I neglect to mention the important things such as: study hard and stay out of trouble.

But these are understood, right? Right.) The last piece of advice the family gave us is something that I hope all my classmates stick to: become what you really want to become in life; do what you enjoy doing.

My graduation present from this family was a professional actor's stage make-up kit.

Were they trying to tell me something?

A word from Citizen Byrne elected, I plan to do everything I can to shut

by Kevin Byrne Hello, Junior class, my name is Kevin J.J. Student Council off from the rest of the Byrne and I am running for the office of school. I mean, it's not like you use that box Student Council Municipal Officer. But firs:, in the library, anyway. My personal philosolet me tell you a little bit about myself. I phy is, "You do anything to help your friends, faithfully served on Spanish Club freshman just as you do anything to kick your enemies." and sophomore years, until I realized I couU And I will do just that. I will wield this Student get into the breakfasts without being a mem- Government like a double-edged sword to ber. I was also on the swim team freshman fulfill my own personal feelings of revenge. year, but then I stopped because that required And it doesn't matter what you think. You work. Of course, there was that little incidert don't know who I am because I didn't bother . concerning the Little Debbie Snack Cakes, to plaster the walls with "Vote Byrne or you'll I but that is all in the past. I'm better now. I get burned." I didn'tbother for the simple fact have never held a prominent position in Stu- that I don't care if you vote for me. In fact, dent Council before, but I feel that a person don't vote, you will just be getting in my way. with my...Oh heck, it doesn't matter what I Because no one is running against me and the say. Look -1 got the required one hundred sig - only vote I need is my own. natures and that's all I need. When I a n Thank you very much, and God bless.

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Have a nice day (yeah right)

by Jennifer Johnson Last summer, desperate for a job, I began working for the first time at a fast food restaurant. Now, some nine months later, I have come to a realization.

I hate people.

Okay, not all people, but many people. At least those who I have encountered while working in the "real world."

I have also come to the conclusion that there are only four types of customers in the world. They are either nice and pleasant, or they are weird, or cheap, or obnoxious.

There is little in between.

Through working I have had the unfortunate luck of meeting people I wouldn't even want to make eye contact with, much less keep up a polite and happy manner for while I act as their personal slave. For example, my first month at work consisted of meeting a woman who scared the life out of me when she suddenlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for no reason at all it seemedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;began screaming in this shrill voice that I wasn't going to touch the inside of her bag or the lids of her cups with my germy hands. She then proceeded to spit at other customers in line and begin fights with them because someone touched her arm.

Yeah. Whatever.

At this time, I was rather scared, to say the least. After all, the week before I had been told what to do if someone with a gun were to hold us all up. Since this woman appeared to be just a little bit insane, I couldn't help but worry that something might happen.

Luckily, nothing did, but as a more expe-

rienced worker, I now know that if a situation like this were to happen again I would call security, no questions asked.

Yet, there are weird people who aren't insane, and what do you do with them? One situation occurred a few weeks ago wher a woman who appeared nice and friendly sÂŁid she wanted our $0.89 french fries for SO. 18 because our sign was broken, and even though one of our managers tried to fix it aad explain the problem (nicely), the woman wouldn't relent.

In the end one of the other managers gave her the fries for SO. 18 even though I thought telling her to take us to court for SO. 18 french fries would have been a much better solution.

If a weird customer isn't standing on the other side of the counter, most likely a cheapskate will be. I can't tell you how many unbelievably cheap people I have encountered at my job. People will basically take advantage of anything that is free. I actually saw a woman take a handful of free sample children's cookies we had out on the counier and stuff them into her purse with evenfiinc hing or being concerned that there were a ton of people around her watching.

Senior Citizens are commonly the most cheap people I must deal with. Many of them have complained that coffee is $0.27 instead of free and that there is no Senior discount on food.

The obnoxious customers I have encountered are just as annoying. So many people just don't have any patience or respect lor workers behind the counter. Being rude just

comes with the territory of an obnoxious customer and normally one will find this person complaining about something, no matter how trivial it may be. Normally, I find that many times obnoxious customers and cheapskates are one in the same. Just last weekend an elderly woman ranted and raved that she had to pay six cents tax and that her ice cream cone was too small.

Oh no.

Another favorite customer of ours (I'm being extremely sarcastic, by the way) brings back the same coffee cup every night for a refill, not really caring that what he is doing is totally stupid and unfair. At this point, no one bothers to tell him the phrase "same day refills only" because he probably wouldn't care anyway. But why should he get something for nothing and how does he have the nerve to do it?

As the months go by, I've seen more and more strange customers and have retold tales about them to my family and friends and most often they'll respond with laughs. Yes, seeing these people can be rather funny, but usually it is frustrating. It's frustrating because many of these people cannot comprehend how others feel about their actions or even realize that what they are doing gets on the nerves of the employees.

So die next time that you feel like being Mr. Weird, Mr. Cheap, or Mr. Obnoxious, take on the role of the nice and pleasant customer instead or else plan on living in fear.

Remember, I'm the one who has access to your food and drinks.

Environmentalism: anti-mind and anti-man

by Andrea Wells A survey was recently taken concerning the opinions of Maine South students on the environmentalist movement. The results were unanimous. One hundred percent of the students surveyed felt that the environmentalist movement is important. In fact, sixty-four percent of students surveyed saw the movement as extremely important.

However, the source of the statistics used by environmentalists and even their basic philosophy have caused some people to turn away in complete disgust. This is rather unfortunate because there are some ecological problems, such as extreme cases of factory exhaust and the dumping of wastes in streams.

Now: why some have come to disregard the environmental movement altogether.

One of the major problems of environmen-

talism is the source of its statistics and tests lor pollution. Often, statistics are cited frcm unknown sources. Irrational statements ne made, such as "recycling a ton of paper saves seventeen trees." This comment inspires several questions. How old were these trees?

How large were these trees? Were these trees growing in a man-planted forest, where they would be replaced upon removal? If these trees remained in the forest instead of beiig cut down for paper, would they eventually die and give off carbon dioxide? Would they give off more carbon than the oxygen they had produced?

The Environmental Protection Agency has also been known to eminate bogus information, such as the endorsement of methanal, which is highly toxic, as a fuel for automobiles. When the "leading authority" is con-

fused, it's no wonder that the majority of the people are confused. No wonder some people have come to discredit the environmentalist movement.

The solutions for ecological problems, existent or otherwise, posed by environmentalists tend to be along some very interesting lines. They gravitate toward themes such as "let's go back to nature" and "technological advances mean more pollution." According to a Newsweek survey entitled "The Ravaged Environment," ecologists are calling for "some fairly important modifications of the American system of free-enterprise and free choice."

There are some inherent flaws in the nature of these themes. First of all, in order to exist, man must produce some waste. Man is not see Environment page 4

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April Fools'-the "holiday" lives on

by Jenny Utz My mouth was watering as I raised the chocolate candy to my lips. Upon biting into the chocolate ball, I tasted a rich sweetness.

As I continued to chew this edible ecstasy, I began to notice a strange softness in the center. It didn' t seem much like a caramel or fruit center—it felt more like a cotton ball.

"April Fool!" my friends shouted when they saw the disgusted look on my face.

Stories similar to this occur on the first day of April all around the world. Although the day commonly called April Fools' Day is not a legal holiday, it still receives widespread observance.

Although the true origin of April Fools' Day is uncertain, there are many theories that try to explain how the day came about. Several experts believe it came from the Vernal Equinox because gifts were exchanged on the last day of the celebration—April first. Others trace it back to the ancient Hindu Pagan Festival or attribute it to a story in Greek mythology.

There are even those who swear April Fools' Day began in the Bible when Noah sent

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a dove out of the ark before the waters werit down.

However, the most common theory of the holiday is that it originated in France. Aprl first used to be New Year's Day in France until Charles IX adopted the Gregorian calen darin 1564,makingJanuary thefirstmonthof the year.

When this change came about, many people were not aware that the first month cf the year had been switched and many of those who knew objected to it. When the first cf April rolled around, these people still continued to exchange New Year's gifts and calls with relatives and friends. Gradually, this evolved into a yearly joke and so began April Fool's Day. Most people associate this foolish day with tricks like "kick me" signs, prank telephone calls, or putting salt on candy. Yet, in the past, some pranks were taken much further.

In London in 1860, someone sent invitations asking people to come to the Tower of London for the annual "washing of the White Lions." On April first, thousands of people showed up at the tower, only to find out that

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there was no such event.

Some years later, another zany stunt was pulled off by a disc jockey in Hawaii. He told listeners that because the bill for statehood had been passed, islanders' taxes for the previous year would be refunded. Great excitement followed—newspapers, radio stations, and the IRS were bombarded with calls from people who really believed the hoax.

April Fools' Day was used to an advantage by the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine who were prisoners during a war. On April first, dressed as peasants, they managed to pass through the prison gates. This was possible because they had sent an informer ahead to tell the guards that they were escaping. The guards, who thought the escape was all an April Fool's joke, simply laughed.

Although April Fools' is not a true holiday, people still find themsleves on the lookout for pranksters who observe the holiday each year.

Some people are so cautious of being fooled that they takeprecautions. In Australia, the zoos refrain from answering their telephones because there are more calls for the animals than for the zoo workers!

On the eve of spring break,

some sour thoughts

Charity Treiease F n \/j r n n m p n t ^o"^'""®^ ^^^^ p^g® 3Oh yes -byspring is in the air. I can smell bom with claws, sharp teeth, a protective shell, or fur. As a result, he has to use his most valuable faculty: his mind. He has to use his mind in order to produce and he will inevitably generate some waste in the process of producing. In other words, as long as man lives, there will be waste produced.

Secondly, consider the results of preserving nature for nature's sake (as opposed to the sake of man) and being opposed to technological progress. Without technology there would be very little pollution, there would also be a very low standard of living as well as a very low life expectancy.

Technological advances must be present in order for man to lead an enjoyable, productive life. With better technology, less time is spent on menial tasks and society generally becomes more productive. Moreover, technological advances also mean things like cleaner emissions through the field of natural gas.

The incessant complaints about cities and what is produced therein are necessarily antiman. Cities are not evil. They produce, and while there is some waste and some pollution generated in this production, without it life

would be very different.

Self-sufficiency sounds individualistic, romantic, and in the spirit of the Americati manifesto, but consider life as a self-sufficient farmer, for instance. Everything used, everything needed must be made or grown by the farmer and his wife. For example, the farmer must own every farm animal. He must havs dairy cattle, beef cattle, hens, hogs, sheep. He must grow cotton, com, beans, peas, whea;.

He must also turn all these raw materials into products he can use. He will barely be able ta survive, much less advance technologically t3 improve the quality of his life.

Of course, the advantage of this lifestyle is that there would not be any cities. Mmmmm.

No cities would mean no libraries, no museums, no amusement parks, no time for discus sions, no time for debates. Take your pick.

Nature is not nice; in order for man tD survive, he must obey nature and then command it.

For more information on this topic. I recommend Rational Readings on Environmental Concerns, a very interesting and enlightening work.

it. Everyone can. Just as student council members tan sense price hikes in cafeteria food can we, the burned-out students of Maine South feel the onset of spring.

Okay, okay, so maybe the fact that today is our final day in this mundane prison of education (for one whopping week - hurrah) gave it away. The whole Spring Break concept does suggest something about... well, spring. Anyhow, freedom teases us as visions of beac lies and carefree days parade through our bloated minds.

In fact, I'll bet many of you are ha\ing trouble staying focused today. Somehow, trigonometry is overshadowed by summer dreams, But do keep in mind that finals lurk like cops in the forest presen e. One false step, one biown-off homework assignment, and POVV! That failure notice is in the mail.

There, now wasn't that nice of me to ruin your worry-free spring break? Yes, well reality often does that. Wake up and smell the scan trons. Put those bikijii thoughts on hold for a few more months.,.

In the meantime, try to enjoy your spring break. ^

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The hypocrisy of religious war

by Jane Quaiver Peace was the motto of the 60's, a time where acceptance flourished and cultural barriers were broken.

Although sometimes evolving to violence, peaceful protests were, for the most part, a way to make a point without widespread destruction.

Many would say the motto of the 90's is war. B arriers that were broken in the 60' s have reappeared as stone walls. Acceptance has deteriorated and a new virus of hatred has manifested worldwide.

It seems that conversation and compromise have taken a backseat to gunfire and bloodshed. Human life has become less important than a piece of land. What can cause people to use any method to prove that they are right?

What factor in life can cause a person, without much hesitation, to inflict pain and death on people whom they won't even try to understand? A lot has to do with the age old question of religion.

Our country was founded because ofa need for religious refuge and today countries are crumbling because of an uncompromising stand of religious freedom.

Battles over reUgion are nothing new.

Some can be traced back for centuries. Stemming back to ancient times, the Crusades and other religious wars have been fought when, more often than not, religion states that one should live peacefully.

"It's [religious war] part of what happens, it'sjustal ways beenapart of life, and probably always will be,"said one Maine South junior.

And today in what is called a civilized world, war seems to be as common as breathing. So how has our modem world returned to its primeval state and resorted to a problem solving method, most associated with chil-

dren who are too young to understand the concept of compromise?

Of course problems are trying to be resolved and one must give credit where credit is due. Many nations have tried to wcirk things out. It's just that settling such deep rooted problems takes time and effort on everybody's part.

The Israeli peace talks looked to be a v<',ry promising step in the road to tolerance but now talks have frozen because of more violence.

Dozens of Palestinians were massacred by a Jewish settler during prayer at a mosque.

Conflict between Arabs and Jews has been going on for years. Just when peace talks were transpiring, more violence paralyzed the chance for reconciliation.

One freshman stated," I don't think it's fair to blame an entire community for one maniac's behavior. Judging the majority by a few separate incidents can be very dangerous. Look where it has gotten half the world - into war."

Most likely retaliation will ensue and the vicious cycle will continue.

Germany is faced with a new surge in ihe growing popularity of the Nazi party and their anti-Semitic beliefs. Attacks on Jews have surged in the past three years causing the German government to pass laws banning this kind of party. But unfortunately, these laws can't extinguish the feelings of hatered and violence.

But since an all out war is not in progress, how does this compare to the actual wjirs taking place elsewhere?

A Maine South senior stated,"It's hypiocritical that most people look at the Na^is with disgust. Although what they are doing is not nearly as devastatingly terrible. They are, in fact, committing similar acts. What's

wrong with someone believing what they want to believe? As long as their religion doesn't interfere with anyone else's Constituional rights, they should have a right to practice it...peacefully."

"Violence won't stop. It's a neverending circle. If someone is beaten for their beliefs they retaliate against those with opposing beliefs and nothing is accomplished. Everyone has the freedom of thought and if you agree with it or not, well then that's your perogative," states one senior.

"America has shown that it is possible to cohabitate with people of different beliefs.

There are hundreds of religions practiced here and we have been fortunate that our country hasn't had any outstanding problems with religion," said one sophomore.

The Bosnian-Croatian battle has spanned over ten months. Though it is a complicated war to follow, the horrors seen on the evening news could not be denied. With the news that peace talks might begin soon, the future looks bright. The world may be breathing a sigh of relief if this is to happen but it can't compensate for the lives lost in these past months.

The most reccuring question to surface seems to be,"If many religions preach for peace than why all the radical terrorism?"

The term the "me" generation seems to indicate the greed of people today. Some seem to believe that land is more precious a commodity than life. And until people learn otherwise, many severe problems will remain unsoved forsome time - andatacostof human lives.

It seems that the ideals of past decades have become memories. One can only hope that a new enlightenment can occur to cast a glimmer of light into the valley of death. And perhaps people will realize that fighting fire with fire will only get you burned.

•^News:

Marcir25,159^J

February students of the month Students of the Month for February are: English: Ron Bauer, Maria Burton, Erika Comelison, Denny Diduch, Andrew Elsesser, Jennifer Fontana, George Hartman, Lisa Jozwiak, Lisa LaCerra, Andy Lee, Steve Madura, Thomas Repetto, Carolyn Sponaugle, Sonja Thrush, Brad Wiemerslage.

Social Science: Chris Carrion, Emily Demonte, Kristy Kondziolka, Michael Mueller, Paul Paczocha, Devanshu Patel, Jennifer Pietrzykowski, Neal Sipkovsky, William Pavichevich.

Home Economics: Jonathon Hoffman, Brooke Mohill, Claire Pawlowski, Christine Thommes.

Foreign Language: Tom Falk, Nicholas

Klensch, Elias Kontos, Andrew Patras, Alison Tiester, Shawn Walldren.

Mathematics: Kevin Conroy, Christopher Culbertson,NoraGlowen, Anne Hildebrandt, Joe Kazmierski, Thomas Kobus, Suzana Kotur, Martin Kulak, Mary O'Donnell, Andrew Patras, Lauren Rolsing, Jeffrey Vacfi, Steve Weitzner, Carolyn Weritz.

Speech and Drama: Bryan Dayton, Michael Slaboch, Steve Tallungan.

Music: Meade Crampton, Brian Lazzarci, Howard Sonderman.

Applied Technology: Philip Duszczyk, Andrew Gansz, Dustin Puckett, Marc Sargis.

Art: Taime Bachewicz, Jeffrey Cabay, Julie Connors, Steve Maca.

C a f e t e r i a H o h ^ f g> explained that new counter-top refrigerators are in the budget for next year. In the meantime, Pepsi refrigerators have been brought in to help keep items colder.

To deal with the difficulty of maintaining hot food at the proper temperature, lunch-line workers will now keep more food, such as pizza, in warmers and will make fewer fresh fries ahead of time. In terms of food freshness, different packaging and stacking techniques will be used to assure that food does not dry out or become stale.

The concerns with the health and sanitation of the lines presented by Student Council were also addressed at the meeting. A number of students explained that lunch workers did not always wear gloves or hair nets. Ms. Cohen responded that, according to state guildelines, those involved in the handling of food are not actually required to wear gloves.

However, Marriot has retained the policy that all food service workers must wear gloves. The day before the February 24 meeting, all workers were reminded of the neccesity of wearing both gloves and hair nets.

Additionally, some students were concerned that food being transported from the kitchen to the lines and line to line was not always covered. Ms. Cohen explained that food from the kitchen would definitely always be covered. Further, fries moved from line to line could not reasonably be covered

continued from page one

because the trapped moisture ruins them. She wanted to assure everyone that all necessary steps would be taken to guarantee the sanitary transport of food.

Finally, many students were interested b the pricing of food. At the February 24 meeting. Student Council learned that all prices are set by a committee of school district adminis trators and Marriot representatives. Also, a contract exists between Marriot and the school district which specifies a set amount which Marriot is paid for its food service;.

Thus, any profits from the cafeteria go to benefit the school district.

In addition, Ms. Cohen clarified the common misconception that numerous fool prices have been raised. In reality, only four items experienced price increases. Three prices, including that for f)op, were increased by the pricing committee and the fourth, for pizza puffs, was increased because of the heightened cost for its ingredients.

Overall, the meeting proved to be very pre ducti ve as many questions were answered an j a number of concerns were immediately addressed. Ms. Cohen and Ms. Gorden expressed their continued desire to meet witn S tudent Council, as a representative of the stt dent body, to discuss any more problems an j to follow-up on the concerns which have already been expressed. Another meeting was scheduled for March 17 to continue this dia-

Upcoming Events at Maine Soutli Spring Break Good Friday—No School SAT Testing

March 25-31 Spring Activities Assembly April 1 Half-Day—No School PM April 9 Musical

Business: Tom EUiott, John Imreibe, Michelle Troyk.

Science: Amy Andrzejewski, John Bellen, Jennifer Floreani, April Gann, Holly Hameder, Edmund Hansen, Mark Mocarski, Dan Neradt, Katie O'Keefe, Greg Rokita, Tobey Schmidt, Amy Sherman, Mark Tallungan, Jason Wellner.

Driver Education: Paul Bailey, Sharon Black, Kelly Erwin, James Kenyeri.

Health: Demetri Angelos, Jonathon Dudlak.

Physical Education: Ellen Bacon, Jamie Cappello, Nicola Colic, William Dicks, Thomas Edison, Matthew Hagenbart, Jennifer Jemc, Daniel Kronenfeld, Emily Plaza.

April 20 April 21 April 22-30

logue.

Once again. Student Council would like to urge all students with concerns or ideas that might improve the cafeteria to explain their ideas on paper and place them in one of the Student Issues Boxes. In addition, any concerns can be addressed to the Student Council representative in each homeroom. During each week, the Full Council meeting is held and any such ideas are always welcomed and appreciated.

SouthwordS Southwards ts (he student-produced newspaper of Maine South High School, JlII S. Uee Rd., Park Ridge, IL (60068). Letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-130 or given to » member of the editorial staff . Soulhwords reserves the right to edit obscene or libelous mate* rial.

Editors-in-Chief„

„„..Katie Burns Charity Trclease News editors _Maria Poulos Andrea Wells Elizabeth Wllk CommenUu-y editors John Frederiksen Agnes Milewskl Features editors Jennifer .Johnson JaneQuaiver Sports editors. „ Heather Anichiol Tim Thein Distributidfl editors „ Todd Ofcnioch Cyrus Wilson Photo editor „.™ Paul Berko Art editor „ Brad Haak Adviser „ „_T. R. Kerth

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i'g^a't:;:* |Sports[

Track team seeks title at conference meet

by Ray Albin The track team continues to prove to itself and the rest of its conference competition that it is for real. The solid runners, jumpers, and throwers on the team have capped off a perfect indoor record of 7-0. The only other thing left for the Hawks to accomplish was to win the conference title at Glenbrook North.

Leading up to the Conference meet, the varsity team had to endure two extremely challenging meets. The first of these meets was the Wheeling High School Invitational. Competing in this meet were powerhouses like Glenbrook South and Naperville. The team made a fair showing in the meet and came away with several improved times as well as some much needed experience. The star athletes of this meet included Neil Gregie in the triple jump

and low hurdles and Doug Burton in the 50 yard dash. The two mile relay team of Chad Williams, Andrew Rauscher, Tony Mazzacano, and Jamie Brammeier also competed well.

The team's final dual meet competition pitted the Hawks against the Mustangs of Rolling Meadows. Once again, the solid running core led the team on to victory. The varsity team won all three relays as well as several middle distance events. The leaders of this assault included Brammeier, Rauscher, and Williams. The shot putters of the team also scored well with Phil Duszczyk leading with a 43'4" throw.

The frosh-soph team has also been experiencing success. The team came out with a stunning first place finish at the first annual

Maine East Invitational. In this meet, the team demonstrated poise on its way to a victory in almost each event with many competetors earning several places. Some notable athletes from this meet included George Hartman, Pat Maigler and Vince Collura. The frosh-soph team then moved on to the Evanston Invitational to face the elite of the North Division.

The freshmen finished a competitive 5th out of 12 teams, while the sophomores took home 8th place. With its performance in these final meets, the frosh-soph team is looking forward to obtaining a conference title.

In the final week before the conference meet, the whole team is preparing both mentally and physically. As head coach Bill Drennan noted, "All we need to do is get ready mentally. The rest will just happen."

Baseball eager to open 1994 campaign

by Joe Kain and Mike Roth Coming off a successful summer season filled with numerous victories, this year's baseball team is expecting similar results in the spring campaign. After compiling an 18-3 record, the team finished with a 5th place medal in the IHSBCA state tournament.

However, the team is not overconfident due to their summer success and is presently working hard to achieve it's goals.

This year's team consists of several returning lettermen which should provide a lot of ex-

perience and leadership. Ten seniors including Fred Czerwionka, Marty Dula, Denny Diduch, Mike Roth, Pat O'Malley, Milce Rowan, Joe Kain, Scott Cameron, Bill Egger, and newcomer Craig Hallgren will give the team a strong backbone.

There are many juniors on this yeai's team that will be expected to step up in tlie coming months. Romeo DeLaCruz is back for his second season in the infield and Joe Rodino will definitely be an asset to the team. Other juniors include Dan Pacer, Don

Kura, Mike O'Malley, Dave Nelson, Mark Rantis, ScottPasnik, Paul Guercio, and sophomore John Shacke.

Skipper Jerry Romes has been working diligently to shape this team into a well-oiled machine. Along with Romes, assistant coach Jim Spiggos joins the staff with a determined attitude and a positive outlook on the season.

Defense will be the forte of the team, but timely hittting and accurate pitching will be the key to bringing a conference title back to Maine South.

Hoops lose nail-biterto G.B.S. in playoff

by Matt Friesl The much awaited state playoff contest between the highly reagarded Glenbrook South Titans and the Hawks tipped off an hour after originally planned due to a power failure caused by Spiro Katerinis, who shot the lights out in the pre-game three point shootout.

Along with Katerinis, T.J. Cohen qualified for

second round action.

After leading for the majority of tlie game, the Hawks couldn't come away with the victory. Led by co-MVP's Mike Rowan and Joe Kain, the Hawks looked impressive and clung to a six point lead at halftime. In the second half, G.B .S. gained the lead due to accurate shooting by Aaron Baskerville.

The Hawks cut the lead to as low as four but couldn't regain the lead. T.J. Cohen and Rommel DeLaCruz kept the score close in the closing minutes due to timely three point shooting. Cohen was voted most improved by his teammates.

With the senior class now departing, the upcoming seniors prepare for next year.

Gymnastics looking for first victory of season

by Joe Steinfels The Boy's gymnastic team, after suffering from last year's retirement of head coach John Riccitelli, is working hard to improve last year's record of 2-8. With exceptional young talent including freshman Brad Galvin, Pierre Roustan, and sophomore Steve Madura, the team's future looks bright.

The more experienced members on this year's team include Reed Michalski, Tyler Norman, Trent Vensas, and Pete Sedivy.

Michalski offers a super floor routine that he has been performing for three years on the varsity level. Norman competes on rin^is, parallel bars, and the pommel horse. Vensiis, the most versatile athlete on the team, performs on the rings, high bar, parallel bais, pommel horse, and vault. Sedivy competes on both the vault and the floor. Sedivy will be looked upon by his teammates to provide leadership and guidance.

Although the team's 0-3 record does not

reflect it, steady improvement has been made.

The Hawks suffered their first defeat to crosstown rival Maine East by a score of 90.2-85.1.

The next meet was a loss to Glenbrook North by a score of 98.6-86.2. Most recently, the Hawks lost to Highland Park by only three points.

The gymnastics team looks to improve on their record and hopes to receive plenty of support in it's home meet against Niles West on April sixth.

8

Sport-

Marcli25^I994

Talented track team takes third

by Ellen Bacon The Maine South girls' track team isenjoying an excellent indoor season this year. The girls are consistently performing well, despite frequent injury, and are optimistic about their progress.

The positive attitude which abounds is attributed to the record breaking performances by the entire team. Earlier in the season, the mile relay team broke the school record by fourteen seconds and set off a chain reaction.

Jenny Green has earned herself a place on the record wall in the fieldhouse with an outstanding performance in the 50 yard dash. She completed the race in 6.5 seconds, securing herself a place in Maine South history. Following that run. Green broke the Buffalo Grove Invitational's meet record in the high jump, clearing the five foot mark. These accomplishments also won Green the title of Player of the Week. The title is awarded by the Park Ridge Advocate and is given to the most successful area athlete each week.

Another athlete also had an incredible performance at the Buffalo Grove meet.

Gretchen Hendrickson set the standard in the long jump, eventually coming out on top.

Henrickson is preparing for a second U^ip to the state meet in her event and is improving her jump with every competition.

The team's mile relay team also looked good in its quest for a state berth. Relay teammates Kara Vormittag, Stephanie Chen, Sara Payne, and Green continue to drop time as the season progresses.

The team placed third overall in the meet.

j Varsity long jumper and mile reliy team member Stephanie Chen leaps her farthest in a recent dual meet.

Photo by Natalie Mazzuca which was quite an accomplishment in such a tough field. Both the girls and their coach were pleased, especially with the record breaking performance. Hopefully, the momentum of such good performances will carry them into even better finishes in post

season meets and eventually the outdoor season.

Provided that the team stays healthy and continues to work hard while dropping times.

Hawk fans can expect great things from this group of girls.

Badminton back and ready for action

by Katie Burns One of the least touted of the Maine South athletic teams heads into yet another season this spring, not expecting too many fans, but hoping to have a good time nonetheless.

The badminton team is often scoffed at, the sport being excluded from the category of "real sports" in many minds. In previous years. Coach McGuigan has dissuaded this idea with tough practices, including weight training, running, and drills galore. The team members came to dread the so-called "suicides," in which one is given a certain amount of time to run back and forth across a space ten times. Upon failing to do so comes the clincher: one must keep trying with slightly increasing time limits until success.

The harsh requirements set by Coach McGuigan did aid the team in a sport that is much like tennis, requiring stamina and speed. However, many team members felt

Coach McGuigan was taking the sport more seriously than any sport should be taken.

This year a new coach, Julie Thein, will try her hand at leading the rather low ranked team to better scores. Mrs. Neilson will continue to coach the JV team, returning for her third year.

The prospects for this season are not too bright. The team must deal with the loss of leading seniors Anna Nommensen, Sae Tsukahara, and the infamous Debbies: Chan and Anselmini, who played doubles together and made cheering easy with their names.

This year the only remaining member from last year's varsity team and the only senior, Ghizala Khan, is supported by many up and coming juniors, including Kristina Ho, Anne Phillips, Sarah Jarosz, Sarah Egebergh, and Jenny Gordan. A plethora of freshman and a few sophomores follow. J V Coach Neilson comments, "We're a very young and inexpe-

rienced team and we're looking to build."

The team must face other problems beyond simple membership, also. Unfortunately, neither of the coaches teaches at Maine South, which can delay practices and even meets.

Once again, gym use must be shared and shuffled with the boys' volleyball team, putting practices at different times daily. Once again, the team must face opponents with their own private fan clubs and clenched teeth attitude.

The badminton team will work past these obstacles, though, and enjoy all the little triumphs in day long tournaments and late Tuesday night meets. All the members really need is fruit and crackers to munch while cheering their teammates and new birdies balanced on well-worn rackets for each game. The rest will come to pass with the good cheer and sisterhood that is natural to the team.

Of course, getting used to playing in skirts should be an interesting challenge, too.