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VOL. 39, NO. 9

Maine South to host world-class pole vaulters

Eight of the world's best pole vaulters will compete tomorrow at Maine South, including Olympic Bronze Medalist Vala Flosadottir of Iceland (left), Canadian record holder Stephanie McCann (center), and World Junior Championship Medalist Osei Tutu Marvin (right).

Sfo/y on page 3.

In This Issue:

JMEWS:

COMMENTARY:

FEATURES:

SPORTS:

POLE-

N o CHILD

STALKING

GIRLS'

VAULTING

LEFT BEHIND

BASKETBALL

2^ews

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 31, 2003

Student Council starts coin collection

by Caroline Kim The Student Council sponsors a food drive every year and collects food and money to help numerous people throughout the holidays. This year, however, it wasn't just another food drive; an anonymous person donated a valuable gold coin, displaying a true act of kindness.

The Canadian gold coin is worth approximately $325. The donation was dropped into one of the collection buckets in the cafeteria during a lunch period with an accompanying letter signed by the "syndicate of goodness."

The person stated that he or she heard that Student Council wasn't doing too well this year, so in the spirit of giving, the gold coin was donated. The "syndicate of goodness" also said he or she would like the school culture to be more inclusive. But most importantly, the giver was just glad to help out those who are less fortunate.

The Student Council would like to thank whoever gave so generously.

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Four Elements

by Michelle Le The music was turned up high as the Orchesis Dance Company held their annual dance show. Four Elements, on January 10 and 11. All of the dances represented earth, wind, fire, or water. The show was a chance for the girls to show everyone their new dance moves, and how to have a good time.

Orchesis held two rehearsals each week to prepare for the winter show.

The group worked hard and in time learned six dances that were mostly student choreographed. Ms. Sarlas, the company sponsor, supported the girls in their endeavour.

The crowd was holding onto their seat with anticipation before the show Advanced Dance Class soon took the stage with Electric Lotus, choreographed by Ms. Sinclair, the school dance instructor. Their performance of Colorblind wowed the

crowd with their pointe and ballet style and with Path Unwinding, danced to the Lion King soundtrack, was also a hit.

Not all the pieces were student choreographed though. Jim Morrow, a dance performer, and Ms. Sinclair surprised everyone with their dance. Dual Action.

Other pieces included Usher's My Way, Bittersweet Symphony, Sharp Jive, Desert Rose, Wild Thing, and more.

The dancing did not stop there.

Four-year members and Orchesis officers also choreographed a few dances.

The company left the audience begging J | more as Orchesis danced to the Curtain Cs which included a remix of songs by Britney Spears, Missy Elliot, V13, and Eminem.

Orchesis also held their own award show the Saturday afternoon before their performance. Awards included Best Dancer, Best Choreography, and Rookie of the Year.

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TOP^v m

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January 31, 1851 - Gail Borden announces the invention of evaporated milk.

January 31, 1865 - Congress passes the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in America.

January 31, 1915 - T h e first German poison gas attack occurs against Russian soldiers.

January 31, 1970 - The Grateful Dead members are arrested on LSD charges.

January 31, 1975 - Barry Manilow's Mandy goes gold.

January 31, 1990 - The world's largest and Russia's first McDonalds opens in Moscow.

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News:]

S(JIITI1\\( )RDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 31, 2003

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Applied Technology: Michael Cantafio, Ashley Cuspilich, Paul Dilfer. Frank Edwards, David Miniscalco Art: Kathleen Andreoni, Adam Kravets, Greg Sidelnik. Nicole Slaboch. Elena Tinaglia Audio/Visual: Alex Gillett. Suzy Herman, Quinn Murphy, Alexandra Russell Business: Patrick Christl, Adam Kravels.

Jason Sagat, Lauren Tassani Driver Education: Robin Clement, Karen Magiera English: Annie Berndtson, Kasia Ciaston, Jessica Diffendal, Daniel Guglwzza. Tom Kafkes. Phil Keith, Vicki Kokonas, Ryan Kramarz, David Krone, Michelle Le, Shea Michals, Lisa Nicholus, Phil Pomagier, Jennifer Read,

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PRJ1 -ME; Jay Sagat, Adam Shalzi. Amanda Swanson.

Dan Takagi, KiraTedyniak, Emily Tichawa.

Radoslaw Tomov, Jennifer Wiatr Family and Consumer Sciences: Betty Bednarz, Pamela Kaye, Linda Sava.stio. Erin Sexton Foreign Language: Adam Blandin, Olivia Chaniew.ski, Camille Connelly, Pat Madison.

Brittany McKay, Elli Papadimitriou, Ashley Rezaeizadeh. Michael Verre Health: Andrew Cupp Math: Natalya Barsukova, Marco Bartolomei, Anna Bochenek, Megan Brady, Moira Fisher, Racher Fuller, Sara Gliwa, Belma Katanic, Kathryn Katz, Emma Keenan, John Sherlock, Amanda Tyrrell.

Daniel Widing, Justin Zakowski Music: Elizabeth Ortega, Andrew Swantek, Emma Tumminello Physical Education: Tristan Broeker,

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Benjamin Dydna, Sebastian Frohm.

Amanda Johnson. Justin Leverenz. Nina Nieczarowska, Elizabeth Ortega, Michael Perrozzi. Madeline Sirmbardis, Maciek Subotowicz, Marko Tomic Science: Anjelica Bannos, Caroline Brzozowski, Anthony Cordaro. Matthew Cusimano Aileen Farrell. Christina Fudukos. Alexandra Gillett, Ashley Hunsader, Andrew Juiris, Henry Lifton, Laura Mandel, Steven Maturno, Leanna Michas, Mark Milazzo, Alexander Nellesen, Courtney Romba, Maria Rywelski, Emily Tichawa, Max Veneracion, Josef Wegehaupt Social Science: Sarah Andersen, Sylwia Bania, Elizabeth Chao, Eustina Filipatos, Andrew Juiris, Molly Keith, Tori Simkhin, Megan Thorsen, Liz White

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Pole-vaulting comes to Maine South

by Monika Bysiecki Sports measure the ability of athletes in many different ways: by the speed of their sprints, the strength of their tackles, and the agility of their backstrokes.

Pole-vaulting measures an athlete's ability by how high they can maneuver their bodies over a bar.

Tomorrow, on Saturday, February 1, eight world-class vaulters will compete at Maine South in an unprecedented tournament hosted by the Illinois Pole Vault Coaches Association.

The event will take place at the Maine South Fieldhouse beginning at 7:00 pm. The charge for admittance is five dollars.

This competition is the first time the Chicago area has received such outstanding pole-vaulters in over a decade.

The eight vaulters are evenly split between the sexes. For the men, Adam Kehl, Justin Norberg, Osei Tutu Marvin, and Ulrich Tobias will compete.

These men are oozing with experience and natural ability. Kehl's personal best height is 18 feet 7 inches. Norberg is the Big Ten Conference Champion for 2000

and reaches a height of 17 feet 8 inches.

Marvin won the Junior German Championship in both 1999 and 2000, won

third place at the 2002 World Junior Championships, and scored a personal best of 18 feet 1/2 inches. Tobias is the 2001 German Champion and has a jjcrsonal best of 17 feet 9 inches.

For the women. Erica Boren, Vala Flosadottir, Hanna Mia Persson, and Stephanie McCann will participate.

Flosadottir is the 2000 Olympic Bronze

Medalist and has cleared 14 feet 9 inches.

Stephanie McCann, who won the bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth games, also has ajump of 14 feet 3 inches.

All of these vaulters could far surpass the height of a basketball rim, which is 10 feet high, and could almost reach the fieldhouse ceiling, which measures 21 feet.

Before hosting this event, Maine South has been the campus where vaulters practice their skills. Every Thursday in the summer, polevaulters can be seen running and jumping in their attempt to make a 15-foot bar.

Maine South vaulting coach Jim Lonergan runs the program, in which adults and high-school students alike participate. Maine South's connection to this unique sport has been featured on channel eleven's Wild on Chicago, which will air at midnight tomorrow.

People interested in track and field can spend all evening Saturday watching champions at work, and come home to see aspiring vaulters practicing at Maine South on TV at midnight. But don't be surprised if you're awakened by dreams of falling.

4 Commentary

SOUTHWORDS • JANUARY 31, 2003

—Student OpinionprepeFtyf«*|sf

e ediiDrs Discipline procedures

by Emily Haak How many 18 to 25-year-old men do you know? Would you miss them if they were gone?

What about if they weren't coming back?

Try this one on for size: why on earth would anyone at Maine South care about a subtropical desert country inhabited by about 23 million people? It's not on your next history test, so what does it matter?

It's easy for us to see the situation in Iraq as an isolated event on the other side of the globe.

Many of us think that it doesn't matter if the U.S. goes to war, becaxise it won't touch our personal lives.

Open your eyes. It will.

Representative Charles Rangel is proposing a reinstatement of the draft. As of yet. President Bush doesn't intend to start the draft, and Rangel's views are seen as extreme by many.

But what if the draft were enacted once again?

It's not that unfeasible.

According to the Department of Defense, about 120,000 troops are stationed in Europe.

Another 100,000 are afloat. There are roughly 37,000 in South Korea, and 40,000 more in Japan. It's true that there are about 1.4 million U.S. Military personnel. There are no assurances, however, that a war with Iraq would not escalate into a larger conflict given the unremitting threats of terrorism and the increasing instability in the Mideast. It is not unrealistic to predict a draft in order for the military to wage a large conflict while still stationing thousands of troops worldwide.

Suddenly a war against Iraq isn't as removed as once thought.

Are you wiUing to let a belhcose President send a country to war over some empty warheads? Is that the best proof the U.S. government can offer? And even if it had more, would you be willing, if need be, to send your brother, friend, classmate, or yourself off to war?

I urge you to take action. Write to Senators Durbin (dick@durbin.senate.gov) or Fitzgerald (fitzgerald.senate.gov/contact/ contact_email.htm) or Representative Schakowsky (http://www.house.gov/). If you disagree with the impending war, do not passively sit back. Prevent the worst-case scenario before it happens.

by Craig Briars After an enjoyable winter break, I was welcomed back to school with a dean's pass in homeroom.

I walked to the office open-minded, thinking that I was probably there for a good reason. Then I was asked to step into the interrogation room.

After talking with the dean, I was given the choice of either a one-day in-school suspension or a two-hour Saturday detention. I was told that the reason for my punishment was for wearing a coat indoors. Maybe if we had adequate heating in this school, this would not have been a problem.

Students can be written up for the most insignificant matters. Paraprofessionals and librarians must be playing a game where they try to punish the most students they can.

Compared to other schools in the area, such as Evanston and Maine West, Maine South has a low number of behavior issues.

The lack of disobedience in the school is obviously causing a problem. So in order to keep busy, students are being hassled by hall monitors so the monitors have a legitimate purpose.

A junior in my homeroom was called down to the dean the same day I was because he had cut study for a month. I thought he would be expelled, but instead he received the same punishment that I did.

A student ditches, not one, but several classes, and receives the same punishment as I for wearing a jacket indoors.

It seems that deans are not administering punishments fairly, which is not only unethical, but against policy.

In Maine Township High School, the Discipline Procedures states under the Philosophy of School Discipline that "quality schools are active in their commitment to a philosophy of student discipline that is fair, consistent, and effective."

An in-school suspension for wearing a coat is not only unfair, but when only one or two students are punished for a rule that is widely broken, it is also inconsistent.

Deans have the power of discretion in each behavior report.

That means they have guidelines to follow; therefore, they must use their best judgment each scenario.

The school says, "Our mission is to improve learning."

How can taking students out of classes improve learning? How can having ludicrous punishments for insignificant faults help achieve this mission?

Although, our school rules are not necessarily ridiculous and futile. Most provide safety and keep things under control, but some rules deserve a good laugh. If not being able to wear a jacket indoors is a necessary rule for security reasons, then turn the heat on.

There are many staff members who are doing their job well. They treat students with the same respect given to adults, and students should certainly do the same.

My hope is to make others aware that there is a problem with discipline procedures at Maine South. Staff members^ will think that this article is a little out ^ ^ hand, and I won't lie, it may be. But I a i ^ ^ stating the truth.

This article should not be questioned, but rather the policies at hand.

SOUTm\( >RI)S • lANUARV 31. 2003

Commentary 5

Student Opinion

•Singing the same refrain

by Lauren Boraca Coaches and parents sing the same refrain if you do any alcohol, or drugs, or anything to their teenage athletes: "Don't drink." If to embarrass the team, then you're kicked off." only it were that simple for kids to obey.

Mandatory drug and alcohol testing will Mandatory drug and alcohol testing of student athletes will urge them to be more benefit everyone. It will encourage teens responsible. By testing, teens will to be independent and to think twice about comprehend that bad decisions will result in what is more important: being on the team the appropriate punishment. Like many or throwing up in the morning. Drugs and coaches, Conval boys' basketball Coach Curt alcohol have no place in high school sports: Dutilley said that he emphasizes that it's just not healthy as a teenager. They hurt the body and affect athletic drinking takes a toll on the performance. team, not just the individual. "...27% of 15-19 year In 1998, 279^ of 15-19 Another coach even bans olds were drunk at the year olds were drunk at the students from drinking soda time of their crash..." time of their crash.

24 hours before a game.

Contracts protect not only It's a relatively new concept; athletes sign a ' ^ ^ ^ " " ^ ' " ~ ^ " ~ " " ~ ' the individual, but keep document during the pre-season vowing not others out of danger. The definition of a to touch alcohol or engage in other vices team is a cooperative unit. In order to during the season so they can keep the achieve this effectively and efficiently, one privilege of being on the team. Though the must make the right decisions and avoid terminology may differ from school to putting oneself and one's teammates in |school, these contracts have become more danger. These tests will help decrease 'common in the last five years. Some athletes teenage substance abuse. These athletes are honor it as a promise, but others see it simply the students setting an example for underclassmen and fellow classmates. If as a piece of paper.

The Conval girls' basketball team was one they set a good example, the students will of the first high school teams to draw up a realize that drinking and drugs are not cool.

Team contracts and mandatory testing contract. Coach John Reitnauer claims that the players did it by themselves. Another are key ingredients to healthy and wrestling coach at the same school says, "On successful teams filled with students who the team, you have to sign a creed...that says will make responsible decisions.

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"Bad kids bring it upon themselves. I'm a good senior so it doesn't matter to me.

Tougher is better.

Anna Jablonowski -'03

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"I think it is a little bit too strict, but someone had to do something."

Axie Russell -'05

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"It's a great way to make Park Ridge even more exciting than it already is."

Chris Ryan -'04

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"If someone wants to ruin their participation in a team, they should be penalized for it."

Jenny Hefferman -'04 b\ Kilex Borowski

6 Commentary

SOIITHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 31, 2003

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Student Opinions-

"No child left behind President Bush recently passed a series of laws to ensure the safety of America. These are student responses.

P o i n t by Sarah Yunker Before the end of last year, a new federal education law was passed. It included the "No Child Left Behind" act, which requires U.S. high schools to give key information about their juniors and seniors to army recruiters. This consists of the student's name, address, and phone number, which are all hard to obtain without the school's help.

The Pentagon states that the information turned over will help recruit young people to defend the country. Many parents and administrators feel that doing this will violate the student's privacy; it does not violate anything; however, the information that the military is acquiring is public domain. You can find a person's name and phone number from phone books and census bureaus.

The act also forces schools to give the military the same access to their campus that other businesses and college recruiters have. Recently, fifteen percent C o u n t G r p o i n t ^.v Kathy Pankau A man dressed in a formal uniform walks into the dean's office and demands something. "Hand over the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the juniors and seniors here at Maine South," he says. He happens to be a representative of the U.S. Army, and unfortunately, he has the right to the information.

Bush's new federal education law was recently passed and in it was the "No Child Left Behind" act. This act states that high schools are to give any information that recruiters want without hassle.

This act violates our rights and should not be in effect. When a student enters a high school for the first time, he does not automatically sign a form allowing this to happen; instead, this process is against his will.

Upon turning 18, a person is legally an adult. He should be able to make decision for himself instead of having others do it for him.

of the nation's high schools were "problem schools" for the recruiters, who received much hostility. They were denied access to schools on 19,228 occasions.

Sgt. Louis Perrin, of the Army National Guard, explains, "One teacher said we were trying to brainwash kids. All we were doing was handing out pencils. We're not trying to invade anybody's privacy. We're just trying to protect their freedoms."

The new law gives students the right to withhold their records from the military. All one has to do is fill out and sign an "opt-out" form. Quaker schools and others that have a religious objection to military service are not required to comply with the law.

When the military contacts an individual it does not mean that he has to join the army.

Some people think that young men and

There is an "opt-out" form that the school has, but none of the juniors or seniors interviewed had received this form or even knew about it.

President Bush's new act states that recruiters have the right to information that only the schools have about their students.

The role of the school is to teach, and not to help the military find recruits. The Army is capable of making pay cuts and lowering the money spent in finding recruits. Besides, how much of the S11,600 do they really need for their search?

When men and women turn 18, they are mailed a form from the military to fill out, along with pamphlets informing them about the service. With this can come drafting. By

women may feel pressured into joining, but that isn't the case. It is similar to colleges calling and trying to persuade a student into enrolling in their school. All it takes is two minutes to reply "yes," "no," or "I'll think about it." It is just like any other situation a person will encounter in life.

Today, the military spends a fortune on recruiting potential soldiers to protect the U.S. The cost has nearly doubled over the past decade from $6,500 to $11,600 per recruit. Getting the information that they need from high schools without any trouble will help to reduce the rising costs.

Not having a war does not imply not needing a draft. It takes time to prepare-up to six weeks to do basic training alone. After training there is still a long road of preparation ahead. If war were to come tomorrow and we did not have any recruits or soldiers, there would be a high mortality rate and we would e x p e r i e n ^ j ^ dramatic change in our lifestyle. ^^^ This is not a privacy issue; it is one that helps make students aware of the opportunities they have. In present times, every American should take the responsibility to protect this country. filling out these cards, the army has the information that it needs. Because of this, schools do not need to provide information that is already willfully given by breaking into a student's privacy.

Young men and women may feel pressured to join a cause that they do not want to. When recruiters call and you say, "I'll think about it," they still call back multiple times before they get a definite answer from you. It is a situation in which you cannot win.

Recruiters have a quota to meet each month and are then taught to be persuasive.

That is the reason for the calls, mailings, and interviews. People are constantly being talked into joining the military. When one wants out, it is extremely hardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if even possible at all.

What this act is doing is immol Serving one's country should be done by choice, not by force. After all, isn't being a part of a democratic country about being able to freely choose what you do in life?

;Features 7

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 31, 2003

One enemy too many

by Sarah Yunker and Meaghan Glass "One thousand friends are not enough, but one enemy is too many," stated a veteran Vietnam colonel. Many Maine South seniors have studied the Vietnam Conflict.

Approximately ninetyfive percent of seniors have learned about the hardships, injuries, and emotional stress that the soldiers suffered.

Because teens have been made aware of the gruesome scenes of war, many are afraid and confused as to how the war on terrorism will affect the world. Nobody knows exactly what the future holds.

The overwhelming majority of Americans have some knowledge about the horrible events that took place on September 11, 2002 in New York City. Most Maine South students learned about the terrorist attack in their homeroom or second period class. At first, the attack was just a rumor flying through the halls, but when students reached their classrooms around 9 a.m., they were informed about what had really happened.

Aside from the small discussions that take place in classrooms, many students aren't keeping up with the current news dealing with the conflict between terrorism and the United States today. Seventy-seven percent of the seniors surveyed said they only listen to the news occasionally. Despite

Hey you!

current issues discussions in class, a mere twenty percent reported that they keep up with the current events and pay attention to what is happening with terrorism, the Middle East, and the U.S. Despite the horrific act of violence against America, fifty-five percent of Maine South seniors are unsure of whether they support the possiblility of war. More than half of the thirty-three percent who strongly agree with the U.S. going to war were males. Of the twelve percent who stated they disagree with the war, almost half were females.

The senior students who were unsure of their stance on the possible war for a multitude of reasons. Half of them said they were confused about the whole situation.

Another thirty percent did not have answers because they were scared and did not know how to react to the sequence of events. The other twenty percent were not certain if they agreed with going to war because they did not agree with some or all of the government's decisions.

Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, is in support of war.

Justifying his beliefs, he stated, "We had thousands of people killed in the United States. There are terrorist networks out there that are threatening to kill thousands more.

It is our first choice that it not happen. We are aggresively attempting to find and root out terrorist networks. To do that, we need the assistance of dozens and

Southwards is interested in your opinion of the potential war with Iraq. If you would like to voice your opinion, drop articles off in V-131.

dozens of countries all across this globe."

People feel that the U.S. needs the support of other nations as well as the support of the American people and younger generations. Regardless of the media's presentations about the possibility of war, a high percentage of seniors feel they will not be affected by a war. Yet, everyone could be greatly affectedwhether it is being drafted, sending a family member or friend to war, living through the potentially devastating effects on the economy, or experiencing the unstable safety of the U.S. residents. ^

SOUTHWORDS i

A student-produced newspaper of:

j i {

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068

; Letters to the editor should be delivered to i room V-lSl or given to a member of the edi: torial 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 â&#x20AC;˘ Commentary Editors Kara Collins Michelle Le Caroline Kim ; Features Editors Sara Wolski i Sports Editors Austin Gibbons Kristi Katz ^ Production Editors Ian Beacraft Bobby Crismyre Allison Edgar : Core Photographers j Kiley Borowski Sara Pecherek ' Core Staff Artists Salena Retsos T.R. Kerth Advisor K

8 Features:

SOIITHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 31, 2003

Breaking up is hard to do

by Lori Buckely, Kristie Holowatyj. and Michelle Le "I couldn't live with myself thinking or knowing she had won, or she got me. No! This is war." This is the mindset of a stalker.

Stalking is any unwanted contact between two people. Lately, stalking has become more of a reality for people since the murder of John Lennon, a murder attempt on President Ronald Reagan, and the murder of a rising actress, Rebecca Schaeffer, by a two-year stalker.

A U.S. Department of Justice study stated that stalking is a crime that affects one out of ten people across America. This crime is almost as common as robbery. Suspects never have a clear identity: it could be anyone. Currently, 200,000 Americans are annually stalked.

Women in America have a higher risk of being stalked than raped, at a rate of three times more often than rape. One out of twelve women in the U.S. are affected.

Surprisingly, only fifty percent of all stalking victims report their victimization, and 25 percent get restraining orders against their stalker. In fact, restraining orders are not the most secure way of protection; 80 percent of stalkers violate their restraining orders. Most stalkers are angered by the restraining order and become even more dangerous than before.

Sixty percent of all stalking cases start before the relationship even ends between two people. In addition, 52 percent of victims are 18-29 years of age and 22 percent are 30-39 years old.

The Angels in Blue website claims that 50 percent of victimized males were stalked by both a stalker and an accomplice, either a friend or girlfriend, and most were 18-29 years old. About 45 percent of victims receive threats from their stalkers, while 75 percent are spied upon. Another 30 percent say that their property was vandalized, and ten percent say that their pets were threatened or taken away by their stalkers.

Based on the National Violence Against Women Survey results, an estimated 8.2 million women have been cyber-stalked during some point in their lifetime and one percent have been cyber-stalked over the past year. Stalking affects 1.4 million victims annually and is one crime that cannot be completely controlled.

There are three main categories of stalking and several subcategories. According to

End Stalking in America Society. There are erotomania, love obsessional, and simple obsessional. Stalkers can be nice, mean, sane, or insane.

Erotomania is a type of stalking usually performed by females when there is a belief that love exists within a relationship between the victim and the stalker. Usually, these stalkers are fanatics and celebrity stalkers.

Obsessional stalkers fixate themselves over a relationship with a complete stranger.

They are similar to erotomania stalkers in that they make themselves clearly known to the victim usually by sending gifts, notes, or phone calls. The stalker believes they can force the victim to love them.

Simple obsessional stalkers involve themselves in domestic violence. They choose victims with whom they had a previous relationship and start stalking when the relationship goes bad.

Finding the stalker can be quite difficult.

They are generally socially inept, moody,

have low self-esteem and are very jealous.

Even though stalkers can be both genders, most are male and are more intelligent than other criminals (www.onour.com). They are young to middle-aged, and attempt to woo their victims with gifts to show their affection.

According to the Anti-stalking website, a majority of stalkers have or have had relationships with their victims. Therefore, it is possible for a stalker to keep in contact with his victim.

Nevertheless, if the victim turns down the offer, the stalker feels embarrassed and this fuels the stalking even more.

Victims of stalking need to know what to do and how to cooperate in a safe way.

Relationships can turn b a d ^ ^ but they can also turn u g l ^ ^ ^ Typically, stalkers are formed from old relationships. Whether it is an old boyfriend, girlfriend, or coworker, potential stalkers are everywhere.

The victim plays a role in the stalker's actions as well. Usually, he or she does not admit that there is a stalker, and when they do, they blame themselves. A vie- . tim says, "When you know a person is capable of anything, and he also feels he has nothing to lose, you'd better be scared of him. He'll kill you."

The victims start to become emotionally and psychologically unstable. Some think that meeting the stalker for an arranged "last meeting" will get rid of the stalker, but it won't. The victim is typically the person whose personality changes rather than the stalker himself.

There are precautions that victims can take to protect themselves. They should stay calm at all times. They should only have to say no once to their stalker. The stalker d o ^ ^ k not realize that the victim does not w a n t ^ ^ be a part of his life, so using firmness and directness will help. One other thing to realize is that the victim and those around the (continued on the next page)

;Features 9

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANU.ARY 31, 2003

Possible death by piercing

by Trisha Krysztopa and Kathy Pankau Piercings are everywhere-from the ears to the belly button. Of the ninety-seven Maine South students surveyed, only 23 percent of them did not have any type of body piercing. Most of these people were males, and only one of the females surveyed did not have any piercing at all.

Males had piercings ranging from ears to tongues. Surprisingly, more males had their nipples pierced than their tongues. The survey showed four males had their nipples pierced, and only one male had his tongue pierced.

Females had a little more variety with their ear, cartilage, bellybutton, nose, eyebrow, and tongue being pierced. The females had over two hundred piercings in their ears alone. Exotic piercings were less common with only twelve bellybutton piercings, two nose piercings, one eyebrow piercing, and one tongue piercing.

Females tended to do their piercings legally rather than males who were less likely to get their piercings legally. Where the males had 36 percent of their piercings done illegally, females had only twelve percent.

Why, you ask? According to John Krone, a Maine South senior, "Society accepts females having piercings more than males.

Girls get piercings because everyone thinks they look good. Parents in our town think guys are hoodlums if they have body piercing."

So why do teens take such a risk by piercing? Is it safe as long as it's legal? Teens tend to not think about the physical side effects before making these important decisions.

Dr. Lawrence R. Pankau speaks against any type of piercing: "It is not safe, even if the utensils are clean." Teens do not realize that even after the piercer does his work cleanly, the recipient must continue to clean the wound until it heals. "The act of piercing is a potential source of infection, not just because of bacteria, but also l>ecause of viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV," Pankau explained. One reason for this is that the piercing is an open wound and can be in contact with bacteria and viruses.

(continuedfrom page 8) victim are in danger. The Anti-stalking web page states, "Victims don't like to be called victims...and unless they accept that, they will actually be helping the stalker." It is important to know what to do in order to avoid making the situation worse.

Here are important tips a person can follow to help prevent stalking. If you are being stalked, you must cut off all contact with your stalker because it is important not to send mixed messages. Secondly, a victim should record all incidences with their stalkers in case the evidence needs to be used to file a report against him or her.

Other important tips are: get a dog. buy a cell phone, block your address at voter registration and at the DMV, get a post office box instead of giving away your home address, remove name or identification from parking permits, and destroy discarded junk mail.

If your stalker calls you, let the answering machine pick up. Get a new phone number and only let the people you can trust know what it is. Also, take a self-defense class to become more aware of your surroundings and to protect yourself. Do not accept packages you did not order. If possible, lock your gas tank in your car so that only you can open it.

If you are being followed while driving in your car, drive straight to the nearest police station.

Remember that some stalkers can become dangerous. Victims should try not to aggravate their stalkers because a stalker's attitude can change within seconds. Stalkers are typically unpredictable, so the victims should take caution when they are dealing with their stalkers.

Victims can be anyone too. Even famous people often become easy victims because it is not difficult to keep track of their lives due to publicity.

One stalker, Joni Leigh Penn, had been a fanatic of Cagney andLacey s Sharon Glass.

According to Dr. Pankau, infections in the blood stream and heart valves, serious deformities, toxic shock syndrome, and even death can result from a single piercing, regardless of how sterile the procedure was.

"When doctors perform operations, they scrub the area for ten to fifteen minutes and work in a sterile environment." No matter where you get your piercing, you will never get those types of conditions.

"Piercing is just a part of teenage life," claims Tia Theodoratos, a Maine South senior. "You can always take them out - no harm done."

However, Dr. Pankau contradicts that statement, "You are still at risk years later, not just at the time of piercing. You are at risk for the rest of your life."

For the 77 percent of students surveyed who have piercings, it 5 may be too late. Nonetheless, for the 23 percent who haven't made the possibly fatal choice, they still can choose to prevent any dangerous side effects that a piercing may cause. A piercing will remain for a lifetime, so the decision to do so must be made carefully.

Š

She sent letters and pictures of guns and snuck into her house once. This led to a seven-hour holdup by the police before she was caught and sentenced to six years in prison.

Ralph Nau stalked Olivia Newton-John.

He claimed that she loved him and that when she sang at her concerts, the songs were directed towards him. This is a common idea that many stalkers believe.

Nau was later sent to an Illinois mental institute.

Another famous intruder was that of David Letterman. Margaret Ray identified herself as his wife and broke into his home in Connecticut several times.

In 1990, California was the first state to pass an anti-stalking law. Since then, all fifty states have passed some sort of antistalking law. Stalking laws prevent perpetrator behavior from escalating into violence. Although laws help prevent victimization from stalking, everyone should always be careful.

10 Sports

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 31, 2003

to the challenge South i

b\ Dan Mathisen As the roars of Nappy Roots and Cash Money Millionaires mixed with Coach Don Kura's mix of Annie Lennox and Wilson Phillips spewed from the pool, the boys' swim team went into the break well prepared with their speed, goggles, and a pool at their disposal.

The team started the break with a shellacking of Highland Park, by a score of 13848. Then came the layoff. They practiced nearly five hours a day over the holiday break to prepare for the second half of the season. Jason Farenbach was quoted saying, "I usually only work this hard when I'm grilling." Tension has built with the team unity as J.P. Allen scored retaliation against Adam Cien for a recent kick to the face during a kicking drill. As break further progressed the team came together as they stood boldly for their own Hawk Relays, dominated by the likes of Schaumburg

and Sandburg in the past. The Hawks stood tall, taking a recent best 2nd at the Invite.

Next up was the nationally renowned New Trier, who holds a Top Ten National Ranking, and as the state's best team. The Hawks held their own and raced well under wins by Will Kruesi (100 Free, 100 Back), Kevin Pick (200 I.M.), and two close relays.

Next on the Hawks' list were the Glenbrook South Titans Relays, featuring state powerhouses Maine East, Maine West, Deefield, and the host, Glenbrook South. The fierce Hawks took 2nd in the crescendo relay, swam by Mathisen, Allen, Kruk, and Kruesi. The 400 free relay of Allen, Kruk, Pick, Kruesi, and the 400 medley relay of Kruesi, Cien, Pick, and Kruk also grabbed 2nd. The Hawks stand proud with a record of 6-1 and a 2nd and 3rd place finish in competitive invites. One thing for the rest of the season is certain; if you want to see champions, look no further than the Maine South

Stats 24-0 28-0 The record of state-ranked varsity wrestlers, Rick Loera and Nick Falhco.

8.8

by Kristi Katz There's no looking back now; the Maine South girls' gymnastics team is on a roll.

The Hawk's only competition over the winter break proved very successful. The girls took home the top spot at the Maine West Invitational on December 27.

The Hawks scored a first with a total of 93.5 points, putting them above the rest of the 12-team field. The team was also recognized with special honors in both the bars and vault.

The team kicked off the New Year in style by winning the regular meet at the Maine East Beach meet. This unique meet combines a regular meet with a non-traditional style of gymnastics. Competing against top schools like Niles North, Maine East, and Highland Park, the Hawks knew they had to give it their best, especially with their top gymnast, Kira Fedyniak, restricted to one event due to a strained muscle.

But the Hawks prevailed with 114.6 points. Senior Monica Rangel, who had an impressive score of 8.8 on her floor exer-

cise, led the team. Other key scores of the night were posted by Ashley Hodges with a 7.9 on vault, Jenny Sanders with a 7.8 on vault, and Britt Marie Sivertsen with a 7.7 on the floor.

The Hawks went into their next competition, the Lake Forest Invitational, feeling up to the challenge of competing against some of the top teams in the state.

The Hawks came in ninth, just a mere 25 points away from the leaders, including state powerhouse Warren. Fedyniak led the way for the Hawks, competing in three events, earning scores of 7.9 on the beam, 8.3 on the uneven parallel bars, and 8.6 on the vault.

Rangel scored an 8.2 on the floor exercise, and Alina Pyzowski had an 8.0 on the bars.

The Hawks are looking forward to finishing the season just as strong as they started it. The girls have set their sights on the top spot for the highly competitive CSL Conference occuring today.

Through hard work and dedication, the team knows that they can come out on top of the CSL conference.

Senior Monica Rangel's score on her floor exercise at the Maine East Beach Meet.

6-1 The boys' varsity swim team ^ record.

SOUTHWORDS • J.ANU.ARY 31. 2 0 0 3

• Close, but

Sports 11

far

by Austin Gibbons Christmas is over and so is the New Hardwood Classic, at the hands of Carmel and Hawks battled hard, cutting the Dons lead to three after being down eighteen at the Year, but the boys' basketball team is hardly Libertyville.

Coming off of a respective showing at the half. The Hawks ended up losing the battle getting old. In every game they have played, they have been so close, but yet so Wheeling Tournament, the Hawks have had 48-42. Later in the week, on January 10, the Hawks lost a hard-fought far to satisfaction. They have bout to the Trevians of New fought hard through buzzer Trier, 65-51. Leading all Hawk beaters, a few wins, and even scorers was Joe Allegretti, the real tough losses at the putting in 18 points, all with a hands of state powers. Never bad hip. mind the results, the Hawks Exactly one week later the keep fighting through the Hawks were right back at season to make their way to the home, battling the state-ranked state playoffs, where they and Wildkits of Evanston. They every other team in the state fought until the end but suffered will make their run at the title. a rough defeat, 70-45. Bill Over the long, relaxing Truty led the Hawk scorers, holiday break, the Hawks were with 10 points. hard at work at the alwaystough Wheeling Hardwood The Hawks have fought hard Classic. They started out nice through each and every minute and strong with a win against of every game, but wins have Vernon Hills. Moving into the been hard to come by. second round of play the Hawks Through it all the Hawks are |took on the Lions from St. learning what it takes to Nick Norrhjell faces off against St. Pat \.

Photo by A.Edwards Viator. It was a heartbreaking succeed and what it takes to defeat, as the Hawks lost on a three-point several other respectable contest showings, come out on top in the IHSA state-playoffs. buzzer beater, shortly after Glenn Gierke but sadly they all came in defeat. On January The playoffs begin March 4, but they have nailed a three-pointer to take the lead by 7, the Hawks suffered a gut-wrenching loss many games before then, against all of the one. They suffered two other losses at the to their archrival, the Notre Dame Dons. The conference foes.

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Girls' Basketball

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(a) Evanston 5:00 pm

(a) Deerfield CSL 6:00 pm (a) Libertyville 7:00 pm

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

Ringing in the New Year

by Katie Waller With winter break and finals being over, many students are excited and happy to be done with the first half of the school year.

The New Year has come and gone and so has the first semester, which leaves the opportunity for many individuals to start fresh with a clean slate and many resolutions in mind for the remainder of the school year.

Just as many Maine South students rang in the New Year with a bang, so did the girls' varsity basketball team, who earned several wins including Waukegan, Glenbrook North, and Maria.

The girls chose to put the first third of their season behind them and strive for a stronger, more affirmative second third by focusing on putting the tiny fundamentals into place consistently.

"We were playing good ball, but we just weren't doing httle things like kick stepping and getting back for transition defense. It's those things that hurt us but made us realize that all we had to do was some fine tuning," stated senior captain Kim Talaga.

by Anthony Lovero Some may say it's a fluke and some a miracle, but the Maine South wrestlers know exactly why they are doing so well this year. Mental toughness, dedication, and a ridiculous amount of conditioning.

Although this year's team has only three returning varsity wrestlers, it has managed an impressive 19-2 record on the way to its fourth consecutive conference championship.

This year, captains Dan Tedeschi, Nick Fallico and Joe Stritzel have been working the team extra hard to achieve the goals set for the team in December. All of this hard work has paid off for the team. Dan

"After many bus talks, pasta parties, and have a lot of tough opponents to face and games together, I think we are truly overcome. The girls are going to keep their heads up as they go into the last portion of beginning to gel. We aren't their season, determined just fifteen separate to succeed. individuals anymore, we are The girls know that becoming a team," the other they need to continue senior captain Mary their hard work in Kearney was heard saying. practice in order to While many students increase the numbers in were lounging around with their win column, but nothing to do over the those wins will be the big winter break, the Maine pay off.

South girls' basketball team The attitude of the was in the gym playing girls can be best summj games in the Chicagoland up in the words of KJ Holiday Basketball Classic Solari, "We aren't Christmas tournament. perfect—in fact, we are It was in this tournament, far from it, but if we that the Hawks beat Vernon continue to work hard Hills in overtime with a and stick to the path we score of 56-51, capturing are on, the remainder of the consolation title. uren Shesek goes to the line the season should be full The girls have started the Photo by K. Borowski of success." The Hawks second third of the season on a high note, but they know that they still are ready to play.

for one more Tedeschi has earned the second most career wins in Maine South history in front of Jim Denk. Nick Fallico has become the fastest wrestler in Maine South history to achieve 100 career wins, with his record for the season at 28-0. Sophomore sensation Rick Loera is 24-0 and state ranked, and "phat" Joe Stritzel is having his best season ever at 23-5.

The individual's successes are providing the team with an excellent season as well, having a better record at this time than last years "Best Ever" team.

This past weekend the Hawks continued to demonstrate their mental toughness with

a victory against Conference foe Evanston, and a 7 place finish at the grueling Batavia tournament.

Placers at the tournament were Nick Fallico with a 1st at 145 pounds, Dan Tedeschi with a 2nd at 125 pounds, Anthony Lovero with a 3rd at 189 pounds, and Joe Stritzel with a 3rd at 275 pounds.

Overall, this season has been a great^ success. Hopefully the wrestlers' hard wJ will help them continue to wrestle tou| through Regionals, Sectionals, and the State Series. The Hawks need one more conference win for four CSL championships.