Vol 36 issue 10

SOUTH WORDS Vol. 37. Issue 10

Maine South High School • II11 S. Dee Road• Park Ridac. IL60068

Fcbruar> 11.2000

Did somebody say NEWS News Commentary: Confederate flag-p.2

pop tabs?

Today in history-p.2 December Students of the Monthp.3 Ronald McDonald House-p.3

- COMMENTARY Valentine's day-p.4 Presidential primary- p.4 Voices in my head-p.4 This is your life-p.5

FEATURES Focus on Mrs. Deeringp.7 Maine South's past-p.8 Chess nuts-p.9 Focus: Bill Heerman- p. 7

SPORTS Girls' Gymnastics-p.lO Boys' V/restling-p. 10 Girls'Basketball-p. 11 Boys' Swimming-p. 12 Boys' Basketball-p. 12

Mrs. Andrews and freshmen Beth Juiris and Neal Sage display part of the freshman class' contribution to the Ronald McDonald House photo courtesy of Liz Paine

2

New^s -News Commentary=

A hateful heritage

by Megan Gibbons

All men are created equal no matter race, creed, or way of life. Yet a symbol contrary to this statement still flies over one of the states within America a country based on equality. In South Carolina, the Confederate flag can still be seen above the capital every day right along side their flag of the United States.

So many years ago, this flag stood as a symbol of injustice, prejudice and hatred. Today it continues to represent discrimination towards African Americans in the United States. Obviously, African Americans of the U.S. today hold all the freedoms and rights of any other citizen. In a state where their equality is recognized, the symbol for what once was their demise still flies high.

The flag is a part of the state's history, it still holds great significance to the development of the state. However, in the eyes of the ones it flew to keep enslaved, it remains a constant reminder of the pain suffered by ancestors to be able to reach the level at which they sit today. Supporters of the continued recognition of the Confederate flag

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contest that the flag is vital to the preservation of their heritage as a way to recognize the importance of how their ancestors

fought. However, they must take into account the way that this symbol of their heritage can negatively affect the people around them. It seems that within our nation, the state governments above all should uphold the ideals this country stands for. Despite the heritage, in flying the Confederate flag, the government of South Carolina is failing to represent the virtues of America. In fact, they are even going against the principles

which the United States constitution—the foundation of this country—holds to be true.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day of this new century, looking to forget the past century of heartache, tens of thousands of protestors of all races appeared at the state capital in South Carolina to make their thoughts known.

Signs with the message, "Your heritage is my Slavery" could be seen from all parts of the crowd. This was an attempt to sway South Carolina's government away from reminding its African American citizens of their pain each day. Those who support the grounding of the flag will continue to fight until they are recognized and their wishes respected. ^^ As the fight continues, flag supporters s ^ ^ B the flag as simply a symbol of the fact t h a ^ ^ great men fought and died. However in the hearts of thousands it stands for so much more than a war, it stands for the struggle of their people to be recognized within these United States. In this new century, it is time to look towards the future and not dwell on the past that once destroyed so many. =^

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Februrary 11, 1942 - "Archie" Comic book debuts February 11, 1957 - NHL Players Association forms the New York Red Wings February 11,1964 - Beatles first live appearance in US at the Washington DC Coliseum February 11,1998 - A Las Vegas radio station offers Monica Lewinsky five million dollars for an interview

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News 3^

Students of the Month nglish: Karin Baty, Joanna Davidson,

ÂŤ ^ Jerry .

Dhamer, Andrew Donovan, Jef-

frey Ferschl, Eweling Fidowicz, Britt Frederiksen, Lauren Genseke, Jamie Gillett, David Green, Patricia Grivas, K e v i n J o n e s , Jonathan K r i s c h k e , Kristina Lukas, Gianni Peri, Aliza Robinson, Natalia Sadowski, Abby Sapp, Tracy Schmidt, Jennifer Solnes Spanish: Jaison Abraham, Jeanine Blaskovits, Kathryn Ballard, Catherine Ristau, Neal Sage, Kathryn Sroka French: Megan Price German: Dan Krugler Italian: Joseph Marabotti, Lisa Simoncelli Elistory: Claire Cerezo, Mike Chung, Sarah Hansen, Agnes Kurpisz, Bridget MaGuire, Jessie Rubino, Nora Sapieka, Christina Sayat, Gretchen Schrock,

Katie Solari Technology: Sofia Samaniego, Barbara Levand, Nathan Tumminello, Anthony Malizzio Art: Nina Fonseca, Shalanah Bakus, Edward Cimoch, Jacqueline Bull, Kevin Moot Business: Darrell Kassis, A n t h o n y Anichini Drivers Education: Melissa Waller, Andrew Donovan Child C a r e / S o c i o l o g y : M e g h a n McNeil, Sandra PuUara, Christopher Holland, Regina Pontrelli Health: Megan Gibbons Mathematics: Jennifer Bangnall, Margherita Barone, Maggie Burzawa, Jenny C a c c o m o , J o h n E c o n o m o s , Michelle Fox, Nick Grill, Jillian Hayes, Heidi Libner, Stephanie Nickele, John

Spann, Jenny Wayer Music: Megan Dieschbourg, Ellen Gartner, Madolyn M a c h o n , A n d y Douglass Physical Education: Brian Fee, Mariusz Babicz, Sebastian Madura, Suzanne Gulluzzi, Jennifer Caccomo, Alec Sipkovsky, Nicol Corcoran, Lindsay B r a n s e n , J e n n i f e r Wayer, K o n s t a n t i n a Tsapralis, T h o m a s Abbatacola, Linda Lazar, Kevin Pick Science: Brian Annes, Margherita B a r o n e , Tracy Borowsky, J o s e p h Brutto, Brad Dietrich, Gwen Fisher, Melissa Gilbar, Lyim Herrman, Aaron Hilyard, Jane Kehoe, Natalie Kruk, Agnes Kurpisz, Liana Pini, Becky Poliwka, Sarah Yunker F i n e Arts: C h r i s H o l l a n d , F r a n k Junkovic, Kristina Bjelopetrovich, Jill Hollander

Southwards would like to make the following correction: November Smdent of the Month- Music: Marty Gadzinowski

T h e house that f r e s h m e n built

by Molly O'Keefe Two years ago in November, the freshman class of the time (who are now sophomores) started a friendly fundraising competition.

Inspired by Mr. Drennan's personal interest in the Ronald McDonald House foundation as discussed in the last issue of South words, this year's freshman class continued the annual tradition.

In November, with the supervision of Class Council sponsor Mrs. Andrews, freshman officers Ashley Treadway (President), Neal Sage (Vice-President), Beth Juiris (Secretary), and Megan McGuire (Treasurer) organized this year's Ronald McDonald Pop Tab Fundraiser. Every freshman homeroom received a miniature cardboard Ronald McDonald House and was asked to collect as many jxjp tabs as they could for the next two weeks.

Suprisingly enough, much more than those little boxes were brought in; piles of milk cartons and plastic bags overflowing with pop tabs totalled a whopping 51 Bounds! With the generous addition of the '4 pounds that Mr. Drennan personally collected, the Maine South freshman class donated a total of 75 pounds of pop tabs to help with the operating costs of the "home

away from home" for families of ill or injured children receiving treatment near Loyola University Medical Center. The reward for the freshman homeroom that collected the most pop tabs was doughnuts. A tremendous amount of effort was put into this service project by this spirited class, which was greatly appreciated by the volunteers of the House. And the winners were: 1st place: Mrs. Sayre's homeroom weighing in at 10 lbs. 13 oz.

2nd place: Mr. Parilli's homeroom weighing in at 10 lbs. 8 oz.

3rd place: Ms. Sarlas's homeroom weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 oz.

4th place: Mrs. Miller's homeroom weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz.

One of the most often asked questions during the pop tab collection was, "Why the tabs and not the cans?" The answer is that the actual pop tabs are made out of pure aluminum, unlike the mix of metals that make up the body of the cans. The money made from recycling this pure metal goes toward building and supporting these havens. With the abundance of enthusiasm demonstrated by the freshmen and the wonderful influence provided by Mr. Drennan, many people were aided and comforted during some of their

hardest times. As Mrs. Andrews said, "Fundraisers are important, but can not compare to the satisfaction of organizing a charitable project." The Freshman Class Council enjoyed organizing the Ronald McDonald fundraiser so much that they are investigating starting a collection of eyeglasses for the Lions Club. For a change of pace, the youngest members of Maine South are setting a great example that the rest of the school should be sure to follow.

4 Cororaentary Property of

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The Editors!

by Michael DePilla Next year at this time we will have a new president for the first time in eight years, and he will come from a group whose positive qualities are overshawdowed by negative campaigns which bring out small, inconsequential matters and make them the center of attention.

Going only by what our presidential hopefuls tell us about eachother, George W. Bush is completey oblivious to world affairs, John McCain cannot control his temper, Al Gore is indecisive and boring, and Bill Bradley's heart is weak. Outside of that, all Republicans are elitist liars and all Democrats are scandalous liars. So, one of the men fitting these descriptions will be the next president of the United States of America.

Did you know that Democratic candidate Bill Bradley voted Republican when he was younger, or that George W. Bush doesn't like syrup on his pancakes? How could such characters seriously be considered for president?

All sarcasm aside, irrelevant negative campaigns taint elections and shift the focus away from serious issues, but since both the media and the public love it, mud-slinging is the norm in politics. In reality, each candidate is intellegent, quick-witted, and ambitious, and would probably make a capable leader of this country.

These qualified but slightly tarnished candidates faced their second serious challenge last week when New Hampshire held its primary election. The primary, in which the public elects delegates who will in turn vote for a specific candidate in this summer's national party convention, provides an indication of the strength of each candidate.

Coming out on top of last week's primary for the Republicans was Arizona senator McCain, who beat his nearest competetor. Bush, by 18%. On the Democratic side. Vice President Gore edged out Bradley 52% to 47% in a much closer election. So where do they stand now? After two primaries Gore has seen two victories though the gap between him and rival Bradley has narrowed, and McCain will pose a serious threat to former frontrunner Bush in a now air-tight election which should come down to the wire, regardless of who is the better candlepin bowler.

A Valentine for a

by Meghan Romba Soon Valentine's Day will have arrived.

Schools will overflow with red, white and pink and valentines will be made and delivered with grins. Carnations will be the gift of choice here at Maine South, and a very common sight. I have, however, stopped to wonder about those who do not receive any valentines, any carnations or any "Happy Valentine's Day!" from their peers. Some do not even care about the holiday, but even so—why cannot everyone recieve something?

For a minute, think about being a kindergartner. For Valentine's Day we were required to bring in one valentine for every member of our class. Sometimes we made them with doilies and red construction paper and write little messages to express our appreciation of those around us.

Some said "Be mine," some said "Forever yours." Abuzz exitement in the classroom would always hover in the room as the exchange occured. It was fun because each student actually got a valentinefromevery other student. No one was left out and everyone was able to join in the fim.

Times have changed and so have we.

Some of the basic courtesies we learned in kindergarten are no longer practiced. We have forgotten how to be nice. Instead of including everyone in on our valentine exchange, we have become more selective and exclusionary.

Too bad! I liked the idea of everyone getting a valentine. I liked munching on the pink, purple and blue candy hearts while reading even just the cheesy card messages from an assortment of my peers.

I liked the excitment generated when all of us participated in this special day of friendship.

When you get your red and white construction paper out, and include your romantic verses or humourous sayings, remember how nice a time it was when everyone received that special card and was part of that fun. Include a few more people in your Valentine celebration this year.

Bring back some of the warm feelings we all shared way back when. And remember when your favorite Valentine used to in elude everyone. ^

Voices in my head

by Lauren Hurley To high school teens world wide, the new year means relatively nothing. January 1st is just another day. So, while adults are making claims of how they are going to change for the better, the average sixteen-year-old does not even bother.

Why? Because no matter how hard they apply themselves to studying, nothing will bring up that C in Physics in just three weeks.

Finals loom over our heads almost eternally.

For Maine South students, the New Year begins at 11:30 a.m. the Thursday following Martin Luther King's Holiday. The albatross has been lifted, and finally we can all breathe a little clearer. I think the overwhehning collective sigh of relief comes from the fact that once we have handed in the last scan tron, our grade is out of our hands. If you messed up, hey, it is too late to even worry. And if you did great, hey, that's swell. This whole idea of the grade being out of your hands

now IS mtnguing.

Delia and I went shopping right after finals. On the way to Woodfield, we started talking about fate. "The way I see it. No. 2 pencils are the devil," she suggested. I then shot her the what-are-you-on look. "No, Lauren, I mean it. Here, think about this. We all have to use No. 2 pencils on scantrons.

We use scantrons all semester for tests and quizzes. Then there is the mother scantron for finals. The final determines the grade you get in that class. That grade determines your GPA. Your GPA determines what college you go to. College determines the rest of your life, basically. So when your hand cramps up during afinalor you accidentally have to erase something, you might as well just stick yourself with that precious No. 2 ^ ^ pencil and get lead poisoning because life i ^ ^ P only going to get downhill from there." She had a point. It was demented and crazy, but a point nonetheless. , , '^ continued on pg. o

Comraentary 5

•This is your life

by Britt Frederiksen Chinese restaurants are always popular in my family— the quick service and similar menus make it an easy choice.

The only reason I like going to them so much, besides the egg rolls, are the fortune cookies.

Every time the check comes to the table at the end of the meal, there are the little v-shaped cookies wrapped in the clear plastic with obscure Chinese letters. Everyone wjiits to hear everyone else's, which are almost always the same ones: "You will become rich and famous" or "Your wisdom will be useful in the near future." Some of the little slips of paper are saved and some are thrown away. The cookie has told our destiny and some choose to pretend that the mystic creator of the phrases truly thought of them when scripting with the blue font. They were not thinking of any individuals (more likely, Iheir pay check) and no Chinese oracle peered into a crytsal ball to find the future for Susie Q. Paterson.

The same problem is evident with the classic magic eight balls. Every other friend I visit owns one and consults it with great

seriousness. "DO NOT shake it too hard, Britt, it will get bubbles in it!" they cry as I attempt to find the answers to my questions.

"Is my ftiend overreacting?" "Most likely."

We tend to use aids like these to answer our deep burning questions. Maybe the eight ball is right, but maybe it is not. Why do we rely on an inanimate object to tell us what we really feel? The fortunes with lucky numbers are probably not going to help us win the lottery, and we knew that before we ate the cookie. When the balls fall out of the lotto machine and we have lost again, it is only more confirmation that the cookie is not a real soothsayer.

Maybe we are so insecure in our lives that we need the validation of a Uttle plastic black hd\\ filled with blue water to tell us what we are doing wrong. It is safe, private and can be made into a joke if friends ask why we own one. Is it really safe, however, to live in a world whose parameters involve ten dif ferent answers to any questions or problems you have?

It is time we take a little more responsibility for our questions. If anyone really belives what the "spirit" writing on the Ouija board is saying, they should write in and tell me if the spirit predicted what actually happened. I will be amazed. Granted, sometimes yes is the right answer, but most of the time, these are just bogus wastes of time and money.

Americans, however, like to believe that they are not.

We can answer a lot of our problems on our own—yes, even without a visit to the local psychic. We have the ability inside us to predict the future. If you were really failing biology, you would know. You would know that your test grades were poor and that your homework as not up to par. If the world was going to end tomorrow, you would probably hear about it, and if you did not, what is talking t o a magic eight ball going to do?

With all the emphasis on independent thinking in the nineties and continuing now, I am suprised that our culture would submit to anyone else's opinion on the truth.

This is not only someone else's opinions, but the opinions of a toy era food company.

We assert our personal opinions on global warming, the presidency, poverty and capital punishment. When it comes to our hair, however, "does it look allright?"The fortune cookie says your hair will only look nice on the second Tuesday of odd months, so you plan accordingly. This is your life —answer your own questions about it.

Never accept what another has planned as the truth unless you can agree. The easiest problems in life can be solved by a little selfdirection and a little self-reliance. Believe in your own truths.

HEY YOU! Have a great Valentine's Day, and while you are at it. . . .write for Southwords! Leave your articles in V131.

6 Commentary

Voices

continued from page 4

"Deils, you did fine, you know it, so quit worrying and quit freaking me out. Finals are kaput. The important thing now is that we have wads of money burning holes through our pockets."

I pulled into the closest spot, and together we braved the bitter cold for the half-mile distance to the mall. Once inside, we started on our usual route. "I need to buy something new to wear to Beach Party," she hinted as we window- shopped at Limbo Lounge." It's Mardi Gras this year, hon.," I corrected her. "Fine then...I will call it Beach Partygrah or Mardi Party because really, how different is it going to ,be?" "I know, right? From what I know, the whole concept behind the Mardi Gras in New Orleans is that people get drunk and the girls flash for beads. How is that better than the girls wearing harmless spaghetti straps? Way to go Senior Class Council. I heard that no one was supposed to even say anything like that because people might get ideas. Just because they ignore the potential intoxicated flashers, does not mean the problems will go away.

I quote Chris Klein, 'High school is not rated PG-13.' No matter what the administration does, there is always a rebellious attitude displayed by the students. Even if Maine South threw a dance with the theme 'Let's Get Amish!,' there would still be a Tommy Djilas causing a ruckus."

"Could you describe the ruckus?"

"Not funny. Okay, but it's the diet Coke of funny. One calorie. Not quite funny enough."

"Lauren, what do you propose the administration do? Surely they cannot just let the kids do whatever they want. If anything, they will just stop throwing dances for us...beggars can't be choosers." I put down the lava lamp I was looking at and thought for a moment. "Well that's where our problem comes in," I analyzed, " I guess we are at a stand still. The students want more liberties, but they don't show the responsibility to handle them. The silly part is that nobody seems to get that through to their brains." Delia tried on a pair of pink Lisa Loeb-ish glasses. "I hope that they don't have the lights on like last Beach Party.

There are going to be more chaperones this

year. So basically it is going to be like last Saturday in my basement, lights on, my mom coming down every ten minutes, and with Jake on the other side of the room." I smiled at her moody pessimism and reassured her, "No matter what, it will be fun...every body's going to be there...Guy, Jake, Todd, Celeste, Mae...speaking of

which, we are supposed to meet them at two in front of Abercrombie and Fitch."

We zoomed out of Limbo Lounge and down the several ramp-ways to the coveted AH-F rendezvous point. You can always tell you are getting close to Abercrombie because more and more guys with torn and faded clothing are coming from that direction.

While sitting on the bench waiting for the rest of the gang to join us, I started to think of what I had put off until I had a break which was only to come after finals. I glanced upward to see the divinity that is Justin Case striding out of the store. Now I have only mentioned Justin once before, at the beginning of the year. To my detriment, however, I have not had anything with him. Not even a passing period. I cannot explain what happened next in any logical way except that he walked toward me in slow motion while the song "At Last My Love Has Come Along" played in a continuous loop in my mind. Cliche perhaps, but very true. He then spoke with a tone so sweet that it disrupted my little mental moment, "Hey Lauren, I

haven't seen you in such a long time! How's the ankle?" I blushed that he remembered..

Long story short, the last time we had seen! each other was six years ago, when his beagle, Cupid, had bit me.

Before I could answer, he scratched his head, counting the money in his hand, "Jeez, the cashier gave me too much change. Excuse me, I'll be right back." With out a moment of hesitation, Justin darted back into the store.

It was at that minute that I remembered to breathe. I looked at Delia who knew every thought behind my every facial expression. She sighed, "Sweet cheeks, not again. NO. You fall for everyone. I thought you liked Todd. You have a crush on half of the school...yada yada yada..."

"It's different. You wouldn't understand," which is something I told her for the first time in my life.

Justin returned shopping bag in hand.

I inquired about the contents, "So, since when did you start becoming so Aber...er...materialistic?" Great job, girl.

Don't see the guy face to face in years, and there's already a foot in my mouth.

He laughed, thank God, and retorted,!

"Nah, this isn't for me, it's for my little brother. It's his birthday next Saturday...the big 1-0.1 was going to get myself a baseball cap, but then I thought..."

It was amazing. Every single gesture and word was hypnotic. I was totally in a daze when out of nowhere Todd came up behind me and grabbed my side. I took a step back, took a look at Todd, and then a look at Justin.

The differences were so profound, so black and white. Here's Todd, a bad boy, a rebel, a chauvinist, and a sweet talker. And then here's Justin, a clean-cut saint, a leader, a charmer, and all-American hero. Todd is some Junior little scrawny boy, and Justin is a mature guy's guy and yet a full-out gentleman.

Justin then asked me to have lunch with him at Rainforest Cafe so that we could catch up on old times. I accepted without a peek at Delia, or Todd, or the rest of my clan. I know it is wrong for a person to ditch their friends for a member of the opposite sex, but this was homina homina hominai Justin Case. Two ramps diverged in a mall" and I, I took the ramp less traveled by...and so far, it has made all the difference.

To be continued...

Features 7

Focus on Faculty Upon walking into Mrs. Deering's classroom, something is obviously very different than in most other classrooms: the organization of her classroom surpasses most others. Her efficiency and organization are apparent not only in her classroom, but in her appearance and her teaching as well.

Mrs. Deering, bom in Wisconsin, grew up in Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa. There she majored in Mathematics Education and minored in Computer Science and Coaching, which was a requirement to coach in the state of Iowa.

When asked why she chose to teach math, Mrs. Deering says, "I like the fact that math is almost always either right or wrong. Math came very easily to me in high school so I decided to choose between teaching and accounting. I chose teaching because of the wonderful schedule, which I knew would allow me to spend time with my family later in life. I chose not to teach Computer Science because keeping up with the technology involved is too time-consuming."

After graduating from the University of orthem Iowa, Mrs. Deering moved here to Chicago. Although she liked Iowa, she knew she wanted to move to a large city.

She says, "After growing up in Iowa, I knew I wanted to be near a big city with more to offer. Also, teaching is very difficult in Iowa since the pay is so low there."

When she first moved to Chicago, Mrs. Deering spent four years teaching at Proviso East High School. There she taught math and was the head coach for the girls' volleyball team. Them she decided to come to Maine South. "I liked teaching at Proviso, but I knew Maine South had a good all-around reputation and I wanted to be a part of it."

by Lindsey Krukowski

Mrs. Deering has now been at Maine South for ten years. She has always taught math here and coached freshman volleyball.

She has also been very involved in other activities in the school. In her years here, Mrs. Deering has been the Mu Alpha Theta sponsor, a coordinator for Project Connect

along with Mrs. Kawalek, the senior class sponsor, and one of the three faculty representatives for the Parent Teacher Council along with Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Marra.

Mrs. Deering recently acquired her Master's Degree in Administration from Northeastern University. She says, "I hope that one day I will be able to help run a school, and now I am eligible to do that."

The little free time that Mrs. Deering has is spent with her family. She has a husband and a 4 year old daughter who she loves to spend time with. In the summer, Mrs. Deering spends much of her time swimming with her daughter She enjoys her summers wither her daughter because she says, "We antique and we play games. I'm glad I have

Senior Activities: • A.P. Hawks Constitution Team • Symphony Band • Orchestra • Model United Nations • Student Advisory Committee • Athletic Trainer's Assistant • National Honor Society • Student Council President • High Honor Roll • Spanish Club •Tri-M

- Susan Deering the simimers free to do all of that."

Mrs. Deering's favorite thing to do is collecting antiques. "My husband and I are big antique and flea market buffs," she jokes. Both she and her husband come from famiUes of antique collectors, and the enjoy spending time at flea markets looking for new collectibles. She says, "I love collecting things. My entire house is full of old furniture. I love to buy things that are old and decrepit and make them look nice. My husband and I spend almost every weekend buying or fixing up something."

This hobby can also turn out to be profitable as well. Mrs. Deering says that when she and her husband decide they have some antiques they don't want, they sell them on e-bay.com.

Mrs. Deering's free time is also frequently occupied by her efforts at renovating their house. She says, "Our house is oldit's from the 1920s-so we're spending a lot of our time renovating it."

Although she has her summersfree,Mrs. Deering doesn't spend them traveling. "I spend every weekend in the summer traveling to local flea markets." However, she does say that she has hopes of spending time on a quest for new antiques one day. She says, "One day we'd like to travel to different flea markets and auctions in Iowa, Permsylvania, and Ohio to try to spend time at different flea markets. Our daughter would enjoy it too, because she has started collecting, too, which helps her make it through the day when we go out looking. Every time we go to a flea market, I ask her 'What are you going to look for today?' We're glad that the tradition of antiqueing is being carried on through another generation."

Bill Heerman

Focus on Student Excellence

Teacher's Comments: "BiU's positive attitude, unmatclied work ethic, organizational skills and keen ability to always see the 'big picture' have made him an invaluable leader at our school. His focus on education drive to continuall challenge himself, learn independently and always do the right thing has contributed to our school in a multimde of ways- an awesome young man!"

—Mr. Dennis McCann

8 Features

Changes at Maine South m

by Alan Gajda, Sean Garbutt, and Tom Lipczynski Since the very first day at Maine Township High School South in August of 1964 the school has undergone drastic changes almost every year, whether structural, social, or econmic.

Many changes that were once considered extravagant are now just a normal part of every student's daily routine. In 1978 when Maine South acquired its first "Com-

puter Terminal" it was considered to be a huge step into the future, and it was. Computers are no longer considered anything out of the ordinary; in fact it would be out of the ordinary if Maine South had no computers.

By 1973 many changes had already taken place. A cafeteria, field-house, and 12 additional rooms to the A-wing have added to the growth of the school. Enrollment had already grown 21% from 2,750 in 1964 to 3,350 in 1973. As enrollment increased, so did the

number of lockers. Maine South went froi 2200 lockers to 3400 lockers.

Many Maine South students are also unaware that Maine South adopted a nine year old Korean boy named Ree Kwan Yung, whose parents died in a car crash, in 1964.

Many Maine South students probably also don't know that Maine South used to hold prayer sessions every morning from 7:45 to 8:05. During this time (called Share Tune) participants sang songs and prayed.

Sports through the years Maine South has long been acknowledged in the Chicago area for its outstanding academic record. They have also been thought of as one of the best schools around if one wants to play sports. Most of Maine South's teams seem to win their conference championship annually. Maine South has even had a few teams win state championships.

It all started with the Maine South girls' soccer team. There was not an official, state sanctioned state championship at that point but there was a state tournament in place.

The team went four straight years without a defeat. Even today, the girls' soccer team is one of the most dominant teams in the state, going to quarterfinals last year.

Then there was Maine South's fencing team who went down state in 1970 and smashed every other team in the state tournament. They racked up a score of 78 points

and that was enough to beat every other team by a total of 33 points. The second place team had won the state title two years in a row.

In the seventies, the girls' swimming captured a state championship, although this was not sanctioned by ISHA (Illinois State High school Association) either, as it did not exist sat that point in time.

In 1979 came the first of Maine South's two Cinderella teams. This was the year that the boys' basketball team won the state championship, and was sanctioned by IHSA. The team won only 14 games, beating their opponents by less than three points. Later, the team went to the state tournament and beat De La Salle in the first round. East Moline in the second roimd, and Quincy in the finals to become the state champions.

The football program has also been very successful at Maine South. In 1968 they had what is referred to as a "mythical" state cham-

pionship team. In 1995 came Maine South's second Cinderella team. They went into the playoffs with a record of 7-2 and went on to beat Mount Carmel, one of the most dominant teams in the state, in the state championship game. Maine South was not picked by the Chicago Tribune to win any one of the games that it played in those playoffs.

Lastly, who can forget, the Hawkettes.

This Maine South dance squad has b e e ^ ^ ^ completely dominant in their 'sport' e v e r j ^ ^ year in competition. They win a state tide nearly every year.

All in all, Maine South has long been known as having some of the most competitive sports teams in the state. They have spawned different state champions and many conference champions. When another team has to play Maine South, they know they have a battle ahead of them.

In 1971, women's rights was a huge issue in American society. There was a controversy as to whether or not women should be given rights equal to those of men. There were people on both sides either supporting or opposing equal rights.

Today, while there still are some inequalities in the workplace or in the home, most people would think it to be ignorant if someone said that women belong at home, barefoot and pregnant.

Maine South's students at the time had opinions on this topic, some of which would be thought of as ignorant if expressed today. One girl named LuAnn, class of 1972, said, "I don't want to see a good thing ruined.

I like being treated like a girl.

Michelle, class of 1974, said, "Men and women aren't equal anyway. Besides, where would women be without men?"

Pam, class of 1972, said, "I don't think that women are being oppressed, but if they were they should be because they are the weaker sex."

Debbie, class of 1972, said, "I plan to live my life making the best of women's place in society with a husband and children."

Men seemed to be most opposed to women's liberation because of the war in Vietnam.

They argued that women should have to risk their lives at war, just as men do, if they want equal rights. Russ, class of 1972, said.

"Give them equal rights, fine! Send them to Vietnam and let them fight!"

Steve, class of 1974, said, "A woman's place is in the home. It is alright if women want jobs, but they are still not equal to men."

Even comedians like John, from the class of 1972, had something to say. He quipped, "Give them the right to bear arms and bare legs!"

Looking at the opinions and thoughts of students from the past, they look more like jokes than people's thoughts.

When one looks at how women were^ treated in the 1970s compared to now, it is obvious that we really have come a long way.

Changing views of w o m e n

Features 9

•Chess Nuts

by Erik Maye Like the traditional winter song, chess nuts here at Maine South are also "roasting on an open fire." With a record of 6-2 in match play, the chess team is hoping for a Top 20 placing at the State Tournament over Spring Break. Team members Erik Maye, Brett Collins, Peter Levine, Pat Szuta, Arthur Sarkisov, Matt Bielski, Josh Barger, and Jim Puis have worked hard since fall to improve their strategy.

The Chess Team has had a victorious year. Team victories include a 40.5-27.5 win over Prospect, a 40-28 forfeit win over Fremd, a 50.5-17.5 victory over Glenbrook North, a crushing 62-6 defeat over Rolling Meadows, a 48-20 victory over Buffalo Grove, and most recently a 53.5-14.5 defeat over Maine West with the help of the Junior Varsity cheerleaders.

Individual members of the chess team have also been very successful in tournaments me outside of school. Peter Levine won St place at Lake Forest, Pat Szuta won ^ ^ i rirst : place at Proviso West, Josh Barger won third place at Evanston, Erik Maye tied

for third place at Bloom Trail and tied for second place at Reserve section at the College of Lake County, and Brett Collins won second place at Proviso West and second place at Evanston and is ranked the state champion for freshmen and sophomores and the national freshman champion among mediumChess team members,fromleft, Erik Maye (First board), Brett Collins strength players.

(Second board), and Peter Levine (Third board and President of Chess Coaches Mrs. Team) practice in the library after school.

Jacobsen and Mr. Beer Photo by Meean Price have stuck with the team through thick and thin to bring them S OUTH^VORJ^ S to their current record.

A student-produced itewspapfer of: If you think you can stack up against Maine South H i ^ Schpol them, come to the back of the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school to try I | l l South Dee Ro^j ' P^dRidge, m 6 0 0 ^ to impress us. By the way, girls wanted!

LettersMto-tfee ediior^hoald be deHvered to room V-lSlTor^eaio a^embef of the editorial sta^v^bUTHWORDS'reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to r^Rct-obscerie, or Jibetous submissions. '^ Editors-in-Chief

Michael DePilla Maura Collins News Editors Megan Gibbons Meghan McCall Commentary Editors Britt Fredrikson Latiren Hurley Features Editors Lindsey Krukowski Nicole Peim Sam Fuller Sports Editors Ellen Gartner Ted Kocher Production Editors Som Dalai Brian Anderson Dan Clyne Core Cartoonists Susan Wilson Core Photographers Eileen Collins Megan Price Core Staff Artists Monica Haak Nicole Kline Advisor T. R. Kerth

lO Sports

Girls' g y m n a s t i c s

by Cheryl Chmura The girls' gymnastic team has come a long way this year. Friday, January 28th was the varsity conference meet at Evanston.

Though the scores were a little lower than the team wanted, they pulled through.

Sophomore Joanna Ortega had a strong meet. She recieved an 8.4 on the floor, 7.6 on the beam, 7.4 on the bars, and an 8.4 for her vault. Other strong scores were a 7.75 on the vault from Cheryl Chmura, and a 7.45 on the vault from Lauren Gazzolo. Liz Izzo, Kate Miller and Sylvia Ranalli also turned in impressive scores.

On Saturday the JV conference was held also at Evanston. The girls took fourth place as a team, and also took home some individual awards Roisin O'Neill had an out-

standing final meet. With her score of 7.4 on bars, she placed third, and with an all around score of 27.9, she placed second in the South Division JV conference.

Stephanie Zmija took home a sixth place ribbon with her score of 6.7 on the beam. Christina Mulvany and Alina Pyzowski also contributed to the team's score.

Monday, January 24th, the freshmen had an invite at New Trier. Many high scores and medals were received by Marissa Frankos, Ashley Hodges, Jenny Carli, Elena Lazano, Alina Pyzowski, and Stephanie Zmija. The JV and Freshman teams have finished their season but the Varsity team will be competing at Regionals in the near future.

Wrestling in review

by Sean Story The Hawks wrestling program is going nowhere but up. Friday, January 28, the Hawks clinched the CSL Conference title for the first time in seven years. They finished it off in grand fashion by pummelling Niles West 60-12. The Freshmen and JV teams also won by defeating Niles West by large margins as well. The following day,

the Varsity traveled to a triple dual meet at Stevenson. They silenced highly regarded Stevenson by a score of 45-22, and literally beat up on Holy Cross by an even larger margin. The Hawks did not look so great on the mats this Friday at the conference tournament. They had their ups and downs, and had one champion, Pat Stritzel at 189.

Runnin' like lightning

by Dan Tomassi The Hawk track season is under way, and this year's team headed by a fairly young group of athletes is looking forward to a winning season. The team, with currently only four returning senior athletes will have to work hard to triumph in the new challenging CSL conference with state competeing competitors such as New Trier and Evanston high schools.

This year's varsity distance team includes cross-country all-state qualifier Tim Seiwert, Liam Hickey, Scott Fullman, Mike Begich, Chris McGuire, Sean Hill, and Adam Wolf. The Hawk sprint relays include juniors Tony Skaczylo, Corey Norman, Will Dushek, Dan Tomassi, and sophmore Chris "Belly Button" Fosco. The hurdlers include Brad Seberhagan, Mike Vourvoulias, and Dave Skiba.

Brain Fee will lead the putters as the sole senior.

Coach Bill Drennan commented on his expectations for this years team: "Despite the lacking of fourth year athletes, the talent and leadership of the younger levels should help contribute to a promising season." With good numbers and the hard work and dedication from all of the athletes, especially the Hawk sprinters, the Hawks are looking to put away all of their competition.

In their first meet against St. Ignatius, the Hawks pulled off a close victory at home on both the JV and Varsity levels.

South Stats 16 Number of |>oints scored by Lauren Colletti and Colleen VanHoesen against Libertyville

197.30 Personal best diving score posted

by Kris Salvadore against Waukegan

15 Points scored by Joe Bello versus New Trier

27.9 Score obtained by Roisin O'Neill, earning her a second place in the CSL South gymnastics division

9 Number of varsity wrestlers who won all-conference titles

Tony Skaczylo sprints toward victory at a recent meet against St. Ignatius. photo by Eileen Collins

sports 11

Girls' hoops prepares

by Krissy Vonesh The girls' basketball team has been their current 17-11 record are proud of the: through a lot of tough competition lately. accomplishments in the face of the hardes With game against ranked teams such as schedule in years. Because of the prepara Washington, Mother Mc Auley, and Fenwick, tion, the team is confident of their abilitie in the esteemed Sweet Sixteen Tournament, to do well throughout the post season play, the Hawks have been fearless in the face of Congratulations to all the senior that havi worked so hard over the years competition. The best sixteen "We're heading into and have made such a differteams in the area faced off in a the state series ence in Maine South girls' bas tournament in order to prepare having played the ketball. for the state tournament. The In their game against 13th Hawks came out of these games longest and toughest regular season that ranked Liberty ville on Tuesday, t with a winning record and took any Maine South February 1st, the girls rose their \ the nimiber one ranked Fenwick Girls' team has intensity to another level. They to the ropes in overtime. Hard work and dedication keep the played. Our schedule trailed in the game for three girls focused for the end of the has made us ready to quarters, and came back to go farther than any outscore their opponents 17-11 regular season with three games team before."

Colleen VanHoesen and Lauren left in the season against Liberty ville, Waukegan and the -Coach Mike Deines Colletti had 16 points each, with VanHoesen turning in 11 well-known Evanston Wild-Kits.

If the Hawks play the type of game they rebounds for the Hawks. Krissy Vonesh had have grown to possess, they will come out 14 points, ten of which were in the fourth ^ i t h three big wins, and an excellent ending quarter. According to Coach Deines I a successful season. The state tournament VanHoesen and Colletti are a strong pair of kicks off February 15 when the Hawks will players that aid in leading the team. He is Lauren Colletti shoots a jumper dunng a face Good Councel at Maine South in the very optimistic about the success of the team recent practice. photo by Megan Price first round of regionals. The Hawks with in the remainder of the season.

^Jj ^

^

Hdwk Highlights 2/11

Boys' Basketball

vs. Evanston 7:30 PM

Girls' Basketball

@ Evanston 7:00 PM

Girls' Gymnastics

IHSA Sectional 9:00 AM

2/12

2/14

2/15

@ Leyden 9:00 AM

Boys' Indoor Track

vs Fenwick/Notre Dame 4:30 PM

Girls' Indoor Track Boys' Swinmiing 1 Wrestling

2/16

vs. Niles N/St. Viator 4:30 PM Conference (a Maine South mSA Sectional

SOUTHWORDS Basketball • Gymnastics • Indoor Track • Swimming • Gymnastics

Hawks hit the water

by Jeff Percak The Hawks swam into 2000 with a splash, vanquishing the Maine East Demons on both the JV and Varsity levels. Next, the Hawks dropped a close meet to Niles West, while the JV kept their perfect conference record intact. The next day, the freshmen competed at the Leyden Invitational, where their efforts earned second place. That same day, the varsity team hosted the annual Maine South Hawk Relays, when the Hawks battled to a second place finish overall, their highest placing since 1992. The Hawks earned numerous second and third place medals, complemented by the victorious 400 IM Relay of Ryan Evans, Matt Huffman, Alex Polley, and Eric Pick.

A varsity loss and yet another JV victory at Glenbrook South was soon followed up by strong performances when the Hawks returned to Glenbrook South for the Titan Relays. First place finishes were posted by

Nick Nielsen, Tim Sapieka, Eric Raz, and Polley in the 200 backstroke relay; Will Kruesi, Kevin Pick, Peter Przekota, and J.P. Allen in the freshmen 200 Medley relay; Don Nielsen, Kruesi, Bill House, and Jon Michaels in the 200 Frosh-Soph Medley Relay, and the freshmen 400 Free Relay of Alex O'Connor, Allen, K. Pick, Kruesi. The Hawks also received strong support from a slew of second place finishes, and a multitude of thirds.

The following Friday, the Hawks lost to Evanston, but returned the following week to wallop Waukegan to celebrate Senior Night. The varsity posted 33 personal records out of a possible 60. Among those swimmers who marked personal bests were seniors Ryan Evans, Eric Kuntz, Jason Mata, Nick Nielsen, Jeff Percak, Eric Pick, Alex Polley, and diver Kris Salvadore. Salvador completed his final home dual meet with a

personal record of 197.30, diving straight sixes in the final round.

The next day, the Hawks traveled to the Conant Invitational to battle the hightly competitive teams of Conant, Schaumbrug, University High, Stevenson, and Glenbrook South. A meet designed to emphasize the depth of a team, the meet highlighted some of the Hawks' second and third swimmers.

Senior leadership and strong performances by juniors Matt Huffman, Chris Marquez, Bill Plencner, Eric Raz, Tim Sapieka, Paul Sarran, and Dan Smart. Sophomore Jon Michaels, and freshmen "Terrace and Philip," ensured every Maine South swimmer earned a medal at the Conant Invite for the first time in HAWKSWIMMING historyj^^ while the team earned third place h o n o r s . ^ ^ Be sure to come out an cheer the Hawks as they host the CSL South Conference Meet on Friday, February 11 at 6 PM.

Boys' Basketball

by Tim Mo rem

Bryan Smaha tones his skills during practice for Boys" basketball. The earn is hoping that a strong work ethic will pay off in the postseason. photo by Megan Price

The Boys' varsity basketball team is undoubtedly saving all their success for the postseason. The first two weeks of the new millenium have proven to be tough ones for the team. Against a tough CSL opponent in the Glenbrook South Titans, the Hawks lost a heartbreaker at home. Joe Bello and Mark Wojteczko each contributed key baskets in the losing effort. The following weekend brought about two challenging games against regionally ranked opponents.

First, on Friday night, the Hawks took on New Trier in Winnetka. The team was pumped up for the game, but in the end. New Trier's size and skill proved too much for the Hawks. Against the Trevians, Joe Bello had 15 points and John Vigna dropped in 14. The next night, Maine South took on a highly touted team from Fremd. Once again, the Hawks came up a little short, despite giving their total effort, and lost by six. Bryan Smaha found a groove with his baseline jumper and ended up with 16 points. Despite the! recent losses, the Hawks are still confident that they will make a good showing in the playoffs. And for all you Hawk fans, don't hesitate to come out and support the team during the exciting March Madness action.