Vol 30 issue 14

Volume 30, issue 14 May 13, 1994

SouthwordS

Maine South H.S. Park Ridge, IL

Maine South makes history at fair

by Dana Wade and Andrea Wells On March 19, Maine South student historians met at Lincoln Park High School for the regional competition of the Chicago Metro History Fair. Students used this as an opportunity to show off the projects they had been working on with help from their history teachers since fall of 1993. These subjects for these projects ranged from the "Weenie Wagon" to the Chicago Fire to Enrico Fermi.

The three categories into which projects were entered were exhibit, written, and performance (live or video). The competition was an all-day Saturday event, starting at 9:00 A.M. Students set up exhibits, rewound videos, and warmed up for performances.

After the project was presented to a panel of approximately four judges, the students were interviewed on matters such as choice of medium and choice of topic. The remainder of the day was spent examining other projects, eating lunch at local restaurants, and anxiously awaiting the award ceremony. At the ceremony, students were presented with certificates and posters. The names of students advancing to the Chicago final competition were also announced.

The Maine South finalists were Paul Berko and Tim Paschke with "Weenie Wagon," Jenny Sass and Brooke Swanson with "Maine South from Hillary Clinton to Brooke Swan-

son, Dana Wade and Andrea Wells with "Making it in America: the Story of Home Run Inn," Bryan Dayton, Lisa Klueppel, Ken Lai, and Waller Walczyk with "The Atoms Family: Enrico Fermi," Phil Rossi with "The Chicago Fire," and Kara Wipf with "Graceland Cemetery."

Judges' written evaluations of projects were sent to the students as suggestions for

improvements to be made between competitions. The Chicagofinalcompetition for performances was held on April 21 at the Newberry Library and for exhibits and papers on May 4 at the Cultural Center. These projects were viewed under circumstances similar to those of the regional competi tion by a panel of two judges. The award ceremony for city finals will be held at a later date.

AP Constitution Team takes fourth

by Todd Ofenloch Between April 29 and May 3, the state champion Maine South Constitution team competed in the national final competition at Washington, D.C. The team accomplished its goal of being one of the top ten teams in the nation and missed the top three medal-earning spots by only two points.

In the end, the team captured the award for fourth place. The top three spots went to Florida, Oregon, and California respectively.

The competition is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education and the program is fully funded by the federal government.

Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia competed in the event.

Competition days were Saturday, April 30,

Sunday, May 1, and for the top ten teams, Monday, May 2. The first two days of the competition took place at the national 4-H Center. The final round of competition was held at the historic Dirksen Federal Building in the same room that the Clarence Thomas and Watergate hearings occurred.

Beyond the competition, the team had the opportunity to spend hours sight-seeing and touring. Locations visited include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the White House, the Capital and Supreme Court Buildings, and the Smithsonian Institute.

In addition to seeing the sights, the team also had the opfxjrtunity to meet numerous infiuential individuals in American politics today, among them Supreme Court Justice

Antoine Scalin, Representative Henry J. Hyde, and Senator Paul Simon.

The members of the constitution team include Katie Beaumont, Laura Bellen, Nicole Berg, Natalie Boitchouk, Alison Burnett, Anne Butera, Liz Carlson, Erika Comelisen, Meade Crampton, Devon Dillenbeck, Mark DuBrock, Chrissy Dudlak, Matthew Fontaine, Kerry Goggin, Kathleen Hanley, Heather Kirschke, Steve Krull, Elizabeth Kurtz, Tim Mulvihill, Pete Nelson, Todd Ofenloch, Stephanie Poulos, Erin Shields, Joseph Steinfels, Erica Swanson, Dave Szwed, Dorothy Waniak, and Paul Zurawski.

All are students in Mr. Patton Feichters' seventh period A.P. government class. Many of the members switched to seventh period from eighth period just to be on the team.

Commentary

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by Katie Burns The assembly ended and the football team was rather miffed. The regional champion Science Olympiad, Math, and Scholastic Bowl teams had been touted and congratulated with lengthy speeches, but had the football team's upcoming competition at the state level even been mentioned? The long-suffering, under-funded, and often ignored team was forced to take it into stride as the school system, once again, emphasized mental dexterity over physical skill. The football players straggled out to return to their separate classes, mumbling sadly, but realizing little would be done if they openly complained.

At the game that afternoon, the other team showed up late, wearing bright new uniforms and being trailed by a fan club. The snazzily bedecked head coach sneered, "Sorry. We didn't mean to be late, but..."

His own raucous laughter stopped him midsentence. A moment later he continued, gasping for air, "But we asked where the football team was competing - and the person we asked told us he didn't even know what a football team was!"

The members of the snazzy coach's team guffawed and wiped the tears raining down their cheeks. The home team just sighed.

It was nice, reflected the home team, to see the smiles wiped off of those haughty faces a little while later. The skill of the home team was plain, even though most of the school did not see it. At halftime the score was 28-7, but no band played. Thefinalscore was 49-7, but no wild fans rushed onto thefieldto pound the winners on the back.

The members of the football team did not mind. They were used to it.

Instead, the members took satisfaction in knowing they had won as the opposing team left with mud slathered on sweaty brows.

They took satisfaction in knowing that they were doing something they enjoyed. They took satisfaction in knowing that they were learning much and becoming stronger through 'active involvement.'

Yet, nagging thoughts tugged at the minds of the team members. They wondered why the administration could not see that sports broaden and improve people just as academics can. They wondered why teachers did not understand that applying information learned in PE to a football game is just as important as applying information learned in Physics to a lab experiment They wondered that no one could see that neither academics nor sports nor anything else is the most important aspect of school life, but that a balance is So, they trudged back to the school, sadly mumbling their profound feeling of miff.

Letters to the editors: options for otherprogramsof enrichment. For the past two years, with the help of a dedicated All good things must end, and it is with group of Maine South parents, Southfest has sadness that the Southfest Committee an- supported itselffinanciallywith money raised nounces, today, the end of a "good thing": through the Market Day program. Market Day will continue and the accumulated funds SOUTHFEST. The reasons behind this decision are many. will be set aside. In order to preserve the Yes, declining attendance is one factor; about enrichment opportunities provided by one-third of the student body did not partici- Southfest, students, faculty, and staff are pate in this year's program. The excuses encouraged to design innovative programs varied, but the message from students and and to submit them in writing to Dr. Cachur parents was sadly clear. Many viewed for future consideration. Those interested in Southfest as a day to skip rather than as a day serving on a planning committee should exto learn. However, attendance is not the only press that intent as well. Here's to the future! reason. The time commitment for both faculty and parent committee members has be—The Southfest Committee come excessive. In addition, securing a large number of new presenters each year has beSchool Sexism come increasingly difficult.

Looking back, Southfest has enjoyed a It is hard to respect a school that punishes very successful run, beginning with the first students for wearing beer shirts or for sporting "fest"backin 1985. Since that time, students, shirts with off-color jokes, while at the same parents, faculty, and staff have shared experi- time the bookstore displays women's garters ences that can definitely be classified as in the window! I am sorry, but this school is unique. It is this "unique" program that has not a lingerie store. If the school is concerned helped to set Maine South apart from other about maintaining an upstanding reputation, schools and that has given us a chance to grow it has sorely failed yet again. Hypocrisy beyond the ordinary classroom experience. reigns supreme. Why not worry about how The enduring value of such varied educa- smart our women are, not how sexy they look? tional experiences remains essential. Therefore, next year will be a year of exploring new -Meaghan Cahill-Dunn, Class of 1995

A Southfest Obituary

II

Black '94" - the year Southfest died

by Agnes Milewski and Charity Trelease lean seeitnow... my grandchildren will be perched upon my knee asking me questions about my youth.

"Tell us about Southfest again. Grandma!"

My face lights up as I recall the good old days, the days of glory, the days oi Southfest.

I tell my little tots about the variety of groups that visisted our school each year. I learned so much during these special days. That is, until "black '94" reared its ugly head. That was the year that Southfest died.

Oh, whoops. Back to reality. Now kids, how could we have allowed Southfest to slip through ourfingerslike that? Call me nutty, but I personally enjoyed it. This was probably because I went to the programs I wanted to attend regardless of my assigned schedule.

I think many students felt that they had to go to their assigned programs. Not wanting to sit through something of no interest to them, they decided to not bother coming at all.

This lack of interest in assigned programs may have played a big part int the death of Southfest.

Perhaps the sign-up process should have

been more of an interest survey, to dismiss those programs in which the students were not interested.

But since you cannot please everyone, a program like Southfest is hard to organize. I guess that the youth of today is much different than that of 1985 (when attendance was much greater). Maybe Southfest should focus on one aspect or theme, and display many examples of it.

Let me clarify. Forexample, the day might have a culinary theme, with many different types of food being prepared. (A sort of large scale International Food Fest, if you will).

Or maybe the day could have a musical theme (which would be a good idea judging by the popularity of musical groups at Southfest in the last few years). Chicago and its suburbs are home to many fine bands who might be available to play.

Of course, all of these programs would have to be educational in some way. (That was the point of Southfest, remember?) I leave it up to you, the students, to come up with better ideas and suggestions than mine. (Come on, they're actually asking us for help!)

iOUIiVv^ililf:

iCommentary I

The final cry to the world they left behind

by Maria Poulos Suicide. The third leading killer of 15- to 24-year-olds. The end that has recently claimed the life of Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana. The act that has one hundred attempting it and failing for every one who succeeds.

The main argument against suicide contends that the person should realize that while the problem is not permanent, the solution is.

Others, however, maintain that people have a "right" to suicide, a "right" to die.

Suicide researchers have uncovered some interesting facts on the subject. Doctors have recently found a Unk between violent behavior and the hormone serotonin. Low levels of this hormone in the brain appear to increase suicidal tendencies in humans. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 22 of 22 autopsies performed on suicide victims found relatively low levels of serotonin in the brain.

Treatment for this condition is available and can help people to resist violent behavior and to avoid suicide. But treatment can only be provided if a patient consents to receive it Now, consider this: if a person is known to be

more likely to commit suicide, is it society's role to force him into treatment?

Research also suggests that one's environment will sometimes make one react in a violent, harmful, unpreventable fashion. The most famous example of this phenomenon has been the Jonestown, Texas incident of 1978, in which over 900 members of the People's Temple cult committed mass suicide. The cult members were constantly monitored by armed guards. The members worked eleven hours a day and were cut off from any contact with the outside world. In addition, the leader of the cult constantly bombarded its members with speeches advocating suicide and gave them little lime to think for themselves. This environment directly contributed to the deadly outcome.

Even though the cult members looked as if they had voluntarily killed themselves, some still argue that the mass suicide was not a choice, but rather a reaction to the surrounding environment. But does the government have a right to break up these cults simply because society does not agree with the principles involved? Or do these people have a

right to live in an environment ripe for suicide? To what extent can the government act to prevent a ritual our culture considers so terribly wrong?

And what about people who want to help others to kill themselves? This is a question that the courts have recently tried to answer in the case of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. It looks as if the factors involved in each of his cases arc too numerous and too complex to make a satisfactOTy judgement. Nevertheless, the court found Dr. Kevorkian not guilty.

To me, it seems that most people that commit suicide do not want to die. But my view is culturally biased. I have grown up learning that suicide is wrong under every circumstance. Other cultures and groups, however, look upon suicide as an act of honor.

Who's right? Who knows. And as much as we can look for the causes of suicide and argue where prevention stops and human rights begin, most answers lie with the people who have decided to end their lives.

To them and to countless others, it is their loudest—and last—cry to the world they leave behind.

On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia

by Charity Trelease As one of the fortunate few who work at Pickwick Theatre, I happen upon many interesting customers. While most ceaselessly whine about futile facts concerning the amount of ice in their drinks or the "high-way robbery" that occurs at the concessions counter, a few have made me think a bit For instance, one woman who had just seen/"/u/a delphia preached her gospel to me.

"Well," said she, "I hope people realize what this movie is trying to say."

Enlighten me, O wise one!

"Homosexuality is wrong and gay people will all die because of what they do."

Oh yes! Of course! How could I have missed that message when I saw the movie?

Heavens, am I dense!

Well, after hearing this woman's "wisdom," I started to use that feeble brain of mine and think.

A goodly amount of people feel that homosexuahty is wrong, even evil. Homosexuals are called perverts and for good reason. I mean, look at the way they corrupt our world.

They have relationships, raise families, why they even have sex. O what demons possess these blasphemers? Some would stupidly answer that the majority of homosexuals possess a common gene which causes them to be gay. Alleged studies support this explanation.

Scientists-hah! Those fools think they know

everything. It is my belief that these intellectual wannabes are gay themselves and such a theory is a blatant attempt at escaping the blame of such sinning.

Even if genes are the cause, who cares?

Kill the parents! Kill the children. We must wipe out all those vicious gays until a complete social cleansing has occurred. Too bad Hitler's dead.

Of course, many believe that homosexuals choose to be gay as a sort of rebellious statement against our society. That's reasonable heck, who wouldn't choose a lifestyle that results in mockery from saints like our friendly Pickwick customer?

Actually, I woudn't. I hesitated to write this commentary for fear that people might think I'm gay, not because I think homosexuality is wrong, but rather because I fear would be ostracized by many of the people I see every day.

Prejudice is an interesting commodity. I personally think of it as a disease which festers in one's brain until there is no more room for thought. Most of us have been raised to believe that homosexuals are sick people. To back up this theory, some use AIDS. They say that gay people are being punished by God for their actions. Well guess what - the group of people with the fastest growing number of AIDS cases consists of heterosexual females.

Despite these facts, many dislike homo-

sexuals. Some people let fear do their thinking for them.

For instance, another Pickwick employee asked me what I would do if one of my female friends were gay. I responded that it would make no difference.

"Yeah, but wouldn't you be afraid of her coming on to you or checking you out?"

No. Here's an analogy to make this more clear: many people have friends of the opposite sex and do not feel any sort of sexual attraction towards them. A gay person can be friends with a straight person in the same manner.

Still others are simply repulsed by the idea of sex between two men or two women. Even I find the idea a little icky. However, it's only natural to be disturbed by foreign ideas, so such repulsion is understandable. But to hate gay people for it is detestable. Like I said, homosexuals did not choose to be gay just as black people did not choose to be black.

But I suppose if one thinks like our compassionate Pickwick patron, blacks should still be slaves, gays should be killed, women should be in the kitchen, and WASP's should reign supreme.

And maybe, just maybe, the narrowminded people of America, led by our Pickwick customer, should remove the muck of prejudice from their alleged brains and try to be civil. It's a diverse world out there.

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Self-esteem-how it affects you

by Cyrus Wilson Self-esteem is an important, yet delicate part of a person's mental health. It can be influenced by little comments or major accomphshments and failures. Self-esteem also affects psychological growth and development. However, it is very easy to keep this crucial part of life at a healthy level.

To understand what can influence self esteem and what effects self-esteem has on personality, one must first be acquainted with Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The first requisites that must be fulfilled are the physiological needs. These are the elements the body requires for survival, such as food, water, air, and rest. When a person has met these demands, he is motivated to the next level: the desire for security. A secure person is then interested in love and the feeling of belonging resulting in affectionate relationships with others and a place in a group. When someone feels that he belongs, he can improve his self-esteem. A feeling of confidence in oneself is essential for a person to pay attention to the higher needs: needs to know and understand, aesthetic needs, and self-actualization needs. Although some people never reach these stages, these top three needs must be fullfilled for mental growth.

The question is, how does this list apply to

the effects on self-esteem? First, it is necessary to focus on the need for love and belonging. If someone is not loved and does not have a place among his peers, self esteem is eliminated. One of the greatest causes of low selfesteem is a lack of social acceptance. Even the harmless sounding remark, "Go away" can completely destroy someone's self esteem, and prevent him from psychological growth and development. The first step to building self-esteem is to establish a feeling of belonging.

After a person has fulfilled the lower needs and progressed to the level where esteem requirements are being satisfied, there are several influences that cause minor changes to one's level of confidence. Achievements, failures, and remarks by others all affect one's opinion of himself. These views of a person then affect the amount of self-esteem he has.

A normal day will cause little increases and decreases in confidence and major changes usually do not occur. Insults can be countered by mental defense mechanisms, and pure encouragement by a low personal view.

However, there are some who, after a while, are unable to take all the insults and put-downs. On the other hand, there are people who think highly of themselves, and when complemented, their egos soar, making

them self-centered and snobbish. Too low a self-esteem prevents a person from satisfying his higher needs, and prevents ability for mental growth. Too high a self esteem is also harmful, and usually results in a big drop, for an egotistical person is generally not socially accepted very well.

If self-esteem is so important in a person's life, there must be some way that we can keep our own esteem and that of others at a healthy level. In order to maintain a steady level of confidence in oneself, one must not concentrate only on failures and disappointments.

Both good and bad things have to be taken into consideration when basing an opinion on oneself.

To help others, one could avoid insulting for fun, and instead offer compliments and constructive criticism. If good and bad comments are balanced, a healthy level of confidence will result.

Although self-esteem can be a fragile, delicate thing, it is possible to keep it at a steady level which is neither too low nor exceedingly high. By simply acting in a certain way towards others and not thinking too lowly or highly of oneself, it is possible to satisfy esteem needs, providing motivation to satisfy the higher needs, promoting psychological growth.

Kervorkian acquitted - debate heats up

by Jennifer Johnson Therightto die debate is once again making headlines with the recent acquittal of Dr. Jack Kevorkian on assisting in a suicide last August.

Jurors in the case found the so-called "Dr. Death" not guilty stating that they beheve Kevorkian acted to end the suffering of Thomas hyde but not help him end his life.

Despite a Michigan law that banned assisted suicides, Kevorkian has helped three terminally ill people take their lives since the law was passed last year and another seventeen since 1990. Reactions to Kevorkian's actions by jurors were mostly in favor of the 65-year-old retired doctor.

Said one juror, "I do beheve individuals have a right to decide what happens to their own lives and bodies and not the government or the legislature."

Another juror, although not in favor of suicide, stated, "I believe that [Kevoikian] did

this to relieve this man's pain and suffering."

Charges against Kevorkian for three other assisted suicides were dropped after the courts found that the Michigan law passed to stop Kevorkian was unconstitutional. However, the charges could be brought up again if the court of appeals decides to uphold the law.

FeeUngs vary on Kevorkian's way of helping the terminally illfindpeace through the inhalation of carbon monoxide. Radio talk show hosts on WLS stated that they felt Kevorkian's method of assisting suicides was wrong and that if people want to take their own Uves they should do it themselves.

Sandra Khalili, whose husband took his life with Kevorkian in attendance, has a different view. She told the Chicago Sun Times that she was happy Kevorkian was cleared of charges, stating "When a person is faced with a terminal illness and their quality of life has reached a low ebb, it is rather cruel to keep them in a state of pain or suffering when they

don't want to be that way."

She also pointed out that her husband went to Kevorkian to "prove a point" because he felt strongly about people having the choice to end their Uves and he believed in what Kevorkian was doing as well.

Therightto die controversy has been raging for years with arguments from both sides of the issue being extremely heated. Some people claim that Kevorkian should be allowed to help people die peacefully and with dignity while others argue that Kevorkian's assisting in these deaths is a criminal offense. Because of this, the Michigan law was originally passed.

However, with the recent aquittal of Kevoikian it appears that the controversy is far from over.

Perhaps as heated as the abortion debate which has consumed both its supporters and its opposers for almost thirty years, the Kervorkian debatewill most likely rage for at least that long.

Features^

SMMliiixiMtJ:

What really makes up a first name?

by Jane Quaiver We're all given a name to retain a little individuality in this world of 4.5 billion people.

But can a name convey a personality?

In Ellin Dodge Young's book. You Are Your First Name, numerology and name analysis are discussed in depth to see if there really is a correlation between a name and a personality.

Many people are skeptical about the reality of numerology and find it to be another fad of the New Age scene. But before you form your opinions on numerology, take a few minutes to find out your number and see if aspects of your personality are reflected in your numbers.

How to find your numbers: Letter Values: 1- AJ,S 2- B.K.T 3- C,L,U 4- D,M,V 5-EJ^,W 6-F,0,X V-GJ'.Y 8- H,Q,Z 9-I,R First, print your name and then write the number of each letter value above the letter.

Example: 51537 NANCY Next, add up the numbers and reduce if you have a double digit number.

Example: NANCY=21 (2+1=3) So your Talent Number would be 3.

Once you have your talent number, look to see if your number interpretation matches your personality traits.

Number 1- independant, original, courageous Number 2- peacemaker, detail-conscious, diplomatic Number 3- incoporate self expression into career, imaginative, optimistic Number 4- honest, responsible, helpful

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A-Impulsive, energetic B-Inwardly focused, has personal ambition C-Imaginative, needs to focus on priorities D-Honest, realistic E-Versatile, creative F-Helpful, responsible G-Innovative, unconventional H-Disciplined, a leader I-Charming, humanitarian qualities J-Creative, ambitious K-Idealistic, has nervous energy L-Balanced personality, communicator M-Dedicated, has self control N-Intellectually restless, likes chances 0-Responsible, paranoid P-Perfectionist, has a lot of pride Q-Impatient, inwardly insecure R-Giving, committed S-Practical, aggressive T-Cooperative, affectionate U-Socialable, extremeist V-Demanding W-Impulsive, unrealistic

X-Artistic, self-sacrificing Y-Strong intuition, intellectual Z-Strong, artistic.

If you find your analysis to be completely wrong for you, look at the opposite meanings for all readings have a positive and negative meaning.

Tribute to Viet Nam vets While in Washington D.C., Constitution Team member Dave Szwed gave the following speech at the Viet Nam Memorial.

"In a time I can't remember inawartheycan't forget" memories, immortal tears, are in a stone wall kept names are left so lifeless now engraved on a mirror of black victims of a losing war whose country didn't want them back those killed on a foreign shore who never again saw home the past is rooted deep in minds so lives they take are their own they left with heroic visions high stars and stripes above them hung just beginning this thing called life children just 18 years young these words can't express the sight, of an innocent friend lost to bullet's rage words can't express loneliness, pain, anger personal hells left off history's page all these faceless names kept here tattooed on a cold, stone wall never knew or met a single one but swear i've met them all a memorial standing for rememberance respect to fallen men but also for the days to come Let it never happen again.

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Number 5- enthusiastic, versatile, unconventional Number 6- secure, responsible, helpful Number 7- ability to attract money, avoid business partnerships, take time for personal analysis Number 8- disciplined, hard working, efficient Numbre 9- understanding, generous, talented Number 11- desire to be elite and is incorporated into the talents of number 2 (1+1=2).

Number 22- problem solver, has talents of a number 4 ( 2+2=4). The person with number 22 is full of creative improvement.

The first letter of your name can also reveal your personality. Look at the following list and see if your letter matches you.

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Nixon - A moral patchwork of a person

by Elizabeth Wilk On Friday, April 22, former President Richard Milhous Nixon died after suffering from a stroke. Nixon, the only President ever to resign from office, was laid to rest in Yorba Linda, California on Wednesday, April 27.

Bom on January 9,1913, in Yorba Linda, Nixon excelled in school, graduating second in his class at Whittier College in 1934 and third in his class at Duke University in 1937.

Following graduation, Nixon practiced law in Whittier, California until 1942, when he began his service in the Navy.

After serving in the Navy, he entered a career in politics. Nixon won two terms in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate with his popular anti-communism campaigns. During his first term in the House, Nixon, who served on the then unimportant House Committe on Un-American Activities, was a prominent administrator in the investigation of Alger Hiss, a former government official accused of communist actions.

The Hiss case provided recognition for Nixon, who after his terms in Congress, was nominated by the Republican Party to be Dwight D. Eisenhower's vice-presidential running mate. Nixon was almost dropped from the Republican ticket due to how an S18,000 fund that had been raised for him had been spent. In a nationwide radio and television speech, Nixon defended himself stating that the only thing he bought for personal reasons was a cocker-spaniel named Checkers. This became known as the infamous "Checker's speech." Eisenhower and Nixon won the election of 1952 and were reelected in 1956.

Coming off of eight years in the Eisenhower administration, Nixon ran for President in 1960; however, he lost the election to John F. Kennedy. In 1962 he was defeated again—this time for the governorship of California by "Pat" Brown. It was believed that Nixon was now through with politics. In fact, before returning to work as a law-firm partner in New York, he held a press conference stating "You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore, because, gentlemen, this is my last

Protestors in 1973

Photo by Newsweek

press conference."

However, after being persuaded by a friend, Nixon ran for the presidency in 1968 and defeated Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey. During his 5 and 1/2 year stay in office, Nixon accomplished much in foreign affairs including detente, his acknowledgement of Communist China, and his Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the USSR. On the other hand, Nixon is also credited for promising to end the Vietnam War. Before doing so he called for massive attacks, actually increasing American war efforts and prolonging the war. The Nixon administration was full of corruption resulting in not only the resignation of Vice-President Spiro T.Agnew but of Nixon also. Nixon resigned from the presidency in order to avoid an impeachment trail on August 9, 1974 due to his involvement in Watergate. Gerald Ford, who had replaced Vice-President Agnew,

Upcoming Events at Maine Soutfi Pops Concert Thespian Awards Social Science Awards Choir Concert Senior Prom Music Awards

May 14 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 21 May 23

Senior Honors Jazz Concert Memorial Day—No School Spring Sports Awards Baccalaureate Commencement

May 25 May 26 May 30 June 1 June 2 June 5

was promoted once more, taking Nixon's place as President.

Nixon gave Americans a new view of political figures. "Before Nixon and the Watergate Scandal, Americans believed in their government officials," stated one Maine South student. "Now politicians can do nothing right in the eyes of the people."

SoutbwQrdS Soalhwords is the student-produted newspaper of Maine South High School, } 1H S. Dee Rd., Park Ridge, tL {60068). LeJters to the editor should be d«Hyered to room V-130 or giyen to a memher of the editorial staff. Southvords reserves the right to edit obsceoe or libelous material, Editors-in-Chief „.„ Katie Burns Charity Trelease News editors _.„..... „..VIaria Poulos Andrea WeUs Eiizabeth Wilk Commerrtary editors™ Joho Frederiksen Agnes Milewski Features editors Jennifer Johnson Jane Quai^er Sports editors. _ Heather Anichini Tira Thein DtstriboUon editors Todd Ofenloch Cyrus Wilson Photo edftor— „ Paul Bcrho Art editor „ Brad Haak Adviser „..

T. R. Kerth

uthwords

Conference title in sight for basebali squad

by Joe Kain The varsity baseball team has recently picked up the pace by starling out to an impressive 5-2 record in conference. The team has managed to play almost flawless baseball the past two weeks.

Impressive pitching by Craig Hallgren and Dan Pacer have limited the opponents of getting on base. Fred Czerwionka, Denny Diduch, and Marty Dula have come through in key hitting situations as well as making the necessary plays in the field.

An 8-0 victory overrivalMaine West gave

As of late, the hawks squeaked out a 5-4 nailbiter over a ranked team from Glenbrook South. Unfortunately, the win streak came to an end with a tough loss to New Trier by a score of 2-1. A few crucial calls by the umpires turned the game sour for Maine South.

The Hawks now prepare for the stretch run in conference competition. To take the title, the team must turn in an intense effort every time out to the field. There are still a few home games so fan support would be greatly appreciated.

the Hawks enough momentum to overpower the vikings from Niles North. Here, a nine runfirstinning let the Hawks cruise to an 183 victory. Next came Highland Park where the Hawks were baffled by a highly talented Sean Johnston, one of the top prospects in the state. Maine South was no hit en route to a frustrating loss. However, the team bounced back with a 3-0 win over Glenbrook North and a 4-2 defeat of Deerfield. Against the warriors, Romeo DeLaCruz led the scoring attack with a RBI double which was followed by a triple from Mike Rowan.

Tennis team looks fonfl/ard to sectionals

by Matt Fries! and Dan Wiederer Many people watching the Maine South Invitational were under the assumption that there was a John McEnroe sighting on court one. To the surprise of many, it was Maine South junior Tim Thein. Thein, who finished third in the invitational, has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal season.

The conference change has been anything but kind to the Hawks tennis squad. With three of the state's best tennis teams in the conference, the Hawks have had to battle to scrounge

up some victories.

Over the past few weeks, the lineup has been scrambled in an attempt to notch some victories. The team' s top two singles players, Tim Thein and Matt Bialko, have teamed up at number one doubles while the team's top two doubles players, Riach Stasica and Adam Stanczak, are now playing third and fourth singles. Derek Morch and Mike Denardis are now the team's top singles players. Recently, after suffering a 7-0 loss to highly touted and state- ranked Deerfield, the

Hawks battled back to defeat Niles North 4-3.

Stanczak and Stasica won their singles matches as did Denardis by default. Sean McKenna and Chuck Kaufman won a hard three- set battle while Dan Wiederer and Chris Owens needed a late rally to win their match and remain undefeated for the season at 4-0.

With hard work and dedication, the Hawks hope the lineup change will make a difference and wish to make a good showing at the CSL North meet and push on toward sectionals.

Track members finish second at IVIorton Invite

by Ray Albin The track team continued with its strong effort in the outdoor season last Monday by coming in second place at the Morton Invitational. This combined frosh-varsity effort put together many favorable marks for several individuals. With the seniors leading the way, Doug Burton set the season record in the quarter mile with a time of 51.3 seconds. Phil Duszczyk had a great day by winning the discus.

The Hawks also turned in a solid performance at the competitive Spartan Relays. The standout relay teams at this meet were the high and low hurdle teams. Other notable athletes at this meet were Jamie Brammeier and Tony

P.E. Department names winners

by Don Lee The physical education department is proud to announce the 1994 Sportsmanship essay award winners: freshmen Tom Repetto and Laura Schomack, sophomores Bill O'Keefe and Beth McCabe, juniors Dan Pacer and Sarah Jarosz, and seniors Paul Zurawski and Sara Wilhelm.

Mazzacano, who captured second place in the 3200 meter relay.

These marks will help pave the way as the team enters the toughest part of the season. In the upcoming week, the Hawks will face stiff •

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Badminton team finishes season

by Katie Burns The badminton team closed what may seem a disappointing season Saturday with Sectionals. However, as team and non-team players paired off for a doubles tournament last week Wednesday at the annual Hawk Invite, it was plain that the main sentiment was far from disappointment Here was evident a sense of happiness in playing the sport and enjoying the company of friends, which is perhaps what any sport should be all about.

And as the shuttlecocks flew, hope could be seen for the next season. On one side of the gym volleyed top players Sandy Anselmini and Georgia Giannokopoulos. Kristina Ho grinned over the grapes on the refreshment table, while Sarah Jarosz headed out to a court to play for once without her normal doubles

partner, Sarah Egebergh. These players, all sophomores and juniors, advanced to Sectionals Saturday along with one of the team's two seniors, Ghizala Khan. The team will be stronger next year because of the strength shown by its younger players, especially when Maine South' s opponents are losing so many of their top players to graduation.

The team's record this season was 2-9, but individual successes were seen at conference and Coaches Thein and Nelson reiterate that this was a "building year." Coach Thein spoke of the skills of her Sectionals players, and of promising team members Megan Manning, Anne Phillips, and Jenny Gordon.

So, though it may seem that the badminton team should look back and feel disappointed, it looks forward to futiu^e success

Georgia Giartnakopoulos stnves lo defeat ner opponent.

Photo by Natalie Mazzuca.

South outdoor track season runs down

by Ellen Bacon Despite small numbers and many injuries, the Maine South girls' track team is enjoying success. Finishing sixth overall in the Elk Grove invitational, the squad had several individuals finish in the top three. The 800 yard relay finished third, the 400 yard relay sec-

ond, and Gretchen Hendnckson captured second in the long jump.

The 400 yard relay team as well as individuals Jenny Green in several sprint events and Hendrickson in the long jump, are still looking forward to state competition as the regular season winds down.

The final invitational of the season will be held at Ridgewood on May 17 at 4:30 for the freshmen and sophomores. The varsity team begins post season competition at the sectional meet on May 21. At all levels the Hawk track team is looking for success both as a team and individually.

Lady Hawk soccer kicking into gear

by Joanne DiCola Although off to a slow start due to injuries to key players, the Maine South girls' soccer team has finally gotten the ball rolling.

Last week the Hawks faced two state ranked teams: number one ranked Saint Charles and Rockford- Boylan. The team played well, but lost both games by slim point mar-

gins. The Hawks rebounded however, with a crushing 10-0 victory over conference rival Maine West Good play is expected from the squad against Glenbrook South and in the Peoria Tournament Teams faced on these two occasions will likely be seen again when regional play-offs role around. The Peoria

tournament is expected to be especially good for the Hawks, as they are hoping to return with a championship trophy. No matter what happens, the experience gained will be invaluable, especially for inexperienced players.

The next Hawk home game is May 17 at 4:30, so please come out and cheer the team on to victory.

Girls' Softball faced with ups and downs

by Kelly Moczarny Maine South's girls' softball team has had its ups and downs this season. The Hawks reached the halfway mark with a .500 record overall and a disappointing 1-3 record in conference. The unpredictable spring weather has often made it difficult to play, but the team has recently started to play more as a cohesive unit The hot bats of lead off hitter Amy Carlson and clean up hitter Sue Sroka have provided an additional spark, keeping even the toughest match ups respectively close. The defense of infielders Michelle Thillens and Kerri Vrbancic in combination with good play by outfield-

ers Enza LaMonica and Claire Pawlowski have limited scoring by opponents. Pitchers Jenny McCormick and Kelly Moczarny continue to work on a variety of pitches and locations with respect to the plate. The consistent play of seniors Theresa Ryan, Katie Beaumont, and Stephanie Messmer has been important for the Hawks in many areas of the game.

One newcomer to the team, junior Kate Wietzema, is finding the "faster more consistent pitching the biggest difference between the upper and lower levels of play." Laura Christopher, a talented sophomore hopes that the team will "communicate better when

making plays on runners in scoring position."

Better communication everywhere on the field could be the key to real success for the team.

Inexperience has brought the girls together, but frustration with themselves and their teammantes often makes playing together difficult Despite varsity troubles, the junior varsity squad is undefeated in conference, and 12-2 overall, the team has shown tremendous progress. Meanwhile, the freshmen squad is tied for first in conference and playing consistently.

On every level the team is working hard to improve. As long as injuries are minimal and pitching consistent, the hard work might just pay off.