Vol 36 issue 12

SOUTH WORDS M.iiiK- Soulh Hisih School • 1111 S. Dec Road • Park Ridsic. IL WHK18

March 10. 2()(K»

And there \N3iS musicNEWS Musical 2000-P.2 Today in History-p.2 News Commentary: Elian Gonzalez-p.2 Meet Officer Kristie-p.3 -

COMMENTARY Life in the pit-p.4

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Senioritis- p. 5 Letters to the editor-p.6 Voices in my head-p.6 FEATURES — Focus on Mr Gotbergp.7 Focus: Liam Hickey-p. 7 Topfilmsofl999-p.8 Stolen cafeteria food-p.9 SPORTS Frank Thomas-p.lO Winter scholar athletes-p.ll Girls' Track-p. 11 Girls Basketball-p. 12

Katie Kelly and Kevin Goss profess their love in this years musical, "The Music Man " more on p. 2

Boys' Basketball-p. 12

photo by Megan Price

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Marching into the musical

by Katie Hagerty, Martha Douglass, and Megan Gibbons Watch out Maine South, the River Citizens have pulled up on The Wells Fargo Wagon and will only be in town for two more performances! Maine South's musical 2000, "The Music Man," holds prospect to be one of the finest yet. Filled with old fashioned values, and home grown ideals, the citizens of River City invite you to experience life when the big city meets a modest midwestem town.

The fun begins when a conniving traveling salesman, Harold Hill, played by Kevin Goss, arrives in town with a plan to sell band instruments to some unsuspecting River City Citizens. The pool table that just arrived in town, is soon to be the greatest controversy River City has ever seen.

In search for new sales pitches, success and money. Hill finds himself rarely in the same place for too long. His plan changes direction however upon meeting the city's beautiful librarian, Marian Paroo, played by Katie Kelly. It seems for the first time in his life, he "caught his foot in the door." The plot continues as Harold and Marian carry the romantic aspects of the show, and the "music man" works his magic. Amidst the drama and the love story, comic relief can be found courtesy of River City's disoriented Mayor Shinn (Jon Dee) and his over-dramatic wife Eulalie (Barb Levand).

The town is brought to life with the elite ladies of society, the gossipy PickA-Little Ladies; The Barbershop Quartet; and Marcellus, played by Antonello Di

Benedetto, who is the first to take his old friend Harold under his wing. In addition to the lovely Marian, the Paroo family consists of an old fashioned Mrs. Paroo, played by Lauren Hurley, who lives through her Irish past, and Marian's fun loving brother with a slight speech impediment.

Behind the scenes, countless hours have been spent—whether in the pit with the orchestra, backstage with the crew, or on stage with the cast—preparing to give the audience one great show. For the cast, there have been vocal rehearsals with Mr. Danckwart; drama rehearsals with Mr. Muszcinski, the director; and dance rehearsals with Mr. Elliot, perfecting the little aspects of the show to make it as good as possible. The pit orchestra has been preparing their music for months with aid of Mr. Pressler, conductor and producer of the show, working to get ev-

ery note correct. Crew, who are led by ^ ^ ^ B Sanchez and costumes by M r ?

McClennaghan, has been working since day one bringing the small Iowa town to life.

All of these areas of the show came together for the first time only a week before opening night. From there, those involved are dedicated to creating a show filled with costumes, scenery, make-up, lighting, music, props, and choreography that will astound you.

If you have yet to see the all school musical, "The Music Man", there are still a limited amount of tickets left for the Friday March 10th and Saturday March 11th performances. It's your last chance to come enjoy this musical spectacular! Tickets are only seven dollars and can be purchased in the Fine Arts Office. You never know, it could be curtains.. .or dishes.. .or a musical opportunity of a lifetime!

The Barbershop quartet: Jim Puis, Tom Forde, Andy Douglass, and Adam Goss. photo by Megan Price

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March 10,1849- Abraham Lincoln applies for a US patent, the first president to do so.

March10,1874- Purdue University admits its first student.

March 10,1876- Tlie first telepnone call is made from Alexander Grahm Bell to Thomas Watson.

March 10,1933- Nevada becomes the first US state to regulate narcotics. ^

March 10,1969- James Earl Ray pleads guilty to killing Martin Luther King Jr.

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News 3 -News commentary!

Politicians' pawn or parent's problem?

by Meghan McCall Many people all over the country have heard of the infamous "Cuban boy" and have a slight impression of what's going on in his hfe. It has been said that he is bemg used as a pawn by politicians to promote their cause, or to get more votes in the upcoming elections. Amidst all of this, many people have wondered what is truly best for the boy?

What did his mother want for him? What does his father want for him? Who makes the decision?

Elian Gonzalez was found floating in an inner-tube on Thanksgiving Day that he had boarded after the boat he was taking to come to America had an engine failure hours after setting off of the Cuban shores, 150 miles from the mainland. He had been riding this aluminum skiff with thirteen other passengers, including his mother and her boyfriend, Lazaro Munero, who was in charge of the boat but certainly not experienced. He was dehydrated and dazed when he was found by two Florida cousins, who had been out fishing for dolphin-fish. In the two and a half days Elian spent on the sea, his mother along with all but two other passengers of

the boat had been taken by the waters.

Since being rescued, Elian has been embraced by the politicians of the country as well as by the sympathies of the general public. He has been paraded around Disney World, and filmed going to school as a showcase to the world of what a wonderful country America is and all the opportunities that it can offer him. However, Ehan is still a six-year-old boy, who has just lost his mother and cannot see his father His father remains in Cuba, and is an avid communist. But communist or not, he is still his father. Elian had the unfortunate situation of not only landing on this shore during the ever-tense relations between America and Cuba, but also amidst a growing national argument of who, besides parents, has the right to decide how and where a child is raised.

When deciding where Elian should go, US officials had to consider exactly how close he and his father were, and where he would be happiest. When asked about his parenting abilites, Ehan's cousins in Miami called his father "indifferent." In the US officials' investigation, however, Elian's father was able to relay all important infor-

mation about his son as well as paint a picture of an intimate father-son relationship that he desperately longed to have back. He has spent a small fortune on the constant phone calls to his son since that horrible day in November. The US Immigration and Naturalization Service ruled that the father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez has the right to call Elian back to Cuba, but the fight has not ended there. The US department of Justice told TIME magazine, "Everyone here realized what the law and regulations required, but what does this decsion mean for this little kid? We were constantly trying to see if there were avenues by which we could legitimately not send him back."

There are relatives of his, like his great uncle, father and both grandmothers who want the boy to return to Cuba. There are also those like another great uncle, his cousins and most importantly his deceased mother, who want him to have all the opportunities America can offer him. The real problem is that no one really knows what Elian wants. He is a six year-old, confused, and heart-broken boy, who is living in the middle of an international struggle.

Officer to protect and serve Maine South

by Erin Calandriello Have you ever wondered who the man is that walks through the hallways of Maine South and was introduced at the Winter Sports Assembly as the new security guard? Well, it is Officer Kristie and he's not just a security guard. He is the School Resource Officer.

Officer Kristie's job is not only to protect everyone in the school but to also bring resources of the community and the school district for the betterment of Maine South. He hopes to maintain safety and protect the school and faculty but he also wants everyone to know that he's "not here to hassle people, but here to help people." If someone is having trouble at home, problems at school, or difficulties within the community. Officer Kristie is here for those people. Being an alumnus of Maine South and having twentytwo years of experience with the juvenile department. Officer Kristie is prepared to take on Maine South.

Officer Kristie will put his job into ac-

tion by filing police and case reports and thefts. His job was just created this year and Officer Kristie was chosen by Superintendant Snyder and Chief Colangelo along with two others for the other Maine Township schools. Maine South's "police" faculty member feels lucky to have been

selected for such a great position. He plans on fulfilling his role by taking charge and making sure all events situations are handled carefully. Officer Kristie and the Maine Township District intend to take this wonderful opportunity and develop it into a new program that will allow Maine South to grow as a whole.

For instance. Officer Kristie desires to train students with the fire department to make students aware of hazards and precautions that can be taken. Also, he will be the intermediant between the Public works and Maine South with next year's Homecoming football game. In addition, if the girls' basketball team next year participates in Supersectionals and they are held at Maine South, Officer Kristie would make the local police depanments aware of the large crowds just in case of an emergency. His job is a difficult one but he believes he can "make a difference" and this positive change is what Maine South is all about, so good luck Officer Kristie.

4 Coimnentary Property ot

The Editors How far we've come

by Michael DePilla For those of you interested, I am writing this article by hand— remember that, pen and paper?— to prove a point. Actually, I am forced to write this by hand because my computer is, at the current time, not functioning. In between discovering there was not enough room on the hard drive to save and realizing I should have printed while I had the chance, the computer promptly froze and my paper vanished as my patience had moments before.

But the same principle applies: total dependency on computers is not something we should be proud of or look forward to.

I remember an era a long, long time ago before the "convience" of technology, when nearly everything was done without the use of computers. As crazy as it may seem, students had to write out reports by hand, research information in books known as encyclopedias, and drive all the way to the store just to buy a cd. Oh, how far we've come.

Could you imagine buying a CD without even having the opportunity to download the MPS first? Preposterous.

Last month Time magazine reported that the average Internet user spends 1.1 hours online per day. That's it? That is to say we are still wasting 22.9 hours each day on person-to-person interaction or physical activity. Could such neanderthal activities still be practiced in a civil society? Frightening.

Back before e-mail in the pre-computerdependent "Dark Age" the first word of each sentence had to be capitalized, "u" was spelled "you," and ;) had no meaning beyond being a typo.

In moderation, technology is without question a good thing. It is very beneficial and provides people with chances to experience things that would otherwise be impossible. Looking back, computers and technology in general really has added convience to our hves, but how much is too much?

So as I put my pen down tonight I wonder if soon the day will come when pens will be put down for good, right between the record player and the encyclopedia. Oh, how far we've come.

Life in the pit

by Adam Kanaszyc

separated from the audience by an obnoxThe Maine South Fine Arts Department ious olive green curtain. We resume music has been working furiously to put the final rehearsals here for another week.

After school, at about 3:30PM, we begin touches on this year's musical, "The Music Man." The cast and crew have been work- running through different songs so that the ing around the clock, coming in early, using last note has the perfect pitch and tone. As every free period, and staying until the early the hours slowly pass it is necessary to draw hours of the morning to detail every last line, our attention away from the oblivious and noisy crowds of cast members to our music. set, and musical note.

After opening weekend, everyone can see The dress rehearsal begins eventually and all the hard work pay off as they run through we run the entire show, top to bottom, and final dress rehearsals. Surely a hit, the cast at the end rehearse anything that did not go receives well deserved applause after each completely up to par. We roll back into our show. But what about the other members of homes at 8:30 or 9:00 and crash into our beds the cast that are not in the spotlight? Do they by the early hours of the morning after engaging in hours and hours of homework. not deserve recognition as well?

What am I getting at then? The cast does I am talking about the pit orchestra. The pit has spent every day after school rehears- just as much as we do in getting ready and ing and studying over the highly unreadable, preparing. When it all boils down to the applause, we handwritten, get a lot less and extenthan desively long served. It music books may not be that are casueasy to ally tossed to derstand them a mere importance four weeks in of the underadvance. tones in our This is a score or the grueling exsignificance p e ri e nce of our preswhen the ence while multiple muwatching the sical errors show move found be- Meghan Roinba and Rebecca Boudos concentrate during a smoothly tween the di- musical rehearsal last weeL Photo by Eileen Collins along and lisrectors' book tening to the plot, but in reality, without the and the students' are taken into considerpit orchestra, the show cannot go on. We ation. All of the corrections are penciled in keep the beat, the tune and the mood of the eventually and pages are marked and papermusical from before the curtain is raised clipped.

Almost immediately thereafter, the cast until the audience has left their chairs and proceeds to mob the pit with cuts and rep- departed.

We have already performed three times, etitions of lines; all of which have the effect of completely disarraying any sense of di- and will perform again tonight, Saturday and rection in which the music is to be played. Sunday. If you do come to the show, rememThis process goes on for about four weeks, ber what goes into The Music Man b e and also includes cramming all 50 members sides the main characters.We have all of the pit into the hallway in front of the or- worked hard for the musical and are all chestra room so that the cast can practice proud of it. The pit orchestra would lovj their lines in sync with our music.Then, one hear from anyone that we have done a gl day, the orchestra finally moves into the au- job . The limehght should hold a place for ditorium in a tiny pit at the base of the stage the musicians as well as the chorus.

Coiximentary 5

Kryptochondria hits South

by Brian Wilson I think a congratulation is in order. You have managed to fool not only your parents, but also your teachers into thinking that you have acquired the mysterious disease called Senioritis. I must say well done. It is an ingenious idea; an excuse not to do homework, waste as much time as possible, and only do things half ahh...never mind, you know what I mean. It seems to me that you have worked out every kink including the fact that it goes away during your practices and rehearsals.

I must concur again—brilliant! I mean why would you want to waste all that time?

You have worked for weeks and months this season alone, along with years of training to obtain your talents. Senioritis, according to your plan, should only apply to your high

also spread to other aspects of my life. I guess I was just lost. I will tell you it takes great talent to not do a thing and still get As. Very impressive. Oh wait, I forgot, you don't have A's or B's, do you?

That's right, you told me you were struggling to keep that C in math. So wait, your great plan is to not do anything at all?

Hmm, I must be missing something.

I think I found a kink. Have you ever heard the saying "anyknow everything, so what else is there to thing worth doing is worth doing well?" I learn? Go ahead and sleep through that Gov- know I have, many times. I am sure you have ernment video and plan your trip to Cancun too. But have you thought about it? Really for Spring Break. Oh, and don't forget prom! thought about it? Twelve years of school.

Tell me again how to keep this "disease" Twelve years of finishing homework, pagoing. I tried it for a while, however, all my pers, and listening in class. Twelve years grades went down. I must have been doing gone to waste because you are too lazy to something wrong because I then had to work finish three more months. I really must be twice as hard just to bring my grades up. It missing something because I am sure that I not only created more work for me, but it do not want to waste my time. school senior year. Why bother finishing twelve years of school on a good note, when you can finish by not doing a thing at all?

Hey it really does not matter You said you

Wait, your great plan is to not do anything at all? Hmm, I must be missing something.

Minors deciding their majors

by Britt Frederiksen Every class I take and every activity I participate in harps about college and profession. It is inescapable. We hear about choosing our jobs the day we enter middle school. We choose our classes carefully to fit the college of our choice. We plan our job to the day we resign. This is all as we are teenagers, not yet twenty years into our lives.

We, as students of Maine South, are expected to know our direction. Some of us, however, have no idea which end of the compass to look at. Why are we supposed to understand our future when we barely understood our seventh period physics exam?

How can we, as teenagers, make a real, true decision about the rest of our lives? Seniors have a hard time deiciding what college to go to, and most will not delcare their major as freshmen in college. There are so many different venues to explore, but before we ever complete the exploration process we have chosen our life and are well into retirement.

Adolecsence does not mean and never has meant intelligence, although many teens believe it does. Teenagers have a heavy work

load paired with many, many commitments and yet need to understand where they are headed in life. We have to labor to comprehend most subjects. In between study sessions we register for next year's classes and try to figure out exactly what we think will help us later.

Most of this is not a problem. The real problem lies in the reason for taking classes.

Why not take a class to understand something new or to find new ideas? Why does everything have to lead to our fiftieth birthday? Can not we leam something just for the sake of learning it and then have it tucked in our head, not neccessarily for college or our career? There is too much emphasis on our future career Teenagers need to have time to explore their needs in between their homework. They should join clubs to discover their strengths and weaknessess, not to put it down on an application.

And that is another problem. In all the surge to get into a good college and be able to wave a litde pendant that says "U. Illinois" or "Harvard" we make it our habit to over commit ourselves to only write it down on our resume. If every second of our day is only for a promised profession, when is

something worthy of just education?

It is sad to see kids at Maine South so preoccupied with college. College is important, yet it should not be the motive behind every action. We do not yet know half of what we will leam for the rest of our lives.

This decision does not have to be it. We can decide our profession, but it doeds not necessarily mean that this profession is our career for life. It is ridiculous that we are faced with such an important decision at the age of 13. If we do have to, it needs to be flexible. We can leam and decide to become real students, but until we uncover the one idea that we can stand by for life we cannot be forced to know our needs at sixty.

Most of us have some idea of our direction in life, be it the liberal arts or medicine.

We have been influenced by many different ideas throughout our lives which have caused this interest. When we decide on our career too soon we close our minds to other ideas that could be of even more appeal to us. If we keep our options open, however, and try new activities we will be influenced by new ideas that may give us new ideas on profession. If we stop learning now, how can we progress?

6 Gomraeiitar^i

Letters to the Editor Living in unity I remember, when I was younger, I lived with great injustice. When I was younger, the rest of my class did not like me.

Even my teachers gave me grief.

It did not take a genius to figure out why. I was one among many, the one set apart. However, it was not because I was a jerk or socially inept, but because my skin was yellow and my eyes were shaped differently.

My superficial appearance was all people needed to figure me out. A great injustice it was, as anyone who has been subjected to it will tell you. It is a wrong that has been committed for millennia against AfricanAmericans, Native Americans and Jews.

We as humans, however, have managed to progress beyond that point and look past the racial differences, just as my classmates looked past my squinting eyes. Then why am I talking about this? It is because this blind prejudice still exists today.

When it comes down to it, many of the students here at Maine South are frightened by SPUD, both for what it stands for as well as the fear of everything that is unknown.

SPUD has come under a lot of criticism from both students and faculty. I have noticed hate posters up around the school, and I know some students are starting a petition to get SPUD removed.

The fact of the matter is that most people are fearful of homosexuals. It is clearly evident in the way we think about them and the slang we hear day to day.

In fact, any reference made to a "gay," "homo," or "queer" is usually an insult. It seems that most people have already made

up their minds about homosexuals.

About a summer ago, I was standing outside with some fiiends, debating our views and beliefs. The debate rose into a heated argument and I do not think anyone was very happy.

After a few more minutes of bickering, one of my friends - a Jew - paused and picked up a stone. He held it out, displaying it as if it were some sort of artifact. "You see this? This is a rock." His simple observation was made in a heavy tone. Our eyes were fixed on him. "My ancestors died because they wanted to believe what was different from the norm." He dropped the stone and walked away.

When it comes down to it, I feel the point that many people are missing is the fact that homosexuals are people too. They are human beings with as much right to be happy and successful as anyone who is "straight." Before anything else, before being a gay or straight, white or black, male or female, you are a human being. That is something that is an overwhelming truth that is in the heart of all that live and breathe.

When all bets are down and the cards are on the table, a straight person is no better than a gay person is, period. This is a country in which many have fought and died to have the basic freedoms classified as human rights.

Now everyone has the ability to believe in anything that they see fit and not be prosecuted. I am not telling you all to run out and be gay activists.

Instead, if you do not agree with gays, try to be a little more sensible about the way you talk about them. There is no justification for dehumanizing them.

Just as humanity has learned to live with racial and religious differences, we must learn to accept homosexuals for what they are - as emotional, tried and true human beings.

Ed Sim

Voices in nny head: Why I am not hosting a cast party this year

by Lauren Hurley "I really wasted my leap year 2000. I had vowed to do so much this year, and I did none I am writing this letter be- of it. Actually, I just wanted to cause I am dissappointed by speak in an accent all day. That some of the reaction to the new was my big plan. It sounded organization SPUD. This group good, I was wrong. Todd told was started with the hope of me that everything we do on helping to create a more toler- Leap Year should not count. ant environment here at Maine February 29th should be a holiSouth. It is not an exclusive day where people do whatever group, but rather, an inclusive they wish, and they would not one. Anyone is welcome to join. be held accountable. It would There is no requirement that you just be a Brigadoon day. Howbe gay or straight, or any other ever, instead of a funfiUed fan"type" of person. Why is this tasy day of sp)eaking in a Britgroup so threatening to some ish accent and going out with Justin, I found myself staying at people?

I decided to write after read- school until nine at night to p r ^ ^ ^ ing dome graffiti on the third lice for the musical rehearsail^^ floor boys' bathroom wall. It I whined during stretching in said "SPUD killer." Why am I gym.

Guy suddenly perked up. upset by some ignorant scrawls So, are you going to have a cast on a toilet wall? Because it is the most disgusting example of the party again this year?" I started sentiments I have seen or over- to cringe, and I got so mad that heard directed towards this my face turned as red as Guy's group. It made me realize that ridiculous Nike's. I shouted, we have a long way to go if we "No!" as the entire class looked are going to recognize and cel- at me to see if I was sane. "Why ebrate the diversity around us. not? I had fun last year," Guy Whatever our cultural heritage, tried to sway me from my decisexual orientation, skin color, sion. "Okay, just really quickly ability, interests or socioeco- I'll explain. Last year, when I nomic backgroud, we are all a had a cast party, people I didn't even know came to my house. part of this school.

I hope that we can appreciate That would not have been so the unique contributions that bad, but they weren't even all each individual makes to the from Maine South; I found classroom and school commu- Glenbrook South pom-poms in nity. There is a place for every- my basement. Furthermore, the one and we can agree to disagree uninvited guests had brought on some issues, but we should beer. They actually ostracized always respect each other. Good the cast, which was counterpr^ ^ luck to SPUD, you have a lot to ductive to the purpose of t l ^ V do, and let me know what I can party. We, the cast, pit, and crew worked hard, and we deserved do to help.

Mr. Gabel, science teacher better," I ended sans discussion.

SPUD defense

Features 7

Focus on Faculty Mr. Gotberg was bom in Michigan, but is very glad he decided to stay in Chicago.

After growing up in Muskegan, Michigan Mr. Gotberg attended the Engineering program at the University of Michigan. He says, "I was interested in becoming an engineer, but after working in summer camps through college, I realized that I enjoyed working with kids. I reazlized that if I went into engineering, I would not be able to do what I loved."

Mr. Gotberg switched his major from Engineering to Physics during his senior year. He moved to Chicago to attend North Park College. He says, "I moved here to because of the school. My whole family has gone to North Park and it's affiliated with my church. I ended up staying in Chicago because a lot of my friends stayed here. I'm really glad I stayed in Chicago."

After graduating, Mr. Gotberg began teaching at Trinity in River Forest. After spending a few years there, he began teaching at a junior high in Wilmette. He says, "I found that I weasn't enjoying it as much as teaching high school, so then I ended up coming to Maine South. I think my job search has ended; I can't imagine teaching anywhere else. I believe my wanderings are over."

Mr. Gotberg has recently acquired his Master's in Education firom National Lewis University. In addition to teaching Physics I and Physics II here, he teaches a night class at North Park. He says, "At Maine South, I've always taught those two physics classes.

At other schools I've taught some math classes as well."

Mr. Gotberg enjoys doing just about anythins active when he is not teachins. As one

Senior

by Lindsey Krukowski

of the sponsors of Ski Club, he spends a great deal of time on the slopes in the winter months. He enjoys the opportunity to spend time with students outside of school as well. He says, "I love both water and snow skiing. I've just learned how to snowboard because the kids in Ski Club

convinced me to. I'm still learning and I'm not very good yet, but I love it. I'm hooked!"

Mr. Gotberg recently bought a cabin on a lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

He enjoys spending his summers and his weekends there in the fall and spring. He says, "I love it up there. Just to get up there is refreshing. It gives me a chance to get away from the rush of the city and relax.

My favorite thing about going up there is having friends and family come to visit me

Gary Gotberg so we can spend time together. I have a very close family and I enjoy the opportunity to spend time with them."

While visiting his cabin, Mr. Gotberg loves to run and spends a lot of time mountain biking on the many trails up in Michigan. He loves fishing and owns a small fishing boat in Michigan and says, "I love fishing. I spend way too much time fishing up there!"

Mr. Gotberg has been very active his whole life. He says, "I grew up sailing with my dad. We sailed probably two or three days a week. I'm excited because this summer, I'm going to sail around the Great Lakes with my dad. We might just go without a mapped route, which is how I'd like to do it. My dad's a little more organized, so we're not sure how we're going to plan it yet.'

Mr. Gotberg really enjoys what he does as a physics teacher. He says, "I like to think of new things to bring into my classroom.

There are always new ways of teaching or new demos I can show my classes, and I love having the opportunity to do something new for them" While Mr. Gotberg really loves physics, the real passion that compelled him to be a physics teacher is his love for students. He says, "I'm very interested in physics and I really enjoy it, but more than that I enjoy working with the kids. People ask me all the time why I chose to teach physics, but there's no real reason except that I find it very interesting. I'd be happy teaching anything, really. I just enjoy the interaction with my students and being able to work with teenagers. I can honestly say that I love my job."

Liam Hickey

Focus on Student Excellence

Activities: Teacher's Comments: • Varsity Cross Country "Liam is one of the most open and caring students I have encountered in my four years at Maine South. I distinctly remember Liam • Varsity Track working well in groups and accepting each individual as a friend.

• M-Club, secretary Liam was also a leader on the cross country team this year. He was • Brotherhood just short of making the state qualification time, but he still went • Honor Roll dowTistate for a trial run of the course to support his teammate. Liam is truly a genuine person who exemplifies the meaning of Hawk Pride."

-Ms. Kathleen Durkin

8 Features

Maine South picks the top films of 1999

by Mary Ann Pekara and Rachael Whalen Grab a ticket, a box of popcorn, and a seat and be prepared to sit through the most popular films of 19991 A recent survey taken in late October questioned Maine South students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, as well as faculty members on their favorite movies of last year. A total of 86 students and three faculty members were surveyed with a list of some of the most popular films of the year.

Along with checking their favorite flick, they were able to explain why they made their choices.

Out of nine movies and the option of listing one not included, American Pie was the number one choice among students. Thirty percent of males and 44% of females chose it as their favorite movie of 1999. A senior male described the movie as "a teen-oriented flick that as funny and easy to relate to."

Maine South students were obviously not the only ones who realized the success of American Pie. The movie was released twice on video and DVD: once as the original version seen in theaters, and the "unrated" version of the movie that was not shown in theaters. When

it was released, people flocked to Blockbuster and Hollywood Video to see what was so exciting about the new and unrated version of an already sex-fiUed and hilarious movie.

The change? Just one scene was modified from the version because it was deemed stated, "I liked it; it kept my interest." Of too "sexual" to be shown in theaters. If you the 50 highest-grossing films of all time. __ have not yet seen the unrated The Sixth Sense climbed to the number 13 version, don't panic: you're spot, bringing in $259.8 million. not missing much. The new Each of the three faculty members quesscene is not much different tioned voted for a different flick, creating a from the original. three-way tie. They voted for American In second place was The Beauty, Star Wars, and The Sixth Sense as their favorites.

Matrix, which got •jjjjjjjjm • • • • • • • • • • • • • the vote of 23% of Many other facu^^^ students and has members q u e ^ ^ grossed close to tioned responded $200 million dolthat they had not lars at the box ofseen many, if any, fice. A junior male of the movies topdescribed The Maping the 1999 trix as "an ohginal, charts. interesting movie Many of the big with astounding movies of 1999, special effects." An employee at the such as American Pickwick Theatre in uptown Park Beauty, Big Daddy, Ridge said, "The Matrix really The Blair Witch brought it some good crowds, while Project, Fight American Club, South Park, Pie was a and Star Wars rebit lacking. That ceived several votes each. Write-ins such could have been due as Cruel Intentions, Stigmata, and You 've to the ratings."

Got Mail scored very few votes each, coming far from topping the charts.

A total of 13% of One male student did not get a chance to the Maine South population surveyed attend a single one of these movies. It is voted for The Sixth hard to believe that some teens are not getSense, which ended ting an opportunity to explore the different up scoring the third types of movies that came out last year. So, place spot. The ma- if your popcorn bag is empty, go grab jority of students other one! Be sure to check out one of i voting for The Sixth favorite movies among Maine South stuSense were females. dents: American Pie, The Matrix, and The One such female Sixth Sense.

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Marty and the Aztecs

by Melissa Sobota The band Marty and the Aztces was formed back in 1998 by Adam Koseki, Erik Berke, Mike Hammersmith, Marvin Bae, and Marty Gadzinowski. They formed to perform the song "Thunderstruck" by AC/ DC in the V-show. Unfortunately, they did not get in because they were told that they were "too loud" when they auditioned.

Mike Hammersmith's dad told the band if they significantly improved, he would let them play at his bowling alley, Sim's Bowl.

They began to practice and started out playing classic rock, but Adam Kosecki said, "We now play a httle of everything to please all fans, except maybe opera fans."

They have played many shows in recent months. They started out at Sims, and have played there three times so far, as well as performing in this year's V-show, a few small gigs for churches, a Park Ridge city picnic over the summer, an anniversary party, and the T.O.F. Y.S Christmas party. On March 10, they will be playing at the Park

Ridge Teen Center.

The band gets paid for some of the shows they do, but many of them are for charity.

Erik Berke said, "If we play a show for a church or something, then we do it for charity. When we do get paid for the gig, then after tips we usually bring in about 70 dollars a person, which is not bad. It's more fun than work for us, so 70 dollars is not bad."

The band ususally tries to practice every Sunday and Tuesday. Koseki said, "We have about sixty songs that we play, but only one of them, 'All in the Open', is an original."

The band has had numerous names since their begining. For their first gig at Sim's, Mike Hammersmith's dad told people that the name of the band was Mike Hammersmith and his Blues Foundation, then people started calling them Marty and the Aztecs. According to Berke, "The reason for that name is because Marty used to always wearmocasins, so that's why people

Those thieves!

by Alan Gajda and Sean Garbutt

Students at Maine South gripe at the begging of every school year about how prices have gone up in the cafeteria.One of the reasons that prices go up is to make up for the cafeteria's losses due to stolen food. A recent survey of Maine South students showed that most of the students here have no right to complain.

The survey revealed that there are more males than females stealing from the cafeteria lines, but both groups are doing it on quite a large scale. In fact, the survey showed that 57% of males and 30% of females are steaHng. Out of the males surveyed, 26% steal on a daily basis, 24% steal weekly, and 7% almost never steal. Eighteen percent of all girls steal on a daily basis, 9% steal weekly, and 3% almost never steal.

The number of people stealing is obviously much higher than the number of students caught stealing. According to disciplinary rules at Maine South, steahng automatically constitutes suspension. If every-

one that steals was to be caught, up to 43% of the student body could be missing on any given day.

When asked how many people are caught each year, Dean Thetard said, "We catch six to eight kids a year, maybe ten, on average."

This means that the deans are catching and punishing about 1 % of the total number of people stealing.

"It happens. For ever student that we catch, there are probably two or three others stealing. It's not possible to catch everyone," commented Dean Thetard on the difficulty of preventing such a widespread problem. He estimates that 30 students, at most, are caught every year, which is still only 3% of the people that the survey shows are stealing.

The numbers of people stealing are high, however, they are not as catastrophic as they seem. One must remember that 60% of the student body still pays for their food daily, and hopefully that number will increase so cafeteria prices can decrease.

started calling us that."

There are many interesting facts about the band members. Adam said, "Marty is a vegetarian, but we sneak pepperoni under the cheese on his pizza. Marvin always has to stop practice because his ladies are calling him on his cell phone. Mike always comes to practice with a large plate meat, somtimes raw. Erik somtimes comes to practice with no underwear on. I am always late for practice. I'm also always getting suspended for being late to school."

Adam said, "All of our teachers are saying that they're going to come to one of our shows outside of school, but they never show up. I would like to offer a prize to the first one of our teachers that comes to a nonschool sponsored show."

SOUTHWORI3S A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School n i l South Dee Road Park-Ridge, EL 60068 Lettersto the editor should be defivered to room V-13Iorglvenio a member of the editorial staffiSOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject^bscene or libelous submissions. '^ ' ,, Maura Collins Michael DePilla Megan Gibbons News Editors Meghan McCall Commentary Editors Britt Frederiksen Lauren Hurley Features Editors Lindsey Krukowski Nicole Penn Sports Editors Sam Fuller Ellen Gartner Production Editors Ted Kocher Som Dalai Brian Anderson Dan Clyne Core Cartoonists Susan Wilson Core Photographers Eileen Collins Megan Price Core Staff Artist Monica Haak Staff Heads Nicole Kline Advisor T. R. Kerth Editors-in-Chief

lO Sports EYE O N THE PROS

Time to trade Thomas

by Michael DePilla In their long but not quite so glamorous history, the Chicago White Sox have, on a handful of occasions, put together exciting World Series teams. Two of the more notable teams in club history, the 1906 "Hitless Wonders" and the 1959 "Go-Go Sox" both featured similarly overachieving, zestful players who may not have been the biggest superstars of the era but gave 110% on the field and did whatever it took to win. If history is any indicator, this is the type of team the Sox need to win.

as three homeruns, but the best pitching staff in the American League guided them to the World championship. The 1959 team, led by fiery shortstop Luis Aparicio, took the American League crown with speed and hustle.

Thomas is, despite his recent dechne, a proUfic hitter both in terms of power and average. But his lack of speed, hustle, defense, and leadership make him about as nice a match with the White Sox as Latrell Sprewell is with PJ Carlisimo. The 2000 Sox will feature several players capable of the aggressiveness best That is why, after nine years associated with the team. Ray of service, two MVPs and one Durham, Mike Caruso, Chris batting title, it is time for the Singleton, and Maggho Ordonez White Sox to trade Frank Tho- together have what it takes to mas. Although Thomas has make up the foundation of a Sox done nearly everything he can team reminiscent of past sucto help the Sox win on the field, cesses. Furthering the youth several circumstances, many movement mentality, a correctly out of his control, make this the executed Thomas trade could pay huge dividends down the prime time to trade him.

The White Sox have been a line with young talent.

Also, Thomas has never beteam rich in pitching and hustle whenever they win. There was come the superstar in this town not one player on the 1906 that he should have. Through all World Series team that batted his momentous accomplishas high as .280 or hit as many ments, Chicago has never cher-

ished him like a Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, or Ernie Banks. Perhaps this is because he is not as charismatic as other sports icons, or because his me-first, isolated attitude has given the media and his fans the wrong impression about himself. Whatever the reason, he could leave town tomorrow and scant an eyebrow would be raised. Incidents like his refusing to sprint in spring training drills or blatant acts of disrespect towards his manager Jerry Manuel have worsened his image in the public eye and made him a bad example for young teammates to follow.

For several reasons, it would be better for both Thomas and the White Sox to part their ways before the club comes north this season. In another city the Big Hurt, without his reluctant leadership role, could againflourishand get his Hall-of-Fame career back on track. And in the not too distant future here in Chicago we could see a dynamic, energetic team winning the old fashion way— the White Sox way.

Can't touch this

by Dan Tomassi As several other Hawk sports have come to an end, the Maine South boys' track team has just begun to stretch its legs. At the Wheeling Invitational meet, the Hawks took first place out of eleven teams, beating out Bartlett and Wheeling High Schools who took second and third places respectively. Stand out performances at the meet included Brad Seberhagen and Dave Skiba's first and second places in both hurdle events, third and fourth places in the

shot put by Sean Story and Brian Fee, Seberhagen and Corey Norman's first and second places in the pole vault. Tim Seiwert's second place in the 2 mile run, Tony Skaczylo's second place in the 400 meter, a third place in the two mile relay, third in the 4-lap relay, and second in the mile relay added to the team's success.

A hawk dual victory against Conant High School just three days prior helped boost the teamis confidence. Even lacking some key players due to

sickness and suspension, the Hawks managed to win the meet with ease. The competition has become increasingly difficult, but the great coaching as well as strong discipline from the athletes has enabled the team to lay the smack down against many vicious opponents. The indoor season is closing in on the conference meet and Maine South intends to show no mercy against the opposition. Come out and witness the blazing speed of the Hawk track team to show your school spirit.

South Stats' 1 The Boys' and Girls' track teams each placed first in their recent Wheeling Coed Invitational.

17 The Maine South winter season was led by seventeen scholar athletes.

1 Number of times Will Dushek has flung himself over the finish line to win the heat for his relay.

Projected number of shuttlecocks that will be stuck in the gym ceiling following try outs in Girls' badminton.

Bryan Smaha, John Vigna, Bradley Gierke, and Tony Traynor represented the Hawks in the three-point contest.

1 Number of goals by Shawn Curry in the Junior Varsity Maine Hockey championship game.

Sports 11

Girls' track prevails for second year in a row *T\i AAy^itt^/^ I /-ill iv% c by Maura Collins Once again the girls' track team prevailed last Saturday at the Wheeling Co-ed invite.

For the second year in a row, the Hawks edged, Streamwood, and St. Viator, to capture the team title.

The feat was truly a team effort as a Hawk won an individual medal in nearly every event. Athletes win medals by placing among the top six finishers in each event.

Two sprint relay teams came in first place. The mile relay team of Meghan McNiel, Natalie Rubino, Morgan Sokes, and Katrina Kloess came in first as well as the four-lap relay team of Theresa Weritz, Kloess, and freshmen Ann Niski and Suzie Logsdon. Weritz and Niski medaled in the 200M dash as well. Kloess came in second in the 400M dash, and Ann Kielar and Katie Kapolnek finished in second and fourth respectively in the hurdle race.

The distance runners fared just as well.

The two-mile relay team of Mary Payne, ' Erin Maassen, Kelly Haas and Sokes fin-

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ished in second place, only a few seconds behind the first place team from St. Viator.

Haas went on to come in third in the mile with a time of 5:49.1, and Payne and Maassen finished in fourth and sixth in the 800M run. Maura Collins came in fourth in the two-mile run.

The Liu sisters, Lydia and Lina, dominated the field events. Lina Liu finished second in the triple jump and fifth in the long jump, and Lydia Liu came in third in the triple jump and fifth in the high jump. Susie Logsdon came in third in the long jump as well.

Next Thursday is the CSL indoor conference meet at Glenbrook South. There will be some tough competition in schools like New Trier and perennial state champion Evanston, but the Hawks will do their best to conquer. After that, the team will prepare for the grueling outdoor phase of the track season.

The team is waiting for the support that they deserve. Come cheer for the Hawks.

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3/10

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Scholar Athletes

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Southwards would like to acknowledge the Scholar Athletes of the winter sports season. To be eligible, students must be in a winter sport and maintain a GPA over 3.0.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Sarah Anderson Joseph Bello Lauren CoUetti Ryan Evans Jim Goodrich Bill Heerman Kathleen Madl Marge Niemczyk Jeff Percak Eric Pick Alex Policy Barb Porras Matt Schuenke Sean Story Randall Tosch Colleen Van Hoesen Mark Wojteczko

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3/11

3/13

Boys' Basketball

3/14 IHSA Super sectional

3/15 -

Girls' Basketball season over Girls' Gymnastics season over Boys' Indoor Track

F/S Evanston Invite

@ GBS Invite 4:30PM

Girls' Indoor Track

Boys' Swimming

Wrestling

season over

season over

SOUTHWORDS

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B;i>lvcib;ill • Gyinnasiics • IndiKir Track • .Swimmini: • Gymnasiics

Girls b-ball brings home Regionals Boys' basketball salvages season

by Krissy Vonesh A successful season for the Hawks was nothing less than what was expected. The Girl's Basketball team has brought home a Regional Championship and a certain pride to Maine South. Throughout the season the Hawks battled against the best competition in the state. In fact, the majority of the teams that made it downstate or to final matches in sectionals had already been challenged by the Hawks, who frequently came out on top. Starting senior captains Lauren Colletti and Colleen Van Hoesen led the Hawks fearlessly to the state tournament and kept everyone's mind on track, aiming at the state finals. They didn't quite make it there, but played tremendously well throughout the journey.

In order to obtain the Regional Championship, the Hawks had to face not only the girls from Good Counsel, but also the Hawks' long time rival, the New Trier Trevians. Barb Porras had an excellent game scoring 23 points to put the Hawks over the top in the New Trier game. In order to compete in the sectional finals, the Hawks then

had to face the Loyola Ramblers. The game turned out to be extraordinarily eventful with the Hawks once again ending up with the win. The Hawks faced the Evanston Wildkits for the sectional championship, which was played at New Trier High School. The gym was loud and the fans were spirited while the Hawks took Evanston into overtime practically at the buzzer. During overtime the Wildkits were on fire and the Hawks unfortunately left the gym heavyhearted. Many friends, family, and fans of the team lingered for what seemed to be hours, reflecting on their successful season. The team always stayed strong and will look back on the season with fond memories through all of the tough times they spent together. All of the seniors are moving on to bigger and better things.

However, the regional plaque will forever be displayed on Hawk territory.

A huge thanks to Coach Deines, Coach Walker, and Coach Kerr for their dedication and encouragement, and congratulations to the Girl's Basketball team for a wonderful season.

Mr Demes offers words of wisdom to the girls' team during half-time photo courtesy of Lauren Colletti

by Sam Fuller Boys' basketball found themselves up 19-7 in the first quarter at Addison Trail.

Reverse that score and one can find the teams overall record. Yes, these Hawks are for real. TTie team dominated the entire game, and finished with a easy victory in the first round of playoffs.

Midway through this trouncing, reserve center Randall Tosch sat pomdering the season. He turned and questioned, "Will we be the first team to win state with a below .500 record?"

Key evidence and facts point in that direction. Through ups and downs, t l ^ k team has found a way to stick togeth^^T "We have been through it all, shedding tears of heartache and glory," manager Scooter Kennedy prophetically announced. Fellow manager Jerry Dhamer nodded his head with a gentle smile.

This is more than a team, this is a family.

T^e Hawks will continue through the playoffs until they lose. Tony Traynor will continue his streak of being blocked at least once a game. Scott Blair will continue to injure every pan of his body.

Bryan Smaha will continue to be the ladies' favorite. Paul DiFranco will continue his vow of silence at practice.

Craig Murray will continue to flex and flaunt his curiy hair. Tlie team will continue, the team will make a stand. The team needs the Hawk fans to continue to show their support!

Those of you in a spring sport,^ start writing your articles and turn them in to Southwards in /

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