Vol 39 issue 11

ODTH

maine MARCH 7, 2003

township

high

s

S. DEE ROAD - PARK RIDGE ILLINOIS 60068

VOL. 39, NO. 11

A whale of a tale

Maine South students were gn-en the opportunity to help rescue tMs rare whale. Kokomo. but the offer carrre tnn Inr.

».^. on page 2

In This

NEWS:

COMMENTARY:

FEATURES:

kciif^li>bUt^.

R U N N I N G FOR STUDENT COUNCIL

AFFIRMATIVE

T H E COST

BOYS'

ACTION

OF DIVORCE

SWIMMING

SPORTS:

2ÂŤJews

SOUTHWORDS -MARCH 7, 2003

Killing buckthorn

by Melanie Richter At 9:00 am tomorrow morning, Mr. Myrick will continue his crusade against the invading buckthorn in the Dam No. 4 Woods. Membersof his AP Environmental Science (APES) class will accompany him in cutting and dragging this foreign species into piles to be burned at a later time.

The buckthorn is a fast growing plant that quickly covers the forest floor. Its cover prevents flowers and new trees from growing by blocking out the sun. This poses a serious problem to squirrels and other tree dwellers by limiting the number of trees in which they can live.

The buckthorn also does not produce food for any of the native species in the Park Ridge forests.

Calvin Hildebrandt, a Division Superintendent for the Cook County Forest Preserves, refers to the plant as "terrible" and "a menace." He has seen firsthand the damage done in other forests due to buckthorn and knows how hard it is to get

/T

rid of this resilient plant.

With a similar opinion of buckthorn, Mr. Myrick has been convincing his students to wake up early on some Saturday mornings to help cut for almost two years. The work is labor intensive but gives obvious results. The part of the forest already cut has a clear floor so that sunlight can reach it and aid in the germination of new generations of native plants.

The APES students understand from their studies of the environment and its workings how important it is to keep invasive species out of Park Ridge's forests; many would help cut the plant even without the added incentive of extra credit. For the animal residents of Park Ridge, buckthorn is a very real threat as it begins to change the speciation of the Cook County Forest Preserves.

The threat of buckweed is great; the appearance and health of the forests are in danger. Hopefully, Park Ridge's Forest Preserve won't change for the worse.

T@y/^

u

2,000 feet under the sea

by Ellen Dwyer Maine South students were offered the chance to help rescue Kokomo, a rare pygmy sperm whale, which was beached on January 23 in Florida, but the rescue efforts failed when Kokomo died on February 27.

The government planned on leaving the sick whale on the beach to die, but Rich Trout and Robert Lingenfelsev, both commercial divers, risked arrest and hoisted this 800pound mammal to a nearby saltwater motel pool in Isla Morada and later to a lagoon in Key Largo. Divers and doctors were nursing Kokomo back to health, hoping to release him back into the wild soon, but their efforts failed. Doctors will autopsy the whale to determine its cause of death.

Maine South's Mrs. Kirley's brother is a newspaper journalist following Kokomo's story, and he has offered Maine South aquatics and environmental classes to participate in a videoconference with T ^ ^ k and Lingenfelsev, the two divers who ris^^j^ prosecution to save Kokomo.

In addition to this opportunity, Maine South students vacationing in Florida are offered the chance to intern at the facility where Kokomo was held. "It's such an incredible experience," said Mrs. Kirley. If interested, please contact Mrs. Kirley in the PE office.

^n

^

March 7, 1530 - Pope Henry denies King Henry VIU's divorce request, at which point Henry declares himself the supreme head of the Church of England.

March 7, 1857 - Baseball decides nine innings constitutes an official game, not nine runs.

March 7, 1912 - Roald Amundsen announces the discovery of the South Pole.

March 7. 1926 - The first transatlantic telephone call goes from London to New York.

March 7, 1933 - T h e game of Monopoly is invented.

V

March 7, 1975 - The Senate revises the filibuster rule, only allowing debate to continue if 60 senators are present.

J

soirrn\\( )R[)s •

MARCH i. 2003

And the Student Council candidates are...

Daniel Leung Treasurer

I have been at Maine South for two years and have just joined Student Council this year. It is a humbling experience to help collect money for food drive. In 1 Corinthians, Saint Paul writes, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts... If the foot should say because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason ease to be part of the body." ach of the different groups represents the arms and the legs of Maine South and Student Council is the eye. I am running for Treasurer, because I wish to ensure the best for Maine South and to unite our school as one.

m

Michael Verre Treasurer

Hi, my name is Michael Verre. and I believe that I would best serve Student Council by being elected Treasurer for two important reasons: I exceed the qualifications and I am willing to put forth the effort necessary to make next year the best it can be. My academic record proves that I'm responsible enough to budget Student Council's funds.

This past year I've been active in Student Council serving as Organizations Chairman, and with a lighter schedule, I'll be able to help out even more next year. Please choose me for Treasurer - I promise that you will not be disappointed.

Kristi Katz Secretary

My name is Kristi Katz, and I am running for the position of Secretary. I feel that I am the most qualified candidate for the position of Student Council Secretary, because I have been serving in this position for the past year. I know what the position involves and the responsibilities that go along with it. I also have insight as to what changes need to be made next year. I have a great deal of experience with Student Council itself; I have been involved with the organization since sophomore year. Please vote for me, Kristi Katz, as Student Council secretary.

Madeline Sirmbardis Secretary

My name is Madeline Sirmbardis, and I am running for Student Council Secretary.

I have done a lot with Student Council my past three years at Maine South, helping out as much as I can. My freshman year I was a homeroom representative. I was given the honor of being Treasurer my sophomore year and the VShow chair my junior year. I am looking forward to the upcoming year; I hope that I can have the great privilege of taking the Office of Secretary, so please vote for me as Secretary for next year's Student Council.

Markus Zei President

Jack Montgomery Vice President

Eric Precak Vice President

As this past year's Vice President, I am qualified for the position of President.

Having been a Complex Leader and Officer will benefit the student body, because I have insight into presidential duties. Though the responsibility is great, I am willing to pommit the time necessary to run Student rCouncil effectively. Furthermore, I am committed to serving you, the students. I would appreciate your enthusiasm for next year's Student Council.

I'm Jack Montgomery, a sophomore, and I am running for Vice President in the Student Council election on March 7. If you vote for me as Vice President, I will hold the office with the same efficiency that I possess as Publicity Committee Chairman. As Vice President, I will work very hard and be sure that the needs of the student body are met, and will keep an open ear to all of your opinions. So, on March 7, please go and vote Jack Montgomery for Vice President.

I tend to sec myself as someone who really knows "what's goin' on." In many respects, I feel I have a real good grasp on reality. If elected Vice President. I would ensure that the entire student body will be able to have an influence on Student Council affairs. By finding out what individual students want, I will be able to create a Student Council that will respond better to all student concerns.

In general, I am going to make an effort "to keep it real."

4 Commentary

SOUTHWORDS • MARCH 7, 2003

•Student Opinion-

me ecliiDrsJ

by Emily Haak Dolly, age six, passed away on Friday, February 14, due to progressive lung disease. Dolly was happily bred with a Welsh Mountain Ram, David, and was the loving mother of six healthy sheep. The entire scientific community mourns her passing, and the autopsy, er.. .service, will be held at the Roslin Institute in Scotland.

Researchers aren't positive why Dolly died at a young age. Some believe Dolly contracted the disease by being near other diseased sheep. A number of geneticists, however, fear that she suffered a premature death since she was cloned from the cells of an adult sheep. They argue that the effects of age on a cell will be present in clones, just as it was in their ••parent".

If that is true, then scientists are in quite a pickle until they can discern a way in which to ••un-age"" cells.

The death of Dolly certainly questions the prudence of human cloning, an endeavor some scientific teams have recently taken on. The loss of one sheep is fairly inconsequential to the world; unlike oil, there are more than enough sweaters to be had. But the potential premature death of a human due to lack of information on the effects of cloning would be inexcusable and completely avoidable.

Don't misunderstand me. I am in no way against cloning; it is a feat that scientists are rapidly conquering, and I hope that many more Dollys are made and even martyred in the pursuit of knowledge.

Furthermore, once scientists have worked out all the pieces of the puzzle, there is no reason why humans should not be cloned. The benefits of such an advancement far outweigh any consequences. But until we've got this cloning thing down pat, let's not go messing around with human lives.

In the meantime, let us all pay our respects to Dolly and extend our sympathy to David. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Roslin Institute to fund its next creation.

Code of condudt

by Bill Truty "Students involved in extracurricular activities are seen as higher standard students." This is quoted directly from a Vermont high school's Extracurricular Code of Conduct. Many schools around the country have adopted a Code of Conduct since 2001. Recently, our school has adopted a Code of Conduct. It involves all students participating in athletics, school clubs, plays and band.

"The Code of Conduct is in effect 24 hours a day, every day of the year... in season and out of season, when school is in session or out of session."

This new policy boggles my mind because it is still in effect over the summer vacation. This policy ruins the idea of vacation by making it seem like every day is a school day, even on vacation.

Throughout the summer, one may encounter some trouble and the Code of Conduct will punish students at the start of the year. Summer vacation is a time for students to be themselves and not have the school looking over their shoulders. The summer is a time for family and friends, not for school or coaches.

With the new Code of Conduct, students will be guilty in the school's eyes without any proof of wrongdoing. For example, if one goes to a party with alcohol and isn't drinking, he can still be found guilty by association. This is an unfair rule. This rule punishes every single student at Maine South, including the best and worst kids, because every student has either been at a party with drinking or knows someone who has been at one.

As a student athlete, I feel this Code of Conduct will be unjustly used against student-athletes more than students involved in plays, clubs or other activities.

Unfortunately, alcohol is associated more with student athletes than with musicians, thespians, or mathletes, all of which are still extracurricular activities, just like sports.

We as students are told that we are responsible for our actions, and that we learn through our mistakes. Athletes in this school are teenagers, not professionals and need to be able to learn from mistakes, too.

Suspension for 40% of the season could ruin an athlete's scholarship opportunities.

One athlete states, '•It is unfair because luse they penalize students that represent this school in athletics and activities, and let the less involved students make bad choices and get away with them."

The school should adopt a new policy that affects all students equally.

I do not understand the reason for this Extracurricular Code of Conduct.

Consequences should be given if a student does something irresponsible, but suspending the person from athletics or clubs is not right. As children, our parents and teachers promote involvement in activities. One offense by being at a party with alcohol, but not drinking, could land that person a suspension.

Why does the school promote involvement with activities and then handcuff students with strict rules?

The school should concentrate on dealing with academics, class sizes, and smoking in bathrooms. The creators of tlfl^ code did not think it completely t h r o u g ^ ^ Maine South's new Code of Conduct is good in the sense that it discourages the use of illegal substances, but it should pertain to all students, not just those who participate in extracurricular activities.

Commentarv 5

S()UT1I\\( )RI)S • MARCH 7. 2003

Staff Opinion

•Should've, but didn't

by Caroline Kim "He has a brain tumor," said a friend.

What are you supposed to say when you are told that another friend has a brain tumor?

Or for that matter, if you are told that a friend has passed away? The immediate effect is a loss of words. You can merely mutter, "oh."

That "oh" precedes any heartache or tears because the numbness of the shock comes first. That word is spoken in the heat of a sullen, heart-dropping moment.

A couple weeks ago, I encountered that sullen, heart-dropping moment.

Though he wasn't a close friend, he had been someone that I usually hung out with because he was my friend's boyfriend a few years ago. I didn't get to know him too well, but he was a good guy with a nice smile. My friend and he dated for over a year, so he became one of my friends as well. But once they broke up, I only saw him once or twice, ^and I hadn't seen him at all in the past year.

Just over a year ago, I heard he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and I thought that I should visit him. Yet, I didn't get around to visiting him. The notion just stayed No as a passive idea, action followed that contemplation.

Then on February 15, 2003, I got a phone call from a friend asking if I had heard. I wondered what it was and said that I hadn't heard anything. Her next words filled me in; he had passed away that morning.

There it was—that sullen, heart-dropping moment, when one could merely mutter the word, "oh."

After I hung up the phone, I was only filled with one thought—"I would've. I could've. I should've, but 1 didn't." That thought I had in the past about visiting him was never carried out, and now, it was too late. I was going to visit him at his wake, I and unfortunately, I hadn't gone any sooner.

There is no point in wallowing in guilt now. Regretful events happen, but that thought and sorry feeling continued to come back to me over and over again in the following days. I shared my remorse with a

friend, and she consoled me by saying, "It's OK. Don't feel guilty."

I know that I shouldn't feel so guilty.

He got to share his remaining time on earth with his loved ones, and he is no longer in pain. That's all that matters now.

However, as I reflect on that dreary thought, I am filled with remorse. It's not just remorse for not seeing him, but it's also remorse for the other occasions when I could've, but I didn't.

Compared to how long jjeople have been living and compared to eternity, our lifetimes are fairly short, but for some, it seems so long. We think that we will live for so many more years, but honestly, how can we be so sure? No one truly knows how much more time remains in his or her lifetime.

So in light of that, I am making a vow. I promise myself that from now on whenever I have those moments where I think I should do something, I will do it. I won't try to procrastinate: I will make that passive thought active.

Everyone has at least one significant moment in their lifetime where they reflect on their past with a feeling of nostalgia and longing to go back in time to do something different. They think, "Oh darn. I should've, but I didn't."

Perhaps, there is someone who can live without ever experiencing that remorseful emotion.

I w o u l d applaud that person. For life is too short to be full of too many sorrowful regrets.

C

"1 don't want to see any type of war. Our country has already lost enough people."

-Matt Cowie -'03

>

o • 1-H

o

"War is not the way to go.

There are other alternatives besides mass destruction."

-Jessica Newton -'05

.0)

"I don't support our country going to war with Iraq because we don't need to kill more innocent people."

-Jenna Kelly -•04

X

"I think we should bomb them or take over their country."

-Tony Zuhr -'04 hv Kilex Borowski

;§

6 Commentary

SOllTHWORDS • MARCH 7, 2003

•Student Opinions

Affirmative action in Americ^ Point by Kathleen Dorsey Imagine you received a letter from a college denying your acceptance, and then you heard that your best friend was accepted.

Of course you would be jealous, but imagine if you were the one with higher grades, better recommendations, higher ACT scores, and great leadership qualities. The other difference between your best friend and you is that you are a white student and he is a black student.

He was accepted because of his race, and you, the more qualified student were denied.

Instances like these happen all the time to thousands of seniors every fall, according to a Chicago Tribune article. This is just one example of affirmative action. It is the practice of institutions giving preference to racial minorities or women when hiring employees, giving awards, or deciding who to admit. Affirmative action is not fair when deciding who gets to go to a certain college, and the system needs to be examined.

Yes, there are fewer minority students than white students in colleges now, but there are not equal percentages of Caucasians, blacks, asians, and hispanics in our country. So, clearly there should not be equal amounts of each race in colleges. For example, if only 20% of high Counterpoint by Andy Feeney Many people would argue that race should not be taken into account when colleges are accepting students, and it isn't.

Affirmative action does not discriminate. It is not about race, but more about numbers.

The majority of America is already Caucasian so saying that colleges are accepting more whites than any other race is wrong. They are accepted because of numbers.

Whites have every advantage over the minorities in America: vast numbers, good grade schools, and good high schools.

If students were admitted to college based on the percentages of the world, the majority of colleges would still be white.

If we were to admit students into college based on the idea that the percentages of minorities should mirror that of the country, the argument would no longer be about who

school students were black, then 20% of college admittances would be of that race.

Minorities should only be admitted if, and only if, they were equally qualified to go to a college as any other student would.

Students need to be challenged with other students of the same ability. A diverse classroom full of students with different backgrounds and experiences will not be beneficial to any of the students if they are not all of the same academic ability. Giving minorities the right to attend colleges for

which they are not suited does not benefit anyone.

Proposition 209, passed in California stated that "The state shall not discriminate against...any individual or group on the basis of race, sex...in public education...".

Taking race into account was also banned in Texas, Florida, and Washington.

According to lawyer Curt Levey, there is an increasing amount of "proof that race does not have to be a factor in admissions in the rest of the country."

Affirmative action cannot keep qualified students out of college. By ridding the consideration of race in college admissions, students will be equally placed in the college of their choice. Also, more flexible colleges who do not decide on a set number of freshmen can admit more students who are right for the school. ^^^ If the new admissions process g o ^ ^ into effect in the rest of America, all students will be equally considered for universities that are the best fit for them.

This would resolve the problem of reverse discrimination of Caucasian students, and give everyone a chance to really show the quality of education and hard work that he or she has.

is more qualified but strictly a matter of race. Admitting students into college based on race is a violation of equal rights.

Equality is something in which our country takes pride. Everyone has his given right to it. It is true that every person is equal in this country; however, not every person has equal opportunities.

A young hispanic girl, whose parents do not hail from the U.S., and cannot afford good schooling for their child, does not have the same opportunities as a fourth generation white child whose parents have no problem buying education.

It is naive to say that we all have equal opportunities once we set foot on this land.

It is things like affirmative action that give us all a chance to go to college and give all children a future. Affirmative action is not about taking away equal rights or

discriminating against any race. It's about giving everyone a chance. An argument cannot be fathomed that affirmative action is discrimination towards the white race.

The majority of colleges are white; it's even safe to say that white students have a better chance of getting into colleges because of numbers. The only reason why the majority of accepted college students is white is simply because a majority of America is white.

No matter how affirmative action is viewed, its a goal will always be to help those less fortunate. It was not made to set limits, and by no means had it set limits^ any particular race.

It was created to expand all races so that they may have a chance at better education.

We only limit our future by limiting the ones around us.

;Features 7

SOUTHWORDS • .MARCH 7, 2003

The color green

by Andrew Malone Green seas of people flow through the streets like a flowing river of clovers. Floats roll down the avenue with cheers of joy surrounding them. The smell of Guinness is thick in the air-it's St. Patrick's Day in Chicago.

The Chicago River is a little more green than usual, and every pub from Wrigleyville to Comiskey Park is bulging at the seams.

Bus loads of young people are dropped in the center of a green vanity fair: some wander, some stumble, some sit. A bar stool is a sacred item, and the bellowing of Irish folk songs echo in crowded taverns alike.

As the parade goes on, more floats pass by. The well-established "green machine" floats are a subtle reminder of political battles still being fought on St. Patrick's Day.

What many of these people don't realize is that the celebration of St. Patrick's Day started in the United States. Though many Irish-Americans living in Chicago will tell you that this is the best city to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, its origins date back to the 18th century in New York. There, on March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the British army held the first American St. Patrick's Day parade.

Though today it seems odd that the holiday falls in the middle of the Christian Lent season, it was considered a religious holiday. Those who participated in the festivities would go to church in the morning and celebrate late into the evening with

Honoring bravery

by John Krone Casimir Pulaski Day is celebrated in America every year, on the first Monday of March. We, as students, take advantage of the holiday, but do we really understand the significance of this day?

Casimir Pulaski was a very important figure in the Revolutionary War. He is known as the "Father of American Cavalry."

He won many battles for the Americans and saved several lives during his military career.

Casimir Pulaski was born to a noble family in Warsaw, Poland on March 4,1747.

He received a substantial education and learned many languages. His father, who was very politically involved, started an army called the Confederation of the Bar in 1768.

After his father's death in 1769, Pulaski was left in command of his father's army.

One of his best victories was taking and holding Jasna Gora at

Czestochowa, the holiest land in Poland.

Shortly after, he was exiled from Poland because he participated in a plot against the Russian-placed king of Poland.

When Pulaski arrived in America, he joined forces under Washington's command and was given control of the American Cavalry. He helped America in countless battles, fearlessly leading his troops. In the battle of Brandywine Creek, he led a counterattack that helped the allied troops escape the British.

In 1779, Pulaski's troops were sent south in a joint effort with the French to regain Savannah, Georgia. The French, against Pulaski's advice, charged the strongest point of the British assault. Pulaski, watching the defeat of the French, rode forward into the ranks, rallying the troops and boosting morale. He was then wounded by a cannon shot from the British. Two days later, at the age of 32, he died and was buried at sea.

On September 13,1977, a bill was passed to create Casimir Pulaski Day. Consequently, the first Monday of March is the established date for honoring this brave man's contributions to the United States.

dances and feasts - one of traditional Irish bacon and cabbage.

St. Patrick's Day has come a long way since the first celebration, not just here in Chicago, but all over the world. It is now currently celebrated in nations across the globe from Ireland to Japan, from Singapore to Russia.

Though the Irish aren't the most talked of ethnicities in Chicago, they have been some of the most influential politically and socially. It is safe to say the Irish are the best at throwing a citywide party because they don't use just a night, but a whole day, and the effects of the celebration often last a few days more.

SOUTH\VORDS A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscenc/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief

Emily Haak Deanna Oleske News Editors Monika Bysiecki Ellen Dwyer Commentary Editors Kara Collins Michelle Le Features Editors Caroline Kim Sara Wolski Sports Editors Austin Gibbons Kristi Katz Production Editors Ian Beacraft Bobby Crismyre Core Photographers Kiley Borowski Allison Edgar Core Staff Artists Sara Pecherek Salena Retsos Advisor T.R. Kerth

8 Features!

S( )l r n l\\ ()RD,S • MARCH 7. 2003

The cost of divorce

by Andrew Malone and Joe Strizel Divorce is becoming an increasingly common occurrence in today's society. A recent survey showed that one in every three marriages ends in divorce. Though this might seem normal today, as little as ten years ago a divorce was something

'\..54 percent of children who have divorced parents struggle at school. That's 17percent higher than children from a nondivorced family." looked down upon. Divorce not only affects the two individuals at hand but also the families that are being broken.

Many divorced couples had children during their marriage, and a divorce can lead to devastating effects on all children, particularly those younger than the age of ten. Studies show that children under the age often who have divorced parents have a 41 percent greater chance of becoming criminals.

Even though Lauren Boracca's parents divorced when she was young, she has still been affected by it: "It seems like my parents are always trying to gain my approval, and [they] are trying to be the favorite. I hate that. I don''t want to be put in the middle of their problems or to be forced to choose one parent over another."

Many parents see divorce as a chance for their children to no longer be exposed to fighting and disagreements. Though that seems like a good idea, after divorce children are often used as a messenger between their parents.

Erin Mueller was asked how her parents used her for communication. She replied.

"It wasn't so much my mom. My dad was the one who was always giving me messages to tell my mom. He would call the house and talk to me, and say things that he wanted me to tell my mom. When I said I didn't want to, he would get mad."

What other things affect children that grow up in a broken home? DrDrew.com answered a question on children's ability to learn with divorced parents: "Children deal with divorce in many different ways.

Some see it as a positive way to get closer to it is mandated in court. their parents, and others see it as an excuse A loophole many people have found is to rebel. Though many children that come moving out of state. They are usually never from divorced families strive to achieve caught because they live too far away for more, 54 percent of children who have di- the state authorities to catch them. Others vorced parents struggle at school. That's 17 just don't pay and don't care what the judges percent higher than children from a non-di- have told them to do. vorced family. However, those students with Erin Mueller stated, "My dad paid my divorced parents who don't struggle and con- mom [child support] for a few months, but centrate on school usually have a higher after that he just stopped. My mom fought grade point average by 0.7 in high school." for the money, but the court fees got way It is easy to see that all children react to too expensive for her to keep trying to get divorce in different ways. Many choose to it. So she just gave up because it was try and fit in like their peers around them; cheaper. That was eleven years ago. It took others choose to rebel against their parents my dad nine years to even send me a birthand the law to try to gain the attention they day card." lost because of a divorce.

Even though laws regarding the failure When asked how divorce affected him. to pay child support have gotten tougher, Ron Farina responded, "Well, after my par- many people still refuse to pay. Some honents got divorced, my dad got terminally ill. estly can't afford it, but most are selfish and And even though my parents went through don't care because they think they won't get a sloppy divorce, my mom encouraged us to caught. support my dad, and she was there [at the When asked if child support was ever^ hospital] with us, supporting him as well. So issue for him. Alex Hladczuk said, "My dad this showed me first hand that even though always paid his child support, but now that people may part ways, they can still care for I am eighteen, he doesn't have to pay anyeach other, and even though it seems like more. He still gives me money every time I they might hate each other, their love is re- see him, but I know this makes things a little ally never lost." bit harder on my mom because she doesn't Something else that can be troubling for have that extra money coming in to help a young child growing up with divorced par- support us. Plus, college isn't cheap, and I ents is that he or she often feels forgotten. don't know if my dad is going to help me Usually one or both parents begin to date, and their attention isn't totally focused on the child. "...children under the age of Paul Kazsuba says, "My dad was remarten who have divorced parents ried in less than a year [after the divorce] have a 41 percent greater chance and had two more kids. I was twelve, so I of becoming criminals." was old enough to understand what a divorce was and how it worked, but it still bothered me. I felt like I wasn't good enough because pay for it or not. But he helped me growing I was the kid he had from his ex-wife." up by giving my mom some extra money ."

Children of divorced parents often feel Many people see divorce as a good thing, neglected in several ways; sometimes par- but others condemn it. Though there are conents aren't even aware of what they are do- flicting opinions on whether divorce is right ing. Some people see divorce as a second or wrong, there will never be one answer chance for happiness, a chance to find the that applies to every marriage. It is obviou: right person and start a family, but it is hard to see how divorce can affect children i for a family to forget their past and move aspects of life: education, social skills Âť on. Many divorced adults try to make life portunities, personal thoughts, and emotions. harder for their ex-spouse and their children. Negative effects are the unfortunate result For example, some parents, especially fa- of many divorces. However, divorces could thers, refuse to pay child support, even when have positive effects as well.

iFeatures 9

SOUTHWORDS • MARCH 7, 2003

You'll only hurt yourself

by Liz Ortega, Anna Sipkovsky, and Jackie Swohoda, The bell has rung. Stillness and tension overcome the room. Students are sharpening their pencils and nervously sitting down.

Thoughts are racing through the students" minds. Many regret not studying the night before. Tiny beads of sweat slowly develop on their foreheads and on their palms. As each student is given his test, he fumbles through the pages in search of familiar information.

The irresponsible student who didn't study is more likely to direct his eyes to his neighbor's test. Assuming that the student he is copying from studied, he will try any form of cheating to get possible answers.

Nowadays, some students seem to be more lazy. A few students would rather take the easy way out and try to copy as much as they can off of someone who seems smarter than them. If the teacher sees the ^cheating, he might say something, but he cannot accuse a student without witnesses or documentation. Thus, some teachers don't want to go through all of that trouble for one student.

At Maine South the most common excuse for cheating is laziness. Students readily admit that they would much rather watch TV for a few extra hours instead of doing homework, knowing they can just copy their friend's assignment the next day in lounge. Laziness is a large contributing factor to plagiarism. Students will procrastinate on a project or paper, and at the last minute, they will panic and not put any energy into creating a unique work.

"If the information is already there, nicely worded and all, then why waste time changing it?" asked a Maine South student who had plagiarized papers in the past.

Numerous students feel that cheating, in any form, is not wrong. Of the 200 students randomly surveyed at Maine South, only 21 percent of males and 29 percent of females felt guilty for cheating. Mary Beth Marklein I from USA Today stated, "Students who cheat find ways to rationalize their cheating to make it seem like 'no big deal.'"

"Teachers always warn us that if we cheat, we are only cheating ourselves, but since I do not feel directly harmed by my

cheating, I guess it is really not that bad of a thing to do. If it buys more time, then why not just do it?" commented another student.

In the past, it was only the students who worried about failing who cheated, but even the brightest are cheating now as well. The rising desire for good grades is a driving force behind cheating. Some students feel that they need to do everything possible in order to achieve their desired grades, even if it means resorting to immoral actions.

"Sometimes people just forget about an assignment or a test, and they'll be so worried

about their grades that they feel they have to cheat," noted Tina Kuhr, a Maine South student.

Since the majority of students at Maine South are cheating one way or another, even the students who can handle their own work are turning to cheating habits.

"I feel that we, [students who would not normally cheat], are unfairly disadvantaged." said an above average student from Maine South. "I'll go home and study for hours while the kid sitting next to me will get the same grade as I do, yet without putting in anywhere near the same amount of effort. It just seems more logical, though not ethical, to cheat a little here and there. As a result, you get a lot more free time, yet you are maintaining the same grades."

Rules are made for the school to accommodate faculty in their decisions on punishments. However, in most cases, teachers take the law upon themselves to enforce what they feel is an appropriate penalty. Every year students who are caught cheating can be disciplined severely, such as serving a suspension.

For teachers at Maine South, it has never remained a mystery as to why students cheat. "Pure laziness," states Mr. Scott without hesitation. Another teacher believes it's mostly based on the resistance to work.

He doesn't think it revolves around the student's ability but rather the mindset of taking the easy way out.

Neverthless, it can be incredibly difficult for a teacher to pinpoint every single act of cheating. Most try to stop this problem if it is spotted in his or her classroom though.

One teacher knows that he doesn't always take all of the necessary precautions and tends to trust people more than he thinks he should, but if he catches anyone in the act, proper punishments are enforced.

The decision to cheat or plagiarize is then left in the hands of students, but what they aren't ready for are the consequences of their actions.

Penalties vary between teachers.

When Mr. Kerth was asked if he had ever caught anyone and if so, what was the punishment, he stated easily. "Yes, I've caught many students. I've failed people, didn't accept papers, and have sent someone to the dean." If sent to the dean, a student can be put on probation for that class, and if there are any other problems, he or she can be dropped from the class.

When Mr. Scott was asked the same question, he replied, "Yes, I've caught students before. I give out quizzes every Friday, and if I catch someone cheating, say the eighth week in. I believe they have been cheating every other week, so the student receives a zero for each exam they have taken."

Certain severe consequences result from cheating, but the students are ultimately responsible for forcing the school to implement punishments by choosing to cheat. Yet having a single test ripped up or failing one paper is a mild punishment compared to the legal consequences. If a person plagiarizes a copyrighted text, he or she can be sued for a significant amount of money. However, despite the penalties for cheating, the action still remains prevalent throughout schools.

10 Sports

SOUTHWORDS • MARCH 7. 2003

Hurdling the competitiort

h\- Jenny /^Âť7ii\' Heffernan 1-1 ÂŁffft?r linn ^^^^ by While most fans focused their attentions on winter sports, and some athletes thought about the long off-season in the spring, dedicated track members commenced their five-month-long season in the dead of January.

For the track girls, there is no difference between spring and winter, for their season encompasses both.

This year, the team incorporates many accomplished veterans with a batch of talented newcomers, to form an indomitable force ready for competition.

While the team's dynamic is constantly changing with an influx due to winter athletes and soon a decrease due to rival spring sports, the 2003 women's track has a strong core to provide stability and high performance levels throughout all challenges.

After nearly three weeks of practice, the Hawks had to prove themselves for the first time. In a meet against Hersey, their hard work shone through as they dominated the field house space, earning victories on the track, in the pits, over the hurdles, and across the finish lines.

Allison Fullman fights her opponent to the In addition to competition against the finish line.

Photo by Kiley Borowski other teams, there is also a fierce competition with personal records and among teammates for limited varsity spots. always subject to change, depending solely A unique quality of track, varsity status is on times and marks as opposed to seniority

We believe we can fly

by Scott Wojteczko Some measure success in wins and losses. Others can look beyond these two columns and into the realm of personal achievement and improvement. Such is the case with the varsity basketball squad. The Hawks battle on, despite multiple single digit losses, including two last second shots by the opposition, and have yet to lose that loving feelingof competition.

Behind the constant leadership of captain Joe "You can call me Al-Legretti," the boys continue to battle through the jungle of the Central Suburban League. Most recently, the Hawks achieved a moral victory in fighting the thoroughbreds of Evanston

to a 44-39 defeat. Holding this top team in the state to 44 points was a task equivalent to keeping a crazy train from breaking off the rail. It provided the team with something to build off of as the playoffs approach.

The rush began as the Hawks squared off against Maine East this past Monday in round one of the playoffs. All will look to awaken the lion sleeping within and unleash the fury of a frustrating season. The team motto heading toward the end was summed up best by Glenn Gierke, when he said.

"Don't stop believing. It's time to earn a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T, you all know what it means to me."

'

or overall performance, making each meet an important one on an individual as well as team level.

Such competition carried into the following Tuesday, when the Hawks hosted Lake Zurich, Gary Grove, and St. Viator.

After an outstanding effort, the final score presented Maine South as champions again, a status that will hopefully become a familiar one throughout the season.

Without much rest, the ladies then geared up for their impressive Hawk Invite, that hosted six teams. Among the fierce competition, the JV girls came away with a respectable second place, and varsity won with a massive accumulation of points over their competitors. Sustaining injuries, frigid temperatures, and limited indoor space, the Lady Hawks have proven their potential for greatness this season.

With support from their fans, as well as the guidance of coaches Mr. Doxj ing, Mr. Szymczak, Mr. Nordahl, Reese, and Ms. Hatch, Maine South's finest will continue on this path, hopefully earning an indoor championship and outdoor success as well.

The girls have been practicing hard to acheive their goals and will continue working hard throughout the season. The team knows they have the determination and strength needed to come out on top.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Tony Marcinek and Vince Natali who recently broke new school records. Marcinek broke the school record in the pole vault by seven inchesjumping H'IO" and Natali broke the shot put| record by five inches, throwing 56'2".

^P"**^^ 11

SOUTHWORDS • MARCH 7, 2 0 0 3

Working their way down state The coaches have pushed these wrestlers a 20-4 technical fall at 3:57. The talented harder and harder each day in order to make junior had a record breaking season, them "mentally tough." All of these coaches' garnering All-State and All Conference and wrestlers" hard work and dedication has honors, while ending his season with a near perfect 43-1 record, the best in school really paid off.

The qualifiers left for Champaign on history.

The Hawk's qualifier at 171 pounds, Thursday February 20. Competition started Rick Loera, didn't fair quite as well, he lost up on Friday, February 21. Day One started his first and only match. He also rounded off well for some, but not so well for others. out his impressive season that was Sophomore McMahon on his first trip highlighted by his sectional championship. downstate lost his first and only match. It was still a very impressive year for the sophomore.

At the heavyweight 275 class, Joe Tedeschi's weekend did not go as planned Stritzel took top form, garnering All-State as he had a tough first draw, and he lost his honors with a sixth place finish. He started first and only match. Tedeschi also had an by pinning James Phelan of DeLasalle at impressive season, with thirty plus wins, and 4:52. another trip downstate to go along with his In his next match, he lost to the eventual All-State performance one year ago. state runner-up Qudus Adeboyejo of Rich On an up note, Fallico had a very Central by fall at 3:46. He then entered the impressive weekend, capping it all off with a consolation bracket, winning his next two third place, All-State performance. Fallico matches over Ryan Hanson of Moline and started his rampage in the first round defeating Jim Kucera of Downers Grove South, Joey Graves of Batavia 16-6, then he defeated before losing the fifth place match to Adam Chris Smith of Plainfield 10-9, he then lost Rodriguez of Sterling. his next match to the state's second place The season of "overachievers" finisher Jason Besse of TF. South. undoubtedly proved that correct, with six He then moved into the consolation sectional qualifiers, five state qualifiers, the bracket, only to defeat Smith again, y previous most in school history, and a fourth decision. And in his final bout for third place, consecutive CSL title. The Hawks have put he defeated DeKalb's Derek Simonson with the finishing touch on a fantastic season. ^ l—tif^m t"^ M a ^f^ #-#.=» • > i ^ # ^

by Dina Bosco and Austin Gibbons One.. .two.. .three.. .seconds up and five of the six Maine South wrestlers, who competed in the sectional meet at Glenbrook South on February 15, pinned their opponents and became state qualifiers.

Den Tedeschi, Kevin McMahon, and Joe Stritzel all took third place finishes, while Rick Loera and Nick Fallico each won their respective sectional, which all entered them in the state finals that occurred on February 21 and 22.

Tedeschi, who took sixth in state one year ago, left many people wondering how he and four other teammates would compete this year in Champaign. With his 37-7 record prior to the state competition he recalled, "My bracket last year was pretty tough, but this year my bracket will be even harder. My first goal is to win my matches the first day of competition, and then hopefully, move onto a challenging day two and wrestle as best I know 1 can."

Preparation for the state finals consisted |of a lot of drills and conditioning. "In these last couple of days before state, I've been trying not to think about it just so I wouldn't get nervous. I've been training for this all year. ..now I just need to make it happen," explained Tedeschi.

'<-.—-n—

t M G

V^VFK

Mar.7 Boys' Basketball

L _..

Girls' Basketball Girls' Gymnastics

S

t ^ t f t t ^ t t Mar. 9

€.^

M a r . 10

M a r . 11

(a) IHSA Regional

Boys' Swimming Wrestling

i ^

Mar. 8

Season Ended AAarc ...

, 1

.

, t

1 1

1

1

,

1

Season Ended February 2.3 Season Ended February 18 Season Ended February 10 1

Boys'Track

(a) Niles West Invite 5:30 pm

Girls'Track

(a) Hawk Relays 4:30 pm

r

))

^ffHWilBS

2,iM)6r SPORTS Boys' Basketball • Girls' Basketball • Indoor Track • Boys' Swimming • Girls' Gymnastics • Wrestling

Swimmers shave for hopes of State

by Dan Tallungan and Austin Gibbons year with a 7-3 dual meet record, losing only qualifying relay teams and individuals to the Maine South's swim team had long to powerhouses New Trier. Evanston. and state meet that was held last weekend. The prepared themselves for the sectionals meet Niles West. When asked about different 200 yard medley relay qualified in the on Saturday, February 22, held at York High strategies to improve for sectionals. Pick was previously noted school record. In diving School.

Bob Klauck, qualified at Throughout the season the sectionals, scoring 362.8 points.

Hawks have had a strong, Following diving in the 100 yard determined 200-medley relay that freestyle, Kruesi went to work has strived for hopes of state. The again, flying into second place race consists of four separate with a time of 49.23. And right swimmers, swimming four away Kruesi followed up his separate strokes: breaststroke, amazing freestyle race by backstroke, freestyle, and butterfly. trouncing the competition in the Swimming for the Hawks is Will 100 yard backstroke, easily Kruesi (backstroke), Adam Cien winnning the event in 56.15 (breaststroke), Dan Mathisen seconds. Kruesi had an (freestyle), and Kevin Pick outstanding day, qualifying in not (butterfly). only the 100 yard freestyle ^ ^ Pick, Kruesi, Mark Kruk, and backstroke, but also he is a ^^^^ Cien have been the Hawks' main of the medley who qualfied.

The 200-medley relay celebrahs cificr (/nalifyingfor State forces all year long. Competing on Shortly after Kruesi qualified in plidld hv Chris Deger varsity for three and four years, his final event, Cien put the captains Pick and Kruesi strongly finishing touches on and won the believed the Hawks had a great opportunity quoted saying, "There is a niylh that we like 100 yard breaststroke in 1:03.49, very near at the sectional meet, "Our medley has a to shave our bodies, but in rcalil\ wc are only the school record. To finish off this amazing really good chance to make it down state." really trying to shave seconds off our lap day, the Hawks dove into the pool in 400 That it did. The strong tandum of Kruesi, times." " yard freestyle relay. The Hawks, Pick, Kruk, Cien, Mathisen, and Pick, broke the school The feeling of the v\ aler running over your J.P. AUe, and Kruesi broke the school record record in an amazing 1:42.19. They won newly shaved body does not onl\ make it from the 1980's, dropping 11 seconds off the race by a good four seconds and are now physically easier to cut lime, hut mentally their previous best. They took second in the heading off to the state meet. as well," explained Cien prior lo the sectional race, with a 3:21.77 effort.

"The long, grueling, double session meet. The shaving ceremony iKcurrcd Friday The Hawks grabbed second place practices before and after school, while before sectionals. overall, only behind Lake Park 265-254. brutal, have proved to be more than worth Sectionals came upon the Hawks' They put on a show, and the Hawks looked the work," commented Mathisen on the swimmers, and they took it for ail it was to be successful at the state meet held on long year effort. The Hawks finished the worth. They had a magnificent day. February 28 and March I.

/7/^/r f/n/shos

b\ Monica Raneel On a good', last note, Kira Fedyniak ended her junior year as a Maine South gymnast at the Stevenson sectionals on February 14.

Fedyniak was the only individual from the team who had the chance to advance to this level after her amazing performance at regionals the week before.

Although Fedyniak had been battling the start of a small stress fracture in the upper

bone of her leg. she managed to block out the pain and put forth all of her energy into her routines. "At first. 1 was really worried that I couldn't do all my tricks, but when it came down to it, 1 just had to pull through," stated Fedyniak.

With a few teammates there at the sectional meet to support her, Fedyniak had great scores all the way around the table. She scored an 8.55 on floor, an 8.65 on bars, a

strong

7.7 on beam, and a 9.05 on vault. "It wasn't my best meet, but I'm looking forward to trying again next year."

Fedyniak will come back next year a ^ ^ senior, hoping to make it one step fart^^^ and qualify for state. ^ ^ Along with a solid base of returning girls next year, Fedyniak and the Maine South girls' gymnastics team have a lot to look forward to.