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VOL. 39. NO. 12

Saving M a m u n

Because of his dedication to attaining human rights. Mamun al-Humsi was imprisoned in Syria.

In This Issue:

story on page 3

NEWS:

COMMENTARY:

FEATURES:

SPORTS:

AMNESTY'S

LEGALIZING

CLOSING

GIRLS'

PLIGHT

MARIJUANA

ALCATRAZ

BADMINTON

2 News

SOUTIIWORDS-MARCH 21.2003

Out wit, out last, out play When IHSA representative Scott Jacobsen handed out the last medal to Robert Riddle, first board for the Maine South chess team, he noted that Riddle had opened the tournament by leading the national anthem, and closed the tournament with a first place finish. Maine South scored 7-0, dominating most of the opposition but narrowly winning against Naperville North, to repeat as the Illinois High School State Chess Champions, and completing a perfect season with a 21 -0 record. Last year Maine South finished 27-1, and over the last 3 years have a record of 64-3. Maine South faced and defeated 5 schools that finished in the top 12 out of 105 teams participating in the event. The event was held at the Peoria Convention Center on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8. Individually, junior Robert Riddle finished 24th on board 1, junior Robert Rasmussen finished 2nd on board 2, senior Brett Collins finished 9th on board 3, junior John Piergalski finished 3rd on board 4, junior Mark Rokita finished 11th on board 5, junior William Bielski finished 3rd on

board 6, sophomore Dan Widing finished 7th on board 7, and junior Ed Mueller and freshman Erin Strauts combined to finish 10th on board 8. Maine South dominated early by defeating Driscoll of Addison with a perfect 68-0 in round 1. In round 2, Maine South defeated 12th place Glenbard North handily 45.5-22.5, and then Kelly of Chicago 62-6 in round 3. Maine South then faced 5th place finisher New Trier in round 4, a replay of the conference championship match from a week earlier. Although it was a tough match, Maine South won handily, 48.5 to 19.5, handing New Trier its only loss of the tournament. On Saturday, Maine South began the day against the Illinois Math and Science Academy in round 5. IMSA had been scouting Maine South the entire tournament, and had sent players to watch the Maine South games and record the moves. Even so, Maine South was more prepared, and reached excellent positions early in nearly every game. The result was a impressive 58-10 score against the 7th place finishers.

Maine South then faced the 9th place finisher Naperville North, the DuPage Conference Champions. Maine South had expected its toughest competition to come from Naperville North, who had been unexpectedly upset by Glenbrook South in round 5. For Naperville North to have any chance left for first place, they had to defeat Maine South. It was a very tough match with sophomore Dan Widing winning the final game to win the match 39.5 to 28.5. Lastly Maine South faced WheatonWarrenville South, the only other team with a perfect 6-0 score after 6 rounds. WheatonWarrenville had 7 seniors and their coach is retiring at the end of this year, so they were looking hard for the state championship. But Maine South dominated the match, winning 64-4 giving up only one draw and winning the other 7 games. Wheaton-Warrenville finished 3rd due to their defea. No team has won 3 consecutive s^ titles. With only one senior graduating, Maine South hopes to be the first team to accomplish this in 2004. Now Maine South goes on to the national championship in Columbus, OH, March 20-24.

0) D March 21,1790 - Thomas Jefferson reports to President Washington in New York as Secretary of State. March 21, 1943 - The assasination attempt on Hitler fails. March 21,1962 - A bear becomes the first creature to be ejected at supersonic speeds. March 21, 1965 - Martin Luther King Jr. begins the march from Selina to Montgomery, AL. March 21, 1983 - The only known typo on a Time Magazine cover occurs (control = contol); all of the copies are recalled.

SOIITIIWORDS-MARCH 21. 2003

News i

Amnesty's Plea for human rights by Annie Bemdtson Worse yet. he is a diabetic and has been denied the special medical care he needs to I love this country in part because it was survive. Without a doubt, the Syrian founded upon dissent and a willingness to government continues to silence human question established authority and seek rights activists and trample its citizens" change when situations demanded such rights to free expression. action. I believe we are fortunate to live in Mamun al-Humis has acted out of a country where our conscience just as rights to question and many of us in America criticize our and around the world government reflect have done. We can f u n d a m e n t a l speak for ourselvesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; constitutional but al-Humsi has no principles. voice of his own. That Unfortunately, many is why he needs help. governments do not Speak out for Mamun allow their citizens to al-Humsi's immediate criticize their position, and unconditional and many who do speak release in the name of up are punished either international human by execution, house rights. Send letters Mamun al-Humsi was imprisoned arrest, harassment, or for wanting human rights. urging his immediate ^imprisonment. Such is freedom by writing to: the case with the Syrian activist Mamun alHumsi, 45, a member of the People's President Bashar al-Assad Assembly, Syria's legislative body. Mamun c/o His Excellency Dr Rostom al-Zoubi al-Humsi was an advocate for human rights Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic protections in his country and called for an 2215 Wyoming Avenue N.W. independent parliamentary human rights Washington, D.C. 2008. committee to be set up in Syria to review charges of human rights violations and For advice on how to write urgent action corruption. letters, visit the amnesty international Despite his peaceful public activities on website at www.amnesty.org, or come to our behalf of human rights, Syrian forces meetings on Tuesdays at 3:10 pm in C134A. arrested him and another member of the Your voice can make a positive and lasting People's Assembly for their activities on difference! behalf of human rights. Authorities lifted Abolishing the Death al-Humsi's legislative immunity without Penalty following due process and charged him with illegal attempts to change the Constitution Progressive legislation coming before and disrupt national unity. the Illinois State Assembly will finally give His trial was notable only for its the broader public the chance to hear and irregularities. For example, he was denied debate the abolition of the death penalty in access to his lawyers and was not even given Illinois. In the past, under the conservative a written account of the charges against him leadership of James Phillips, bills until after his trial had begun, which did not addressing the abolition of the death penalty allow him adequate time or resources to never made it out of the Rules Committee. prepare his defense. In protest, his own "Even if the [bill doesn't] pass, it's [lawyers boycotted the trial hearings because important to be taking the first steps of 'of their unfairness. allowing the public into the process," says In March 2002, Mamun al-Humsi was State Senator Carol Rowen {The Chicago sentenced to five years imprisonment in the Tribune, March 10, 2003). notoriously harsh Syrian prison system. Republican Barbara Flynn Currie (D-

Saving Mamun

Chicago) said, "It seems like a new day. There's a lot of excitement about the social agenda because they're not just symbolic issues. They're important things that could make a difference to people." The debate about the abolition of the death penalty has special significance to Amnesty International, as this international rights group has lobbied throughout the world to abolish the death penalty. Amnesty International members have written many letters protesting the imposition of the death penalty for several critical reasons: First, the death penalty is racist. Although African Americans are only 13% of our population, they account for 43% of all of those condemned to die. Furthermore, a black person who kills a white person is 19 times more likely to be condemned to die. Second, the death penalty punishes the poor. More than 90% of those charged with capital crimes do not have the money or resources to hire good legal advice and are often represented by poorly skilled attorneys. Third, the death penalty condemns many innocent people to death. There is no certainty in any criminal justice system. Between 1976 and 2002,13 innocent people were released from Illinois' death row, and 12 were executed. The horror of this fact was enough to convince Governor George Ryan to declare a moratorium on executions in January of 2000 and to commute the sentences of most death row inmates before leaving office in January 2003. Fourth, the death penalty does not deter violent crime. Most states with a death penalty actually have higher murder rates than the states that do not have the death penalty. Fifth, the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment. It allows the execution of those under the age of 17 that are mentally retarded. Many people support the death penalty because they believe that revenge brings justice and no one can dispute the pain and suffering experienced by those who have lost a loved one to a senseless murder. But, revenge and more murder does not honor those who have been murdered.

i Conimentarv

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SOIITHWORDS • MARC'l 1 21, 2003

•Student OpinionI -f p r o p e r t y -f • lO f

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by Deanna Oleske Opening shot: a man with a flashlight underneath his chin, crying, scared, wanting his mommy. The Rib-Witch Project is on its way scaring people everywhere - especially those who encounter il on a late lunch at the cafeteria hoping to spook the RibWitch. The ribwich. Many at school look forward to the biweekly "treat." However, no one is certain of what it is made of. The ribwich's origins are as mysterious as those of the Twinkle. What is it about that vile smell that makes so many at our school go wild for a ribwich? It is covered in leaky, runny barbeque sauce and it is as floppy as a dead fish. Stick it in a sandwich bun, close your eyes, and you will get a big surprise. As a freshman I used to think that the ribwiches had bones in them and that is why they had that "ribbed" shape. However, I was far from right. As it turns out that whatever part of the animal(s) that the ribwich came from are indeterminate. Some believe that it is made up of used hotdogs that students have thrown away. Others believe it is some sort of SRAM product mashed into a mold and covered with sauce to hide its true identity. One claims that the ribwich is still made out of some parts of the rib. The optimistic ones think it is a soy-based product with artificial rib flavoring. While the brave claim that it is simply meat. Nothing more to it than some barbeque sauce and a bun. What is it? I am not sure. It is a fascination among many. I will conclude my four years at Maine South never eating nor touching a ribwich. Why? Because it haunts me with its loathsome smell in the hallways waiting for others to shout, "Yes! It is ribwich day!" and others to whisper. "Not again." So. if they can "wich" a rib, what's next? Tonguewich? Brainwich? Armwich? Too many students have been put under a spell by the Rib-Witch Project and the cafeteria into thinking that they are eating good food. I guess once they slipped the veggie burger past us we put our guard down for lunches to come.

Running for charit>f by Kara Collins Some people run. some run for fun and others run for charity. Charity races are becoming more and more popular across the country, and they help raise money for many different foundations. These "fun runs" usually take place on weekend mornings or over the summer. Thousands of runners and generous people donate their money, time, and happiness to help those in need. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, ALS Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and YMCA are just a few of the many organizations which hold runs and walks to raise money for a good cause. Almost all of these races raise money for legitimate foundations and the donators' money benefits many people. Some may worry that their money isn't received; however, when an organization sponsors an event and their name is on the t-shirt, they will definitely receive the money. These runs not only help raise money, but also are fun and offer a good time. There are many reasons to get involved. Running is beneficial in many ways. It helps keep people in shape and makes them feel good as well. According to the Chicago Tribune and Men's Fitness. Chicago is the second fattest city in America. That is bad news for us because we live in a suburb of Chicago and are part of the statistic.

You might say that there isn't much we can do about this, but there is. We can go for a nice "fun run" every once in a while and help ourselves as well as help others who are in need. There are always some fun charity runs to get involved in or even athletic teams here at Maine South to join. It can't get much easier to have a good time and feel good about yourself. In a few weeks, Park Ridge will host one of its few fun charity races of the year The 3"* Annual Anelise's Run is on Sunday, April 27. This run, which is sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raises money in order to help sick kids get their wishes. It is really rewarding to help others as well as helping yourself. Anelise's Run is held at the Park Ridge Community Center at 9:30 am and has a walk and run. Both are open to people o£_ all ages. There are brochures floati around Maine South and at the Park Ric _ Community Center. You can register using the form below. Just send the form and $15 to Anelise Adams Fun Run at 1670 S. River Road in Des Plaines 60018-2290 before the race day or sign up early on race day. It is a great way to get involved and to have some fun. Why not grab a bunch of friends or members of a club and run or walk? You could help get Chicago off of the fattest cities list and have a good time.

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Conimcntarv 5

SOUTHWORDS • MARCH 21. 2003

Letter to the Editor-

The /"(^^/code of conduct by James Ballard. John Hughes, and Paul Teipe In the March 7,2003 issue of Southwards. an egregious breach of common sense manifested itself in the form of an article entitled. "Code of Conduct." The point of this rebuttal is not to agree with the rationale behind the school's new Code of Conduct, but rather to clarify that this Code of Conduct does not affect one group of students more than another. The very first two sentences of the new Code of Conduct states, "Maine Township High School District 207 offers a variety of extracurricular programs to provide additional opportunities to students. Participation in these * activities is highly encouraged but remains a privilege." Extracurricular activities are not only inclusive of athletics, but also include all clubs, music programs, dramatic productions and academic organizations. The erroneous claim in the above-mentioned article that "the Code of Conduct will unjustly be used against student athletes more than students involved in plays, clubs, or other activities" is sheer ignorance of the other activities in the Maine South community. The same stiff penalties will occur for offenders involved in all extracurricular activities, regardless of what they may be participated in. The ramifications of illegal actions transcend the Code of Conduct. As the previous

article stated, student athletes could lose scholarships to universities upon suspension. However, universities offer equal, if not more, opportunities for musicians and thespians as they do for athletes. For example, suspension from choir, vocal jazz, and the musical can easily disqualify a musician's chances for a scholarship. This shows how the Code of Conduct equally affects athletes as well as any other extracurricular participant. Although the Code of Conduct may be seemingly discriminatory against certain groups of students more than others, its law remains unbiased. Regardless of whether school is in session or not. "possesion, delivery, or use of a prohibited substance..." is illegal. Students will, above all, be held accountable to the law for their actions and then be held accountable to the school. Students unwilling to deal with the consequences of their actions should simply not participate in illegal activities. This article is not arguing for or against the new Code of Conduct. Rather, the purpose is to make certain that all know these new rules are equally applicable to those involved in all extracurricular activities, not just those involved in athletics.

"South Carolina because it has the best food, water, ocean, and beaches!" -Alycia Dinverno '04

•"Japan because Japan rules!" -Bob Ochiai •04

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•'Probably Australia because it's got boomerangs, native people, and koalas." -Jim Walter •04

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"Anywhere but Park Ridge! That's if I ever do go anywhere on vacation..." -Liz Jaroszewicz '0.3 bv Kiley Borowski

() Commentary

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH 21, 2003

â&#x20AC;˘Student Opinions

Controversy over legalizatiorf Point by Andrew Malone It seems that because it is more socially acceptable to smoke marijuana now than it has been for the last century; the public has lost its fixation on the unhealthy effects of the drug on the human body. Two years ago, marijuana was legalized for medical use in California. Doctors were allowed to prescribe it for glaucoma, cancer, and AIDS patients. Since then, people have thought it may be okay for daily use. Some say that it decreases stress and headaches, and others say that it jump-starts their day. Although marijuana can be used to treat a few ailments, it has bad effects on one's health. It causes lung and mouth cancer, emphysema, asthma, and high blood pressure. A person may say he smokes marijuana to rid a headache, but that person ends up with more than he bargained for. and his chance of a heart attack is raised by 85 percent. Counterpoint by Jackie Swoboda A study done by a private, nonprofit organization. RAND Drug Policy Research Center, rebutted the idea that marijuana acts as a "gateway drug" to more dangerous narcotics. Legalizing marijuana has brought up many controversial issues. One is it being able to burn out young people after only a few uses, and another arguing it would be too dangerous for prospective medical use. However, marijuana does have positive results and the potential to become a promising medication. Marijuana can treat several kinds of patients, including those of cancer, chemotherapy, AIDS, and glaucoma. It also decreases severe pain, nausea, and appetite loss. Although some medications out on the market are more effective than marijuana, but they are not equally effective for every patient. As far as people being worried that it is too dangerous, and it is not. Except for the harmful effects associated with smoking, the side effects are similar. It is possible that the effects of smoking marijuana for a limited period of time might

Marijuana is a euphoric drug, meaning it gives the user a false sense of reality. It leads to depression and anxiety attacks. The person using the drug will not be in the right state of mind and won't be able to perform simple tasks, such as driving. Often these people become less social and motivated, so their job performance or education suffers because of their addiction. Like cigarettes, marijuana is highly addictive. Like alcohol, marijuana is linked to car accidents. But unlike either one of

be out-weighted by the benefits of marijuana as a medication. The overall use of marijuana would not increase if the medical use of marijuana were as closely regulated as any other medication with abuse potential. For example. Nyquil was put behind pharmacy counters for fear that many were using it to experience a "high" state. If regulation was done, then the fear that marijuana will be abused no longer is a factor. When a user seeks out the drug and takes it compulsively, then yes. the person is said to be dependent on it. However, in this case, if someone was taking marijuana medication and was prescribed and then regulated, an addiction would not be an issue. When smoking a large number of cigarettes, four times the amount of tar is found in the lungs than that of a marijuana

these drugs, marijuana is the only one that kills thousands of brain cells in one usage. Marijuana is a major cause of short-term memory loss that can lead to learning disorders and other comprehension problems. Along with that, it hinders decision-making skills. It makes the ability to answer a question that would be easily answered impossible if the person were not under the influence. Though some will argue that marijuana is the next miracle drug, it is not. It is a known fact that marijuana puts users into a lifetime suffering. If they are not suffering from a heart attack, then they are killed by an accident that they caused. The answer is simple. There is no reason to legalize marijuana The benefits in no way will ever surpass the repercussions of th drug. The harmful effects tha contains will only damage and act like a poison to the human body. smoker. Marijuana is not as tightly packed as cigarettes are. Patients who are prescribed marijuana will not become addicted easily without going beyond instructions given because then the addiction would be the individual's fault. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a study found that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of cocaine, heroin, and alcohol. Although marijuana produces changes in the body, it is mild compared to other drugs. There may be some side effects to using marijuana, but the relief it can give to prescribed patients is valuable. It is understanding why many issues have been brought up about legalizing marijuana but ifis does become legal, then the government should have every right to regulate it behi lind pharmacy counters. Steps need to be taken now to legal? marijuana. Marijuana has side effects, but what drug doesn't? The good it will bring to the medical society is promising. Don't ban a drug that many patients can utilize.

Features 7

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH 21, 2003

Busy adolescents by Kristie Holowatyj and Michelle Le

Mary is a normal seventeen year old. She comes home to do her homework after school. She goes to work at the local grocery shop until 8 pm. and then her friends call ^her. They drive around and meet some other people. Mary comes home around one in the morning even though it's Wednesday, and she has school in six hours. Teens now are focused on partying, hanging out with their friends rather than their education and family. They seem to always be on the move. The amount of teens that go out on weekdays is almost the same as that of those who go out on the weekends. Eighty-five percent of the 100 students surveyed at Maine South occasionally or always spend their weekdays outside of their homes. Yet, 56 percent of students who always go out find time to do their homework as well. Not only do they like to drive around, watch movies, and eat at restaurants, but most teens also have a job. Ninety-six percent of those who were surveyed have a job or are involved in extracurricular activities. Their inevitable need for a job shortens their day even more. Even if teens cannot seem to find enough time in a day to fulfill all their other duties, they need a job to pay for car insurance, cell phone bills, and just to have some extra money for the weekends. Even though extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs take up a lot of time, teens

are still able to do other activities as well. According to Carl Fertman of Adolescence m a g a z i n e . 'â&#x20AC;˘[Adolescents] who are not oriented in sports and activities are watching TV, hanging out at the malls, experimenting with sex and drugs, and associating with peer gangs." However. the survey that was given to Maine South students proves otherwise. Sports and activities consume a lot of time. Most practices go from the time school ends to three hours later. That means that most students arrive home around 6 pm. With a game, meet, performance, or an extra rehearsal, an additional hour or two can be added. Thus, these teens don't have time for much else. Since most teens spend a majority of their time outside of their homes, parents like to set a curfew, hoping to keep their kids at home. The amount of teens who have a set curfew amongst those who were surveyed is almost split in half. Fifty-two percent say that they have a curfew ranging from 10 pm to 12 am. The rest stay out as long as they like. Forty-two percent of those who have no curfew frequently go out on the weekdays as well. On the issue of parties, 89 percent of the students say they have seen illegal substances present. At the University of Michigan, a survey was given to high school seniors, and 82 percent of those surveyed admitted that they had started drinking in the previous year. Dr. Wilkie Wilson, co-author of Buzzed magazine, "cannot stress strongly enough that these parties are a disaster waiting to happen psychologically, physically, or legally." Not only are teens participating in activities that limit their free time, but they are also participating in risk-taking

adventures by attending parties where illegal substances are present. The party life for teens continues on into their college life. Fifty-one percent of males say they are planning to join a fraternity while 57 percent of females say they will not. Because of her packed schedule that results in a minimal night's rest. Mary tends to doze off during school. She has a hard time concentrating on her work, but she still gets it done. Then, once she gets home it starts all over: homework, job. and parties. She is not the only one; many Maine South students have a life similar to hers. It is an on-going cycle with teens in today's society. Whether it is school, work, or extracurricular activities, students are not settling for an inactive lifestyle.

S OUTH^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 obscene/libelous submissions. Emily Haak Deanna Oleske Monika Bysiecki News Editors 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 Editors-in-Chief

8 Features!

S ( ) I I T l l \ \ ( ) R [ ) S . \ l A R r f | 21.2003

ClosingAlcatraz

by Kristie Holowatyj Forty years ago today, the infamous federal penitentiary of the harshest treatments was closed. TTie last of the prisoners were transferred, and its doors never reopened to our country's most hardened criminals. In 1778. Juan Manuel de Ayala, a Spanish explorer, discovered the tiny island off the coast of San Francisco, California. He named the island. La Isla de los Alcatraces, "The Island of the Pelicans." Over the years, lis name was Americanized into Alcatraz. In 1850, the island was used for a United States military reservation. They built a fort on top of the island to protect San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. Captured military prisoners were later forced to build a new military prison from 1901 through 1911. According to the official Alcatraz website, the United States Army used the land up until 1933 when the U.S. Department of Justice allowed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to make use of the land. Nicknamed "The Rock," a maximum-security prison was erected for the country's most dangerous prisoners. Alcatraz was built to show the public that the United States Government wanted to stop the increasing crime rate of the Great Depression Era. Alcatraz was known as "America's Devil's Island," having the harshest punishments and living conditions, and was built to be inescapable. A prisoner of Alcatraz only had four rights: food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. Anything else, such as visitation rights, was a privilege earned through good behavior. Strict rules were enforced and the rule of silence was always enforced. If a prisoner violated any of the rules, he lost his privileges and was subject to hard labor with an ankle chain connected to a 12 pound ball.and soli-

tary lockdowns with only a bread and water diet. The "Strip Cell,"" a lockdown unit, was a dark, steel cell with no toilet and no sink, only a hole. The prisoner was put in the cell

with no clothing and was given a restricted diet. A mattress was allowed only at night and was removed in the morning. An inmate was subjected to this punishment for one or two days. This cell was only used for severe violations and misconduct. The "Hole" was similar to the "Strip Cell"" but not as dreadful. It contained a sink, a toilet, and a dim light bulb. The mattress was also taken away during the day and an inmate could spend up to nineteen days in isolation. In addition, a block of cells known as the Spanish Dungeon, because of its location in the basement of the prison, was supposedly used for uncontrollable prisoners. Rumors spread that rebellious inmates were handcuffed to the bars in the cell and left alone for a short period of time. The most disliked punishment was the rule of silence. The prisoners were not allowed to talk except during meals and recreation periods. Some prisoners felt they were going insane from the overpowering silence. As a result, a few inmates emptied the water from their toilets to create a communication system through the pipes.

A total of 1.576 prisoners spent time in Alcatraz during the 30 years it was open. Al Capone. George ""Machine-Gun"" Kelly, and Alvin Karpis (the first Public Enemy #1) were some of the famous criminals that served time there. Alcatraz was the prison system's prison. It was used to teach a prisoner to obey rules by its highly structured and repetitive routines. Once taught, the prisoner was returned to his original prison. "The Rock" was famous for being inescapable but 36 inmates were involved in escape attempts. Seven were shot and killed during thj attempts, two drowil in the icy waters of the San Francisco Bay, five are still missing, and the rest were recaptured. The five who are missing made it off the island: one in 1945, another in 1962, and three during the famous June 1962 escape. Giles, Scott, Morris, and the Anglin brothers escaped the island, but most people believe they did not survive the tumultuous waters to shore. The frigid and treacherous water that surrounds the island made Alcatraz famous for being inescapable, but was also responsible for the prison"s demise. Over the years, the concrete of the buildings absorbed the salt and began to deteriorate. To restore all the damages would have cost over $5 million. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy felt that building a new prison in Marion. Illinois would be more cost effective. On March 21, 1963, Alcatraz closed its doors. "Alcatraz was never no good for nobody,"" said Frank Wathernam. the last prisoner to leave "The Rock" before it closed. The island was abandoned for years. Alir^^k 30 years ago on October 12, 1973, Alcatra^ was officially opened for the public. The monument still stands today, slowly disintegrating, but forever reminding the world of the repercussions of a crime.

Features 9

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH 21, 2003

â&#x20AC;˘South scientists go to state by Laura Jacox "We're going to STATE!?" was the A number of members rose above the rest, second place medal in Remote Sensing: an response of the Science Olympiad team allowing the team to rank in the top four ranks event requiring knowledge of geography after the regional competition on Saturday. in eight events. In addition. Matt Bochenek and the ability to effectively use maps. Laura Jacox and Elizabeth Bozek March 1. 2003. Though the team had and Laura Jacox captured three awards in captured a fourth place award in the recruited a number of talented, Sound of Music event which new members while retaining involved building two instruments several veterans, they feared the form scratch, performing them, and worst when entering the competition because a few taking a written exam on the individuals were not able to physics of sounds. James Pikul, a attend. new recruit, Slowomir Smolen, Matt Tosch, and Brett Collins Luckily, everything came captured the other two medals in together in the end. The Maine Compute This and Practical Data South Science Olympiad team Gathering. finished fifth out of thirteen During the first weekend in teams, qualifying them for state April, the team, consisting of the competition. above members plus Paulina The fifteen-member team was Science Olympiad stops to show ojf their wellRabczak, will pack up and head to divided into multiple, twoearned medals for the camera. the University of Illinois at Urbana, member groups, with every member on the roster participating in two Science of Fitness, Cell Biology, and Champaign for the state competition. The members are all confident that they to four pairs. Each group was associated Designer Genes. can handle it. They all want to send out a with an event, ranging from building a Matt Bochenek is a new member who is f bottle rocket to explaining the event of cell already proving to be one of the team's most special thanks to their great sponsors, Mrs. division. This meant that almost every successful competitors. He also captured a Sagmeister and Mr. Depies, for donating member on the team prepared for two to fourth place award in Practical Data their time and effort to the team. It could four different events that could vary Gathering with Brett Collins. Tom Bellino not have been done without their drastically in content. and Geoff Solvig captured the team's only encouragement and hard work.

77?^ dean's hot seat

by Kathryn Fechner and Jackie Swoboda As we entered the dimly-lit office, we wondered if we should turn around and run for our lives. Three offices have three different kids in the stiff chairs. Pink and blue slips decorate the toothpaste walls. The adventure to the Dean's Office begins. We sit down in one of the fire-breathing dean's offices and start to feel uncomfortable. The dean's back is turned and the typing on the computer could make someone anxious by the way the keys are being pounded. However, the dean turns around and reveals a very pleasant-looking lady who fit us into her busy schedule to chat. We settled |back in our chairs and began a nice conversation about how one of us has been to the dean and the other hasn't. We randomly surveyed 100 students and found that 61 percent have been to the dean's office. Twenty-eight percent of those

students who have been to the dean were girls, while 72 percent were boys. People might think that students with a lower grade point average would attend the dean more frequently, but students with a GPA of approximately 3.0 had the highest rate at 29 percent: of students averaging a 4.0 GPA. 16 percent had visited the dean. Students who are involved in activities attend the dean's office as well. Sixty-seven percent of boys involved in activities have strolled into the dean while a shocking 83 percent of girls have sat in the hot seat. According to the survey, cheating, scanning IDs incorrectly, playing Uno in class, insubordination, misbehaving, cutting class, and just making a simple mistake were some of the reasons students stated for going there. JtThis year. IDs are the leading offense with 37 percent of students surveyed getting written up because they are not wearing their

IDs. Ditching school for a speedy run to McDonalds, a quick cigarette, or various other reasons are prevalent with 17 percent of the surveyed students engaging in these activities. However, the number of fights has decreased, which may be due to the possible consequence of arrest. Ms. Kara Kendrick, one of the deans, explained that about 75 students have been suspended so far this year. She also stated that on average about 60 students visit the dean every day. Nonetheless, Ms. Kendrick shared, "Kids come into our offices and pour their hearts out; we love kids." As we walked out of the dean's office, we both realized that this particular office is not the dungeon we thought it would be. We both agreed that while we wouldn't want to visit the deans for a punishment, we wouldn't mind visiting to talk about anything on our minds.

0 Sports

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ MARCf] 21. 2003

Leading off the season

by Austin Ghhons Ghhons \ ^ h\ Austin Hawks" baseball is underway once the snow melts away and the sun starts to shine. The Hawks are coming off a very successful year, in which they compiled a 24-5 record, their second straight CSL crown, and two All-State athletes. Although the Hawks lost a few excellent performers such as Mark Ori, Craig Murray, and Bryan Smaha, they look to a dependable senior class to fill the voids. The returning varsity members looking to lead the Hawks this year are Jamie Friel (first

base and pitcher). Joe Szczudlo (outfield and pitcher). Brian Recsetar (outfield). Angelo Cannizzaro (pitcher and first base). Bill Truty (pitcher and outfield). Trevor Russel and Joe Oliver (catcher). Alberto Decicco( shortstop). Alex Park (third base), Ryan Westman (second base). As the two-time defending Central Suburban League Conference Champions, the Hawks are looking to three-peat. Captains Friel, Szczudlo. and Recsetar look to lead the Hawks to victory.

Ready to start

by Nellessen h\ Nicole Nicole NPUPSSPU I ^ It's 6:00 am. Do you know where the Maine South girls' softball team is? That is right, practicing in the back gym, bright and early. With tryouts over and the season commencing, the Hawks are off to a great start. Having much of the starting line-up graduate last season, this is the season full of rebuilding. With old and new members, things look promising. Returning varsity members include: seniors, Nicole Nellessen, Katy Solari. and Emily Schlueter. juniors. Margie Norris and Alex Aufmann. and sophomores, Nicole Cummings and Danielle Jenero. New members this year are Elizabeth

Abezetian, Traci Leslie. Leslie, Jennv Jenny Sanders. Sanders, SaSaAbezetian. Traci rah Nicholas, Megan Granger, Melissa Roshenberg, Siobhan Mishcke. and Kim Coppin. Under the leadership of head coach Ms. Pasier, assistant coach Mr. Deines, JV coach Mr. Hamann, and Freshmen coach Mr. Bellisario, the Hawks will come out strong in their first game on Thursday, April 1, against Maine East. The girls are already looking forward to their challenging, but exciting season. The girls are anticipating games against powerhouses New Trier and Glenbrook South to show what they've got. The season looks to be coming along well.

Early bird catcties the worm by Kaitlin Moran The sun is rising earlier these days, but still not as early as the Maine South girls' badminton teams. The three squads, made up of forty-eight dedicated girls, have been practicing hard the last few weeks in preparation for a season that has the potential to be one of the best. No, it was not a mistake in saying the three squads; this year the program has added a freshmen team to the lineup, thanks to the volunteer work of one of Com Ed's finest, Jim Kmecik. He, along with varsity coach Eve Muir and junior varsity coach Earl Danan, are working as hard as the girls to make this season a successful one. A number of athletes participated in offseason camps and tournaments and their toil has paid off with the returning players look-

ing stronger than ever. This isn't your average game of backyard badminton any longer, the girls are here to play, and when the gym space prohibits them from doing so. they are here to lift. Intimidation is key, so not only has the team added muscle, but also new uniforms. These short, black, pleaded skirts everyone knows and loves have been replaced by shorts this year; however, the girls are still showing a little bit of leg. The team has also received brand-new warm-ups, consisting of pants, jackets, and soon to-be-ordered hoodies. If you are not interested in the game of badminton, you could at least show up for the fashion show. The girls will have their first competition on March 22 at the Buffalo Grove Invitational, while the JV team will be competing for the top spot at the East Aurora Tournament.

South i Stats 9 The number of Maine South sports competing this spring.

7 The number of returning members on the girls' varsity softball team.

28-0 The undefeated record of the boys' track team^

^P"''^' 11

S( )IIT11\\< )RI)S • MARCI1 21. 2003

T h e end of the road by Katie Waller After all of the tryouts, the grueling practices, the tough games, the wins, the loses, the sweat, the tears, the talks, the laughs, and the memories, the 2002-200.^ season of the girls' varsity basketball team has come to an end. Throughout the challenging threemonth season, the girls have seen ups and downs, wins and loses, but together, they grew stronger as a team and as individual basketball players. •'We might not have that many wins, but real success isn"t tallied in the wins and losses column." said senior captain Kim Talaga of the season, "It's the progress that you make as an individual and as a team, it's the friends and teammates that you make, and it's the memories that you'll have for the rest of your life." The girls' season came to a close on February 8. after suffering a loss to ^Resurrection High School. The team 'arrived at Maine West that night ready to play and with the support and cheering of many loyal fans. While the girls played head-to-head with the Bandits, even

rr—7k— *^%>^ij^

managing to tie the score, they were unable to advance to the Regional Final. "It was a good game! We basically played them evenly the whole game, but we just weren't able to pull out a win. Everyone gave everything they had tonight and played excellent! Hats off to Resurrection for a great game!" stated junior Jenna Kelly about the evening. Although the girls lost the game, the night wasn't without excitement and accomplishment. Prior to the game, the threepoint contest was held and two members of the team, junior Melissa Rauchenberg and senior Jaime McKenzie, were sharp-shooters and advanced to the next round of shooting. In the following round, which was held again at Maine West on February 20, both girls shot well but only McKenzie advanced to the quarter-final round that was held at Highland Park. Although some team members en route to Highland Park were unable to make the long trek on time to see Jaime, she shot wonderfully, but was unable to advance. Congratulations to both girls for their great shooting and efforts!

Havs/k Highlights Mar.21

Boys' Baseball

Boys'Tennis

Girls'Softball

Boys'Track

Mar. 22

" ^

Mar. 24

Mar. 23

Mar. 25

(a) Nazareth i : o o p m DH

Season Begins Apri 8

Badminton

Girls' Soccer

Along with these congratulations, the 2002-2003 girls' varsity team would like to congratulate senior Sarah Andersen for being named All-Conference. The end of the road has come for the girls' varsity basketball team, but the girls are looking forward to the summer and preparing for next season. The girls would like to thank the coaches. Coach Deines, Coach Walker, Coach Smith, Coach Pasier, and Coach Hamann, and the team's manager Kate Jayne. A big thank you also goes out to the scorer's table: Mr. Marsicano, Mr. Scorza, and Mr. Gable. Thanks to all of those who helped out, cheered the team on, and supported them every step of the way. The final thank you goes to the seniors, the Fab Five: Katy Solari, Sarah Andersen, Kim Talaga, Mary Kearney, and Jaime McKenzie. It's been fun girls! The team is already looking forward to next year, as there will be a strong core of returning players and the team hopes to keep up the winning tradition of the Hawks girls' basketball program.

(a) Buffalo Grove Invite 8:ooam

Season E>egins April 4Season Begins A p r i l i (a) CSL Indoor Championships

Girls'Track Boys'Volleyball

S e a s o n E>eqins April 8 r^

— ^

20O

Sirmioiii)^

SPORTS

Baseball • Softball • Outdoor Track • Badminton • Girls' Soccer • Boys' Gymnastics • Boys' Volleyball

VoHeybalTs springtime beginning by Austin Gibbons As one walks down the gym foyer, they may hear some familiar noises. The sounds of bump. set. and spike resounds throughout the hallway. The Hawks volleyball team has been training for two weeks now, as they work in pursuit of the ultimate goal: state. Coach Granell leads the Hawks, as he teaches them the fine art of setting and spiking, even bumping too. The Hawks will be looking to returning varsity members from last year's squad. They are led by Pat Stuckey. who can pound the ball with unquenchable power. Chris Hayes, who can dig anything that is hit to him no matter how hard or how high, and Scott Wojteczko, who is back for his third varsity season pounding up front. Wojteczko was on the regional championship team of 2000. and is looking to lead this year's Hawks to victory and maybe even state. The Hawks welcome with open arms members of last year's junior varsity squad, who went 30-1. They are led by the fast hitting Matt Perille and the hard pounding Pat Reidy. The junior varsity squad coming

in this year has been playing together all year long and is definitely ready to follow up on their magnificent season last year. They will battle CSL strengths New Trier, Evanston, and Glenbrook South, and they will face off against state powerhouses Stevenson, Downers Grove South, and Libertyville. They have been working on their bumping skills, setting skills, and pounding skills since March 10, and they are definitely looking forard to their first game after spring break on April 8 against Maine West. Some of them will work throughout spring break for the opening games. They will also head to several tournaments, such as the Warren Tournament, the Liberty vilk Tournament, and the Downers Grove Sf| Tournament. The Hawks open their season after spring break. Hawk volleyball looks to revamp its reputation as a volleyball powerhouse. It looks to be an exciting year with loads of talent on the squad, and they hope to bounce back up the CSL and state ranks.

Makina a snnooth transition

by Austin Gibbons ^^^ The four and a half month season has dwindled down speedily to only two months, and the Hawk's boys track team is well on their way to success. The Hawks stole victory in two invitationals already this year, bumped their record up to 28-0. and look to steal the CSL Indoor Championships tonight at Evanston High School. The Hawks have defeated Niles North, St. Ignatius, Highland Park. Lake Zurich. Fenwick, Notre Dame, and Conant in dual meet action. The Hawks also won the twelve-team Wheeling Invitational 117 to Wheeling's 101, while being deprived of many top athletes who were away at a youth group retreat. They also won the ten-team meet at Niles West with 115 points to Niles West's 108. While the sprinters have been

off and running, with the 4x400 relay already down to a 3:33.7, Lee Camarano was quoted saying, "Hook me up with some of that sweet mile action." Tony Marcinek has been off to a hot start with a school record 14" 10" pole vault, which he later broke himself, vaultig 15'3". He has also garnered top honors in the 400, scorching to a 52.0 at the Niles West Invitational. Vince Natali has already broken a school record, with a 56"2.25" throw. Despite the record holders on the team, the Hawks have a lot of depth. Phil Keith has led the distance squad running a quick mile in 4:47.3, to garner fourth place at Niles West. Lee Camarano has done the same, stealing third place in the two-mile, running a sizzling 10:19. Chris Ryan and Dane Volden have hurdled the competition, with

excellent performances at Wheeling and Niles West. Ryan went 8.1 in the 55 High Hurdles. While Volden has nearly matched that at Niles West. Pawel Lewkowski ran to a second place finish at Niles West in the 200, with a 24.1. The 4x400 Relay has nearly matched last year's record breaking performance and look to continue the pattern from last year. The relay has been rotating men throughout the season, with Marcinek, Ken Johnson. Neil Sherlock, Chuck DiFranco, Sean Moran. and Chris Mitchell switching off. As the Hawks swing into outdoor, t j ^ ^ are taking it one championship at a t i m i ^ but have the depth to bring home a state title for the first time. This is the major goal for the team. With the coaching staff's leadership, anything is a possibility.