Vol 38 issue 15

OlITH

m a1 ne APRIL 26, 2002

t o w n s h i p

high

s

) I

nil S. DEE ROAD » PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS 60068

south

^^-^

VOL 38, NO. 15

A colorful production

In This Ice I ic^'

issue.

NEWS: FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES

COMMENTARY: GIVING TO GIVE

FEATURES: PARK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

SPORTS: BOYS' BASEBALL

2 News

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 26, 2002

Joseph and the Amazing^ Technicolor Dreamcoat

by Rosalee Inendino The Maine South musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," has all the necessary qualities of a successful show.

The musical retells the biblical story of Joseph, the favored but estranged son of Jacob. He is driven out of the family by his very jealous brothers who sell him as a slave but tell Jacob that he died.

Nonetheless, Joseph finds favor in Pharaoh and is appointed as Minister of Agriculture.

Later, his brothers and he meet again, but they do not recognize him. After continuing for a while without revealing who he really is, Joseph and his brothers are reunited, and everything ends happily ever after.

With a storyline hke that, the talented students of Maine South are given the opportunity to shine in the spotlight as a part of the cast and crew. The cast and crew have been after school everyday and have spent many Saturdays in the performing arts wing in order to ensure the musical's success.

Under the direction of Mr. Muszynski and

the vocal instruction of Mr. Danckwart, the cast includes Marcelino Rivera as Joseph,

Sara Wolski and Christy Schwartz as the narrators. Matt Sergot as Jacob, and Matt HoUhan as Pharaoh.

Along with the cast, the stage manager, Allison Montgomery, assistant director, Rosalee Inendino, and dance captain.

Heather Zimny have worked to make sure all the technical aspects are taken care of and are ready for the performances.

A charitable train ride

by Mr. Craig Fallico The sophomore class council sponsored a Saturday morning volunteer trip downtown on Saturday April 13, 2002 to help the "Make a Wish" Foundation set up and prepare for their annual ball at Navy Pier. The ball was held for Chicago's finest to raise money for one of the most well known charities in the country.

The students helped immensely with the preparation for the big event, and it was quite

clear at the end of the day that they had made quite an impact. Each of those who attended was very gratified by the wonderful experience.

Class council members Ellen Dwyer, Sonja Barac, Jackie Pikul, Nick Fallico, Katie Jayne, Kara Collins, Kiley Borowski, Meg Thorsen, Stefanie Woo, Tanya Aldaddah, Mary Pat Rooney all met at the Park Ridge Metra station at 7:30 a.m. to go downtown. They each said that it was a fun way to see the city and help the needy!

Likewise, the crew, led by Mr. Sanchez, has constructed the sets, and Mrs. McCleneghan's costume crew has recreated the biblical times using a variety of hues. Furthermore, Mr. Pressler and the pit orchestra have been perfecting the musical score to achieve the quality performance that is usually expected from Maine South's talented group of musicians.

Marcileno Rivera, when asked to comment on the musical, stated, "This is the first musical I have participated in. I never realized how much dedication and hard work goes into it from all the people involved. Everyone did a great job, and it looks to be one of the best musicals yet. Thanks need to be given to all involved for their hard work. There are great hopes for a big turnout." ^^k Opening night is tonight at 7:30 p . m . ^ ^ the Maine South auditorium. However, the play can also be viewed on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m., or Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Date Violence

by Britt Frederiksen Last week, Mr. Tom Santoro addressed all seniors during physical education classes on the subject of date violence and abuse.

All eight periods had the option to attend this emotional and informative speaker to learn the causes, signs, and effects of date violence.

From a very personal view, Mr. Santoro warned students that 85-95% of victims of date violence are women and that any and all types of abuse-verbal, physical, and sexual- cU"e cause for alarm. The speech was an important insight into a problem plaguing teens today and gave a powerful m e j ^ ^ sage on fighting date violence to student^^^ Senior, Megan Gibbons described the speech as being, "extremely informative and touching. I believe he reached every listener in a very deep and emotional way."

^ewsB

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 26, 2002

Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting outside of Maine South for the past

by Caroline Kim Although the title implies only athletes couple years, but they are now able to hold can be members. Fellowship of Christian meetings on the campus.

Now, there will be meetings every other Athletes, otherwise known as FCA, is of)en to any student who wants to join. Members week on Tuesdays starting at 7:00 p.m. lasting for about an hour to an hour and a half, do not have to be athletes.

FCA is a student-led, non-school-spon- varying each week. Special events will also sored religious organization founded in 1954

by Don McClanen. It has continued to increase its presence in schools nationwide through the establishment of FCA groups called Huddles.

Curtently, there are over 7,700 Huddles present in an estimated 24% of schools in America ranging from junior high to the university level. Other nearby schools that have FCA Huddle groups include Glenbrook South and New Trier. f=iII-tjOVI#@HIII» 0«= Carrying FCA beyond the school year, C M P E i S T l i D k r y t j a i T H I L J E T I E ^ the national FCA organization hosts numerous weeklong sports camps for a variety of be held occasionally to promote more felathletics and age levels at several sites lowship.

Mr. Schuler will be the supervisor present throughout the summer months. In 1993, the summer camp attendance numbers exceeded at all the meetings and events. However, ' 5,000 people and has continued to increase he will not be taking active leadership in the organization. in the years that followed.

As stated before, FCA is completely stuFurthermore, FCA has no concentration on specific doctrines; but rather, it is inter- dent-led. The current student leaders are denominational with afimdamentalbasis on Matt Recestar, Alyssa Engle, Tyler Murchie, Chrissy Berke, Shalanah Backus, and Jesus Christ and the Bible.

Members involved in FCA have been Ashley Stopa. They, or Mr. Schuler, can be

contacted for any questions or concerns regarding Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Furthermore, in order to start off FCA at Maine South, an event was held April 16, 2002. Students were invited to join a night of playing volleyball, eating food, and listening to a guest speaker.

Ty Gooch, a former Northwestern University football player, came to speak about FCA and its purpose, vision, and guidelines.

He has been a part of FCA for a few years now and is the one who runs all its groups in the regional area.

Gooch emphasized, 'The goal of Fellowship of Christian Athletes is to provide an environment where students can learn about biblical Christian values and teach each other through their own personal relationships with Jesus Christ."

Many students attended the night, and FCA looks forward to having other people join as well as it continues its presence at Maine South.

Tyler Murchie noted, "I'd like to let people know about FCA and to see many of the underclassmen get involved with it.

Then they can really take off with it next year."

FCA welcomes anyone, including faculty, to come and have fun while experiencing fellowship at the same time.

(fr

Students of the month

Applied Technology: Angelo Cannizzaro, Magdalena Chwierut, Daniel Lakowski, Steven Pankau Art: Crystal Hainault, Henry Maranon, Nicole Nizolek, Eva Schiave, Christine Wyman, Sarah Yunker Business: Chelsea Collet, Mark Fafendyk, Michael Roberts English: Melissa Barca, Chris Bennett, Tina Brionez, Tim Britt, Chris Fosco, Matthew Kennedy, Zach Kleiner, Jade Pei, Edgar Reyes, Jennifer Sanders, Nicole Sentowski, Vito Scamarcia, Ryan Stegink, Jessica Strains, Jamie Tountas, Andrew Walter, Jennifer Wayer, Natalie Waz, Andrew Weisheit Driver Education: Komel Grygo, Mat-

thew Segawa Family and Consumer Sciences: Ellen Guercio, Crystal Hainault, Amanda Marte, Tiffany Tarant Foreign Language: Anne Bemdtson, Paul Dilfer, Sophia Maria Kastrantas, David Liss, Kristina Lukas, Genevieve Lukes, Kristina Passarella, Lauren Shesek Health: Amanda Pekic, Daniel Rieger Math: Lisa Braddy, Jacqueline Dow, Abigail Lenz, Melissa Mazur, Frank Pagone, Emily Pobratyn, Paulina Rabczak, Alex Sainz-Bertei, Corrine Ullrich Music: Anthony Dee, Brian Dorrans, Meg Dwyer, Shannon McCue Physical Education: Kimberly Coppin,

Matt Delance, Valerie Kaczmarek, Jeffrey Madl, Drew Sobczak, Mallory Summers, Jennifer Szaflarski, Sara Wolski Science: Lisa Belter, Michael Cabaj, Kelly Foy, Jacqueline Frano, Jacqueline Heffernan, Natalie Kruk, Jonathan Manko, Eleni Markos, Sean Moran, Sarah Nicholus, Laura Seiwert, Jessica Strains, Justyna Susfal, Michael Verre, Richard Voelker Social Science: Anna Bochenek, Breanna Dolan, Claire Elderkin, Andrea Famham, Catrina Klimara, Ekaterina Politsopxjulos Speech/Drama: Salvatore Alaimo, Elizabeth Gorski, Matt Holihan, Veronica Katz, Chrystal Peterson

^

4 Commentary

t

-f p r o l l e r t y * - * ' ! o f

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 26, 2002

•Student Opinion I

^ Jfe QQilorsJ

By Britt Frederiksen

Human entropy used to bother me profusely. The more people engaged in an activity, the harder it is to organize and keep them together. Large groups get messy, make messes and tend to fall apart, and this can all be very frustrating.

Asa member of the Constitution Team whose meetings are not at a consistent time, place, or day, I have experienced first hand the difficulties of organization. My five-member unit struggles to find an agreeable time weeks in advance to plan our Constitutional debates. When the entire team meets after school, even more problems arise.

The only activities guaranteed holding participation have spirited sponsors and clear, tangible benefits. It is no wonder that sports have such proUfic and dedicated membership. Maine South coaches expect the world and promise the stars, and teams usually reach the upper atmosphere. Their dedicated work glues team members together and prevents the entropy that can plague other activities.

But maybe it is not only the coach who instills this glue in a team; maybe too, it requires a unified effort. Maybe every individual must have the hope to continue and the desire for a common goal. If only one leader sings out the tangible benefits of a given activity there is no hope for it; the leader becomes only a soapbox prophet. But if every individual working toward a common goal has hope, maybe team human entropy will disappear, the system will slow and organization will happen.

If I take this view, human entropy cannot bother me, because I know where it lies, I know that only individuals can decide inspiration. So if I take each moment and know where my hope lies, what my goals are, the world can slow down, I can organize it, seek out those who connect to me, and not allow the world to fall apart. If I make everything I am a part of a part of my unified effort and my goals, then, and only then can I find others to connect to, and only then the world will stick together.

Giving to give*

by Anna

Marzullo

I have problems with giving things away.

Ever since I was a child, I would give everything away, from my lunch to my clothes. Perhaps it is just the way I have been brought up, or perhaps it is because of the subconscious hope of making the world just one tiny bit better, even for only a second.

Either way, I have always obeyed this impulse to give whatever I can to anyone who asks for it. The door to my house is always open, as are the door to my refrigerator and the door to my closet. An unfortunate event, however, came very close to changing me forever.

I was volunteering at a fundraiser at school on a recent snowy Saturday.

Having deposited my purse and coat along with the rest of the volunteers' belongings, I immediately began helping out. At the conclusion of the fund-raiser, two of my friends and I, the last three volunteers to leave, went to retrieve our things and discovered some of them to be missing.

While my coat was to be found mine and my friend's purse were gone. My emotions began with disbeUef, followed by helplessness, followed immediately by fury, and concluding with pure annoyance.

I had things in there, things I needed and that were of absolutely no use to the person who stole them. I had been volunteering, for goodness' sake - who in their right mind would steal something from a volunteer?

Was this person aware of the fact that, had they simply asked me for whatever they were desperately in need of, I would have

gladly given it to him or her?

This person obviously needed a hobby, and had they asked I would have suggested knitting. I would also have recommended to him or her that should they decide to make this disgusting event a hobby, they might wish to check into what they were stealing because I had almost no cash - while other purses around mine had had a significant amounts of money.

It was quite a bit of a bother for something I would have gladly given them if they had simply asked, whether he or she had needed my phone, money, my wallet or anything else.

The people^ around us wl commit this kind ( crime are bored individuals for whom I suggest hobbies that do not involve criminal penalties.

Theft is a crime. If the crime is committed because there was nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon or because the individual wished to be exactly like me or because he or she is a kleptomaniac, might I suggest seeking professional help?

This event almost led me to try to stop my habit of giving things to people. After all, if it was just going to be stolen from me anyway, why go though motions of helping?

No amount of helping was going to keep these despicable criminals from steaUng again.

Then I reaUzed that should I stop trying, these vile thieves would have won. T h e j ^ would have gotten more than just a stupi^B purse and my cell phone and wallet and driver's licence. They would have made the world that much worse by taking away just (continued on page 5)

Commentary 5

SOUTHVVORDS • APRIL 26. 2002

Student Opinion

The shame in it all

by Kristen McCluskey Imagine that every time that you go to buy mascara, eyeliner, Upstick, concealer, deodorant, aftershave, or even perfume, you have contributed to the cruel and inhumane tests and deaths with animals that could be prevented by using an alternative product.

What exactly does cruelty to animals mean? Cruelty means the willful or wanton infliction of pain, suffering, or death upon an animal, or the intentional or malicious neglect of an animal. This is done every day to animals for reasons that should not even exist.

In order for you to smell better, look better, and feel better, animals have to suffer and go through a tremendous amount of pain for things that are not even beneficial to human Ufe. One such test that animals have to endure is called the Draize Test.

"I can't imagine a more frivolous or unjnecessary cruelty," said Tina Brackenbush, PETA's West Coast coordinator.

The Draize test is is performed by placing cosmetic products into the eyes of rabbits and other animals. The amount of pain and torture that this animal goes through is unbeUevable. If the animal does not die, they often end up blind and suffering for a long time.

If an ingredient has to be tested on an animal, it should not be a part of a cosmetic product," said Dr. Elliot Katz, who is the president of In Defense of Animals in Corte Madera, CaUfomia.

Most of the animal rights activists have

focused much of their time and efforts on the cosmetics field because most people find this essential to human life. The truth is that there are alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics. Animals are not needed to be the subjects.

Yet they still are being used by many cosmetic firms— why can't they switch when there are still many forms of alternative testing?

One alternative is to use computers to determine the human reaction to new cosmetics.

Another alternative to measure the safety of makeup products by experimenting by the utilization of the "in-vitro" method on cloned cell cultures in test tubes and dishes.

These alternatives were designed to replace some of the cruel tests, for example the Draize test, when substances are injected into the eyes of rabbits to determine the level of irritation.

These alternatives have also replaced the skin irritation tests that apply substances to shaved portions of conscious animals.

"Animal testing for cosmetics is unnecessary and not even needed now that we have alternatives to these cruel tests," said Michelle, who is involved in APSCA. So the next time that you go to buy mascara, lipstick, or any other cosmetic product take a second and check the label to see if the product you are about to buy is animal friendly. It is important that each and every one of us does our part.

<

o

o

ing for money on the streets are going to spend it on drugs, and our friends or associates do not really need whatever it is they are asking for, they just want it.

All this, however, is beside the point.

By giving, even just a Httle, we get that warm, fuzzy feeUng inside, and that makes it all worth it. We should be giving because we can, because we want to, because it is the right thing to do, and because there needs to be just that much more good in the world to fight against all the bad that surrounds us.

I think that if students want to practice their religion on school grounds, I have no problem with it as long as it stays out of the classroom.

-Karolyn Schultz, 04

a o

(continuedfrom page 4) one tiny bit of goodness.

What I do is very, very little, but if every thief in the world could keep all their victims from giving any act of generosity, then we would be living in a veritable hell on earth because almost no one would be doing good.

By still doing what I could to be generous, I had beaten them and all they had to show for what they had done was a crime and five dollars.

As a society, we have stopped giving.

The charities are all corrupt, the people ask-

I'm in tavor ot any inclusive club...oh wait, that doesn't apply in this case.

-Drew Huening, '02

It's a great opportunity for athletes to share opinions across sjjorts' borders .

-Mr. Reese, Athletic Director

o o I don't agree with it because they are setting themselves further from the rest of Maine South.

-Michelle Penn, 04

6 Commentary:

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 26, 2002

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Student Opinion

True love of the game*

by Daniel Leung

I have always loved challenges. When I was four, I enjoyed playing games. They have always fascinated me, whether a board game or a ball game. It is because of this passion that one day, I encountered chess.

As an elementary student, I loved chess, not because of the arduous task of trying to beat the person across from me, but because I loved the trophies.

I was the archetype of what Mr. Deger calls a conquistador, searching for gold, glory, and God. Since then, I have had my share of trophies, and I have started to truly understand what this complex game is all about.

Chess has made me a stronger and a more experienced human being. Because of my start on the quest for perfect chess, I have experienced kindness, stress, thankfiilness, and even death. I have learned true kindness from my private teacher because of the extra time he always gave me his encouragements and his belief in my ability.

Stress has always been present whenever I have faced a strong opponent. I have always been thankful for winning important games. Finally, even death has had its toll in my Ufe as a chess competitor, as my kind

chess teacher passed away last December due to poor health. All of my experiences fit together like small pieces of a complete puzzle. The end result has built the character of the person that I am today. It is because of this that I feel so close to the game.

Thanks to chess, I have also met many great people. In my chess career, I have made many friends, both at Maine South and all across the United States. Meeting new chess players has been a blessing because they are all intelligent in their own ways.

Because I constantly see the same people at tournaments, I get to know them. We get to know each other and each other's ideas.

The cosmopoUtan atmosphere at chess tournaments is a part of what makes chess so great.

Another great thing about chess is that it is an escape from the world around you.

When I am playing chess, I forget about the hectic things in my Ufe and concentrate on how to improve my position, evolve my pieces, and ultimately win the game.

Whenever there are too many problems in my life to deal with, I go to a chessboard and study by myself or I play on the computer. Playing chess helps me to focus my

energy. Then, after I am done playing a game, I am revived and ready to deal with the tasks at hand.

Chess is like a panacea. Just being able to get away for a while into the complex game helps to fix many tribulations.

Finally, chess is a great game that challenges the mind. The best way to challenges the mind is by acquiring more knowledge.

For just sixty-four squares on the board, there is so much that can be calculated and so many ideas that can be invented. In fact, it is evolution that has made homo sapiens thirst for knowledge and retro ideas.

Chess is a game that possesses these characteristics. Much like exploring the enigma of the 30-60-90 triangles, chess will rattle up the two halves of the cerebrum in your head Uke the kernels of popcorn inside the microwave.

A selfless, Chinese bureaucrat that im^ proved life of others named Li Bing woull greatly approve of this game. He appreciated art and things that improved others for the better.

I agree with Li Bing and so with complete sincerity, I say that I play chess for the love of the game.

Can you guess what this is?

Pictured above is a ball of the gum collected from under the cafeteria tables throughout third quarter. Maine Souths's custodial staff asked for these pictures to be printed to persuade students to dispose of their gum properly into trash cans.

iFeatures 7

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 26, 2002

Religion...in schools?

by Emily Haak John Adams, President of the Senate in 1789, read over the parchment paper as he furrowed his brow in close examination of the proposed amendments to the Constitution. He read the first sentence of the foremost amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

As a country founded on many principles of religious freedom. Congress advocated the complete separation of church and state. As Thomas Jefferson stated, the Establishment Clause was intended to place a "wall of separation between church and state."

So now, fast-forward to a little over 200 years.

Public schools are one of the largest representations of the government as they are subject to state and federal legislature and receive aid from the government.

Often, people automatically squawk if there is even a trace of religion present in a pubUc school. There should be absolutely no religion in pubUc schools, right?

Under the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, that is not exactly true, schools cannot support any one religion, but they cannot discriminate against religion either If a student says grace out-loud, many people raise their eyebrows. But, the Constitution allows for such an event. To suppress it would be violating the student's Constitutional rights.

If a teacher recites a prayer in the classroom, he would undoubtedly be fired. If, however, he says a prayer in the faculty lounge, then it is okay.

Teaching the Bible, as long as it is not biased with the teacher's personal religious views has been deemed acceptable.

So, what happens when a religious group wants to meet at a school?

This is allowed under the Equal Access Act. The Equal Access Act states that all non-curriculum based groups, including religious ones, should have equal access to

school facilities to hold meetings, as well as to school mediums to announce such meetings.

In Lamb's Chapel v. Moriches School District (1993), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the school district violated Lamb's Chapel's right to free speech by denying them access to the school during non-instructional hours. The church wanted to show a video regarding family values and child rearing from a religious perspective.

Since the school was open to other groups in the community desiring to address the same issue, the Supreme Court ruled that Lamb's Chapel should be as well.

The Lamb's Chapel case supports the Constitutionality of the Equal Access Act, and allows for religious groups to meet at public schools, provided the religious group and the school comply with important stipulations.

The Lamb's Chapel case provides general guidelines for these rules and regulations. First, the meeting of the religious group did not revolve around anything specifically religious. It did not, for instance, hold a worship session at the school. Furthermore, the event was open to the entire community, not just citizens of a particular religion or creed.

In addition, the meeting was held in the evening, well after the instructional hours of the school had ended. Just as many private groups are allowed access to schools after hours, so are rehgious groups.

Lamb's Chapel did not try to secure any special privileges from the school. They were afforded the same rights to the school's facilities as all other private groups. Any grant to religious groups that is more lenient than that given to secular groups would cause a serious problem and would be in violation of the Establishment Clause.

Perhaps most importantly, the religious group's meeting involved absolutely no school sponsorship or district endorsement

of any kind whatsoever. Lamb's Chapel met at the school of its own free will, and was not assisted in planning or any other activities by the school.

The Equal Access Act has changed pubhe school policies across the nation. Since the Act is relatively new, many students who attend public school are unfamiliar with its policies regarding religious groups.

So, student led prayers around the flagpole are legal. If a student wants to wear a T-shirt with a religious slogan, that is fineit is an expression of free speech. Students are even allowed to try to persuade others of their religious views, providing they were not harassing anyone- just as if a student was trying to persuade someone of his pohtical views. All such acts are not only legal, but they support the very ideals of the Constitution that John Adams signed 200 years ago.

r SIDTIWIIBS A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School n i l South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 I Letters to the editor should be delivered to I room V-131 or given toamemberoftheedii torial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the \ right to edit material for clarity and brevity I and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief Britt Frederiksen Megan Gibbons I I News Editors Monica Bysiecki I Caroline Kim I Commentary Editors Deanna Oleske Tracy Schmidt I Features Editors Eileen Colhns I Emily Haak I I Sports Editors Austin Gibbons Kristi Katz i Jim Puis I Production Editors Dan Saavedra ] Core Photographers Rachel Kalom i Core Staff Artist Salena Retsos I Advisor T.R. Kerth

J

8 Features!

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 26, 2002

The heart of Uptown: Thai

by Eileen Collins and Lauren Savastio Carts hitting your knees? Constantly for the future of the library. The first is a ter of town than those under the age of 25. watching to ensure you don't squash new, 80,000 square foot, three-story hbrary THE LIBRARY someone's feet? Standing uncomfortably located in its current location, on Prospect close to the woman who thinks that if she Ave. near six-comers. The second is conThe Library Board of Trustees recomkeeps moving up, so will the Une? structing a new library at mid-block along Why would anyone rough this? After with 30,000 feet of ground retail space. The mends the construction of a new 80,000 graduation, it's mainly college-bound stu- third scenario is a moving a new library to square foot library, at its current location. dents who reaUze the excitement of crowded Touhy and the railroad viaduct, along with The total predicted cost for demolition, temaisles in IKEA and other home furnishing 70,000 feet of ground retail space along porary quarters, and construction is estimated between 17 and 18 milhon dollars. stores. It's all for the sake of decorating a Prospect and Touhy.

The current library is 36,000 feet, and the shoebox-sized room, where they will spend Board feels that a larger facihty is necesat least the next year of their lives.

THE PUBLIC sary "for the residents of Park Ridge to enThe opportunity to redecorate your dwelling is not an everyday one and hence proThe citizens-at-large have donated a lot joy the services that can now only be enviduces enthusiasm. An even more extraordi- of input at the nine public meetings held be- sioned." Such prospective services include nary opportunity would be to remodel the tween April and June 2000. According to the cultural programming, a highly advanced central part of your city.

Uptown Advisory Task Force, about 270 electronic technology laboratory, and video conferencing capabihty.

That opportunity has befallen the resi- people attended the meetings.

Since 1995 numerous efforts have been dents of Park Ridge. With the City's acquiAs for the library, "The overwhelming made to maximize the use of the cursition of Bredemann Buick and rent hbrary. However the collection Toyota property, there is a lot of room of books and other resources has beer for change. One of the central debates Come to the next meeting about Uptown obstructed in growth due to the siz is what to do about the building that redevelopment at City Hall on June lOth at of the building. In fact, there was 0%" currently stands at the heart of the 7:30pm if you want to voice your opinion growth in fiscal year 98/99, after the Uptown areaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Park Ridge Pubabout the library. hbrary had to enact a "one in/one out" lic Library. pohcy for attaining new materials.

The Library Board feels the library NEED FOR CHANGE majority opinion was that the Park Ridge should remain at its current site, as a result While the City's newsletter. The Spokes- Public Library should remain in its current of resident surveys. In the previously menman, vaguely expresses the objective of location." Citizens expressed a view of the tioned "Uptown Redevelopment Survey Uptown redevelopment as "to improve and hbrary as symboUc of community values and 2000" 85.5% Uked the hbrary's current loenhance various aspects of the Uptown en- culture. However, the need for a new or ex- cation, in the hbrary's "Community Input vironment," there are many other specific panded hbrary was also strongly reinforced. Survey" 87.9% felt this way, and in an indefactors involved.

Views surrounding increased retail were pendently conducted survey by Northern IIChairman Ellen Upton of the Uptown Ad- much more diverse. Some felt that none was hnois University 82.8% wanted to see the visory Task Force, which was appointed by needed, some wanted national retail chains, library's location remain the same. The Mayor Ronald Wietecha over two years ago, and others wanted to see more small bou- Board further feels the hbrary's central ponotes, "What happens to one area of Uptown tiques. The wish for a large bookstore was sition serves as an anchor for Uptown busiaffects the other: land use poUcies will af- mentioned at almost every public meeting. nesses. fect traffic, pedestrian movement and parkIn addition to the pubUc meetings, the A PLACE FOR TEENS ing, and the design issues will affect the char- "Uptown Redevelopment Survey 2000" was acter (the feel) of the area." mailed in April to every resident address in Although the major topic in Uptown reDespite necessary changes to ensure a the city. 2,669 surveys were returned (includdevelopment is the hbrary, many other issuccessful business district and improve- ing 233 from Uptown businesses). sues have come up. Ask any Park Ridge teen ment of public facilities, one of the other According to the survey results, responwhat they call their town, and the answer main objectives given by the Uptown Advi- dents as a whole "were satisfied with the would be "Action Ridge."

Teens at Mair] sory Task Force is preservation of "histori- suitabihty of the library location," and "inSouth constantly joke about how there cal buildings, small-town character, and dicated very strong support for keeping the nothing to do in Park Ridge.

By nine o'clock other qualities that give Uptown its special hbrary in the center of Uptown." Although on a Saturday night the streets are empty. identity." attitudes generally did not fluctuate across All Park Ridge teens have gone to neighAccording to Section Two of the Uptown age groups, residents 65 and older were more boring cities to have fun and just hang out.

Draft Plan, there are three basic scenarios supportive of keeping the hbrary at the cen-

iFeatures 9

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 26, 2002

•Park Ridge Public Library In a recent survey of forty-five Maine go. We will just have to find another place."

South students, 66.7% said they wanted a place for teens Uptown. Only 13.3% said MARKET ANALYSIS they did not. And 20% said they didn't know or didn't care. The results are overwhelmIf the library is moved, the question of ing—kids need and want somewhere to go. what will go at the center of town remains.

Now, with the debate over Uptown rede- Currently, the idea of bigger and better stores velopment, teens are pushing for their own seams to appeal to many. Some people beplace in the Uptown area. According to a lieve large, crowd-drawing stores are summary of Public Comments from the needed. At many Uptown Redevelopment Uptown Advisory Task Force requests for a teenage spot in the deWhat should happen to the library? velopment process are being made.

Specific suggestions include a bowl1 2 % Rebuilt ing alley, pool hall, arcade/restaurant, 9% Don't and know/care Relocated clothes stores for teens, skateboard park, and a late night/early morning coffee house. ^ ^ ^ H 2 9 % Remain the same Maine South junior Morgan 5 0 % R e b u i l ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^f^r in same Sokes believes a place for teens location would be great. "The only place teenagers go is Starbucks, and that closes I really early. We need a place to hang out."

Senior Mary Payne agrees. "Park Ridge has Limited the teens in what meetings the suggestion of a large bookstore they can do. We need something directed has come up. However, many of the retailmore at us." ers in the Uptown area said more retail is Many people seem to feel an area for unnecessary. There is already a lack of inteens would bring unwanted problems. terest and some vacancies.

Some believe kids from other towns would According to the Uptown Market Analycome into Park Ridge and corrupt the youth. sis Summary prepared by Valerie S. Maine South students seem to disagree. "We Kretchmer Associates, Inc., many Park all know kids from other towns anyway. We Ridge resident leave the town when doing can make good decisions if given the op- major shopping due to the lack of stores portunity," says senior Tina Lukas.

Teens don't necessarily want the library to be moved, but they do Should there be a place for teens Uptown? want a place in Park Ridge designated to teens. In fact, many students would like the library to remain where it is, but still have a place for teens. Of the students surveyed, 50% wanted the Ubrary re67% YES built in the same location. Only 12% wanted the library rebuilt in a different location and 29% wanted kthe library to remain exactly the 'same. Nine percent said they didn't know or didn't care. Maine South senior Dan Saavedra says, "I think most available. The stores that are interested in people want the library to remain at the cen- moving into the Uptown area (Old Navy, ter of town, but teens still want a place to Gap, Banana RepubUc, Ann Taylor, Barnes

r^

and Noble, and Borders) are not interested in the Bredemann site. The space where the library currently is located is the most desirable land for new stores. The new stores would then be in the center of town and mixed with the current traditional stores.

Having stores in this location would attract consumers and increase business in the Uptown area. However, this scenario would cause the library to be moved.

According to the Uptown Advisory Task Force, the overwhelming opinion of Park Ridge residents is that the Ubrary should remain where it is. Although some businesses believe larger stores in that location will attract more people to the Uptown area, this may not be true. In a survey conducted by the Park Ridge Public Library of 846 people who visited the Ubrary, 76% said their trip to the library was the primary reason they came Uptown that day. Furthermore, of that 76%, an overwhelming majority, 82% planned to stop elsewhere Uptown. This would leave a person to beUeve that having the Ubrary Uptown actually attracts consumers.

It is not only residents who have shown support for the Ubrary. In the Uptown Redevelopment Survey of 2000, business survey respondents were generally satisfied with the Ubrary location and the appearance of the Uptown area.

All in all, it is hard to say whether or not new stores would improve the community, but it does seem clear that both residents and business owners agree the library should remain where it is.

GET INVOLVED For individuals who are interested in learning more about Ubrary issues, as well as additional Uptown redevelopment issues, such as a new teen center, the next Public Hearing will take place at Park Ridge City Hall on June 10th, at 7:30pm. It is a rare and exciting opportunity to take part in remodeling the heart of your city.

10 Sports

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 26, 2 0 0 2

We play, we win Breabut

by Mike Zuhr Finally, the year's baseball season is underway. The snow has left and the sun is shining. The Hawks recently took on ranked Fremd Vikings and defeated them in the first game 2-0.

Mark Ori set the pace on the mound striking out 13 batters and walking none. Tom Balazs was the hitting star going 3 for 3 with 2 triples. He also scored the game winning run on Mike Zuhr's two out bunt single. The second game of the double header was called due to darkness and ended in a 1-1 tie.

Against Niles North, the Hawks jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead, behind the bats of Mark Ori and Jamie Friel. Craig Murray faced nine batters, striking out all of them.

The final score of the game was 12-5.

The Hawks extended their winning streak against Maine West, Highland Park, 5th ranked Schaumburg, and GBS behind strong pitching performances from Bryan Smaha, Mark Ori, Jamie Friel, and Craig Murray. It is no secret that the Hawks posess the best pitching staff in the state.

However, the bats are coming alive, finally giving the much needed support this great staff deserves. The Hawks continue to prove themselves defeating top ranked opponents, as much tougher competition awaits the Hawks. Such teams as Niles West, ranked Libertyville, and GBN stand ready to take on the future of the Hawks. However, the Hawks are confident that by continuing to take each game inning by inning and with the support of the right field bleacher bums, no team can stand in their way.

Opportunity awaits

by Claire Bartel Albert Einstein once said, "In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity", and as the girls' soccer team faced five teams in the past week they found that to be quite true to fact. In the five game span, the Hawks were victorious in 3 games, and they tied in 2.

The Hawks opened the long stretch versus Glenbrook North and outplayed them, 3-0.

The following day, at Loyola, the Hawks flew by 4-1, and the very next day versus Maine West the Hawks crushed them 6-0.

Although all the games were tough, the Hawks were not forced to play their "A Game" until Friday when they took on scrappy Hinsdale South. Playing at Wilson Field, Chrissy Berke assisted Stacy Hendrickson's goal as the lone goal for the Hawks, but Hinsdale came back with one of their own as they tied the game 1-1.

The Hawks had a day off from games to practice and get their game back to perfection, but during that time they found

out that their next opponent had moved up in the rankings; longtime rival. New Trier They were now ranked the first team in the state. The Hawks entered the game with confidence, and knew that they could play with the best in the state, and that they did. The thrilling game ended up in a tie, with each team scoring two goals. Kimmy Talaga netted the Hawks' first goal with one minute remaining in the first half, and Stacy Hendricksen scored the Hawks' second goal with about thirty seconds remaining in the second half. Unfortunately, the Trevians came back and scored two goals, but the Hawks were very happy with how they played.

As the season continues to roll on, the girls will face an arduous schedule, especially in the two- weekend Naperville North Invitational. With past victories and confidence in their play, the Hawks are sure they will find opportunity in the middle of difficulty and seize it.

the bats!

Hawks travel to Elgin Slugfest

by Nicole Nellessen "We are family. I got all my sisters with me!" With the concept of a family- tough love- the 2002 varsity girls' softball team has soared to new height in their first ten games.

With a 5-5 record, the Hawks have beaten such teams as St. Viators. Specifically i conference, we have triumphed over bi time rivals like Niles West and Evanston.

Keeping things in the family is the pitching with.Tricia Diduch, behind the plate, and pitcher, Kelly Oenning. Their sisters next in line, Emily Schluter, Katy Solari, and Margie Norris are also solid, with Schulter having six strikeouts in the game against Hoffman Estates.

The bats are also starting to come around as Liz Bondi, Britt Luxton, and Nicole Cummings concentrate on sparking the offense. Bondi is looking decent, with seven homeruns under her belt.

Then there are the girls with wheels.

Nicole Nellessen, Danielle Jenero, and Alex Aufmann are setting down strategic bunts to help set up for steals and eventually runs.

Who can forget Maria Colleti, bearing down with the sun in left? Her amazing throws to home can never be praised enough. And finally there is Anne Forde.

After sitting out the first nine games because of a foot injury, Forde is back in full swing, bringing up the sand around second base.

With the great chemistry amongst the si: ters, Maine South's Girls' Varsity Softb team has lots of potential for this season.

We look to take conference and be major competitors in upcoming tournaments, specifically the Elgin Slugfest.

h

$Dorts 11

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 26, 2 0 0 2 ^HMHH •

^

•

•

"

•

RIying high

by Austin Gibbons The Hawks are flying high, heading into the meat of the season. These meets will prepare them for the 5-month goal at hand: a chance to run at the state meet in Normal, Illinois. Athletes all over the state lay their hearts on the Une for one chance. The Hawks have been after that all year long, and now the hard work will pay off.

The Hawks were victorious at the District 207 meet at Maine East on April 10, 2002 After 11 years of having the trophy here at Maine South, it was lost last year.

The Hawks came to avenge the loss this year, and they did so in magnificent proportions. After all but one event, the score was tied 54-54, and with the state champion Hawks running the 4x400 relay, the Hawks snagged the trophy back. Winners were Joe

Janik (lOOM), David Skiba (110 High Hurdles), Chris Mitchell (High Jump), Tony Marcinek (Pole Vault), Ken Johnson (400M), Tony LoBianco (1600M), Vince Natali (Shot Put, Discus), 4x2(X)M relay (Janik, Mike Psaltis, Mark Annes, Pawel Lewkowski), and the 4x400M relay (Janik, Johnson, Marcinek, Mitchell). The Hawks pulled away with the meet winning 86-79.

Regaining the prestigious 207 trophy.

The Hawks are off to the Glenbrook North Spartan Relays today. And tomorrow they look to better their performance from last year at the Morton Invitational. It's all about dedication as the Hawks look to push through the bulk of the season and come out the other side, with many state qualifiers and possible champions.

Volleyball serves it up The boys'volleyball team has been serving out the losses to their opponents in past weeks. They have really proved themselves this season with a 6-2 record. The Hawks showed their might a few weekends ago at the Rolling Meadows Tournament, where they stole the championship. They defeated 4 team to take that throne. They defeated Rolling Meadows 13-15, 16-14, 15-13; /> -=

^^>^^J *^^^^# Baseball

r f ^

April 2.6

vs Libertyville 4:30pm

Softball Girls'Soccer

Fremd, 15-7, 15-13; Addison Trail, 12-15, 15-11, 15-13; St. Viator's, 15-5, 15-7. Instead of ecei ving a trophy for their hard work at the tournament, they receied championship t-shirts.

They also have defeated Notre Dame and Maine West, and taken losses only to Stevenson and Maine West. They are rolling through a great year.

Readytoplay

by Kaitlin Moran Despite the fact that the Glenbrook South badminton had to hide behind their boys' volleyball team, due to a slight scheduling mix-up on April 10,2002, the Hawks were ready to play.

The game was rescheduled for April 12, 2002 and the Hawks took on the competition. It was a hard fought meet, losing only 5-10. The week before, however, the team crushed the competition from Maine West, so the Hawks talent has become quite apparent.

Then at the East Aurora Quad Tournament each and every member of the Varsity squad medalled, leaving them with a 2nd place finish in the overall tournament.

The week of April 8, 2002 was a touch one as the Hawks faced the highly seeded teams of Deerfield, Evanston, and New Trier. I think Magda and Allison put it best when singing a badminton modified version of "Staying Ahve."

We are looking forward to the Evanston ABCD Tournament and the Lake Forest and Leyden meets to bring up the team record. The team is looking for the sport that each member of the team knows that Maine South knows and loves. \

w/c Highlights April 2.7 @ Glenbrook North D-H

April 2 8

April 2.9

April 3 0 vs. Waukegan 4:30pm

@ Elgin/Larkin Slugfest

vs. Niles West

@ Downers Grove South

vs. Waukegan 4:30pm

4:30pm

@ Naperville North Tournament

Boys' Gymnastics Boys'Volleyball Boys'Track Girls'Track

@ Downers Grove S. 5:00pm @ GBN Relays 2:00pm

@ Morton Invitational 10:00am

@ Elk Grove Invite 4:30pm

Badminton ^^

^

2%M2, SPORTS Season starts to heat up Baseball • Softball • Outdoor Track • Badminton • Girls' Soccer • Boys' Gymnastics • Boys' Volleyball

by Steffen Mirsky Just as the weather warms up, the Maine South boys' tennis team heats up as well.

Coming into the prestigious Maine South Invitational in last place in the Central Suburban League South, with a measly 03 record, they proved that that record was a fluke as they charged into third place in a tough Hawk Invite.

As hosts of this prestigious meet and the recipients of perfect weather, the stage was set for a stellar Hawk performances. And they delivered.

At Number 1 Singles, Steffen Mirsky took an impressive fourth place. At Second Singles, David Ptak took a very hard earned first place medal.

Number 1 and Number 3 Doubles took solid fourth place finishes, while Ken Dollaske and Matt

Bochenek took second in Second Doubles.

A hard earned third place was just what the

Hawks needed to ease the pain of the sun-

bum, and to make the visor bums on their forehead worth the pain and humiliation.

It also helped in getting charged up for the oncoming onslaught of the state's top teams.

Aside from the Hawk Invite, JP Allen's quality Spring Assembly speech was a very accurate summary of the first quarter of the season.

As the Hawks look to the future the Hawks are preparing for the state's top teams, as they played #1 New Trier on April ^ ^ and are ready fW^ Glenbrook South today, April 26. The Hawks are bouncing back.

The team looks to continue to make their mark in the conference.

The energizer bunnies Hey Seniors!

by Jenny Heffeman "They keep going, and going, and going..." On their fourth consecutive month of competition, the girls' track team is blazing past the opponents.

After spring break, on April 5, the team braved the cold for a bout against Resurrection. Due to the frigid temperatures and the quickly fleeing daylight, the meet was cut short.

Thanks to the wise and cunning judgement of Coaches Downing and Gaubauer, the teams stayed long enough to run the 1600M. Maine South finished first before its cancellation with strong efforts by both the junior varsity and varsity squads.

The next meet attended by the mighty Hawks was the District 207 meet. Hosted at

Maine West, the three "Maines" faced off in an attempt to gain glory for their school.

The girls went into the competition with the intent to gain back the championship trophy, which they lost last year after holding it for an amazing ten years. Despite awesome efforts from all, and many earned medals, the Hawks efforts did not prove enough, as Maine West edged them out on both the junior varsity and varsity levels.

After that difficult loss, the runners have worked even harder at practice, toughing out the beating rays, and risking tans, for the greater good of the team.

Although all home meets are over, the girls still need support. The speedsters are aiming to do well and need the Hawks to cheer them on.

Southwords needs pictures of the Maine Soutli2002 Senior Class.

Pictures will be used for the 2002 Senior Issue.

Please bring photos. to V-131, or give them to any Southwords editor.