Vol 35 issue 11

Vlll.^h. Issue

SOUTHWORDS M:iino Sinilll llisih School

Dec RO:KI • P;irk Kids^c. 11. WKK,S

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Tomorrow, Tomorrow ^FEATURES News On News: Random Acts of Kindness Page?

To Pierce or Not to Pierce Page?

COMMENTARY Condom Distribution in School Page 3 Athletic Drug Testing Page 2 The Best & Worst Movies of 1998 Page 4

NEWS Annie- Page 9

Illinois State Scholars Page 8 December Students of the Month Page 8

SPORTS Girls' and Boys' Basketball Page 10 McCullom Advances to Sectionals Page 11

Boys' Swimming Page 12 ^

Anthony Uzemack is "Wacky" in this year's musical, Annie. See page 9 for more Photo by Eileen Collins

l>roperty of

The Editors

by Anna Kurtz As I write this article I'm naked. A lot of you probably read that over again to make sure it said what you thought the first time (for those of you who didn't, I'm sure you realized it's how I talk all the time.)

Now, really, does it bother you that much?

Because if it does...I guess I'll get dressed.

Wouldn't it be easier if we didn't wear clothing? Any of you that have attended/ considered attending a school with uniforms will understand my line of reasoning. Not having to decided what to wear upon waking up in the morning would simplify every routine, no matter how relaxed an individual may be already. Just think of how much money we'd save on clothes.

There might be one catch, other than problems arising from Chicago's winter temperatures—how large a segment of the population is comfortable with their bodies? Other than those affiliated with nudist colonies, I don't really know anyone who would welcome this "immodest proposal" with an enthusiastic "GREAT idea, Anna!"

What I don't understand is why this is true.

From where do all of our inhibitions come?

Everyone I know feels he or she has something to hide. No one can claim to be happy with his or her self image regardless of how pulled together one may appear.

Fashion might seem to be a way to convey an individual's personality, but is this really the case? Instead it often masks the insecurities everyone deals with. If we didn't have this way to hide how we truly felt about ourselves, we would be able to move on.

Obviously society would not be able to accept this particular approach to handling low self-esteem. There is one technique that comes pretty close. One psychologist recommends standing naked in front of a mirror in order to assess one's self opinion.

This way you could determine exactly what you think of each characteristic of your body. Through focusing on the aspects you have a problem with, it is much easier to see that there is more to like than to dislike about yourself.

I admit, when I began typing this I wasn't being completely truthful. I had clothes on the whole time. Obviously we have a long way to go before I feel okay about undressing in the Southwords office.

/ Can you pass this test?

by Tina Janczura

big basketThe less than ball game is There an hour away, time is only a little left to strategize and warm up. A security guard walks into the locker room and politely asks to \ see all of the students who are playing in the game tonight.

Five basketball players stand up, slowly gather their belongings, and walk out the door. They are taken to a small room in the school and are asked to empty their pockets and their backpacks.

The star player is questioned about steroids. He denies it because his solid body is the result of m a n y strenuous hours spent exercising and lifting.

He earned his beautiful body. Then a warning is given; there can and will be random drug tests for the athletes playing that night. If athletes fails the test, their athletic career and maybe even their futures will be ruined.

Such drug tests should not be given at random times to high school athletes. Athletes are role models and it is not right to assume that they are criminals.

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees, "The rights of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, paper and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizure."

Does a random drug test of unsuspected athletes violate the Fourth Amendment?

The July 12, 1995 issue of Education

Week claims that "there is an additional respect in which school athletes have a reduced expectation of privacy. By choosing to 'go out for a team' they voluntarily subject themselves to a degree of regulation even higher than is imposed on students generally." The article states that by playing a sport, a student forfeits the protection of privacy guaranteed by this country's constitution. No students should be treated differently than their peers because they chose to participate in athletics. Most of the best professional athletes across the country are not subjected to such conditions.

Neither Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL nor the NHL has ever dared to require drug testing of all athletes at all games. If these well-respected athletes do not fall p r e ^ ^ to drug t e s t ^ ^ ^ then amateur^ high school players certainly should not.

What kind of message does the drug testing send to kids? Does it suggest that only when athletes are paid a lot are they able to avoid being accused? If drug tests must be imposed, they must be imposed on all athletes on all levels.

When the whistle is finally blown for the big game, the ball is thrown in the air. One team receives the ball, but its star player is not on the court. The coaches will not let him play until the results from his drug test are back.

When the tests return negative, the joke will bie ^ ^ ^ coaches. They may no l o n ^ ^ ^ have a star basketball player. He may quit because he no longer wants to play on a team where he is not respected.

HEY YOU!

Start Writing for Southwords\ Talk to Katie or Dan.

Commentary 3

It's better to be safe than sorry A closer look at the controversy surrounding condom distribution programs in high schools.

by Mike Tomassi The United States is a very progressive country. We progress in numerous things, among them teenage pregnancy. Of all the industrialized countries in the world, the United States has the most teen pregnancies each year. One million girls between the ages of fifteen and nineteen become pregnant each year, an obvious dilemma that needs to be solved quickly.

America's children are having sex and conceiving children of their own. The problem has grown beyond belief and abstinence only programs have been disregarded. It seems this chaos has to be stopped, but how? One part of the solution is a condom distribution program in junior highs and high schools.

Condoms in schools may be a taboo I topic, but can be a real solution for the rise in teenage pregnancy cases. In 1992, a condom distribution program began in a Los Angeles County high school; condoms were available to students in areas where they would have unrestricted access, such as in the nurse's office or outside classrooms.

Most of the time, students would be able to take condoms unnoticed by teachers or other staff members.

Before this school's program began, 37% of males said they had used a condom every time they had sex. After the program went into effect, 50% of males said they used a condom for each sexual encounter.

While this seems like a good change, many believe that condom availability will increase the number of sexually active students. This belief is completely false. In the Los Angles County school studied, there was no increase in either the percentage of students who reported ever having sex, or the percentage who reported having three or more sexual partners.

Another change was brought about by the kcondom distribution program in the school.

More virgins said they planned to use a condom the first time they had sex than in the years prior to this program.

In several Philadelphia schools, major

health institutions came in to distribute condoms. They were handed out in special centers where students were helped by health educators, nurses and social workers. The center did not encourage sexual behavior in any way. The counseling sessions encouraged studas

If it (protection) is more readily availabley then people are more likely to use it,'' to re^ ^ ^ main abstinent and gave them ^ ^ B information onresponsiblesex. Ifthe ^ p student still wanted the condoms, he or she was taught the proper methods of using them in hopes of preventing pregnancy and the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. No student could receive a condom without participating in the counseling session.

Just think of what would have happened if such counseling were available in the Los Angles school. The number of sexually active teens would probably drop. Although it might not be a huge change, any decline in sexually active teens will help the problem. ^ What ifa school like Maine South ^ adopted a condom distribution pro- Ingram? The spread of STD's and Sm pregnancy would drop, and maybe * " abstinence would become more prevalent.

"I think it's a good idea (to have condoms available in school) because I know a lot of people who don't use protection, and if it's more readily available they are more likely to use it," said Karen Wenya, a senior here a Maine South.

Dana Barabas also seemed to agree with this idea and said, "If people are going to have be having sex, they might as well have access to protection so they

don't spread diseases or get pregnant."

The dispute over this issue stems from the belief that if condoms are readily available to students, the students will be encouraged to have sex. This isn't true. Making condoms available shows that society is acknowledging a problem and taking the initiative to resolve it. Studies also have shown that no new cases of sexually active teens have flourished since bringing these programs into selected schools.

A parent in journalist Haven Gow's article on condom distribution said, "No one is saying we should discontinue a strong program on abstinence...(but) if this is going to reduce exposure, isn't it worth it?"

Exactiy. Isn't it worth it? Do we want society to be forever altered due to a lack of good judgment early in life? Do you want to give up your dreams to take care of a baby? Do you want to have to go to bed every night knowing that you have an STD? By supporting abstinence and condom disuibution in schools, you not only help to make your future h)etter but the lives and futures of other teens as well.

To watch or not to watch Which 1998 movies are worth renting?

by Barrett Kalinowski and Chris Storer

of the w e e k

Looking through a gaggle of Abercrombie and Fitch drenched youths standing in line to see Varsity Blues, we try to recap the best and worst movies produced last year.

Overall it has been a disappointing year. It makes us want to pull out our hair as we sees flocks of anxious teenagers awaiting The Waterboy, or worse, Patch Adams.

Lines pour from theaters featuring hot young actors in stupid, big budget movies, whereas theaters showing films like Hurly Burly or Permanant Midnight remain empty.

This is a sign that the future will hold less thought provoking movies like the Truman Show and a lot more teen- aimed movies like Varsity Blues. The box office numbers for recent movies prove the public's bad taste in film.

Armageddon made almost two hundred million dollars strictly due to repeat business and, for most girls, a glimpse of Ben Affleck. The movie offered little more than cheesy effects and shots of the leading actor. Speaking of Ben, with his cat-like reflexes and Ceasar-type haircut, he manages to escape death in the movie a record four times.

The yin to this yang is a film like Out of Sight, which barely makes back the money used to produce it.

In a sea of bad movies, we managed to pick out the year's ten best.

And like Chest Rockwell and Brock Landers, we also chose ten films that sink right to the bottom; they're the ones we downright loathe.

2. Saving Private Ryan. It is a brutally realistic and eye-opening depiction of war.

3. Out of Sight. It takes our vote for best crew of the year.

4. There's Something About Mary.

We've never laughed so hard in a theatre before.

5. Permanent Midnight Ben Stiller is amazing as a heroin user and writer.

6. Bulworth. This film is for anybody who likes to really laugh at politics.

7. The Big Lebowski. It is so pointless, it seems brilliant.

8. Zero Effect. It's hilarious and Stiller does another fine job.

9. A Simple Plan. Billy Bob is terrific.

10. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas^ Johnny Depp blew our minds awaj^ The Ten Worst Movies of 1998 1. Godzilla. We beg the producers to PLEASE think of something more creative.

2.54. The movie is pointiess and horrible.

3. The Avengers. We wonder who paid to produce this, and why did Sean Connery agree to be in it?

4. Armageddon. Simpy put, no one really has four lives.

5. Patch Adams. It wasn't as funny or touching as it claimed to be and Robin Williams has played that role out.

6. Deep Impact. The tidal wave was way too unrealistic.

7. Stepmom. It was not touching and the movie went nowhere.

8. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

The movie as a whole was not up to par with Depp's stellar performance.

The Ten Best Movies of 1998 1. The Truman Show. Jim Carrey is brilliant and the thought-provoking film is the smartest of the year.

This year, stay away firom m o ^ ies that only offer cute actors and unbelievable plots, and in the meantime, rent a few of this year's best.

Features 5

Focus on faculty Don Francisco has had a very interesting life. He was bom in Sevilla, Spain and lived there until he was 25. However, he did not start college after graduating high school.

He says that in Spain universities are not as flexible as they are here. You either study or work, and he needed to work. He spent a year and a half in the Spanish Air Force as a military jxjliceman, then began working for a package handling company like UPS to support his family of seven.

While still working in Spain, he met an American student from the University of Madrid. She was bom and raised in Chicago, but her mother was a dance teacher from Madrid. Her mother encouraged her to visit Sevilla before returning home to the United States and while there she met Don Francisco.

They married and lived in Spain for a few years, but they moved here because there is a lot of unemployment in Spjiin. His wife is bilingual but was unable to find a job because employment in Southern Spain is among the worst in Europe.

Since he took French in school, Don Francisco didn't know English. He said, "I came here when I was 25, and I couldn't even ask for a glass of water!" When he moved here, he and his wife went to school at the University of Illinois at Chicago and worked at the same time.

He got his bachelor's degree, and then his master's in Spanish literature. He began studying for his PhD, but he was too busy coaching boys freshman B soccer here and

by Lindsey Krukowski

Francisco Barbas

being the head coach of girls soccer at Maine West.

Don Francisco held several jobs before he began teaching. While in college, he unloaded trucks, worked for a dollar store as a cashier and then worked at the front desk of the Chicago Hilton. He started student teaching as a teaching assistant at UIC for a couple of years and began teaching at Maine South in 1994. He had to adjust when he started teaching in the U.S. because high school life is very different here than in Spain. He said there are a lot more rules here.

Don Francisco feels very strongly about teaching. He wanted to be a teacher since he was very young. In second grade, he told his teacher, "I want to be just like you!" He enjoys teaching as a career because "it's an intellectual type of job in which you don't concern yourself with how much you sell something. You're developing the mind which is a great task to be part of." His wife

Senior

is also a Spanish teacher and teaches at Maine West.

When he and his wife moved here from Spain, they moved to the south suburbs, and then rented an apartment in Park Ridge when Don Francisco got a job at Maine South.

They now live in a townhome in Algonquin.

Don Francisco enjoys soccer, writing poetry and short stories in Spanish, and music.

He even brings his guitar to class and sings for his students. He looks forward to the coffee house every year because it gives him a chance to perform. This summer he is look ing forward to recording a few songs. He has been wanting to do it for a while but has been too busy during the school year.

He also enjoys traveling back to Spain each year during break time. All of his fam ily and finends are there, so he enjoys his visits. This year he and his wife will be able to take their 11-month-old daughter Alicia with them. His family has only seen pic tures of her, so they are excited to finally meet her.

Don Francisco also enjoys taking students on trips to foreign countries. "Any student that has a chance to go abroad should jump on it and do it. It's an eye opener."

Don Francisco's philosophy on life is, 'Try to make things simple. Enjoy being happy with your friends and enjoy being happy with your family because it's the most important thing in life. Nurture your friends and family, and don't get caught up in the deadlines."

Christina Trahanas

Activities:

•Choir •Pep Council • BHH|; •TO. YES. •Hawk Honor Card •Crew •Musical Cast/Crew •V-Show Stage Manager

Teacher's Comments: "Christina has been an active member of Pep Council, chairing the comittee that puts out those great "Home of the Hawks" signs. She is also a dedicated Park Ridge Youth Commissioner leading T.O.YF.S. to a great year of fan and service.

Chrisdna is always coming up with ideas and checking in about upcoming activities. I can always depend on her!"

-Mrs. Sandy Denies

6 Featuresi

On the road to excellence

by Dana Barabas and Lily Corcoran A television star? Someone who swam the English Channel? Olympians? A First Lady? Believe it or not, all of these people have one thing in common — they all walked through the halls of Maine South.

Some may think that the citizens of "Action Ridge" never become known outside of this city. In fact, numerous famous alumni that once struggled to get from the spectator gym to the A-wing in less than five minutes disprove this belief.

One of the best known Maine South alumni is First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. However, fi^om athletics to entertainment in almost any career, a successful Maine South alum can be found.

Many entertainers graduated from Maine South. John Pankow is just one of them.

Otherwise known as Ira on Mad About You, Pankow graduated in 1973. He was active in the Drama Department participating in plays such as You Can't Take It With You. Other alumni include sports broadcasters and joumahsts who are well-known in their field. For example, Audrey Port-Kline found a career in television news journalism and is now well-known in the Washington area. Former Sports Channel anchor and now ESPN sports caster Steve Cashall is also

a former Hawk.

Many renowned writers have passed through the halls of South. For example, writer Mike Hainey, a graduate of the class of 1982, has been pubhshed several times.

You can bet he's grateful to the fine Maine South English department and the dozens of sentence patterns he had to complete.

Many graduates have also made their splash in the athletic area. Does the name Dave Butz ring a bell? This 1969 graduate was a part of the Washington Redskins profootball team for almost twenty years.

Detroit Tigers fans may be familiar with former players Dave Bergman and Jim Walewander, who graduated from South in 1971 and 1986, respectively. Another participant in major league baseball was 1971 graduate Joe Zdeb, who played for the Kansas City Royals.

Far from Park Ridge, 1976 graduate Sharon Beckman swam the English Channel in August of 1982.

Many Olympians that have represented the United States are Maine South graduates. Kirby Paucus was a member of the US Speed Skating Team after graduating in 1978. Another speed skater, Mark Greenwald, participated in the 1988 Olympic Games.

Another Olympian alumni is Nancy Swider who was part of the U.S. team in the 1976,1980,1984 and 1988 games. Fencing champion David Littel competed in the 1988 Games as well.

Wrestler Wes Cain was named Division One All-American. Class of 1985 graduate Paul Walker was a National Jr. Roman Greco Champion in his 132 pound weight class.

Most recent famous alumni include 1990 graduate Brian Fennelly who became NCAA

All-American in the shot put and discus. Liz Cipian became a NAIA All-American for basketball after graduating in 1986.

Not only have Maine South graduates gone on to greatness but also graduates of the district. One such notable graduate of District 207 is Harrison Ford. After graduating from Maine East in 1960, he went on^ to Ripon College to start his acting career.'^ He flunked out only a month before graduating. After teaching himself carpentry, he went to Hollywood in 1973 where George Lucas gave him his first role in American Graffiti.

Many former residents of "Action Ridge" have certainly seen a lot of success since their final walk across Wilson Field. Maine South as well as the entire Maine Township District has certainly had their share of famous alumni. The "Commitment to Excellence" has definitely proven true. The future is sure to bring many other famous graduates who will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.

Foatii^^s^'- ""^ A look at what's happening at area schools. ..

Random act of kindness

by Susie Skaczylo Students at Hudsonville High School in Hudsonville Michigan gave up time and effort to make gifts for the less fortunate. Although they did this awhile ago during the Christmas season, their good deed can set an example for us throughout the rest of the year. The shop students at the school committed themselves to the design and manufacture of 45 toy trucks for less fortunate children in the Grand Rapids area.

The finished trucks were taken to the U.S. Marine sponsored Toys for Tots drop-off at the Ottawa County School Employee Credit Union.

In order to make all of the toys the class divided up and operated in separate groups for four weeks straight.

The project allowed students to obtain a feeling of accomplishment and gave them a special use for their talent at shop. They also learned to work together and overcome the

challenges and complications of mass production.

This random act of kindness is a prime example of how we should spend our energy throughout the year. Let's keep this attitude in mind during the rest of our school year and show Park Ridge what Hawk Pride is all about.

Information was from The Vantage Point,a publication of Hudsonville High School, Hudsonville Michigan.

To pierce or not to pierce

by Erika Skorupski Trends die out and come back over the years, but piercing seems to stay with each generation and has become more popular than ever before.

Many kids of our generation go through the ritual of getting their ears, eyebrow, tongue, lip, nose, chest, belly button and even genitalia pierced. Did you realize that some are roaming the hallways of Maine South High School?

Sixty-four percent of the 200 students surveyed have at least one piercing on their body. Thirty-two percent of those surveyed have more than one piercing.

Pierced ears for girls have been a tradition for many years, as evident in the 78% of girls surveyed with a minimum of one hole in each ear.

But this fad is becoming more and more 'popular with males. 23% of the boys surveyed have their ears pierced.

As Jake, a painless piercer from Tattoo Tattoo in Chicago, dipped a shiny silver

needle into a glass container of sterilizer he said, "I've pierced thousands of people for years. I would have to say that the past year has been popular for bellies and tongues.

And of course, ears. But ears have always been popular."

Eleven percent of the people surveyed have their tongues pierced. Twenty-seven percent of the girls surveyed have their belly buttons pierced.

While some are eager to jump in on the fad, others offer reasons for not getting pierced. Doria Law-Devare, M.D. says, "Piercings are a waste of money, time and for some, pain. A good amount of people takes out their earrings, due to time, discomfort, etc. Some bodies even reject the piercing causing infections. Most people that tend to get infections are the ones that pierce their own bodies and don't use sterilized equipment."

Is the rest of Maine South following the fad? To pierce or not to pierce, that is the quesdon.

8 News

Illinois State Scholars

by Nicole Perm This year 86 Maine South seniors were selected as Illinois State Scholars.Being accepted into the State Scholar program is difficult. Only 10 % of all high school seniors in Illinois are chosen each year. Certificates of Achievement are awarded to all who are accepted.

The selection of scholars is based upon a combination of test scores and class rank at the end of junior year.

Although the Illinois State Scholar program is a voluntary program, most students participate and send their scores to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

To enter the competition, students must take the ACT and/or SAT I college entrance exam between September 1 and June 30 of their junior year.

Next they must send their scores to ISAC

for consideration.

As Maine South continues to excel in education, hopes are that next year more students will be selected for this elite program.

Congratulations to the following students, who were selected for the 1999 - 2000 Illinois State Scholar program: Lee Adlaf, Christina Ananewycz, John Bang, Cynthia Barounis, Jennifer Barrett, Lindsay Beyer, Amy Byrge, Garrett Chen, Ellen Crawford, Raul Crisan, Derek Cwik, Wesley Davis, Brian Dema, Jonathon Desmond, Siobhan Dolan, Katherine Dwyer, Anne Edison-Swift, Anthony Enright, Brooke Fillippo, Natale Fuller, Amu! Ganger, Kyle Gann, Mike Gonzalez, Katherine Greenslade, Jonathan Hilyard, Serena Hohmann, Carl Hughes, Paul Johnson, Asheley Kiefer, Scot Kronenfeld, Szymon Krzyzanowski, Anna Kurtz, Gabriella Kusz, Jeffery Lazzaro, Andrea

Lifton, Ho Chen Liu, Julie Lucchesi, Martin Machnica, Katherine Marcucci. Anne MaRous, Christopher Marshall, Paul McGuire, Bradley Metzinger, Anna Mieszaniec, Joseph Miller, John Moran, Jennifer Mozdren, Maureen Mulvihill, Piotr Obara, Bret Olson, Jane Optie, Matthew Palys, Brian Pick, Monique Poslinski, Brian Price, Elizabeth Raap, Trista Raczyla, Rebeca Rangel, Paul Rogus, Sara Rybak, Michael Santoro, Eric Schmidt, Daniel Schwartz, Michael Sebastian, Adehna Sessa, Jared Skiba, Joseph Slezak, Emily Smythe, Young Song, Mary Stankiewicz, Rebecca Stein, Christine Stevens, Nicholas Suizzo, Amanda Thomas, Kayte Thomas, Katherine Thompson, Renee Vassilos, Andrea Vigna, Allison Wagoner, Donald Walsh, Karen Weyna, Jordan Wipf, Anne Wlezien, Joseph Wnek, Peter Wojtowicz and Jacek Wypych.

S OUTH^VORPS A student-produced newspaper of:

December Students of the Month English: Alicia Arends, Timothy Carlson, Michael De Pilla, Kara Dollaske, Chris Fosco, Amul Ganger, Lindsey Krukowski, Marissa Liveris, Jim Meyer, Allison Montgomery, Eric Pick, Jeff Percak, Anthony Perrozzi, Maggie Prieto, Tara Salemi, Amanda Schmidt, Katherine Skuza, Kelly Smith, Courtney Storer, Beth Tedeschi, Jordan Wipf and Ted Uliassi.

History: Jeff Cox, Rachael Daubach, Patrick Dorsey, Brooke Fillippo, Michael Hammersmith, Elizabeth Niemczyk, Anthony Perrozzi, Chrystal Peterson, Eric Raz, Andrea Roth and Peter Wojtowicz.

Driver Education: Robert Fincannon and Tim Seiwert.

Health: Brian Cap, Natalie Chemesky and Michael Cocagne.

Art/Photo: Anne Edison-Swift, Matthew Hryniewiecki, Amanda Wilberg and Erika Valenciana.

Drama/Broadcasting: Nicole Ashmore, Michael-Mary Conlon, Rachel Kalom and Nate Tumminello.

Music: Rachael Barr, Kristin Church, Anne Edison-Swift and Brad Smith.

Applied Arts/Technology: Jeremy Knautz, Eric Malcolm, Thomas Pomagier, Carolina Radziszewski and William Rosales.

Family and Consumer Sciences: Melissa Derec, Katherine Dhamer, Erika Kronborg-Mogil and Alexandra Maris.

Physical Education: Kelley Anichini, Mario DiLorenzo, Thomas Glod, Daniel Gomez, Elizabeth Izzo, John Jacobsen, Bradley Metzinger, Ann Oravec, Brian Stanley and Konstantina Tsapralis.

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Roatl Pm-k Ridge, IL 60068 Letters to the editorshould be delivered to room V-13i orgiventb a member of the editorial staffr'SpCTHWORDS^ reserves the right to edit materia! for clarity and brevity and to rejectlOliscehe or libelous submissions. ' ' ->=—^y^" i: • , Anne Edison-Swift Anna Mieszaniec News Editors Kathleen Dunne Maura Collins Commentary Editors Dan Schwartz Katie Thompson Features Editors Lindsey Krukowski Katie Marcucci Sports Editors Brian Price Anna Kurtz Production Editors Chris Buckley Som Dalai Ted Kocher Core Cartoonist Juhe Motala Core Photographer Nora Bum Core Staff Artist Ho-Chen Li Staff Heads Margaret Byrne Susan Wilson T R. Kerth Advisor Editors-in-Chief

News 9

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A nnie

by Allison Wagoner Once again it is time for the Maine South winter musical.

This year's production is the family favorite, Annie. Annie, played by Megan Dieschbourg, is a young girl who wants to

Tim Schneider and Garrett Chen share a laugh during rehersal.

Photo by Eileen Collins

find her real parents more than anything else in the world.

On a chance encounter Annie meets Miss Farrell, played by Katie Kelly, who offers to take Annie away for Christmas.She leaves the orphanage and the villainous Miss Hannigan Martha Douglass, Megan Dieschbourg and Nora Sapieka (Margaret Byrne) to at rehearsal Photo by Eileen Collins spend time with billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Garrett Chen). ing props and creating costumes.

The actors, musicians and the crew are As the story continues, other characters are introduced from Miss Hannigan's little piecing together a show for everyone to love.

Annie is brought to you by directors Mr. brother Rooster and girlfriend Lily, played

by Antonello DiBenedetto and Emily Muszynski and Mr. Dankwart, choreoKnoblauch, to the distinguished President graphed by Mr. Elliot and produced by Mr. Pressler. Mr. Sanchez and Mrs. FDR, played by Dan Schwartz.

Annie is a story filled with delightful hu- McCleneghan direct behind the scenes.

The student director for this year's musimor and spellbinding susf)ense.

The show consists of a large cast who cal is Allison Wagoner while Mary work daily on acting, singing and dancing, Stankiewicz takes the job as Stage Manager.

Annie opens on February 26 followed by the pit orchestra is working on perfecting the show's music and blending with the sing- performances on February 27 -28 and March 5-6. All shows begin at 7:30 except ers.

The crew is busy constructing sets, find- Sunday's performance which begins at 3 pm.

Don't forget to buy your tickets!

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With limited seats in the auditorium, tickets for the musical will sell out fast. Tickets are $6.00 and wUl be sold at each performance.

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Sports-

Boys' basketball in midst of five game win streak

by Eric Schmidt Two weeks ago the Hawk boys' basketball team was 9-7 and in need of some big wins to obtain a high playoff seeding. The Hawks answered the call, and now boast a record of 14-7 (5-2 in the CSL North) and a fourth seed at the Niles West Sectional.

The team's eleventh win was their second in a row over Maine West this season.

West knew they were in trouble when the Hawks jumped out to an early 16-6 lead.

They never relinquished the lead with a balanced attack, proving to be too much for the Warriors.

The following night, the Hawks took on the Fremd Vikings in a non-conference battle. Although it was not pretty, the Varsity ended up on top in a low-scoring affair.

The Hawks played gracious host to Highland Park the following weekend, and unlike their last meeting, they came out on top.

The Hawks' offense and defense were in full gear as they pounded the Highland Park Giants down to ground level. The win, along with a Deerfield loss, put the Hawks three wins from the CSL North championship.

Maine South followed up that win with a high-scoring victory over Rolling Meadows.

Now the Hawks will look to win their final four games and fly into "March Madness" with a nine game winning streak. As an added incentive, a twenty-win season is finally within the Varsity's grasp. Come join the Red Scare as they cheer the Hawks to victory in the Niles West Sectional and the Evanston Super Sectional.

Girls' basketball nearing end of a successful season

by Anna Mieszaniec plishment of defeating the Trevians, to After the Hawks' tough loss to Elgin, the whom they lost earlier on in the season. girls' varsity basketball team was ready to Thus, the Hawks proved that they have fine revive their winning streak. Re-energized by tuned their basketball skills in order to imthe crowd at Maine South's Pack the Place, prove during the course of the season. the Hawks wasted the Maine West Warriors The Hawks' winning streak continued as 32-29. Led by Colthe girls toppled the leen Van Hoesen's 12 Highland Park Giants. points (and 6 field Led by Van Hoesen's goals) and Lauren 16 points (and 7 field Colletti's 7 points, goals), the Hawks dethe Hawks proved feated the Giants in once again that they their own home terriare here to stay as the tory with a score of leading contenders 52-30. Laura Paine for the CSL North also contributed to the Conference ChampiHawks' victory with onship. her 3 three-pointers With this win for a total of 9 points over the Warriors, for the game. Unfortuthe Hawks were nately, the girls were ready to swoop upon not able to add to their the New Trier winnning streak. They Trevians. Led by were defeated by the Colletti's 11 points Schaumburg Saxons and Van Hoesen's 10 by a score of 43-48. points, the varsity The Hawks were led team trampled the

by Van Hoesen's 10 Colleen Van Hoesen and Lauren Colleti points and Paine's Trevians with a score apply defensive pressure to the Giants. of40-35. The Hawks three three-point field photo courtesy of Eyrie goals. enjoyed the accom-

Boys' track and field

by Paul Johnson The Hawks finally had the chance to" spread their wings and officially take off into the '99 indoor track season. The firosh-soph team ran away in the season's first meet with 143 points to Niles North's 74, St. Patrick's 8, and St. Viator's 8. The varsity also won with 97 points to Niles North's 53.5, St. Pat's 33.5, and St. Viator's 7. It was a decent meet, but Coach Drennan was most pleased by the fact that, "several athletes have picked up right where they left off last season."

On the varsity level Tim Siewert led the long distances with his first place two-mile run of 10:45.9 and third place finish in the mile at 4:59.8. Maine South swept the first four places in the low hurdle race with Paul Johnson finishing first in 6.7 seconds. Marc Szramek blew away the competition in the 50 yard dash with a solid time of 5.7 seconds, and Danny Payne clocked a first place quarter-mile time of 56.7 seconds. Perhaps the most satisfying accomplishment of the day was winning all three relays. The 4x200 relay of Szramek, Tim Ciccone, Nick Norman, and Johnson posted a time o ^ ^ ^ 1:34.2 and the 4x400 relay of Szramek, P a u ^ ^ McGuire, Johnson, and Payne crossed the line in 3:48.2. Nick Norman grabbed the field event play-of-the-day with a long jump of 19'5 1/3".

It is evident that progress is being made amidst the chaos of South's fieldhouse. Refinements are constantly being made and the conditioning is ever increasing. The Hawks welcome all indoor competition and plan to be a major contender throughout the season.

Regional champs For the first time in history, the Maine South wrestling team won their Regional competition. The Hawks came out of Niles North with nine Sectional qualifiers, also a Maine South record. Victorious Hawks were Jeff Caudill at 112 pounds, Brett Harman (135). Jim Goodrich (140), Brad Shemluck (160), Sterling Chung (171) and Sean Story at Heavyweight. Also m o v i n a j ^ on to Sectionals are freshman James DenS^^^ (3rd at 125), sophomore Mike Tedeschi (2nd at 130) and junior Dave Evanshank (2nd at 145).

McCollum advancing to sectionals

McCollum performs on beam. photo by Eyrie

by Maureen Fallon As the Hawks' season progresses into the sectional level of the state series, one talented gymnast is continuing competition; the entire team has high hopes for its teammate.

At the Deerfield Regional, senior Danielle McCollum finished first place with a score of 9.15. She, therefore, automatically advanced to the sectional meet, where she will be a top contender to advance to the state competition.

McCollum's individual success comes at the end of a gratifying season for the entire Maine South gymnastics team. Three days preceding the regional competition the Hawks competed at Deerfield for their conference meet. The girls came in third place with a high score of 119.85.

Leading the way for the Hawks was Elena Beladakis who finished seventh in the allaround. McCollum was twelfth while Sarah Jindoyan finished fifteenth. Beladakis also medaled on the balance beam (8.01) and bars (7.55), coming in eighth place for both events. McCollum finished seventh on vault (8.8) and earned an eighth place finish for her floor routine (8.3.)

Other high scores included Jindoyan on kvault (8.4) and balance beam (7.3) as well 'as Maureen Fallon on vault (8.1) and beam (7.6.) As the season comes to a close, the team wishes Danielle luck in her advancement to the state series.

Girls' track and field team up and running

by Anna Kurtz Thursday, February 4th, the members of girls' track once again found themselves circling the fieldhouse at Glenbrook South.

Each year the team kicks off the indoor season with this invitational, facing the Titans, the Resurrection Bandits, as well as the New Trier Trevians. The Hawks embraced their first opportunity to demonstrate the incredible talent this team holds, coming away with a close second place finish to New Trier.

Maine South also outscored both Glenbrook South and Resurrection by over sixty points.

The secret to the 1999 season's success lies both in the returning skill of the sophomore, junior and senior girls as well as a huge influx of talented freshmen. Senior Nicole Wright continues to deny competitors the right to victory, winning both the long jump with a distance of 15'6.5" and the 50 m dash in 7.0 seconds. Senior shot put artist Shayna Robinson had one of the best throws of her career with a distance of 33'2.25". The distance runners proved their

endurance beginning with the 4 x 8(X) m relay of seniors Gina Kremer, Anna Kurtz, Cara Cordaro and junior Maura Collins. The relay took second place with a time of 11:18.

Later in the meet freshman Kelly Haas had an outstanding 1600 m, winning her first open race ever with a time of 6:04. Cordaro ran the difficult 1(X)0 m race in 3:35.6, earning Maine South another second place finish. This season's 4 x 400 m lineup of seniors Amanda Wolf and Anne Wlezien, with sophomores Liz Pahlke and Katrina Kloess, finished the meet with a time of 4:43.9 for second place in "the glory relay."

Now that the Hawks have had a sampling of some worthy competition, they feel ready for some more. Each member of the team has big plans for this weekend—the track meet tonight, of course. Maine South is hosting their annual Hawk Relays Invitational which begins at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

The team will make sure to leave room on the bleachers for plenty of rambunctious fans.

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Highlights

^U Boys' Basketball

2/19

2/20

2/22

S/V 6/7:30 Deerfield

FR 9:30/11 Deerfield

JV6:00 GBN

Girls' Basketball

2/23

IHSAS( ctional Series TBA

Boys' Swimming

V Sectional TBA

Wrestling

V State Final TBA

Girls' Gymnastics

V State Final TBA F-S/V 4:30 Conant

Boys' Indoor Track Girls' Indoor Track

2/24

JVA^ 4:30 TBA

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Coach Kolar to retire after 33 years at South

by Mike DePilla When freshman wrestling coach and business teacher Al Kolar arrived at Maine South in 1966, there was no way he could have ever imagined how much of a mark he would leave on this school. Thirty-three years later, after helping to elevate this school's wrestling program to one of the most ehte in the state, Mr. Kolar is finally calling it quits. In doing so, however, he leaves behind a great legacy.

"I never looked at it as work-it has always been fun," he said of his Maine South experience. "I never minded coming here every day."

As a coach, Mr. Kolar's accomplishments are staggering. Of his 29 seasons, his teams had winning records in all but two.

Through the years, he won twelve conference titles and more than 300 dual meet victories. This season was no abberation as the strong freshman team finished the year undefeated in conference.

Mr. Kolar is quick to share the credit with varsity coach Mr. Fallico and junior varsity coach Mr. McCann. But it is clear that he is as responsible as anyone for the team's prosperity, as evidenced by the endless tributes paid by former wrestlers.

"He was never negative, he always had positive thoughts," said sophomore John Jacobsen, who wrestled under Kolar as a fireshman. "He always put in a lot of effort and was always there for us at practice."

Looking back on his long tenure, one of Mr. Kolar's favorite memories is the 1967 season in which South won the state championship. He said it has been a privilege to coach such wrestlers as Tom Neusis, Brett Harman, Brad Shemluck and Jeff Caudill.

Besides serving as a wrestling coach, Mr. Kolar also left his mark on students as a

business teacher, where he earned the reputation of any easy-going, respectful teacher at Maine South.

"He's the kind of guy who, if you respect

him, he'll respect you and always give you the benefit of the doubt," said junior Chris Elkiswani.

Robert Fincannon, who had Mr. Kolar as a coach when he was a freshman, added that he was a "neat guy" and a "unique teacher."

There is no doubt that Mr. Kolar's presence both in the wrestling room and in the classroom will be missed greatly.

As for all the extra time he will soon have on his hands, Mr. Kolar isn't exactly sure how to spend it just yet. "They're not going to be able to get me out of the gym," he joked. But although his days as a coach may be over, his days as a spectator will be just beginning.

"After you get to know all the people and coaches, you can't just cut yourself off, they're like family to me," he said, indicating that he would be backft-omtime ^^k time. "Part of the reward for me is to s e ^ ^ the people who worked with me as fi^eshmen grow and continue to succeed down the line," he explained.

Kolar also said that he enjoys traveling, woodworking and fishing, adding that he plans to spend more time with his grandchildren.

After 29 years of coaching, the road ends here for Mr. Kolar. But if you ask him, it couldn't get any better. "The kids told me they'd make sure that I'd go out with style," he said. "I couldn't ask for anything more from them."

Hawk swimming enters season's final lap at Sectionals

by Brian Pick The Hawk swimmers and divers have been focusing on dreams of a conference championship since the beginning of the season. The team has risen to the occasion and continues to make waves through CSL North. Thus far, the Hawks are four and one in conference with their only loss to Glenbrook North by a mere fourteen points.

The Hawks swiftly swam past other conference rivals. Recently, the team traveled to Maine West to defeat the Warriors by 11074. Furthermore, the Hawks posted a third

place finish at the Titan Relays hosted by Glenbrook South. Overall, the varsity team holds a record of 6-4 while the JV team continues to have strong meets, boasting a record of 8-2. Confident that their hard work and dedication will pay off, the team looks forward to tomorrow's final meet of the season.

Hosting Glenbrook North, Maine South Swimming honored all senior swimmers at what was their final home meet. The group includes Jeff Francowiak, Jeff Cox, Amul Ganger, Joe Kipta, Piotr Obara, Brian Pick,

Frank Ramirez, Joe Ramirez, Kevin Slobedecki and Dave Smith. This solid cast of leaders has seen Hawk swimming grow over their four years and have shared many great memories.

Last Friday, the Hawks headed over to Maine West for the CSL North Varsity Conference Meet. Led by returning All-Confe^^ ence members Ryan Evans and Brian P i ^ ^ ^ the team had hoped to qualify many more for All-Conference selection.

Tomorrow, the Hawks travel to Glenbrook South for sectionals.