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ISIEWS FEBRUARY

24, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 10

Board of Education: new superintendent, new policies

by Melissa Hansen On July 1, 2006, Dr. Joel Morris will replace Dr. Snider as Superintendent of District 207. Dr. Snider's retirement marks his eleventh year of service in Maine Township.

The new superintendent was chosen after an extensive search which started last May. Requests for proposed replacements were sent to nine executive search firms. These nine firms campaigned for the opportunity to find the new superintendent. After interviewing four of the search firms, the Board of Education hired the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates.

Through a series of meetings, the firm and the Board created a leadership profile based on the opinions of parents, administrators, teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, and custodians. The profile specifically detailed the abilities and qualities that those in Maine Township believed the new superintendent should have.

Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates advertised across the nation for a new superintendent who fit the leadership profile and interviewed about 20 to 25 candidates.

These candidates were narrowed down to five finalists. The finalists were then interviewed

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The seven elected officials of the Board of Education help decide how tax money is spent in regards to educational programs.

by the Board, which further cut down the prospective superintendents to three. Through extensive additional interviews, the Board then voted to decide who would become the next superintendent.

Dr. Morris is a Maine Township alumnus.

He graduated from District 207 and came back to teach in the Social Science department within the district after college. He then became the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum in Maine Township. After several years of service in District 207, Dr. Morris was a Superintendent in Dubuque, Iowa and the West Chicago Community School District. His last post was at the Elmhurst Community At Board meetings, you can share School District, where he has been your views. The next Board meetsuperintendent since 2001. ing will be on March 6 at 7 p.m. in The Board of Education consists of the superintendent, two assistant the Ralph J. Frost Administration superintendents, seven elected Center. members (each of whom is up for reelection every four years). The three principals from the three Maine Or, if you can't make it, visit the Township high schools assist in the selection process.

Maine 207 website to read what's Dr. Morris is expected to work been accomplished in the meeting's well with the existing board members minutes online at due to the intensive selection process.

However, the existing problem of www.maine207 .org. heightened costs and lessened revenue from state aid and property taxes will

Want to affect policy decisions in District 207?

prove to be a challenge in upcoming years for the Board.

New policies for a new year Separate from the selection of a new superintendent, the Board of Education has been busy this year trying to cut costs in order to avoid spending the existing deficient. Supply budgets have been cut for the departments, as well as the money used to recruit new teachers and administrators to District 207. English teachers will now teach five classes instead of four (all other teachers currently teach five), and English class size will be reduced to 22 to 24 students instead of the current 28 to 30.

In addition, the work program teachers will now teach three classes instead of two. The money allotted to curriculum development has also been cut. In addition, the District 207 secretarial staff will be cut over the next seven years.

Despite all these changes, however, the Board plans to be successful in managing the District 207 budget while addressing the concerns and needs of all students and faculty within the District. "[The Board] is very focused on providing the very best educational experiences they can. while being fiscally responsible to the community's tax payers," states Assistant Superintendent Greg E. Dietz.

Dietz formally acted as an assistant principal at Maine South.

NEWS FEBRUARY

24,2006 • VOL. 42, No. 10

Model UN Conference 2006

By Annette Dean Following fifth period on February 2. you may have noticed a number of people lugging suitcases through the glass hallw ay.

They were headed to the eighteenth Model United Nations Conference at the University of Chicago (MUNUC).

At MUNUC, students get together and simulate the United Nations. They are assigned a country and committee, and then they do research on their country and the topics assigned by their committee. Once they arrive at the conference, students meet with their committee and debate the assigned topic.

They then work to form a resolution.

The conference Maine South attended was held at the Palmer House Hilton and was sponsored by the University of Chicago.

Students came from over 100 schools, and represented 185 countries, in 21 committees.

The Maine South delegation had two countries, Guyana and Zambia, and participated in 10 different committees. It consisted of 24 students and was sponsored by Mr. Hansen and Ms. Sporleder.

The conference began with Opening Ceremonies on Thursday night, where the

delegates heard from Marcie Berman Ries, the ambassador to Albania. Immediately following the Opening Ceremonies, the committees began their debates, which lasted until 11:30 pm The next morning, the delegates had some time to relax and explore Chicago, before more meetings in the afternoon. Saturday's meetings lasted all day, but proved to be very successful, as many committees began to arrive at resolutions. One of the resolutions Maine South students helped form was on International Drug Control in The Social Humanitarian and Cultural Committee. The resolution promoted alternative development programs to aid farmers in producing legal crops.

After the meetings, the Maine South delegation walked over to Giordano's to celebrate their success over pizza. Saturday ended with the delegate dance in the Red Lacquer Room. The next morning, the delegates went to their last committee meetings, before heading back to Park Ridge.

Throughout the conference, the Maine South delegation had the opportunity to learn about foreign affairs and meet new people.

Overall, MUNUC proved to be a great experience for everyone involved.

No Child Left Behind Controversy

By Annette Dean Since it was passed in 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has been surrounded by controversy. There have been concerns, about a lack of fimding to support the program, the program's dependence on standardize testing to judge schools progress, and Section 9528, which requires schools to provide the names and addresses of students to military recruiters.

Maine South has also experienced difficulties with NCLB. The law requires that all Special education teachers complete course work equivalent to a major in the subject that they teach. However, many special education teachers teach multiple subjects, and it would obviously be almost impossible for them to have a major in every subject that they teach.

The latest debate is over the tutoring program supported by NCLB. The program gives allows poor students in failing schools to choose between switching schools or tutoring from a private company. The problem is that only 12 percent of the students who qualified for tutoring received it.

Education officials and tutoring companies are blaming the problem on bad advertising, and a lack of fiinding.

One growing concern is that many of the students who qualify for free tutoring are not ] aware of the program. The department of. education has been encouraging school districts to send letters to parents to inform them about the program, but many of the school districts do not have enough money to support the program, let alone advertise it.

This is the case in Washington DC, where only 3,025 students of the 24,563 who qualify are receiving tutoring. Many of the students not receiving tutoring are aware of the program, but the district does not have enough money to accommodate them.

"We are working tirelessly. But we definitely • need staff". The kids are signing up. The desire ' is there. We just don't have the money," said , Tamika N. Maultsby, a program coordinator for Washington Schools.

As the debate over NCLB continues, many government and school officials will continue to debate this and other controversial aspects of' NCLB to help all students.

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by James Mantas From lunch money to iPods: About half of all street robberies in Bamet (a district of London) in the past year have been kids robbing younger kids of expensive electronic stuff, like iPods Which is what iBoxers are for Consistent amusement makes a good president: The Commander-in-Chief was speaking at a House Republican Refreat two weeks ago when he ushered the press out of the room—not knowing that his mike was still on.

"I support the free press; let's just get them out of the room." He'd spent the previous six minutes defending his wiretapping/eavesdropping policy.

Not kidding: In Aurora, a boy is being charged with a felony because he brought a bag of powdered sugar to school for a science project. Another student asked him if it was cocaine, and he said, yes, it was. Then he said he was just kidding. He was arrested and detained before being sent home to his parents. He was twelve years old at the time of the... crime.

In other news, the whole world ran out of criminals.

That's how they do it in Texas: Pauline Clayton was midway through "Brokeback Mountain" in a Texas movie theater when another woman picked up her cell phone and started talking. Pauline, an Australian immigrant, said she put one finger to her mouth to shush her. When that didn't work, she leaned over and touched the woman with three or four fingers. With still no luck, she tried it again. The woman then stood up, shouted expletives at Clayton and then stormed out. She's charged Clayton with assault—for touching her.

The Golden Rule of America—look, scream, freak out, explode, flip off", swear like a sailor, but don't touch. 1 guess they don't teach you that Down Under.

4 Shine on, you crazy new lights FEBRUARY

by Bettina Chang It's 3:25 and you've just finished consulting with your t e a c h e r about your grade. You hurry down the A-wing staircase, scuttle through the glass hallway, and eventually break into a run down the C-wing corridor. But, as your locker comes within sight, you hear a familiar flicking sound: the lights are turning off. Once again, you'll have to fumble

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with your locker combination under a shroud of shadows.

Sure enough, the lights are being turned off sooner and sooner here at Maine South. It is just one of a number of money-saving measures t)eing taken to save on energy costs throughout District 207. Teachers are also asked to turn off their computers when they are not in their rooms, and light fixtures around the school are being replaced.

You may have noticed that it's become slightly more difficult to fall asleep in certain

by Gina Tingas

24, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 10

classrooms. This is because two brighter light bulbs are replacing the usual four bulbs used in each fixture.

"The purpose is to provide brighter surroundings as well as save money," explained Mr. Claypool. "These new lights accomplish these goals."

Conserving electricity has become a priority for the district ever since Commonwealth Edison started to sell its power plants and only distribute power, not supply it.

"We had a provision with ComEd for a monthl> rebate... we let them use our co-gen [backup generator) system to supply other areas when power was down," said the district's Director of Facilities and Purchasing. Mike Galis. Without this rebate (which totaled about $1.50 thousand per year), and with energy prices on the rise, the district was losing money.

The stark contrast between the brightness of the school day and the near-darkness of afterschool hours has some students complaining.

For instance, if the school needs to save continued on page 5

SOUTH WORDS A student-produced new spaper of:

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge. IL 60068 Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief News Editors Features Editors Entertainment Eiditors Commentary Editors Sports Editors Production Editors Photographer Staff Artists Advisors

James Mantas Greg Mitchell Annette Dean Melissa Hansen Atra Asdou Bettina Chang Martin Diamond Ronald Feiereisel Kelsey Keith Anna Wolonciej Alexa Karas Frank Lukes Maxwell Hester Joshua Sissman Katie Katz Hannah Artwick Gina Tingas Mr. Ellefson Mr. Stathakis

FEATURES FEBRUARY

24,2006 • VOL. 42, No. 10

continued from page 4 mone\. why did we just build brand new bleachers for the football field?

"Our number one concern is alwavs the safety of our students," remarked Mr Galis. "We replaced those bleachers because they were becoming a safety hazard. Maine East is getting new bleachers soon as well. We are alwavs willing to spend money on the well-being of our students."

When such an issue becomes a concern, Mr. Galis speaks with Mr Claypool, Ms. Merrilee McCracken, District Business Manager, Mr Ed Beese, and a number of other individuals who might have some insight into the situation. If the problem needs to be changed on a district-wide scale, more people are involved. If the problem only exists at Maine South, or can be solved with changes to our school

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Light fixtures have been adjusted so the brightest light illuminates the banks of lockers.

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alone. Maine South people are notified.

"Any change that takes place at the school is done w ith the consideration of students," added Mr. Clavpool. "That's the first and foremost consideration.

We want to make sure that the building provides our students with the best possible learning environment that is also safe and clean."

As for now, students shouldn't expect many drastic changes coming up soon.

According to Mr. Galis, " I t s just the prime time for us to be changing these lights."

"Do students have concerns though, really?" he asked w ith sincerit>, as a last note to the inter\ iew. The likely answer is no, students reall> don't mind at all — the onK real implication is that students w ith l(x;kers that are plunged into darkness at .1:30 will need to start bringing flashlights to school.

Chicago's youth takes action

by Lindsey Ruiz The youth of Chicago are no longer relying on the "grown-ups" to solve their problems.

A new organization known as PACT (Public Action For Change Today), established and operated by young adults from Chicago, has recently taken it upon themselves to make some much-needed changes in society.

The PACT is currently working on the lack of health coverage for people from ages 19 to 29; increasing financial aid to ensure that everyone has the privilege of a college education: working with police to stop fear, prejudice, and violence between the police and the youth of Chicago: solving housing issues for the twelve to fifteen thousand homeless youth in Chicago; and overcoming the rising cost of housing and school funding to ensure equal education to suburban and inner-city kids.

This new and upcoming youth organization is reaching out to suburban and inner city neighborhoods, looking for leaders to take action in their communities. They acknow ledge, but do not accept, that 50 percent of Chicago's youth will go without health care, 30,000 will get turned down for financial aid money promised by the state. (Illinois is ranked 49 in school funding—below Mississippi), and that there are only 129 beds for the thousands of homeless youths in Chicago. They decided not

to allow this to continue, and took a stand.

As the PACT website states, "We are nonpartisan and pragmatic. We teach democracy through grassroots action. We are a group of young Chicagoans - Black, White, Latino, Asian, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Working- and Middle-Class - who are organizing across our differences to build collective power for social justice."

PACT is in alliance with various high schools (including Maine South) colleges, youth groups, religious groups, and other various organizations to establish equality among factions. The founding convention was held this past December downtown, where 2,000 young adults and their supporters gathered to promote and increase enthusiasm for the upcoming changes. PACT has already won back 12 million dollars in financial aid, wrote and introduced a health care bill, and helped put a stop to illegal military recruitment in high schools.

Those working in PACT range across many demographics. They have established themselves in Chicago as students, workers, teachers, and parents. According to PACT'S website, thev are "Women and men: homosexual and heterosexual; unserved and underserved; criminalized and marginalized, or ignored and overlooked, depending on the day."

PACT is not composed of solely Democrats

or Republicans; they are independents. They refuse to be satisfied with the current state of youth programs, departments, and awareness days.

According to PACT'S website, "We are not an 'awareness' group. We are knowledge

"We are young Chicagoans learning and practicing the ways of power " -PACT

m

in action. We are not a social club, block club, school club, or religious club. We are a multi-issue collective of equals: multiethnic, interfaith, across classes and neighborhoods...

We are breaking barriers in this city. We are young Chicagoans learning and practicing the ways of power We are \ ou. and \ ou are us. We are the present, and we are here to stay."

The PACT urges anyone interested to join them in the fight to stop the mistreatment of today's youth. For more information on PACT visit http://wvvw.chicagopact.org.

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FEATURES FEBRUARY 24,

2006 • VOL. 42, No. 10

Behind the frigid scenes of MS crunch." is 500,000 square feet and we try to maintain the The reason that it's now four degrees comfort level for students and staff."

At one point or another, cooler is school budgeting. Maine South's Mr. Mike Galis, the director of facilities, we have all wondered why monthly natural gas bill increased from 85 expressed many of the same sentiments. "Due the temperature in Maine cents per therm to one dollar per therm. Last to the cost of natural gas almost tripling, we had South is so inconsistent. month's heating bill was 50,000 dollars. Last to do some energy conservation matters to keep Usually, the complaint is month's energy bill was somewhere between costs down. I buy gas a few months before, "it's an icebox in here." Other times, we 14 and 15 thousand dollars. In an effort to and usually when it's the lowest. We have to wonder why the A-wing is so cold, while the reduce energy, and therefore costs, over half reduce the amount of natural gas therms by PA-wing and C-Wing classrooms are so warm. of the bulbs have been taken out of the light bringing temperatures down at school. The state To get the answers to these questions, 1 went fixtures. Also, at night, the temperature is right to the sources: Mr. Ed Beese and Mr. dropped as low as 52 degrees in a further Mike Galis, the people in charge of temperature attempt to cut back on energy costs.

"There just has to be control at Maine South.

Mr. Beese is under the guidelines of the The school tries to maintain a 68-degree district office to keep the temperature regulated a balancing act: save temperature throughout at 68 degrees. money and keep everyone the building, as mandated However, he comfortable at the same by the district. While is concerned some areas have a manual about the time." - Mr. Beese heating/cooling system, student body's ease and for the most part, the said, "We'll building management do whatever requirement is 68 degrees, and in the past we put c o n t r o l s the e n t i r e we can do to temperatures high because it was cheaper. Eight school's temperature. A accommodate to ten years ago, the price of gas was 23 cents a sensory computer is in the students. therm, and today it's over a dollar." charge of determining Some things and r e g u l a t i n g the With the knowledge that Maine South uses at can b e least 350,000 therms a year, the resulting expense temperature throughout d o n e , some is not pretty. "Schools and companies all over the the building. things can't. Midwest are keeping temperatures at 68 degrees.

Part of the reason S o m e t i m e s To save energy, they're turning lights off," Mr. that it doesn't always fthnio ((Htrlesy of liellitm Ctuiiii> we're popular, Galis said. feel like 68 degrees is sometimes because of the windows. The school tries to maintain a 68-degree tern On a final note, Mr. Galis stated, "We we're not." He understand the concerns of the students, but we're The building was built perature throughout the building. wanted to make just trying to do diligence to our community, with single-pane glass windows, both in the main hallway and the sure that students are aware that, "It's not our like the rest of the Midwest. We have limited mission to freeze everybody. funds."

There just has to be a balancing act: "At night, the temperasave money and keep Are you in a club or organization ture is dropped as low as everyone comfortable at the same time."

52 degrees in a further that is making a difference in our Also, Mr. Beese attempt to cut back on school and community? said, "[Students should] voice their complaints energy costs." to the teachers and it can • Stop by the Southwords office at V-131. be fixed. We get several next to the PE office. calls. Anytime we get classrooms—except the newer A-wing, which a "cold call" (teachers • Contact either Atra Asdou, Bettina Chang, has double-pane windows. As a result, the cold can call), we check on Mr. Ellefson. or Mr Stathakis with an idea for air from outside sometimes seeps in and knocks the computer to see a Features article. the temperature down a few degrees. what the problem is and Mr. Beese commented, "Years ago, the fix it." He understands We 'd be glad to hear it! building was run at 72 degrees, but its been our c o n c e r n s and scaled down to 68 with the current energy explained, "The facility

by Nicky Priovolos

ENTERTAINMENT FfcBRiiAR> 2 4 , 2 0 0 6 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 4 2 . No. JO

B-.-.

March 5 nears: all eyes on Oscar hy Ron Feiereiset Weil wouldn't you know it, the Oscars are just around the comer.

March 5. On second thought, not really, i t s maybe more of across the street than right around the comer. But 1 digress. The Oscars are coming and somebodv has to walk away with the little golden statue.

This week. I've decided to throw my hat into the ring and run down my picks for the big ten Oscar categories.

First up is Best Supporting Actor. The nominees for this category are all outstanding, but 1 think that George Clooney is going to walk awa\ with this. His work in "Syriana" is nothing short of excellent, and even though Matt Dillon and Paul Giamatti's performances were also superb, Clooney "s portrayal of Bob Barnes in "Syriana" shows that he's grow ing as an actor, and thai should be recognized.

As far as Best Supporting Actress is concerned, I think that Rachel Wiesz has the category all but locked down. Her performance in 'The Constant Gardener" was so good, so tragic and so believable.

The next category is a personal favorite of mine: Best Animated Feature. "The Incredibles'" t(K)k home the statue last year, but Rxar didn't put out a feature this year My pick this year is "Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbil." No only is it a mouthful, but it is funny, charming, and just a whole lot of clay-animated fun.

Fourth in the order is the award for Best Adapted Screenplay. To be totally honest this is a toss-up. I've seen three of the five nominees: "The Constant Gardener," "Munich," and "A History of Violence," but I haven't read any of the source material, save for "Violence." So, in this category I think "Brokeback Mountain" is going to pull down the little gold man because it's generating the most buzz of the five.

While I couldn't really decide on Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Screenplay is a little easier for me. Of the three I've seen. I d say "Crash" has the most buzz around it. but my pick is "Syriana" because the stor\ is complex and intriguing. I'd like to see "Go(xl Night, and Good Luck" win, but 1 don't think that's in the cards.

The Best Actress award will probably go to Reese Witherspoon for "Walk the

Line," but Felicity Huffman's performance in 'Transamerica" could gamer her an Oscar, because she's scooped up a couple of the smaller awards alreadj.

Best Actor will undoubtedly go to Philip Scsmour Hoffman for his pt>rtra\al of writer Truman Capote in "Capote." Hoffman w on the majority of other film awards for this role so far, but that just means there's a potential upset in the works. I'd personally like to see David Strathaim win for "Good Night, and Good Luck." but the cxlds are heavily stacked against him. Joaquin Phoenix also stands a fair chance of winning for "Walk the Line," but Hoffmsin's got the category locked down.

Best Director is another cinch. It's easily Ang Lee for "Brokeback Mountain" because he's been sweeping the other aw ards ceremonies, and because based on his body of work, we know he's a good director.

The next category is Best Foreign Language Film. Of the nominees. I've seen none, but I read somewhere that "Paradise Now" was supposed to be really good, so I'm going with that. Sue me.

The final category is Best Picture, which I think will go to "Brokeback Mountain."

I haven't seen it, but based on the other award shows, I'd say that it's the odds on favorite. "Brokeback Mountain" has the most nominations of any picture as well, with eight Even though, it still doesn't mean it's untouchable. Simply probable.

Looking back at the nominees, no matter w ho wins, it's certainly been an amazing year for movies. There are no super big-budgei "Lord of the Rings" type movies; instead, most of the films that are up for awards ne\ er really got a lot of play in larger theatres, which is a shame because they 're so good. Luckily, a lot of them arc out on DVD, or coming out in March.

Even though you'll be able to get ahold of them after the Oscars, I recommend you rent or buy them and take a look.

Questions? Complaints? Different picks for any of the categories above? Mark your picks for the nine categories listed on page 8 and drop them off at the Southwords office V-131. next to the P.E. office.

The student who turns in the sheet with the most correct picks of the ten categories will recieve a mint condition vending machine "Homie." Make sure to leave us your e-mail address so we can contact you.

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b\ Alexa Karat After traveling the distance to Washington in the last review, this unusual restaurant at Hariem and Higgins is a mere two-minute ride from the Cumberiand "L" station. Sally's Original Pancake Hoase is somewhat of a haven any time of the day.

Stumble in al 6 am as the sun rises over Chicago, or at 2 am for something heany or sweet after a long nighL Sally's isn't open 24 hours, but it might as well be. Serving bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast, a variety of cold cuts and warm dinners, or a steaming hot and delicious apple pancake for dessert, this family style restaurant is open for business. It is located at 5454 N. Harlem, next to a Wendy "s and down the street from the Taco Burrito King. Prices range from 4-8 dollars and peak at II dollars for an individujil dish, if you decide to split their famous apple pancake w ith a group of friends.

The setup is large and open with many booths that arc distributed at just the right distance to enjoy a friendly con\'crsation. The ser\ice is attentive w iihout being overbearing and there are free refills on beverages,( Sally's al.so has many desserts that won't hurt your wallet, like milk shakes, Bo.ston sodas, sundaes, and gigantic banana splits.

The most popular dish at Sally's is also the one that makes it famous. The original golden crisp apple pancake is the secret that keeps many coming back. With fresh apples tekcd into a pie form, it is sweet in ta.ste and soft in texture. Many other restaurants attempt to create a pancake like it, but always make the mistake of adding too many eggs and not enough sugar. The aroma is intoxicating and the combination of ingredients is delicious and perfect for a midnight snack. 1 Because Sally's isojien until ^ am on Friday s and Saturdays, it is an ideal place to stop in and relax after your pre\ious activities that night. To get to this restaurant, you must takfr the Bl ue Li IK on the CTA tow ard the loop and get off at Hariem. Make a right onto Harlem towards Higgias. Cross the intersection of Harlem and Higgins and continue walkings past the Shell gas station and Wendy's.

From the "1." station you can see the large billboard. Sally's hours are 6 am-1 am SundayThursday and 6am-3 am Friday and Saturday.

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-NTHRTAINMENI' FEBRUARY

24. 2006 • VOL. 42, No. 10

Hypocrisy in the industry: a music thing

by Mart}' Diamond J^W^I •

in the world of entertainment. perhaps no medium is as poignant and widespread as music. Sure, there are people who are affected by movies and those who will take a good book over music any day of the week. But comparatively, these numbers are small. .Music is an odd thing. At times, one might think it's alive. It can change emotions, play a part in anything and everything, and can enlighten people to new paths. It is, more than any othermedium, a living being in its own right.

And like any living being, it can be harmed.

Most people don't look at music in the way it should be viewed. It is viewed the same way everything else is in this society; at face value. But so much music is deeper than that. It is about combining not the best, but the right vocals or getting just the right instruments together. It doesn't matter how complex the music is. but how it is played.

But this, unfortunately is not how it is. Music is currently viewed as it can be marketed, not how as it should be orchestrated. Instead of a field for artists, it is a floor for advertisers.

Take the band. Modest Mouse. Before their last album, theirmusic was not very well known.

Their music was just as good and some might say even better than their latest album. But it was not until. "Good News For People Who Love Bad News." and in particular, the song

"Float On," that they could be easily marketed to a mass audience. So instead of being known for their talent, they are famous for a couple of songs that most people know. As great as the

[IsfUIES C i K O L J F - S

The RIAA destroys music..forever. album was, why was it any better, any more deserving than other Modest Mouse albums?

Another band this happened to is Wilco.

Their current popularity', especially here in Chicago, cannot be denied. It is almost as hard to get tickets to their shows now as it is to get

Choose your own picks and drop them in V131. You may win a mint-condition, vending machine "Homie."

"Hauro no uaoko shiro" "Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the WereRabbit"

Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney, "Syriana" Matt Dillon. "Crash" Paul Giamatti. "Cinderella Man" Jake Gyllenliaal, "Brokeback Moimtain" William Hurt, "A History of Violence"

Best Original Screenplay: "Crash" "Good Night, and Good Luck" "Match Point" "The Squid and the Whale" "Syriana"

Best Supporting Actress: Amy Adams. "Junebug" Catherine Keener. "Capote" Frances McDomiand, "North Country" Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener" _ Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain"

Best Actress: Judi Dench, 'Mrs. Henderson Presents'' Felicit\' Huffman, "Transamerica" Keira Knightly, "Pride & Prejudice" Charlize Theron, "North Country" Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line" _

I Best Animated Feature: "Corpse Bride" ____

Best Actor: Phillip Seymour Hoffinam "Capote"

tickets to a U2 concert (and at a lower price).

Indeed. Jeff Tweedy"s (Wilco's frontman) most recent show at the Abbey Pub sold out seemingly int.stantaneously. But so many of their fans are fans after the albums "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and "A Ghost is Bom." Few people know the great songs on "Being There" and even fewer know any of the songs on "A.M." This doesn't seem to make sense.

People talk about bandwagoning in sports, but it can be just as bad in music. In fact, sometimes it can be worse than in most sports.

Of course, it doesn't help matters that recording labels and the RIAA only want hit-producing artists with no depth. Wilco was cut from their first label, and look at them now. Modest Mouse was not on the greatest terms with their label for not producing radio-friendly hits, but after "Float On," they were viewed as infallible.

It is these kinds of things that tarnish what music is. Music, created normally, is something undefinable. When you hear it, it just works, it makes sense. It makes so many things just fall into place.

The discerning ear, the ear that can distinguish between "good" and "marketing," is something that most people have. It's knowing when and how to use it that is the real talent. Some day, this deluge of over-marketed music may end. If that day comes, people shquld be ready to accept music, the real music, completely. Without that acceptance, what many bands fight for is nothing.

Terrence Howard, "Hustle and Flow'" Heath Ledger, "Brokeback Mountain" Joaquin Phoenix, "Walk the Line" David Strathaim, "Good Night and Good Luck" Best Director: George Clooney, "Good Night, and Good Luck" Paul Haggis, "Crash" Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain" Bennett Miller, "Capote" Steven Spielberg, "Munich" Best Picture: •'Brokeback Mountain" "Capote" "Crash" ^ "Good Night, and Good Luck" "Munich"

m

FEBRUARY

24, 2006 • VOL. 42, No. 10

Complaints can be A refreshing Mantas Rantas made in writing

by James Mantas

Two-liter Tuesday. 1 celebrate every Tuesday, and it's the only day of the week that I'm not trying to stay awake (it's also the only day of the week I'm trying not to vibrate due to the 216 grams of sugar—64 percent DV—consumed in an average four hours).

All are welcome to celebrate, at the cost of their own personal health, by bringing a full, unopened two-liter of any beverage and drinking it all throughout the school day. Toasts and cheers between celebrators in the hallwa> are also part of the holiday, which 1 made to celebrate the passing of Monday and the entire gift of caffeine in general.

Mountain Everybody has their own opinion about caffeine in society, though. "Pop is the kid's version of coffee, only with less caffeine," says Rob Antosh, a senior.

"So people shouldn't preach about kids not drinking pop when jthey) are trying to drive and drink Starbuck's every morning."

As of now, the FDA isn't required to indicate how much caffeine is in all of your favorite

drinks, or even what it is. So, I'll indicate it for you, addicts.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, "Caffeine is a substance that exists naturally in certain plants... It can also be produced synthetically... Caffeine is a stimulant. It can increase alertness and even enhance performance of certain tasks. For most f)eople, moderate doses of caffeine —200 lo 300 mg a day—aren't harmful...

Park Ridge has a Starbucks, and another Starbucks around the comer i n case the first one's line is too long, wr there's a fire, or the prices are raised at one and you just want to make sure...

Their Grande coffee has 259 milligrams of caffeine —which is three Red Bulls,fiveMountain Dews, or eight Cokes. Even more than m> Don't. two liter of Dr. Pepper.

A can of Diet Coke boasts 45 mg— 11 mg more than Coca-Cola Classic. Mountain Dew has 55 mg in every can. And Dr. Pepper, my weapon of choice, puts on a 41 mg/can show.

So we drink a lot of caffeine. I won't bore you with the side effects, though.

Which include explosive diahhrea.

Just kidding.

SOUTHWOPvDS SUDOKU ••HMHHRHHiMHIHIl 7 9 4 7 5 9 7 3 5 1 8 7 4 4 6 3 8 7 8 7 8 2 8 7 5 2 6 8

by Kelsey Keith The most frequent c o m p l a i n t of t h i s newspaper is that some articles are "stupid," "irrelevant," and some people just say "I don't care about this." It is impossible to please every single Maine South student due the diversity of the student body, but Southwards makes every attempt to engage its readers. Finding interesting topics that are not redundant teen issues like body image, extracurricular activities, and boyfriends/girlfriends can be quite a laborious task.

When I hear people complain to me about the low quality of the newspaper, I always respond by asking them to write an article that they feel is worth reading. Most of the time, they tell me that they could never write an article for Southwards because they aren't smart enough. But if you are bright enough to pick apart your peers' works, can't you create a piece that you at least find acceptable? Southwords gives Maine South students an opportunity like no other: where else can you have your work

"Southwords gives Maine South students an opportunity like no other: where else can you have your work read by over 2500 students? "

Congratulations to the hardcore teachers and students who were persistent enough to solve last week's Sudoku. We hope you enjoyed the deep sense of accomplishment within your self read by over 2500 students? It's an amazing and your capability to overcome chance to express your opinions to an extensive obstacles of logic. audience.

And now you hate Mr. Mantas I appreciate all the constructive criticism for doing that to you. don't you? that is offered about the quality of Southwords articles, but I truly don't see the point if the HARDCORE SUDOKU...ERS: critic has no intention of doing something Melissa Miller to rectify the situation. People are obviously Mike Anto opinionated enough to complain, so I assume Eric Libner that the\ ha\ e something to say about other Laura Wilkins issues that relate to Maine South students.

Jon Woo The Commentary section and other sections Benders of the newspaper would love to get more I'd print the answers, but there students involved. We look forward to your are about 1900 of them. So I'll criticism, but more importantly, we look print all of them next issue. forward to your numerous contributions in Yes 1 will. the future.

r

iCOMMENTARY FEBRUARY

24, 2006 • VOL. 42. No. 10

The unmandated uniform

by Anna Wolonciej

However, it can be argued that trying to stand Ugg boots, North out and be different is following a trend in itself In that case, what would make these Face jackets, and an assortment of moose- original-thinkers any different than those that logoed clothing compile choose to deck themselves in Abercrombie?

We like to distinguish ourselves as a part of the typical outfit of a Maine South female a particular group, and there is nothing wrong student. Granted, this is very stereotypical, with that. Yet, we always point out and even and 1 would be a hypocrite if I didn't point criticize the way someone else establishes their out that 1 am wearing a North Face jacket image. It's a little hypocritical of someone to while writing this, but that's because of decide they completely relate to the individuals, the arctic temperatures at this school. which is contradictory, while pointing fingers at the person Not that next to them there is in designer anything wrong sweatshirt who with the wa\ they believe the majority are followers of us dresses, of a trend. The but it would be ame goes for nice to broaden those who our horizons a notice that little. Or maybe s o m e o n e 's accept the fact clothes come that wearing a from (gasp) certain brand of Target and clothing fi-oni look down a particula upon them. price rangv This is like does not makv a bad disease. a difference We know the Yes, I an i p roblem — re i t e r a t i n g photo by-Katie Kan establishing every cliche uniform cliques about notjudging Ugg boots have become one of Maine South's biggest — yet we can do a book by its trends, but they can also be considered a demonstration anything to stop cover that we've of conformity. it or even stop it all heard since from spreading just about first grade when we realized we're not all the same. because it is so contagious. Sometimes we sadly Having attended a school with a strict feed off of gossip and feel the need to take it uniform policy until eighth grade, I greatly further causing the group we have established appreciate the fact that we can choose what ourselves with to distance itself from the rest.

There are of course those who wear their we wear. However, the variety of clothing North Face because they like to be really is limited when we take into that account warm, their Ugg boots because they are we live in such a privileged community comfortable, and clothes from Abercrombie where everything is available to us. and Hollister because they fit them well. We The issue at hand is so much more than just often take our stereotypes too far and never picking out your clothes. It's about conformity actually think that we are talking about and fitting a certain social norm. Our clothing people we go to school with every day. is just one of the reflections that shows that I am not trying to label everyone at Maine we, in some way. want to be accepted and South.

In fact, my purpose is to do the exact be a part of something, in this case a trend. opposite.

We should just all be able to look There are those who choose to stray as far as past the apparent labels on our clothes possible from thepopularinclinationstoachieve and decide for ourselves who really are. originality and an individual sense of style.

"Ms. Kladis' room in the Vwing. V-120C. There are no windows. It's a nice refreshing bree/e."

-Ryan Dressner '06

"The broadcasting studio room. It's mighty cold.'"

-Kvie Schriener '06

"Boys' locker room."

-Michael Russell '08

C/5

"The hallway, because of the windows."

-Laura Schreiner '06

COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 24,

2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42. No. 10

11

Respect goes both ways at Maine South?

by Kate Geishecker

the answers were pretty consistent. "Respect is showing consideration towards others." said Respect: the second word in our PRIDE senior Maja Skurteska when I asked her what acronym, but reall> the first concern in m\ she thought. Her friend Kell> Spreitzer added, mind. Maine South staff seems to think that "It's treating people the wa\ you want to be respect is important, and apparently so do the treated," a saying most of us have learned from students. My take on respect at Maine South? our parents. The definition for respect isn't that We give it when we see it. Respect is a two-lane hard to understand. We all grew up learning to respect our elders and follow rules. So then highway - no one can demand why is it so hard respect and not give it in return. to show respect Ever see kids ditching study at Maine South? by scanning into the library?

No s o oner This is almost the most common had I informed way to ditchâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; but if a librarian a junior boy that sees you, she'll print out a cop> I was writing of the attendance sheet and try an article about every way possible to find out respect than the your name so she can write you words, "There up. They see it as disregard for is no respect at the rules and seems to make it Maine South," their personal mission to stop left his lips. you from going to the cafeteria to This in itself eat lunch early or hang out with was shocking. friends. Librarians also seems to After all Maine get the most \ erbal abuse outside pliolo courlesx of ww\v.aretIui/riiiiklin.coni South has done of the LRC, most of the talk t o p romote having to do with how unfair it a r e s pectful Some aren 't convinced that "Respect is that no one can talk during the environment, exists around Maine South the way period, and that it's impossible how is it that to pass through the library Aretha Franklin meant it. some students without a police interrogation. still believe it does not exist in the school?

But once again, respect goes two ways.

And where is this disrespect?

Between students Students can't earn respect by ditching study, and teachers?

Between teachers and teachers? disobeying rules, and verbally abusing staff, just "There is more disrespect between the as the staff can't earn respect by treating every students and staff than between students... student as a "trouble maker" just because they mostly it's students trying to push teachers want to walk through the library to get to their over the edge... doing things they know they class or skip study once to sit in the cafeteria. shouldn't," said Skurteska.

Reflecting over my When asked about the definition of respect. past three and half years at Maine South, I find this to ANCSKRA be true. Even though I'm a senior, and by now we all should know how to act MICEPOL toward staff, I still hear nasty There are 30-50 mg of comments behind teacher's lAMOCT caffeine in each ounce backs while at the board, or refusal to cooperate with of this beverage. classroom rules. Students GSENDIS 1 constantly seem to be pushing You know the drill, unthe limits for reactions. jumblers. Rearrange them GFIRDI Spreitzer disagreed. circled letters.

She thought that disrespect (!!!) was most c o m m o n l y SWH.'\RN:

I I n II I I n I n I M I I

nrxx:EH

as^ra

MEULMB EUBJLM!

found between the students. " (Students will] inadvertently make fun of you. Like when people will treat the 'nerds' nice to make them feel good and then turn around and

"It seems that kids today get a bad reputation for not respecting their elers or blatantly disregarding rules.

The truth is that it goes both ways."

make fun of them. It's like they'll treat you with respect, and then turn it around on you."

Another junior bo} commented that between students, "there are a lot of respect issues pertaining to race... a lot of stereotypes are made if a student is Polish or Italian or whatever... it doesn't seem fair to treat someone with disrespect for any reason."

Apparently, though, Maine South isn't all bad. The same student also said, "Maine South isn't as bad as everyone thinks it is.

Compared with other schools in different areas, we treat each other great. Even looking at the media, such as TV shows which portray teenagers as disrespectful towards elders, our school isn't anything like that."

So what's the bottom line about respect?

It seems that kids today get a bad reputation for not respecting their elders or blatantly disregarding rules. The truth is that respect goes both ways. As Spreitzer said, "Treat others as you want to be treated," and although we all know that saying from kindergarten, it doesn't make it any less true. Both students and staff deserve respect. "[The| staff deserves our respect. They work reall> hard and it's not always easy doing their job -- especially with the wa\ students act towards them. I've only had a few bad experiences w ith teachers." And she's right- the staff does work hard to further our education. And w hether or not it shows, the students work hard at what they 're passionate about, whether it be school work, music, writing, sports, or anything else they care about.

As for me, respect will alw ays be a \alue I hold close to my heart. Not onh should we be treating others w ith respect, we should expect it in return.

12

SPORTS FEBRUARY

24, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 10

Girls' gymnastics s t r e t c h for success

by Danielle Tourtillott

me because I reall> felt a bond with the entire Varsity team and we all got along so well.""

Once again. Tourtillott led the team this year, putting up good scores in all e\ents.

Tourtillott include a 9.1 on vault, an 8..^ on une\ en bars, an 8.45 on balance beam and a The 2005-2006 season has come to a close ."^.^.85 in the all-around. for girls" gymnastics, but not without many At the Conference competition held at achievements by the entire team. The Glenbrook South, Tourtillott placed fifth freshman team placed third in the New on the floor exercise, sixth on vault, and Trier Invitational. Individual medals were sixth in the all-around. received by Justine Delgado (ninth on floor A week later at Regionals, held at and 10th in the all-around), Nicole Williams Conant High School. Tourtillott placed (sixth on vault, ninth on floor, and eighth in eighth on vault and advanced to the the all-around). Allison Gismondi (sixth on Sectional competition held at Lake Park vault and 10th in the all-around) and Emily High School on Thursday. Februar> 9.

Wechter (seventh on vault).

Tourtillott preformed well at the highly Varsity placed second at the Maine competitive Sectional, but unfortunately East Invitational, sixth at the Niles West she just missed qualifying for State. She Invitational, and seventh at the Niles North has high hopes for making it to State next Invitational. At the varsity level, medals year. were received by Danielle Tourtillott and The team had six seniors that Olya Witkovvsky. helped guide the team in experience: Carolyn Olson, Anna Franzen, Joannna This year, the team not only had a great photo by Kane Slezak, Lindsay Jozwiak, Andrea Frankos, season in competition, but also had a great Carolyn Olson practices her balance beam routine. time getting to know one another Danielle and Rachel Fuller Tourtillott reflects, "The team really bonded At the first meet of the season, Tourtillott set Overall, the girls' gymnastics team had a this year at our practices and at our many a school record for floor exercise, scoring a great season and looks forward to doing even pasta parties. This year has been the best for 9.25 on her routine. Other season highs for better next season.

Coming home with a gold from Torino byAlexaKaras Whether they come to defend their title or make a new mark in the record books, every athlete that attends the Olympic Games has a passion deep within their souls that represents their country and the willpower in their own hearts.

These games may be the one and only opportunity for some. As they conclude this year in Torino, we can look back and see how some dreams came true, how some athletes matured, and how some may never return again.

A dream that came true was another victory for Shaun "The Flying Tomato" White in the men's halfjjipe. The Americans almost swept the podium with a silver place victory by Daniel Kass. The women's halfpipe was a similar story with Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler placing first and second respectively.

A major upset was that returning champion, Kelly Clark, did not medal, placing fourth. She represents the select few that may not return for

another competition. The anticipated favorite, she only lost the event by a mishandled landing late in her routine. A promising and possibly rising star, Elena Hight, reached new "heights" this year placing sixth in the overall halfpipe competition. She didn't have quite enough to medal with her teammates, but she earned some respect and a place on the team in the next winter Olympic Games.

In the pairs figure skating event, no Americans were worthy of mentioning, drtntittg by Ron Feiresisel but two couples with intriguing stories lined the podium. The winners of the gold metal. Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin of Russia, finally recovered fi-om a devastating fall in the 2004 Skate America competition, where Marinin accidentally dropped Totmianina, causing her a severe blow to the head and face. A major setback, the duo

was able to return to the ice after Totmianina regained her strength and Marinin rediscovered his confidence. They skated a beautiful routine at this year's Olympics, barely beating silver place medallists Hao and Dan Zhang of China.

In first place after the first round of routines, the Zhang's skated on the ice for their second performance with full confidence. Only thirty seconds into the routine, Hao fell after a jump that resulted in a stop in the performance. She continued her routine and the pair captured a well-deserved second place because of their hard work and determination.

Another surprise this Olympics was the absence of American figure skater, Michelle Kwan. due to injury. Hoping for a gold medal this Olympics. Kwan has a long list of Olympic success, starting in 1998 when she received the bronze medal and in 2002, finishing behind teammate Sarah Hughes, receiving the silver This year, giving up her dreams for gold, she relinquished her position to Emily Hughes, sister to Sarah Hughes.

As athletes stand upon the podium, heads held high, singing their national anthems, holding back tears ofjoy, they can reflect on their experience as one they will treasure forever as the year they won at the Torino Olympic Games.

13 ing well at home all year SPORTS

FEBRUARY

24, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 10

by Frank Lukes The boys' basketball team is on Success Road and they are getting nothing but green lights. With the thought of last year's Regional championship still in the minds of last year's players, and the desire to go evenftirtherthis year, Maine South is eager to show everyone what they really can do.

Currently, the boys are 14-10, which is a monumentous achievement and is one of the best records Maine South has had in the past few years. The Hawks have also shown that they can play some ball against the teams in the tough CSL South Conference, which includes New Trier, Glenbrook South, Evanston, Waukegan, and Niles West. Their record thus far is 5-4 against conference opponents, and Maine South is currently tied for second place in Conference.

The Hawks have shown their mettle in the past two games, winning both away games in a convincing fashion. Against conference opponent Evanston, the team proved that they could achieve things that previous teams before them couldn't. The Hawks won this

game 60-43; this is the first time in over unable to play at the high level that they are twenty years that Maine South has come out used to playing at. This meant that other on top of Evanston twice in the same year. teammembers had to dig deep and play their best.

"A number of the other guys John Wolf led the such as Willie Ruben, Matt Kelly, team with 16 points, Colin Wehman, and Carl Michas five rebounds, and four stepped it up. 1 think this made assists. Anthony Cruz us a better team," commented also had 16 points and head coach Anthony Lavorato.

Adam Fee scored 12 Looking ahead into the playoffs and points and had eight winning another Regional, Lavorato rebounds. In the next thinks, "It's a possibility. We are away game, Maine going to worry about ourselves and South had a close one we are going to keep improving." with Fremd( 14-8). The Hawks battled, however, The Hawks are the seventh seed and were able to grab the and are opening against Taft. A win with a 45-43 victory. team to worry about, however, is Pete Bjelopetrovich led Hoffman Estates (17-8). They are the team in this game the number two-seed team and are with 11 points, followed in Maine South's Regional half.

by Wolf with 10 points.

One thing that the Hawks have going for them, however, is that Regionalsare It has not been being played at Maine South this year. easy for the Hawks this season, injury- Jake Wilson takes a jump shot. The guys have played well at home wise. Two key players, John Wolfe and all year, and it will be exciting to see how they Adam Fee, both sustained injuries and were get through the draw in the weeks that follow.

Shaving heads; shaving times

by Josh Sissman The conference meets are over, and the boys swim season is almost at a closing point. Varsity sectionals are coming up, and then, hopefully, state for some Hawks.

Freshman and JV are already done however, with some pleasing results for this season. The fi-eshman ended with a record of 2-3. At Glenbrook North, the freshman team raced their conference meet and walked away in sixth place out of 11.

JV had quite a remarkable year. They had a record of 7-3, with wins against Maine East, Maine West. Evanston. Highland Park and Niles West in dual meets and St. Patrick and Lyden in a tri-meet. At their conference held at Niles West, they took fourth out of five teams: New Trier, Glenbrook South, Evanston, Maine South and Niles West. That is also the order of the placing at the end of the meet. New Trier stole first with 429 points, Glenbrook South was close behind with 303.5 points, Evanston walked away with 176.5 points, the Hawks took

fourth with 151 points, and Niles West got fiflth place with 129 points. The diving portion of the meet was successful as well, with Bo Swantek and Sean Fuller divine for Maine South. Bo

these included Chris DiFranco in the 50-yard freestyle, with a third place time of 22.79 seconds. Mike Kramer grabbed 11"' place in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:02.70.

Also, Matt Michaels took 15* place in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 55.49 seconds.

The season's best times also were accomplished at the meet too. Mark Szpak got the seasons best 200-yard freestyle time with his 1:56.21 time, and Marc Sarran achieved a 5:03.49 on his 500-yard freestyle.

The varsity divers proved their greatness at the conference too. Our divers Kyle Benedix and Bob Seiwert took 10* and 14* respectively. Kyle scored 290.65 points and Bob score 152.75 points. Overall, the Hawks Chris Difranco swims a relaxing lap after taking third took fifth, and finished fourth overall place in the CSL Conference in the 50-yard free. in the CSL conference. All-Conference took 14* place with 112.60 points and Fuller candidates include Chris DiFranco and Marc Sarran. took 11* with 212.30 points.

Varsity conference gave the opportunity for Varsity still has to practice and taper up for a many of the varsity members to achieve their few more days and then swim fast at sectionals, personal best times for this season. Some of and hopefully get some state qualifiers.

B<)\s" BA.SKKIBAI.1. • GIRLS" BASKF.TBAI.I, •

INIKMK TRAC K

• Bo>s' SWIMMIM; • GIRLS' GYMNASTICS • WRESTLING

Winning conference at the buzzer

by Alexa Karas

fought for another loose ball. She passed it off to Lauren Pagone, who finished it off with one more lay-up, causing Evanston to take a timeout.

Passing around the three-point line the explosive Solari sisters powered through another play, with Christina scoring another

The girls' basketball team never manages to disappoint their fans; they always provide the crowd with an exhilarating match that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats as the seconds tick by.

The last home game of the season against rival Evanston was the type of game when most fans hold their breath as the last seconds of regulation expire.

The Hawks owned the first half, maintaining the lead nearly the entire time. As the third quarter began, the Hawks were pressing constantly, alwa\ s looking for a possible steal. Evanston became tired early and couldn't perform as well because, wherever they went, l>hinn b\ Kane kcil: a Hawk was right in front of them.

The girls pose for a picture before a game.

Going for a loose ball, Ashley Tomzik made a diving grab, bouncing the ball off an two points. ''I feel that since we both play, we Evanston shoulder out of bounds. During the do have a special connection on the court," said next play, Karen Solari made an intense lay-up, Karen Solari when asked about playing with her making the score 21 -19, with the Hawks leading. sister. "'Her being the older one helps me out a After a quick steal, the Solari sisters, lot on the court—she brings me to a new level."

Christina and Karen, handled a play that resulted On an out-of-bounds ball, Michelle in another lay-up. Angle Rieger caught up and Tourtillott made a long inbound pass to

Rieger, who was already streaking down the court. The attempted lay-up resulted in a defensive foul against Evanston. With two seconds remaining in the quarter, Tomzik put up a jump shot that sailed through the net.

Evanston started fighting back in the fourth quarter. Tourtillott made a vital three pointer, as Evanston took a 30-second timeout.

Af^er the stop in play, adrenaline pumping, Pagone chased down an overthrown pass and attempted a lay-up. Unfortunately, she was fouled before she could complete the play and found herself at the free-throw line. With pressure on her shoulders, Pagone sunk one of two shots.

The Hawks had a solid four-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

With under a minute remaining, Maine South was down 39-38. Tomzik made a lay-up to win the game, as the timer reached single digits. "[During] the last play I was kind of nervous, but Lauren Pagone made a great pass: it was perfect," comments Tomzik on her winning basket.

For the first time in six years the girls' won first place in their conference beating both New Trier and Evanston. "[Winning] was really excited because we haven't won in such a long time," reflects Tourtillot on the game, "After the buzzer went off, we all realized the hard work had paid off."

Boys' track and field undefeated at home and the 3200 meter relay team of Georgis Tzortzakis, Karl Karrasch, Greg Mitchell, and ^^^M The Boys' track and field O'Hara (8:46.6). Other first-place finishers ^ ^ ^ team kicked off the 2006 included Dave Ryan in the high hurdles (7.1), ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ • ^ ^ season in impressive fashion Dirk Haller in the pole vauh(12'6") and triple • H K ^ i i i i i l H on February 8 with wins jump (37'9"), Marshall Dechambre in the long over Leyden and Marshall. jump (18'2 %"), and the mile relay team of The host Hawks won the triangle meet, scoring Connor Leontios. Gilby Lifton, Mitchell, and 81 points to Marshall's 33 and Leyden's 16. Kasey Zwolinski (3:42.1).

The win was another example of Maine South "s The Hawks second meet of the season, history of stellar performance in their own field on February 15, was equally as successful as the first. The Hawks soared to victory again, house, where they have not lost for 10 years.

The varsity squad was able to record first- this time scoring 90 points, with Notre Dame place finishes in eight out of fifteen events. coming in second with 28 points, and Fenwick This included a sweep of the distance events, garnering third with 15 points. First place with wins by Greg Udzielak in the 800 meter finishers included Ryan in the high hurdles run (2:11.3), Pat O'Hara in the mile (4:56.1), (6.8) and the low hurdles (6.6), Lifton in the

by Greg Mitchell

400 meter run (52.6), Kyle Schriener in the 800 meter run (2:09.2), O'Hara in the mile run (4:47.9). Blake Borowski in the long jump (18'2"), and Haller in the pole vault (13'0") and high jump (5'8').

The Hawks also swept the relay races, with the 3200 meter relay team of O'Hara, Lifton, Tzortzakis, and Udzielak (8:47.7), the mile relay of Leontios, Dechambre, Mitchell, and Lifton (3:45.5), and the 800 meter relay of Eugene Mendoza, Mark Zande, Matt Maloney, and Dechambre (1:42.5) all running to a first place-finish.

These meets are evidence that the hard work the team is putting in the early parts of the season is paying off, and the Hawks' will need to continue this excellent work ethic.