Volume 29, issue 15 February 11,1994
SouthwordS
Maine South U.S. Park Ridge, IL
"You Can't Take it With You" Opens by Katie Burns This year's All School Play, "You Can't Take it With You," is a cheerful spot in the winter gloom. The comedy opens Thursday, February 17th at 7:30 p.m. and will also be performed at that time on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are S4 apiece. The annual dinner theatre will be at 5:30 on Saturday night The cost is SIO per person for dinner and admission to the performance. Reservations for the dinner theatre can be made, but tickets can also be bought at the door. The play is set in the Great Depression; nevertheless, as with many plays written during the time period, the plot is optimistic and upbeat. It centers around the eccentric Sycamore family, headed by the wise Grandpa, and its way of looking at the world. The conflict comes when one of the daughters, Alice, falls in love with Tony, the son of a wealthy businessman. Alice is torn between her bizarre family and the man she loves because she sees no way that she can have both. "I feel extremely lucky to be working in this play as well as with this cast," says Lisa Marie Brodsky, who plays Alice. She continues, "Everyone is so wonderful, the Sycamores do really feel like a family." Brad Haak, who plays Tony, comments on the play: "This play is significant because, out of all the plays we've done here, this is the first work that has really hit me with the author's message; we're all taking life a little too seriously - after all - we can't take it with us!"
What: You Can't Take it WithYou How much: $4.00 a seat When: 7:30, February 17-19 Where: the auditorium The cast is as varied and in many ways as eccentric and good-natured as the characters they play on stage. The easy-going Grandpa is played by Kevin Byrne. Grandpa's daughter and son-in-law. Penny and Paul, are played by Donna Culhane and Tim Osborne. Penny's daughters are the practical Alice and the dancing Essie, who is Tina DeGrazia. Essie's husband Ed is Rich Russo and Tony Kirby's parents are Jon Forsythe and Kathy Sandrik. Along with these are other characters too numerous to name, but lively and individual unto themselves. Rehearsals for the comedy can be hectic, but director Mr. Muzynski and student director Matt Fontaine keep things moving. Even after massive rescheduling due to the days school was closed by the cold, the actors and actresses are progressing steadily. Behind the scenes, Kathryn Kazmierski tries to keep track of every thing in her position as stage manager. Mr. Sanchez, and plentiful
crew heads and members, take care of building the set to the sounds of wildly varied music and a whole lot of banging. Paintcovered people paint next to sawdust-covered people sawing. In the chaotic stage area everyone works together so that everything will run smoothly during the performance. Props and costumes are from the time period, which can cause problems. While members of props crew run hither and thither in their search for items, the woman behind the costumes, Mrs. McCleneghan, says, "The costume crew endures the cold while continuallyfindingnew humor in trying to dress the Sycamores and their friends in a variety of styles resembling those of the 30's and 40's." All involved look forward to a great run with a great audience. As Mr. Muzynski comments, "It's always been one of my favorite plays. I find it extremely funny and I hope that students seeing it for the first time will think it's funny, too."
Opportunity for young poets beckons by Todd Pytel Have you always had a secret desire to express yourscl fin iambic pentameter? A yearning to articulate your deepest thoughts in blank verse? If you enjoy expressing your thoughts in poetic form, you might be interested in what the Northwest Cultural Council has to offer. For the last year or so, the Council has sponsored a monthly meeting of young poets in the Northwest suburban area. The meetings are run by two area English teachers, one a published poet. Students can come to read their poetry or just listen. There are restrictions on neither the length nor the content of poetry to be read.
With poetry taking so many different forms, students are given an almost unlimited number of ways to express themselves. The readings provide a comfortable, open atmosphere for high schoolers who are interested in poetry. Although student support has dwindled during the last school year, the program offers young poets several opportunities. One is the chance to read original poeu^y with peers as the audience. This is much less frightening for many than walking up to an open microphone in a coffee house. Also, many poets can derive some inspiration from others, particularly in the same age group. Another opportunity is to hear comments from the teachers who help
run the program. Finally, it can provide a stepping stone for major poetic events. In 1993, two young poets were chosen to read their works alongside a United States Poet Laureate. A similar event is planned for April 23, 1994 with visiting U.S. Poet Laureate Mona Van Duyn. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be on March 9. The meetings are held at 7:30 P.M. at the Northwest Cultural Council Gallery at 5999 New Wilke Road, Suite 107 in Rolling Meadows, approximately a thirty minute drive for most Maine South students. For more information, contact (708) 9567966.
^Commentary
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The 1994 State of the School Address by Charity Trelease I have finally come to accept the idea that Park Ridge is a boring town. Why else would a column like "Talk of the Town" be so popular? Why else would it be possible for dozens of anonymous callers (needing only to possess the mentality equal to that of the phones which they are operating) to whine and be published? For those who read real newspapers and are unaware of this section of the Herald, "Talk of the Town" is a "feature" by which any Action Ridgian can call in and express any trivial opinion he has. For instance, if some prudent woman is upset by the Hawkettes' uniforms, she can call them "ladies of the evening." These apparently gossip-starved citizens must have a lot of free time. And the Herald must have a lot of free space on page 15. While letters to the editor are few, the bitching abounds. Here's a recent and oh-so-eloquent complaint: "Tonya Harding who will be a skating star on the American Olympics, even if she's guilty, but, you haven't proved it, so therefore, she goes and skates and makes the 1994 Olympics,because she'sastar. Ifshe'sguilty,and gets the gold medal, the medal being taken away from her after she's proven guilty, but she's not proven guilty yet. Be my guest. Thank you." What? But wait - there's more! The lucky Herald subscriber can feast his eyes on both errorplagued/redundant/incomprehensible calls, and on libelous claims which are often printed without any verification. Why no lawsuits have resulted from this column escapes me. It seems that a semi-decent idea has been ruined by the evils of gossip and anonymity. Heck, some of the complaints are valid or, at least, relevant. Unfortunately, what the callers don't realize is that venting on the phone for a few minutes accomplishes little more than causing a rip-festival to erupt among the otherwise inert citizens of Park Ridge. If suggestions are to be heeded, they must be made formally. A letter to the editor is much more effective than a poorly-worded statement. Despite this fact. Talk of the Town flourishes. Perhaps the complainers lack the saliva required to lick stamps. More likely they lack the backbone to reveal their identities. Whatever the cause, "Talk of the Town" will undoubtedly remain Park Ridge's largest and most largely-read folly. -Sign me Charity Trelease
by John Frederiksen "So, how'd ya like the President's pep talk?" Seth Main asked in the library. I thought Mr. Clinton spoke both feelingly and eloquently. "Yeah, he didn't do too badly, even when everyone interrupted him with applause. Ya gotta wonder why those Congress-guys liked him so much when he gave that speech. Especially after all that flap over NAPKIN, or NIFTY, or whatever they call that agreement." You mean the NAFTA. Well, the Republicans certainly didn't look very supportive. "You mean those guys who sat in their seats just staring straight ahead were Republicans? I thought they were Secret Service agents or something." Your insight never ceases to amaze me. "Hey, ya know, I just thought of something. Why don't we have a pep talk like that here at school? You know, a 'State of the School' address?" "State of the School" address? "Sure. Have the President of Student Council give a big speech to the school about how things are going." But we just had the Winter Sports Assembly. "Yeah, but that's just sports, and no one pays much attention to what's being said, anyway. This would still be in the gym, but someone would bang real loud on the bleachers three times and yell, 'Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Student Council of Maine South High School!' Then the band would start playing, and the President would walk up to the lectum, with the whole Student Council behind him, and he'd wave to everybody. Then, after everyone shut up, he'd say...." I'm almost afraid to listen. '"My fellow students, thank you for your warm welcome. First, let me thank the administration for cancelling school when it did. It's always nice to know that every once in a while, the school decides not to freeze our brains with the stress of finals. Also, the extra sleep we all got allowed us to survive those finals that actually occurred on time.' '"Next, let me congratulate you, fellow students, for your achievements, both on the playing field and in the classrooms. Both athletic teams and academic teams have performed so well that just about all of you have received some sort of award. It would take me too long to list all the teams that played and all the awards that you received, so let me just congratulate all who participated. If anyone wants to delve further into the subject, they should just read the back issues of Southwords.'
"'Now, let me address some issues that concern everyone—students, teachers, and administrators. Although smoking in the bathrooms has begun to decline, students still occasionally require oxygen tanks. Furthermore, smoking has sometimes moved into the hallways, where the narrow walls barely allow for breathing in the first place. Since the administration can't force those of you who smoke to stop, please show some respect for others. Smoke outside in the nice sub-zero temperatures.' '"The next issue applies to eighth semester finals. You've all heard the story: the administration's talking about making eighth semester finals optional for those who've made the grade. I exhort the administrators to approve this plan; you will be doing both your seniors and your teachers a favor by doing so. Should you hesitate, however, just remember all the time you had to spend preparing for irrelevant finals.' '"Let me further thank the food service for the imaginative array of food we see every day in the cafeteria. Finally, let me conclude with the certainty that Maine South students will continue to excel in all that they undertake. Thank you very much.'" You are probably the person least qualified to make such a speech. "Yeah, you're probably right, but think of the unity it could create among the students. Heck, think of it as an alternative to a sports assembly." Somehow, I doubt that Maine South students could ever rally around one student in the manner you describe. "Hey, it's worth a try. Look at what we did when Hillary and Company dropped by."
Tantalizing Tongue Twisters! J
'*THe sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick'. 'Amidst the mists and coldest frosts, with barest wrists and stoutest boasts, he thrusts his fist against the posts, and snll insists he sees the ghosts.' 'Theophilus Thistle, the thistlesifter, sifted a sieve of unsifted thistles. If Theophilus Thistle, the thistle-sifter, sifted a sieve of unsifted thistles, where is the sieve of unsifted thistles Theophilus Thistle, the thistle-sifter, sifted,'
Commentary r
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Using condom sense at Maine Soutli by Maria Poulos Based on recent studies that show significant increases in pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually u-ansmitted diseases among high school students, one wonders at the lack of interest in condom distribution at Maine South. Although many students choose to wait for marriage before having sex, others believe they only have to wait for their parents to leave the house. Numerous plausible but unreasonable arguments opposing condom distribution exist. One contends that handing out condoms would send children a "bad" message. Never mind that the practice could save childrens' lives. One can hardly consider encouraging teenagers to practice safe sex a "bad" message. Others opposed to condom distribution wonder why teenagers can't buy condoms themselves. Well, teenagers can, but they
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don't. Mostof the time they have to go too far out of their way lo get them and they don't want to bother. The school's easy accessibility therefore makes it the ideal place to pass out condoms. Still others ask why teenagers should be given condoms at all. The question arises, "Why don't teenagers just stop having sex?" The abstinence angle, however, has already failed. Most teenagers do not want even to consider abstinence. They think that if they love someone, they have a right to do what comes natural. Teenagers aren't responsible enough to have sex, but unfortunately, a sense of responsibility will not stop them. Condom distribution not only will safeguard student health, but will also protect the public's health. This argument supporting school condom distribution has been the basis for some major programs already in effect. Three school-based clinics in Chicago have a
distribution program. In New Haven, Connecticut, the school board approved handing out condoms tofifthgraders. And in the New York public school system, the most liberal of all these programs, kids can obtain free condoms without any counseling or hassle. More and more people are coming to their senses over the issue, but not, it seems, at Maine South. People here still opjx)se condom distribution and ignore the fact that distribution could help students. Students should blame not only administrators and parents for this serious problem, but also student leaders and student government organizations. Due to the lack of leadership in addressing the problem of teen sex, many believe that the problem does not affect many students. The fact remains, though, that many students are having sex. And people with anti-distribution attitudes must accept this fact and realize that delay is deadly.
A mid-year school report
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When rfirst came to Maine South, I couldn't wait to go to the basketball games. Everything about basketball excited me: the noisy crowds, the roaring band, the cheerleaders, the halfiimc shows, the packed stands, the decorated gym, even the obnoxious guys holding up nude posters trying to get the other team to airball a free throw. As I got ready with the band to go to my first Maine South basketball game, I was excited. I couldn't wait to share some of my "Hawk Pride" with everyone else. When I got there, 1 was \'ery disappointed. The band was there, as were the cheerleaders and the halftime show, but not much else. There were more visitors than Maine South supporters. Where was everyon:? I only saw three groups of people: the band, parents of the players, and the Hawkettes' boyfriends. The gym wasn't decorated, and the crowd barely responded when someone scored. The atmosphere was worse than my study hall. I wanted to cry. Where is the "Hawk Pride" I hear so much about? Where is the Pep Council? Where arc the screaming, noisy students I always hear in the hallway? We should start making Maine South basketball games fun, so at the next home game, come on out to show your "Hawk Pride." It won't kill you; it might even be fun, —Angela Janik. Class of 1997
by Martha Bohm Well, it seems that we have made it halfway through another school year. Actually, weare already 54.97% of the way through, but I'm not really counting the days or anything (77 more). The important thing, though, is not to think about the fact that after 552 more hours of school we will have 1896 uninterrupted hours of summer jollies. No, turn your thoughts from summersunwarmthebeachheat back to good ol' Maine "Arctic Circle" South. To really appreciate this year we need to step back for a brief moment to examine it. First of all, freshmen, I must congratulate you. Except for that second semester panic of "OHMYGOSH! NEW CLASSROOMS!?!" you seem to have outgrown most of those stereotypes over the past few months. Keep up the good work. Sophomores. Hmmmmm. Well, at least you're not Freshmen this year, eh? Juniors, I have just one word of advice for you. Always remember that colleges will pay the closest attention to this year's grades. (Example from a member of the typical college selection board: "Only a 'B' in American History? He can just forget about ever attending this university!") This year could make or break your entire future! Have fun. My fellow seniors, we have reached the midpoint of yet another year of school, but that is no excuse to slack off. Keep working hard, and don't give up...wait, what am I
saying? College applications are in, grades no longer matter. We can do what we want! Forget school, leave home, rise up against the oppressive aristocracy! If we unite, we can throw off the chains and rule the world!!! (Sorry. For a moment my Marxist alterego took over, but have no fear, it's under control.) Anyway, even a cursory glance at the year shows our accomplishments: state qualifying athletes, individual academic achievements, a successful food drive, an assortment of dramatic productions. The list could go on and on. Don't give up now, we've still got 551 hours and 50 minutes left this year.
r What do you think? "" '~^ L
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Southwards encourages you to share your thoughts. If you have an opinion, write a letter to the editor and turn it in to V-i30. We reserve the right to edit any obscene or libelous material.
Features
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To be left in a right-handed world by Elaine Kreuz "Meggie's worst sin was being lefthanded. When she gingerly picked up her slate pencil to embark on her first writing lesson. Sister Agatha descended on her like Caesar upon the Gauls. Sister Agatha won the battle. She tied Meggie's left arm against her body with rope, and would not undo it until the dismissal bell rang at 3 o'clock. To make sure she would never revert, her arm remained tied for five months; then Sister made the whole school assemble to say a rosary of thanks to God for letting Meggie see the error of her ways. God's children were all right-handed; left-handed children were spawned from the devil," writes Colleen McCuUough in her book The Thorn Birds, illustrating the tactics taken to "correct" lefties in 1920 Catholic school. Anthropologists determined that in the Stone Ages there was almost an equal ratio of left and right handed persons based on various tools found. PresenUy there is approximately one lefty for every ten righties. Why such a drastic decline of southpaws? "I heard that lefties don't live as long," hypothesizes one man, a distinguished righthanded lawyer. "But I heard lefties were smarter," points out an equally distinguished left-handed lawyer. Some scientists believe that in ancient times the right-handed population had a survival advantage. By fighting with their right
hands they were able to shield their bodies with their left, in doing so shielding their hearts. Others believe after Christ "was seated at the right hand of the Father," righthanded simply became a matter of biased morals. Webster's dictionary describes left as "1) the distinctive epithet of the hand which is normally the weaker of the two. 2) left over or abandoned." Left-handed flattery is said to be insincere, and a left-handed compliment is a put-down. If you have two left feet you are clumsy, and to toast with your left hand is to wish ill. If you are ambidextrous you are "skillfully righthanded on both sides." Witches and uncleanliness are the products of the left hand. "What is this, a conspiracy?" mumbles one lefty upon reading this information. Perhaps the negative view of the left hand is what causes many lefties to abandon their left-handed ways. Fanatically enforcing the "right way" causes many "switch-over lefties." These are naturally left-handed people who are made to write with their right hands. A recent study shows that 10% of first graders were lefthanded, yet by the time they were in twelfth grade only 6% remained left-handed. The other 4% were switch-over lefties, influenced by a right-handed society to switch hands. Doctors found that these kids had poorer handwriting, were more forgetful, and suffered more speech problems.
"I remember when I was in grade school and a sub in gym made a big ordeal about my batting side. He was put off atfirstsince I was lefty, but I proved to be a very strong hitter," recalls one Don Matingly type. Lefties rejoice! There are many advantages to the hand you prefer, and baseball is one of them. It gives pitchers more room to move around on the mound and still pitch in the strike zone, and a left-handed batter, after hitting the ball, is already facing first base. That gives him a one step advantage. Studies done at the University of Boston show that lefties are more emotionally independent, more determined, and more willing to face challenges. They are also more stubborn and individuahstic. One of two studies done at the University of Cincinnati shows that lefties have an unusually good sense of distance and proportion. The other shows that since lefties use both halves of their brains more, they have a much faster recovery rate from brain damage and strokes. Lefties are not all sloppy—^usually it is a matter of materials. Since the pencil is pushed, rather than pulled, smudges and smearing are hard to avoid. Also, almost every appliance made is designed for the righty, which might explain some of the left-handed clumsiness. However, since lefties use the right half of the brain, which controls imagination, they usually prove to be very creative. Knowing this, perhaps being a lefty really isn't so bad after all.
Beatlemania-keeping the music alive by Jennifer Johnson and Amy Mossman It was thirty years ago this past Monday that changed the popular music world forever. On that day a quartet from England called the Beatles brought its musical talent to America and in doing so shot from obscurity to instant fame. The Beatles kicked off a musical revolution that would last far beyond their break-up in 1970. Thanks to this revolution, fans of every age will be celebrating thirty years of the group's music. The Beatles consisted of members Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They had been performing for many years prior to their arrival in the United States, yet they were unable to get a record contract in the States until after over a year of hitting it big in England. When the Beatles finally reached America in February of 1964, "Beatlemania" had akeady begun in the United States. The Beatles were already well-known so it was no
surprise that their first American hit "I Want to Hold Your Hand" beat out Bobby Vinton's "There! I've Said it Again" and held the number one spot for seven weeks. By April fourth of the same year, the Beatles held the top five spots on the Billboard pop chart with the singles "Can't Buy Me Love," "Twist and Shout," "She Loves You," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "Please Please Me." At this time the Beatles made the record books for the greatest monopoly of the Hot 100, the biggest leap to the number one position, the largest advance sale for "Can't Buy Me Love," and the most consecutive number one singles. Despite the group's many accomplishment, critics considered The Beatles just a passing fad and they didn't think that a band from England could last in America. To the dismay of teenagers, parents also disliked the group because they believed its music to be meaningless.
Nevertheless, the Beatles' fame increased leading to twenty number one hits. "Hey Jude" was the band's most successful single, staying at number one for nine straight weeks. Because of the popularity of The Beatles, other groups from England began releasing hits in America in what became known as "the British Invasion" which lasted through the mid-sixties. Groups like Peter and Gordon, the Dave Clark Five, the Kinks, and the Hollies were just a few groups who were a part of this invasion. As the years went by, the music of the Beatles changed, becoming more psychedelic as the group's use of drugs increased. John, Paul, George, and Ringo went their separate ways in 1970, yet they all continued to work on various solo projects. Today the Beatles are still loved and adored by millions and there are various fan clubs and conventions where these fans can still "Come Together" to remember their favorite musicans and keep their music alive well into the future.
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Ad'dressing' the school dress code by Katie Burns I almost experienced the horror of not wearing blue jeans for my entire high school career. This was not due to the fact that the Evil Jean God descended upon the earth and decided to forbidme to wear jeans. Au contraire! It was due to something we all know very, very, very well. It was due to a dress code, and in this case, that of St. Ignatius High School. Fortunately, my family moved to our present humble abode and life was good. Life was good, that is, until sophomore year when another dress code showed its ugly face. Though I seldom wore hats or jackets to school, the idea of a dress code was still strange. Nevertheless, for each and every dress code there is a reaon and a season. A board of haughty adults does not sit around and arbitrarily inflict rules upon students. Even if such a board does exist, it gives reasons for the rules (including dress codes) it arbitrarily inflicts. Most Catholic schools, including St. Ignatius, are known for strict dress codes or for uniforms. The reasons for these are not always understood. Strict dress codes or uniforms ensure a presentable group. They keep clothing from being distracting or lewd. They make the school environment less distracting to learning and studying in many cases. These codes or uniforms also take pressure off a highly fashion conscious youth. They make life a little easier because in the morning a student needs only to wake and throw on a uniform before leaving home. Everyone knows of at least one person who wakes up three hours before school to perfect his/her look. Strictdresscodeswouldalmosteliminate this. It's hard to get in a dilemma over what to wear in this situation. "The green and blue plaid skirt or the blue and green plaid skirt? Hmm." However, all of these codes and uniforms
directly infringe on freedom of expression. Green and blue plaid does not suit everyone and some people would not survive without their blue jeans. Shouldn't clothing be an individual choice? Catholic schools and other privately owned schools do have a right to make these rules. Do public schools like Maine South have such a right? The reasons behind dress codes at various public schools are more striking than those of Catholic schools. The reasons for dress codes at public schools have more to do with protecting students from harmful ideas and physical violence than with keeping people presentable. A student at a public school does, of course, have to be dressed decently to start off. Laws beyond schools require that clothing cover vital sections in the first place, though, so this section of any dress code seems reasonable. The banning of certain items is the main consideration. These items are banned because of vulgarity and implied vulgarity, sexual explicity and sexual implicity, violence and violent messages. At one high school, shirts bearing the slogan "WUCK FEST" were banned for their implied vulgarity. The "UCK" and "F" of the shirts were in one color and the "EST" and the "W" were in another. They were made in preparation for the homecoming game against the school's cross town rival. The administration was "appalled," to use the best descriptive word, and pulled students wearing the shirts from classrooms. At our own school, students have been written up for wearing sexually suggestive shirts. The subject matter is deemed inappropriate, distracting, and unhealthy for teens. (Not every person wearing such a shirt is written up, however, and "Big Johnson" shirts continue to flourish, despite the fact
that most females steer clear of anyone wearing them.) Also at Maine South, a story goes that one girl who wore gymshoes to school was forced to remove them because they were supposedly gang related. This may not be totally insane, because people have been killed over gym shoes, but death in the halls of South is unlikely. There are problems with these situations. The rules forbid the wearing of hats or jackets on the basis that they are gang related and can cause, in and of themselves, violence. If this is true, though, why is the plan not implemented in schools with much larger gang problems? However, the rules do discourage such violence by making identifying enemies just a little harder for gang members. If the problems with teenage sex can be solved by forbidding sexually suggestive shirts, why don't they do so everywhere? However, if shirts such as one that showed a recently raped girl under a graffiti scrawling of "Guns'n'Roses was here" are banned, some bad ideas won't be introduced. If vulgar language disappears with the disappearance of vulgar shirts, why aren't all vulgar shirts banned? However, if they arenot banned, isn't that a "go ahead" sign from adults on student swearing, etc.? Codes probably can help a little, even if they won't solve the problems. If a person is not exposed to certain things as much, he is less likely to be involved in them. Nevertheless, while private schools can dictate codes as they please, public schools must take the First Amendment seriously into account. Why do Nazis have the right to wear swastikas while students cannot wear hats? Whether or not the dress codes help or hinder, perhaps the final question to be posed by school officials considering dress codes is not "Should we?" but "Can we?"
-News,
iebrimrv 11,1994.
Alliance takes on wetlands by Alison Adlaf In an effort to protect eighty-two square miles of Illinois wetlands and Des Plaines River watershed complex, twenty area high school ecology clubs, including that of Maine South, have united to form the Des Plaines River Alliance. This new coalition will concentrate on the Indian Creek Wetlands in Long Grove and Hawthorne woods, areas which face destruction by the northern extension of Route 53. This opportunity was brought to the attention of Maine South's Ecology Club and led by Dean Bitta who lives in that area and is a U"ustee of the Hawthorne Woods village board. Wetlands are recognized as sanctuaries for a high population of plants and animals, as well as vital to flood control and filtration. They are constantly threatened by agricultural and commercial developments. The president of Maine South's Ecology Club, Alison Burnett, states, "Wetlands act as the Earth's natural filter to keep pollution out
of the ground. Like a sponge, the marshy areas soak up all the pollutants gradually, serving as a natural cleanser for some of the junk that we put into the environment. The lands we are adopting are crucial to us as a community because they can absorb all the melting snow and rain that come with spring. Without them, the Des Plaines River would flood even more than it akeady has a tendency to do, with disastrous results." Such action may not seem to be urgent at this time, since this extension to Route 53 has been in the works for over twenty years to date; however, one Ecology Club member comments, "It's getting closer, and if we don't help now, it may become too late. There's no looking back." Alternate plans have been discussed. Instead of the road going direcUy through the wetlands, it has been proposed to build a bridge over the lands. However, Burnett comments, "The noise and air pollution from the traffic, litter from motorists, and salt in the winter would all combine to hurt the wetlands
in the end. The group made the commitment to pursue our goal of protecting the environment. However, this decision also involved helping our own community." "We have all witnessed the horrors of the flooding of the Des Plaines River and want to prevent this from becoming even worse in the future. We're not only saving animal and plant life, but helping human lives as well," says Burnett. Another goal of the Alliance is to educate the population about this controversial subject, in the hopes of increasing the awareness of the status of wetlands. Like the rainforests of more tropic zones, the wetlands are being destroyed at a rapid rate. The fact that these sanctuaries are closer to home has raised additional interest in their preservation. The Park Ridge Public Library is hosting a seminar on this topic entitled "Our Vanishing Wetlands" on Thursday, February 19, at 7:30 P.M. For more information, contact Reader Services at 825-3123.
Student Council back in action by Chuck Kaufman Following a midwinter break, the Maine South StudentCouncil reconvened on January 26,1994. The Upper House was greeted with the news that the plan to end eighth semester finals had been rejected by the Superintendent's Cabinet. The Maine West Student Council expressed its wish to submit a revised version of the plan, while the Maine South Student Council expects to look into the reasons for the original plan's failure. Sponsored by Student Council, the Winter Sports Assembly was held on January 27. The Three-Point Shooting contest was held again this year with the Sophomore class claiming the victory from last year's winners, the class of'94. Also during the assembly, the results of this year's Brotherhood Society elections were announced. In addition, the Hawkettes entertained students by performing their routine. The assembly ended with the Junior
Class upsetting the Senior Class in the Spirit Contest. During the week of January 31, the Maine South Chapter of American Field Services ran its annual fundraising pizza sale. The event was organized by Liz Stepp, the AFS representative of Student Council, and was sponsored by Student Council. As in the past, this important fundraiser was a success. Looking toward the future, the Organizations Committee, chaired by Angela Grippo, is planning the upcoming elections which will determine next year's Student Council. Beginning with the officer elections on March 9, elections continue on March 18 with the balloting for Committee Chairpersons. On April 14 and 26, Complex Leaders and Homeroom Representatives will be elected in each homeroom, respectively. Later on, on May 4, candidates at large will be selected by a special committee within Student Council. The Student Council Issues Committee would like to remind students to write down
Upcoming Events at Maine Soutli Freshman Open House/Orientation....Feb. 15 Hawkette Flower Show Half-Day Workshop (No PM hours)...Feb. 17 Girl's Choice Dance Winter Play Feb. 17-19 College Planning Program
Feb. 22 Feb. 26 Mar. 2
their concerns and ideas about Maine South and to place these suggestions in one of the Student Issues boxes located in front of the Student Council Office, and inside the Bookstore and Library.
SouthwordS Southwards is the studtnt-produced ncwspapur of Maine South High Schwil, 1111 S. Dec Rd., Part Kidge, IL (6006Ji>. Letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-130 or given to a member of the editorial staff. Southwords reserves the right to edit obscene or libelous material. Editors-in-Chief Katie Burns Charity Trelease Neva's editors Maria Poulos .\ndrea Wells Elizabeth VVilk Commentary editors John Krederikscn Agnes Milewski Features editors Jennifer Jfihnson JaneQuaiver Sports editors Heather Antchini Tim TTiein Distribution editors Todd Ofenloch Cyrus Wilson I'hoto editor „ I*aul Berko Art editor Brad Haak Adviser -T. R. Kerth
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Hawks bounce past Maine West by Ellen Bacon The Maine South girls' basketball team is well on its way to a conference championship. This is especially significant because the Maine West Warriors have dominated the conference for the last eleven years. The Hawks recently did the impossible: they ended the Warriors' 11 year winning streak, defeating them 44-43. "It was the most meaningful game of the season so far," said coach Deines, "we ended the Maine West 110 conference game winning streak and that puts us in a first place tie in the conference." His team played its hardest against Maine West proving that even the unbeatable Warriors could be beaten. Sue Sroka, a junior, led the team in scoring with 20 points. Senior Trisha Melendy made two key free throws to put the Hawks up by four, which turned out to be just enough as one of the Warriors hit a last second three point basket. This victory put the Hawks on top of the conference and gained them new respect, as
well as adding to the momentum building toward post season play. The girls continued their winning streak against another conference opponent. Highland Park, with a 63-29 victory. Sroka again led the scoring with 14 points, followed closely by Darcy Smith with ten. A record for the most three pointers was set by the team who scored big, hitting a total of seven during the game. Claire Pawlowski, Michelle Thillens, and Kathy Furlong also put in good performances off the bench. Against Glenbrook North the team added another victory to the legnthening list, defeating its opponent, 44-39. Sroka had another excellent night, rebounding consistently on both ends of the floor while Melendy hit two important and impressive backto-back three pointers. Senior Ginger Tosch played a good game orchestrating the offensive play of the team with great skill. The victory put the team one game closer to a
championship. The junior varsity squad is also having a terrific season. The Hawks are tied with Maine West for first place and have exhibited the talent and depth to continue the tradition of victory within the program. Led by junior Karen Hartman, sophomores Alyssa Kulak, Heather Kura, Lisa La Cerra, and JoAnna Pulice; and freshmen Gina Anichini, Danielle Cain, andRenee Schaul, the potential of these girls is endless. The freshmen teams are also proving themselves to the basketball community. The A team is only one game out of first place, and the championship for the B team is easily within reach. On all levels the Hawks have shown signs of greatness, surprising many with their dedication and skill. As the clock ticks down and the end of the season approaches there is the general feeling that there are even more surprises to come.
Gymnasts look ahead to sectional meet by Heather Anichini Flipping, swinging, vaulting, and twisting its way to third place conference finish, the girls' gymnastics team is ready to bring this season to a close at the sectional meet. It's been a long hard road, but the last few meets leading into the climax of the post season have sent several individuals on their way to their best performances of the season. Despite delays due to the snow days, the team faced conference rival Glenbrook North in its last dual meet of the season. Despite losses on all three levels the meet proved to have good points, including excellent vault performances from seniors Tracy Haas and Tamara Borck, as well as outstanding bar routines from Amy Lyons and Christina Dorow. A fine showing was given by the entire floor team including Borck, Jane Quaiver, and Heather Anichini. Anichini and Quaiver also came through for the team on the balance beam. The girls were lucky enough to host the conference meet this season. Fortunately the meet ran smootiily, and the "homefield advantage" appeared to pay off for the entire squad. Senior captain Amy Lyons led the way for the Hawks, placing second on the uneven bars with a score of 8.1. Junior Colleen Matchen also placed with a near perfect beam perform-
ance for which she was awarded an 8.2. The team received a season high score of 120.9 which was just enough to defeat Highland Park and capture the third place title behind victors Glenbrook North and the second place Deerfield Warriors. Based on performances at the conference meet as well as throughout the season it is expected that several of the girls will be named to the all-con,
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ference team. As the sectional meet quickly approaches the team is looking forward to the high level of competition it will face. The younger competitors should especially benefit from the experience. Considering the excellent performances the girls have given in the past, and their constant improvement throughout the season, even they may be surprised by the results of
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Sat2/12
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IHSA RE GIONAL Deerfield SA' : .6/7:30. ,
Deerfield Fr./JV ::::.::?:30 .
IHSA Gymnastics SECTIONAL Wrestling
i home acntest
J.V. Conference Niles North 6:30
Girls' Basketball Boys' Basketball
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IHSA SEC TIONAL
Wheeling S/V 6/7:30
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February 11,1994
Hawk swimmers prepare for Sectional meet by Paul Berko The swimming team saw its unblemished conference record fade as it fell to Deerfield and Glenbrook North in its last two dual meets. Sophomore Tim Paschke and senior Jamie Mills, however, were able to come closer to their hopes of qualifying for the state meet. At Deerfield, the Hawks struggled in their 102-79 loss to the Warriors. When the waves cleared. Mills was left standing with his season best time of 1:50.96 in the 200yd. Freestyle and his career best 57.16 in the 100yd. Butterfly. Paschke was able to earn two personal best times against the Warriors. Another sophomore, Bryan Dayton, ended the meet with a career best time of 1:12.86 as well as a first place finish in the 100yd.
Breasts troke. career best time of 24.87 in the 50yd. FreesThe following day the Hawks finished tyle. with a disappointing fifth place finish at the Coach Deger remains optimistic while Conant Cougar Invite. Jamie Mills finished watching his team's current slump. 'The long with his personal best of 1:51.47 in the 200 yardage during the winter break is starting to Freestyle and a first place time of 50.97 in the pay off. Times are beginning to drop, a good 100yd. Freestyle. Mills also anchored the 3rd sign for the upcoming conference meet." place relay team consisting of Paschke, Steve Coach Deger continues to eye the state finals Chiagouris, and Darren Jamriska. Steve as a possibility for a few of his swimmers. Chiagouris finished strongly in the 100yd. "Mills and Paschke are both a mere second Backstroke with a time of 1:02.48. Dan away from state qualifying times. My hope Barker glided to his career best 1:12.85 in the for a relay or two qualifying still bums 100yd. Breaststroke. strongly." The Hawks continued to see their conferThe swimming Hawks ended the regular ence record slide at Glenbrook North, losing season with a record of 6 and4 with a 3-2 mark 110-75. Steve Chiagouris swam a 2:22 in the in conference, clinching at least a third place 200yd. Individual Medley. Joe Dietlin con- finish. The team is confident and ready to tinued to improve his times and earned a compete in the conference meet as well as sectionals.
'Punching dummies' continue to struggle by Dan Kronenfeld After an impressive showing for Maine South's fall athletic program, it seemed inevitable that the winter would bring more of the same. Though wrestling and girls' basketball seem to carry the torch, the boys' Varsity basketball team has taken on the role of punching dummy in the CSL North. The hard work that the players put in during the summer and the numerous hours of practice has not seemed to pay off for the squad. Unfortunately, every time the team seems to put it all together, an
injury or sickness crops up and the coaching staff has to adapt to the change. Although the record may not show it, there have been many bright spots for the Hawks. T.J. Cohen went from being a question mark on the roster to a starting point guard due to his great perserverance. Mike Rowan made great strides from his freshman year and now averages over 20 points per game. Juniors Matt Friesl, Jason Loerzel, and Spiro Katerinis proved themselves in the JV games and gained confidence which will carry over to
next year. The lower levels of Hawk hoops have enjoyed great seasons and hope to finish off the season on a positive note. The sophomore, team, under the direction of Dave Inserra, has( played consistently throughout the season. The frosh A team has a record of 10-5 while the frosh B is 8-7. The '94 Hawks may may end up with a depressing final record but hopefully this team will be a stepping stone for those to come.
Wrestlers pummel opponents In conference by Kevin O'Neill The Maine South wrestling program has come a long way in a short amount of time. After only a handful of conference wins a year ago, the Hawks came through with an undefeated conference record and an undisputed conference championship on all three levels. The Hawks hosted the Maine West Warriors on January 21 for what would decide the conference title. The Warriors were overpowered by the freshmen team, shut-out by the JV team, and embarassed by the varsity. This was one the biggest winsin years, making a statement to the rest of the CSL North. The biggest week in the entire season is the week before Regionals. This is a great opportunity for the varsity wrestlers to improve on all their skills and prepare for the regional test. To pass the test, the team needs its leaders, Mike Komo, Marc Helma, and Marty Dula to set an example. The three competitors each earned over 25 victories and paced the team to
a conference title. prove its regional dominance and continue The wrestling team has a great chance to what has been a successful campaign.
.\U-Conference wrestler .Marc Helma (right) breaks down his opponent in a recent meet.