Vol 39 issue 5

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S. DLL ROAD • PARK RIDGL, ILLINOIS 60068

NOXTMBLR 1. 2002

s<; oo uij tt hh r s . - ^ \'OL. 39, NO. 5

Seniors vote in mock election

In This Issue:

NEWS:

COMMENTARY:

FEATURES:

SPORTS:

NATIONAL MERIT

GYM

TEENS IN THE

GIRLS'

SEMIFINALISTS

UNIFORMS

WORK FIELD

TENNIS

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SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ NONtMBER 1, 2002

National Merit Semifinalist^

by Monika Bysiecki There were 1.3 million applicants that did not advance in the program, while apMaine South had its students recognized qualified for the scholarship program based proximately one-third or 16,000 students for their outstanding achievement on the Preon these prerequisites, but only 50,000 of advanced and became National Merit Semiliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarthose candidates are qualified for recognition finalists. ship Qualifying Test again this year. in the National Merit Scholarship Program, This is where the Maine South duo is toTwo students, Slawomir Smolen and states the National Merit Scholarship Corday.

In the following months, they will be Stephan Stachurski, were recognized as Naporation. asked to write about their qualifications for tional Merit Semifinalists for the 2003 Merit the merit scholarshipsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;their abilities, Program. Both of these students, skills, and accomplishments. Their now seniors, took the PSAT/ academic standing will be taken into NMSQT last autumn as juniors and consideration as will the application scored exceptionally well on the they submit. verbal, math, and writing compoAfter all of these factors are evalunents of the test. In order to get to ated, the National Merit Scholarship this position, the students had to Corporation chooses the 8,000 most pass many obstacles. eligible students in February of 2003.

In order to even be considered Those students who become Finalfor the program, participants have ists receive one of three types of to meet certain requirements. They scholarships: National Merit Scholhave to be enrolled full time in a arships, Corporate-sponsored Merit recognized high school, be planning Stephan Stachurski and Slawomir Smolen are this Scholarship awards, or College-sponto graduate in four years by followyear's National Merit Semilifinalists. sored Merit Scholarship awards. ing the appropriate learning curricu^ ^ 2,500 students will be awarded ^ f c j lum, and intend to attend a higher ^^^ In April of 2002, students recognized were tional Merit Scholarships of $2,500. 1 , ^ ^ learning institution the fall after their graduation. They must be a United States citizen, allowed to name two colleges to which they Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships and 1,600 Special Scholarships will be awarded a permanent United States resident, or in the would have liked a referral from the merit process of becoming a permanent resident program. In September, the students were with varying prize values.

Maine South wishes the best of luck to or a United State citizen. They also must have notified if they progressed to semifinalists.

Two-thirds or 34,000 of the recognized in- both Slawomir Smolen and Stephan taken the PSAT no later than their third year dividuals became Commended Students and Stachurski in February. of high school.

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November 1, 1604 - William Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello" is presented for the first time.

November 1, ! 765 - The Stamp Act goes into effect in the British colonies.

November 1. 1800- John Adams is the first President to live in the White House.

November 1. 19 i 8 - 97 people die in New York City's worst subway accident.

November 1. 1922 - T h e Ottoman Empire collapses.

November 1. 1946 - Charles S. Johnson becomes the first Black President of Fisk University.

November 1, 1952 -The first hydrogen device explodes at Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific.

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Commentary 5

S(.)IITH\\< )R[)S â&#x20AC;˘ \ ( AiMBlR 1. 2002

Student Opinion-

The loss of rentals

by Kate Funkhouser "Hey, do you have an extra gym uniform?"

"Yeah, but I haven't worn it in a while."

You slip on the gym uniform. "Thank you," you exhale, relieved.

"It's no big deal. I haven't even thought about that uniform since I ran the mile in it!"

Right then, you make a mental note to scour off all the skin on your back with steel wool after eighth period.

Slipping on the wrinkly piece of clothing caked in someone else's sweat is the worst feeling in the world, and last year it was avoided. This year after rentals were taken away, everyone has had to borrow gym suits if they didn't have one available or buy another suit. The thought is almost as disturbing as having to retake gym over the summer.

Everyone forgets his or her suit every once in a while. I did one Monday, and my friends didn't have an extra. Luckily, I knew a girl who lent me one. The extra even looked clean.

Unfortunately, it had been sitting in her locker, which had an odor problem to begin with.

for a long time and the shirt smelled horrible. I put it on anyway. We were social dancing that day, and now my dance partner thinks that I smell all the time. I miss Ms. Phieffer, the lady who would rent out uniforms. They were always nice, clean, and convenient.

A teacher told me that the school closed the rental booth because it was not making enough profits from it. While I understand that our school would rather not go bankrupt over washing machine costs, it troubles me that Maine South puts cost analysis before a service that helps the student body. If the school wanted to make more of a profit, then they could raise prices, or sell more items. Another way to raise money would be to put more vending machines throughout the school.

If we all tell our gym teachers how much we appreciated the services, we might get them back someday. Maybe the school could offset the costs of rentals by holding a fundraiser selling steel wool in the meantime

"Nothing. I have no fears."

-David Spencer '05

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No tinne to work

by Jack Montgomery Maine South has an excellent and resourceful library with books, computers and much more for students. These resources are used to do numerous things such as projects, papers and assignments. The library is supplying the resources for the students, yet the short hours hinder the time a student can use those resources. In order I for the library to help the students, it needs to be open longer.

When I am assigned a research project, I automatically think about going to the library to do that research. With an after school flap

and extracurricular activities, I can not find anytime to go to the library. The short hours make it extremely difficult to get the work done before it closes.

With little library time a week, I am forced to go to the Park Ridge Public Library because they have normal, convenient hours. This can take hours, even days of my weekend and free time to do and also makes it more difficult to get work done. Keeping the library open longer would benefit students greatly.

"Making the wrong career choice and being unhappy after years of work and dedication."

-Laura Szymanski '03

"Clowns."

-Sara Burke '04

O â&#x20AC;˘Republicans, Algebra, and Lee Camarano."

-Tom Bellino '04 bv Kilex Borowski

6 CnmiTiftiitarv

SOUTHWORDS • NOVEMBER 1, 2002

— Student Opinion

How do you choose a leader'Sk

by Marie Guillo The Tosch Leadership Conference and the JKB Leadership Conference are just a couple of leadership conferences. I am sure that a select few of you have heard of these and may have even gone to one of these leadership conferences.

There are a lot of people at school, however, who have never heard of nor been to one of these. I had not until I was asked by my peers if I had been invited to one.

There are many leadership positions at school. Some people are elected and some are asked to lead a club. Every club has a council of some sort that is supposed to be open to everyone. But who gets invited or asked to be a leader?

It seems that it is the same people being chosen for everything. It may be based on athletic ability, academic success or simply some having "leadership" quality. I, personally, have never been chosen for one of these conferences. This is not what bothers me. Many of my peers whom I consider to be leaders, however, have never

been chosen either.

In my three years at Maine South, I have met many people and leaders in and out of

classrooms. Many of these people are never recongnized as leaders. Maybe they do not want to be recongnized. A true leader often does not realize how many people they affect. It bothers me though that many are not even given the chance to emerge as leaders. Our teachers and coaches are the only

ones given the opportunity to choose someone that they personally think qualifies for such a role.

These leadership selections seem cliche to me. There just may be a definite process to them. They do, however, promote destructive sterotypes.

Mariette Makula, a junior, says, "Just because I am not in sports, apparently I am not a leader." While we all know that it is not true that you must be involved in sports to be a leader, it seems to me the administration or whomever is selecting these people for leadership conferences seems to believe that leaders are only found in sports. I think they are fueling stereotypes. If they would only give true leaders the opportunity to prove thejg|^ selves. There is a big difference betwee^^^ true leader and one who is labeled as one.

I have no doubt that many true leaders are in fact chosen for these conferences, however, I also have no doubt that even more leaders are being looked over for some reason when they should be recognized.

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Applied Technology: Christian Cwik. John

Jakob, Benjamin Macandrews. Carolyn Olson

Art: Rachael Fuller, Monica O'Connor, Deanna Oleske, Sara Pecherek, Rita Yonkers, Sarah Yunker Business: Agnieszka Klepacka, Samuel Kordys. Jonathan Manko, Sarina Nosal English: Amanda Affetto, Lynn Brionez, Christine Dwyer, Miguel Garcia, Emily Giacomino, George Bianakakos. Camille Gitter, Grace Hollander, Billy Kane, Veronica Katz, Siobhan Lau, Mark Milazzo, Katie Moore, Tina Rossi, Alexander Schallmo, Mark Seske, Victoria Simkhin. Jason Strains. Annie Walsh, Caitlin Wolf Driver Education:Regina Heiderman,

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Michael Saelim Family and Consumer Sciences:Anne Berndtson, Eieanora Defilippis, Katherine Moyer Foreign Language: Sylwia Urszula Bania.

Danielle Burian, Michael Drazba. Jonathan Mauko, Jaime McKenzie, Nick Rice, JoyceAnn Santos. Andra Staks, Margaret Steiner Health: Kara Jarosch, Vito Scamarcia Math: Jcrzy Banasiak, Cassandra Bilson.

Robin Clement. Kaitiyn Geishecker. Nancy Gullo. Andrew Juiris, David Liss, Meghan Mc Kelvey, Dorsa Samsarai, Matthew Smart Music: Matt Heerman, Alison Jasinowski.

Courtney Romba, Paul Teipe Physical Education: Christina Camacho, Bridget Cameron, Deyan Dimitrov, Robert

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Dulski. Anthony Gaddmi. Joshua Matz, Britt Sivertsen. Charlotte Sorensen, James Waiter Science: Ashley Carlborg. Tyler Carver, Steven Contorno, Margaret Darr, Emily Haak. Kathryn Katz, Maria Lupo, Matthew Lucas, Nicole Oddo. Jennifer Poliwka, Christopher Ryan, Elizabeth Solomon, Michael Szaflarski Social Science: Tanja Barac. Danielle Chamoun, Tim Gersch, Conrad Kania, Madeline Kiem. Brian Kirsch, David Nicholus, Katie Pekara, Abby Sapp, Jim Skuros, Andra Staks, Valerie Wersching Speech and Drama: Bill Bacarella, Pat Christl, Matthew Cowie, Jasun Karner, Emily Mott

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Improving PSAE scores

by Monika Bysiecki When students took the Prairie State Achievement Test last year, they did exceptionally well. The Maine South juniors improved on every component of the test.

Compared to the previous year, fewer students failed to meet state standards with only 5.6 percent of students below standards or on academic warning, which has decreased 3.7 percent from the previous year. Also, more students exceeded the performance expectations set by the state—23.1 percent this year compared to 20.0 percent last year In all, over 160 current seniors exceed state standards on three of the five areas: Reading, Math, Writing, Science, and Social Science. Of those students, 47 received 3 stars, 41 received 4 stars, and 44 received 5 stars. Those students have been recognized as PSAE Star Scholars and as Prairie State Scholars by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Southwards would like to take the time to recognize these scholars for their outstanding achievement on the test, and congratulate them for dedicating so much time and energy into their education over their high school careers.

Mr. Dietz, the Assistant Principal of Maine South, would also like to thank the teachers "for [their] dedication toward im-

proving student learning. This increase in student achievement is due, in large part, to [the teachers'] implementation of effective teaching strategies and a rigorous, standards-based curriculum."

Students who received three stars: Martin Abezetian, Daniel Anderson, Joshua Anderson, Theodore Archer, Bartlomiej Baran, Ian Beacraft, Brittany Burns, Angelo Cannizzaro, Cynthia Church, Brett Collins, Charles DiPranco, Breanna Dolan, Kathleen Dorsey, Katherine Dunn, Shannon Frantz, Adrienne Frederick, Alejandro Garcia, Austin Gibbons, James Herman, David Isaac, Kenneth Johnson, Megan Johnson, Phillip Keith, Patricia Krysztopa, Justyna Kuczaj, Benjamin Mac Andrews, Anthony Marcinek, Sylvia Marciniec, Paul Mazzarella, Steffen Mirsky, Christopher Mitchell, Cory Mollet, Sarah Ohlson, Matei Paun, Kathryn Pekara, Christina Pilati, Mateusz Pudelek, Brian Recsetar, Terrence Rickert, Martin Sariev, Robert Sosnowski, Christopher Storti, Andrew Swantek, Robert Tauber, Edward Walczak, Scott Widmaier, Kristal Williamson Students who received four stars: Jaison Abraham, Mark Anderson, Michael Baier, Michael Baldi, Cassandra Bilson, Daniel Bisanz, Magdalena Budziakowska, Hubert Cios, Anthony Dinverno, James Fay, Tho-

mas Ferguson, Anthony Gaddini, Camille Gitter, Thomas Gonzalez, Matt Holihan, Mary Johnson, Valerie Kacmarek, Mark Krzeszowiec, Zachary Lynn, Claudia Mallon, Patrick Mangan, Joshua Matz, Megan McGuire, Paulina Mis, Sean Moran, Nicole Nellessen, Lisa Nicholus, John Olson, Timothy Patel, Annie Paz, Sara Pecherek, Rebecca Poliwka, Alina Pyzowski, William Russell, Hermen Sales, Kathryn Solari, Geoffrey Solvig, Josef Wegehaupt, Lauren Wendorf, Ryan Westman, Jon Ziols Students who received five stars: Julie Adamczyk, Claire Bartel, Carol Bartoshuk, Karin Baty, Agatha Bochenek, Timothy Bratko, Joseph Brutto, Jacqueline Bull, Steven Cielinski, Adam Cien, Brittany Dietz, Kathryn Feiereisel, Erika Follmer, David Green, Emily Haak, Andrew Jarosz, Alison Jasinowski, Genevieve Kahrilas, Courtney Keady, Caroline Kim. Magdelen Kmiec, William Kruesi, Piotr Kuczaj, David Liss, Madolyn Machon, Jaime McKenzie, Shawna Ohm. Deanna Oleske, Katharine Paine, David Poli, Michael Raap, Melanie Richter, Neal Sage, Neil Sherlock, Slawomir Smolen, Morgan Sokes, Stephan Stachurski, Jason Strains, Justyna Susfal, Ashley Treadway, Joshua Walton, Scott Wojteczko, Kaitlin Wolfe, Alan Zarychta

4 Commentary

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 1, 2002

Restaurant Review

me cQiipfsJ hy Emily Haak It has been my experience thai if one is going to have an emotional breakdown, it will most certainly be on a Sunday evening.

This is most logical, as it is about 10 p.m. when students realize that yes, the weekend is over, yes, there is school tomorrow, and no, there is no more time for last minute efforts to complete assignments that should have been completed last Tuesday anyway.

These breakdowns can be quite frustrating. They certainly were for my friend who frantically called me, asking for advice that I could not give her regarding first and second derivatives. The only advice that I could give her was to go to bed, and I think that that made her even more exasperated.

What struck me most about her call, though, was just how unhappy she sounded. I mean she was really frustrated and fed-up. This was juxtaposed to my feeling of contentment that I had all day, which I, ironically, got from church earlier that day.

The reason I say this is ironic is because I'm not a particularly devout person, but rather one who attends church sporatically.

So, any epiphany that I had during the service was not due to the Gospel. However, on that day, I went to church to perform in a Hymn Festival. If you ask me, those are the best services to have because there is great music and best of all-no sermon.

About halfway through the service I realized that the real reason why I enjoyed it so much was because music makes me happy. That's not some cheesy slogan I was paid to say; honestly, listening and playing music makes me happy, and that's why I do it. I did it that afternoon, and it made me contented for the rest of the day.

So. in hindsight. I suppose that I should have told my derivative-depressed caller to find something that makes her happy and do it. If it be sleep, as I had suggested, than go take a snooze. It doesn't really matter what it is.

Just find half an hour to read a book, or go for a jog, or write in a journal, or read the paper. Just find something that makes you happy. This will help you avoid those emotional breakdowns on Sunday nights

Heaven /n earthr

by Marko Tomic It is a weekday evening and you have been busy with activities since dawn. It is finally time to get home and into bed when you realize that you still have not done your homework. It is already 10:30 p.m., and you still have a four-page paper, Spanish vocabulary, and various other assignments that make an "all nighter" a reality. The thing that I know most people think of first would be, "Caffeine fix now!" However, everything is closed, even our ever so popular Starbucks. What to do now?

That question can be answered in two words: Mother Earth.

It is open seven days a week until 11:00 p.m., and it is the perfect haven for caffeine feigns. It is located next door to Hay Caramba in Summit Square. This awesome cafe serves fine, Italian roasted coffee. The warm owners of Mother Earth will attend to your every need, even if you are not a coffee drinker. That's right, there is more than just coffee.

Items range from tea and hot cider to smoothies and pastries. The baristas at Mother Earth will know just what to do to

give you a nice relaxing evening. With every drink, they achieve your standards of perfection. Experimenting is always an option. Not only is everything great, but is affordably priced. Come in and get a latte for just a few dollars.

Mother Earth is the owners' home and they are inviting you in. With a calm, firelit room, this cafe is the perfect place to sit back, have a drink, and get some work done. If not, take something to go, and enjoy it at home.

Along with all this, the managers, Ellen Heller-Leo and Frank Leo give 10% of all the profits to differed charities. The three musketeers, also knov" as the baristas, of Mother Earth care about what is going on in the world and about what is going on with you. To prove this, show your school ID and they will give you 20% off your purchase. Just stop in and ask how their weekends were, and they will talk to you like an old friend. Treat them with respect, and they will give you ten times that.

Come see what Mother Earth is all about, and I guarantee that you will be going back a second time.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Letter to the Editor

Receiving recognition

by Emily Altman I am very pleased that we are updated and informed about interscholastic athletics. It is nice to know that so many people support sports teams. I think it is important as well, however, that a few statistics from other teams should be included in Southwards. All teams such as junior varsity, sophomore, and freshman levels should be reported on as well.

The monday morning sports report announces the scores of all levels of the teams, but many people do not hear these. It would raise the level of interest in athletics, espe-

cially among underclassmen not on varsity if all levels were reported elsewhere.

It raises self-esteem of younger athletes if they received the recognition that they deserve. With the support of the school, they would feel more important.

I ask only that a little recognition be paid to the others. Varsity athletes may contis to be well known, but someone should p ÂŤ out those who may not be so well known.

You might not be changing a lot, but to those to whom it may concern, you are doing a lot.

:Features 9

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ NOVFMBKR 1, 2002

History of All Hallows Eve

by Joe Stritzel When you hear the word Halloween, you instantly get the image of little kids running around, knocking on neighbors' doors, and receiving candy. But have you ever taken the time to think about how this unique holiday of generosity came about?

Back before the Common Era (B.C.E.), the Irish Celts believed that on October 31, the veil between the living and the dead was the thinnest. The Celts believed on this night the spirits of people who had died from the previous year came back to look for a body.

To prevent the spirits from taking their bodies, the Celts would dress up in ghoulish costumes and be as disruptive as possible to scare away any spirits.

Around 700 A.D. the church found this day lacking a post day celebration. So on November 1, the church made a day to honor the saints called All Saints Day. This is when people started wearing angel and other church costumes.

As to the tradition of pumpkin carving, it all started with the Irish folktale about a man named Jack. According to the folktale. Jack tricked the devil into a tree where he trapped him with a cross. Jack refused to let him out until the devil agreed to never tempt him again.

When Jack died, God wouldn't allow him in heaven, and the devil wouldn't allow him into hell, but the devil gave him a single ember to light his way through eternity. Jack placed the ember in a hollowed out turnip to light his way, but in the United States, pumpkins seem to be a better choice.

This tradition was brought over to America during the time of the Irish potato famine and has grown to be one of the most celebrated holidays full of candy and laughter.

All Saints Day

by Aleksandra Murzanski

It is not a day of fun and dress-up; it is a day of prayer and respect for loved ones who have passed away. All Saints Day is an important holiday in Poland celebrated on November 1, the day after the American Halloween.

The Polish culture greatly respects the dead. Graves are well-kept and decorated all year round, not only on special occasions.

All Saints Day, however, is a holiday reserved especially for those who have passed away, and therefore, the preparations to honor the dead start early and are given much thought and time.

The graves are thoroughly washed and polished until they glisten. Those that looked gray and forgotten gleam their true magnificient black color on this day. New plants in decorative pots are bought the day before and set near the black and white photos of the deceased on the tombstones. If there were flowers planted at the foot of the grave that have still survived the frosty, cold October weather, they are tended. Tired from the day's work, the women kneel down heavily and pull the weeds that have infiltrated their roses while their children scurry to sweep the ground clean of the dirt and weeds. When the grave is finally spotless, several new candles are lit and scattered

about, a quick prayer is said, and the families hurry home to continue with the rest of the preparations.

Once at home, the cooking and baking begins. The children help clean the house a bit while mothers prepare meals and delicacies for the guests. It is a day for family to spend time together, and one single person doesn't

have too much to prepare.

On All Saints Day, families attend mass in church, then gather at the graves of their loved ones. It is a time for them to pray, to pay respect, and to reminisce. Afterwards, the families enjoy a meal and remember their loved ones together.

"I remember it being a wonderful time, and I loved seeing my family. We laughed

and had a great time," Ewa Murzanski commented on her experiences with holiday.

However, teens have crazy ideas and spook each other just as they do on Halloween in the United States, though it is much more rare. Teens will roam the cemeteries at midnight and wait for ghosts and spiritsto drift out of the graves. Cemeteries will give anyone chills, especially at midnight, but one story stands out from the rest.

It is that of five teenage boys who decided to play an evil prank on their friend. They spotted an open grave, stuffed her in it, and left it a crack open, just enough to see out but not enough to escape. They continued to run around the cemetery, being thoughtless teens and just having fun. Having forgotten where the grave was, the boys retrieved her after hours had passed. The experience left the girl with a permanent scar; she found herself in a mental institution, not fully able to recover.

Except for some odd teens, and sometimes quite disturbing ideas. All Saints Day in Poland is for the most part a peaceful holiday.

It is celebrated much differently from Halloween in the United States: families enjoy themselves and spend time together, and those who have passed away are given the thoughtful respect they deserve.

10 ^\^nvts!

S O i r n l\\( )RI)S- \ ( A 1 MP.IR 1. 2 0 0 2

A fine tune-up h\ are Bill rounding Trim The Hawk's up the regular season. On October 12, the Hawks took a trip to Evanston for an important Central Suburban match-up. A win was to put the Hawks in the driver's seat for the conference title. Both teams were undefeated in conference at the time.

The Hawks put some points on the board first with a touchdown run from Neil Sherlock. The Hawks' defense scored on a 65-yard fumble recovery by Derek Brenner Evanston claimed to have heard a whistle, stopping play, but the Hawks continued with alertness, knowing there was no whistle.

Penalty flags flew on the play for an illegal shift on the offense, but the flag was waived.

Sherlock scored again to make it a 21 -0 score at halftime.

The Hawks' defense held the Wildkits in the opening of the second-half, and it led to one-yard touchdown run by A.J. LeBeau.

Evanston responded with a kickoff return for a touchdown, but Mike Bello put the game away with another one-yard touchdown run.

The Hawks came out victorious at Evanston with the final score 42-22, and took control of the CSL South. Sherlock had 16 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Bello, who started his first game, went 7-19 for 73 yards.

I Brenner had an interception and a tumble recovery for a touchdown, while Bill Truly added another interception. The following week, on a cool, sunny, Saturday afternoon, the Hawks went out on to Wilson Field for another CSL South battle, and the last regular season home game. The seniors honored their parents and took on the Waukegan Bulldogs.

The Hawks scored twice in the first half, one on a touchdown pass from Bello to Pat Stuckey, and Neil Sherlock scored on his 25th touchdown of the year The score came to 14-0 at halftime.

In the second-half, a Hawk explosion took place. The Hawk defense took control and put the game away. Touchdowns made

by Kevin Collins, Mike Labus, and Cornel Gryco added a fumble recovery on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Raap had two interceptions and John Chaput had one. The Hawks' defense posted its third shutout of the season with a 40-0 win over the Bulldogs.

The Hawks played their final regular season game last Friday at Glenbrook South.

They move into the first round of the class 8A state playoffs this weekend. The Hawks are looking to make another successful run at the state title.

by Kristi Katz It's the beginning of November and the temperatures are dropping. We all know what that means- the Maine South girls' golf season has come to a close. The Hawks finished the second half of their season on a high note. Starting the Lady Hawks' homestretch was their dual meet against the Lady Bulldogs of Waukegan. The Hawks suffered a disappointing loss with an extremely close score of 187-189, but junior Kristi Katz took medallist honors with a low score of 38.

The next match proved to be much more successful for the Lady Hawks. The girls trampled the Willowbrook Warriors (Coach Hamann's alma mater) 166-203 and once again Katz grabbed medallist honors with a 37. Many of the team members had their personal best scores in that meet including: Melissa Miller with a 42, Katie Katz with a 43, and the solo senior Erin Morettes came in with a 44.

The following day, the Hawks traveled to Highland Park for their first invitational of the season. This highly prestigious tournament was sure to bring on some fierce competition for the Lady Hawks, but they were up to the challenge. The team took home sixth place out of 10 teams. Katz led the team with her 18-hole score of 78, her best round of the year, tying for second place individually. The Hawks didn't have as much success at the CSL South conference meet. They came up short of their expectations, and came in seventh place overall. The Hawks were now focused on the regional tournament.

Their focus paid off, the Hawks snatched sixth place out of 15 teams, but unfortunately it was not enough to qualify for sectionals as a team. However, Katz qualified individually for sectionals, but did not advance past sectionals. And now the season is over The Hawks finished on a positive note, and hope to keep up the momentum for next year.

Finishing strong

Full Steam ahead {# hy Jenny Heffenum As the regular season winds down to a close, the girls' cross-countn.- team's spirit is doing everything but dwindling. After several phenomenal races, the squad eagerly looks ahead to the fierce competition that awaits.

The streak of unbelievable performances began at the conference dual meet against Evanston, hosted by the rival team. There, the Lady Hawks toppled the Wildkits, earning their third conference victory. On both levels, team members pushed limits, with virtually every member earning her personal best. Following this exhilarating run was the Addison Trail Invitational. Among several highly ranked schools, the Maine South girls struggled to hold their own. Top runners pulled through, though, as Lauran Cordaro snatched second place.

With so many great races under their belts, the team entered a week of focused preparation for the big conference meet, held October 19. At Niles West, the six teams of CSL South gathered in arctic tern peratures to participate in a fierce battle for first. Having lost to both GBS and NewTrier during the regular season, Maine South needed a victory at the conference meet in order to be titled conference champions. With this in mind, each member went to the starting line with determination. Such hard work showed, as everyone of the Hawks" top five scoring members earned all-conference honors, placing within the top 14 individuals overall. Kim Talaga and Morgan Sokes ran a partner race, finishing 14th and 13th respectively.

Newcomer Annie Erickson also did well, as did Kim Coppin. .straight off the injury list, with a place of 6th. Her sister. Katie Coppin, ran a very strong race, earning 4th.

The great triumph of the day was accomplished by Lauran Cordaro. In a neck-toneck dual with New Trier's number one girl, Cordaro won the race. Proving to be a highly emotional finish, Cordaro was named the 2(X)2 individual CSL South conference champion. Despite such outstanding results, however. New Trier edged th^ Hawks out with a score of 27 to 37, givin them second place as a team. Nevertheless, the Hawks arc advancing to regionals, and from there, perhaps sectionals and state.

;Features 7

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 1, 2002

Teens in the work field

by Caroline Kim The term "working" applies not only to adults. Since as far back as the Industrial Revolution, teens have been working outside of their homes in order to earn some money. But just because they have been in the work field for so long does not mean that the government has always protected them.

The first movement to better the conditions for youths in the work place began in 1912 when the Federal Children's Bureau was established as a division of the Department of Commerce and Labor, which became the Department of Labor the following year. The Bureau was to investigate areas pertaining to children such as their welfare and employment conditions.

Nearly a century later, the current generation of teens has the best working conditions ever. Federal and state laws exist to regulate wages, conditions, types of jobs, and hours.

For instance, the Fair Labor and Standards Act places minimum age requirements for certain jobs and limits the number of hours a teen can work. For employees under 20 years of age, the minimum wage is $4.25 per hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days, or when the employee becomes 20 years old, the workers must receive the federal minimum wage of $5.15 but may receive more.

Only certain full-time students, student learners, apprentices, and workers with disabilities can be paid less than the minimum wage under special certificates from the Secretary of Labor, which is referred to as the sub-minimum wage.

Fourteen- or fifteen-year-olds can work only outside of school hours after 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. However, from June 1 through Labor Day, the hours are extended to 9 p.m. At that age, they can work no more than three hours on a school day, eighteen hours in a school week, eight hours on a non-school day, and forty hours in a non-school week.

Fortunately, if a teen is sixteen years or older, he or she has no restrictions on the number of hours permitted to work.

Furthermore, there are limitations on what kinds of jobs teens can have. Teens that are fourteen years old and older can work in an office, grocery store, retail store, restaurant, movie theater, baseball park, amusement park, or a gas station. Yet they are not allowed to work in areas such as driving a motor vehicle or helping a driver, manufacturing or mining occupations, and public messenger jobs.

Those who are sixteen or seventeen years old cannot work in any jobs declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor such as driving a motor vehicle, being an outside helper on a motor vehicle, roofing operations, exposure to radioactive substances, and powerdriven bakery machines.

Once a person turns eighteen, he or she is then free to work any job for as long as he desires. At the age of eighteen, the person is considered an adult so the child labor rules no longer apply.

In order to increase public awareness of federal and state regulations concerning youth workers, the United States Department of Labor began a program called "Youth Rules!" in May 2002. According to the program description, the U.S. Department of Labor and its parmers "seek to promote positive and safe work experiences that help prepare young workers to enter the 21st century workforce."

Youth Rules will provide informational materials, curriculum for educators, training on the rules, public service announcements, and other objects such as stickers and posters to increase compliance and awareness of

the labor regulations.

The District Director of the Chicago Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Labor Department, Mr. Dennis Mclnerey stated, "Working is part of a person's experience and teens are able to learn responsibilities along with their education."

Life skills such as taking responsibility, cooperation, punctuality, and social skills are integral for future careers. Thus, working as a teen is a significant educational one for the betterment of their careers.

More detailed information can be obtained about labor regulations by contacting the United States Department of Labor or by accessing the website of Youth Rules: www.youthrules.dol.gov.

S OUTH W O R D S A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School n i l South Dee Road Park Ridge, EL 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.

Editors-in-Chief

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

8 Features:

SOI ITI l\\( )R1)S . N( A [MBE R 1. 2 0 0 2

All his life's a stage*

by Sara Wolski When learning of Mr. John Muszynski's eternally busy schedule, one may wonder how this Maine South drama teacher finds time to breathe. However, he finds time to do much more than his obligations at South.

Mr. Muszynski is a current member of the Illinois Theatre Association (ITA), an organization that represents people involved in professional theatre, university theatre, creative drama, high school theatre, children's theatre, and more. At the annual ITA convention, which is typically held on the first weekend in October, Mr. Muszynski received an honorary award for his outstanding contribution to secondary theatre education.

The division of the ITA that deals with secondary high school theatre education also manages the Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF), in which Maine South

participates every year. Moreover, two years ago, Maine South was invited to perform the fall play. The Ice Wolf, downstate at this prestigious festival.

Every year, the Illinois Theatre Festival presents a performance that incorporates high school theatre students from all over Illinois. In fact, several students from Maine South are involved in this year's production in both crew and cast. Consequently, it is known as the All-State performance, and Mr. Muszynski has been asked to direct it next year.

^ ^ ^ "This is a great honor as well as a great challenge," Mr. Muszynski says enthusiastically.

He is more than capable to take on this challenge and turn out another masterpiece of theatre. Having past credentials such as Executive Director of ITF in 1999 and Illinois Theatre Association Secondary Education Representative for two years designates this Maine South drama teacher an instrument of success. Mr. Muszynski is undoubtedly an invaluable part of Maine South and of the world of theatre as well.

Not just a teenage habi^

by Trisha Krysztopa "It started with a few gatherings with friends. It turned into a lonely, depressing, controlling,spiral downhill," said Antoni Krysztopa. "It wasn't innocent fun anymore.

It began to control my life. It became my whole world."

"Alcohol was the worst thing that ever happened to me," he claims.

Antoni started drinking at the young age of twelve. "It was just me and my friends in the fields with a bottle of vodka." He never felt that he had to drink. He just did it for fun, to fit in with the rest of the guys.

Antoni finished high school with no major problems, but as he started college, drinking began to mean more than anything else. Although many college students have problems with drinking, there was something different about his problem; he didn't

just drink at the parties with everyone, he drank by himself, everyday.

"My friends told me that I had to cut down, so I just started drinking by myself.

When I went to parties, I would drink at my place first, so that I wouldn't have to drink as much in front of everyone else."

In 1981, Antoni found someone to share his life with who he thought would help him deal with his problems. "I thought that I could change him or help him, but I couldn't have been more wrong," said Jolanta, Antoni's now ex-wife.

Through the years, Antoni made many promises to his wife to get help, but never followed through with them. The more Jolanta tried to help him, the angrier and eventually more abusive he got.

Nothing could stop him, not even the law.

After Antoni's second DUI, he lost his driver's license for six months. He never got

his third DUI, but he did get arrested for the last time on September 22,2000, for battery.

He stated, "I was given too many chances, and I blew it. The law finally had to step in and stop me."

Two weeks after the arrest, Antoni was enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous; "It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Who knows where I would be now if I never got arrested that day."

It has been two years since Antoni has had his last drink, but his life will never be the same. "I wasted so many years of my life.

Nothing can make them up. I have lost every person that was close to me, and it's too late to get them back."

"If only things hadn't gotten so out of hand, my life wouldn't be so screwed up. If only I had realized throughout high school and college that my habits weren't normal."

"The only thing I can do now is to raise my children to avoid the mistake I made, tell any young person I see that it is not o % It is not normal. Your life will never be the same once you let something take control of your mind and actions. At that point, you are a waste of fresh air."

Sports 11

SOUT! 1\\( )RI)S â&#x20AC;˘ N()\i;.\lBHR 1, 2 0 0 2

Making their tomorrows

by Austin Gibbons The Hawks have been counting down the remaining weeks of the season, and it very well could be down to a last day. The Hawks have been very successful in recent weeks at the Addison Trails Invitational and the CSL Conference Meet. Just last Saturday they traveled to Wheeling in an attempt to qualify for the IHSA State Sectional in Schaumburg. They were up against stateranked teams in Wheeling, Prospect, and Stevenson. There were five qualifying spots from which the Hawks must take.

On October 12, 2002, the Hawks traveled to the Addison Trails Invitational. They took on a talent-loaded field, of Oak ParkRiver Forest, Prospect, Fenton, and Willowbrook. The Hawks came out with a fourth place.

South Stats

1

Phil Keith led the way, garnering a seventh place finish, while Lee Camarano followed in a close eleventh place in 16:22 and 16:39, respectively. Austin Gibbons (13th, 16:46), James Ballard (21st, 17:15), and Chris Mitchell (24th, 17:23), rounded out the top five. It was not the finish the Hawks were looking for, but they went home hungry, looking for more.

On October 19, the Hawks went to Niles West for the CSL South Championships. The Hawks came out strong, finishing second overall, with three All-Conference athletes.

Keith had a superb day, snagging fourth place overall, in a time of 15:57. Gibbons was quick to follow Keith, grabbing ninth place, in a time of 16:16. And, Camarano took the fourteenth and final All-Conference spot.

The place received by Lauran Cordaro, CSL Champion, at the girls' cross-country conference meet.

/-yaw/c Nov. 1

Nov. 2

Girls'Golf Boys' Soccer

3

The number of boys on the cross-country team to be named all-conference.

Highlights Nov. 3

Nov. 4

@ Glenbrook South 7:30 p.m.

SE/ iSON Eh DED 10/ 15 @IHSA State Sectionals

@ IHSA State Supersectional @ IHSA State Secional

Girls'Volleyball Boys' Golf Girls'Tennis Girls' Swimming

s

Nov. 5

@IHSA State Sectional 10:00 a.m.

Cross Country Football

in a time of 16:27. Ballard and Lifton filled in the top five for the Hawks taking 20th and 21st overall. The Hawks tallied a total of 66 points, taking second behind New Trier, who had an astounding total of 19.

The Hawks have no more guarantees, as the season is now completely up to them.

Their destiny is still undecided. The Hawks looked to qualify for the sectional as they have for many of the last few years, at last weeks regional meet.

The sectional is tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m.at Busse Woods in Schaumburg, but the Hawks had to qualify out of last weeks regional to have the chance to run here. If all goes well, they could have a staterunner or two. It has been a great run; it has been a great season.

SE/ iSON Eh DED 10/ 15 SE/ iSON EA DED 10/ 19 @ New Trier Invitational 1:00 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘

SoiTnwDiiiiS

2002 SPORTS Pounding at the Pumpkin Football • Golf • Cross Country • Soccer • Girls' Tennis • Girls' Swimming • Girls' Volleyball

by Adrianna Stasiuk As the season comes to an end. the Hawks' girls" volleyball team surely sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

After rolling off a successful placing at the state-renowned Pumpkin Tournament a couple of weeks ago, the Hawks hope to use their momentum to drive hard through their sectional playoffs.

In the Pumpkin Tournament, Maine South faced teams of high caliber such as Resurrection, Belleville West, Wheeling, and Palatine. After senior Sarah Jordan refused to wear her pumpkin body suit to school, teammates lost inspiration, but all hope was regained as the Hawks set foot on the court. Many spectators, however, were confused while cheering the Hawks on. As one parent quoted

Th^

by Caroline Kim The girls' varsity tennis squad has put away their rackets after the final hits of the season were played in the Illinois High School Association Sectionals on the weekend of October 18,2002.

Conference matches were held the weekend of October 11, 2002. Kathleen Hayes at first singles, Ellen Dwyer at third singles, and Chris Dwyer at fourth singles all came out with a third place finish. Kathryn Koralik won fourth place at third singles.

Being in the top position of first doubles, Anna Spikovsky and Vanessa Kaegi won fifth place. Axie Russell and Annie Berndtson won second place at second doubles, and Julie Adamczyk and Alison Thalhammer won fourth place at third doubles.

Conference consists of a very tough competition, but the girls' varsity team played with vigor, and put forth a tremendous effort.

Then at sectionals, hosted at Maine South,

never knew volleyball was a contact sport?"

The confusion quite possibly could have stemmed from the fact that the opposing team came wearing full sized facemasks on the court, and Maine South's very own senior setter sat out, suffering from a concussion. It's no wonder girls came to play Maine South wearing facemasks, for the power hitters Gina Heiderman and Susie Logsdon were clocked at 69 mph, a season high for both hitters.

After Friday's pool play, the Hawks found themselves competing in the silver pool on Saturday, ending up with a satisfying finish after clobbering Resurrection, a higher sectional seed, 15-1,15-3. However, at the day's end there seemed to have been some confusion as to what place the Hawks actually got. "No one really knows, it's just kind of up in the air," quotes senior captain Susie Logsdon. "Actually, I remember now, we got ninth place out of 25 teams. Yah, that's got to be it."

Well, no matter how the Hawks finished at the tournament, they continue to strive for a successful run of games this upcoming week. The state sectional is taking place this week, and this is their time to shine, and pilai^^ up to last years' team. They have their s' now to qualify for the state finals, to pi1 ^ against the state's top teams.

fina.1 hits Overall, the girls' varsity tennis season has the team unfortunately was not able to adbeen a time of improvement and hard work vance to state playoffs. Kathleen Hayes enas well as adapting to the dured until the new coach. quarterfinals and Despite all of the played a tough changes made in both the match against first line-up and the coaching seed player, Steffen staff, the season was a very Heller from successful and victorious.

Glenbrook North.

The season days were The match score full of laughter, camaderie, was 4-6, 2-6, but and team unity. the game was just Coach Rosencrans, as a short of victory. final note about the season Although Ellen reflected, "This was a fanDwyer, Vanessa tastic season.

The girls Kaegi. and Axie were great to work with.

Russell and Annie They showed a lot of e n^^^ Berndtson played and enthusiasm throug^^P with stamina and the whole season." The endurance through- Anna Sipk(n\ky senes the hall. out their matches.; Lady Hawks are already however, they were not able to advance to looking forward to another fantastic and restate. warding season next year.