Vol 36 issue 9

SOUTHWORDS Maine South Hiah Schw)! • 1111 S. Dec Road • Park Ridac. IL 60068

Vol. 37. Issue 9

January I4.2(KX)

In focus NEWS Mardi Gras-p.2 A.P. Hawks-p.2 Ronald McDonald House-p.3 German Club-p.3 COMMENTARY Enough is Enough-p4 Parents-p.5 Sex SeUs-p.5 FEATURES — Focus on Mrs.

Kramer-pJ

Hawkeyes-p.8 Tatoos-p.9 SPORTS Value of

Varsity-pg.lO

Holiday

Hoops-pg.U

\wimming, Wrestling, -p. 12

Basketball,

fkolo CoUagt by Maura Colhrn. Photos from thf prirau coUtcnons oj Sarah AndtrsoKy Tracy FoUz, Erica Kromborg-MogU and Katheriae Skwarcek.

With an Dlinois State Championship under their belts, the Maine South A.P. Hawk Constitution Team can now focus on nationals. See story on page 2.

2- News

Mardi Gras to replace Beach Party

by Lauren Hurley Maine South is a school filled to the brim with tradition. One of the most enjoyable of these traditions has been to host a dance after first semester finals. The purpose of this dance is to give the students an opportunity to cut loose after a most stressful and assiduous week. Throughout history. Beach Party has been the one of the most awaited events of the year. Now, as it seems, Mardi Gras will attempt to replace the beloved night of beach balls and leis. A few questions arose pertaining to the change. Being curious myself, I interviewed Stella Pappas, President of Senior Class Council, in hope for answers.

Why did Beach Party need to be replaced?

According to Miss Pappas, there were problems last year concerning attire, or actually the lack thereof. "Not enough people were wearing enough clothes."

Caught in the headlights of that summer feeling, many dancers disobeyed the school's dresscode, which spectators and

officials found to be a problem.

Why will Mardi Gras have a lesser amount of problems?

"People will be wearing more clothing."

Mardi Gras is all about colors, and clothes tend to Umit their color palate to a finite number. In order to achieve a vivid array of hues, the idea is that people will have on more layers and more articles of attire.

What preventative measures are being taken to deal with problems from alcohol?

"There will be more chaperones supervising this year than the last Beach Party. If someone is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, the Deans' office has Breathalyzer tests that will be administered if necessary."

What are the punishments for: underage drinking, smoking, inappropriate attire, and dance?

"Although each case is different for each person, all normal school rules apply." The punishments for drinking and smoking are in the administration and the police's col-

lective hands. Dress codes are of course: every person must be covered firom midthigh to shoulders in opaque clothing that does not have any obscenities or reference to alcohol, cigarettes, sex, or drugs upon it.

As for vulgar dancing, Mardi Gras's chaperones will use discretion and apply Maine South's rules pertaining to Public Displays of Affection.

What is expected involving dress codes?

"This is a major point - no masks." Students are encouraged to dress in as many colors as possible and as many layers as desired, but to leave the area above the neck uncovered. This will help lessen the burden of fishing out troublemakers and students who do not attend Maine South.

A little reminder: through cooperation with the guidelines, a good time will be had by all. Beach Party will be missed, no doubt, but in its place could be something even more memorable. Mardi Gras will premier January 22, 2000 from 7:30 through 10:30p.m. in the spectator gym.

Focused on a State Championship

by Maura Collins State Champs! The Maine South A.P. Hawks have once again reached success.

On Friday, December 10 the 2000 Constitution Team competed in and won the We The People... The Citizen and the Constitution contest, held in the Dirckson Federal Building in downtown Chicago.

The team left for the competition the Thursday before after eight period and stayed in the Chicago Hilton.Then the Hawks gathered in Coach Mr. Patton Feichter's room for a pep talk, which concluded with the team cheer: One class, one team, one victory! Afterwards each "unit" broke off and crammed one last time for the upcoming competition. The team knew they were on the right track when Coach Mrs. Nancy Canova and Feichter had to tell people to stop smdying and go to bed at ten o'clock.

All of the preparation was worth it. Friday morning the team walked a few blocks west to the Dirckson Federal building for the competition. While most people were extremely nervous, it was a comforting surprise to find that the court room the team

was supposed to compete in was changedto the court room where last year's team took the state title. The competition began.

The team is divided up into six units of four or five people. Each unit is given three questions to research and prepare a fourminute response. On the day of the state competition, each unit is asked one of the three questions and then fired six minutes worth of free response questions. The judges comment on the performance.

There are three judges for each of the six units. Judges range anywhere from corporate lawyers to people like Federal Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals Mr. 'William Bauer to staff head of the Office of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Ms. LaToya Price-Perry.

The Constitution Team has always been a successful program at Maine South. Since the first Ilhnois state competition in 1989, the Hawks have won nine out of ten times and gone on to nationals. Last year the team took nationals.

After the competition ended, there was a long break so the judges could tally up the score. Finally, it was time for the awards ceremony. The Hawks filed into another

courtroom, anxious to hear the results. Only the top team continues to Nationals in May. A judge announced the third placed team, it was not Maine South. A judge announced the second place team, when it was not Maine South, the team could barely contain themselves. Finally the winner was announced—Maine South.

In May the team will travel to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Championship. Or perhaps the International Championship, due to a Russian entrance.

The members of this year's Ilhnois State Championship Team are: Sarah Anderson, Lauren Brinati, Steven Chung, Maura Collins, Michael-Mary Conlon, Som Dalai, Brian Fee, Tracy Foltz, Sarah Hansen, William Heerman, Erika Kronborg-Mogil, Lawrence Paul Lewis, Elizabeth Lovero, Meghan McHugh, Kathleen Meyer, Julia Mix, Kevin Moot, Elizabeth Ori, Daniel Ostalowski, Jeffrey Percak, Adrianne Pontarelli, Lukasz Pyzowski, Natalie Seiki Christopher Schutt, Katherine Skwarczek, Edward Uliassi, Grant Ullrich, and Rita Veron. Coaches are Mrs. Canova and Mr. Feichter

News 3 Ronald McDonald House

by Meghan McCall

In June of 1998, Mr. Drennan's daughter gave birth to a girl four months premature who weighed in at one pound, four ounces. She had to spend three months at Loyola University Hospital's natal intesive care unit. Obviously, her parents were traveling back and forth to the hospital quite regularly. The parents desperately needed somewhere to stay near the hospital.

This is where the Ronald McDonald House Charity came into the picture. They offer parents who have children or other people who have family in the hospital a place to stay for only a Uttle bit of money.

The parents were able to stay in this very modem, beautiful building, with breakfast every morning for only five dollars a night.

After this charity helped his family in a time of crisis, Mr. Drennan has taken great personal strides to do something to give back to this charity. Last spring there was a competition for collecting pop tabs between the freshman homerooms, headed by Ms. Andrews, the freshman class council sponsor. Since then, Maine South has also made contributions, brought in by Mr. Drennan, .in October and in December. In October, 'the freshmen conrtibuted 56,000 pop tabs.

In December, after the two-week contest between the freshman homerooms, Mr. Drennan was able to bring in fifty-one pounds of pop tabs. Later, he collected twenty-four more pounds given to him from different individuals around the school.

Together the seventy-five pounds is equivalent to 120,000 pop tabs, which would span approximately two miles if laid end-to-end.

"What impressed me more than anything," said Mr. Drennan, "was that 120,000 times someone at Maine South thought of the Ronald McDonald House."

When he went to dehver the conribution, a woman showed him a room filled with twenty-four garbage barrels filled to the brim with pop tabs. She told him that this was about five weeks worth. These millions of pop tabs are recycled by the charity and then whatever money they get for that is matched by their several corporate sponsors.

These pop tabs bring in thousands and thousands of dollars.

Mr. Drennan encourages everyone to iceep doing what they can. There are col' lection boxes in the cafeteria by the garbage cans so that anyone who wants to can contribute.

Students of the month Technology: Joel Mulbrandon, Richard Hilario, Thomas Gonzalez, Justin Cisko, Matthew Dubowski, Craig Murray, Matthew Schuenke Art: Melina Bartolomei, Anna Jablonowski, Sarah Yunker, Heather Hatch, Margaret Dwyer Driver's Ed: Amy Moorehouse English: Tom Abbatacola, Joe Arends, Kathryn Ballard, Christine Bisanz, Greg Brzozowski, Danielle Chamoun, Anne Church, Dayna Cronin, Joanne DiLorenzo, Meg Dwyer, Anthony Gadini, Ana Greene, Mike Kloepfer, Adam Kravets, Sarah MaRous, Christine Schwartz, Lisa Simoncelli, Jennifer Steele, Bob Tauber Child Care/Sodology: Laura Weibel, Jennifer Ylagan, Amanda Collins, Katelin Gill Spanish: Jason Qark, Erin Farmer, Katie Husar, Adrianna Kesala, Erika Kronborgmogil, Christina Rasane, Scott Wojteczko HeaIth:MarkOri,Tamara Ananewycz, Magdalena Dumin Mathematics: Kelly Oenning, Alexander

Mroz, Josef Wegehaupt, Ericka Follmer, Malgorsata Bursakowska, Emily Haak, Pau] Drazba, David Glusic, William Heerman, Jessica Gorogianis, Demetrios Floudas, Martha Douglass, Richard Hilario Music: Dawn Wilson, Mary Gadzinowski, Mark Manrose, Ted Kocher liiysical Education: Brendan Cameron, Jdm Spaim, Peter Gil, Abigail Izzo, JiUian Knautz, Laura Weibel, Matthew Schuenke, Christine Schwartz, Ellen Gartner, Jeffery Shewfelt, SeanMoran Science: Jessica Gorgianis, John Wagner, Mary Cathleen Johnson, Mary Futris, Alexander Hladczuk, Paul Drazba, KasandraLiebich, Peter Kurinsky, Steffen MIrsky, Lisa Simoncelli, Romeo Magsino, Stephanie Mitchell, Rebecca Banc Social Sciences: Liz Barton, Olivia Chaniewski, Britt Frederiksen, Janie GiUett, LianaPini, Christina Rasane, Jennifer Shuhan, Grant Ulrich, Antonia Fine Arts: Tony Allegretti, Jill Hollander, Lauren Hurley, Elyse Russo

German Club Celebrates Christmas

by Nicole Perm On December 13, the German Club got a taste of Christmas time in Germany. The Christkindelmarkt took place at the Daily Center in Chicago.

Shopkeepers from all over Germany brought traditional ornaments, food, and trinkets. The favorite drink of Germans, Gluhwein, was a big hit. This fruit flavored cider really warms up one's day.

Potato pancakes, gingerbread, and chocolate were some of the foods that were sampled at the market. Bratwurst and sauerkraut were also served.

Some of the people who were there spoke Enghsh with a thick German accent. However, that didn't bother the students. Many casual "Wie Gehts," German greetings, were exchanged throughout the day.

The day exposed the students to the cultural aspects of Germany. They learned how Christmas was in another country. All in all it was a very fun day filled with food, drinks, and lots of laughter.

photo by Nicole Penn

C o mLHient a r>^ property ot

The Editors The test of time

by Maura Collins With all of the excitement and rarity of a New Year comes talk of how society today can preserve what it stands for. What better way to do this is there than creating time capsule?

The Southwords staff decided to compile a list of what we would include in a time capsule to represent student life at Maine South in the year 2000. To avoid worrying about all of the problems that arise in preserving video tapes, paper, CD's etc. as well as the question of whether or not the technology, like a VCR or CD player, would still be available at the time the capsule is opened, our list is for a twenty-five year capsule. In 2025 the capsule would be unveiled.

Here is the list: 1999-2000 issues of Southwords. What better diary of student life at Maine South is there than the student newspaper? In 25 years who knows how different the school will be? But the real question is, Will Mr. Kerth still be the Southwords staff advisor in 2025?

A student ID. In 25 years students will look at us and laugh. How do ID's compare to the thumbprint signatures taken upon entrance to school?

A gym uniform. 25 years ago girls' gym uniforms at many schools were one-piece jumpsuits. They could change again by 2025.

Maine South calendar of school events.

In years to come students will either envy our short school year as compared with yearround schooling or they will cringe that the people of this current generation spend so much time in school. In the future people might spend less time in school and more time on the internet getting a virtual education.

A copy of Eyrie. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Videotape of the spring fashion show.

Only time will tell what how the fashion of today compares with the clothing of the class of 2025.

Whether or not an actual time capsule as described above will be created is still unclear. For now, just be glad to be living in the present.

Enough is Enough

by Frank Pinto What would society be like today if it were not for computers? The truth is, things would be different to such a great extent, that one living today probably could not even comprehend such a thought. With practically every company in the world being digital, jobs for the others who do not specialize in the latest com- , puter technology are becoming harder to come upon. In fact, nowadays being computer illiterate is like not being able to read or write in the days before computers.

What good is an illiterate for — be sides backbreakmg labor and being a fieldhand.

Despite the glorious computer revolution, where should we as a society draw the line?

Should we work our society up to the point that every single job in the nation requires a desk, a soft cushioned chair, a bag of doughnuts, and a computer? If this were so, why don't we just tell all of the hardworking employees who have had normal jobs for years, that they are fired because they did not learn about computers before they were even invented? Unfortunately, this is what it all has boiled down to, this in this day and age, computers have taken over our lives. For the millions who have lost their jobs because of this, all they can do is sit back and hope their kids move on to the next level.

A perfect example of these changing times are the exchanges around the world that are in serious jeopardy of being sucked into a box full of wires connected to a fancy

screen. Once again, thousands of employees around the world are at risk of losing everything they have or have a chance at.

This has been such a nagging issue at the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) alone, that campaigns are being held now, years before it will even be possible, to ensure that open-outcry at the Exchange will never die, it is not only traders and their clerks and runners who are at risk. There are thousands of other employees throughout the enormous building that are responsible for more things.

Even a put-everything-online-activist could not •^'! imagine. There are jobs / as out-trade clerks, security and maintenance, and thousands of wellpaying desk jobs at the Exchanges. At the Mercantile alone, there are on average 5,000 employees on the floor alone that have made their living for years, who are all in fear that one day someone like Bill Gates will make another computer! program that will put them out of work while adding another couple of zeros to his billions.

If it is not broke, do not fix it. There are a ton of jobs across the country that have been under this same pressure, and many will have to deal with it. I am not saying that computers are bad, or cause some sort of disadvantage for small business owners and major corporations. In fact, without computers, a place like the CME would not work efficiently. There are well over a thousand computers in the CME that are of great importance. I am just saying that whether we realize it or not, some people actually enjoy having a reason to get out of bed, go to work where there are other people a n c ^ ^ feel good about a little hard work. O t h e ^ B wise, we can all be vegetables one day in the future, with our bag-of-doughnuts, trapped in our mansions.

Unfortunately, this is what it has boiled down to. , .in this day and age, computers have taken over our lives.

C oirLmeiitary

Parental Behavior

by Britt Frederiksen laundry and I responded, "No," I learned Recently I have been conducting some they were right. research on parents of the world. Despite the A telephone call from a friend in cultural, geographical and technological dif- Vancouver confirmed that I was not alone ferences between parents across the globe, — most parents speak to their children in a there are some universal truths I have dis- similar manner. He told me some other popucovered. These are more accented during lar question/commands he had heard reholidays, and most noticable over Winter cently that included "Would you like to do Break. Those of you with parents will hope- all the household chores for me while I sleep fully nobecause I "Would you like to do all the household am your tice considerably chores for me while I sleep because I am your m o t h e r similar and I went reactions mother and I went through ten hours of labor t h r o u g h to the just to have you and you cried and I am of- ten hours probof labor fended and you should be happy to do any- just lems of to t h e thing for me when I was a child. . ." I had have you month of problems recording the end of the question and you Decemcried and I because it was frequently interupted by wails. am ofber.

The fended first abnormal behavior was recorded on De- and you should be happy to do anything for I cember 17. After returing home from a long, me when I was a child. . ." I had problems gruehng, tiring day at school, not only did I recording the end of the question because it discover that my parents had left several was frequently interupted by what is called messages on our answering machine, but "crocodile tears" and wails. several friends also received similar "welAdolescents planning to leave the home come home" messages. The first, from my for various reasons encountered new probmother, insisted that I drag the tree up from lems. I got ready to go out to dinner with the basement, assemble it, and untangle the friends at 6:00 on the 27th. I had planned to Christinas lights. My father also called won- exit at 6:30, but was late because my mother dering if I would make sure to make the beds had decided to start paying more attention and vacuum. I telephoned a friend who had to me and quizzed me on nearly every assimilar complaints: "My mom called seven pect of my life. different times with new and more strangely New Year's Eve was another cause of named groceries to get from Jewel before much commotion across the planet. An email she got home!" My friend then fainted due from a colleague in Mexico spoke of the difto unknown causes. ficulty in estabhshing a workable relationDisturbing behavior continued between ship between oifspring and parent. Several the 18th and 20th. Little work had been as- local parents had trouble understanding the signed by my teachers, save the usual last concept of a New Year's Eve party as well. minute projects, and I expected to rest on When these younger hosts insisted that their the couch watching whatever was on, even parties occur between 8:00 and 1:30, many the weather channel, go shopping and go to parents demanded to know why the fun could not end by 11:00. the movies unchecked by my relatives.

Clear skies, however, gave way to a torAlthough my correspondents reported all nado of questions ranging from "Do you the parents studied as abnormal, all agreed kwant to help sweep the floor" to "Would you that they would have to be tolerated rather like to toss the salad?" I discovered, after than sent to various asylums and help clinconversing with my siblings, that these ques- ics. I am still waiting for grants for my retions were not truly inquires, but commands. search on an new, less obvious thesis: teenAfter my mother asked if I wanted to do the agers are the best help for their parents.

Sex Sells

by Mary Ann Pekara Whether adults want to accept it or not, in this day and age sex is indeed what sells.

Yes, Abercrombie and Fitch's Christmas catalog is sexually oriented, but they are not denying that in any way, shape or form.

Hampton Carvey, an Abercrombie representative states, "We are trying to keep it [the catalog] as cool, editorial, edgy, and sexy as possible."

Parents are overiy concerned about their young children viewing this so-called "explicit" material. If they are so concerned about their child seeing these things, then they should just not buy it for them. It is as simple as that. Abercrombie is not posting these pictures up in their store for everyone to see; the "questionable" pictures are restricted to the magazine. The magazine for the most part is restricted to adults.

The children do not have easy access to the edition themselves. In Michigan, it is now a law that the edition cannot be sold to minors. And in Ohio, as well as many other states that are beginning to enforce new pohcy, the issue cannot be purchased unless you can legally prove you are eighteen or older.

This Christmas issue does not just sit out in the store waiting for kids to open up and take a look inside. It is wrapped up in plastic and has a warning label on it entitled.

Editors Note "Due to Mature Content Parent Consent Suggested for Readers under Eighteen." The warning label itself should tell the parents that maybe they should think twice about whether or not they should purchase it for their child's viewing pleasure.

It is obvious that the people at Abercrombie and Fitch know what they want to get across, and whom they want to get it across to, with this Christmas issue.

They seem to have no regrets regarding the issue. "Our customer is actually the 18-22 year old college student. We have made all the quarterlies as editorial as possible, hiring the best writers and illustrators. The whole time we've made no mistake; this is adult stuff," says Carney.

Many people attempt to argue the fact that they believe this quarterly is more pornography than advertisement. This is not true, though. Over seventy percent of the content within the magazine displays Abercrombie Continued on page 6

Resolve to evolve

by Meghan Rhomba Fireworks displays illuminated the skies from Chicago to Paris. Times Square overflowed with excited crowds. Revelers across the globe participated in this monumentous new year. New Year's Eve 2000 has come and gone without any major glitches from Y2K and finally, after months of anticipation, the new millennium has arrived.

New Year's resolutions for this new millennium should be different from traditional new year's promises. The routine promises such as eating better, exercising more, and becoming more organized will be taken more seriously. However, there will be new, more lofty resolutions that will fit this century better because it is the dawn of a new age. The resolutions that are worthy of the new century should include not only promises we make for ourselves, but also promises that impact others across the globe.

Some of these more lofty resolutions should include a resolution to commend others in their accomplishments and achievements, to appreciate differences in ourselves and others, and to accept individuality.

The millennium offers a chilliad of opportunity. It sets no expectations or limitations, only the idea of new beginnings and the feeling of hope. Let us be the ones who are the pioneers that set out in the uncharted waters to make tomorrow a better place.

There is no better time than the dawn of a new century and there are no better people

to do this. We are the future.

Resolve now to be generous in spirit, to family, community and others. These resolutions are more prestigious than the traditional promises we may have made to lose weight. Resolutions should be at a different level of thought for a new year as important as this.

Sex Sells Continued from page 5 clothing and accessories. There is also a good deal of text, cartoons, and pictures with no people at all. The magazine is in no way a majority of explicit material.

If Abercrombie and Fitch continues to bring in the big bucks, then they have no reason to change their strategies. The Christmas catalog happens to be one of the fastest selling catalogs since the quarterlies have begun. What the people want, the people shall get. Therefore sexual undertone will continue to be shown.

In response to article in the Chicago Sun Tunes on 12/1/99 {Editorial comment: Is the only criterion for appropriateness and decency whether or not the item brings in "big bucks?")

Electronic Stock Market?

by Tony Placzek If the stock market was totally controlled online, many people would benefit from it.

That would mean you could trade stocks 24 hours a day, which would make it much more accessible.

If everything was done online, they could sell access to the main computers, and then everyone could go through the companies that have timeshare access to the market.

This would significantly lower the costs to trade stocks.

Some workers would lose their jobs of course. When the NASDAQ went to "online only," a decent amount of people lost their jobs. Life went on, and they moved on. You don't see bums on the streets saying, "I lost my job because of the NASDAQ changeover." No, the traders all have a lot of connections and I am sure that they would just move on the Mercantile Exchange or some other job.

One of the current problems with the stock market is the absurdly high amount it costs to trade stocks. If overhead could be lowered, the companies could pass on the savings to us. This means you could buy twice maybe three times as many stocks asi you could have before. It has been proven' that the more business you do, the more money you make.The initial investment would not be that much higher, considering how much easier it would be for the average Joe to get into the stock market, everything would be all good in the end.

Focus on Faculty Almost everyone in the school knows of Mrs. Kramer. Besides teaching Spanish, she co-sponsors Spanish club and sponsors Reaching the foreign language magizine.

"I created Reaching," she says.

"After working on some poems with my Spanish classes, I decided to make the magazine." Mrs. Kramer loves both activities.

"Spanish club is the largest club in school. I meet so many more kids then I could possibly see in the classroom."

Before coming to Maine South, Mrs. Kramer taught for one year at Grayslake High School. She has been teaching in District 207 ever since.

"I have taught at all three schools at every level of Spanish, but mainly I teach Spanish two accelerated and Spanish four."

After getting her Bachelors of Arts at Augustana in Spanish and Political Science and her first Masters at Roosevelt University in Spanish, Mrs. Kramer is now getting her second Masters at Northeastern Illinois.

"I always knew I was going to teach. I did apply to law school and I went through pre-law, but I decided to teach. I would never give up teaching. Even if I did go to law school I would continue teaching," she says

Senior

by Eileen Collins

Susan Kramer

with dedication. has a family and dedicates herself to all three You would think with teaching, and deserves all the chocolate she wants and sponsoring two activities, and going to more. school Mrs. Kramer would have no free time. However, that is not the case.

S OUTH^VORE)S "I spend my free time with my family. I A student-produced new<;papSr of: love to read and travel with them. I Maine South Hi|lrScl:iool have two lovely 1111 South D2e Road children and a husPark Ridge, XL 60068 band. I am very Letters to tfie editor should be delivered to careful with my room V^131 or given to a member of the editime so I can spend torial stailr. S0UTH>^QKDS reserves the time with my kids. right to edit niaterial for clarity and brevity Sometimes my and to reject:ibscene or libelous submiswork carries over, sions. but I try not to let it.

Editors-in-Chie^;:?^ ///Maura Collins We have family ' ^ i ^ a e l DePilla game night. And I News Editors Megan Gibbons am very involved in Meghan McCall their education. I Commentary Editors Britt Fredrickson know all their Lauren Hurley teachers. I try to go Features Editors Lindsey Krukowski to all my children's Nicole Penn activities.

My Sports Editors Sam Fuller daughter takes dance classes and I watch Ellen Gartner all their games."

Production Editors Ted Kocher One would think that a teacher who does Som Dalai so much for our school and her family Brian Anderson wouldn't have any weaknesses, but Mrs. Dan Clyne Core Cartoonists Kramer does. She loves chocolate.

Susan Wilson "I love my M&M's,"she says jokingly, Eileen Collins Core Photographers "It was hard to resist all the chocolate the Megan Price Spanish club sold during their candy sales.

Cecilia Weiss My students would bring their candy into Core Staff Artists Monica Haak the room and I would see it all over the Nicole Hine halls!"

T. R. Kerth Advisor Anybody who teaches, takes classes and

Jeffrey Percak

Focus on Student Excellence Teacher^s Comments: Activities: "Jeff is an outstanding student. He is acdve in a myraid of acBrotherhood uvities: volleyball swimming, band, chruch group, ect. He is a •National Honor Society member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit High Honor Roll Semifianlist. He also is a positive role model for his peers. His •Tri-M ability to listen and to recognize the importance of other's opinons •Varsitj' Swimming Varsitj' Volleyball is a special quality. Jeff strives to reach his fullest potential i nail Symphony and Marching Band of his endevors; it is a limetless potential. He plans on attending Student Council a highly respectable unverisity/college and one day, work as a •Thespians Societ>AP Hawks Constitution Team medical doctor."

--Mr. Bill MUano

8 Features

by Katie Kapolnek Mrs. Deines and Ms. Kosh get them started every Wednesday morning, smiling and bursting with energetic ideas. If you want to be involved in the excitement, meetings are Wednesday mornings at 7:15 in room A215.

Ms. Koshgarian, one of Hawkeyes' sponsors, thinks that the club has changed in recent years. She says, "What we've been trying to do is hit the most important games of each team and make locker tags and signs for each; instead of doing generic Beatrice Ceccherini, Lauren Rywelski, Shaheen Baig things for every game or meet, we like and Erin Stopa sell pom-poms at Homecoming. to get people really excited about the Photo courtesy of Hawkeyes important ones. Mrs. Deines that we began covering girls' sports when and I also love the 'Home of a we took over because in the past, female athHawk' signs we've been doing be- letes received no recognition. We also r e ^ ^ cause the students really love them ally enjoy doing the 'Home of a Hawk' sign^^B because they can keep them for a and everyone else seems to love them too." long time, and their parents really There is no question of their success, belove them too." While she is happy cause Mrs. Deines says, "We know we're that so many people are involved, doing a good job this year because non-athshe says, "We want more people letic teams, such as the Chess Team and to get involved, so remember that Speech Team, also want our support; this membership is open and you can year, we're discussing the possibility of exjoin any time!" panding to include non-athletic teams as Roberta Ceccherini, Eva Bialecki, Tamara Selimi and Mrs. Deines, Hawkeyes' other well. First we expanded to include girls' MicheUe Lee show their spirit at Homecoming. sponsor, is very happy with Pep sports, so who knows where we're headed Photo courtesy of Hawkeyes Council's performance this year. next! Expansion is only possible if we get house and add pizazz to Maine South with She says, "I think we've had a good year so more support, so come to our meetings their spirited banners encouraging the sports far, we've been able to cover all in-season Wednesday mornings at 7:15 in room teams. Ms. Koshgarian and I are very happy A215!" teams.

They are not the athletes of Maine South, they are the spirited students behind the athletes. They are Hawkeyes.

Enthusiasm, spirit, and pep are a few of the key ingredients in sharing their energy throughout the school. Pep Council, or Hawkeyes as they are also known, do more than just make locker tags for the Hawk's sports teams, although the locker tags are quite impressive.

During Homecoming time, they march in the parade and add their enthusiasm to the football game by painting faces, selling pom-poms, and displaying the school's flag.

They deliver "Home of a Hawk" signs to the lawns of every senior varsity athlete's

Features 9

Kids these days

by Jennifer Hardy and A. Penovich Many laws are passed declaring underage piercing, tattoos, or attending nightclubs or R-rated movies, or even buying tabacco and alcohol illegal. How is it then, that more than half of today's youth getting away with it? The state law for Illinois says that according to 720 ILCS 5/12-10 No tattooing of minors under the age of 21 is legal. However, interviews and further research done on Maine South students as well as residents of Chicago contradict this law.

"Hell yeah! It's easy! They don't card you," said Cheryl, a Hyde Park resident.

When asked about her experiences in buying liquor, cigarettes, and getting tattoos, she says "I got my first tattoo when I was 15.1 just walked right into the place and nobody asked anything about my age."

"Sometimes, now when I'm actually 18 and of the legal age, is when I'll get carded."

Although buying alcohol and cigarettes nd getting a tattoo seems easy, Cheryl says that getting into night clubs is a bit harder.

"Getting into clubs totally depends on who you know. There have been times where I knew one of the bouncers and just walked right in. However, there are times where I had a fake ID but didn't get in."

"Everything you do depends on who you know when it comes down to the club scene," said Nick, an 18 year old resident of Wrigleyville. "I've been going to clubs since I was 15 years old. All you have to do is either dress up older or know someone that can get you in," said Nick.

A survey based on one-hundred students at Maine South High School shows that of the 83% of the students that got into night clubs, 81% of those students were not of the right age. Also, only 17% of these students own a fake ED that would allow them access into getting into the club.

"The first time I tried to get into a club I was a little scared, I mean I had no ID, was way under age, and did not know what I was going to say if they didn't let me in." said Jenny, a student at Maine South.

"It was easy, though, the bouncer just let me in. Maybe it was because I was a girl. The boy that I went with didn't get in

and he was even older than me!"

Although Jenny may have gotten in, most club owners said that they make sure no underage people get in.

"The most important thing is to make sure no underage kids get in. That's where the problem starts. You never know club if they get a hold of alcohol, that could be a lawsuit on your hands," said Pat M. a owner of a Chicago nightclub.

Contrary to what these club owners say, more and more teenagers are getting in to nightclubs. "I used to go a lot more before, however, now that school started, I only go once or twice a month," said Julie, a Maine South student.

"When I went dancing for the first time ever at a certain club, I didn't know what the age limit was. When the bouncer asked me my age, I told him and he kept telling me to try again until I said the right age to get in. I figure I got in because I am a girl."

Not only are students getting into nightclubs, but they are able to get into R-rated movies as well. This may not seem like a big deal, but according to the law of Illinois, any child without an adult may not be allowed to see a R-rated movie.

"Are you kidding me? Getting into Rrated movies has to be the easiest thing in the world. The people that work at the movie theaters are actually younger than most people that go there. I don't ever think they ever carded anyone," said one Maine South student.

"I've been carded before, but that was only once. There have been many times that I have gotten in. I never really though that anyone cared." said Jimmy, a freshman at Maine South.

Maine South students, as well as other kids may think that trying to get into a Rrated movie is easy, but in actuality it is against the law.

Heading into the world of piercing, 88% of Maine South students have or know someone who has gotten a piercing before the age of 18. Of these 88%, only 9% of these students were actually with an adult.

"I was 15 when I got my first piercing done. I actually got them all done under the age of 18. I'm 18 now and have gotten my tongue, nipples, and bellybutton pierced. " said Nick.

"Yeah, I got pierced before I was 18, but I would never pierce anyone that was not 18. It is also pretty difficult now. I think they passed a new law and it doesn't even matter if you are with a parent. You have to be 18." said Jim, an employee at a piercing shop on Clark street.

"When I went in for my piercing I just told them that I got my bellybutton done there even though I really did it myself.

They believed me. It's not like they keep any records on file and if they did, I know they wouldn't look me up," said Angle.

"I went to Wizard of Ink for my piercing and tattoos. I had a fake ID though, so it's not like they were really going to turn me down. I think a lot of places don't care about your age, as long as they're getting paid."

"I only card them if I don't like them or if I don't know them," said an employee at a Park Ridge gas station.

When the older generation looks back at the things they did in the past, it does not even seem to compare to wheat kids these days are doing. With all of the laws that are supposed to stop kids from growing up fast seem to be broken, you could only imagine what the future will bring.

Gymnastics tumbles towards end

by Lauren Gazzolo With the gymnastics season nearing the end, the Hawks find themselves with an awesome record of 4 and 2. The only major downfall the team has had so far was the loss of Sarah Jindoyan, due to a knee injury.

She is very unfortunately out for the rest of the season. This gave the chance for Sylvia Ranalli to step up to Varsity, and she has done a great job. Joanna Ortega is also a huge asset to the team, especially leading the team into the third place finish at the Maine West Invite, placing on Vault, Floor, Beam and All-Around. Kate Miller, Cheryl Chmura, Lauren Gazzolo, Liz Izzo, and Sylvia Ranalli also did exceptionally well at that meet, placing on the events.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 was the team's last home meet, and their Senior Night. The girls successftilly beat Waukegan 113.6 to 110.2.

They also honored Kate Miller, Marge Niemczyk, and Liz Kniesi as their seniors, and thank them once again for the time and effort that they have put into gymnastics.

by Tony Skaczylo and Ellen Gartner

Kate Miller practices her beam routine. photo by Eileen Collins

The value of a varsity letter

by Ellen Gartner The beginning of a sports season marks a time of anticipation, nerves, and a chance to prove one's self. The ultimate goal is to earn the sacred "Maine South M." Dreams can be made or destroyed by this simple piece of cloth that has come to symbolize accomplishment, ability, and with that has come status. It seams as though that tiny piece of cloth makes or breaks a person.

This is where I start to wonder. Should a person evaluate their self-sorth because of whether or not they have a letter? It's rather frustrating to watch yourself, and fellow team mates put their heart and soul into a sport and not earn that letter. I think that this effort not only speaks of that person's ability, but also their size of heart and the strength of their work ethic. People who work their hardest and don't earn the letter, begin to gain not only respect for what they do, but also the respect of working towards an abstract goal.

The letter begins takes another form. It's still a symbol of honor and excelling in athletics. Those who practice and support the varsity team will have their chance to shine.

Their perseverance will pay off. I asked a ftiend of mine why they put up with weeks

Boys' indoor track preview^

of hard practice, and then in turn receive no playing time. I know that they are fhistrated with their situation. I suggested dropping the sport, and their comment was, "No, I'm not a quitter!" this made me realize the true reason of playing the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; not for the honor, but for the enjoyment.

On the subject of my friend's situation, it seems as though many juniors are stuck in the same situation. They have the transition between sophomore teams and Varsity teams. The JV team seems to serve as the holding tank for the next years team, and it's hard to see that there is still another year.

The seniors that leave the school with another strong name, lead the way for the success of the up-and-coming team.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if there was no letter to earn. People would still be playing, and more for the love of the game. The letter is a great indicator of athleticism, but that doesn't mean that those without the letter aren't great athletes.

The one common thing between all is the love of the game, and that is what should be focused on. The value of the sport shouldn't be that letter, but the passion that inspires people to play.

The boy's indoor track season is just around the comer. The team is looking to have a successful season. Mr. Drennan is the head coach again this year, and wiU work with the longer distance runners. Mr. Verber is the assistant coach, working with the sprinters, along with Mr. Tumulty. Mr. Lonergan will be working with the hurdlers.

In addition to this coaching staff, there is the addition of two non-faculty coaches. Mr. Brown will be coaching sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers, and Mr. Fenley will be helping to coach the throwers.

Mr. Brown has been helping the sprinters in the off-season to start to get into shape.

Those who want to get an early start on the season have been working on conditioning, and joining the occasional cross-country runner on an 8-mile jog.

This year's captains for the throwers will be Brian Fee and Sean Story. For the long distance runners, the captains are Liam Hickey and Tim Seiwert. For the sprintera^^ the captain is Tony Skaczylo. All of t h e ! ^ ^ dedicated athletes are looking to head downstate. Brad Seberhagen will also be returning as last year's state qualifier in pole-vaulting.

The season starts on January 18th, so if you are interested, come on out for the team.

Girls' track gears up for season

by Ellen Gartner The girls' season is looking to be equally successful. This year's team will be under the coaching staff of Mr. Gabauer, Mr. Downing, and Mr. Nordall. These girls have been training with long distance running to help themselves get into shape for the upcoming season..

There are many girls returning ft-om last year to help lead the team to victory. L o n a | ^ jump state qualifier Linda Lazar will be i ^ ^ P turning, along with runners Maura Collins, Kelly Haas, Lina and Lydia Liu, Liz Pahlke, and Mary Payne.

Sports 11

1 South Stats 3.4 Margin of victory for Girls' gymnastics team over Waukegan.

19 Number of points scored by Joe Bello against Prospect.

2:18.90 Seasonal best time posted by Eric Pick in the 200IM.

Days remaining until the Indoor track season starts

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Holiday Hoops

by Tim Mo ran The next contest pitted the Hawks against When most smdents think of Christmas break, they think of presents, good food, and those nutty Knights of Prospect. Maine egg-nog. The Maine South boys basketball South came away with the victory, 54-44. team, however, had only one thing on their Joe Bello's 19 points, along with Brian minds this break: hoops. The team had a Smaha's 15 helped lead the team to victory. very good showing at the Wheeling hard- In the last day of the tournament, the Hawks wood Classic tournament, going two and faced the Loyola Ramblers. In a very hardfought battle, the two. In the team's first Hawks lost by six to game, they faced a bigTournament stats: the talented Ramblers, hearted team from St. despite 12 points from Edwards, and came St. Edwards: 64-37, Wojteczko-15 Murray-10,7 rebounds Wojteczko. away with a win, 6437. Two key players Maine South has in the contest were Prospect:54-44, Bello-19,Smaha-15 changed sectional diviMark Wojteczko, who sions for state compescored 15 points, and St. Viator:48-47, Vigna-13, tition. The team is now Woiteczko-12 CraigMurray, who located in the Hinsdale brought the pain off division with teams the bench with ten such as Gordon Tech, points and seven boards. Sam Fuller con- Evanston, and Leyden. The Hawks have tributed an ankle-breaking move but came reached the conference schedule, and plan up short with a controversial travelling call. to knock off the competition in one full The next day brought about a new challenge swoop. Despite some injuries that have ocin the form of St. Viator. Despite 13 points curred, the team remains poised for success. from John Vigna and 12 more for Wojteczko, Ifyou missed all of the HoUday hoops, come the Hawks lost the 48-47 heart breaker. out and make it your New Years' resolution Tears were shed. to cheer on the Hawks.

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S w i m m i n g Strong

by Matt Huffman Maine South Boys' swimming ended 1999 on a high note with a 106-80 victory over the up and coming Niles North Vikings.

This was the league's crossovver meet and the Hawks fared very well. The Hawks took eight first places, but Niles North's strength was demonstrated with the capture of ten second places. The Hawks were able to fend off the Vikings with their depth and the seizure of ten third places.

Notable firsts include the twin victories of Ryan Evans and Eric Pick. Evans hit season bests with a first in the 200 Free (1:54.47) and the 500 Free (5:08.39). Both of these times are near personal bests for Evans. Eric Pick took first in the 200 IM (2:18.90), a season best, and the 100 Breast (1:08.61). Matt Huffman took a first with a 24.43 in the 50 free and a personal best, though second place, in the 100 Butterfly (1:01.45). The Relays all fared well with great times. The 2(X) Medley Relay of Nick

Nick Nielsen reaches for the wall.

Nielsen, Pick, Alex Polley, and Eric Kuntz took first with a 1:50.52. The 200 Free Relay of Chris Marquez, Kuntz, Hufftnan, and Evans hit a 3:40.13, another season best time.

Other highlights included personal best times for Alex O'Connor, in the 200 and 500 free. Jason Mata had a personal best in the

photo by Eileen Collins 100 Breast, with other strong showings by Alex Polley and Nick Neilsen. Winter hibernation ends with the Hawks beginning conference competition with three meets t h ^ first week of January, culminating in Xh\ Hawk Relays. The Varsity is currently 3-1 for the season, and the JV is posting an unblemished 4-0.

Wrestling in review Successful holiday

by Sean Story

While other students were preparing for winter break, the Hawk wrestling team was gearing up for what perhaps was the conference championship. The Hawks traveled to New Trier to shellack their conference opponents. Two huge freshman and JV wins set up a 54-13 Varsity victory. This was led by two huge pins by captains Jim Goodrich and Sean Story, who raced highly ranked opponents. The Hawks apparently used up all of their energy on that Friday, becuase on the following Saturday, they traveled to York, and dropped three extremely close duals.

After Christmas, the Hawks turned things around under the guideance of Hall of Famer Dennis McCann, due to an injured Coach Fallico. The Hawks went to Rolling Meadows to dominate their opponents. They won all three duals, including a perfect dual against Elmwood Park, winning 84-0. The very next day, once the team found Homewood-Flossmoor, they cleaned up . Not only did they win the tournament, they placed all fourteen wrestlers. Champions included Goodrich, Rafal Kopacinski, Pat Maloney, Story, and Mike Tedeschi. Second places were taken by Jason Caushill, Jim Denk, and Dave Evanshank. Third places were taken by Dan Griner, Mike Jozwiak, Man Schuenke, and Pat Stritzel, with a fifth place by Dan Tedeschi. The Hawks have many up coming meets, so come and support them under the lights in the fieldhouse.

by Krissy Vonesh The Hawks girls' basketball team has made the most of the holiday break. While everyone was shopping and freezing in the cold, the basketball team was practicing and playing games with joy. The Hawks dominated in a holiday tournament in the days before Christmas. Playing 5 games, we were 4-1 with only one loss to the distinguished Loyola Ramblers. The other games against Maria, Downer's Grove South and Fenton were all successful. All of the Hawks gave a great effort and pushed them to a 12-6 record, 3-1 in conference.

The Hawks advanced to the finals and beat Lake Zurich for the chance and winning first in the tournament. Unfortunately they could not adapt and therefore were not victorious against the Ramblers. The game was well fought and made it hard for Loyola to get the baskets they needed. At the end of the game, the Hawks were awarded the second place trophy and Lauren Colletti, Colleen Van Hoesen and Krissy Vonesh were named to the all-toumament team.

ITie Hawks are looking forward to an exciting game against x\€ val Wildkits from Evanston on Friday, January 4. They are practicing hard and taking into account all aspects of the game. If the Hawks are triumphant they will be 5-1 in conference play and have the satisfaction of yet another considerable achievement.