Vol 37 issue 14

SOUTHWORDS Vol. 37b Issue 14

Maine South Hisih School • 1111 S. Dec Road • Park Ridac. IL 6006S

March 23. 2001

Elite Eight at State

Maine South's Mock Trial team advanced to the final round in the state tournament: the Elite Eight. see pa^e 3 for more

NEWS Mathletes -p. 2 Racial tolerance -p. 2 New recycling program -p.2 Mock Trial -p. 3

COMMENTARY

FEATURES

SPORTS

Property of the Editors -p.4

Focus on Mr Muszynski -p. 7

Parking problems -p.4

Stress: the unavoidable consequence -p. 7

Girls' badminton, Boys' gymnastics -p. 10

Letter to Maine South -p.5 Capitol Forum -p. 8 Reaction to San Diego shooting -p.6

Sexism at South -p. 9

Girls' track. Boys' baseball -p. 11 Boys' track. Boys' volleyball. Girls' soccer -p.l2

2 New^s Racial tolerance

by Lindsay Laguna and Anna Marzullo Racial tolerance has been an issue at Maine South for several years. Recently, juniors Pete Kontos, Alex Markovic, and Anna Marzullo along with the assistance of sponsor Miss Duckworth, decided to do something about it. They formed a racial tolerance club that meets every other Tuesday after school in A204.

The club, representing diverse nationalities such as Greeks, Indians, Italians, Filipinos, Serbs, Chinese, and Poles, presents a variety of ethnic demonstrations at the meetings. Ethnic food is sampled, dances are performed, and stories are told.

The club believes that greater racial understanding is achieved through peers coming together to discuss, ask, and advise.

Anyone interested is encouraged to come.

Mathletic ability

by Erik Maye The math team recendy participated in the conference meet held on March 1st at Evanston Township High School. At the meet, awards were given to schools for their performances during the year. Maine South did not leave empty handed. Under the coaching of Mrs. Heyden, the junior team secured the first place trophy in the Horwat Division which included nine schools. Will Smythe led the team to its success by contributing the most points throughout the season. Congratulations to junior Jim Puis who participated in the senior contest, scoring 20 out of the 24 total senior points. Other sponsors of the mathlete program include Mr. Andrews, Mr. Nilsen, and Mrs. O'Malley.

A special thanks to Mr. Andrews for being in charge of this year's statistics.

S t u d e n t s of the m o n t h Driver's Education: Alina Pyzowski, Valerie Kaczmarek Music: Kate Magnuson, Ellen Gartner, Michael Ying, Phil Berko Speech/Drama: Jamie Evans, Stephan Bart, Tyler Murchie, Tizianne DiBenedetto, Andreanna Cecchini Technology: Thomas Legowski, Justin Schnaedter, Daniel Senderak, Mark Murphy Business: Frank Wsol, Paul Popovic, Joshua Matz Economics: Amanda Edwards, Katie Chor, Tamara Ananewycz Health: Melina Bartolomei, Laura Szymanski Physical Education: Kristina Katz, Simon Prucnal, Henry Maranon, Jerry Dhamer, Stacy Drushitz, Laura Schillinger, Amy Lewensky, Monika Wozniczka, Kristal Williamson, Alexandra Czahor, Scott Wojteczko, Maciej Bursakowski English: Tania Aldaddah, Jon Cianfaglione, Tim Curry, Nicole Czech, Demetri Diakakis, Alycia Dinvemo, Job Dwyer, Don Ericksen, Pat Gibbons, Sa rah Goad, Veronica Katz, Mary Kwasigroch, William Lyne, Mike McCortney, Aaron Miller, Joaime Rinaldi, James Rosequist, Leanne Rotter, Jaclyn Scatena, James Schwan, Colleen Seiwert, Joe Sieczkowski, Tanya Tabac Foreign Language: Erin Farmer, Frank Johnson, Magdalen Kmiec, Heidi Libner, Lauren Mathisen, Norm Olsen, Jennifer Sanders, Elizabeth Sutter, Scott Wojteczko History: Tamara Ananewycz, Sam Caimizzaro, Amy Cirigani, Jessica Cohen, Anthony Dee, Jill Knautz, Joanne Rinaldi, Paul Sarran, Lauren Schwan Math: John Bratko, Lindsay Christopher, Amy Cirignani, Allison Pullman, Kathleen Hagerty, Bradley Hertzberg, Mattew HufiBaian, Alec Humphries, Kristin Kloess, A.J. Le Beau, Tanja Martic, Amanda Milnamow, Mary Payne, Jan Prejzner, Megan Roche, Piotr Wojick Science: Brendan Cameron, Nicole Corcoran, Anna Gartner, Kristin Groh, Ashley Holz, Megan McGuire, Emih Mott, Norman Olsen, Matthew Parilk' Kathryn Pekara, Abigail Policy, Melissa Rauschenberg, William Ross, Corey Storer Arf. Jennifer Solnes, Rita Yonkers, Mickey Gersch, Nora Bums, Carolyn Schwartz

No longer a messy situation

by Monica Haak As of March 14,2001, students and staff However, this capacity for recycling has not will have the oppormnity to recycle their existed at Maine South for five years. Mr. cans and plastic botties by disposing of them Beese expressed his approval of this develin designated receptacles in the cafeteria. opment by saying,"Recycling is a part of the In a meeting last week with principal Dr. future, it's here to stay. I only wish we could Cachur and head custodian Mr. Beese, Stu- do more." He emphasized the importance dent Council obof enabling the school tained the necessary community to responapproval to enact a A M THE FOOTBAI.L TlAVeM CROW.VIW& '^>'" CANS ON sibly dispose of its TtlflR. HEAOS TO more comprehenwaste, but acknowlReAiieRT Tuai^ {^ / ' sive recycling proedged that the change MAstuLiurrf IN ^ 3 S * | ?

1l*e orr-sa-sotJ? ^ S i v gram at Maine will require "a conSouth. With the enscious effort by all" to dorsement of the admake the program efministration and fective.

Student dedicated cooperaCouncil Presidenttion of the custodial elect, Dan Saavedra staff. Student Counreiterated, "Having cil arranged to fithe ability to recycle " " ^ To HELP *• ^^'^tV^THe EARTH nance the expansion does not mean that the BX RECYCUN. of Maine South's reschool will." The cycling to include most common interaluminum cans and ference with effective plastic bottles as recycling is the preswell as the preexistence of non-recying white paper colclable garbage in the lection. The concollection containers. tainers now located As the custodial department cannot sift through each receptacle in the cafeteria can store aluminum or plasto remove inappropriate contents, any nontic material, but not other waste. The red recyclable material contaminates the entire collection bins within each classroom can bin.

This results in the wasteful disposal of still only contain white paper. many recyclable items.

Student Council With a student body of approximately 2,500 and a staff of 302, Maine South ac- hopes that all students and faculty will take cumulates a considerable amount of waste. an active part in assuring the success of this program.

W e didn't start the fire

by Douglas Elsesser Another successful season for the Maine South Mock Trial Team came to a close on Saturday, March 3"*. The team, comprised of sixteen dedicated students and two hardworking coaches, faced stiff competition throughout this year. Following long hours of work and practice, the MT Hawks pulled out several victories at the state competition.

The Maine South team, among a field of nearly sixty competitors, managed to make it to the final round with eight teams competing. While the Hawks did not capture first place, the team pulled together for an amazing weekend.

The road to victory wasn't so smooth, however.

After a tryout back in mid-No/ember. Coach [)on McArthur chose the 16 finalists: two freshmen newcomers Marie Guillo and Kristi Katz; sophomores Jane Kehoe, Cassie Sobota, and Agatha B ochenek; j uniors Stephanie Caccomo, Daniel Saavedra, lolia Fudukos, and Stephen Christy; and seniors Nina Mariano, Sean Cassidy, Donna Charicki, Nikitas Fudukos, Meghan McCall, Doug Elsesser, and Paul Schneidermeier.

After try-outs, the work began immediately with the help of attorney advisor Michael Polk, a resident of Park Ridge.

Initally, the team faced challenges due to a large number of newcomers—^however, this was soon overcome. This year's case, Katherine and Patrick O'Leary vs. Danny ^ullivan, focused on the origins of the great Chicago Fire of 1871. Despite lack of evi"dence, popular behef still remains that Mrs. O'Leary's cow, Bessy, kicked over the latem. The mock trial's fictional case dealt with the O'Learys belief that it was a neighbor, Danny "Peg Leg" Sullivan, who started

the fire. The MT Hawks spent countless hours going through the facts of the case, trying all possible avenues to come to a coherent grasp of it.

Aside from all the time spent working here at school, the team also participated in activities outside of school, including practice scrimages, area competitions, and Maine South's own home tournament.

While the team performed strongly in local competitions, its real focus lay on excelling at state— the only true competition that mattered. In past years, the team had made the Elite Eight several times and hoped to

do the same, if not better, this year. After arriving at school at 7:00 A.M. and loading into the mini-coach bus, the MT Hawks headed down to Springfield. Pressure began to heighten as the fine metropolis of Springfield approached. The team was excited to arrive at the deluxe accommodations of the Days Inn-Springfield, which they described as "one of the finest lodgings in all of Springfield."

After settling in, the team headed to the competition, held at the University of Illinois-Springfield. The first round of the day was against Triad, a team from southern Illinois. While a worthy opponent, the Maine South team dominated. When finished, team members remained confident in themselves but were apprehensive about the next day's trial and dreaded law test. Team members

worked hard and bonded with each other throughout Friday evening.

It was an early Saturday for the Hawks with the second round trial under way by 8:30 AM. This time the Hawks faced Mundelein, a formidable opponent previously faced this year. The team did well and went on to take the law test which asked a bevy of difficult questions. After the test, it was time to wait for the results—but not before a fun tour of Springfield.

The Hawks learned a lot of information about govermnent as they took a tour of the capital. Even lunch was an educational experience for many, allowing them to take in the local color of the city.

After lunch, the team returned to the competition to wait for the day's results. This nervewracking event was a good chance for team members to remember the year's good times as well as make friends with the opposing team members met along the way. Finally, the announcements came: Maine South was victorious. It seciored a position in the Elite Eight, allowing the team to compete in the final round. Maine South's own team members Nina Mariano and Kristi Katz both won Outstanding Witness awards for their own portrayals of Fire Marshall Bobbie A. WiUiams and Katherine O'Leary. Doug Elsesser also won Outstanding Lawyer for his role in the trial.

The team was ecstatic and confident as it prepared to compete against St. CharlesEast. However, the St. Charles team's game plan was different from any other team the Hawks had ever faced, throwing a serious wrench in its own strategy. Maine South pulled it out though, leaving all of its members extremely pleased with their final-round performance.

The MT Hawks did not place in the top three as hojjed for but did well by making the Elite Eight. Doing so, the Maine Soudi Mock Trial Team capped off an amazing season in great style.

p r o p e r t y of

The Editors

by Britt Frederiksen Gunshots peeled around (your school) in ("vour townt on ("this day). In an institution designed to enlighten the young, a weapon deadly enough to kill in seconds was taken by a child to make a point True, life goes on. Those killed in these thoughtful, and yes, these were thoughtful, not random actions will die eventually anyway, will decompose, will become food for plants, will become food for animals and humans. Death brings life; the circle turns yet again, and yet something still is bothersome about the cycle terminating prematurely.

This is a big deal. There is no question about it It would be today, tomorrow, or yesterday. Any school shooting is a big deal.

America should not be too surprised. Give kids guns as expression, and they will use them. We need to accept that and accept that we are now burdened with questions like "why". Why does it happen? Because students feel they have burdens known to no other. We, the students, must accept that our "burden" is in reality our Albatross - it is self-imposed.

We, the students of Maine South, walk through our school every single day and whine about all the stress we have and all the pains of life. We do not have it bad. We do not have that much expected of us. We are expected to do our homework, respect those around us, and graduate. That is all.

We like to pretend we have it bad, we like to pretend we have a "hard knock life" and we like to pretend that no one really understands us.

If you have a problem today, there are thousands of venues through which complaints can flow constructively. You can write an article for the local newspaper, talk to your counselor, talk to Dr. Kyp Johnson, talk to students with whom you have a problem, call a hotline or search the web. There are answers out there. Accept that your life really is not that bad, and it is not that big of a problem in the grand scheme of things.

Every kid gets teased. Every kid has since the dawn of man. Humans are not necessarily loving towards one another - humans are individual animals. Our individuality makes us great Take your problems in stride. Realize how lucky you are. Put the gun down.

Parking problems: exposed

by Lauren Hurley

body, so they would get the best spots any It's the elephant in the comer of the room- way, and the latecomers would have a everyone sees it, but no one talks about it. broader geographic span of places to park.

As Maine South's student population inFurthermore, I am befuddled at the decicreases with each incoming class, the park- sions of where the lots are strategically ing situation is indeed a force that will soon placed. Just speaking geographically, most need to be reckoned with, but how can the of the students' lockers are located at the students and administration compromise an north and east sides of the school. A large efficient solution? amount of the teacher population resides in For the students at South, there are many the A-Wing area. Perhaps there should be a dilemnas that revolve around the parking designated teacher section in the A-Wing lot situation. As one senior puts it, "There are and designated student sections in the north just too many students and too few spaces." and east lots.

While the number of spaces remains practiThere are a lot of dedicated people here cally equivalent to the number of parking at Maine South. A great deal of students and permits administered, the actual ratio of stu- faculty arrive at school in the early hours dent automobiles to allotted number of and bum the midnight oil before they leave spaces is quite disproportionate. If you take this establishment. These people, I think, a peek out of an A-Wing window during any should have assigned parking spots. Departgiven day, your view undoubtedly will be ment chairs should definitely have them. I composed of also believe that outIf you take a peek out of an A-Wing standing student-held a disarray of cars. They're window during any given day, your view positions should be everywhere. undoubtedly will be composed of a dis- offered this courtesy.

The main lot I dare not ask for a^ array of cars. and mini lot spot for the Assembljj are completely full, and some creative driv- Chairman or for the Editors-in-Chief o orf ^ ers have even fashioned their own spaces for Southwards, because I can always make do, themselves at the ends of rows. But, if the but surely someone as important as the Presinumber of parking permits given out allowed dent of Student Council should have a refor the exact number of spaces, where is all served parking spot probably in the circle this chaos coming from? drive. This position calls for many hours The first and most obvious problem away from home and a reserved space would would be the people who park illegally or emphasize the respect that person should get without a permit. These un-permitted driv- for all his of her often unrecognized hard ers park in spaces reserved for the people work. This would be a small solution, for who waited in line early in the morning and one tiny problem, but at least it is a solushelled out fifty bucks for the golden ticket tion. of Main South-a small piece of white plasI am also aware that many people do not tic bearing a Hawk logo and designated num- see a problem with the parking situation. As ber. These illegal parkers deny those with one teacher says, "Most teachers have to permits of available spots. It appears that the drive to school because they live so far away students are their own biggest enemy, how- from Maine South. Students in the 207 disever, there are other problems, too. trict can easily ride the buses." Which brings The second obstacle to parking paradise up a very good point- the Pace bus system is the teachers. The threat teachers pose to provides transportation direcdy to the school the students has been a long standing and from most of the places where students reyet never publicly discussed issue for debate. side. The benefits of utilizing a public transAccording to one permitted driver, "The portation system are many: no desperate teachers park in our lot and take up our seacrhing for a spot less chances for acci^ ^ spaces, but we can't park in theirs even dents, and, of course, cleaner air.

I wish there was one simple solution t h a ^ ^ though there are always rows of open spaces.

It just doesn't seem fair." What I can't fathom everyone could agree with, but there isn't. is why the permitted students can't park in All we can hope for is baby steps toward a whatever lot they want on campus. The fac- resolution. Either that, or to erect a cosdy ulty generally arrive earlier than the student parking stmcture.

An open letter to the Maine South students and staff

by Stephanie Caccomo

are hard to prevent, so let us not ignore them.

How are you feeling today? Great, I That is the worst thing that can happen. We hope. How do you think today will go? Will ignore what has gone on around us, and the it be a normal day? You say, probably. And next thing we know we are the big headline why would today be any different from yes- on some newspaper, reporting another fatal terday, or a week ago, or two weeks ago? shooting. Another school will fail to notice.

Will today be any different from Monday, March 5, 2001?

Well, if that day was normal for you, I can tell you of an entire community where the world was not normal. In Santee, California that Monday in earl March was far from normal.

On that day, one freshman boy shot thirteen people, two of whom were killed. Did you know that?

All of those people started out their day like any other. fact, they started out heir day just like any Maine South student. Does this stir up any of your emotions?

What shocked me the most was the attention to this or, as I should phrase it, the lack of attention to this most recent shooting.

I am extremely upset that 1 went through my entire school day and not one teacher talked to any of my classes about what had happened.

After talking to other students, I realized that hardly any teachers talked about this event at all.

Why? Teachers thought that it did not have an impact on our lives. Maybe they are right.

When I asked a friend out her reaction to the California and they'll be next. votings, she asked me if I was referring to Ignorance does nothing for us. Pushing Columbine. Or maybe the teachers believe aside our problems may lead to many more. that we are so sheltered from the events in If we look at all those convicted of a school California that it would not ever happen here. shooting, many of them were disturbed huHere is a wake up call. Events like these man beings. They were teased in school and

they wanted revenge.

They were deeply hurt by their own peers because there might have been something different with them. Hmm, interesting.

Doesn't this apply to our beloved school? I am not going to blame any particular person, but it is a widely known fact around Maine South that there are those that are made fun of, and those that make fun of others.

It is really a shame that in our school full of opportunities for all, people are made fun of for such petty things as how they dress or what club or sport they belong to. For anyone that has ever made fun of someone, have you ever thought about how that person reacts?

Maybe you said something that you thought any person might not take seriously, but that person was deeply hurt by it? Or maybe, that comment was the last they could take and they just suddenly snap? Do you at all feel regret for the people that have been hurt by what you have said?

It is hard to live a life where we are absolutely carefiil of what we say. Even if we are extremely careful, hurtful comments will come off of our tongues at vanous times. But, it is the ignorance that can be greatly changed. We can change the fact that we go about our day doing things that might hurt others. We can wake up to the fact that as much as we pretend Park Ridge is sheltered, it is no escape from the world of pain and hurt associated with such events as Columbine and Santee.

Do not wait another day to feel regret about how you have treated people, or what you have said to someone. Change your life so that our school is not the next headline.

A reaction to t h e S a n Diego sliooting hyDeannaOleske

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are calling this another Columbine.

I sit here and wonder. Has it happened again? Or does it happen C6runi^mie:Awell-developed horrific plot designed and carried out by two teeneveryday but it is only mentioned agers.

Who took their own lives as well as those of 12 classmates and one teacher. when the victims are living in a suburan middle class white 'yy/yyyy/)^^yy/y,yyyy-yyyyy y -yy^y neighborhood? ' -; Detroit high school shooting injures:3 Was he angry? Or did he just snap?

'; yy March 2, 2001

' / Student dies after shooting outside Baltimore high school y ; January 17,2001 Student killed in Michigan elementary school shooting H a s it d u g so m u c h i n t o o u r m e d i a February 29, 2000 that w e just over l o o k it a s j u s t anSuspect in custody after school shooting in Oklahoma other school shooting?

December 6, 2000

Was this boy disturbed? No, he was •:•.

Just another face in the high school crowd. Did this boy plan meticulous events of how he was going to go about it? No, his plan was simple and direct.D

I look everywhere, and titles across t h e b o a r d read, "angry young man."

Charles "Andy" Williams, age 15, f i r e d a .22 c a l i ber. I n Santee, CA the s h e l l s l a y scattered on t h e ground. At l e a s t 13 i n j u r e d , 2 dead.D

Disturbed: To trouble emotionally or mentally; upset.

Andy Williams was never labeled as a "disturbed child."

In fact, Andy had his own circle of close friends, as most of do U n t i l noAv. here. When many think of someone who was provoked to do this, they think of an outcast. A loner. This was not the case. He was occasionally picked on in school for being scrawny and little. People judged him as stupid or dumb. But, Andy Williams never came across to anyone as an "angry young man."

WHY?

Being provoked day i n day o u t . Being t o l d t h a t you a r e a n e r d . A wimp. A d o r k .

Scrawny. Dumb. S t u p i d . Every s i n g l e d a y .

And e v e r y s i n g l e d a y , you l a u g h and shrug i t o f f . As i f i t d o e s n ' t h u r t . U n t i l one day you had enough. You snap. T h i s i s what happened t o Andy W i l l i a m s . The i n j u r i e s and d e a t h s would not have o c c u r r e d i f someone had l i s t e n e d . J u s t l i s t e n e d the f i r s t time through, instead of r e gretting i t later. ^.^^^„. ^ ^ p ^ ^i^^^ attention to

When close friend Neil O'Grady was interviewed he said that he never thought he would do i t , that he was just joking around. At least three students and one teacher heard days earl i e r that Andy wanted to shoot someone. He reassured them that i t was simply a joke.

Joke: something said or done to provoke laughter; especially: a brief oral narrative with a climactic humorous twist

As real as that. This is your world, breathe it in as It is told to you, exhale your truth.

Featiireis 7

Focus on Faculty Most people don't really know what they want to do with their lives before college.

Some don't even know after college. Maine South Fine Arts teacher Mr. Muszynski knew he wanted to be a teacher since eighth grade.

"My eighth grade teacher had a really strong influence on me. There wasn't one event that made me realize I wanted to be a teacher, I just knew," Mr. Muszynski says.

Before teaching at Maine South Mr. Muszynski taught for eight years at a school in Palatine and Hofftnan Estates. He then quit teaching and became the executive producer and director at the oldest nonprofit theatre, the Body Politic Theatre in Lincoln Park. Then eleven years ago he came to Maine South. "I missed being with students and when I heard about F Maine South I thought it would be worthwhile. This school has tons of creativity and the students really love what they're doing."

Mr. Muszynski shares his knowledge of theatre with many students everyday. He

by Eileen Collins

teaches all three levels of Drama and Oral Communications. "I love teaching here because I love the interaction with students.

No two days are alike. Maine South is like it's own little community. We have great students and faculty."

Besides teaching his classes, Mr. Muszynski is also very involved in the Maine South productions. His most memorable event from Maine South is going to the Illinois Theatre Festival.

"Since I' ve been at Maine South we've taken both Ice WolfzxiA The Empress of China. We bring the entire production: casts, crew, lighting, make-up, costumes, everything. It's a great experience and honor for the students. We perform in front of over 4,000 people."

Outside of school Mr. Muszynski has done professional acting and voice over work. He has been the voice of various commercials and corporate communications. He also sings professionally.

Do you like reading about your favorite teachers? Send in nominations for Focus on Faculty to Nicole or Eileen in the Southwards office.

John Muszynski S OUTITWORII^S A ^dent-produced newspaper of:

M^aine South H i ^ Sc^opl , 4 i 11 South Dee Ro^! ^( PafldRidge,li600^' Letters4o4he edilorshould be defivered to room V-13roF-gveQio a,member of the editorial stafÂŁ.--50JJtHwbRDs4eserves the right to eÂŁt~ra^erial for d a r i ^ and brevity and to r^j^ect-obscene. or jUbelous submissions.

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Editors-in-Chief News Editors Commentary Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Production Editors Core Photographers

Core Staff Artist Advisor

Sam Fuller Lauren Hurley Meghan McCall Tracy Schmidt Britt Frederiksen Megan Gibbons Eileen Collins Nicole Penn Ellen Gartner Chris Mitchell Jim Puis Dan Saavedra Rachel Kalom Deanna Oleske Megan Price Monica Haak T. R. Kerth

Stress: the unavoidable consequence

by Dave Lamont and Lara Zimmerman "Anything that causes a change in your life causes stress," says Steven L. Bums, M.D. "It doesn't matter if it is a 'good' change, or a 'bad' change, both are stressful.

When you find your dream apartment and get ready to move in, that is stress. If you break your leg, that is stress. Good or bad, if it is a change in your life, it is stress as far as your body is concerned." Although stress may be beneficial, it may well go undiagnosed.

At Maine South, stress is part of everyone's life. Ninety-six percent of students consider themselves to be stressed at one point or another. Of those, 24% have daily stress and between 30%-40% of students in each grade find school to be the cause

of their stress.

According to the svu^ey, girls are more likely to talk to someone about their stress than boys are. Sixty percent of girls, verses 38% of boys, will confide in someone to help deal with their stress. Boys are more likely to use athletics and exercise to deal with their stress.

When it comes to evaluating the rate of stress, few students feel their sfress rate deserves a ten (on a 1-10 scale with 10 the highest). The most common rating is seven, which is chosen by a high of 22% of seniors and a low of 12% of freshman. These nmnbers are quite overwhelming considering each rate should statistically only receive ten percent of the vote. The lower

numbers in the scale are rarely picked.

Most students would not go as far as t o say their stress occurs frequently, especially in the lower grades. Of four choices given, "occasionally" is chosen by 37% of the students, compared to "daily" chosen by 20%.

Only 5% of all people polled say they never encounter stress.

The stress levels of freshman are substantially less than those of any other grade.

Twenty-six percent of freshman say their stress scale is six, the majority choice in other years is 7. The most common cause of stress for freshman is family or school. Twenty-five percent of freshmen say they would confide in someone to help them deal with their stress. continued on page 9

& Features

Capitol Forum 2001

by Nicole Penn On March 8 and 9, Mrs. Deines took eight Accelerated Government students on a trip to Springfield, not knowing what to expect On Friday, they would participate with students from six other Illinois schools in 111 i n o i s ' s Capitol Forum on America's Future, sponsored by Brown University, the Illinois Humanities Council, and the Secretary of State's office.

In order to prepare for the trip, the students were each assigned one of four topic areas to research. Also, each school was told to bring a poster expressing the students' concerns about foreign policy.

Once in Springfield, the students were pleased to find out that they would all be staying at the same hotel. The students spent some time getting to know each other, and then went to bed early to prepare for the busy day on Friday.

Friday morning, the buses left the hotel at 7:30 for the Capitol Building. Each group had the opportunity to meet Secretary of State Jesse White and take a group picture

with him. The students then enjoyed breakfast provided by the state of Illinois.

At 8:30 the students were called into the House Chamber where the Illinois House of Representatives meets. Jesse White and Kristina Valaitis, a representative from the Illinois Humanities Council, provided a brief introduction to the day.

At about 9:00, the students presented ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^y^''f^% their posters.

"What's the beef?" was the slogan of this year's poster. Copies of News week's cover with a cow on the front decorated the backround of the poster board.

On top of that, students pasted on world problems such as world peace, the foot in mouth disease, and school shootings.

At 9:30, the students were assigned to specific rooms inside the Capitol Building for the first "Breakout Session" ofthe day. Maine South had two representatives for each of the four topics: International Conflict Resolution, Immigration, Global Environmental Problems, and International Trade. The representatives from each school met to discuss the impact of their topic area on the future of the world and how it affects foreign policy.

The group then split up into new groups, based on topics that had been assigned to the students. In these groups, they were each assigned one of the 'Tour Futures" for the United States and its involvement with other nations. Students had to analyze their "Future" and prepare a brief presentation for the next session when the entire group reconvened. The students did not know which 'Tuture" they would be supporting and were unable to prepare—they had to use their best knowledge and argumentative skills to make even the most questionable future seem like the best one for our nation.

After lunch, the students reconvened in

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the House Chamber to debate the 'Tour Futures", led by the four chosen senators.

Maine South made quite an impact in the debate. In addition to the senator chosen from Maine South, there was a strong showing in the number of group representatives from Maine South. Everyone from Maine South spoke at least once during the debate, which can not be said for any other school.

The debate was outstanding—the senators asked thought-provoking questions, but the representatives were always prepared with an answer.

After the debate, students were given time to ask elected officials and policymakers some questions. At around 3:15 that afternoon, the sponsors wrappedup the day and thanked everyone for their participation.

The trip was a great success. Everyone learned a great deal about their subject matter and everyone else's. New friendships were created between classmates that b a r e l y ^ ^ knew each other and students that had j u s t ^ ^ met. Maine South students had the pleasure of working with talented students from Gordon Tech, Lexington, Lincoln Park, Normal Community, Streamwood, and Wheeling high schools.

The students that participated in the Capitol Forum were Melissa Liveris, Sean Cassidy, Andy Donovan, Brian Johnson, Becky Swoboda, and Chrissy Kipta. They would all like to thank Mrs. Deines for giv-i ing them the oppormnity to attend the forum and the Illinois Secretary of State's office, Mr. Jesse White, Brown University, and the Illinois Humanities Council for sponsoring the event.

EttJ3re^

^

â&#x20AC;˘Sexism at South

by Nicole Perm Written in Hawk Pride colors, a slogan (vatches over the weight room. "Strive to be lie best," it tells the wresders, football players, soccer players, and whoever else wishes to improve his physical fitaess to be the best they can be.

After a hard soccer practice, two girls walk into the weight room, hoping to find m empty squat machine so they could quickly finish their lifts.

Saying 'hi' to a firiend, the girls spot an jmpty machine. As they start to lift they over dear someone question, "Are these b - â&#x20AC;&#x201D; serious?" A silence falls 3ver the weight room. 'They can't lift in tiere."

The girls are stunned. It's the twenty first :entury where sexism is not even a question mymore. Today, almost every woman is as iqual as the next man. Does this hold difcontinued from page 7 stress level, with 19% of students choosing the fifth stress level. One major cause of stress for sophomores is boyfriend/girlfiiend issues. Thirteen percent of sophomores ranked this high, as compared to only five percent of freshmen. However, just like freshman the main cause of sfress is family and school.

The junior class represented the extremes of the school. Many students did not think stress is in their lives, but seventeen percent of students claim 10 as their stress level.

Dr Michael J. Downs, a clinical psychologist, believes that "studying and grades play a large part" in stress. "Meeting lots of friends and other outside demands...understanding and trying to

Correction: The photo of the wrestiers in the Sports section of last issue was taken

by Deanna Oleske.

ferent at Maine South?

"I don't think the girls should be allowed to weight lift. The weight room is for guys only."

"Get the girls out of here."

Many male students of not only the football team, but of other teams feel that girls should not be allowed to set foot in the weight room. It is a place where guys can lift on their own, without having to worry about impressing or worrying about a girl.

'The girls have the fitaess center, that's what it's there for. They don't need to use the weight room."

Up until about ten years ago the weight room was the only facility available to all students to work out. When the fitness center opened it was assumed that it would be a place for the girls to work out. The outside of the room is painted in typical femi-

nine colors, Ught blue and pink. Did the separation of the weight room and fitness centei begin with the administration? What guy would possibly want to work out with pink over his head instead of the traditional Maine South colors of black and red.

"I think it would be great if girls were to get involved in the weight room," said Mr. Lee, head of the Physical Education Department Some guys agreed that it would not be bad to see girls in the weight room.

"It doesn't reaUy matter. As long as they are there to work out like everyone else, it shouldn't really matter."

All students 'strive to be the best' they can be in the weight room. Could a student possibly be the best while not allowing other athletes who have as much right as the next student to not work out in the weight room?

meet demands from parents, teachers, other kids, the culture we live in, and themselves, causes much sfress." This statement definitely applies to Maine South. Fifty-two percent of all females say their friends cause them sfress.

Dr. Downs goes on to say that stress mostly "comes from the pressure regarding the ability to fulfill expectations that generally lie in the personality" of the person. This

is the reason sfress is so different for different people.

Another doctor, Dr. William Ross Adey of the American Institute of Stress, says, "Sfress is an unavoidable consequence of life. Without sfress, there would be no life.

However, just as disfress can cause disease, sfress can cause wellness. Increased stress results in increased productivity- to a point.

This level differs with each person."

Swinging into season

Soutli Stats

by Nick Olenec On the varsity level the team is led by Who else can complete one flip after another on the floor, achieve circles on the four seniors including Steve Schimmel and pommel horse, and execute the iron cross Nick Olenec, who are both aided by the stupendous talent on the rings of sophomore with the utNick Kam. most precision? Nobody The junior but the memvarsity team is bers of the guided by the boys' gymwisdom of nastics team.

Aaron Rush, A l e x The season O'Connor, began slowly and versatile and a bit f reshman rough because M i k e the team has Sophomore Nick Kam coordinates balance and strength M u lvany. been deprived while practicing his rings routme. ^^^^^ ^^ ^â&#x20AC;&#x17E;^^ ^^^^^^ Boys' gymof practice for nastics has altwo weeks ready faced heavy competition in the first due to the girls' gymnastics long but phenomenal season. With the late start of the two meets against Niles North and season the team has had to make a most dili- Glenbrook South with losses across the gent effort to stay up to par with competi- board. But with the hard work and dedication. Once again this year Larry Kaplan tion the team has put forth in the last few coaches the outstanding varsity team, while weeks of practice it has become an unstoppable powerhouse.

Howard Canter coaches the freshmen.

4

Hawk hoops ends season

by Tim Moron The dream is over. That's right, sports fans, wipe those tears away and pick up those heads, for all good things must come to an end. It was a cold and blustery Friday night when the boys' basketball season came to an end.

They arrived at the Loyola gymnasium full of hope, anxious to play the game. The Hawks played like noble warriors the first half. Led by a stingy defensive attack, smart offensive play, and a roof-rocking dunk by Jeremy Arbuthnot, the Hawks went into the locker room three points down to the fourth seed Ramblers.

The second half, however, was "not in the cards" for the visiting Hawks. The Ramblers went on a torrid shooting spree, making all sorts of crazy shots, while the Hawks went ice cold from the floor. Hawk fan Ralph Kopycinski later stated, "It was almost as if Loyola had implanted a positive magnet into the ball and also one in our hoop, making them repel each other.

Then they placed a negative magnet into their hoop, making it attract the ball." Right or wrong, Ralph's theory is intriguing.

As the team boarded the "school transportation modules," a lone wolf was heard crying at the moon. It was a sad occasion, but the Hawks have nothing to be disappointed about. It was a great season.

Going 17-10 overall, the Hawks enjoyed great success. Let's give thanks to the five seniors on this year's team: Jeremy Arbuthnot, Tony Traynor, Tim Moran, John Vigna, and Tommy Pomagier. These players put many years into the basketball program and should be commended for their talent and effort.

Expect only improvement from this year to next year's squad. With a nucleus of players coming back next year including Bryan Smaha, Anthony Anichini, Chris Ratajczek, Greg Kane, and Tony Wnek, the 2001-02 edition of the Hawks basketball dynasty has the potential of being one of the best in recent history.

Number of school records broken by sophomore track nmner and vaulter Tony Marcinek.

4.

Number of returning.seniors on this year's varsity boys' gymnastics squad.

15-0 Score of the first girls' badminton meet of the season against GBS.

13 Number of returning players on the girls' varsity soccer team.

Number of boys' basketball seniors retiring from the Maine South court.

J-fawks transcend ^^^

by Chris Mitchell The boys' track and field is progessing through the season with poise. Recently the Hawks competed in the Niles West Invitational and in a dual meet against the Hawks fi-om Bartlett. The frosh/soph team then moved on toward Evanston for yet another invitational, and back to home for the freshman conference meet. Although the two teams compete in different levels and even sometimes at different locations, one word follows them wherever they go: dominance.

At the twelve-team Niles West Invite the varsity squad met their best competition yet in the season. With competitive teams such as Schaumburg, Rich South, and Niles West present at the meet the Hawks demonstrated their speed and determination on the track and in the field as they placed third overall.

First place finishes were difficult to achieve, but came to the team in the Pole Vault where Corey Norman surpassed his main compe-

to another

tition, Tony Marcinek, the Hawk sophomore Pole Vault record holder, by vaulting a team best 13'0". Another victory was achieved in the Mile Relay, where the team of Tony Skazcylo, Adam Wolf, Dave Skiba, and Tony Marcinek blew the competition away.

Even though the varsity level felt somewhat disappointed with their third place finish, their pride was revived when the team brought home the overall first place trophy.

As the Hawks arrived home after the meet with many personal records achieved and goals surpassed, they then went forth into the next meet against the Bartlett Hawks.

Maine South proved why they deserve the title of the Hawks, soaring high above Bartlett with ease.

That weekend the frosh/soph team traveled to Evanston where they battled with many powerful teams from the state, but none of them could stop the sophomore

level

squad, who won the invite for the first time in over 30 years by edging Evanston by onehalf of a point. Not only did the Hawks bring home the award, but they also brought with them more records. The sophomore Mile Relay consisting of Neil Sherlock (56.5), Chris Mitchell (54.4), Ken Johnson (54.8), and Tony Marcinek (53.3) shattered the ancient record of 4:42.7 set in 1975 by running a mind-blowing 3:39.0. Then, as irony would have it, Tony Marcinek broke his own record in the Pole Vault by vaulting 13'0", tying his teammate Corey Norman.

It is apparent that the Maine South men's track team is constantly impraving, having many accomplishments achieved and many performances posted within the top teams in state. With the wisdom of the coaches and the preserverance of the team, the Hawks will run into the outdoor season with only one thought in their minds: domination.

ICompeting into the outdoor season â&#x201A;Ź W

by Eileen Collins The Maine South girls' track team achieved another victory last week when they competed against four schools. The Hawks defeated Luther North, Cary Grove, Mother Guerin and Resurection.

Maine South had many first place fin-

^jT) ^^>M

ishers in this meet. Joaime Rinaldi came in first in the mile run with a time of 5:59. Kelly Haas finished firstinthehalfmilein2:35.3.

Susie Logsdon finished in first in both the long jump(16-3.5) and triple jump(34-93), scoring many of the total Hawk points. The 880-yard relay team of Katrina Kloess, Ann

Niski, Liz White, and Joanna Ortega finished in first with a time of 2:00.0. The Hawks 4-lap relay team consisting of Kloess, Niski, White, and Logsdon ran a time of 1:15.5, finishing in first Magdalen Kmiec won the high jump with a juirip of 4-10.

Hciwk Highlishts 3I23>

3/24

4/2

4/3

4/4

Outdoor Track

Boys-GBN 4:30 @ Rolling Meadows 4:30

Highland Park 4:30

Girls' Softball Boys' Gymnastics Boys' Volleyball

'

'

â&#x20AC;˘

Girs' Soccer Boys' Baseball

@ Schaumberg 4:30

Rolling Meadows 11AM

Deerfield 4:30

Girls' Badminton

Boys' Tennis

Elk Grove 4:30

@ Lake Forest East 4:30

( 3 Spring

SOUTHWORDS

Soccer • Baseball • Track & Field • Gymnastics • Vollevball • Sol'tball • Badminton • Tennis

The truth about evolution

by John Jacobsen bly the toughest conference in the On the first day, man was created. state: the CSL. The "hands imit," On the second day, man created Krispy otherwise known as the setters, inKremes. And thank goodness for the clude Joe Jarosch and John third day, man created the volleyball Jacobsen.

The "jumpers" include launching machine.

Mike Mazur, Paul Drazba, and Paul The key to the Maine South Hawks Popovic.

The "big men in the Volleyball State Championship run middle" are Greg Feiereisel, Ian could be a new, highly-evolved contrapFidler, and big-hitting sophomore tion given to the team by the Hawk Danny Mathisen. Two "lefties" Boosters. Its name is set-pro 2000. It gracing the court for the Hawks are is quite similar to a revolutionary war Eric Sapp and Scotty Wojteczko. cannon, launching balls at various Rounding out the lineup are defenheights and speeds to create multiple Paul Popovic .spikes the bail across ihc ncl as his leammatcs attempt to block. , , , ,,, . .... , „ sive and serving specialists John effects. Although Coach Granell has ' phmo by Chris Mitchell Vigna and J.K. Shemluck. never used it as a weapon, he claims, '— The Hawk volleyball team looks to shut "If practice ever got out of control, I know This year's team is led by a strong group down their opposition and add on to t h e ^ ^ the ball launcher has some potential. It's a of seniors and very talented underclassmen, legacy here at South. ^ B well-oiled machine." who look to make an impact in quite possi-

Arriving to the court with dominance

by Kira Ho With just one game behind them, the Maine South badminton team is demonstrating great potential for the rest of the seasoiL With fijll support from this year's captains, Maggie Witek and Kira Ho, the team has built some confidence early on.

Thefirsttest to show their strength came on Tuesday, March 13, when the forty girls went to Glenbrook North to face their first opponent of the season. Since GBN is a new conference team, the Hawks didn't know exacdy what to expect Singing the new pre-game cheer repeatedly on the bus

ride there, the team was pumped and ready to play some intense badminton games.

The returning varsity coach, Mrs. Schwaim, prepared the girls for some fastpaced, strong-hitting, and highly strategized badminton. Led by the number one player for three years, Maggie Witek, the varsity team showed great potential to be the best yet After the Maine South victory of 150, the girls are ready to take on the their next two games against New Trier and Evanston.

Coach Muir, the JV coach, has also worked very hard to prepare the twenty-

five new players for the season. They've put forth all their effort into each long practice, which definitely benefitted them at the GBN meet Wwh twelve singles and six doubles, the JV Hawks were able to take homea winof 11-7.

With one great victory under their belt, the Maine South badminton team is ready to face their upcoming challengers. Then" upcoming meets after spnng break put them head to head with Deerfield, Lake Forest, Leyden, and East Aurora. These swingin' ladies have ample opportunity to prove their greatness.

Girls' soccer preps to score big

by Krissy Vonesh "We got game." These are the words to live by for the 2001 girls' soccer team. With team goals set, their eyes on the state championship, they have nowhere to go but up.

The tradition set up by years past is impressive but can be improved on and they hope to do just that. Fitness, fu-st touch, and team unity are the fu-st three areas of con-

cern and the girls have already made progress in a few short days.

Real competition doesn't actually begin until after spring break, but with all of the girls' determination, they will be able to bring the standard of playing up to where they want it to be. They will inevitably have to face powerhouses such as New Trier and Evanston, but also to win the Conference

Championship, Glenbrook South who always has a talented team.

The Hawks believe that they can win and will work throughout the year to accomplish! their goals. With 19 players in all and 13 returning players from last year, the Hawks have high expectations. The Hawks will never let down until they reach where they want to be.