Vol 39 issue 8

TH

maine

township

DECEMBER 20, 2002

high

b o I

1111 S. DEE ROAD • PARK RIDGE. ILLINOIS 60068

south VOL. 39, NO. 8

AP Hawks soar past state

The Constitution Team poses for a picture after its victory.

In This Issue:

NEWS:

COMMENTARY:

FEATURES:

SPORTS:

EXTRACURRICULAR

BELIEVING IN

MAKING BREAK

WRESTUNG

IPOLICY

SANTA

MORE FESTIVE

2^ews

SOllTHWORDS • DECEMBER 20, 2002

AP Hawks look to fly to D.C

by Caroline Kim Maine South holds a ten-year tradition of flying to Washington, D.C. in the spring.

Why? Because the AP Hawks Constitution Team represent the state of Illinois in the "We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution" National Finals. After months of hard work and preparation, the Maine South Constitution Team won the title of Illinois State champions on December 6, 2002 and will be heading to the national competition at the end of April, 2003.

"We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution" is a national civic education program, which is coordinated by the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago within Illinois. The program is nationally directed by the Center for Civic Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of "We the People" is designed to promote an understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights as well as instill a greater awareness within students about the rights and responsibilities they possess as citizens.

In order to partake in this program and be a member of the Maine South Constitution Team, a student must be enrolled in Advanced Placement Government. Last year, students not only had to request to sign up for the team, but also had to go through an extensive application process consisting of an interview.

After some time and consideration, 24 students were chosen and are now coached

by Mr. Dan States and Mr. Warren Scott.

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Some students may wonder why anyone would voluntarily subject themselves to a significantly larger amount of work due to the information and research that needs to be done. Those who participate in this program, however have an unforgettable experience; they not only learn about the U.S. governmental system, but are also urged to grow as a person, and work hard.

The entire team is grouped into six units of four students each. Each unit deals with a different aspect of the government such as the role of a citizen in the American democracy or the framing of the Constitution. Individually, each unit is an expert on a specific facet, but collectively, the units become a union of students who know a diverse amount of information from the founding to present day government.

With this collection of knowledge, the students comjjete in simulated congressional hearings on Constitutional issues. The first hearing was at the regional level against two other high schools in the North Central area.

Each unit competes against the same unit from the other schools, gives a four-minute prepared presentation, and responds to a sixminute free response session.

Three judges from various backgrounds ranging from union leaders to federal judges evaluate the sessions. The unit scores were then tallied up for each school, and whichever school had the highest collective score was the winner of the competition.

Maine South won the regional competition and moved on to the state level.

The state finals competition, consisting of the same process as the regional hearings, was held at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Other schools present were Reavis, Jones College Prep, Waukegan-first period, Waukegan-seventh period, and Elgin High School. All Maine South members rose to the challenge of the competition and demonstrated their exceptional intellectual abilities.

Every unit received commendations from the judges on a stellar performance.

The AP Hawks were all very nervous about the outcome of the competition, but fortunately, their nerves were put at rest at the announcement of the state winner. Mr. Dan States proclaimed after the victory, "We've won. Now [you can] go home and sleep."

Looking ahead, the national finals will be a formidable challenge with a significant amount of preparation needed beforehand.

Nonetheless, the team members 1 Q ^ ^ forward to the challenge with excitement ^ ^ F anticipation. No matter what the result is, they will be proud of their accomplishments thus far and the amount of knowledge they've accumulated through this experience.

On a final note. Coach States stated, "It has been a very rewarding experience to see everyone develop from the regional to the state competition and to be successful in the results. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

We have of a lot of developing and practicing for the national competition in the spring." = \

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December 20, 1699 - Peter the Great orders the New Year to be changed from September 1 to January 1 in an attempt to Westernize Russia.

December 20, 1820 - Missouri imposes a bachelor tax of one dollar on unmarried men between the ages of 21 and 50.

S( )1 ITflWORDS • DKTMBFR 20. 2002

>The new extracurricular policy-24/7/365

by Ellen Dwyer and Monika Bysiecki The code will allow the school to take away Everyday you arrive at school a little before 8:00 am, you stay and learn for a few a student's ability to participate in extracurhours, you participate in an extracurricular ricular activities if found guilty before a comactivity, and you go home. "Finally," you mittee led by Assistant Principal Dr. Garlasco. think to yourself, "Maine South can't touch The code defines an extracurricular activity me now." Right? Right- at least until Janu- as "all activities sponsored or approved by District 207 or any of its schools other than ary 21, 2003.

To this date, the school had no jurisdic- academic classes, such as but not limited to tion over any event that occurred outside athletics, plays, choral groups, and clubs;" it of school. However, things are changing. then goes on to list the "activities covered by Dr Cachur explains the cause for this policy the Extracurricular Code of Conduct." It consaying, "There have been some situations tradicts itself by leaving out clubs like Thespians, Ski Club, Foreign here at South over Language Clubs, Key Club, the past few years "There have been some Model UN, Amnesty Interwhere students who situations here at South national, and Reaching. Acwere involved in exover the past few years cording to Dr. Garlasco, tracurricular activiwhere students who were "The reason for excluding ties did some things clubs like foreign language out in the community involved in extracurricular from the code is because they that were pretty seriactivities did some things are not competitive activious. There were stuout in the community that ties. The only other excepdents who were arwere pretty serious." tion is band, because while rested, and under the -Dr. Cachur it is a competing extracurId code, there was ricular activity, it is also a nothing we could do, because it happened off of campus. [The class."

Administration] then encountered criticisms When a student engages in "prohibited like, 'How could you let that student play misconduct," defined as "any possession, dein that game or be in that activity after what livery or use of a prohibited substance or lookthey've done?'Another cause was our con- alike drug, and any criminal activity," they cern with the growing numbers of student are subject to the consequences stated in the that we see involved in drugs and alcohol." code. Students can be suspended from extraOn January 21, 2003, a new policy will curricular activities for taking anabolic stego into effect: the Extracurricular Code of roids, having any drug paraphernalia, having Conduct, which will allow the school to knowledge of and control over any drug that hold students accountable for their actions is illegal or not prescribed, or having sub24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days stances that appear to be drugs.

After asking students if they knew this code a year-hence the policy's nickname: the 24/ 7/365 code. Regarding that privacy issue, would punish students for having look-alike Adrianna Stasiuk comments, "I support drugs, many thought it was absurd. However, strong moral values for athletes; however, this is adopted from our current code of conbeing a high school athlete shouldn't mean duct. The other aspect of this code that most that the school has the right to invade your students found surprising is that "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" is not required, but privacy."

Mr. Fallico, the varsity Wrestling Coach, instead a "verdict of more likely than not is agrees saying, "I am not in favor of it at all. acceptable" to suspend students from activiIt forces the school to be parents and po- ties. The verdict can be confirmed by either a Maine South staff member or a law enforcelice. Out of school means out of school!"

But not everyone believes the code is a ment officer After a student is presumed "more likely ^bad idea. Kevin Collins thinks, "It is appropriate for the school to monitor students' than not" of doing a prohibited activity, the behavior even off of campus, because the Review Board meets, comprised of the stuway an athlete or participant acts says some- dent. Assistant Principal for Students, Athletic Director or Fine Arts Chairjjerson, guidance thing about their team and school."

m

counselor, coach or sponsor, social worker, and dean. The Review Board, with the code of conduct for guidance, decides guilt or innocence.

For a first violation of one of the offenses listed, the student will be prohibited from participating in 40 percent of an extracurricular activity depending on the number of meetings, practices, games, and rehearsals an activity has in one calendar year. For example, if a runner in cross country engaged in "prohibited misconduct," they would be suspended for 40 percent of one season, but if a Student Council member did the same, they would be suspended for 40 percent of the school year To reduce the suspension to half of the assigned consequence, a student may choose to participate in an intervention program.

But what about the students who are not involved in any activity? And can someone join a different activity just to serve out their suspension so that they can participate in the one they are truly interested in. When it is one person's word against the other's, whose is taken? Coach Fallico states, "Students could join activities just to serve a suspension so as not to miss their chosen activity."

This code discourages students to tell on their peers. One could see an athlete at a party where there is drinking and report him or her guilty by association. Upon asking students whether they would in fact report an incident, 100 percent of the people said no. Becky Corkill's response was, "No, let them get in trouble on their own. I'm only in charge of myself."

Although the consequences of a first offense are foggy at best, the results of a second offense are clear: "suspension from all extracurricular activities for up to one calendar year" On the third violation, the student will be excluded from all extracurricular activities for the remainder of his or her high school career.

While the school is divided between people that support and oppose the code, no one can predict how effective the code will be and what problems it will fail to address. Dr Garlasco admits "the code will most likely need improvement at the end of the year, but the only way to find the problems now is by trying it."

4 Commentary

SOIITHWORDS • DECEMBER 20, 2002

"Student Opinion

Put on shoes!*

by Deaniia Oleske I am a student. I am also a consumer.

You are a consumer, and the person next to you is, and the teacher of your class is everyone is.

As consumers we have rights. With those rights come Consumer Education, which is a state requirement in order to graduate high school.

To help consumers get an education about products and services, information can be obtained from various resources such as Consumer Reports, newspapers, online websites, and many more. All in the name of consumerism.

Every year the Park Ridge Herald Advocate publishes restaurants with their cleanliness rating from the health nspections. These ratings go from 1-100 and based on random inspections. If a restaurant fails the inspection, another one will be issued. If the restaurant does not make an effort to pass the inspections, the restaurant is shut down.

Along with consumer protection there IS economics. It is unlawful to have a monopoly in this country. In stores there must be a variety of products from which the consumer can choose. With a variety of products comes price reduction: with a monopoly comes price fixing.

Why all of this ranting about consumerism? My question is: why has the Advocate not posted the results of the health inspections of the Maine South cafeteria? Yes, I am required to be here.

However, I also have the right, thanks to various consumer protection acts, to know exactly how clean and up to code the cafeteria is.

Along with consumers rights and monopolies, why then are only Peps products being sold? This leaves the student with no choice or freedom of products and is an economic monopoly.

This lack of choice can also drive up prices due to a lack of competition from other companies.

All I ask for is to be an informed consumer by having published results that can easily be accesed before 1 choose to purchase from the cafeteria.

by Veronica Katz As another Maine South dance comes and goes, let's take a moment to reflect on the timeless and everlasting essence of such an event. As always, the students arrive, check in their belongings, move onto the dance floor, and at some point, may remove their shoes. It may be surprising for some to know that this is now discouraged. It has long been a common practice, especially among girls, since many have found it difficult to dance in formal footwear. This is because not many dress shoes are comfortable. Some are unbearable to walk in, and dancing is just out of the question.

But there are lurking dangers in the gym: random objects on the dance floor, a clumsy dance partner, and stilettos-all of which would be extremely painful to one's foot. Many might simply tuck their shoes away and dance in their almost bare feet.

Unfortunately, this has obvious downsides ^.•' filthy nylons and y

Student po//: Do yon agree Yith XhR n e v slioe policy?

•

Yes (12%) Not sure (24%)

•

No (64%)

feet. Otherwise, it seems like a fairly harmless ritual, right?

Actually it is not even allowed, and hasn't been for some time. This has been the case since Homecoming 2001, but many are still unaware of it. This is because it was not listed in the morning announcements nor was it heavily enforced. Violation does not result in any severe consequence from the school. There are too many students not wearing shoes to enforce this policy.

Dance at your own risk when you take off voiir shnps Are you supposed to do it?

No. Will you anyway?

Yes. Is it a good idea? bu decide.

Assistant Principal, r. Garlasco, while orking at another school, had witnessed a. barefoot girl taken toi hospital due to extrern^ bleeding from her foot.

This involved an ambulance and stitches.

This could have been pre 'cnted had she been wearing her shoes.

Dr. Garlasco was reminded of the incident later ai Maine South when girls were checking in their shoes along with their belongings. This was ended, along with going to the bathroom without wearing shoes. Some wonder why anyone would enter a bathroom without any shoes on if they can help it, but for others who do not care, it may be somewhat of an annoyance.

Dr. Garlasco and other chaperones make an effort to enforce the wearing of shoes, but she does concede that it would be unlikely to have everyone abide by the rule.

It's enforced similar to the dress-code issues here at Maine South. The student will be told what is appropriate but no further action is likely to be taken.

So what should you do? Theoreticalk^ it is a rule; thus, it should be followed. ^ | P however, you find it difficult to groove in those stylish five-inch heels, take off your shoes. But, you might want to bring a box of bandages just in case.

Commentary 5

SOllTHWORDS • DECEMBER 20, 2002

Staff Opinion

Believing is seeing

by Michelle Le For most, Santa Claus existed during lieving in long ago. She claims Santa canchildhood; and at one point, somewhere in not deliver all the gifts in one night, but the the midst of hurrying to grow up, he stopped. student argues back saying, "Seeing isn't No more waking up in the middle of the night believing. Believing is seeing." Things beto see if Santa would appear through the fire- come real when you tell yourself that they place, and no more cookies and milk. are possible.

Does he exist? Children insist that he does.

When we grow up, we start to criticize Instead of disagreeing, we should let them so many things and force ourselves to come believe what they want. To up with solutions and reasons them, he is a jolly, rosy-cheeked for the unexplainable. This is man, but to us, he is just the "Children hold the what is wrong with today's spirit of Christmas world: everything has to be spirit of Christmas.

On a recent survey, 15.9% of difficult. As a child, the world inside them..."

63 adults admitted to believing -The Santa Clause 2 is all but complicated, and this in Santa up until they were is how Santa Claus can exist seven years old. Only 6.3% " " ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ " ^ for children. stopped believing before they were four years We try to recreate him by dressing up in old. Why do they stop believing so soon? red suits, but it's not him. As students in Kids think growing up is something im- high school, most of us are old enough to portant and fun to do and believe that grow- know that he isn't real, but that doesn't mean ing up means having to stop believing in ev- that we have to ruin it for everyone else. erything, even if it means letting go of the Santa Claus means everything to kids duruch loved Santa. No, we cannot be young ing the holidays and especially Christmas • " o"orever, but that doesn't mean that we are not morning. allowed to believe in magic.

This year, don't tell any children that he's In the 2002 movie. The Santa Clause 2, not real. As the elves of The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen, the school principal is in 2 put it, "Children hold the spirit of Christawe that one of her students could believe so mas inside them. You wouldn't want to be passionately in a man that she stopped be- responsible for killing it, would you?"

"A bigger sled! After all those cookies, I'm not sure the toys and I will all fit next year!"

Santa Claus

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'To get into a good college and not have to live at home."

Magda Budziakowski -'03

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SOUTHWORDS • DECEMBER 20, 2002

SOUTHWORDS • DECEMBER 20, 2002 »^ 1. spend time with ramily: vacation in a warm place: eat at a tsstauranl; he^ mom cook Chtfis&nas dinoer; have a snowball flghi; cieaie a stow angel; go snuwboaiding; ice fufa; s ; a puade; shop; 11. see a nrovie; volunteer at a soup k3ictiea;t»kelHowQies;d!ovel a neighbor's dri

with an old ftkod; build a£nowman;siiig Christmas carols; voloiueer at a retiiemeiil home; 21. host a holiday party; «it in from of a firepluce;

101 tips to make your "Silent Nights" more festive s e e festive holiday s ^ t s I Country-side Christmas Celebration I Downtown Long Grove; ends Dec. 24 I Information: 847-6.14-0888 i Festival of Lights, Flowers & Music s Chicago Botanic Garden I 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; ends Jan 5 I Box office: 847-835-5440 I Holiday Flower Show I Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave; ends Jan 4 Information: 312-746-5100

ZooLights Festival

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Lincoln Park Zoo 2200 N. Cannon Drive; ends Jan 5 Price: Adults: $6, Children: $4 Box office: 312-742-2000 A Winter Wonderland Cuneo Museum and Gardens 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills ends Dec. 30; Closed Dec. 24-25.

Price: $5-$7 Information; 847-362-3054 Carson Pirie Scott's Holiday Window Displays Carson Pirie Scott 1 S. State St.; ends Jan 6 Information: 312-641-7000 Marshall Field's Holiday Windows Marshall Field's 111 N. State St.; ends Jan 7 Information: 312-781-5454 A Great View and Santa Too Hancock Observatory 875 N. Michigan Ave: Price: $6-$9.50 Information: 888-875-8439

Christkindlmarket Chicago 2002 Daley Plaza 55 W. Randolph St.; ends Dec. 23 Information: 312-644-2662

Christmas Around the World/ Holidays of Light Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore I>rive; ends Jan 6 Price: Adults: $9, Children: $5.

Seniors: $7.50; Closed Dec. 25 Box office: 773-684-1414

attend a Fine Arts performance A Christmas Story Theatre at the Center

1040 Ridge Rd., Munster; ends Dec. 22 Price: $25-$30 Box office; 219-836-3255 A Christmas Carol Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn St.; ends Dec. 28 Price: $20-$50 Box office: 312-44.3-3800 The Christmas Schooner Bailiwick Arts Center 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; ends Jan. 5 Price; $15-$30 Box office: 77.3-88.3-1090.

Tlie Radio City Christmas Spectacular Rosemont Theatre 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont; ends Dec. 29; Price: $24.50-$56.50.

Tickets: 312-559-1212.

Roasting Chestnuts The Noble Fool Theater 16 W. Randolph St.; ends Dec. 29 Price: $27-$.36 Box office: 312-726-1156

Tlie Heart of Christmas Lakeshore Theatre 3175 N. Broadway; ends Jan. 5 Price; $20-$25 Box office: 773-472-3492

The Nutcracker Presented by: The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago Auditorium Theatre 50 E. Congress Pkwy.; ends Dec. 22 Price: $34-$74.

Tickets: 312-902-1500.

Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Presented by: Second City MeU-opohs Performing Arts Centre 111 W. Campbell St., Ariington Heights ends Dec. 31; Price: $15-$20 Box office: 847-577-2121

Frosty Presented by: Emerald City Theatre Co. Apollo Theater 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.; ends Jan 12 Price: $9-$ 12 Tickets: Box office: 773-935-6100

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Nuts & Bolts - The Remix Presented by: Joel Hall Dancers Beverly Arts Center of Chicago 2407 W. 111th St.; ends Dec. 22 Price: $20-$30 Box office: 773-445-3838 Welcome Yule!

Symphony Center 220 S. Michigan Ave.; ends Dec. 23 Price: $14-$55 Box office: 312-294-3000

Julius Caesar Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier 800 E. Grand Ave.; ends Jan. 5 Price: $48-$58 Box office: 312-595-5600

Sunday in the Park with George Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

800 E. Grand Ave.; ends J ^ ^ Price: $38-$48 Box office: 312-595-5600

Stomp Shubert Theatfe 22 W. Monroe St.; ends Dec. 29 Price: $30-$50 Box office: 312-977-1700. 312-559-1212

go ice skating Daley Bicentennial Plaza Ice Skating 337 E. Randolph St. Price: $4-$5, skate rental available Information: 312-742-7650

Millennium Park Ice Skating McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park 55 N. Michigan Ave. Skate rental available Box office: 312-742-5222

attend holiday fests LaSalle Bank Winter Wonderfest Navy Pier Festival Hall 600 E. Grand Ave.; ends Jan 5 Information: 312-.595-5225

Beat the Winter Blues Trolley House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn St.; ends Dec. 21 Information: 312-923-2000

Eli's Gingerbread Jam Eli's Cheesecake World 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.; ends Dec. 22 Price: $15 cooking classes.

Reservations required.

Information: 773-205-3800

visit a museum •discounts for children and others

go siding Alpine Valley Resort www.alpinevalleyresort.com

Cascade Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area I-800-992-2SKI www.cascademountain.com

Devil's Head Resort & Convention Center Toll Free: (800)472-6670, 800-DEVILSX www.devils-head.com

Adler Planetarium

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (800) 558-.3417 or (262) 248-8811 www.grandgeneva.com Wilmot Mountain Phone: (262)862-2301 www.wilmotmountain.com

I l l s . Michigan Ave. 312-443-3600 Closed: Christmas Day Admissions: Adults, $10; free on Tues.; Special exhibits have additional fee.

Chicago Historical Society 1601 N.Clark St. 312-642-4600 Closed: Christmas and New Year's Day. Admissions: Adults, $5; Mondays are free.

Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive 312-922-9410 Closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Admissions: Adults $10; free Mon. and Tues. through Dec. 24.

Museum of Contemporary Art 220 E. Chicago Ave. Information: 312-280-2660 Closed Mondays.Christmas, and New Year's.

Admissions: Adults $10; Tues. free; Box office phone: 312-397-4010

Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive Information: 773-684-1414 Closed: Christmas Day Admissions: Adults $8-$9;

1

Shedd Aquarium Shedil 1200 S.Lake Shore Drive Information: 312-939-2438 Qosed: Christmas and New Year's Day Admissions: adults $15; Aquarium is free Mon. and Tues.

Admissions: $11-$16; $3 additional for StarRider and Sky Theater shows.

Free on Mon. and Tues. in Dec.

Art Institute of Chicago

I

other festive ideas spend a day at the spa celebrate Boxing Day (Dec. 26) throw a surprise party for a friend go to a basketball game play ice hockey watch Disney movies grow a bonzai tree create a new hairdo send Christmas cards look at the moon wear a crazy winter hat make a Christmas wreath make new friends go sledding watch the snowfall I build a snowman catch snowflakes on your tongue track animals in the woods make ornaments winterize your car rescue an animal from an animal shelter make your own greeting cards build a bird feeder 1 learn to play a carol on an instrument enjoy winter break

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8 Features;

SOIITHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 20. 2002

What's Kwanzaa?

by Trisha Krysztopa It's just another holiday in our Chandler's, but we don't notice it as much as Yom Kippur, Columbus Day, and Pulaski Day. However, 18 million people in this world do.

Of the fifty Maine South students surveyed, forty-nine of them had heard of Kwanzaa. Of those forty-nine people, only one person knew what Kwanzaa really was, and she had merely guessed.

"For the longest time, I thought it was just something they made up," said Andy Feeney, a Maine South senior.

Kwanzaa wasn't just made up. It came about, just like our American holidays did, and it is to celebrate black traditions. Dr. Maulana Karenga started the Kwanzaa celebration in 1965. Karenga was bothered by the riots in Los Angeles and decided that African-Americans needed a way to celebrate their differences. It has been celebrated every year since 1965 from December 26 through January 1. These seven days

represent the seven major principles that Karenga thought would lead African-Americans to self-awareness.

"Is it a Jewish holiday?" asked Lauren Boraca and Kathryn Fechner. No, it's not, but it is celebrated with a seven-candle structure just as the people of the Jewish faith celebrate with a nine-candle menorah. Also, where Hanukah is a holiday, Kwanzaa is more of a celebration. Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits of the harvest." Thus, Kwanzaa celebrates the first fruits of the harvest in Africa.

"It's the African-American Christmas, right?" Lara Madden asked, looking for reassurance. Although it falls around our Christmas time on the calendar, the idea isn't the same. African-Americans decorate their houses, give out gifts and have feasts, but the celebration isn't religious like Christmas.

The decorations include the colors of Africa: black, red, and green, seen in streamers, balloons, and flowers. The gifts given aren't

taken from a wish list; they usually serve an educational purpose, like Hanukah The Kwanzaa feast of Karamu is on December 31. There is fasting before the feast to show how Africans survive until the first fruits harvest.

Throughout the seven days, blacks get a chance to celebrate their culture without prejudice. They celebrate their accomplishments and try to make the holiday special and different. African-Americans felt used when America ignored and disrespected them throughout the year, yet expected them to buy gifts and support America's economy during Christmas time. Some decided that they didn't want to be a part of the American commercialization of Christmas.

Whether it's Norwegian Day, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, just because many Maine South students don't celebrate the holiday doesn't mean that they shouldn't be aware of it and understand it to give respect to the pea) i ^ ^ who do celebrate it.

A 99 cent-tradition

by Kathleen Dorsey

Hundreds of them are sent through the mail each holiday season. Some have religious designs, some display cute little Santa's, and of course, there are the many that come full of notes, letters, and pictures.

They range from a few dollars to only ninety-nine cents. Christmas cards have become a heartwarming tradition.

The first Christmas card was not as decorated and fancy as those we send today. John C. Horsely, an artist, designed the first card in England, 1843. It was somewhat similar to cards of today, showing a family party and the words, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You" inscribed inside.

In that same year, Jobbins of Warick Court, Holdbom, London printed 1,000 of these same cards in lithography. They were hand-colored by a professional "colourer" and printed on stiff cardboard, approximately 5 x 3 inches, reading: "Published at Summerly's Home Treasury Office, 12 Old

The traditional picture of Santa Claus, Bond Street, London." An original copy of one of these cards sold for 1 cent each, but with the big red suit and leather belt, stems are now considered extremely valuable and from a picture first printed on a Christmas card during the Civil War. rare.

Although there are many types of cards sent today to places all over the world in all shapes, sizes, and colors, none can be quite like these originals, some of which are more than 100 years old.

Last year one Park Ridge family received over sixty Christmas cards, and none were duplicates. "I never really thought about why I send hundreds of these out each year. I only knew that I dreaded doing it all winter," said Mrs. Dorsey.

Maybe this year, as the post office is getOnly one year later, a painter named W. ting ready for the plethora of cards that ^ ^ Dobson sent out hand printed cards in place be distributed throughout the states, of writing letters to his friends. Soon after, families are getting ready to receive them the custom of sending Christmas cards be- some people might stop to notice the type came popular in all English-speaking coun- of card they receive and the meaning behind it tries, especially the United States.

;Features 9

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECLMBHR 20, 2002

^

48-year-old chart-topper

by Sarah Yunker How long do you think your favorite artist will remain a hit? In the case of Elvis Presley, he is still a hit, 25 years after his death. Forty-five years ago, on December 20,1958.

Elvis's song, "One Night" topped the charts at number one. Today, according to Rolling Stone magazine, Elvis Presley's 30 number one hits are strongly surviving at the number one spot of the top 40 albums.

Elvis Presley, a name that's world-renowned, is remembered for his good looks, great voice, and colorful movies. A startling fact is that Elvis was drafted into the United States Army a year before his chart-topper, "One Night."

On December 20, 1957, while Elvis and khis family were enjoying his first Christmas

at Graceland, he officially received his draft notice to join the United States Army.

It was not until March 24, 1958, that he left for the services at age 23. At Fort Hood he went through six months of basic training, during which time his mother passed away in Graceland. Elvis took leave and returned back on August 25, 1958.

In September of that year, Elvis boarded the U.S. General Randall on his way for jeep duty in Friedberg, Germany. Devoted fans sobbed and waved farewell to the King.

Arriving on October 1, Elvis found European fans just as enthusiastic and devoted as those in America, which made his 18-month stay all the more interesting.

Elvis was regarded as a model soldier throughout his time in Germany. There, he met his future bride, 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, who he married in 1976.

On January 20, I960, Elvis had the honor of being promoted to sergeant. A few months later, on March I, he left Germany and arrived in New Jersey. There, long awaited fans and press welcomed him home.

On March 5, 1960, Elvis Presley was officially discharged from active duty. "The army made a man of me. I was glad for the experience, glad no one can now say that I had it made," he stated. Elvis Presley got back to creating more chart-toppers and movies.

"I remember, as a kid, listening to my dad's old Elvis records, and ever since then I've been a fan," 17-year-old Andy Feeney comments with enthusiasm. Clearly, Elvis has survived through many different generations.

Striped sugary sweetness

by Lori Buckely This is the time when Christmas trees have been set up with lights wrapped around them; ornaments of shimmer dazzle the home. The smells of cinnamon and baked goods fill the air, but something is missingthe candy cane.

Each year several candy corporations make large sums of money on the sale of Christmas candy canes alone, but how did this profitable magnet come to be?

The candy cane originated from the Christmas of 1670 during a Nativity celebration. When children became antsy during the Living Creche ceremony at the Cologne Cathedral, the choirmaster had a backup plan. He developed a candy to keep the children occupied during the Nativity.

The candy was shaped into a shepherd's hook (or an upside down "J," which l^ymbolizes Jesus). They were then colored 'white to stand for purity and the virgin birth.

Finally, peppermint flavor was used to signify hyssop, a cleansing herb from the Old Testament. Each individual aspect of his "candy cane" had a biblical significance.

However, it wasn't until 1847, when a German immigrant, August Imgard decorated his home with candy cane ornaments that this candy finally entered into the American culture. The Americans developed the red stripes. " If you take a good look at a candy cane, you will notice the different sizes of the red stripes. The blood that was shed on the cross is represented by the wide red stripe. The wounds that Jesus received are symbolized by the smaller red stripe," comments a confectioner Mary Bellis, a church administrator says, "The three red stripes symbolize the Holy Trinity of [the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit]."

This development was further popularized in the 1920s when Bob McCormack started to make these candies specially for friends, family, and merchants in his town of Albany, Georgia.

When his candy turned into a craved item, his brother-in-law helped him create a machine that would mass produce the candy. "Other members of the McCormack family worked on new packaging ways to keep the canes from breaking in transit, and Bob's Candies became the world's leading candy cane producer," comments Elesha Coffman, a Christian historian.

Today, candy canes are no longer only red and white.

Colors of yellow, green, pink, and blue sparkle in the trees and stockings. The religious symbolism is wilting, and a piece of Christmas history is being lost.

Eventually myths will be added as children eat the sweet canes, but it is still important to remember what the candy cane stands for.

Nevertheless, as long as there are sweettoothed children in the world, these striped canes of sugary sweetness will always be a part of the Christmas season.

10 Sports

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 20, 2002

Expect excellence South i Stats

by Katie Waller Tailgaters at the Maine South girls' basketball game? You thought they only did that before football games? Well, you thought wrong! The guys, complete with their red "Got meat?'" T-shirts, white slapping sticks, boisterous voices, and freethrow cheers, came out last Saturday to cheer on the Maine South girls' varsity team as they faced the Galesburg Streaks.

"It was nice to have some fans in the stands and some enthusiastic support," quoted senior captain Mary Kearney after the game. Although the girls couldn't pull out a win, they did manage to cut the lead to a close three points in the exciting third quarter. "It was our defense and hustle that picked it up for us in the third quarter. We just have to keep that kind of intensity throughout the whole game," Kearney later stated. "We've been improving throughout this tough preseason schedule of games.

I know we are going to get through this and come out a better, stronger team. We will just continue to work hard and be more demanding of ourselves and of our team-

mates," said the other senior captain Kim Talaga after Saturday's game.

The Hawks have been working hard, and although they still haven't managed to find a win yet this season, they continue to strive for excellence and become a better team as a whole one day at a time. Every player on the team agrees that if they continue to work hard and "expect excellence," there is a win just around the comer. "We understand that this win isn't just going to be handed to us, but instead, we are going to have to go out and fight for it; give it all we got, and show the opponents that we aren't just going to roll over and die, because that's not what Hawks do!" stated a very emotional Sarah Andersen.

From this motivational speech, the Hawks have stepped it up a notch in practices, continuing to work hard everyday and waiting for their next opportunity to step out on the court and give it all they've got. So here's my proposal to you...get out to one of the girls' games and show them a little support.

The stands have been pretty empty and the girls could use your Hawk pride and enthusiasm.

The holiday spirit

by Scott Wojteczko When most students here at Maine South think of the holidays, their first thoughts range from presents under the Christmas tree to the multiple days off of school. They think of warm cups of cocoa, Santa bringing cell phones and DVD's, and new cars faster than any reindeer sleigh.

Such is not the case for the Maine South boys' basketball team. Junior Brian Schlitter pretty much summed up the feelings of the entire team when he said, "The holidays provide a time for all of us to be thankful. But for the Maine South basketball team, it is also a time for practice and prepartaion."

Unfortunately, the squad took this giving too far at the Schaumburg Thanksgiving Toumament.The boys gave away three close victories to the likes of state ranked Rich Central in overtime, an up and coming St. Charles North, and a sleeper squad from Steinmetz.

The overall result was a disappointment, but the players understand that it is a long season that has only just begun. The games were used as a measuring stick as to where the team was and where it needs to be.

The Hawks have already begun to rebound after amassing a 70-51 thrashing of cross division rival Niles North. Double-digit scorers included James Friel, Nick Northfell, Dan O'Keefe, and Joseph Allegretti.

The Hawks will continue to battle against the likes of despised foe Maine West, Niles West, Waukegan and Hersey before heading to Wheeling's Christmas Tournament.

The Hawks are ready to start their climb taking games one by one. There is no doubt in their minds that they will succeed with all of their hard work work and dedication they put into the team.

Come join the craze known as Maine South basketball as a dedicated fan. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year to all.

7 The number of wins for the varsity wrestling team.

62-59 The overtime score for the boys' basketball team's first win of the season.

1 day until winteij break!

Sports 11

SOUTHW'ORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 20, 2 0 0 2

Hawk swimming...INDEED

by J.P.Allen hx J.P.Allen V^ The warm up tape has been made, the t- Kruk, Kevin Pick, and Mike Baier, who had shirts have been ordered, the Speedos have the 123 finish in the 500 free-style. Our next been distributed, and the Speedo run thrilled a field house full of athletes.

However, concern rose in newcomer senior Jason Farenback. He pondered, "With over half of the Maine South Tailgators on the swim team, who is going to come to our home meets?"

This question was answered on Friday when the biggest turnout for any swim meet in the history of Maine South swimming occurred.

Dan Mathisen practices hi.': backstroke.

The stands were filled with screaming students as well as the supportive parents yelling, "Race Hawks Race!" opponent was Leyden High School.

The Hawks have started out the season Leyden thought that they could sneak away f.^-0. This team is proving that it is for real with a victory at this meet, since the Hawks and that the team's depth is close to swam a two lane meet as opposed to a usual unstoppable. The first opponent to realize three which put pressure on the Hawks this was St. Patrick's, as they fell 100- 81. Nonetheless, when it came down to the wire Key swimmers in this meet were Mark our 100 backstroke swimmers (Will Kruesi

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and Peter Przekota) and our 100 breaststroke swimmers (Adam Cien and Alan Zarychta) came up with a first and a third. Shortly after, the Hawks prevailed in the 4(X) freestyle relay prevailed giving the hawks a come from behind victory.

The diving team has also been hard at work, and their dedication has been showing.

Both Aaron Rush and Bob Klauk have been improving with each meet.This season has had an unbelievable start. In fact, the Hawk swimmers are off to the best start they've had in over four decades!

And the Hawks aren't about to glide through on just that, they have big plans for this season, including a trip to the state finals.

The team expects great things out of their swimmers this year. History is about to be made with this remarkable team, and the boys are more than ready to work their hardest.

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Dec. 23 @ Wheeling Tourney

Dec. 24

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@ Lake Park 2:30 pm

Girls'Gymnastics

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From all of us at Southwards ^\

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2 SPORTS

i n t e

Boys' Basketball • Girls' Basketball • Indoor Track • Boys' Swimming • Girls' Gymnastics • Wrestling

Strength and mental toughness

by Anthony Lovero In case you haven't noticed captain Nick Fallico's pecs looking larger than usual, captain Dan Tedeschi's stare looking angrier than usual, or captain Joe Stritzel looking prouder than usual, let me be the first to let you know that the Maine South's wrestling season has begun.

Themes this year include individual strength and mental toughness. The mighty Hawk wrestlers were welcomed into their season with a grueling three-a-day practice beginning at twelve midnight on the very first day the IHSA allowed practice to begin. Once practice commenced, the Hawk wrestlers were pleasantly surprised with a healthy dose of conditioning and drilling, and spent plenty of quality time doing the revised version of "plate time." When the time came, the Hawks were ready.

The wrestling program had a very successful opening Thanksgiving week. All three levels rolled over their Buffalo Grove competition opening night with varsity capturing a 64-8 victory. The following day, the program had its first home meet (a Thanksgiving tradition)

against St. Lawrence and Loyola. It was another victorious night with South's varsity beating Lawrence 62-10 and beating Loyola 60-0. Victorious varsity wrestlers included Kevin McMahon (103), James Doyle (112),

Josh Caudill (119), Dan Tedeschi (125), Bernard Olszewski (140), Nick Fallico (145), Rick Loera (171), Donnie Bungum (140), Anthony Lovero (189), Trevor Russell (215), Joe Stritzel (275), Sean Higgins (152), and

Flip and shout

by Kira Fedyniak and Marissa Frankos You hear the announcer's booming voice say, "And now, your Maine South Hawks!"

The line of twenty-five girls in leotards enter the gym as friends and family proudly applaud. Their hearts are pounding, palms are sweating, heads are spinning all in anticipation of the routines they're about to perform. The singing of the national anthem brings them one step closer to the competition.

This is the feeling that the Maine South girls' gymnastics team gets every time they have a meet. So far, they have had a terrific start to their season. Starting off the year with a win against Highland Park, these

amazing girls scored a 31.9 on the freshmen level, a 44.4 on the JV level, and an amazing 116.05 on the varsity level. Top performances came from Kira Fedyniak, Alina Pyzowski, and Marissa Frankos. Next came a victory against district-rivals: Maine West where all teams improved their scores greatly.

Finally, the Hawks faced the toughest team from New Trier The ladies gave it their all, but in the end they were not able to triumph over the Trevians.

Despite the loss, the girls are hyped up for the rest of the season, ready to flip, twist, and jump their way to victory.

Sam Cirrincione (160). This week's schedule had the Hawks wrestling a grueling five matches in a mere nineteen hours.

Their formidable competition included Maine West, Highland Park, St. Patrick's, Lake Zurich, and the state ranked powerhouse, St. Rita. The wrestlers put on a marvelous display of mental toughness over the weekend going 4-1 only losing to St. Rita, the score being 41-18.

This week's victorious hawk wrestlers included Kevin McMahon (103), Josh Caudill (119), Dan Tedeschi (125), Nick Fallico (145), Rick Loej;a •era (171), Anthony Lovero (189), Tre '^ Russell (215), Joe Stritzel (275), Se' e^T Higgins (152), and Sam Cirrincione (160).

The 7-1 Hawks are off to a great start. Dan is looking big, Nick is looking good, and Joe is looking proud.

With more hard work, dedication, mental toughness, and overachieving, the Hawk captains hope to lead the team on its way to turn a few more heads and win a few more underdog matches.

GOOD LUCK! Good luck to the varsity cheerleading squad who will be competing at Nationals over the winter break.