Vol 40 issue 5

ODTH

maine OCTOBER 31, 2003

township

high

s^chool

1111 S. DEE ROAD'PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS bUUbS

south VOL. 40, NO. 5

S l a m m i n ' Poetry

Maine South students marvel at Marc Smith during the poetry slam in the LRC on October 22.

In This Issue:

NEWS:

CoMiwyEiiTARY:

FEATURES:

Band-0Rama

Reality Shows

History of Halloween

PORTS:

iris' \felleybay

2 News

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2003ÂťVOL. 40, NO. 5

Slampapi at Maine South

by Kiley Borowski "So what!" exclaimed Marc Kelly Smith's audience after he introduced himself to a crowd in Maine South's library. How rude, thinking to yourself, to welcome the father of the Poetry Slam in such a manner In actuality, this is how Mr. Smith begins all of his Slams at the Green Mill Tavern where his performances are currently stationed.

What is a poetry slam exactly? A poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. One of its founding fathers was in fact Mr. Marc Kelly Smith, who helped to officially establish slam poetry in the late eighties. Known as the Slampapi, Marc Smith, though a natural on stage, has not been performing forever. In 1984, Mr Smith was a construction worker looking for a way to give life to the open mic poetry format.

He began a Poetry reading series, which laid the groundwork for poetry that is exhibited in Slams today. After approaching the Green Mill Tavern owner. Smith was arranged to host a weekly poetry competition. On July 25,1986, the Uptown Poetry Slam was bom.

According to Smith, the slam has evolved

into an international art form emphasizing audience involvement and poetic excellence. By continuing to stick to the basic structure of abundant audience contribution. Slams have become the most attended poetry events in numerous cities.

After performing for over sixty thousand visages. Marc Smith humbly claims that the Poetry Slam is not his to take ownership of; he simply loves that his art "effects peoples' lives; allowing them to break out of their shell."

Smith explains, "The purpose of poetry (and indeed all art) is not to glorify the poet, but rather to celebrate the community to which the poet belongs."

Marc calls the slam a gift for the nation, and believes it should be open to all people and all types of poetry.

Many students were able to participate in a mock Poetry Slam contest during the workshops on October 22. Those who did battled with personal and favorite poems and received coaching from Smith. He focused on the presentation that each student gave, emphasizing that, "the

performance of poetry is an art — just as much an art as the art of writing it."

Hesitant at first, one student commented, "But we're in a library! We can't talk loud."

Nonetheless, the library was soon shaking with melodies of poetic vernacular Although it did not provide the typical variety show atmosphere that Slampapi is used to performing in, it did allow him to introduce a new type of art expression to the students. Currently, Mr. Smith is working up to six hours a day on his forthcoming book, "An Idiot's Guide to Poetry."

"I am a very disciplined writer," states Smith. He reports that the secret to writing is writing everyday. Whether it's hip-hop or iambic centimeter, expressing yourself is key.

Marc Kelly Smith suggests that, "The^ show and the show's effect upon thi audience are more important than any o n ^ individual's contribution to it." This individual's contribution effected Maine South by widening perspectives and knowledge of the art behind Poetry Slams.

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October 31, 0834 - The first All Hallows Eve (Halloween) was observed to honor the saints.

October 31, 1876 - A c\ clone in Bengal killed 260,000 people.

October 31, 1926 - Harry Houdini, the most celebrated magician and escape artist of the 20th century, died in a Detroit hospital.

October 31, 1941 - Mount Rushmore was completed.

October 31, 1950 - The late comedian, John Candy, was bom in Ontario, Canada.

October 31, 1956 - The streetcar service in Brooklyn, New York was discontinued.

SOUTHWORDSOCTOBER 31, 2003ÂŤVOL. 40, NO. 5

News 3

•A music forte test

by Sara Wolski

As an excellent football season winds down, the Maine South community is reminded that all those football games would have been lacking something without the vibrant music of the Maine South Marching Band, the elaborate dances of the Hawkettes, and the flag-whipping flurries of the Colorguard. Luckily, these three elements of entertainment are having one last hurrah together in order to formally finish the marching season with a bang.

"Band-O-Rama is 30 percent concert and 70 percent circus," says Fine Arts Chair Mr. Pressler.

It is a well-loved tradition at Maine South incorporating upbeat music, dancing,

and live auctioning. The live auction serves as a lucrative fundraising venue for the Maine South Music Boosters. They use these generous donations to provide scholarships as well as funding for music trips..

The fine arts students enjoy tremendous community support during Band-O-Rama, and respond to their audience with quality music and entertainment. The program is expected to run about 75 minutes, with the live auctioning interspersed between songs.

This year the traditional and favorite auction prize is the ability to "Lead the Band" in a song of choice. However, an added auction prize, generously donated by J. Guitar, is

MTV DJ files suit

by Robert Fabry

On July 31, Maine South seniors Craig Briars and Jeff Ogden received a letter from MTV's Scott lalacci, a.k.a. DJ Skribble, informing them that their disk jockey business, Skribble Entertainment, is an unauthorized use of his name. Briars and Ogden have deejayed at school dances, weddings, bar mitzphas, and birthdays for four years. "We've been operating since the summer of 1999 without a problem, so I was shocked upon receiving the letter," says Briars. DJ Skribble has been on MTV since the early 90's and has hosted major events, released eight albums, and has his own radio show, "Skribble's House." He also has a group of attorneys who are willing to represent him in this suit.

The letter Briars and Ogden received stated that they must give up their website, www.skribbleentertainment.com, and change their name, or face legal action, lalacci's attorneys learned about Skribble Entertainment through their website, which Briars states is their biggest concern. The jttorneys' claim that they are making loney oflFof DJ Skribble's name and are selling a product that he doesn't endorse.

However, there is a disclaimer on the website saying that they are not associated with DJ Skribble, and Briars says that no

one has ever asked him if he is associated with DJ Skribble.

The Maine South duo has also sold thousands of dollars worth of t-shirts, hats, stickers, and other merchandise. It would be devastating to their business if they were to lose their name because most of their customers have heard about them or have had them recommended to them by other people. Un fortunately, in the court, lalacci would have the upper hand, because he had the name first and made millions of dollars with it.

However, Briars says that lalacci's lawyers are considering to have a settlement outside of court where DJ Skribble would pay them for the website. "Both sides are interested in settling, but no prices are out there yet," claims Briars. Briars has had several conversations with the attorneys over the phone discussing a negotiation. He also stated that if they do sell the name, Scribble, they will then be known as Scribble Entertainment with a "c".

When I asked Briars what he learned from this dilemma he stated, "In starting a business you must check all ends, follow all necessary procedures, and research the name you want to use to avoid the situation I'm in."

an autographed guitar named after and signed by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter from the Doobie Brothers and early Steely Dan. While the anticipation is building, countless students are busy preparing for this cherished event, unique in that it incorporates so many students from different organizations at Maine South. To start off the evening, the Band-O-Rama dinner begins at 6p.m. in the Student Cafeteria. The Band-O-Rama performance begins at 7:30p.m. in the Spectator Gym on Saturday, November 1, and is not to be missed by anybody that wants to have fun.

Band members will be selling the tickets prior to the show.

Losing sleep?

by Christie Telkamp Homework is found to be the major cause of lack of sleep among students at Maine South. This information was found in a survey done by students in Mrs. Ehringer's eighth period psychology class. The survey involved many juniors and seniors, and through this survey, the class found that stress caused by school related activities (such as classes, sports, clubs, etc.) were also other main causes of students getting less sleep than desired during the week.

The class also found that many of the students do get, on average, around seven hours of sleep a night during the week. Many students also said that they feel they only get enough sleep some of the time. And also, a number close to the majority oiily gets four to six hours of sleep at night, though the average was higher. This definitely falls short of eight to nine hours that high school students should be getting at their age. Many of the students surveyed are sometimes still finding themselves falling asleep in class. Also, a number of the students surveyed feel that if they do not get enough sleep at night that sometimes their school performance decreases, and it's harder to pay attention during classes.

4 Commentary

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2003»VOL. 40, NO. 5

Student Opinion

tab eoiiorsj

by Monika Bysiecki The perfect costume. Oh, what shall it be? I've spend many pre-Halloween days pondering the question. I have been all of the traditional things from the precious to the gruesome. An angelic figure or your traditional devil, I've done it all. There have even been revolutionary costumes, ranging from the letter "M," with a picture of 'Mister Monkey,' to a Styrofoam cell phone, complete with dial lone.So, surpassing the obvious ghouls or goblins and the corny drag outfits, what could I possibly become? I thought and thought and finally came up with this final list of this year's zany and downright ingenious Halloween costumes: A Martian: This requires a cat suit and florescent pain. If very dedicated, you could have a Martian legions of six land in a flying saucer (otherwise known as an oversized cardboard cutout) and gradually take over the planet. Don't forget the bobble-y antennas.

A goldfish: Most people would choose a more traditional animal like a lion, but I say, "Be a goldfish." Be advised, this one requires a bit more work. Massive sheets of orange construction paper and scissors are necessary, along with hours spent in front of the mirror practicing the perfect pucker.

Colonel Sanders: Caring a bucket of original chicken, this Southern man really knows how to have some finger lickin'good fun. The costume, only requiring a curly mustache. Southern accent, and trip to KFC, is one for the less dedicated trick-or-treater. But, to create that distinct Sanders physique, it would take months of pie-gorging. (For those not willing imitate the colonel's full figure permanently, I suggest a raid of mom's linen closet.)

A smurf: Everyone always talks about the little blue munchkins, but no one seems brave enough to put on white spandex pants, paint their entire body blue, and parade around the halls with sporadic outbursts of, "Why. I'll be smurfed!"

A Realistic Proposal hy Kris Johnson

Finally, the movement has captivated America to the point in which there are relatively few shows of no worth left to be seen. We are now fully submerged in an environment of infomercials and reality shows: America has spoken, and they seek knowledge. With the cancellation of Sesame Street and Masterpiece Theatre by WTTW, the transition is nearly complete.

No longer will the five-year-old down the block be oblivious to the various types of guns (after all, we would not want any confusion to exist between the Beretta 92FS and the switch-barrel Contender), nor will your average adult be left with any doubt regarding which gang currently has the advantage in the 500 block of 120th Street.

With an unthinkable 105.2 percent of Americans in favor of the following programs, allow me to present the following proposals in the hopes of finally appealing to the American's unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

1 think that by the conclusion of this proposition you, too, will agree with me in regard to the question of the education of the masses: the Discovery Channel just doesn't prepare people for the real world, and the current reality shows leave something more to be desired. Let them experience the real world through television sets, and let them understand all the information necessary to survive in this modern day and age. There is another advantage in this, and it serves primarily for your benefit: if FOX Network is the first to institute such contemporary programming, then they shall surely receive credit for this grand scheme. 1 shall fade to the backdrop and be satisfied with the knowledge that I had some part in this revolution of knowledge. I propose we convert reality TV to reflect honest reality and the trails and tribulations that shall accompany it: American Idle—featuring an obese man sitting on a couch, eating potato chips and drinking bottles of Corona, while watching his favorite television shows. In previews, viewers claim to be able to relate to the strifes of the star (after all, who wants to

have to stand up for another drink?). In the first show, viewers will be exposed to the man's family, but because of his addiction to television, this will be the only episode featuring anyone but the star.

Survivor:The South Side—throws sixteen naive white people (eight male and eight female) into the South Side of Chicago and forces them to dodge bullets and cope in this exciting glimpse of America.

Riveting the public and offering a first-hand glimpse into gang cross-fire, this show is sure to be a hit and appeal to the American desire to see violence, but to remain a healthy distance away. For the thrill-seekers, the participants will play against the odds: the last player alive will win the ultimate prize, which is the chance to stay and live in downtown Chicago, the place which they have just "conquered."

Christian Addict's Fund—a branch the Christian Children's Fund, this sectd: will deal primarily with America's own addicts, giving them the funds needed to survive and ultimately, avoid withdrawal.

This week-long fund raiser can potentially be aired and save the masses from running out of drugs of any sort (although the Foundation deals primarily with hard core drugs such as heroin). Because America is entrenched with both users and dealers and no means by which to obtain their drugs of choice, this Fund has generously stepped in to try to make a difference in the lives of these upstanding citizens.

I can think of no possible objection to the iniation of such creative and enlightening programming. Let you, FOX, the most up-to-date of all television networks, not feed the minds of Americans with conventional "educational" rubbish.

Nor let the American's desire anything but this sedentary lifestyle: to go outside would be to waste energy on meaningless endeavors. Not until the focus shifts from this morbid curiosity to a need for fact information shall I even bother to prop^ such a thing. No, let Americans keep their minds free from such burdens and receive a lesson in reality from the comforts of their own sofas.

P

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2003ÂŤVOL. 40, NO. 5

Student Opinion

Commentary 5

Funding crimes against humanity for a high

by Jon Davis

There's just something about Red Ribbon Week that makes me sick. We are inundated with the presence of Red Ribbon pride, even though most students at Maine South only care enough about the Week to snicker to themselves in devious delight as they look forward to their next high. Red Ribbon planners love to remind us every year of the reason for the week; every year we are reminded to pay tribute to the kidnapping and murder of CIA operative Enrique Camarena at the hands of a Latin American drug cartel.

Nevermind the millions of innocent men, women, and children that have been tortured, raped, and killed a result of drug cartels; we pick one single CIA operative to remember.

Nevermind the families decimated by the drug war, whose bodies are mutilated and put on display to warn off those willing to fight cartel power; babies are beheaded just to spite dissident parents; women are raped; innocent people are slaughtered; entire families are eliminated.

Still, we pick one man to remember.

Nevermind the true terror that dwells on the hearts of the drug war torn nations so heavily influenced by the drug trafficking business.

Compared to the drug-induced terrorism that exists in Cenral and South America, Africa and Asia, the terrorism of 9/11 looks like a toddler playing with blocks. The terror faced by the people in these areas is incomprehensible to most Americans and will remain incomprehensible until steps are taken to bring a sense of reality to America.

Money used to purchase drugs funds terrorism— not only Al Queda, but also a far worse, far more wretched form of terror: the slaughter of the innocent in pursuit of drug money. The students of Maine South either do not know about or do not care about the terror inflicted on their brothers and sisters to the south.

This is the true failure of Red Ribbon Week and is what makes the whole event so pretentious.

Students at Maine South see the truth about the drug war as illustrated by a bunch of posters and ribbons and gym class running competitions, but have no real issue.

Nor do they care. Red Ribbon Week has dissolved into a matter of "pretend to be drug free and you'll get food." This is a travesty that c o m p l e t e l y undermines the purpose of Red Ribbon Week.

We remember Enrique Camarena beacuse he gave his life fighting the terror that most Americans choose to support. He fought the inhumanity fueled by Maine South's greed.

We cannot forget the millions of others that gave their lives to fight the tyranny and oppression from drug cartels across the globe. Enrique Camarena knew the tyranny of the drug cartels. He gave his life fighting against that terror. He deserves better. Millions of innocent people deserve better.

Will Maine South care?

"Dressing up and getting free candy? What's wrong with that?"

Brittany Patterson, '06

O

o

"Personally, I think that no one is ever too old as long as you're having fun."

Courtney Pientka, '04

2 o o

o X

"You're never too old. I think we should go trickor-treating every Friday night."

Damian Oleksiuk, '04

"Once you hit high school, you should ease up on getting candy and focus on having a good time and causing trouble."

Matt Campbell, '07

6 Commentary

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2003ÂťVOL. 40, NO. 5

Student Opinion a

Aren't you a little too old for this?"

by Erik Johnson When you go out trick-or-treating this year, you'll probably run into some little old grandma who won't just mindlessly dish out candy, but has to ask you "Aren't you a little too old to be trick-ortreating?" Now, before you say "Aren't you a little too old to be living?", grab her candy, and egg her house, think about the question for a second.

What the heck are you doing running around the neighborhood in a mask terrorizing little old ladies in return for candy? It was cute when you dressed up like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and went to all of your neighbors' houses.

If you're in high school and you roam up and down the streets with a pillow case, a carton of eggs, and a cheap $5 mask, you look more like you are ready to hold-up a 7-11. So before you head out into the

neighborhood in search of candy, stop and think about why you are doing it.

It's not like Halloween has any special significance as a Holiday. Sure, we think of ghosts and ghouls, candy, and bobbing for apples but they really don't mean anything. To find the true meaning of Halloween one has to go back to the Celts of Ireland. On October 3 1 , they celebrated their last day of the year (their New Year was November 1), and they dressed up inanimal skins and sacrificed crops and pigs to scare evil spirits away. Over the years, more traditions have been lumped on. For example, the name is a slurred version of "All Hallows Eve", an early Catholic holiday; "All Hallows Day", on November 1, is a celebration of early

Christian Saints.

Nowadays, Halloween still has the same basic customs, just without a meaning.

People still dress up as all manner of nasty beasties, but all they want is candy. It might be better if this Halloween you dress like the Celts in animal skins to ward away evil spirits, or maybe you should dress as your favorite saint to honor All Hallows Day. However, if all you're going to do is put on a mask and get some candy, you're better off staying home.

I'm sure there are many out there who still want to go out with their masks and pillowcases. I bet you enjoyed Halloween a lot when you were younger and had more convincing costumes, but if you hope to preserve your dignity, you'll have to stop at some point. Halloween is meant for younger kids, stay home. You'll do yourself, the children, the grandmas, and the Celts a. big favor. Besides, you can always get' plenty of candy by passing it out to the little trick-or-treaters who come to your door (one for you, two forme...).

Student Review

Artist Kenna delivers it fresh

by Joseph Blanski Tired of the radio? Tired of all the same msic being played over and over again by the same media icons? I believe there is good music out there; it just takes a little effort to find it. Check out an East Coast band called Kenna.

The last anyone heard of them was about three years ago when a music video titled "Hellbent" was released. Even then, it was only played on MTV2. The band had no record contract but had all their songs recorded. Those who were lucky enough to catch it tracked down as many tracks as they could by this diverse artist back in the good old days of Napster.

Now, after two years, the album. New Sacred Cow, is released and it is some of the most original music I have ever heard.

Combining synthesizers, a piano, a drum machine, and a lot of work, comes a

complex album that defies any genre. The closest you get is alternative synth-rock.

Frontman Kenna's voice seems to smile back at you through all of the lyrics that clearly show the world as he sees it.

The constant selfdoubt, the occasional egotism, cynicism and hope all mix together ironically and skillfully.

"Sunday After You" puts a twist on the common heartbreak. "Man Fading" is a great declaration of self. The fourteen tracks don't make you wonder what he goes

through but instead touch you with deeper familiarity. There is something for everyone.

Even if you did want to find out more about him, you won't. All you'll find are odd bits of artwork and outrageous essays that he puts in the website's forums.

Too often, great bands are ignored and shoved out of the way by the current trends and hype.

New Sacred Cow is an album that deserves our I hard-earned money.

Since it is hard to find it in stores, go to www.kennaonline.com and have a listen to it.

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2003ÂŤVOL. 40, NO. 5

Features?

•Power to the pumpkins

by John Gonzalez October 31, a day when kids dress up as monsters, goblins and ghosts, when they get sweet treats from all about the neighborhood, when giant orange pumpkins are dismembered and cut up to form grotesque expressions and smiles. As you walk down the street you will see many faces glowing, staring at you as you walk by. You may think that the only good use of pumpkins is to carve sculptures out of them or to ^t pumpkin pie; I^ou are very wrong if that's what you think.

Pumpkins are widely used in many different fields of sales. For thousands of years people have used the pumpkin for many different things. The pumpkin history starts in Central America. Mexico used seeds back in 500 B.C. that were related to the modem day pumpkin.

Then the pumpkin migrated north into the Native American's land. They used the pumpkin as health food, until the white settlers arrived. The pumpkin became a popular food for the Europeans and spread throughout the world. People started to use the rest of the pumpkin instead of just the pulp. They discovered recipes ranging from desserts to soups. This is when pumpkin pie was first made.

The Europeans also discovered that the dried out shells could be cut and woven into mats. Pumpkins have also been used in many different concoctions in its seven thousand year history, such as a cure for freckles, a remedy for snakebites and a leterrent for prostate cancer. Pumpkins |ave a rich history and can be used in many different and interesting ways.

Pumpkins can also be quite nutritional.

The nutrition facts of one cup of pumpkin are: 49 calories, 2 grams of protein, 12

grams of carbohydrate, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 37 milligrams of calcium, 1.4 milligrams of iron, 22 milligrams of magnesium, 564 milligrams of potassium.

five pounds. The next type is the jumbo pumpkin, which can grow to be one hundred pounds. There are also specialty pumpkins; the naked-seeded pumpkin is great for carving and the Buckskin, Chelsey, Dickinson Field, and Kentucky Field are good for canning and cooking. There is also a miniature variety of pumpkins including baby boo, jack-be-little, jack-be-quick, munchkin, and sweetie pie.

Pumpkins are grown for decoration, foods or for contests, to see how large one can be grown. The largest pumpkin ever has been 1,140 pounds!

Next year or even today while you are walking around and see a pumpkin, don't smash it, think about what it represents and where it came from. Respect that it has been around for thousands of years and preserve this traditional fioiit.

SOUTH^VORDS 1 milligram of zinc, .5 milligram of selenium, 12 milligrams of Vitamin C, 1 milligram of Niacin, 2650 lU of Vitamin A and 3 milligrams of Vitamin E. Pumpkins, a fruit, are also ninety percent water.

The word pumpkin is derived from the Greek word pompon, which means large melon. Then Shakespeare changed the name of pompons to pumpion in one of his plays, "Merry Wives of Windsor." As the word spread throughout the world and gradually reached America, Americans changed the name to the modem version: pumpkin.

Pumpkin is actually part of the Cucurbita family, which the cucumber and the squash are from. They are produced in six of the seven continents.

Today pumpkins are used during the fall season for both Halloween and Thanksgiving. In one of the first Thanksgiving meals between the Europeans and the Indians, pumpkins were a large part of the meal. Now pumpkins are an essential part of the Thanksgiving meal, especially pumpkin bread, stuffed pumpkin, and pumpkin pie.

There are also many different kinds of pumpkins. There is the standard orange variety, which grows from two to twenty-

A student-produced newspaper of:

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

Editors-in-Chief

Monika Bysiecki Kristi Katz News Editors Carly Calkins Ashley Rezaeizadeh Commentary Editors Annie Berndtson Kate Funkhouser Features Editors Kara Collins Corinne Ullrich Sports Editors Greg Mitchell Katie Waller Production Editors Bobby Crismyre Kris Johnson Core Photographers Kiley Borowski Kathleen Pinter Core Staff Artist Joyce Ann Santos Advisor T.R. Kerth

8 Features

S0UTHW0RDS<X:T0BER

31, 2(X)3ÂťVOL. 40, NO. 5

Halloween histor/ ^v Kara Collins Today of course is the infamous holiday: Halloween. Children and adults alike look forward to all the candy, treats, costumes and parties associated with this holiday.

Halloween, however, is also rich in tradition.

HistoryHalloween is observed on October 31 in North America and some parts of Western Europe.

Some of the ancient people in Western Europe marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter by celebrating holidays. The most important of these holidays was Samhain. Samhain began at sundown on October 31 and extended into the following day. On this day the spirits of those who had died in the previous year came to earth again.

People tried to ward off these spirits with food and drink. They also honored some of the dead with bonfires and sacred rituals.

Later Romans mixed the Samhain customs with their own festival honoring the goddess of fruit trees. Some believe that the tradition of bobbing for apples came fi-om this tradition.

From the 5th to the 15th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church incorporated these old traditions and replaced them with All Saints' Day. All Souls Day, which became popular throughout Europe, was similar to the modem Halloween.

In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, many of the supernatural beings associated with Halloween became popular. Witches, jack-o-lantems, and other

magical beings were popular in Europe and became symbols of Halloween.

When America was founded, some colonists brought their Halloween traditions and immigrants popularized Halloween again in the mid-19 century. However, it was regarded as a children's holiday. Vandalism

became very popular in the early 1900s.

This was gradually transformed into trickor-treating.

Through in some areas, October 30 is Mischief Night and vandalism and pranks are plentiful. Especially in Detroit, where the night is known as Devil's Night, crime and vandalism are at dangerous levels. Now there are celebrations across the country for people of all ages. Halloween is related to similar holidays in other countries. In Mexico (The Day of the Dead) and in England (Guy Fawkes' Day) celebrations are held at the same time of the year.

FestivitiesSupernatural forces and spirits of the dead are highly present in today's Halloween traditions. Decorations feature

imagery like witches, werewolves, vampires and ghosts- supernatural beings. Symbols of bad omens, such as black cats, bats, and spiders, are also featured in some decorations.

Jack-o-lantems, hollowed out pumpkins with candles placed inside, are also popular.

According to British folktales, the soul of Jack O'Lantern was barred from both heaven and hell and was condemned to wander the earth with a lantern. The colors of pumpkins and darkness, orange and black, became the traditional colors of Halloween. Costume i ^ j ^ one of the most p o p u l ^ ^ ^ Halloween customs.

Traditional costumes feature witches or ghosts, but in recent years modern popculture costumes have become popular.

Trick-or-treating is a custom where children cry "trick-ortreat" to neighbors to suggest that ifthey are not given candy they will play a prank. In the past trick-or-treaters would vandalize the house ifthey weren't given candy or didn't like the treat, but now the threat of a trick is no longer present and is just a saying.

In some areas of the country, costume parties have replaced trick-or-treating.

Bobbing for apples or costume contests are popular traditions.

Today there are countless ways to celebrate Halloween. Whether it is trick-ortreating, bobbing for apples, carving ^ ^ pumpkin, or attending a costume party, eac^^P tradition has a rich history.

With numerous activities to participate in, Halloween is a great holiday to eat some candy and just have some fun!

———Features 9 A day in the life of a freshmen

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2(X)3'VOL. 40, NO. 5

by Anna Gartner Quietly, he closes his locker making sure not to bother his upperclassmen locker neighbor. He goes through his mental checklist making sure that he has everything. He won't be coming back to this location for another six periods and is qualified for the "Freshman Backpack Club".

"I could knock someone over if I turn too quickly," he says, a rosy tint creeping across his face, "it's a dead giveaway to what year I am."

Meet Buddy, one of the 700 plus freshmen who entered Maine South this year. "There are so many new faces, activities, and experiences that a new person could feel lost. I sometimes don't want to go, but I have to," he says."The only way for me to survive this year is to fall into a strict schedule and stay that way for the next nine months. Otherwise, I might not make it," he adds, "There is so much going on."

He starts his morning at 6:00 a.m.

I everyday. That time is a whole hour earlier

than when he was in middle school. It's a struggle for him to emerge from sleep before the sun has even come up, but he has to do it. It's part of his schedule.

"If I don't wake up on time, my dad beats me to the shower, then I eat later, and I won't be ready at 7:00 a.m. when my ride leaves.

I have to ask my mom for a ride, and then I get to school later and my whole schedule is thrown off," he replies sounding stressed.

Freshman year has been a tough one so far. He has a flap at 7:40a.m., the hardest classes that he has ever taken, new pressures from peers, and immediately goes to soccer practice at the end of the day. For being a lazy kid, these adjustments have come as a shock. "I used to do nothing after school. I would come home and do nothing. I had more free time than the time I spend doing things now. I used to be so lazy," he says.

"When I come home, I just want to plop down and relax," he relates, "but I can't.

The minute I get home around six, my mom is immediately on my back, telling me to

do my homework or my chores. I've been at school for ten hours! Why can't I do something non-school related like watching TV or using the internet?"

In the end, however, his conscience takes over, telling him that he should get going on his homework. He doesn't have any studies during the day and he can't do it in the morning: now is the only time.

He grudgingly drags his backpack up the stairs to his room and places it next to his desk, the same place that it was last night.

He wearily unzips his bag and pulls out his red Chandler notebook, the same way that he did last night. Scanning the day's notes, he realizes that this night, the homework became more plentiful than on the previous nights.

He hadn't planned that in. He begins to rub his head, looks at his clock, which reads 7:05p.m., 1 hour and 55 minutes until he has to go to bed. He has to wake up again at 6:00a.m. the next morning, when it begins all over again.

A hunnanistic F r e n c h t e a c h e r

by Nick Reid Madame Nica, as her students know her, is a good teacher. She is also a good person.

She's smart, witty, and passionate about teaching her students lessons of language and life.

Nica has been teaching here at Maine South for fifteen years. "This is where I'm meant to be," she says smiling.

Nica knew what she wanted to do at a very young age. "It all happened in fifth grade: the French teacher walked in, and she was so charming and the language sounded so amazing that I said, this is it. This is something I want to do.""

But what is it about Mrs. Nica that makes her the right kind of person to be a teacher?

She's not selfish. "Whatever I learn or whatever passion I have, I need to share it.

It just doesn't mean anything if I don't have someone to talk to about it and share it with."

Ms. Nica didn't only want to be a teacher when she was younger. "When I wasn't imitating my teachers I was fascinated by medicine," she admits. "It's interesting.

those two things about healing and being a teacher. The teaching won out, but I think the healing part of it is to do with more like psychologist type of thing. As soon as you tell me you have a problem, I start working on it to the point where I'm doing more than you."

Nica knows about the psychology of teaching adolescents. She understands that teens aren't just students. "I have become more aware of the psychology of the adolescent in the context of society. I would like them to know French: the arts, the culture, the vocabulary, and all that defiantly. But at the same time I would like them to be in an environment where the human soul gets addressed."

With her students she tries to get to know them in the time they have together. She gets to know some students very well. "I love it when I can have you kids for four years straight. That's a lot of time. I see you coming in awkward and leaving young ladies and gentlemen." Nica realizes the many different aspects of life and what it is about. She utilizes this wisdom in the

classroom. "Finding an acceptance of what it means to be human, which ranges anywhere from the agony to the ecstasy.

How to accept and deal with the agony, how to delight in the ecstasy and everything in between. I guess it's a life trip."

Her philosophies sound like they apply directly to life, but isn't this a lot to accomplish in a day? She has a very busy schedule that many people wouldn't be able to handle. "I get up at about 4:30 a.m. and within about forty-five minutes, I'm working on anything from tidying up the house to preparing my husband for his twenty-four hour call."

After all the things she has to do in a day she still wants to do more, to improve: "There is also the question of keeping up.

That is to say read the books that might enhance."

With all that a person does, there is a drive behind their actions just like Madame Nica. "I think what keeps me going is the passion for learning and teaching. When I learn and teach, I'm in the zone." Maine South is lucky to have her.

lOSports

SOUTHWORDS'OCTOBER 31, 2003»VOL. 40, NO. 5

K.U.R.T.

by Adrianna Stasiuk To the average Southwords reader, this acronym is merely a boy's name. Yet, the girls' volleyball team has adopted this new collection of letters in a meaningful way.

K.U.R.T., or Kourageous, Unrelenting, Ruthless, and Trusting, is really the way the girls sum up their teammates.

Senior Alex Aufmann, who has recently recovered from "foot problems" says, "Yeah, we thought that making an acronym would help us in our devotion to the whole team effort."

Senior Ellie Marquis added, "The team started chanting 'KURT' on the bus, and I guess the name just kind of stuck." Lately, that team effort has gotten the volleyball squad a long way: the girls beat New Trier twice in the past week as the defense provided by Jenny Szaflarski and Alex Aufmann shut down the Trevian offense.

Senior outside hitter Katie Lapinski, pushed through back problems to help her team out. Both setters, Siobahn Mischke and Meghan Polston, also led their teams

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South Stats

to success. In prestigious Pumpkin Tournament, the girls proved they could compete with the best after taking a respectable 5th place, losing only once to 4-ranked Harrington High School after fighting it out for three games.

And finally, the much awaited Senior Night arrived, with teary, then fiery eyes. "1 was sad at first" started senior captain Gina "G-Unit" Heiderman, " but then my eyes started burning, and I realized it wasn't the tears, but instead the fire inside them."

The seniors seemed to "light up the gym" as the Hawks came another match closer to a conference championship by beating Evanston. Of the gifts the seniors received from the juniors on senior night, Jenny Szaflarski complained: "Honestly, I was dissapointed—they could have done something cool, like silk-screen flannel pants".

The Hawks continue their success on their road to going down-state. The team knows that if they remain focused and work hard, the championship title is in their reach.

4th Chicago Tribune's rank of the football team

5 Members of the girls' tennis team who qualified for State

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SOUTHWORDS-OCTOBER 31, 2(X)3ÂťVOL. 40, NO. 5

SDortsll

^/Vinding down mm

by Henry Lift on The Maine South cross country season is winding down, but the anticipation for the Regional and Sectional meets continues to keep the boys hungry.

Recently, the Hawks traveled to the challenging Addison Trail Invitational and placed 3rd out of 8 teams, with strong performances from team captain Lee Camarano, Pat Moran, and Greg Udzielak.

Al Pinter, Henry Lifton, Mark Fulara, and Mike Verre rounded out the top 7 runners.

Brian Ruder took first on the JV level in the combined girls and boys two-mile race.

At the conference meet on October 18, Maine South took 4 out of 6 teams at a hilly Waukegan course. Moran was 5 and Camarano took 10, earning All-Conference honors. Udzielak, Pinter, Lifton, Ruder and Verre rounded out the varsity race. In

the JV race, Fulara took 9 overall followed by Matt Lucas, Mark Naglevoort, Will Haley, Jeff Madl, Mickey Mangan, Terry Blindauer, Mike Ludwig, Chris Ryan, and Benz Ng. This is the team that has been there since the beginning and has put in as much work as the top runners. On Tuesday, October 21 st the junior varsity put in a strong showing at the Ron Campell Invite at Niles West as the varsity was at home, preparing for the regional meet. The Hawks look to qualify out of the Wheeling Regional on October 25 and upset some of the wellregarded teams that are unsuspecting of the team's potential. The cross country team looks to end the season with a resounding victory.

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Offense overshadowed oy destructive defense

by Steve Conto mo The day should have belonged to Alberto DeCicco and Sean Price. Both found their way into the Maine South record books for single season performances: Price for his 2,682 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, and DeCicco grabbed his 61 st reception. Both are having an outstanding year. With one more regular season game to go and playoffs, the possibilities are endless for these two and the rest of their teammates.

However, the game against the Evanston Wildkits was the defense's victory.

Anchored by senior defensive tackle Don Durbin, who had 11 tackles, they shut down E-town from the beginning. They were challenged early as Evanston came up in five receiver sets, testing the Hawks through the air. When that forced them to punt, they tried to run. But it was pick your poison for the Kits; hand it off to Alex brown, Hijjpposed star running back, and gain little no yards or pass and get picked off as they were three times, once each by Steve Truty, Mike Bello, and Kevin Collins. Dlineman Tony Colletti also had a fumble recovery off a mishandled snap. The verdict

was a shutout, awarded to the starters and backups, who came off the bench and held the Wildkits to nothing.

The offense did its job too, thanks in large part to the offensive line, who only let in 1 sack on 40 pass attempts. On those 40 attempts, Price completed 26 of them for 345 yards and 4 touchdowns.

DeCicco had another 100 plus yard game and a touchdown. Derek Walsh had 2 scores including 1 where he absolutely laid out, full extension, into the end zone.

Mike Labus, Nick Rice, and Andrew Cupp also had TDs against the Wildkits.

The result was 44-0, which included a 30 yard field goal by recent addition, sophomore Tyler Knight. Not only did it humiliate Evanston, it also clinched the division CSL South title. With only Waukegan left in the regular season, the playoffs are just around the comer. What will determine how far the hawks go?

"We need to keep the level of focus," says running back nick Rice. "We need to keep putting up points and shutting teams out."

Hawk Re/ays

by Kris Johnson The Maine South swim team has been keeping busy. Participating in the dual meet versus Niles West on Friday and then the Hawk Relays on Saturday, there was much on the agenda.

Losing by only 14 points to Niles West, the girls were all prepared for the home competition. In the relays, Maine South took 2 out of the 6 teams present, with 1 gold medal, 5 silver, and 2 bronze. The gold medal 200 yard medley relay consisted of team members Liz Williams, Colleen Muszynski, Laura Boysen and Stacy Vucich.

Smiling for the camera, the girls could all be seen following the meet posing on the number ' 2 ' starting block for celebratory pictures with the newly inherited plaque to add to Maine South's collection. Senior night will be on Halloween against Glenbrook South as the Lady Hawks swim team says goodbye to their wellappreciated senior swimmers.

SOITHWOHDS

SPORTS Cross Country • Golf • Football* Girls' Tennis • Boys' Soccer • Girls' Swimming • Girls' Volleyball

The finishing f<icl<

by Kara Collins The girls' cross country team is on their way to completing another successful season. They finished in 5th place at the Addison Trail invite on October 12, with senior Katie Coppin and junior Annie Eriksson leading the Lady Hawks.

Then on October 18, the girls headed up to Waukegan for the Central Suburban League Conference meet. A very tough course and high winds were waiting for them when they arrived. Waukegan's course, probably the most difficult that the team has seen all year, had many hills and even a four or five foot wide ditch that the girls have to jump over three times during the race. Junior Annie Eriksson, however.

was ready to conquer the course. She had an amazing day and placed 3 overall in conference, an outstanding accomplishment especially for a junior. Eriksson was the lone member of this hard-working squad to earn All-Conference honors this year. The next finisher for the Hawks was senior and cocaptain Katie Coppin. She was running through shin splints and even took a spill in the ditch, but she still had a strong showing, placing 18th and narrowly missing AllConference honors. Stephanie Righeimer, Laura McGinnis, Katie Lukas, Claire Forde and Kara Collins also ran to help the team to a 4th place finish. It wasn't as good as the team had hoped, but it still put the team

A fresh start

by Matt Perille The Maine South varsity soccer team is ready to start over. The regular season is finally behind them, and they can now focus on what it's all about—the playoffs. The Hawks are seeded number one in a tough sectional, but look to make it downstate for the first time in many years. Plagued by sickness and injury, the varsity squad faced a difficult stretch at the end of the season.

They managed to pull off a win against Glenbrook South on senior night, during which the Hawks commemorated the soccer careers of 19 seniors. The 3 juniors were among few fans cheering wildly from the stands. "It really moved me," said budding star Erminio Caporale, "Those guys are my heroes." After falling behind 1-0 early in the match, Maine South rebounded with goals by Matt Perille and Matt Bochenek, good enough for a 2-1 win.

Next was Deerfield, and again the Hawks were down in the first half Maine South kept Deerfield on their heels for the entire second half, and with less than 5 minutes remaining, Roberto Barbanante blasted home the tying goal. There were many other chances to finish, but the team was happier with a tie than a loss.

In the final match of the season. South suffered a tough loss at the hands of Evanston. Without a few bad breaks and missed opportunities, the result would have been much different. Still, the Hawks took second in the CSL, one of the most difficult conferences in Illinois. The squad hopes to be happy and healthy in order to complete a successful run in the playoffs. Judging by the skill, heart, and determination of this varsity soccer team, it is without a doubt they will do great at State.

in a 3 place tie in conference with Evanston behind New Trier and Glenbrook South.

On Tuesday, October 21, the girls went to Niles West for a fun meet before the Regional meet. With the Coppin sisters, Eriksson and Righeimer not running, Claire Forde and Katie Lukas stepped it up. They both gave strong performances along with Kara Collins, Jenny Heffeman and Christy Verhelst.

Last Saturday, the Hawks performed well at their Regional Meet and hope to do just as well at the Sectional Meet tomorrow.

The girls' strong finishing kick to the seafi will hopefully end with some runne advancing to the State meet next weekend.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Josh Niedorkorn, who competed at the boys' golf State Finals on October 1718. Josh finished tied for 107th place, shooting an 83 ancjj^ 88 for a two day total of 171.