Vol 37 issue 6

SOUTHWORDS Vol. 37b. Issue 6

Maine South Hiiih School • 1111 S. Dec Road • Park Ridiic. IL 60068

November 3. 2000

Bush wins mock election NEWS APArt-p.2 Students of the Month -p.2 Ice Wolf a hit -p.3 Congratulations, concert participants -p.3

COMMENTARY Property of the editors -p.4 School's true lies -p.4 Here she comes -p. 5 Preparation -p.5 Crime or punishment -p. 6 FEATURES Focus on Mr Scott -p.7 America's military -p.8 To vote or not to vote -p.8 Election 2000 -p.9 SPORTS Girls' swimming.

Girls'volleyball-p 10 Girls' cross country, Boys'cross country -p.11 Girls' tennis. Boys' soccer

-p.l2

photo by Deanna Oleske Paul DiFranco, a senior, participates in the Mock Election held on Tuesday, October 24, which resulted in a George W. Bush victory. page 8 for more

2 News

A P Art: Not a n e a s y "A"

by Monica Haak What is the meaning of life? Even the most challenging curriculum here at Maine South is unlikely to demand that its students provide a definitive answer for a question this complex. However for the five students enrolled in AP Studio Art, it is an issue they had to successfully contend with as a prerequisite for the course. Although they may not know the answers to all the secrets of human existence, these motivated classmates agree that, at least for them, life is the basis of art.

A notably unique program, AP Studio Art is designed for extremely dedicated fourthyear art students planning to continue studying art in college. There are no tests or mandated assignments, only sustained emphasis on quality production. At the end of their junior year, students seeking admission to this program choose a concentration, which they will spend the following year developing. They must complete a portfolio of forty works exhibiting breath and depth of artistic exploration which highlights the course's key similarity to all other AP classes: lots of homework. These portfolios are submitted in May by all participants throughout the country for evaluation by a College Board committee and successful students are eligible to receive college credit for their work.

For the majority of the students taking AP Art, the most difficult aspect of the class is electing their focus for the year. They must explore a visual concept compelling enough to captivate their interest for an entire year and evolve a series of work based on this cohesive theme that will demonstrate skill and maturity and interest in their audience. Matt Hryniewiecki is one AP student who has clearly formulated his concept and the direction of his portfolio: "Much of my work shows a harsher reality I believe we all alleviate, a sort of common flaw or fragility. It also deals with goals many of us have and sometimes feel are unattainable or unrealistic." Matt expresses his ideas primarily through drawing and painting and utilizes a surrealistic style derived from that of his inspiration, the Spanish artist Salvador Dali.

Although these students need to be highly self-directed, a wealth of guidance is available to them through the program.

Their principle source of advice is the AP Art teacher, Ms. Sophia Pichinos. Ms. Pichinos is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has a Master of Fine Arts degree, and

has taught at the Art Institute as well. A practicing artist, she is an avid member of the outside art commimity and provides an abundance of experiential knowledge for her students. One opportunity she recommends to all aspiring artists is National Portfolio Day, a program hosted by the School of the Art Institute on November 5. At this event, art students are invited to bring their incipient portfolios to be critiqued by admission representatives of art colleges and university art programs from across the nation. Attendees receive valuable feedback and possibly admission offers and scholarship recommendations. This year, under the direction of Ms. Pichinos, the advanced art classes have expanded their curriculum to include on-site working in addition to portfolio development, two components that will be of great value to students intending to pursue art in theij futures.

drawing by Matt Hryniewiecki

Students of the Month

Child Care/ Sociology: Matt Balogh, Jes- Matz, Sarah McFadden, Christina Mulvany, sica Garza, Carla Garippo, Katherine Christine Olson, Kathryn Pekara, Liana Pini, Simon Prucnal, Anthony Skaczylo, Sidelnik, Amanda Milnamow Technology: Erik Sobczak, Stephen Grasser, David Skiba, Matthew Smart, Chris Smolen, Tracey Travis John Spann Business: Matthew Totsch, Domenica Gueli, Math: Alex Aufinann, Kelly Blohm, Craig Braun, Angelo Cannizaro, Timothy Cap, Joseph Brutto Drivers Education: Paulo Carlos, Christine Alex Dorow, Luke Erickson, Laura Garofalo, Marta Kowlczyk, Joshua Matz, Berke Matthew Perille, Jaclyn Scatena, Anthony Health: Scott Wojteczko Physical Education: Traci Leslie, Elvis Skaczylo, Wanda Suba Hyslop, James Meyer, James Aimers, Social Science: Tania Aldaddah, Shaheen Stephanie Caccomo, Frank Simoncelli, Baig, Mike Fisher, Micheal Helfgott, John Douglas Fosco, Agnes Kurpisz, Shannon Jacobsen, Irena Mintcheva, Kristin Runyon, Joyce, Kathleen Coppin, Nicole Cameron, Kathryn Solan Daniel Mathisen English: Thomas Abbatacola, Wojciech Art: Lauren Rose, Meghan Kamani, Renee Buzim, Consiglia Chiovari, Alberto De Roberts, Julie Hertzberg, Eric Gamble Cicco, Danny Erickson, John Giacomino, Music: Jacyhi Jemc, Gwen Fisher, Christo- Elizabeth Juiris, Magdalen Mniec, Kara pher Reyes, Katie Hagerty Kreznor, Abigail Policy, Fiona Theboul, Drama/Broadcasting: Jason Staadt, Jacalyn Tintori, Kim Toter Chistopher Ciaston, Jack Wlezien, Jeima Foreign Language: Katie Bemdtson, TimoFelts thy Cuiry, Patricia Diduch, Paul Mangiardi, Science: George Banasiak, Kevin Bogusz, Kelly Oenning, Simon Prucnal, Melissa Garrett Cupp, Alex Dorow, Kelly Foy, Jes- Waller, Valerie Widmaier, Nancy Wilkins, sica Gorogianis, Matthew Lucas, Joshua Monika Wozniczka

New^s 3

•Fall Play: 7ce Wolf

by Tracy Schmidt and Eva Schiave Two weeks ago, Maine South Thespians brought their talents to the stage in the fall production of The Ice Wolf, a play by Joanna Halbert Kraus. Performances were at 7:30 on October 19-21, running approximaetly ninety minutes with intermission. Mr. Muszynski directed the seventeen-member cast with the help of assistant director Maggie English and stage manager Nora Sapieka. Mr. Sanchez, technical director and Mrs. McCleneghan, costume designer, managed the stage crew of forty.

The Ice Wolf, a folk legend of the Eskimos, is set in and around the lives of an Inuit Village. It weaves an authentic tale of a palehaired child exiled by her own people because she was the "different one... Anatou."

In a village ruled by spirits, by shamans, by superstition and myth, such a different one had no place.

A symbolic message was intertwined throughout the play, summed up in the production's program.'Through this seemingly simple Inuit tale, we might just begin to illuminate the social problems of today, to explore prejudice and the passion for revenge that it inspires, and by exploring its indirection and reversal, cast the most penetrating light on ourselves."

Mr. Muszynski admitted that the play was not a traditional choice. "We chose this play because it was culturally different from past productions.

Also, the fact that cast and crew, as well as audience members, were able to take something away from the play impressed us."

Students had a different first impression of the play. "At first I hated the play," says cast member Matt Heerman.

"But after being a part of the production, I grew to love it. What I liked best about the play was the fact that it was based on personal experiences. An individual can identify with the situations the characters faced-I believe it was a play written with the individual in mind."

S a t u r d a y e v e n i n g ' s performance held

Southwords would like to congratulate all of the students, teachers, and parents who were involved in the Orchestra Concert on Thursday, October 26, Band-o-rama on Saturday, October28, and the Choir Concert on Sunday, October 29. The concerts were a success due to the dedicated efforts of many note-worthy individuals. Congratulations!

special signifigance-adjuciators from the Illinois Theater Festival came to observe the production. Maine South's The Ice Wolf may be competing at the Illinois Theater Festival during winter break. However, ITF officials will not announce the results until Thanksgiving Break.

Mr. Muszynski has high hopes for the selection of Ice Wolf to compete at the festival. "I think we have a good chance of being selected. The only obstacle we face is whether or not we are what kind of play ITF is looking for. But all in all, I am glad that cast and crew formed an ensemble. We worked together and pulled off something to be proud of."

Seniors^ This year John Economos and Pat Gibbons will be collecting the Senior Wills. To avoid the confusion of last year, please turn them in to either person as soon as possible. If there are any questions, ask John or Pat.

by Lauren Hurley Ah, Red Ribbon Week. It is a festive occasion here at Maine South. The school glitters with crimson posters, signs, and most importantly...ribbons. Finally the Be-DrugFree gods have bestowed upon us the selfadhesive ribbons. At last there will be less stab wounds caused by the miniscule and yet heinous pins, and there will be a decrease in the amount of red fringe aligning the hallways. It would seem that the Red Ribbon Committee has everything figured out-^ight down to the groovy message that the ribbons display in gold lettering. "rm...Wise...Err." This slogan obviously appeals to young people because of its parody on what those three zany frogs used to say. What was that clever thing they used to say again? "Bud...weis...err." Ha. Hey wait a tick. I could swear that Budweiser is a beer company. if Define irony. Well-known lexicographer Noah Webster defines kony as the combination of circumstances or a result that is the opposite of what might be expected. One could say that an anti-drug campaign would be expected to disassociate itself fi-om any thing that could be even remotely related to drugs. Therefore, when I see students strolling down the hallways of Maine South proudly baring their 'Toadally Drug Free" ribbons that contain a pun on a famous alcohol slogan, I see irony.

How did Red Ribbon Conmiittee not catch this? Apparently, they knew all about it. According to the Committee, "the beer commercial in question has made a great impression on our children and teens. The purpose of these ribbons was to ask our teens to 'Be Wiser', choose not to drink!" If the beer commercial made any impression, it was one that promoted the use of alcohol, and anyone could identify that particular slogan with alcohol.

Perhaps efforts to make abstinence fi-om drugs "cool" have overshadowed the principles of the anti-drug campaign. Just because a message is popular does not mean that the people will understand it. We have to realize that hardly anything promoted in our academic enviromnent will be taken seriously by all its inhabitants.

So what if the ribbons are not considcontinued on page 9

School's true lies

by Britt Frederiksen During my fifth year of school, I studied "American History." I read some text, made a timeline of the American Revolution, and drew Paul Revere on horseback. I also wrote an essay on colonial plantations. After this all-too-brief exposure to the foundation of my country, I had the impression that America was perfect because George Washington was a good President, someone hung some lanterns in a bell tower, and the colonists beat the bad British to make America ft-ee.

Now, in my eleventh year of school, I again study American History. I read a lot of text, make many charts and timelines, and have yet to draw Paul Revere on horseback.

I write essays and I feel that I have been exposed to the foundations of my country. I now see that America is not necessarily perfect. I now see that not everything I learned six years ago was quite true.

Certainly, Paul Revere rode a horse and plantations existed. Why, however, was I told in fifth grade that every founding father was exceptional, had the best of intentions, and America had every right to fight the Revolution? I find now that the "truth" of the American Revolution exists in layers—many of them hidden. Teachers will explain that as a fifth grader, one does not have the insight necessary to understand the intricacies of the American Revolution. This is a legitimate point-yet I still wonder whether it would hurt eleven-year-olds to know more.

Other subjects use the same plea. Younger students do not have the capacity to understand depth in literature. Until my freshman year, authors wrote books to entertain, never to make real points. After my first high school English classes, I suddenly found that writers do, in fact, choose their words carefully and plan out their stories to reveal underlying themes. I remember writing something about theme in sixth grade, but nothing extreme. Themes were plot-based, not reflective of society.

High school physics claims that Issac Newton's laws of motion are close to infallible. In a college physics course, however, students will find that there are limits to his genius. Certainly it was because of his theories that new ideas surfaced and bore the title "Quantum Theory." It is also true that high school physics classes are limited by the

capactiy of the students to comprehend the difficult math involved, yet these topics should still be introduced or acknowledged.

As a grade school smdent, I would never have understood everything I can now about writing, about reading, or about math or science. I would never have had the same capacity to make insights or to understand the complexity of most of my high school homework. Could I, however, have understood more, given the opportunity? Even today, as a high school student, I know I cannot make the same inferences into text a college student can-but I am sure I could do more, along with students around me.

Eleven-year-olds have limits. How often these limits are tested depends on the school, the teacher, the material, and the student.

Limit pushing should be the goal of every teacher, as it usually is, and should be practiced daily. Why should not eleven-year-olds know more than "George Washington was a great man"? Even fifth graders can see that there is more to America than the founding, fathers and more to books than happy sto-j ries.

Have I been lied to all my life? All the things I thought were true in grade school now are starting to take a different shape.

What if, when I get to college, I find that high school left holes in my studies? What if everything changes again? Nothing will change as drastically as it did between grade and high school, but it is likely that in college I will find more depth to subjects I think I know so well today.

No one will ever teach everything, and no one will ever reveal every intricate detail. No teacher \yill talk about every aspect of every subject. No student would remember that amount of information. No teacher intends to "lie" to smdents or to hide pertinent information, but tries only to work within the capabilities of the student. The capabilities of students, however, should be pushed farther.

If American History is a subject for fifthgraders, they should hear more than the good side. Students should have a basis for knowledge in grade school and build on that i^^^k high school, not need to start from s c r a t c h ^ ^ upon entering Maine South. Maine South should also serve as this stepping stone in education; a rung on a ladder that will help students create a basis for future knowledge.

Coniineiit^F^^i^

by Anna Marzullo To all its critics: I used to love the Miss America pageant. Once a year for several hours, I was able to judge people based on their appearances. Fifty women, considering once upon a time there was no "Miss District of Columbia," used to spend an exorbitant amoimt of time and money to look pretty. They would walk the stage, and knowing they were in a multi-thousand dollar evening gown, knew they were stunning.

Then they would find themselves twirling around the stage in a bathing suit. Next they would belt out a song they had never learned, say a few meaningless statements about world peace, and finally, wait in haughty but falsely humble expectation as a single name was called.

This was no longer the identification of a common woman. At the calling of this name, one could hear the sweet song of the larks in spring, the resounding ring of a bell, and the harmonious trill of birds in a maple tree. It became the sound of beauty.

This woman was Miss America, the most 'beautiful woman in a nation of millions. Fast forward to now: "I wish we all could win; we've become such good friends!" I am going to save the world!" "I love everyone!"

The fifty-one women who were presented

to a largely disappointed audience were not allowed to be judged on beauty. This contest was no longer about the prettiest, or even the best dressed. It was about how well these women were rescuing the misfortunate of the world. A noble cause without a doubt, but not what Miss America is supposed to be about.

Judging beauty is considered an evil in today's society; however, I fail to understand why. Beauty does exist and it is a wonderful thing. Miss America has been torn to pieces, ripped apart, and made into a veneer of what it once was because it was judged on what was there. Critics may cry self-esteem complexes brought about by beautiful people being judged on their beauty, but these are internal issues that need to be dealt with. Beautiful people should not have to hide their beauty because others are envious. Miss America was once a beauty pageant, not the meeting of the National-DoGooders it has become.

The concept of judging beauty is not exactly new. Paris was forced to choose between Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena. This one yoimg handsome man had to choose between three powerful goddesses as to which was to receive the golden apple. His choice made, he received the most beautiful mortal

woman in the world. Hers was the face that launched a thousand ships. Granted, Troy was destroyed because of Helen, but who said beauty wasn't dangerous? The judgement of Paris is one of the founding stories of Greek mythology, and our comparatively fledging society has the gall to pronounce history morally wrong. Somewhat pretentious isn't it?

The women of the Miss America Pageant of times past spent their lives training for the day they could grace the stage. They had endured grueling day after grueling day preparing for this moment. It takes dedication and perseverance. The women of this contest choose to take their gifts, practice for years and years and finally test themselves when the stakes are high. The men and women of Olympics have done precisely the same and I salute them because they are amazing at what they do, and I doubt if I would be able to do the same. Yet I wish to do the same for the pageant winners of the world for the same reasons as those stated for Olympic athletes. The athletes have the Olympics, the geniuses have their academic contests, and the beauties deserve their equivalent. Let Miss America take her place among the most athletic and most intelligent as the most beautiful.

Preparation is wortiniess

by Erik Maye During my childhood, my father and I would go fishing every April to Otter Trail Lake in the Western half of Minnesota. We would bring our new fishing rods each year, which were technologically advanced to catch a greater quantity of larger fish. Special bait and hooks would be purchased to attract more bass, but our 1995 outing was a different story. After quite some time, my dad and I got fiustrated because it was nearly 1:00 pm and we had been fishing for endless hours without a bite. We were alone on the lake, except for the old, white haired man nearly a mile from us on the other side of the lake. My father and I were watching liim closely, because his boat was filled with the largest bass we had ever seen. In addition, the man kept disappearing to a nearby outhouse which really piqued our curiosity.

How did he do it? We did not even have one bite the whole twelve hours we were

out on our boat, while this man's boat was overflowing with bass. How could some old man with afishingpole that was created with a stick and some string end up with so many fish?

As darkness approached, we boated over to the other side of the lake to confront him.

The three of us chatted for a good hour and the man told us that he had used a secret potion to attract the fish. Then he excused himself to the restroom, informing us, quite unabashedly, that he had to deal with his hemorrhoids. After he left, the only thing noticed was the tube of Preparation H lying in his boat, but I thought nothing of it because it was for the man's medical condition.

I did some research the next day and found that his homorrhoid ointment was the special potion. One of the main ingredients in Preparation H is shark liver oil which must

have attracted the fish. Who could ever have imagined that the cream would have an effect on the fish? The man came totally imprepared to fish, while I had countless fishing appliances designed to enhance my success. He, however, brought nothing, and won all. This experience, along with so many others, has prompted me to believe that preparation in life is not as important as society deems it to be.

The average millionaire in today's society only acheived C's during his educational career. If school is labeled as incredibly important in today's society, how can a person with no regard for his tutelage obtain success to such an extent later in life? Take, for example, former president George Bush. He was a B student in high school, but in college, he barely graduated due to his party attitude. All that horsing around and he still continued on page 6

^ saSHi

Crime or punishment?

by Megan Gibbons bv Meean Gibbons Grounded for a week, sent to your room for the night, even sent to bed with no dinner, but dragged by the ears, bitten to the bone, and tied to a bed post? Where exactly does the line of punishment exist?

What constitutes a punishment or a crime?

Is there a difference, or are they one in the same?

To the average person there exists a sure fire difference. Punishment is deserved and not intended to harm, but to teach, while a crime is most often an intent to harm and alter lives, not teach a lesson. However, in Franklin County, Ohio, there is no line of difference, and a crimeis turned into a mere punishment, allowing the release of amazing criminals.

Kids break vases, crash their remote control cars into china cabinets, and even hit their siblings, and these are all cases that should warrant a punishment, so that a lesson can be learned. There are even those three- year-olds who are uncontrollable, kids who just can't be satisfied and cause great havoc. Again, punishment is in the cards, but do these children deserve to be tied up and beaten?

In this small county of Ohio, there was a young boy who to observers did not fall under any of the above categories, but who was a patient and loving three-year-old.

However, thisyoung toddler found himself paying for misbehavior with his life, while his father, Patrick Bourgeois, and his girlfriend, Tracey Lynn Bratton, cried simple punishment.

This young boy found himself being dragged across the house by his ears upon request for a glass of water, felt his grown parent's teeth tear away at his yoimg skin when he wouldn't sit still fast enough, and he even lost pieces of his skull as the strong hands of those who were to care for him struck his head with amazing force. After these remarkable crimes against the young boy, he was tied to his bed so as not to disturb his now sleeping caregivers. As a result of all of the old and new mortal injuries, he choked on his own blood and died alone in pure terror.

This is one of the most astonishing crimes committed today and qualifies as anything but punishment, right?

Wrong. Tracey Lyim Bratton was just re-

'

leased on the grounds that there was no other alternative to deal with this "difficult" boy, and it was the punishment that he deserved which killed him. This innocent young child, who by others was seen as anything but difficult, actually deserving punishment? Her claim throughout this ordeal has been that she was punishing and no more, just trying to teach a lesson; however, there is no lesson learned in death.

If there lies any truth in such a statement, and he was difficult, does it justify loss of life?

The only evidence that this child misbehaved came from the criminals themselves, claiming he had to be tied up because he was so often drinking from the toilet and causing problems. Under any terms does that label him difficult, because he had no other means of needed water? Does that make him a terrible child deserving of death?

According to a Columbus, Ohio, judge it does, for in the case's final days the judge referred to the child as a person who deserved what he got. How is it that any person can deserve that kind of treatment? Let alone a three-year-old, who to so many is not even a real person yet, who is a defenseless young person who relies on others for safety. How can one claim that he brought this death upon himself? Questions in this case are lingering everywhere, yet she who inflicted such a death walks free.

Where is Bratton's punishment? Is she not considered difficult and has she not misbehaved? A tiny life has been lost for creating a bit of trouble at home, while she who mercilessly brought his death finds herself with no punishment at all. How is it that this young child lost his life due to his misbehavior and his killer leaves this ordeal without even a slap on the wrist?

She gets to go home to bed and not fear being tied to the post, she gets to wake up at night and get herself a drink of water and not have to worry about being dragged back to bed by the ears. She gets to lie in the darkness tonight knowing that she did no wrong.

So she sleeps peacefiilly, because she was not difficult enough to warrant punishment.

Following such a horrifying look into crime and punishment, where is the separation between them? According to such a

case, tomorrow, I can hold up a convience store because the owner was causing problems in my neighborhood yesterday, right?

I would simply be punishing him for being so difficult.

Somehow, I doubt that argument would get me out of time in jail. So why in the case of an irmocent three-year-old boy does it work? Why is his death labeled to be a punishment and my hold up labeled to be a crime? A Ufe has been lost, and the world has missed out on an amazing young child, who could have graced the world with his wonder, because he was difficult and needed to be scolded.

Under our system ofjustice a committed crime authorizes proper punishment. Why then has this crime been called merely punishment and do the criminals walk with no punishment for themselves?

ion continued from page 6 became one of the most powerfiil men in the world. Education must not be as important as we take it to be if this is possible.

Some people who spend all of their time and energy designing the rest of their life never even get a chance to live it One of the victims at Columbine, Laura Townsend, was a stellar student. She devoted all of her time to studies and was extremely serious about them. A few months after her death, she would have been heading off to coUege at Colorado State. She had spent the first eighteen years of her life preparing for the rest of it, but she did not get a chance to life it out. If Lauren knew that she was going to die, would she have spent all of her life preparing? We should not worry about preparing for life, we should live it.

Preparation in life is not as important as society deems it to be. People can still become successful with little or no training. Somone who spends all his time formulating his future could end up wasting a lot of time. We can either live life, or we can prqjare to live i t I choose to live.

Features 7

Focus on Faculty

by Eileen Collins

David Scott

After twelve years at Maine South, Mr. people there. Just looking up and seeing good or bad." Mr. Scott moved here from Scott is still excited everyday when he comes Maine South was great."

Wisconsin where he attended University of to school. As a physical education teacher and The Maine South spirit is also in Mr. Scott. Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In his heart he is still coach, Mr. Scott interacts with kids on a daily He taught for ten years at Maine East prior a Wisconsin fan. "I like the Bucks and the basis. "I think what I like most about my job to coming to Maine South. However, he says, Packers. I always have liked them better." is the fact that I get to teach all kinds of stu- "I have since thrown out all my blue stuff. Although he is a Wisconsin fan, Mr. Scott dents. In gym class I not only work with ath- Everything I own is red and black, right down is still a dedicated Hawk. letes, but also kids who maybe aren't as ex- to my car. My favorite colors are red and SOUTH\VORDS cited about gym. I try to be the kind of gym black, and I don't think that will ever change. teacher who is good for everyone. I have my I love Maine South. I love all the athletic and A sjudent-produced newspaper of: own style of teaching, which is not like the Maine South High Sclfeol stereotypical drill sergeant gym teacher. For . iail South Dee Roaaj some kids that is all they've experienced in ((^P^fc^idge, nl 6 0 0 ^ gym, so I try to make my class more fim."

Letters-tt^the editbrshould be defivered to Mr. Scott understands that all students are room V-13ror.gverUo a jnembei" of the edidifferent. He has one fourteen-year-old daughtorial staf£.-SC),UTHWbRD§''reserves the ter, Ashley, and one twelve-year-old son, Ausright to e<St liaiiterial for clarity and brevity tin. Mr. Scott realizes his children change the and to reject-obscen'e, or Jibelpus submisway he teaches, saying, "Because my kids are sions. '^'- ,„_^^^i^^/, : !\^ almost the same age as the kids I teach, my perspective on teaching has changed. I try to Editors-in-Chief Sam Fuller treat all my students as I would want a teacher Lauren Hurley to treat my kids."

News Editors Meghan McCall As a coach Mr. Scott has had many memoTracy Schmidt rable experiences. He can still remember the Commentary Editors Britt Frederiksen Vda;y four years ago when the Maine South bas- school teams. My favorite thing about teachMegan Gibbons ketball team beat St. Viator in sectionals. He ing is when the alumni come back sind tell Features Editors Eileen Collins says, "I remember St. Viator was the number me about everything they accomplish. That Nicole Penn one team in state. We were the underdogs. It is a great feeling knowing how this person Sports Editors Ellen Gartner was such a thrill to win that game. When we has changed."

Chris Mitchell came back to Maine South on our bus, the Mr. Scott not only coaches athletes, but Production Editors Jim Puis parking lot was filled with fans. The whole also participates in athletics. In fact, he met Dan Saavedra lot was this pile of red and black. That is some- his wife at a ten kilometers race in which they Core Photographers Rachel Kalom thing I will never forget, all the Maine South both ran. Together they participate in Deaima Oleske students and faculty cheering us on. We felt triatholons and races. "I just love athletics. I Megan Price like celebrities when we got off that bus." think they are a great way to meet people."

Monica Haak Core Staff Artist That is not the only time Maine South fans From his own personal experience and his stand out in Mr. Scott's mind. "Two years ago coaching experience in sports, Mr. Scott has T. R. Kerth at the super-sectional we played at the North- seen a lot of changes. "In the past twenty years Advisor western gym. Maine South fans filled up one sports have become much more intense. whole side of the stands. There were a lot of People have to focus too much. This can be

Senior

Christine Mullarkey Focus on Student Excellence

Activities:

Teacher's Comments:

•Church Youth Group "Christine's maturity and quality of work has helped our class •Honor Roll tremendously. She is a patient and inspirational leader. Out of the •Marching Band classroom she excels as a Marlin and percussionist in the band.

•Marlin Synchronized Swimming As a volunteer, she has served in special projects in the impover•Pep Council ished Appalachians and in camps for those suffering fix»m •Percussion Ensemble Muscular Dystrophy. Christine also provides enthusiasm for all of our athletic and scholastic teams as a member of Pep Council.

Christine Mullarkey is a super Maine South famUy member."

-Craig Fallico

8 Features-

America's militarv

by Beatrice Ceccherini The readiness of today's military is a hot topic in the Presidential Debates between candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore.

Though both candidates acknowledge that the U.S. Mihtary is the best-trained fighting force in the world at the current moment, they differ as to whether or not that fitness is declining or holding firm.

Captain Heidi Mueller of the U.S. Navy Reserves has observed the military first hand. She participated in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps while getting her Bachelor's Degree at Northwestern University. She then became one ofthefu-st women to attend the Naval War College in Rhode Island. At the Naval War College she received her specialization in Surface Warfare.

During her active duty career she served as "ship driver" on a submarine tender out of Georgia for several years. Now, in the Navy Reserves, she just recently returned from duty on the Command Ship with the Admiral in charge of the U.S. Third Fleet in the Pacific Ocean.

On the issue of morale in the military, she says, "[It's] definitely on the down side.

Today, active duty personnel are being stretched to the limit to help with the workload as the number of active duty ser-

vice men and women is down." A major concern of hers is that "many are finding themselves with very litde free time to rest or relax. They are spending their off hours trying to maintain all the equipment."

Captain Mueller perceives the situation to be also affected by the fact that "many of the disciphnes are not able to get the number of new recruits that are needed. As a consequence, many current active duty members will not renew their commitment and tend to get out of the service at the first opportunity.

It's just too stressful."

"Also, spare parts," she says "are at a premium. Active duty personnel are often forced to cannibalize parts from operational equipment to make other needed equipment operational." This challenging situation is seen most readily among active duty personnel on ships that are continuously on assignment, sailing all over the world.

Captain Mueller points out that by being a reserve officer now and having the opportunity to serve on the Admiral's Command Ship these last few weeks, she did not encounter the heavy maintenance problems that most other ships face.

"I was fortunate enough to be in a location and on a ship where everything was in

by Kara Kreznor Many teenagers look forward to turning eighteen. After all, there are many benefits that come along with this age. You are considered an "official adult," you can buy a car by yourself, get a credit card by yourself, and you can even vote.

But just how many eighteen-year-olds take advantage of these perks? More importandy, how many eighteen-year-olds take advantage of their newly found ability to vote?

To many people, the statistics are disappointing.

"I just don't want to [because] one vote won't make a difference," says Walter Landowski, a senior at Maine South. "Be-

sides, I don't really care who the president is."

Walter is not alone in his indifference to who will be the next president.

"Even if I was a citizen, I wouldn' t vote. I don't care because whoever the president turns out to be, I'm sure he'll do a fine job," says Matt Collier.

However, there are students who do care, and are planning to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

"I want my vote to make a difference," says Stephanie Mitchell.

"I do think individuals make a difference

working order and the ship wen^ut primarily on inspection. The difficulty comes in when there are several ships traveling together continuously in active duty," she says. "In this type of situation one finds equipment often breaking down and parts being looked for in the other ships."

Are our forces spread too thin trying to keep the peace all over the world? Captain Mueller feels that it is indeed a challenge but that the "American service men and women have a strong feeling of responsibility to do the best job they can while they are serving. In many ways we have been downsizing since the Vietnam War. The challenges have increased tremendously while the size of our military has gone down. Yet our service men and women have given the most of themselves and been able to get the job done no matter what."

But with the number of active duty personnel on the decline, spare parts at a premium, peace-keeping efforts that spread American troops all over the globe, and potential global problems on the horizon. potential global problems on the horizon, the question, people still wonder about, remains: how long can the U.S. continue to do better?

To v o t e or not to v o t e

in the election," adds Thomas Karenke.

Senior Sam Fuller says, 'To me voting is more than just an option. If you truly want to make the most of living in the United States of America, you should exercise your right to select who will represent you in the government."

The Maine South population seems to be divided in whether or not they are going to vote this November. Some feel as if they can make a difference, others do not, or simply do not care. For the people who do not vote, are they just ignorant and are not well informed? During the mock election at Maine South, over half of the seniors voted.

But whatever the eighteen-year-olds of today decide to do, it is their choice. Votin^^^ is a way of expressing opinions and gettin|^V involved in the political system, it is not an obligation. If a person chooses not to vote, the world will not end. However, nothing will change either.

Features 9

Election

2000

by Nicole Penn

Perhaps to no one's surprise. Bush won the Maine South 2000 Mock Election. With 52.6% of the senior's votes, Bush was the obvious winner.

The runners up were Gore with 33.7% of the votes, followed by Nader (8.2%), Buchanan (2.7%), Browne (2.1%), and Hagelin (0.6%).

Out of five hundred and twenty seven seniors, three hundred and fifty-five of them participated in the mock election on Tues-

Rose Mary Mulligan will continue her reign as state representative as she won over Mary Beth Tighe with 197 votes to 107.

Republican Henry Hyde had over half of the votes (55.2 %) to win the position over Christensen for U.S. Representative.

A lot of students were enthusiastic about the voting polls.

"It was interesting to get to use something like the actual ballot, instead of a scantron," said Meghan Mc Call. "It was a nice touch

Nader 8.2% Buchanan 2.7% Browne 2.1% Hagelin 0.6% Bush 52.6% day, October 24. The polls were set up outside of the social science sector. Volunteers from Mrs. Deines accelerated government classes ran the entire election. The students were allowed to vote before school, during social science classes, between classes, and after school.

In the eyes of Maine South, Dave Sullivan won state senator over Pritzker by 227 votes to 90.

P r o p e 1 ^ i|i

and it made me feel like I was voting for the real thing."

According to the polls, it appears that the seniors of Maine South are mostly republican. Further support of this comesfiromthe fact that Park Ridge is considered a conservative town.

As the nation holds its breath for next Tuesday, Maine South awaits as well to see if their choices become official.

J^^

Continued from page 4 ~ -ered cool? So what if the ribbons are generic next year? If they say "Just say no," people will treat them exactly the same as if they had "rm...Wise...Err." Those people who 'agree will proudly wear them, and those who think they are a joke will proudly shred them. No catchy saying will ever change that : ::r: • z-zzzz-zz-r:—"-—: The moral of the story is simple: people will do what they want when they want in their lifetimes. It is impossible for an organization of this school to be well thought of by each and every member of the student body.

CLARIFICATION! In the October 20 issue of Southwords, the article, "A bit of Australia in Park Ridge," stated there were five helpers from Maine South. In reality there w e r e 3 6 s t u d e n t s that helped the event.

Campaign 2000

by Steve Padovano This election year promises to be extremely close and really could go either way.

Every second of the campaign will be crucial in getting the candidate's message across. In a close race such as this one, even a small shift among undecided voters can be the difference between winning and losing the election. Every state is a crucial part to the election and each candidate will make as many stops as possible to ensure his message is heard. Everythingfi-omthe commercials to the television debates affect the voter's decision and are crucial points to the election.

One of the most important parts of the election is the debate. Tens of millions of Americans will tune in to the debates and many of the undecided voters will make a decision. This could very well decide who becomes our new president Both candidates wiU debate the issues that seem to plague us most and often will disagree. The debates main purpose is to help you learn about the views, beliefs, and opinions of each candidate.

O J . Evenson, Republican ex-mayor of a mostly democratic town says, "You have no idea how these people are going to vote.. .1 wouldn't bet a thing on i t " This seems to be the theme for every state as this election will inevitably be among the closest in history. For now its up to us. Only the voters can decide who will lead us into the next four years. It all begins when you cast the ballot. Whether it be for Bush or Gore, many believe it will ultimately decide the fate of our country.

lO sports

Swimming winds down

by Anna Tomczyk After a strong start, the Hawks succumbed to some tough competition within the last two weeks. First, against Evanston, the varsity lost 146-40. No first places were taken by the Hawks, but Natalie Kruk and Amanda Fallico both took second place in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Breastroke. The next day, the Hawks rebounded with a second place finish at their own Hawk Relays. Many firsts were taken, including the 200 Medley Relay of Liz Niemczyk, Amanda Fallico, Beth Spitelli, and Laura Bender; the 200 Butterfly Relay of Beth Spitelli, Courtney Keady, Abby Polley, and Natalie Kruk; and the 400

Medley Relay of Liz Niemczyk, Amanda Fallico, Natalie Kruk, and Megan Gibbons.

The following week, against Glenbrook South, the Hawks once again fell to a tough opponent. Some strong swims were shown, however. First place honors went to Laura Bender in the 50 Freestyle and Natalie Kruk in the 100 Butterfly.

Today, the JV swimmers have their Conference meet at Evanston and tommorrow the v arsity swimmers travel to Evanston for their Conference meet. The competition is tough as always in the CSL South, but the Hawks are sure to come out with some strong swims.

Setting into the sun

by Krissy Vonesh As the year comes closer and closer to the give Molly O'Keefe, Krissy Vonesh, Anne end, the girls of Forde, Britt the Maine South Luxton, and Volleyball team Jenny Liggett are happy with the great hitting opresults. The team portunities. Evhas done astoundery girl put in an ingly better than extra bit of effort teams in recent to put the score years and they are over the edge, committed to whether it was bringing the seathrough cheerson to a close on a ing, passing, or positive note. In spiking, to secure an exciting first the victory. The round Regionals team faced the game, the Hawks highest ranked defeated a talteam in the Secented Ridgewood tional on Thursteam in three difday, October 26, ficult games with and they hope to the help of the continue to bring emergency setting the same enthusiof Mary Therese asm to the floor.

Ristau and Jill The team has Krol and the exconsistently cellent passing of come out strong, Jess Stuckey, and as the end of Laura Seske, their season Laura Seske sets the ball for the Hawks.

Katie Ristau, draws near, they photo courtesy of Eyrie Sandra Calenda can expect no and Adrianna Stasiuk. Also, the excellent setless. The girls can proudly walk away from ting of Kelly Dunne and Kim Toter helped a tremendous season.

South Stats Margin of victory in the first boys' varsity soccer playoff game against NUes West.

12/13 Ratio of top finishers from boys' and girls'cross country runners at Regionals.

Place Ihe girls' swim team finished at the Hawk Relays Invite.

Number of games needed for the girls' volleyball team, to defeat Ridgewood.

10 Number of players on the boys' varsity soccer team that dyed their hair for the beginning of the playoffs.

Official state ranking of Meg Nakamua after the girls'i golf state meet.

sports Cross country goes the extra mile

by Mary Paine The girls' cross country season is winding down and enthusiasm is still high after placing second at the CSL Conference.

Two weeks ago at the regional meet, the Hawks finished in third place. The team competed against fourteen other state-ranked teams. After recovering from an ankle injury, Morgan Sokes impressed the entire team by finishing in thirteenth place followed by Katie Coppin in seventeenth.

Claire Sharkey came in third for the team, followed by Lauren Cordaro and Kelly Haas

in fourth and fifth place for the Hawks. Kim Talaga and Mary Paine rounded out the top seven, finishing in thirty-first and thirty-second in the race of ninety-eight girls.

The team's hard work and dedication is evident. With this impressive performance Maine South advanced to Sectionals last Saturday and performed as the Hawks had hoped.

This was the last race for senior Claire Sharkey. The team would like to thank all of the seniors for their contributions.

Stretching towards the finish

by Scott Pullman As the season of boys' cross country came to an end the Maine South Hawks continued to be competitive. Throughout their last workouts they consistently displayed a strenuous work ethic.

At the Conference the team placed third overall. Mike Begich finished fourth place, leading the Hawks with a time of fifteen minutes and forty-eight seconds. Chris cGuire was the next of the Hawks to arrive at the finish in seventh place. Both runners received All-Conference recognition.

The next runner for Maine South was Scott Pullman placing sixteenth followed by Tony

^J) ^ ^ Boys' Soccer

LoBianco in seventeenth.

The Regional meet was held two weeks ago, and the Hawks competed not only with physical and mental technique acquired throughout the season but also with passion and desire. Pinishing twelfth, Mike Begich led the pack of seven through the three-mile course at Niles West. Chris McGuire and Tony LoBianco were close behind Begich.

Scott Pullman and Erick Reuhs rounded out the top five runners. Last week the team competed at Sectionals. The Hawks exceeded their expectations, breaking many personal records.

Hawk Highlights 11/3 State finals

Girls'Volleyball

11/4

Season Complete

Boys' Cross-Country

Season Complete

Girls' Golf

Season Complete

Boys' Golf

Girls' Swimming

11/6

IHSA Super sectional

Girls' Tennis

1 Pootball

Kim Talaga pushes herself towards the finish at Regionals.

Photo courtesy of Eyrie

Season Complete Playoffs @ Evanston

11/7

11/8

SOUTHWORDS

(XFaU

Football • Golf • Cross Couniiv • Soccer • Girls'Tennis • Girls'Volleyball

Nakamura takes second at state

Sweet season ends

by John Jacobsen The Hawks dominated the Niles 'West Indians in their sectional quarterfinal game 3-0.

Nicki "Mijatovic" Dobric started off the abuse with his second goal of the season only ten minutes into the first half Bashing in his glory, Nicki rambled, 'This is a tremendous feeling. It's like the shivers I got on my seventh birthday when I received my first Tour guide Barbie. Wow!" John Jacobsen and Eric Saap gave the defense some breathing room with goals of their own in the second half The victory set up the Hawks for another match up with powerful New Trier, where the hawks looked to avenge their late season loss to the Trevians. With great heart the Hawks came out strong, only to lose by a score of 0-2, with a dispiriting penalty kick in the second half. It was an unfortunate end to a great season.

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John Dwyer watches his team's hopes slip away late in the game. photo by Deanna Oleske

Football suffers first loss After a win in week eight against Glenbrook South, the Hawks then suffered a heartbreaking loss against rival New Trier.

The Hawks started off slowly against GBS in the first half. The defense then stepped it up with several sacks and touchdowns. Ryan Muehlfelder recovered a fumble in the end zone and junior Jason Clark returned an interception for a touchdown. The Hawks won 40-7.

In week nine, the Hawks fell to New Trier, 17-7. Corey Norman scored on a fouryard touchdown and Shawn Kain passed for over 150 yards. The defense stood strong but allowed enough for the Trevians to win.

With an 8-1 record, the Hawks finished second in conference standings and were seeded #11 in the 6A State playoffs and paired against Addison Trail in the first round of the playoffs.

Tennis soars at sectionals and state

by Ellen Gartner The girls' tennis season is officially over.

The team ended with a 4-1 record in conference, and a third place after the conference meet. Maggie Witek, Chrissy Kipta, Liz Bondi, Caroline Brzozowski, Megen Briars, and Kayla DLMenna all played at Sectionals, earning Maine South the champion spot. All six of the players advanced to state, where •Witek won three out of her first five matches.

and Kipta won one of her first three matches.

On the doubles side of the team, Bondi and Brzozowski took an overall seventh place in state, winning six of their eight matches.

Briars and DiMenna won one of their three matches. The team ended up fifteenth in state overall, which is the highest they have been ranked inyears. With a total record of 8-3, the season was a great success.

by Ellen Gartner For the last four years, one of the toughest mental athletes has been calmly strolling through the halls of Maine South. Meg Nakamura has had an outstanding run in her four year-golf career at South, qualifying for state every year. Her fi-eshman year, she placed in the top 30 in state, continued to work, and later earned twelfth during her sophomore year. She only continued to move up in the rankings, earning eighth in the state as a junior. This year, she worked her way up to being one of the two favorites for the state title. She ended up taking second by only five strokes.

Meg started off playing for the boys' team her fi-eshman and sophomore years, where there was a much more intense level of C C M ^ petition between players. The school d ^ ^ trict then created a girls' team the summer before her junior year. The transition was an easy one to make for Meg. During this year's season, the coach for the girls' team had to stop for medical reasons, and Mr. Hamand took over coaching the girls, which only continued to improve the team, as well as Meg's skills.

When asked what her favorite part of playing golf is, Meg responded, "It's not like in basketball, where you're like 'ha, I pushed you down.' Instead, it's a fiiendly sort of competition. If you play enough, you run into the same people, and develop relationships. I've become good fiiends with a couple of the girls that I play with."

With the many accomplishments in high school under her belt, Meg is looking to continue her success in college.

Attention: Winter Sports athletes-we're going to need writers for the_^ upcoming season. If y o u ' i ^ ^ interested, talk to Ellen or Chris in V131, the Southwards office.