Vol 36 issue 13

SOUTHWORDS Maine Soiilh Hisili School • 1111 S. Dec Road • Park Rid-jo.

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March 24. 2(KK)

May it please the court NEWS News Commentary: Child locked in closet-p.2 Today in History-p. 2 Mock Trial- p.3 Students of the month-p.3 -

COMMENTARY

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Change grows on Bushes- p.4 Siblings revisited- p. 5 Letters to the editor-p.6 Voices in my head-p.6 —

FEATURES Pickwick-p. 7

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Focus: Kritin Muellner-p. 7 Mock primary results p.8 Focus on Mr Feichter-p.9 SPORTS Boys' tennis arui basketball-p. 10 Girls' soccer-p. 10 Boys' gymnatics-p. 11 Girls' badminton -p. 11

Members of Maine South's Mock Trial team in Springfield for the state competition, more on page 3

Boys' baseball and volleyball- p. 12 photo courtesy of Don McArthur

2 News

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=NEWS COMMENTARY

Closets vs. prison c e l l ^

by Megan Gibbons Complete darkness, a desolate and solitary dwelhng serving as the home of a young son of the Grad family recently became grounds for conviction. Joseph Grad and his wife Carmen were convicted of torturing their young son after they were found keeping their six year old son tied in an upright position for twenty-four hours straight in a closet.

Inside the closet his cries for help and affection were denied, he was refused proper nutrition, and forced to dwell in his own urination and feces. This young child had done nothing wrong, he simply existed, and for that he was condemned to solitude and deathly conditions. He, because his life had become a burden to his father, could do nothing but quietly and painfully wait for death to come to him.

A situation such as this—in which a child is denied the right to live—portrays the ultimate example of unfairness and mistreatment.

Even so, the man who had bestowed all this hurt and pain upon this young child now claims he is being treated unfairly—that his life is being damaged as a result of what he calls wrongful imprisonment.

The dimensions of a prison cell are considerably larger than the minute closet in which his young son survived, not to mention the father having light and food inside the his prison cell. In addition to an increased comfort level Joseph Grad was being exposed to inside the prison cell, there was reason for his confinement.

He had earned his stay in such conditions because he had exposed his son, his own flesh and blood, to absolute fear; a fear no

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person should ever have to know. He had left a young boy, whose hfe was in his hands, to rot in sohtude while he laughed at the cries he heard his son yell out. It was that which earned him such living conditions.

To imagine that a man who had imposed the worst possible living conditions on a completely helpless life, proceeds to claim he is being treated unfairly is utterly baffling. How is it that people such as the Grads come to the conclusion that they are suffering so wholly after they neglected to uphold one of the few responsibilities they as people held?

As cases in which criminals are released on account of unfair treatment continue, one must contemplate the absolute horrors a handful of these criminals bestowed upon their victims. Confusion plagues society when criminals who are known to have done

nothing but harm their victims are set free or treated with increased care on account of their comfort level.

The concept of unfair treatment of criminals has existed for years, but now with the claim from the Grads of their unfair treatment, society has been set off balance. The Grads were the worst display of terrible treatment of children, and now they stand to be released in hopes of maintaining their own comfort of living.

The question is raised, how is it that in a country where cold-hearted acts are committed every day, that the ones who commit them are the ones whose need for compassion we are concerned about?

The silent, helpless voices have to be heard, those who feel the pain every day have to be understood. What about their ultimate need for compassion?

Bang bang, you're dead

by Stephanie Stevens As the one-year anniversary of the Columbine killings is approaching, Maine South's Drama 3 class is taking a deeper look inside the mind of a "killer." The twenty students in this class are getting an inside glimpse as they prepare their annual studio show, to be performed on April 5, 2000 at 7:30PM. This year the class chose to produce Bang Bang You're Dead, a story of a boy plagued with thoughts of suicide, murder, and insanity. An inside view can be seen from a father who witnessed it. As the class blocks, works and memorizes the show, they experience the chilling moments and unforgettable details of a school shooting.

Bang Bang You 're Dead is the choice of

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shows because it offers an opportunitj^^^ educate, inform, and warn the a u d i e n c e ^ ^ the intensity, severity, and reality of school violence. The everyday rehearsals send chills up and down the actors' bodies from the reality of every scene. The play wishes to evoke thought from the audience in hopes that no one leaves without being impacted by the vivid portayal of such an uncomfortable topic.

The performance aims to send strong messages. The message is that there are some mistakes one can't take back. As Antonello DiBenedetto said in his summary of the show, " Remember, life has no reset button!"

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March 24,1765- Britlan enacts the Quartering Act on the coionies.

March 24,1955-The first seagoing oil drill is placed in service.

March 24,1958- Elvis Presley is inducted into the United States Army, March 24,1989- The worst oil spill in history, 11.3 mitlion gallons are spilled off Alaska. ^

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News 3

Mock Trial in top eight at state

by Meghan McCall On March 3, 2000, as everyone else was veturing to their classes, Maine South's Mock Trial Team left on a trip down state to Springfield. Before this trip was possible, the team had to endure a lot of hard work and preparation. Learning to work together as a team, and truly getting down to the bottom of the issues of their case were key to their success.

The season started the end of last year with a tryout. Each person was given a copy of a very short fictitious case and had to deliver an opening statement in front of the current coach: Mr Don McArthur as well as Mr. Rick Rosenburg, who had been the coached in prior years. Ten students were selected for the team: one freshman: Jane Kehoe; one sophomore: Stephanie Caccomo; six juniors: Sean Cassidy, Donna Charicki, Doug Elsesser, Nikitus Fodukos, Nina Mariano, and Meghan McCall; and two seniors: Paul Lewis and Alan Zarach.

The team was very talented and had much potential. For the first month or so, the team worked on learning the

basic components of a civil bench trial, a trial in which all compensations are monetary and is performed in front of a judge, not a jury. In January', the team received the case which would become very dear to them over the next few months as they prepared for the state competition in Springfield.

To prepare for this ultimate competition the team participated in a number of tournaments and matches against other schools in the area. Unlike most competitions, in Mock Trial the winner of the case does not necessarily win the competition. Both teams are put on a side of the case, whether it be as the defendant or as the plaintiff, and are scored on their performance by the judge and a number of lawyers who are observing. Thus, the ruling of the judge at the end of the trial really has no bearing, only the total score matters.

Maine South had a strong showing in all of the tournaments and meets it attended.

However, there really is no "season" for Mock Trial, and so the only competition that really matters is the state competition.

Maine South, along with fifty-six other schools participated in this competi-

tion, which entails two or three rounds. In the first two rounds, teams are assigned one side of the case to argue and an opponent that they will face. Maine South initially faced Timothy Christian High School as the defense and then PhilUps as the plaintiff. The scores awarded to all teams are added up at the end of these first two rounds and the top eight teams advance to the next round.

Maine South was among these eight teams and so they continued on in the competition.

For the final trial, they were placed against Glenbard South. Glenbard was a very strong team, who Maine South competed very well with. After all eight teams had finished their final trails they once again gathered together and the top three finishers were announced. Although Maine South did not place within these three top spots, and the remaining five places are not announced, they competed very well. Along with finishing somewhere within the topeight, Nikitus Fodukos was recognized as an all-state witness . The team would like to thank the seniors for their guidance and leadership throughout the entire season.

photo <

â&#x20AC;˘ of Don McArthur

Students of the Month

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Fine Arts: Christine Bisanz, Rita Yonkers, Erica Shultz, JuUe Hertzberg, Natalie Kruk, Elizabeth Kruesi, Dominic Salvador, Paul Drazba, Kim DiNino Science: Jill Baty, George Brzozowski, Melanie Clark, Chuck DiFranco, Alex Dorow, Brian Fee, Kristin Kloess, Kate Magnuson, Gianni Peri, Dan Pflueger, Anthony Saltarelli, Nicole Sara, Patty Sianis, Matt Skomasa Mathematics: Joe Conti, Kevin Crowley, Katie Dunn, MarissaFrankos, Ellen Garmer, osh Gelula, Mike Ciu^cio, Alison Jasinowki, atrina Kloess, Becky Poliwka, Matt Schwartz, Liz Strmbardis, Billy Steiner Elistory: Krista Bjelopetrovich, Malgorsata

Bursakowska, Jessy CoUetta, TamaraForys, Emily Haak, Shannon Joyce, Stephanie Mitchell, Tim Sapieka, Natalie Selk, Megan Sexton, Lisa Vanacora Spanish: Tamara Ananewycz, Milutin Cejovic, Andrew Feeney, Sharon Jaffe, Sylvia Marciniec, Terrence Rickert, Daniel Saavedra Italian: Kathryn Ballara, Chuck DiFranco English: Becky Banc, Gosia Bursakowska, Gino Di Gioia, Kim DiNino, Anthony Dinverno, Magdelena Dumin, Robert Gherke, Brian Gruba-McAllister, Andrew Holland, Aleksev Inokhodov, Anna Jablonowski, Nicki James, Annestine Lau, Dave McCarthy, Erica McQueen, Norman

Olsen, Nick Rinaldi, Marcelino Rivera, Paul Schniedermeier, Marta Skwarczek, Carla Vassilos, Brian Wilson, Diana Wolek Drivers Ed: Valerie Widmaier, Thomas Balazs Health: Kathryn Kapolnek, Erica McQueen Child Care/Physchology: Melissa Cianfaglione, Marina Grujicic, Sarah Timmer Business: Martin Forde, Norman Olsen, David Filippini Physical Education: Scott Wojteczko, Garrett Fechner, Sylwia Klepacka, Tanya Gluzerman, Kristin Muellner. Laura Szymanski, Marina Peri, David Bowes, Carla Garippo, Michela Pagano, Matthew Schuenke, Robert Klauk

4 Commentar>j pi-operty ot

The Editors

by Maura Collins As the school year winds down to an end, there are about 40 days of school left until senior graduation, I am faced with a question. Did I undergo the total high school experience? When I get my diploma, what will I really have?

There are a few specific, some academic, most non-academic, things that each student should do before he/she leaves high school .There is the one that I can recall being reminded of my freshman year. "Get involved" was the ingenious phrase of many of my teachers. It is only reasonable to expect that before leaving high school, a student should experience what it is like to be a part of something.

However, a student should experience the rejection that comes along with a denied attempt to become a part of something. This rejection could be anywhere from not making an athletic team as a freshman to being turned down when asking someone to a school dance. Rejection is an important part of high school, and life in general.

Every student should pass a test. Every student should fail a test. Imagine how people would act if they were successful in every endeavor. A little taste of failure is a good thing; that is why I am taking AP Physics this year.

Ferris Bueller, though he carried it to the extreme, had the right idea about high school attendance. Everyone should miss a day of school- ditch a day of school, and this doesn't count if your parent calls you in. I have yet to ditch a day of school, so when senior ditch day rolls around, I plan to experience this thrill.

Everyone should attempt to walk the halls without wearing an ID. Every student should experience going to detention at Maine South. Detention is a unique experience. Sitting with Mrs. Shueller in REO can be quite enlightening.

Maybe I should say that spending a day in reassignment is the pinnacle of high school.

If I am tardy to school one more time, that is what my punishment will be. I wonder if my Mom would agree with this.

There is a whole lot more to high school than a GPA. It is about learning from prior mistakes, about the lessons that students learn after failing a test, coming late to school, and the punishment for doing so.

Bushed with status quo:

by Brian Anderson and Som Dalai On Tuesday, March 14, one week after "Super Tuesday," the stage was set for the upcoming presidential elections. Al Gore, the Democrat, won enough delegates to get his party's nomination, and Republican George W Bush did the same. In November, eligible voters will have to make a choice between these two candidates. Fortunately their decision will not be so tough: Bush is the clearcut better candidate.

Perhaps the most glaring difference between the candidates is their dissimilar positions on tax cuts. Gore is backing an extremely liberal package in which mainly lowincome workers benefit the most- it does not appeal to middle or high income households.

Bush, on the other hand, has a tax cut that benefits every worker in the country. In his proposed tax cuts the five income brackets that a person can fall into have been reduced to four. Every person enjoys a generous tax break, with middle-income workers benefiting dramatically. Lowering the marginal rates, as Bush proposes, will stimulate the

grovrth of the economy, which will result in a higher standard of living for all citizens.

Aside from boosting the current quality of life. Bush wants to reform the educational system to benefit generations to come. What Bush essentially wants to do is to give parents control over their children's education.

He supports a school voucher system which will give parents tax credit so they can send their children to private institutions. Bush wants to instill an element of competetion into school systems to "weed out" the failing public schools and subsequently improve the overall quality of education. He also wants to give states a greater role in determining the direction of local schools. Gore is crippled from enacting any significant educational reforms since he depends on the support of teachers' unions. Gore will only significantly aid the system by pumping more money into failing schools and hiring more teachers in an attempt to solve the overcrowding problem.

While Gore could afford to send his own children to private schools, he would deny

CoMPETe WITH AVTv, PBS muNCH^S ITS

Comrtieiitary 5

America deserves better lower-income families this opportunity by opposing school vochers. Wheras Bush wants to transfer more educational control to the states. Gore wants to centralize the school system adding to an already oversized bureaucracy.

Gore has proposed a socialized health care system that is similar to the socialized health care system in Britain. He wants to increase governmental spending on health care through programs such as universal prescription drug benefits. This plan would squander funds since it provides coverage to people who already have the money to buy prescription drugs. Such wasteful spending, called for under a socialized health care system, is struggling in Britain, where hospital beds are scarce.

It would not be wise to elect another hypocrite into the Presidential office; therefore, Gore should not be elected. One of the centerpieces in Gore's campaign is campaign-finance reform. Basically, he wants to eliminate unethical ways to raise money for political candidates running for office.

This is odd, considering that a close friend of his, Maria Hsia, is indicted in a fund-raising scheme. She coordinated a visit to a Buddhist temple in California to raise funds.

Although Gore initially denied knowledge of this event, there is videotape of him at the temple. Aside from this scandal, much of the Clinton/Gore 1996 campaign for reelection is clouded with suspicion.

With the recent rise in terrorism, it is clear that this country needs a better national defense. One key component in bolstering our military strength is the development of a missile defense system. With Bush in office, research and development of such systems would accelerate, while it would stagnate with Gore.

This November Americans will choose a man who wants to unify people and reform government, or a man who stands as an embodiment of partisanship and has proven himselfuntrustworthy. Hopefully the correct decision will be made: George W. Bush will be elected, ensuring a prosperous future for all.

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Siblings revisited

by Britt Frederiksen For some reason, being the youngest has always been considered the best position. People tell me the youngest is spoiled and has the advice of older siblings, plus old homework and clothes . . .Being the youngest is good until the year when the older sibbngs disappear to college, the real world and a different life.

I lost my oldest brother to higher education six years ago and my other brother two years ago. I always appreciated them, and when they left, I knew I would miss them. Thinking about their departure from my daily life lately, however, has left me devastated. It is funny how something I have gotten used to can seem so painful later on. It never meant much to me as a fourth grader, but I watched the progressionfiromhigh school to college twice and have to wonder what I am missing.

I, like many teenagers, work with little children and baby-sit. Being the youngest in my family, I do not have much of an attachment to my four-year-old counterparts, and do not understand them as well as would a teen with younger siblings. I know enough, however, to see that when small children are separated from older siblings for long periods of time they not only become curious as to the location of their brother or sister, but also lose interest in their own activities which are not the same as those of their sibling. The smallest children have some bond with their siblings.

The older the child, however, the less he or she acknowledges the connection.

Older brothers make fun of younger brothers. Younger sisters still connect with their older sisters but are not as quick to admit it. None understand the value of the sibling except that for some reason they are happier to be around them. In the children's book Honey Bunny Funnybunny

by Marilyn Sadler, Honeybunny's brother teases her constandy. She asks him to stop, and her mother tells him to stop, and he does. When he stops, however, she realizes it was more fun knowing he was around and having him pay attention to her.

It is a lesson so many of us learn too late having siblings around is actually better than the alternative.

When siblings leave, it can be hard to continued on page 6

Letters to the Editor Behind the scenes In response to Adam Kanaszyc's article that appeared in the last issue of Southwards entitled "Life in the Pit," I would like to express my distaste for the attitudes of many people in this school. The article that was pubhshed about the pit claimed that the pit orchestra got no recognition for what they contributed to the school musical. From the perspective of the Stage Crew, I do not believe this to be true.

For those of you who do not know, stage crew is the organization that builds all of the sets and costumes and puts together all of the lights, sound, and sound effects observed outside of acting and music. I believe that all of the branches of the school musical are equally important and should not be pitted against each other (no pun intended) to compete for audience recognition. Granted, all groups of this production appreciate each other, but sometimes this is not apparent.

The pit orchestra is seen by the audience during the show

and stands up for applause twice during each performance. I am not trying to put the stage crew above the pit orchestra, but to help people understand how lucky they are and be happy with what they have.

I think that it isridiculousfor a person to get involved in an activity if they do it only for recognition. The stage crew gets absolutely no direct recognition during any performance throughout the year. We do not complain about this. We do, however, point this out when others feel cheated from their own personal acknowledgment.

All of the members of stage crew truly love what they do and that is why we continue doing it. It is not for recognition, not for sympathy, but because we love it. I personally enjoy it so much that I have formed a new club: the Maine South Theatrical Technicians Guild with the help of my sponsor, Mr. Sanchez. Some of us are not going to help behind the scenes of shows for the rest of our lives, but some of us will. We all want to have a group in high school to work with during our few

years here. We try to make the best of an unchangable situation and acceept the fact that we do not get recognition - and we do not want any more than we receive.

Nora Sapieka, Music Man Stage Manager

Equinox needs you!

This year before school began, I was helping out Ms. Albright at the Equinox booth during book sales. Each time I remember that day I think about the many hundreds of students that have gone to Maine South and still are not aware that we have a literary magazine.

Equinox has been around for many years at our school, under many different names, and students have forever used it as an outlet for their talents, be it writing drawing, or photography.

There are so many talented students at school who should tune into the daily bulletin announcements and our ever-constant pleas to "Turn yourself in."

Everyone in Maine South can be a part of Equinox, be it judging, writing, reading or inspir-

ing. Everyone should therefore feel free to contribute to its making. If you want to get involved with Equinox, you can be a judge. These are students who help choose what is accepted into the magazine. Just show up after school on a free Thursday afternoon. Always feel free to turn in your work in the box in the writing lab.

Emilie Hanson

Siblings from page 5 understand exactly what we miss - we get their car, wardrobe, left over attention, and bedrooms. Maybe what we do miss is intangible. Maybe that is why we mdss it more. Siblings are valuable assets, to say the least, and help maintain mental stability. We may never understand why we like the person that called us "snotface" our entire childhood, but that does not mean there is no real need for them.

Time is limited, and without understanding our siblings we will never understand their value.

Voices in my Head: it was a Dear Diary moment

by Lauren Hurley "...So gather up your jackets, move into the exits. I hope you have found a friend. Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end..."

The cafeteria had never looked so good. Red Mylar clouds bejeweled the ceiling while the quickened beats of the music attempted to divert the significance of the evening. The last cast party had ended, and the mascara was flowing like "George's" in the Wedding Singer. The Music Man was the first show where I had ever really felt a sense of community.

All the actors, crew and pit had to work together in syncopated harmony. It made us trust each other. It made us depend on each other.

I had made so many new friends doing this one show, all of which I would miss for a different reasons. There were the seniors that I would never be working with again. There was the boy who played my son for two months. He would have to be returned to his sixth grade life, and I cannot really go and hang out at Emerson....that would be weird. I was so disoriented, I forgot to say good bye to him. Closing night was hard because we

had to come to terms with the fact that we would not be associating with the same people in our lives outside the musical.

The cliques are totally divided.

Amidst the tears, hugs, and the occasional round of "Build me up. Buttercup," it was decided that the group would go to Omega to extend the party for as long as possible.

The car ride to the restaurant was a somber one. Of course all the saddest songs had to be on every radio station. Delia, Celeste, and I belted out Creed's "Higher" in attempt to drive out the complicated emotion of the night. There was a sense of clo-

sure and yet a yearning to endure performing forever.

What was to be the entire cast reuniting at Omega ended up being ten people, a select group representing cast, crew and pit alike. It was about one in the morning, and no one was hungry. There was really only an appetite for good conversation, which amazingly, was satiated.

I found myself having the most intriguing conversation with a very intellectual senior It was a breath of fresh air...finally someone who in-i spires dignity and brilliance.

Also, I do not have a band. If I did, it would not be â&#x20AC;˘"Feminist."

Features 7

istoric Landmark Doomed

by Tracy Schmidt Kids of all ages moan and groan how boring Park Ridge is. They have nicknamed the town "Action Ridge." They have whined there is nothing to do here besides hanging out uptown and going to the Pickwick. But soon even that may not be an option. Unless things change, in two years the Pickwick Theater is shutting its doors permanently.

Due to the lack of money brought in by the $ 1.75 tickets, owners of the historic landmark have announced that he can no longer maintain the building as a movie theater.

Plans are being discussed to replace it with retail space.

The Pickwick Theater Council, a nonprofit organization, has been established to save and restore the historic landmark. Ms. Catherine Kenney, head of the committee, says that between five and seven million dollars are needed to complete this project.

Once finished, the Pickwick will not only be a movie theater, but a performing arts center.

A performing arts center is a community eater. The main theater would be used for dance companies, theater groups, and musicians, ranging from classical to jazz to alternative. Its main focus will be that of the family, incorporating musical comedies into the program. Other possibilities will be guest speakers, lectures, and debates between local politicians at election time.

However, this project isn't geared just to parents with small children. Teenagers play a major role because they are one of the Pickwick's biggest audiences and that there is not much for them to do in Park Ridge.

A performing arts center could present

shows geared at the teenage taste including the possibility of alternative concerts featuring some of Chicago's local bands. Aspiring actors and dancers could use their talents at the Pickwick, Student Film Festivals might be able to participate in the national film festival at the new center.

DisUict 207's high schools may be able to extend the performance schedule of their musicals through the use of the Pickwick stage. High school and college students may be able to obtain internships in architecture, interior design, theater design, theater management, and technical direction. Children and teens will be able to further develop their theatrical skills at the acting school that might be located in the Pickwick.

Rest assured, the movie theater will not be completely replaced by performing arts: the rear theaters will still show second-timearound movies for a lower price. Also, from time to time, the main theater will also feature movies. However, unlike the rear theaters, it will showcase foreign films, historical documentaries, and independent pictures.

While the glamour of the modem community theater will be apparent, the nostalgia of the Pickwick will prevail.

Ms. Kenney repons that if the citizens of Park Ridge do not act soon, their memories will indeed be memories.

"People need to realize that if they don't do something soon, the Pickwick will close," she says.

"While most of the adult population has come to realize what this means, the teenagers haven't. It's up to them to take charge and do something-they're one of the

Senior Activities: • Orchesis • Co-President of S ADD • Key Qub •DIRT •Hawk PRIDE • Brotherhood • Honor Roll • Youth Group

Pickwick's biggest audiences. They need to tell their friends that the Pickwick will close if they don't help." Students can take action byjoining the newly forming Pickwick student advisory counsil.

S OUTH W O R D S A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School 1111 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 editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material 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 Dan Clyne Core Cartoonist Susan Wilson Eileen Collins Core Photographers Megan Price Core Staff Artist Monica Haak Staff Heads Nicole Kline Advisor T R. Kerth

Kristin Muellner

Focus on Student Excellence

Teacher's Comments: "Kristin is an extremely dedicated and hard-working student. She and Edith Pietrzykowski started up S ADD again and made the holiday party a huge success. Kristin is also a member of Key Club and Orchesis. She is a very kind and generous person, giving 110% effort in all of her activities."

-Ms. McGowan

8 Features

The results are in!

by Undsey Krukowski and Ted Kocher

On March 14, Maine South seniors were dents who they believed would take the of- mary was held. Steve Forbes dropped out given the opportunity to vote in our school's fice of President next year. Contrasting this of the race about two months ago, and Bradley and mock primary election. Like an actual Elec- data, many students beEagerness to Vote McCain have tion Day, voters were able to vote before and heved that Al Gore will also recently after school, as well as during their lunch be our next President.

Very Very left the runperiods. A total of 113 voters participated Gore dominated predicuneager eager 23^^_ ^^23% ning. We could in the election, however, only 95 ballots tions by registered voters make the corcould be counted. Eighteen ballots were with 73% expecting him 1 relation that "spoiled ballots" because they were filled to be inaugurated next Uneagerl y^ registered votJanuary. In contrast, 42% out incorrectly.

11 % y ^ ^ ^ ^ Eager ers are more The first question asked students to claim of the unregistered voten - ^ 22% knowledgea political party. Among registered voters, beUeved that Bush would No able when it 42% were unsure which party they were af- take the chair in the Oval opinoin 21% comes to polifiliated with and a whopping 38% were Office. The combined tics, and unDemocrats. Among unregistered voters, votes indicated that only registered voters are not quite as knowledge40% were 37% of voters believe that able.

Republicans Bush will be our next PresiFavored Candidate and only dent, while 44% believe it Another question asked voters to express 30% were will be Al Gore. their enthusiasm to vote by ranking their None Bradley Democrats.

However, this question feehngs from A to E, with A being very un9% McCain 8% The comalso produced some strange enthusiastic and E being very enthusiastic.

13 = ^ / ^ bined total results. Not all of the candi- Registered voters seemd more eager to vote, Keyes _ / 1 was that dates whose names were with 20% saying they were very eager and 3% jT^^J 33% of the listed on the ballot have a 20% saying they were eager Only 15% of ^^V36% Forbes V students shot at becoming out next registered voters were very unenthusiastic.

3% \^^ ^ were affili Unregistered voters seemed to be somePresident. The registered Gore^ 28% ated with the voters realized this and what unenthusiastic about voting. A total of Democratic voted only for the two can- 24% of unregistered voters said that they party, and didates that would be in the were very unenthusiastic about voting and 33% were affiliated with the Republican general election in the fall. However, 4% 21% said they were unenthusiastic. Howof the unregistered voters thought Bill Bra- ever, another 21 % also said that they were party.

Out of 95 voters, 27% were registered to dley would be our next president, 4% very enthusiastic. The combined total was a vote in the actual presidential election. Of thought it would be McCain, 3% thought tie: 22% of voters were very unenthusiasthe remaining 73% that were unregistered, Steve Forbes would have take office, and tic, and 22% of voters were very enthusiastic.

71% were planning on registering to vote in 1% thought Alan Keyes would win.

The final question asked students where There was a definite problem with these the Presidential Election in November.

The second question asked students to results, because all of the above mentioned their political knowledge comes from. Stuvote for their favorite candidate, giving them candidates had dropped out from the elec- dents were instructed to choose all answers the choice of all candidates whose names tion at least two days before the mock pri- that applied. This question shows that 68% of the students gain political knowledge appear on the ballot for the Illinois primary Predicted President through their government class. The next election, even those who have already highest sources of knowledge were pardropped out of the race. Among registered McCain Unsure ents and friends, with 62% of students sevoters, the favored candidate was Democrat Keye^% . ^ 째 ^ ^'^'^'^l lecting this answer, and the media, which Al Gore, who took 50% of the vote from is a source of information for 58% of sturegistered voters. Republican George W. dents.

Bush was favored only amongst 27% of registered voters. However, Bush took 40% of Thank you to all students who particithe votes from unregistered voters, while pated in this year's mock primar>' election!

Gore took only 21%. The combined total We appreciate your help in analyzing the came to 38% of the voters for Bush, and only political interests and knowledge of the 30% for Gore. students of Maine South.

The next question on the ballot asked stu"^--^

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Features 9

Focus on Faculty

by Lindsey Krukowski

Pat Feichter

Mr. Feichter was bom and raised in Chishow, food drive, and many, many other ac- says, "I am an elected trustee of Elk Grove :ago. He lived in Chicago until he began tivities. It gives me a great opportunity to Village. I work with five other trustees and Baching at Maine South. He says, "Kids work with students otuside of the classroom our mayor to run Elk Grove Village. I've been very active in solving problems there. sometimes make fun of me for pronouncatmosphere." ,ng certain words strangely, but I guess it's Mr. Feichter has also been working along The latest thing we've done is establishing lust my Chicago accent coming through with Mrs. Canova as a coach and sponsor of a sister city in Italy."

Mr. Feichter does have other interests, ifter all these years." the Constitution Team for ten years. He says, and says, "Some "I'm very pleased to Mr. Feichter attended Senn High School people think I'm say that we've won at an the north side of Chicago. He remained crazy because I get the state level and n Chicago to do his undergraduate studies up at 4:30 in the have been able to it Loyola University, where he got his morning, read two compete at the naBachelor's Degree in Anthropology. He newspapers, and tional level nine out of ;ontinued his education at Northeastern IIthen I do a four to six those ten years. We've inois University, where he got his Master's mile run in the forest been in the top ten Degree in Political Science. However, Mr. preserve every day. teams every one of Feichter's education did not end when he I've also finished 25 those years; one year ;ompleted his studies at Northeastern Illimarathons and dozwe even placed third lois University; he has also taken extenens of shorter races. and last year we won sive graduate courses at other universities, Running is a big at the national level." ncluding Oxford University. hobby for me I love Mr. Feichter is also Mr. Feichter's first teaching job was at it! I'm also very invery dedicated to sharSt. Patrick's High School in Chicago, where terested in scuba diving his knowledge and le spent four years. He says, "When I left ing-I've gone to the helping situations in 5t. Patrick's, I was looking for an opportuCaribbean and South unstable countries. He ity to get out of the city. When I first saw American to scuba says, "In the last four aine South, it was like walking into dive." years, I've been to Disneyland. The school had so many things Bosnia four times in :o offer its students and it was so impresMr. Feichter has the summer to teach the teachers in a war- always known that teaching was the right sive. The field house alone impressed me torn country about democracy. The biggest job for him. He says, "I always wanted to because I had never seen a high school that danger is land mines, so it's important to be be a teacher. I had a friend who graduated a lad a field house." very careful where we walk. There is still a year before me, and he brought me into For the past 30 years, Mr. Feichter has lot of physical and emotional damage from school with him. That day I was completely ;njoyed teaching social sciences at Maine the war, and it's obvious that the people have certain that I wanted to be a teacher."

South. He currently teaches AP Govembeen very affected. This One of the things Mr. Feichter really nent, but has also taught summer, I'd like to go to values is keeping contact with his students \nthropology. World Cul"I don't think Kosovo if the situation after they graduate. He says, "One of the ;ures, and Law in Ameri;an Society. that I could teach a there quiets down enough. nicest things is hearing from my students If not, I'll go back to after they graduate. I have so many students Mr. Feichter loves better group of kids Bosnia." that still write to me, e-mail me. and call eaching at Maine South than the ones I've md says, "The students In addition to his assis- me. It really makes me feel good about my lere at Maine South have encountered here, tance overseas, Mr. job."

Although Mr. Feichter always wanted to ilways made me feel very Feichter assists teachers and I really love my from other countries right be a teacher, he had some concerns at first. jood about teaching. The students are great and here in America. He He says, "When I first started teaching, salajob because of it."

Jiey've always made me says,"For the last five ries were so low that I thought about leavfeel great about what I'm years, I've also hosted ing. I went to an employment counselor doing. I don't think that I could teach a betteachers from Latvia and Lithuania. Ive also who asked me how I felt about my job. I ;er group of kids than the ones I've encounvisited the nations myself. This is all part of told him that I really loved it, and he said, tered here, and I really love my job because international civic education to prevent the 'Don't quit your job. If you're happy, stay where you are. Every day millions of return of communism." it."

Mr. Feichter has been involved in stuIn addition to his involvement assisting Americans go to jobs they hate. So if you dent council at Maine South for 19 years. foreign countries, Mr. Feichter is involved have a job you love, stick with it.' That's H[e says, "We work with Homecoming, Vin the local government where he lives. He the best advice anvone has ever 2iven me."

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Sports

Tennis begins new season

by Alec Sipkovsky The Maine South tennis team is off to a rocky start with injuries and missing players, but lucky for the team, the season doesn't start for another month or so. The loss of state qualifiers like Brad Metzinger and Scot Kronenfeld has been difficult to overcome, but leadership is not lacking on the team.

Seniors Jim Sullivan and Jake Aimers have helped the team by explaining the intricacies on the game and the essence of Maine South tennis. Contributing juniors on the team include returning varsity players Scott Roebuck, two-time MVP of the sophomore team Alec Sipkovsky, Sean McGuire, and Ryan

Grob. However, the most supnsmg aspect of the team has been the incredible play of the freshmen and sophomore players.

Sophomores Paul Mangiardi and Mike Buccar have impressed both Coach Greg Young and the team. Even more impressive is the play of freshmen Steffan Mirsky and Luke Lasota, who have proved to be some of the top players on the team. The team is hoping hard work and a lot of conditioning will guide the team through the new conference, which includes state powerhouses New Trier and Evanston. Also, whenever you see Mr. Young, wish him the best on his new child.

Girls' soccer kicks in new season Team hopes to continue winning tradition

by Fran Futris While spring is coming around the corner, everyone seems to think that the school year is winding down. Well that's not what the Maine South Girls' Soccer Program has in mind at all. In fact, they are winding straight up to the top. With gorgeous weather for soccer tryouts, one hundred girls of high caliber were able to run around at tryouts and give it all they had to find a place on one of four highly competitive soccer teams. This weather is nothing like we've ever had before, and it must be foreshadowing the beautiful weather and ^ the sweet successes to come. / . â&#x20AC;˘ Mr. Jack Tilley, our allstate hall of fame coach, will take control of the freshman team this year hoping to bring yet another conference . title. The sophomore team will be coached by Ms. Anderson. They plan on sweeping the league. Mr. Tim Spiegel will take care of the J.V. squad, which consists of a cream of the crop mixture from all grade levels.

The varsity soccer team, coached by TR Kerth and JJ Crawford, had been counting down the days for the season to begin, and now that it has arrived, we have set our goals high, hoping to begin from where we had left off last season. Although the Maine South Girls' Varsity Team has only lost two games in the past two years and has also won two

sportsmanship awards for being the team in the state with the most class, we are hoping to accomplish that and more with eight of eleven starters returning. The Fabulous Five consists of the five seniors on the team, all of whom are varsity returnees.

The team will be strong up the middle with Diana Puckett, Sarah Timmer, Emily Auge, Fran Futris, and record holder, Sarah Anderson in goal. Other returnees who will also spark to the dynamic explosiveness of the Fab Five are juniors Krissy Vonesh, Nicole Penn, Claire Sharkey, and Heidi Libner, and sophomores Rhea Basseas, Ashley Stopa, and Stacy Hendrickson. We also ex. pect Erin Tunney, Katie Ristau, Christina Eich, Melissa Thomas, Erin Farmer, Krissy Berke, and Jessicca Stuckey to fill the shoes of the seniors who graduated last year.

The team is deeper than any other varsity team we have had in the past. A high level of soccer is played by everyone on the team. I'd like to finish by saying that the team's shut-up and play attitude is what will keep us soaring. The team hopes that their actions on the field will do all the talking for them. Make sure you come and see for yourself Games begin in April, and ultimately the goal is to end the last game with a victory!

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Basketball ends season #

by Tim Moron The Boys' hoops squad put forth a heroic effort against the Gordon Tech Rams in the last game of their season. The Hawks led 14-13 at the half and increased their lead to a nine point margin early in the third quarter This load was not enjoyed for long, however The top-seeded Rams caught fire and went on a 16-0 run. After the mn. the Hawks fought valiantly to try to regain the lead, but reached no success.

Mark Wojteczko and Joe Bello were both named to the All-region team. Bello was also honored as an all-conference player and was voted team MVP. With the season at an end, the seniors on the squad should be recognized for their outstanding basketball careers. Bello was a constant team leader, in both fashion and basketball. Garret Fechner could always be seen diving at loose balls or at the legs of girls, begging for a date. Scott Blair was "money"... from anywhere on the floor.

Randy "Woo-Woo" Tosch was quick with no look pass, or a clap of his hands. Bra Gierke was always picking the pockets of his opponents. Mark Wojteczko had some naughty moves, both on the court and on the dance floor. In all seriousness though, the five seniors were very talented, hardworking, and left some great memories with their teammates. Much props to them.

As for the returning players, they are looking forward to a successful season next year. Hopefully a conference chamionship is on the horizon as well as a nice playoff run. In the meantime, all of the players will be working hard at their games, in hopes of making arun in 2001. Aspecial thanks goes to the Hawk Pep band for playing at the team's games this season and to all of the devoted fans and cheerleaders for lending a helping hand.

Southwards wishes the best of luck to all spring sports teams Go Hawks!

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Sports 11 Gymnastics pommel horsing around

South Stats

by Steve Schimmel

Number of seniors on the Girls' varsity badminton team this season. (Margaret Albin, Amanda Fasinowski, Erika Kronborg-Mogil, Maratea, Adrianne Pontarelli, and Chalatom Warapanyaseni)

5'10" Record freshman high jump record owned by Chris Mitchell at a recent boys' track meet.

Number of arms broken by Boys' varsity tennis player Alec Sipkovsky at practice.

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Boys' Baseball

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The Maine South Boys' gymnastics team is back into the swing of things again this year. The team is working hard at everyone's flipping, swinging, and twisting to make this season a great one. Things are already looking up for the team with the head coach returning for a second year. Under the coaching of Larry Kaplin and our new assistant coach, Mr. Kanter the team has already achieved some amazing things in only four weeks of practice.

The Varsity squad led by Mike Jozwiak, Steve Schimmel and John Spann have had a rough start at 0-2 but are really putting up

Girls' badminton donninates

by Jennifer Hunsader This year's badminton season is already off to a great start with one victory under their belt. The Hawks defeated East Leyden by a Varsity score of 14-1 and a TV score if 15-0. This year shows very much promise for the Hawks. Mrs. Donna Schwan is the new varsity coach this year, moving up from coaching JV last year, and Mrs. Eva Muir as the JV coach. With the experience of these two coaches the girls will do great.

The varsity team consists of six seniors, Mar» M—M -a

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there best. Everyone on Varsity has improved a great deal from last year with the limited practice time. This year we are hoping to be more of a contender in meets than the previous year. The varsity, on their first meet Tuesday, scored 98.6. This score was exceptional for the squad because it started the season at about where we left off last year. We have a large freshman squad this year with many hard working and skilled gymnasts. The freshman team is led by Bob Klauk and Alex O'Connor.

Come out and support your gymnastics team!

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garet Albin (co-captain), Amanda Jasinowski, Erika Kronborg-Mogil, Elizabeth Maratea (co-captain), Adrianne Pontarelli, and Chalatorn Warapanyaseni.

The rest of the team consists of returning varsity and state tournament player Maggie Witek, juniors Kira Ho, Jennifer Hunsader, Sonja Mirsky, Amy Moorehouse, Liz Sutter, and sophomore Jessica Kmiecik. The JV team also looks to have a very promising season. Come cheer on the Hawks badminton team on their home meet on April 3!

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3/25

3/26

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3/28

@ Rolling Meadows 11 AM

Girls' Soccer Boys' Gymnastics Boys' Volleyball Track Boys' Tennis Girls' Badminton

Girls' Softball

vs. Niles West 6:30 PM

SOUTHWORDS

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Bascb.ill • Bliss" Vollcvball • .Siilib.ill • OulJiH>rTr;n.k • Girls" S«Kar • Gymnaslics

Hawk baseball in store for action-packed season

by Dan Kamatz Varsity baseball gears up for hopes of a strong season this spring. The Hawks are led by head coach Jerry Romes and assistant coach Jason Marsicano, both of whom are very excited about what this season has in store. Some key returners include seniors

Chris Schutt P/OF, Ed Schillinger IF, Bob Westman OF, Doug Kisielius IF, Nick Giovanelli IB, Peter Krol OF, Mike Kain C, Brian Cassidy IF, and junior Adam Rosales P/IF. The new juniors are coming off a terrific sophomore season and hope to repeat their run of wins in the 2000 season.

Juniors include Dominick Lupo If, Jason Derec C. Dan Kamatz P/IF. Jim Bello OF, Sean Pasnik P/OF, Josh Gelula P/OF, Jeff Shewfelt P/OF, and Sam Cannizaro IB. The two talented sophomores include Mark Ori P/IF, and Craig Murray P/IF. The Hawks hope to have an excellent season.

Boys' volleyball sets up fresh season

by Greg Feiereisel Boys' volleyball is off to a great start this season. With an overwhelming eight players from last year, the leadership is present to make a serious run at the state competition. Greg Feiereisel and Alex Polley look look to step up to the middle blocker position along with the additional support of Mark Wojteczko and Garrett Fechner as outside hitters. The back row defense of John Vigna and Greg Kazmierski as well as the quick hands of Joe Jarosch, John Jacobsen, and newcomer Eric Sapp will lead the Hawks to victory. New to the team is Paul Popovic, Paul Drazba, and Mike Mazur, who will fill in any holes that the team might need in the hneup. JV is once again under the coaching of Coach Zlabis. All of the teams are showing potential, so come out and support the Hawks at their home games.

Boys' gymnastics captain Mike Jozwiak and his teammates are determined to make this >eason a success, see page 11 for story. ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^£^„..

Boys track gears up for conference

by Tony Skaczylo As could be expected, the Maine South varsity mens' track team did exceptionally well at a big meet, the Niles West Invitational, coming in second place behind Schaumburg. Taking into account that they were last years Mid-Suburban League champions, the team and coaches were nothing less than pleased. The team was able to come away with three individual champions, and since it was the first year of the meet, those three now hold the meet records in those events. Tim Seiwen won the 1600 run (4:35.7), Sean Story won the shot put (49-6 1/2), and Brad Seberhagen took first

in the pole vault (13-0) and the 50-meter low hurdles (6.9).

Second place medals were also won by many Hawk athletes. Tony Skaczylo in the 400 dash (53.9), Corey Norman in the 200 dash (24.1) and pole vault (12-6), Brian Fee in the shot put (46-6), the 3200 relay team (8:40.5), and the 1600 relay team (3:41.14) all took home second place honors. Also.

Liam Hickey in the 800 run (2:08.1), Dave Skiba in the long jump (18-8), and Mike Begich in the 1000 run (2:50) all took third place, respectively.

With those accomplishments in the past.

the future holds nothing more than the pinacle of the indoor season. Yes, the conference meets on all levels are here. The hard work, sweat, pain, and Saturday mornings in the pool will all show as your Hawk runners take on the CSL South. If you see any track member, guys or girls, give them a smile or a "Good luck."

On a JV note, Chris Mitchell has tied the freshman record in the high jump at 5-1, and Vince Natali broke the freshman put record formally held by the honoral abre Dave Butz. Those are some accomplish ments worth bragging about.