Vol 36 issue 11

SOUTHWORDS Maine Souili His:h School • 1111 S. Dec Road • Park Ridi:e. IL WKKiX

Vol. 37. Issue

February 25. 2(X)C

Java joint NEWS Coffeehouse-p. 2 Unsung Hawk Award-p.2 January students of the month-p.3 The scoop on SPUD-p.3

COMMENTARY Rebellion in the dance-p.4 Kudos to SPUD- p.5 Voices in my head-p.5 Who wants to read this articlep.6

FEATURES Focus on Mr Kratsch-p. 7 Foreign languages- p. 8 Famous Dave's-p.8 Internet voting-p.9

SPORTS Girls' Basketball-p. 10 Boys' Wrestling-p. 11 Girls' Track-p. 12 Boys' Swimming-p. 12 Boys' Basketball-p. 12

This year's coffee house was an incredible success- see page 2 for more photo collage by Meghan McCall photos courtesy of Eyrie

2 News

Coffeehouse 2000 a huge success

by Megan Gibbons It all began about five years ago, as an experiment to see if teachers and students could intertwine peacefully and enjoy ably.

After several successful coffee houses, Coffeehouse 2000 was no exception. Students from all over the school showed up on February 4th to support their teachers, enjoy themselves, and have something exciting to talk about on Monday in class.

As the main fundraiser for the Fine Arts Department of Maine South, the great turnout and the support of the students was very much appreciated.

It took place in the backstage in the auditorium, surrounded by cables and lighting.

This somewhat rough setting, however, became inconsequential as the students walked into Maine South's very own coffeehouse.

Tables with makeshift tablecloths replaced the boxes of scenery that usually cluttered the floor; a stage had been set up where the curtain usually fell; and lights allowed the audience behind stage rather than front and center.

Scores of teachers, department heads and employees of Maine South graced the stage.

The acts presented ranged from vocal styling of Biology, English, and Drama teachers, to inspirational readings aimed to send the lives of the viewers in the right direction.

In addition to these moving aspects of the evening, it was filled with comedy and humor radiating from some of the most unlikely sources. It left the lips of a certain band director, and number oriented math

teachers, to name a few. It was one of tha few times when it can be said the students and faculty truly interacted as one. Teachers spoke, and the students listened with open minds.

The evening was filled with laughter and awe at what was laid out on that petite stage behind the curtain. The night full of fun ended with an amazing ensemble of a variety of faculty members, captivating the audience with their February blues.

There was laughter and dancing to the tunes that told stories everyone could relate to. Each smdent was enriched after hearing what the teachers had to teach outside of the classroom. All seemed to leave with happy hearts, and a new understanding of the ones who hide behind their podiums every day.

Maine South's heroes recognized

by Molly O'Keefe To be unsung is to not be celebrated, acclaimed or praised. At some point in one's life, everybody has felt, to a greater or lesser degree, that when hard work is put forth without being acknowledged, the utter feeling of disappointment can easily diminish the pride that may have been received in their earlier accomplishments. It is well known that people should not work in order to receive praise, but rather for the benefit of theirselves and others. However this sort of selfishness seems to exist in human nature.

This selfishness certainly does not exist in the lives of Ms. Mary Piefer and Mr. Curtis, some of Maine South's finest. These two patrons have recently been awarded the Unsung Hawk Award distributed by the Stu-

r

dent Council. This award is designed to acknowledge those who work at Maine South and put in a lot of time and hard work, but are rarely ever recognized for it.

Here's how it works: at three different student council meetings (one at the beginning of the year, one in the middle, and one at the end of the year) President Bill Heerman asks the Council to nominate people who deserve special mention. Ranging from janitors to cafeteria workers to substitute teachers, nominations are taken. Student Council goes through the list one by one and discuss why or why not a person should be nominated, then it is voted on.

At the beginning of the year, Ms. Pfiefer was awarded with the honor. She is the lady

that always has that big smile on her face as she sympathetically passes out P.E. uniforms to students in a jam. Her genuine dedication has been around for many years m^L Maine South, and when presented with t n ^ ^ well-deserved award by Mr. Heerman, she was extremely gracious.

Just this week, Mr. Curtis was also given the Unsung Hawk Award. This wonderful man has substituted for practically every teacher in the school, and is always willing to pronounce his thoughts on the subject being taught at the time. He is definitely not a passive teacher, and has tons of experience. He formerly taught here, at Maine South, for an great amount of time, and was extremely touched by the earned award.

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Febaiary 25,1751 - The first perfoming monkey is exhibited in New York City, with an admission of one

cent.

February 25, 1862- President Abraham Lincoln introduces the first green back paper currency to the United States.

February 25,1932- An immigrant, Adolph Hitler is granted German citizenship.

February 25,1988- Bruce Springsteen opens his "Tunnel of Love Tour" in Worcester Massachussets.

News 3

Students of the month History: Karin Baty, Nora Burns, Iza Bursakowska, Robert Kiepura, Katherine Skwarczek, Sarah Yunker Spanish: Madeline Agaton, Gosia Bursakowska, Corissa Cardenas, Lisa Currey, Alexandra Florek. Sarah Hansen, Heidi Libner, Amy MoUenkamp French: Stephen Stachursky Italian: Gia De Cicco German: Megen Briars English: Jason Abraham. Brittany Bums, Olivia Chaniewski, Katie Chor, Chelsea Collet. Anthony Fourkas, Meghan Glamer, Kira Ho, Elizabeth Juiris, Matt Manning, Anna Marzullo, Nicole Nellessen, Angelo Poulikakos, Eva Schiave, Eric Showalter, William Steiner, Sam Strain, Magdalena Witek

Science: Mike Cocagne, Nicol Coccoran, John Dw)'er, Joe Evola. Sean Firzmaurice, Frances Futris. Lia Gerambia. Bill Heerman, Stacy Hendrickson, Katie Husar, Dan Krugler, Claudia Mallon. Amanda Oravec, Anthony Smith, William Truty, Mike Vourvoulias Mathematics: Tom Abbatacola, Sarah Anderson, Andy Douglass, Alex Florek, Adrianna Kesala.

Scott Lesko, Nicki Nowak, Liz O'Dormell, Scott Roebuck, Dave Rosales, Jenna Scott, Mark Seske, Tara Soldan Driver's Ed: Agnes Kurpisz, Sylvia Radwanski Art: Eric Kuntz, Meghan Sexton, Caroline Imreibe, Diana Wolek, Kathleen Adreoni Music: Kevin Goss, Genevieve Kahrilas, Sharon Jaffe. Bill Heerman Fine Arts: Matt Manning, Susan Dieschbourg,

Jason Staadt, Priscilla Jakiewicz, Jodie Kupsco Technology: Elena Menicocci, Patrick Freeman, John Giacomino, Jason Grabowski Business: Patrick Szuta, Angelina Tomasiewicz, Michael Iberl Child Care/Physchology: Anita Michalec, Jennifer Meyers, Knsten Muellner, Amy Lichter. Jennifer Sentowski Health: Phillip Seaton Physical Education: James Evans. Predrag Barac. Michael Dulski, Joshua Tofel, Lauren Hurley, Celestina Rivera, Neil Sherlock, Julie Adamczyk, Krystyna Opas.

Victoria Ortega, Jamie Gillett, Frances Futris, Christopher Mitchell

New club honors diversity

by Melissa Sobota and Lindsey Krukowski

On Monday February 7, the Maine Town- Annunzio, and Ian Fidler, sophomores at Kids ridicule people in groups."

Chris Holland said, "In time, the group ship school board met to address many is- Maine South said, "I wouldn't be in it, but I sues, one of which was the issue of allow- wouldn't be against it. It's good to express may be more successful."

Emily Gallagher said, "If you don't like ing a new club at Maine South called SPUD. yourself like that."

Julia Mix, a senior at Maine South said, it, don't be in it."

SPUD stands for Students Preserving "It's a good principle, but I fear that it may After the organization's first meeting last kUnity and Diversity here at Maine South. It have negative e f f e c t .

Tuesday, Mrs. Salathiel was pleased. She 'is a gay/straight alliance and is open for anysays, "It was a great turn-out. It was a really one at Maine South that is interested in learnfun first meeting, and people got to know ing more about the diversity here. each other."

The club was passed at the school Although not much more than chatting board meeting by a vote of five to one; and getting acquainted ocurred at the first there was no discussion on the meeting, Mrs. Salathiel has high hopes for group, it was simply voted on. The the club.

She says, "We're thinking of dofounders of the club are Adrianne ing things like discussing local and naPontarelli, Joe Meder, and Sarah tional issues and watching and discussHansen.The sponsor of the club ing films.

Eventually, we hope to get is Mrs. Salathiel. involved in community activities The group meets every Tueslike the AIDS walk." day to address any issues that Another important thing that Mrs. members want to talk about.

Salathiel wants to stress is that the Sexual orientation is not a club is for both gay and straight stuprerequistite to joining the club. dents. She says, "It's about asking This group is open to everyone questions and understanding issues that is interested in talking about such as acceptance and tolerance. We any issue that may be bothenng hope it helps to create a more tolerthem about Maine South. ant and understanding atmosphere at This group is rather controschool." versial, because some people The club will meet once or twice are uncomfortable with the isa month, so watch for announcesue of homosexuality. Fortuments in the daily bulletin. Also, ^nately, it seems that most of the Mrs. Salathiel is available in the students at Maine South are Writing Lab before school to answer open-minded about the issue. any questions related to the club.

Tim Curry, Andrew Sarah Hansen. Joe Metier, and Adrianne Pontarelli: found of SPUD photo by Eileen Collins

Lontmiy property of

j

The Editors!

by Maura Collins As I see sophomores roaming the halls at school toting copies of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I am reminded of my sophomore English class.

Enghsh was one of my favorite classes that year for two reasons, both of which I have come to appreciate more and more as I continue to fulfill my four-year English graduation requirement. One was the fact that the curriculum didn't revolve around Shakespeare. The other was that the books the class did read, I found interesting.

In a country where monopolies are shunned, it shocks and appalls me that during the course of my three and a half years at Maine South, and the situation is the same in most other schools, I've read Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, the Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, King Lear all written by a person who calls himself Shakespeare. There is no other writer/playwright who students are forced to read more often than Shakespeare. No, I don't hate Shakespeare; I can take a healthy dose of culture. But how about reading only two or three Shakespeare plays, not six?

Actually, I am fine with reading none, like I did my sophomore year, but I'm a reasonable person, so I'll compromise. A healthy dose of Shakespeare is nice; an overdose isn't so pleasant. Why is this dead author is monopolizing the American school system?

OK, it's a slight exaggeration to accuse Shakespeare of monopolizing the school system. There have been other books that I've read and enjoyed. What's interesting is that all of the books that I like (many of which I read my sophomore year) have one thing in common: they are all frequently banned book lists around the country. The fact that the books are banned in some places makes reading the books all the more appealing, and this holds true outside of school as well. I remember seeing a list of banned books that appeared in the Chicago Tribune this past summer, and immediately I had a summer reading list.

Maybe if Shakespeare were banned at this school, I would like his plays more.

However, I don't think any books should be banned, so in the mean time, I think it is only reasonable to propose that students be required to read less Shakespeare, and more of those smutty, often banned books.

Rebellion in the dark.

Brittduring Frederiksen The first slow songs were played and stil^V Centuriesbyago, the French Revo dents moved to the very back, pressed lution, men such as Robespierre, Danton and against the folding chairs to emerge in the Marat put up a fight for freedom, equality dark recesses of the gym.'Tf you close your and fraternity in their country. French stamps eyes, it is almost normal, except you cannot still depict their courage today bearing those see anyone!"said a friend. She was right. three words. Behind the corruption evident There was something to be gained, however, in the government bodies and fight for domi- fromhaving my eyes open. nance was the core idea that man was bom A wave of students fell to the floor soon to be free. following the slower tunes. A sort of sitTheir ideas were not down strike was issued. I original. Before this rejoined the Maine South markable, still-debated students in protest of this revolt came the American leg arbitrary act by the adRevolution, which, as stuministration. I was proud dents in an American high to see that so many school, we all can apprewanted to object and prociate. Injustice in the letest for what they begal system and the rights lieved to be just. A veriof citizens caused our table mini-revolution country to break from Encame forth in the Spectagland and begin a countor Gym against the anitry where people created mosity we felt towards their laws and the majorthe school for its distrust. ity would ideally rule.

As I looked around, hoping more would j o j ^ ^ As fantastic as these in protest, I watched a ^ ^ times were and as often many rose from their as we study them, we cross-legged position can never truly relate Colonists protest the Stamp Act, 1765. to go to the foyer. to our founding fasource: The American Pageant People around me left thers or the French at to get food.

These Maine South. It was too long ago, too different a situation. Those were people who believed strongly that havmen revolted under more severe conditions ing the lights on was not necessary, but inand what could possibly be worth a coup stead of working against what they believed d'etat or the like at Maine South? All was wrong and sticking to their beliefs, these stustable until I arrived at Girls' Choice on Feb- dents grew impatient and decided that because they did not immediately achieve their ruary 12, 2000.

From far away it looked as if there was a goal they could not achieve it at all. serious problem at the dance. The lights were It paints a sad picture of Maine South if on, and no one was near the DJ dancing. we cannot assert our needs collectively and Upon entering, I saw a crowd in the foyer in a straight—forward manner. We had a goal, and a slow trickle of students to the gym. as small as it was. and that was to turn off Closer inspection revealed the lights on with- the lights in the gym during the dance. We out apparent cause. had paid for our tickets and wanted to have Comments flew fi-om students' mouths a normal, formal, fun dance. We started and many refrained from dancing. Questions working for our goal by protesting initially, arose. I complained to my date on repeated but those who did not stay seated or fight occasions, not wanting to be happy or "just for their rights did not finish their work. live with it." Suddenly, the students were not It is not to say that we should have led trusted. I asked him what the problem with the strike until dawn or seven weeks fro5 other dances had been. Mardi Gras needed now. Had Dr. Cachur made a speech sayir tighter security, but the difference was that he would not turn the lights off, and that we this was a formal. Did Homecoming or Girls' could leave it we so chose, we should have Choice last year need a white-out? continued on page 6

Comixientary 5

The famine is over

by Lauren Hurley We have all seen the posters in the hallways. Every time you go for a drink at the fountain, or go up the stairs to Physics, there is a sign promoting a club or a team. This is not a new experience for Maine Southerners. We have accepted the signs everywhere in the school. In most cases we are proud of them. "Kick 'em at soccer Kevin!" or "Slam it in basketball Sammy!" We look to the red and black paint to see which class is winning in the food drive, and who is running for a Student Council position. These signs are part of Maine South dogma. It is in our tradition.

Why then, when a new club, SPUD, placed up their signs did they get harassed for it? Students Promoting Unity and Diversity state merely the obvious. They are promoting unity at Maine South, which should be encouraged, not shot down. People verbally bash this club left and right. Why? It is for one reason alone...these students are promoting being homosexual. I have heard the absolute worst slurs aimed at SPUD. I I have heard them in the bathrooms, in the locker room, seen them down the halls, in classes. And what is the most disturbing is that I have heard some of these things coming from people wearing red and white shirts

promoting another club at Maine South... a Would not it make sense then for only God little group known as Hawk Pride. This to judge? Some "angels" have decided that makeshift journalist is not saying that all of they are the first without sin and therefore Hawk Priders are making comments or that are getting in line to stone SPUD into Hawk Pride is the only clique doing such a mashed potatoes.

It is both unbecoming and unnecessary thing. However, those involved in such clubs as Hawk Pride, Brotherhood, or Key Club for our student body and faculty to attack should be representative of the principles for this organization. If SPUD offends you, which Maine South stands. Last time I evaluate why. If your reasons include bechecked, prejudice was not in that standard- cause they are publicly being gay. or someissue Maine South folder that is given out how forcing their gayness on you, take a step back. Has any member of any club bomat book sales.

Is Maine South homophobic? In this year barded you with promotional pins or forced 2000, with all die Oprahs, self-help books, you to attend a meeting? The right way to and leadership seminars is the essentiality deal with your problem is to bring your reaof 1111 Dee Road actually threatened by sonable complaints to Southwards, Dr. others' sexuality? Perhaps in our supposed Cachur, or SPUD itself. It you want someimpermeable Park Ridge bubble, we have thing done, don't say it under your breath or not yet accepted "RENT'or gays in the mili- post up a sign in a cowardly anonymous tary. These things have happened every- manner. Instead, make your argument where else in the world, but never in Park known. If you find it is not worth the trouble, Ridge. Pleasantville finally goes into color. let it go. Let people lead their own lives. The And now, at our first test of compassion, of last thing Maine South needs is to become civility, Maine South has bared its true col- another statistic. Hate crimes in schools have ors; signs flung up in the hallways and not- become a sick, sad trend in the nineties, but so-imaginative alternative anachronisms now we are in the year 2000. We should better this decade. Matthew Shepherd's scribbled in the bathroom stalls.

What scares people about being gay? The death was something should have learned arguments have been a broken record; it is from, not emulated. Maine South, leave your unnatural, it is a sin, it is against God's plan. bubble, or at least protect all of its inhabit-

V o i C G S i n m y h G a d : H a v e you seen these pants?

by Lauren Hurley "'It's 12:30 in the afternoon...do you know where your pants are?' That's what the note said. I did not find it fimny. Under other circumstances, I would, but when I'm sitting in the middle of Italian, wearing my Junior Leaders shorts, trying to shield my eyesfi"ommy legs' blazing winter whiteness, nothing can ever strike me as fimny. All those aroimd me were going about their day to day business, not realizing how well they had it. All those years that I had taken pants for granted. What a fool I had been!" "...I don't know who could have pilfered my pants. All I know is that when I came out of gym, my pants were not in my locker.

So naturally, I pled so loudly... 'C'mon guys who stole my pants? I really need them...hello?'...Who would steal someone's pants?! They were not even good pants.

They were green. I mean why on earth would

someone steal green pants?" I started to ramble until Justin pacified me. He always knew the best thing to say, "Maybe someone wanted to see you in your shorts all day."

I had not thought of that. A paradigm shift brought on by Justin. How thoughtful, to say the least. "All I am saying is that I think there should be more real security at the school," I explained. "I agree, I think that they should at least relocate the ID checkers. The locker rooms are not safe, and yet every torso with an ID is. That's wrong. But, what is more wrong is the fact that anything was stolen...especially from you. We live in Mayberry, USA, and still there are people purloining pants," he empathized.

Then the moment became silent, and then the silence turned to awkwardness. The next Frank Sinatra classic came on, and I got a chance to glance at the beautiful scenery we were driving through. We were on your way to "Ed Debevic's" in Deerfield to celebrate

Celeste's 17th birthday. Yet another one of my fiiends was at last the age to see R- rated films targeted at 15-year-old Dawson addicts.

I did not feel like talking to him. Just being in his company was good enough for me.

It was safe. Girls like safe. We like danger in doses, but safe is the feeling we fall back on. The silence was too much for Justin to take though. He outburst, "What are you doing next Tuesday?" I awoke from my Zenlike comatose state, "What's Tuesday?"

"Leap year! I was thinking we could well, if you weren't busy, we could, maybe if you wanted to ..." The cutie petutie driving was actually flustered. Finally he came out with it, "I want to take you out on leap year." My mind was doing flips. 1 mumbled something inane like, "Sounds likefim,"as we pulled into the "Ed Debevic's" parking lot. Despite the absence of pants earlier, things were definitely looking up.

6

CommontQj

W h o wants to read this article?

by Dan Clyne As much as I love game shows, I really hate game shows. You can see how incoherent a steady diet of them has made me. I remember the days of The Price is Right and that one with the Whammies. Those were the days when game show hosts had good, wholesome, American names like Bob and Doug.

Now our hosts have rare, somewhat evil names like Regis, Maury, and Dick. These new game show hosts are part of a new breed of "super" game shows, which I like to call "bubblenickers" for my own personal reasons, that air during prime time and rake in millions and millions of viewers. In this article, I will unsuccessfully attempt to uncover the secret as to why these shows are so popular, and then just end up ranting about them.

The most successful of these game shows is definitely ABC's Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

It was the first of the "bubblenickers" to air and is credited with starting this whole craze. It is hosted by popular talk show personality and ex-Chip-

"DAKi

pendale dancer Regis Philbin, whose shrill, nasally voice has been known to put epileptics into seizures.

In order to win a million dollars, the contestants must answer a series of increasingly difficult questions, which range from familiar sports trivia like "What is your name?" to mind-racking history questions like "What color is this broccoli?" When stumped, the contestant is allowed three "lifelines" that include asking the audience, phoning a firiend, and beating Regis with a lead pipe until he finally submits the answer.

In addition to entertaining millions each week, this show has also spawned various new catch phrases such as "Is that your final answer?" and "Are you sure that's your final answer, Robert?"

Upon seeing the success of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? other networks raced to come up with similar shows. FOX has launched Greed, NBC has brought back 21, CBS created Money Lines, and the WB has started Who Wants to Watch an Entire Episode of the Steve Harvey Show? C'mon,

Rebellion

CL/ME

ACTj\j(C. cSJTKE S'OCCE^ Or -^WHO W A N J T S T O g ^ A MILLIONAIRE^/'Age

anyone! Please, We're Begging You! We Need Viewers! Please! Please!! Please!!!

All of these shows are basically the same concept, at least that is what I'm guessing.

I've never actually seen any of the other ones. I attempted to do some research for this article, but something came up. I "had to wash my hair" So as you can see, the cheetah is the fastest animal on land. The slowest animal on land, however, is debatable. We'll leave that up to the biologists. So I guess I've covered just about everything.

In conclusion, I feel we should accept these game shows as a true part of modern day American culture. Sure the questions are ridiculously easy, and the hosts are hyper and annoying, but the ratings don't lie, unless of course they're trying to cover up some sort of scandal that could threaten the country's safety. So the next time you see one of these shows on TV, don't question them, just sit back and watch. I could write all day about this, but I have to go. Steve Harvey is at my door again.

AMMO'ONiCRi PlAh^l

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continued from page 4 stopped our protest at the dance.

If the protest had lasted too long, then we should have stopped and fought a different way, through articles in Southwords, letters to the administration and boycotts of further dances. We protested at the dance for an immediate reaction, negative or positive, and when we protested we demonstrated weakness by not all continuing for our goal. We did receive part of our goal, that part of the lights would remain on, and we stopped our protest. This was fine. We were satisfied.

For those students who were not satisfied and rose out of impatience, to fight for what you truly want, believe and deserve on any scale in life is worth the patience it requires. The revolutionaries before us did not achieve their desires by quitting after the first battle or obstacle.

We need to persevere as they did, in all our lives, all day and night, if a just cause, even as small as a light switch is at hand or nothing will change.

Features 7

Focus on Faculty Since 1964, Maine South has seen many teachers come and go. However, Mr. Walter Kratsch has been a member of Maine South's faculty since its doors opened.

The Oshkosh, Wisconsin native received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, where he studied Industrial Education. He has taken additional courses at several other universities, including the University of Minnesota, Western Michigan University, University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Wisconsin in Platteville.

Mr. Kratsch began teaching at Maine East, then heard about an availability to teach at Maine South in 1964. He says, "I was very excited about the opportunity to teach at a larger high school with better facilities available."

Presently, Mr. Kratsch teaches ComputerAided Drafting and Design (CADD) and three classes of Automotives. In the past, he has also taught Machine Shop, various introductory drafting courses, and Transportaion.

Although he does not usually have much time for involvement in school activities, he spent some time as the freshman class sponsor. He says, "I really enjoyed it. It was a challenge because the freshmen were the laughing-stock of the school at the time. We got to a point where for about five years in a row, the freshmen won the float-building contest. One year, we built a Hawk for our float that was 32 feet tall. I really enjoyed working with the kids and seeing their dedication and involvement."

Also, during his involvement in freshman class council, thev held a dance like the

by Lindsey Krukowski

Freshman Mixer which included sports and activities as well as dancing.

Mr. Kratsch would like to spend more time with school-related activities, but he says, "I don't always have time because if one of my students is having a problem with his car, I end up staying after school to help

him. Also, my involvement in several professional associations takes up a great deal of my free time."

Mr Kratsch is a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Roundtable. He says, "We have several meetings every year. We go to various schools to see their facilities and get new ideas from what other area schools are doing." He is also a member of the Illinois Industrial Educator's Association, and spent several years as director, a few years as President-Elect, and one year as President.

Other associations Mr. Kratsch belongs to are the American Societv of Mechanical

^fSenfoF Activities: • National Honor Society • Chamber Orchestra • High Honor Roll • Brotherhood Society • Varsity Soccer •Tri-M' • V-Show • Pit Orchestra • Mu Alpha Theta • Varsitv Club

Walter Kratsch Engineers, the American Society of AutO' motive Engineers, the American Automo bile Society, and the American Welding So ciety.

In 1969, Mr. Kratsch was awarded a DAVT scholarship to further his education at Western Michigan University for a sixweek summer program.

In 1980, Mr. Kratsch was given the Outstanding Teacher Award in Illinois for Industrial Education.

Many of Mr. Kratsch's students have gone into welding and other metal-working careers, engineering and other drafting careers, and automotive careers.

Mr Kratsch says, "Over 250 of my students have become teachers here or at other schools. I've also had many of their children in my classes, which really makes me feel good about the way I'm doing my job.

I guess I must be doing something right because they wouldn't have signed their children up for my class if they didn't like the way I teach!"

"One of the things I like about Applied Arts and Technology is that we still have an awards night every spring. It gives parents an opporwnity to see that their children may have more strength in a hands-on course rather than math or science."

Mr. Kratsch believes that a real strength of Maine South is the course diversity. He says, "I think that a real power of the school is that we have so many different areas of learning. Maine South incorporates business education, band and orchestra, computer science, technology, and so many other areas of learning to give students a very wellrounded education. I think it's the best way for the students to learn."

Frances Fuths

Focus on Student Excellence

Teacher's Comments: "Fran is the most positive-minded individual I have ever met. Not only does she always do her personal best, but she also works hard at inspiring others to do their best as well. To change anything about Fran would be to take a step further from the ideal."

-T.R. Kerth

8 Features

Foreign Languages at South

by Melissa Sobota and Tracy Schmidt Maine South High School is not what most would call racially diverse, according to the 1998 Maine South "School Report Card" 93.7% of Maine South is white. Yet if one was to define 'white' he would come up with many European nationalities including Polish, Italian, Greek, German, Russian, and French. But the home of the Hawks is also home to people of Hispanic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino descent.

Many students of these diverse nationalities speak not only English but their native tongues. In a recent survey, 36% of Maine South students speak a second language at home, 49% of those individuals speaking Polish.

Also at Maine South, students who are in the process of learning a second language through Spanish, French, Italian, or German

classes make up 72% of the total enrollment.

Individuals who speak a second language are considered to be extremely beneficial in the areas of academic achievements. For instance. The ERIC Review stated "Persons with full proficiency in more than one language out perform similar monolingual persons on both verbal and nonverbal test of intelligence."

Bilinguals at Maine South prove these statistics to be true. Twenty-seven percent of the bilingual students studied who speak English and their native language have a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0, a B+ or A- average.

Forty-eight percent of students enrolled in a foreign language class at Maine South also have a GPA of 3.5-4.0. Only 23% of Maine South students who do not speak a second language at home or are currently studying

another language have a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0.

In response to these findings, Maine South foreign language head teacher, Mrs. Kramer said. "Knowing or learning a second language improves both your vocabulary and cognitive stills along with your ability to read and write."

While research has shown that it is best to learn a second language at an early age, it's never too late to start. Maine South offers Spanish, Italian, French, and German classes to all students. Other schools around the northwest side offer classes in Polish, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian languages.

Learning a new language not only improves communication skills, but also increases one's ability to achieve higher academically.

Famous Dave's is 'Butt Rockin'

by Nicole Penn Lots of blues, lots of napkins, and lots of music contribute to the wonderful atmosphere of Famous Dave's Restaurant.

Walking into this blues place can be described as an old-fashioned south side Chicago blues club. Hanging signs and bricks painted with multi-colored paints give the place a sort of a 'Ed Debivic's' feeling.

Brightly colored neon signs appear to be the only lights that light the place. Two lifesized mannequins of Jake and Elwood Blues hover over the stage. A marquee hangs near the entrance displaying the featured band of the night. The stage is located at the back of the restaurant. All of the tables, including the balcony that looks over, face the stage in a manner allowing everyone to see.

Unless well known bands are playing (such as Billy Branch) there is no cover charge. However on those nights, the cover charge is a mere five dollars. It really isn't bad considering the bands usually play until the place closes, which is two a.m. on the weekends.

While the bands play, one cannot usually hold a conversation at the normal level. The waiters, however, are accustomed to this.

Being around the loud music so much has enabled them to read lips incredibly well!

Pointing to what you want on the menu also helps. What is nice is the waiters always keep an eye on your sodas. Whenever the glass becomes empty, they are right there with a free refill.

Everything in the place is sweet barbecued. Ribs, chicken, pork, steak, and everything else on the menu. You have a choice of four 'butt rockin' (as they are called) barbecue sauces that are set out on the table. For those who can handle it, 'Devil's Spit' is the

hottest of the sauces, followed by Texas P ^ ^ (a hickory smoke flavor). Rich and Sassy (this is the sauce that most customers prefer), Georgia Mustard (a mustard-flavored barbeque sauce).

For a single person, a slab of ribs is more than enough. Or, for more meat and less bone, the 'Rib Tips 'till Pay Day' will fill anyone with plenty left over. The prices are reasonable as well. Compared to other leading rib places. Famous Dave's is just as cheap with far better entertainment.

Located on Chicago and Clark street (right around the comer from Rock 'n' Roll McDonalds), parking on the street is difficult to find. However, there are several parking garages located nearby.

Famous Dave's is a great place to eat and listen to some hard core blues. The service there is really on top of things; they know what they are doing. The prices are reasonable and it is fairly easy to get to.

I reconunend, however, calling ahead for reservations on the weekends, because they can get very busy. In fact, if you call in ahea and let them know where you are locate they will let you know if you need to make a reservation or if the crowd will have thinned out by the time you get there.

Features 9

Internet voting: good or bad?

by Tony Plazek There's a dirty little secret to republics: their stability comes from the outcome of the election being a close model of the outcome of a civil war.

If the election models the civil war closely enough, power blocks who lose an election by a large margin will not try to reverse it through force of arms, because they know they won't win. And they won't try to reverse a close one because they know that they will bring out a lot of fence-sitters and add them to the other side. Therefore, they'll probably still lose, and even if they win the war will be close, and thus long, bloody, and probably more costly than the original issue.

This works only as long as the elections are perceived to be reasonably honest and the electorate to be a reasonably close ap proximation to the re cruited civil warriors.

And that's how it was in this country for a 'long time.

The registration process was about as hard as getting to a recruiter or an organizing cabal. The franchise started out being held only by landowners, for example the people who had fought in the Revolution. Later, it was progressively extended to various groups after they had shown themselves capable of organizing mass violence.

Non-landowning white males were eligible to vote after the Whiskey and Shay's rebellions. Women got their rights after they took axes to bars in the Temperance movement. African-Americans had it handed to them as a part of the Civil War and had it pulled back by corruption. (Then officially got voting rights significantly after the freedom rides and immediately after they burned the cities in '68). The 18-20 year olds got their rights after the Vietnam Un-War protest marches graduated to riots, bombed buildings, and the National Guard firing student crowds (with the implication that the shooting wouldn't be one-sided if this continued).

Getting down to the polls was about as hard as getting into a militia's muster. So even though voters were members of groups capable of fighting a war, they often wouldn't vote if they did not have strong feelings on at least one candidate or issue in the election.

However, there have been some problems lately. Thanks to motor-voter, anybody can fill out a postcard and become registered. That means that anyone, even without an ID, can fill it out as many times as he thinks he can get away with.

In some states, anyone can get mail-in absentee ballots, with no excuse beyond "I want to," and never attend a physical poll.

Therefore, it is a lot easier to vote than to fight. The motor-voter and absentee ballots make it easy for any power group to create as many bogus voters as they dare.

Checking ID at polling places has been inhibited by various court rulings, so fraud abounds at the polls.

Since 1968 progressively larger sections of the population are being disarmed by 'gun control' legislation. The amount of this disarmament is widely different among different ideological, cultural, and ethnic groups. In addition, those remaining armedare also some of the strongest supporters of paying attention to elections.

Not to mention the count itself is in doubt. For decades much of the tally have been counted by private contractors using proprietary software, with procedures and source code not open to public scrutiny, reading electronic ballots whose raw data is not available to those who would like to check the results.

Internet voting could change that in two ways, both destabilizing. It could further weaken the correlation between voting and willingness to fight, by making voting so much easier.

It also could break the perception of the

elections as an accurate model, by raising the public perception of opportunity for electronic fraud. This is a hazard regardless of whether it actually increases or decreases the actual amount of fraud.

The only way that internet voting could be used as a positive force is if it results in an improvement in the actual accuracy of the electronic count. It could do this by bringing scrutiny to and improvements in the process and reducing fraud that might be occurring in the current system.

Reducing fraud could result in fewer groups of potentially powerful citizens having their oxen gored by government, and thus decrease both the motivation for instability and actual responsiveness of government to its citizens' wishes. So perhaps internet voting is just the thing to change American government.

SouTirwoRi:>s A s.tudent-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High Sctool fill South Dee Road: Park Ridge, IL 60068 Letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the editoriai staff/SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit materia] for clarity and brevity and to reject-obscene or libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief

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

lO Sports

Haxwks h o o p s

Krissy Vonesh attempts a jump-shot. photo courtesy of Eyrie

by Krissy Vonesh The Girl's basketball team is still going strong. On Tuesday, February 15th the girls faced off against Good Counsel in the first round of Regionals. They were victorious with a score of 74-35. The game was held at Maine South because the team was voted third in the area behind Evanston and Stevenson. Top scorers were Lauren Colletti with 14 points, Krissy Vonesh with 13, and Katie Ristau with 11. With another victory under their belt, the team now had a record of 20-12. They hope to continue further in the state tournament. If the girls do in fact come up victorious and head downstate, there is only one team that they will have to play that they haven't already beaten, which proves how difficult their season has been so far.

The girls have had their 3-point shooting competition, where they have 45 seconds to shoot 15 balls from three racks. Britt Luxton, Meg Nakamura, Barb Porras, and Krissy Vonesh all shot, but Nakamura, Luxton, and Vonesh all moved on to shoot before the Thursday game against New Trier.

Indoor track recap -Girls' Maine South Girls' Track and Field is off to a great start. Under the guidance and encouragement of coaches Mr. Gabauer, Ms. Covinton, Mr. Nordall, and Mr. Downing, the Hawks are getting stronger every day.

It was evident after February 3rd's meet at Glenbrook South that the girls are headed for success although unscored, Maine South took on teams such as New Trier, Ressurection, and Glenbrook South. The Hawks were clearly fierce competitors.

Again at February 8th meet at home against Good Counsel and Resurrection, the Hawks' strength was apparent. Maine South dominated their competition 110 to 55. New records were set by Lydia Liu in the long and triple-jump, Kelly Haas in the 600 yard dash, and Natalie Rubino in the 300 yard dash. The Hawks refused to stop there; they won all of their relays, including the 600 yard, 800 yard, and one mile relays.

Though track is a long season, it takes months of dedication and effort to succeed.

This year's team clearly possesses both de-

termination and dedication. Maine Sout is holding a Hawk Invite on February 22. Be sure to wish them good luck!

by Nidhi Patel

-Boys'

After two meets of the Hawk season, the boys' track team continues to show progress.

Varsity wins over Niles North and St. Ignatius and a close battle with New trier has helped to boost the team's confidence.

Hard practices and dedication are strengthening this somewhat young team.

Team captains Tim Seiwert, Liam Hickey, Brian Fee, Brad Seberhagen, and Tony Skaczylo have made great contributins towards the team's success. Although injury and sickness has been holding back several Hawk athletes, strong support from the rest of the suad has helped carry the team.

The heam has a difficult schedule ahead of them, and the great fan support has been appreciated. Come on out and watch the Hawks fly!

by Dan Tomassi

South Stats 1456 Total weight of all nme wrestlers that were named allconference this season

3.6 Average number of assists for the girls' basketball team made by Katie Ristau

The number of basketballs that the boys' varsity team was able to get stuck in a basketball hoop in a recent practice

110 Number of points compiled by the girls' track team at their meet against Resurrection and Good Council

1 Jeremy Arbuthnot will be the only MS hoops player to take part in the Slam-Dunk Contest

Sports 11

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Wrestling Wrap-Up

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Southwards needs photographers for the upcoming spring sports season. You don't need to be enrolled in photography class, just be interested in taking action shots for the paper. If anyone is interested, there will be an informational meeting Tuesday, February 29th in the Southwards office, V131, from 3:00-3:30 PM after school.

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by Sean Story So ends another year of wrestling. Maine South should be proud of their boys. Although no one managed to qualify for state, Maine South Wrestling has accomplished an incredible amount this year.

The Hawks ended the season tying two records along with bringing home the only conference title so far. The team also tied the record for most allconference athletes. 135 Jim Denk, 145-Dave Evanshank, 152-Jim Goodrich, 119-Dan Griner, 171-Rafal Kopycinski, 140-Pat Maloney, 275- Sean Story, 189-Pat Stritzel, and at 130-Mike Tedeschi.

Sectional qualifiers were Denk, Evanshank, Goodrich, Maloney, Story, Stritzel and Tedeschi. Congratulations go out to Dan Tedeschi at 103 pounds, Mike Jozwiak at 112 pounds, Jason Caudhill at 125 pounds, and Matt Schuenke at 215 pounds. Congratulations go out to all, es-

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pecially 103-Dan Tedeschi, 112-Mike Jozwiak, 125-Jason Caudhill, and 215- Matt Schuenke for having a tremendous season of wrestling. The season wouldn't have been nearly as successful without the performance of these wrestlers.

Hawk fans will just have to wait another year before they can see their favorite guy wearing black spandex.

Wrestling will have many new goals for next year, and will accomplish much. (Let's see if they can retain their title of "best-looking" team; it'll be tough since this year's seniors were quite ravishing.) Greatness will surely continue with great men such as Coaches Fallico, Hall of Famer McCann, Dannon, Kirshner, and Calendo, along with the may others that helped out during this championship season.

Maine South Wrestling will continue to be a great program on the rise, with many expectations for the seasons to come.

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M.M.v^rg^t^K^^r&E'A 2/28 2/29

Boys' Indoor Track

@ Wheeling Inv. 10:00 AM

Girls' Indoor Track

@ 'Wheeling 10:00 AM

Frosh Maine East Invite 4:30 PM

Boys' Wrestling Girls' Gymnastics Boys' Swimming Girls' Basketball Boys' Basketball

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IHSA Regional

Baskcibail • Gvinnasiics • !ndiM)r Track • Swiinmini: • VVrcslIinii

Jump on the bandwagon

by Sam Fuller The Boys' Varsity basketball team recently lost to Evanston, 61 -51, but hopeful spirits persisted as the team concentrates for the playoffs. Being seeded ninth in it's sectional, the Hawks will play Addison Trail in the first round at Addison Trail. The team pulled off a victory early in the season against the Blazers, and are confident that history will repeat itself. If so Gordon Tech will be the next opponent. However, this team takes it one game at a time, knowing they will have a chance to lace it up the next day. According to the Pioneer Press, Mark Wojteczko is ninth in the area in field goal percentage, is averaging 6.4 rebounds a game, and has a superb 82.8% free throw percentage. Meanwhile, John Vigna is tops in the area with an average of 3.8 steals per game, and Joe Hello demonstrates he's not just another well-dressed guy, averaging 3.1 steals.

The intensity at practice has significantly increased, with a special mention for Jeremy "It's never my fault" Arbuthnot, as emotions run high. Arbuthnot's "mad hops" due to dedicated lifting and hours spent after practice enabled him to become a master of the jam. He will represent Maine South in the Slam-Dunk Contest downstate in March.

He has been quoted as saying, "I can dunk really good."

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "I have a dream," and these Hawks now only dream for glory. In fact, it was just recently at the Evanston game that Brad Gierke could be seen taking off from the free throw line, fundamentals in tact. Yes, these Hawks certainly do have a dream, a desire, and a will to win. Don't let the 6-16 record be detrimental to fan support, for this group of men know the sky is the limit.

S w i m m i n g finishes regular season

by JeffPercak The Hawks have finished their regular season with some impressive times, a respectable record, and some hardware from the conference meet. In the last regular season meet against New Trier 119-67, a number of best times came about. Wins were taken by Ryan Evans in the 200 and 500 free, and Eric Pick in the 100 Breaststroke. The season ended with a 5-5 record for the Varsity and an 8-2 record for the JV squad.

The CSL South Conference was held at Maine South on February 11 th and 12th for both the Varsity and JV. It was a fast meet with strong competition and three conference records broken on both levels. The Varsity finished fifth overall and medals were posted by Ryan Evans with sixth places in both the 200 and 500 Free, and Eric Pick, who took fifth place in the 100 breaststroke.

The 200 yd. Freestyle Relay of Eric Kuntz, Pick, Evans, and Matt Huffman took a 3rd

Alex Polley swims strong for the Hawks.

with a season best time of 1:35.71. The 200 yd. Medley Relay of Nick Nielsen, Pick, Alex Polley, and Kuntz took a season best time of 1:48.01 ending up fifth, and the 400 Free Relay of Tim Sapieka, Kuntz, Huffman, and Evans hit another season best time of 3:33.37 for a fourth place bid.

The JV fared well in the meet taking a third place overall with strong swims and great time drops by its squad. Solo top medalists include Don Nielsen with a sixth place in the 100 backstroke, Brian Kura with a sixth place in the 50 Freestyle, and Kevin Pick who also took sixth in the Breaststroke.

All three times were personal bests. The three relays all hit top three, 200 yd. Medley Relay: Don Nielsen, Bill House, Ad Cien, and Kura took second, the 200 Fi Relay of Cien, J.P. Allen, Rob Barrett, am Zion Lee took another second, and the 400 ind yd. Free relay of Drew Huening, Kura, Don Nielsen, and Kevin Pick took a third.

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photo by Eileen Collins