Vol 44 issue 2

Will Pierce, Nora Pace, and Danny Giovannim peifonn a scene from "The Complete ^efhs of William Shakespeare (Abridged). "

In This Issue:

NEWS

FEATURES

Get the facts on The new trend the 15 seconds of Halloween costumes. of silence.

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photo by Meghan O 'Kee/e

ENTERTAINMENT

COMMENTARY

SPORTS

Learn about the venues around Chicago.

Political party system limitations exposed.

An overvievi' of boys' cross country season.

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OCTOBER

26,2007 • VOL. 44, No. 2

Silence for reflection made mandatory in schools

by Erin Klein As of October 12, public schools across Dlinois are required to offer students a mandatory moment of silence in schools to pray or reflect. Students in kindergarten through high school are now allowed to pray silently or reflect for "a moment" — a length of time that was not specifically determined.

In 1962, the Supreme Court struck down mandatory school prayer, but since then, over 30 states have passed legislation allowing school districts to set aside a few moments for meditation, prayer or reflection.

Teachers in Illinois have had the option of setting aside time for prayer or reflection since 2002. Not until the senate overrode Governor

Blagojevich's veto on October 11 was it made mandatory.

Blagojevich vetoed the bill in August, feeling it crossed the barrier of separation of church and state. '"The law in Illinois today already allows teachers and students the opportunity to take a moment for silent thought or prayer, if they choose to," Blagojevich said. "I believe this is the right balance between the principles echoed in our constitution, and our deeply held desire to practice our faith" Our own Assistant Principal for Staff was somewhat surprised about the new law. Mrs. Linda Rutschke stated "Personally, I don't think it's bad, but it would have been nice to

have a student advisory committee discuss this. The state didn't give much guidance on how to implement the new law into the school day. or how to explain it to parents and students."

The senate needed 71 of the original 86 members who approved the bill to override the veto, and after a short debate, the house voted 74-37. Local representatives Rosemary Mulligan (R) and Elaine Nekritz (D) both voted against the bill.

Representative Lou Lang (D) of Skokie supported the governor's decision to veto the bill, stating "Why we must mandate this is way beyond me. It's wrong from so many points of view."

New choices for shopping and eating

by Courtney O 'Keefe Park Ridge has undergone a true transformation this past year with new buildings, signs, and stores. But there is still more to come to our Uptown area.

For years now, all different kinds of stores have found their way to Park Ridge such as the usual Oberweis and Starbucks. But what makes Park Ridge different is their openness to new businesses, such as Lisa's Italian Ice and Baked by Betsy.

With Park Ridge gaining a new uptown area, the community will also be gaining more choice in where to shop and eat. Not only will this satisfy the people of Park Ridge, but it will make going to your favorite place more convenient.

After talking to Kim Uhlig, Director of Economic Development, it seems that a location in Park Ridge is a good idea. "When retailers are looking at a place to locate, [there are] two magnets we happen to have. One is the library, and the other one is the theatre, and retailers look for one or the other and we are blessed with both." says Uhlig.

Park Ridge is fiiU of specialty stores that make Park Ridge very unique. But in the next few years. Uptown will see an increase of chain stores and restaurants.

One of those is Houlihan's, which serves

more successful in Park Ridge than a specialty store since they are more recognizable, but Kim Uhlig thinks otherwise.

"The national chains definitely bring people in because they know what to expect and then when they get here they will see the boutiques and the different stores that we have and that will keep the shoppers here. So both the small boutiques and the national chains actually complement one another," Uhlig said.

The focus of Uptown Park Ridge is not only to create a better retail environment, but to start marketing on the tourism industry. This includes conventions and trade shows and that is one of the goals of Kim Uhlig.

"What we're trying to do is bring visitors to eat and shop but we're not there yet," says phow courtesy of H-n-^.parkridgerede\'ehpment.com Uhlig. zed preview of the Park Ridge uptown development.

Obviously Park Ridge has a long way treats. Joining the pet store will be Optique, an to go. The development team of uptown has eyewear store with tons of different designer many ideas and goals in mind of what they want to see happen to Park Ridge, and they styles, such as Vera Wang.

It would seem that a chain store would be hope to see them come to reality.

up classic American food, such as burgers and pizzas. Another is Noodles and Company where they have pasta dishes from all over the world, including Japanese pan noodles and their house marinara. And then there is the favorite sandwich shop. Potbelly.

When it comes to shopping. Uptown will be home to many stores, such as Krisers Pet Store. The store provides organic pet foods and

3 MTA sees light at end of tunnel FEATURES

OCTOBER

26, 2007 • VOL. 44, No. 2

by Nicky Priovolos By now. most students have heard about the Board of Education meeting that took place in September regarding some teachers" loss of a planning period. However, there is more to the situation. Those who attended the Board meeting heard what the Board of Education had to say. as well as the teachers" view. However, few students really know what the teachers are going through. The fact that the teachers are working without contracts is important for students to know because it can impact our lives at school. I sat down with Mr. Arguello, better known to the students as Don Jose, to discuss the situation.

Mr. Jose Arguello, a Maine South Spanish teacher, is the president of the Maine Teachers Association. He explained that there are delays in the completion of the teacher's contract because, "The process began a little later than we would have wanted to begin with. And also.

I think that the main delay comes from the fact that the teachers are looking to revamp the whole contract. There are going to be dramatic changes in the way that the contract is organized. We are basically rewriting the whole contract, and some parts are very technical, kind of complicated, and that's why these negotiations are taking a little longer than other negotiations have taken in the past."

Mr. Arguello also stated that despite the delays, both sides are working to get the contract completed. ""Well, at the beginning we thought that the Board was being slow at processing our work. Right now, I think both sides are working at a very good rhythm. I don't know if there's something in particular that we could be doing to avoid the delays, other than meeting as much as we can and working as fast as we can. Which I believe both sides are doing." he revealed.

Our teachers work diligently, and they are seeking some better benefits in their new contract. According to Mr. Arguello. "There is always the issue of salar> and benefits, which has to be put in the context of the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It is also in the district's interest (the Board's interest), to keep those salaries competitive so that Maine 207, Maine South, East and West, will keep attracting good teachers and [continue to] retain good teachers. Benefits, as I said, especially medical

insurance, which is a big issue for everybody today [are a vital point for the teachers]. But also, in this contract composition, maybe we are putting more stress than ever before in some protections in the contract. [Such as] working conditions, things like teachers can not be fired without just cause, which was not in the previous contract. So that is the big novelty. The big issues, [however], do not change all that much. We are worried obviously about our salaries, our benefits, our retirement. Everybody is going to retire one day. But, a very big issue this time aroimd is working conditions."

four, and now. you know very well that that is not the case. The reason behind that is that the Board hasn't been replacing librarians that have been retiring, as a cost cutting measure.

That affects you guys. To give you this as an example, if we were to add something about class size, to limit the class size in our schools, that affects you guys a lot. It is not the same to be in a class of 20 as it is to be in a class of 35. And then, teachers and students, well, I don't want to say teachers, because when we say teachers, we also represent teachers' assistants, and librarians, so I will say educators. Educators and students work very close; we are colleagues, and when you are working so close to somebody, well, you want your colleagues to be happy. But I think it is important to say that our working conditions, many, many times are your learning conditions."

Finally Mr. Arguello wants to assure the students, stating, "I sincerely believe, although this is very complicated and you never know, I sincerely believe that we have entered the last phase of the process, and that this will be done sooner rather than later. I know that the students sometimes wonder if there is going to be a strike. We are very far away, at this point, fi-om a strike, and if I had to place a bet, I don't think there will be a strike. Before a strike can take place, both sides have to Staff photo reach an impasse at the table, and we are Mr. Arguello, president of the MTA, discusses the not even close to that. Then, there will be teachers' contract. mediations, so there are a few things that have to happen before [a strike would] On the other hand, to Mr. Arguello's happen, so a strike is unlikely at this point. knowledge, "The Board is trying to retain the And at this point, as I said, we are talking power that they had, and we are trying to get about some very technical and complicated some of that power for our side. The Board issues, like professional growth for educators. is going to resist making some changes that That is a maze, really, it's complicated. Also, would give it less power or less leeway. We we are going to talk about extra-curriculars, a are fighting in the opposite direction, but that very complicated issue, so it is going to take is also to be expected." a little bit, but we are at the beginning of the Also on the teachers' minds is the desire to end. I think it's safe to say that." make sure these negotiations do not hurt the Also, '"the educators are going to keep students. All of the schools' teachers show working as we have, and you gu>s shouldn't up to school every day to teach us. with no notice any difference in our classrooms or contract. Mr. Arguello believes that part of libraries. We are good professionals; we care the reason they're fighting so hard is for the deeply about our students and we are not students. "Our working conditions are your going to allow whatever happens at the table (the students') learning conditions. Think about to affect you guys. Obviously, whenever there this; our libraries are understaffed. Once upon is a negotiation, there is always the possibility a time at Maine South, Maine East and Maine of job actions, but at this time, we are not very West, libraries used to be open fi-om seven to close to that."

OCTOBER

26, 2007 • VOL. 44, No. 2

Students band together for Barack

by Jacqueline O 'Reilly

especially emphasized student involvement.

Also, knowing his headquarters were located a With the preliminary elections only five short drive away, she felt his campaign would months away, people around the country, be more accessible. His strong views on the War including Maine South students, are rallying in Iraq were also a selling point for Wave. Jones together to endorse their preferred nominee. sees Obama as a symbol of change, something One particular candidate seems to be getting he finds very important. a lot of Maine One might South student assume the support: Barack m e m b e r s of Obama. this group A group called would be only " M a i n e South those eligible High School for to vote in the Obama" is the 2008 election; manifestation however, this of this support. assumption is Led by seniors incorrect. There M a g g i e Wave are several and Kevin Jones, underclassmen the organization members, seeks to gather including Images courtesy ofwww.obamajenate.gov like-minded sophomore students and A n n e Wave.

Obama addresses prospective voters p a r t i c i p a t e in She says, various activities "Because I to further Obama's campaign. These activities can't directly help by voting for him, I can do range from attending rallies, passing out my part by going to people who can vote and information about Obama, and calling let them know what Obama stands for." prospective Iowa On November voters prior to the 3, members of the January 3, 2008 organization will caucus. travel to Iowa.

D e s p i t e While there, they including the plan to participate school's name in in a door-to-door their title, "Maine campaign asking South High School residents which for Obama" is not candidate they a school affiliated will be voting organization. After for. For those hearing that Maine residents who say South faculty were Obama, they will image courtesy of www.facebook com not p e r m i t t e d be administered to s h a r e t h e i r supporter cards, Maine South High School for Obama" political beliefs which is a contract is a promising organization. with students, the confirming that group restricted they will support themselves to Facebook, running all meetings, Obama in the Iowa caucus. The students will also be answering questions residents may have events, and questions through their "wall," Despite these students coming together for about Obama and his campaign. the same candidate, their enthusiasm comes So far, "Maine South High School for from different places. When Wave decided she Obama" shows great promise. At the Obama wanted to go into political science, she decided Breakfast hosted at the Waves' house in in get involved in the political world. After September, attendance was so strong that it was researching various candidates, she felt Obama among the highest in the state.

Besides supporting Obama, the organization believes in the need for political awareness.

Wave believes that even if you don't have specific opinions, it is necessary to be aware of the world around you. "So many adults underestimate teenagers' power, and many kids don't realize that what's going on now will greatly affect our future," Wave states.

Jones has opinions along the same lines. He says, "Apathy and non-action are big problems in America, and to have all these freedoms and not practice them is lazy and ridiculous."

If you are interested in getting involved with "Maine South High School for Obama" or getting involved in Barack Obama's campaign, you can visit their Facebook profile, under the name Maine South High School for Obama, talk directly to Maggie Wave or Kevin Jones, or visit www.mybarackobama.com.

SOUTH WORDS Maine South High School n i l 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

Michael Coyne Meghan O'Keefe News Editors Erin Klein Nicky Priovolos Featiu-es Editors Bess Featherstone Jacqueline O'Reilly Entertainment Editors Tom Berg Katrina Underwood Commentary Editors Xander Tapling Courtney Vinopal Sports Editors Thomas Joyce Patrick Mirski Production Editor Josh Sissman Ted Sherbin Photographers Kelsey Grandi Staff Artists Leah Artwick Gina Tingas Kevin Verre Advisors Mr. Ellefson Mr. Stathakis

5 Oak Park School Bans Hugging FEATURES

OCTOBER

26, 2007 • VOL. 44, No. 2

By Devin Beaugureau Schools are responsible for keeping order the school took the initiative to stop bullying and helping students grow up right, but how by eliminating activities that made students far is too far? Earlier this month. Percy Julian feel left out. However. Puccetti says that the controversial ban Middle School banned ended up backfirsomething totally unexing. "It just didn't pected: hugging. Accordwork.

Now, even ing to Victoria Sharts, more kids hug just principal of the Oak Park to protest," says middle school, hugging Puccetti. had become such a probAnother eighthlem that extreme meagrader at Julian, sures had to be taken. It Erin Svehla, says was decided to ban hugs that the ban was between students durnever a good idea. ing school hours. Sharts •'It's not right. says her school's recent Since when do crackdown on hugging is teachers have the a hallway traffic measure, right to take away not a ban on affectionate our fi-eedom?" embraces. In addition, asks Svehla. Svethe ban will help support photo by of Bess Fetherstone hla argues that anti-bullying, she says.

Juniors Danielle Fritz and Lauren Dethe ban is not leStudents have mixed Chambre excercise their right to hug here gitimate.

"The feelings about this stateat Maine South. principal says that ment. Maureen Puccetti, [the hugging ban] an eighth-grader at Juwas made to stop lian says that when the blockage in the hallways and bullying, not to ban was first enforced, she thought it was a stop student affection, but she didn't ban hugs great idea. Puccetti says that it was nice that

between people of the same sex," says Svehla.

If the decision of the ban had nothing to do with affection, then why does the ban discriminate against opposite-sex buggers? Sharts says that students will be punished for hugging only if they refuse to disentangle once asked to stop by a teacher, but Svehla says that if a boy and girl are caught hugging, they are both issued detentions right away.

Is this ban right? That is the question that many are now asking school boards across the country. Over the last two years, schools from Des Moines. Iowa, to Cornwall, England, have asked students to quit the once-acceptable gesture that has become a popular greeting among young kids all over the world.

Some say that our school systems are becoming anti-American. According to the "Chicago Tribune." a high-school student from Washington, where a hugging ban also was put into effect, said "We live in America. By enforcing these ridiculous bans, we are sacrificing everything America stands for. We are giving up our personal rights and freedoms." Many other students have similar opinions, but it's up to the administrators to change the rules.

For now, angry students can only hope that teachers and principals will reach an understanding with them.

Fall play rewrote theatrical tradition

by Meghan O 'Keefe With one glance at the poster for the fall play, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged]," it becomes clear that this play defies typical convention. The cartoon William Shakespeare is not the dignified character typically depicted in everyday English class, and he exudes no scholarly vibes. In fact, this play took a wholly nontraditional spin in its run last weekend. "Shakespeare was baudy and audience interactive. We think it's culturally sophisticated now, but that's not how it was in his time," says director John Muszynski. "We are paying homage to that tradition."

The cast featured in the show was chosen specifically to fit the unique character of the piece. Although it was originally written by three guys for three guys, Muszynski expanded the play to 20 characters and the plot to include women. The director "looked for people who could handle Shakespeare, handle comedy, and

handle improv" when he cast the show.

One of the most important cast members was the audience. The dynamic between the cast and the theatergoers brought into question the true classification of the work.

"For me, this show was very different from others we've done. It was not a presentation but interactive commentary theatre," commented Muszynski. This left an element of spontaneity to each performance, with "every show being different depending on who was brought onstage." The entire audience was involved in both lines and actions, the cast was constantly in the audience, and the line between who was performing was constantly blurred between the two groups.

Maine South is the ideal demographic for this play. "It plays really well to high school.

It is full of intelligent inappropriateness and is edgy funny," said Muszynski. He hoped that "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged]" would broaden perspectives across

the board. "I'm, always looking for something different for the students: the cast, crew, and audience. This is a whole new genre for everyone."

This does not, however, signify a break from conventional works in the future for the Maine South Drama Department. "I don't like to think about us pushing the envelope. I think each work should be unto itself its own entity," said Muszynski.

Refreshing aspects were added to this well known play. Some of the highlights from the show included several modem twists. All of the actors wore Converse hi-top sneakers, tights, and traditional Elizabethan-esque clothing.

Everything from "Grey's Anatomy" to Tyra, Oprah and Dr. Phil were referenced as well.

Overall, the show gave the audience more than a visual role and turned Shakespeare into something tangible. The "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Othello" of the classroom was brought to life in a truly comical way.

6 A night when anything goes FEATURES

OCTOBER 26,2007 • VOL.

acknowledged that "the few ruined it for the many. Some people took it to a level that was inappropriate." Rausch also noticed that females tended to stretch the limits moreso than their male counterparts.

Noticing this trend, Maine South student Shannon O'Hem commented, "Usually guys don't [dress up]." She also admitted that in a few short weeks, she too will be searching for a costume with a risque edge to it, but would

by Kelsey Grandi

French maids, Playboy bunnies, nurses in little more than their patient's paper gowns— all are common sights during one season each year: Halloween. These risque costumes inspire thought as to how costumes have evolved through the years, from dressing up as scary witches and bed-sheet ghosts to dressing down to underwear and animal ears.

This trend, in the E^H^E^I^ IM. past, was often reserved CeSti^m^j for adult parties, and subtly marketed.

Today, however, risque costumes appear anywhere Halloween goods are sold. Christa Getz, the purchasing director for BuyCostumes.com told reporters, '"Probably over 90 to 95 percent of our female costumes have a flirty edge to them," and that these costumes were in such high demand that they needed to break their "sexy" category into photo courtesy- ofcostumesupercenter.com three subdivisions to Most online costume stores like Costume Super Center sell "risquench the public's que" costumes targeted towards women. thirst for such outfits.

The increased teen participation in this trend is a large reason the not wear it to school if she had the option. students of Maine South can no longer partake Though she believes that many costumes in this holiday tradition while in school. After caused distractions, she also said, "I don't seeing years of students pass through Maine agree with banning it. Kids can tone it down at South while enjoying October 31 as a day of school and save the risque for the streets." fi'eedom and creativity. Counselor Terry Rausch Another interesting observation made lamented, 'T wish that we could dress up," and about this growing fad comes in when Kevin Vtrre's CO>nc MISCHIEF prrsriits... "A Tragedy in English Class"

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44, No. 2

gender is considered. Nearly all risque costumes are marketed towards females, while "men's costumes are generally goofy or grotesque."

Kim Daul, a Maine South student has observed that, "Girls are too preoccupied with attracting attention... I like how occasional people have clever costumes that make a statement." Kim is not alone in this, as fellow student Tim Christiansen will do just that—on October 31, he will be sporting orange and blue Illinois apparel, along with a sign that says "I heart diversity" (the politically correct Dlinois mascot). One of the main reasons for Tim's costume choice was that he is "doing something easy. I'm making a costume out of stuff I already have, so I don't have to buy stuff." He also said that if he hadn't come up with this idea, he would have leaned towards an outfit that frightened.

All Hallows Eve, as Halloween was originally known, found participants trying to concoct the scariest costume they could to wear while going door-to-door, collecting candy. Today, most teens consider comical the thought of costumes with the singular goal of horror. This is proven in the popular movie "Mean Girls," in which Lindsey Lohan's naive character, Cady, dresses up as a horrifying bride of Frankenstein, complete with wig and fake teeth, to go to an A-list high school party. Upon arrival, she realizes that most girls are wearing incredibly little to cover themselves.

To today's audience, this is a laugh-out-loud moment, not because of the bikini-equivalentclad party goers, but because Cady was under the impression that Halloween was a holiday intended to frighten.

The evolution of Halloween has made Americans, including high school teens, wonder what happened to the days of ghosts, goblins, and walking pumpkins. In the past, scary costumes were worn when people went out after dark on October 31, in hopes that spirits that had risen from the dead would take the living as one of their own.

Long gone are days of dressing to scare. In it's place is a holiday that, in the words of Linda M. Scott, professor of marketing at the University of Oxford, "It's a night when even a nice girl can dress like a dominatrix and still hold her head up the next morning."

In a few weeks, with the Halloween season in full bloom, everyone, including the "nice girls" of Maine South, will have the opportunity to decide what fa9ade they want to adopt for that one mysterious night a year—they'll just have to wait until 3:16pm.

71 A way to end ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER

26 2007* VOL. 44, No. 2

Venues of Chicago yourHaUowcen fcy Jimmy Grizzell

hosted bands miming the gamut from The Grateful Dead to The All American Rejects, Now that the festival season is over and Aragon Ballroom is a bad place to see a concert. bands have started their fall tours, its lime to The distortion is terrible, and if you're near the go over the area's abundance of concert venues. back of the crowd, it's difficult to hear. Also, Chicago is one of the country's music capitals, so because of its immense size (4,500 capacity), the number of places to see a concert trariscends if you're not near the front, you won't see the one article. Therefore, obvious places like band. Although it has some drawbacks as a Allstate Arena and the United Center have been venue, its still worth going to a show there, the omitted. Venues that are generally over 21, depending on the band. Muse played a great like Schuba's and the Empty Bottle, are also show there, as did the Flaming Lips. Bands absent (they do host all ages shows once in a with epic, arena-sized shows succeed here, while). This may be the first in a series, as there where more mellow, music-based bands have are many more venues not covered here, from problems. Upcoming Show at the CafeTacuba, November 23.

The Riviera ti Logan Squar The Beat Kitchen - This Auditorium. tiny venue is really a restaurant Metro with a stage in the back. It This Chicag mostly hosts small indie bands, with some bands making it landmark has| big, eventually. Bands like seen artistsj Hellogoodbye and the Matches like R.E.M. played gigs here before they Bob Dylan were known. The acoustics are S mashin fantastic and you are never more Pumpkins, and| than 30 feet from the stage. Also, Fall Out Bo tickets are rarely more than 10. play shows oi Its located in Roscoe Vdlage, their rise t and parking is surprisingly stardom. Wi good in the surrounding area. a capacity o As it is a restaurant and has a 1100, it host: liquor license, some shows are intimate pkou,c^u,y^^MeÂť<^taa,t<,^ jg^ ^^ 21+, check before you intense shows

that are go. Some upcoming all ages Tlie Metro Music Hall is on Clark Street. shows include Moros Eros on extremely fun.

With g r e a t November 1 and Needtobreathe sightlines and acoustics, it is a spectacular on November 8. place to see a concert, and it doesn't hurt that Park West - Built as a Vaudeville theater in tickets are generally in the affordable imder 1925, Park West in Lincoln Park has certainly 30 dollars range. It's a crowded venue, so evolved from what it once was. This swanky, if the thought of coming home drenched in 900-person theater has had artists like U2 and other people's sweat disgusts you, stay away. Prince play shows on its stage. It is arguably Also, the crowd tends to be rowdy, so if you're the best venue in Chicago. laid out in a bowl going to complain about being pushed, don't shape with comfy booths surrounding a small go. Parking is a problem, and it's not easily standing area. The acoustics are perfect, and the accessible from Park Ridge. Drive to the band is so close that sweat from more animated Howard Red line station and get off at Addison. artists has been known to fly into the crowd.

Upcoming concerts include A New Found It's in Lincoln Park, so parking is a problem, Glor>- on November 5 and The Hold Steady on but it is very accessible from the El, in case New Year's Eve. you don't feel like dealing with traffic. Overall, Aragon Ballroom - Aragon ballroom's though, it is one of the best places to see a gaudy, Moorish-castle-themed ceiling betrays concert in Chicago. Upcoming shows include its age. Built in 1926, the Aragon was a thriving The Wallflowers on November 7, fronted by ballroom into the 1960's. Now, it serves as a Bob Dylan's son Jakob, and Vanessa Carlton venue for established bands. Despite having on November 18.

by Lesia Witkowsky A traditional Halloween: dressing up in costumes, going door-to-door, and coming home with tons ofcandj. Why not throw an old time Halloween nio\ ie in there? Tlie old ones, some dating back to the 30"s, are die truly scaiy ones. Tlrese movies didn't even need special eflFects to give their audience a high-quab't>' scare. Halloween is a school night alter all. so why not cud \ our trick-or-treaiing with one of ray three top favorite Halloween movies ever made (and they're all old classics) "Dracula" No Halloween movie can get more original than this. Dating back to 1931. this movie includes old-lime actors such as Bela Lugosi. one of the leading monsters who gave vampires their claim to fame. This movie doesn't need any special effecLs, or color for that matter, to make it an excellent wm' to end or begin yom- classic Halloween. Though not too terrifying, it's a good starter to begin your scary movie masquerade. Or. if you're not looking to end your nighu afraid to fall asleep, then this movie would be a giK)d finisher as well. Dracula has been around i|uite awliile and it has been turned into a must see classic.

"Friday the 13th, Parts I & II" Both parts to this movie are first-class; this makes it difficult for fans to choose the better of the two. Made in the earh' 80's, both of these films use tension to build up to a dramatic climax.

Part one introduces everything, and it is more of a "slasher" film, one that will keep your face hidden in > our blanket, fearing for your life.

In Part Two, .lason is back, bigger and more brutal, with (3lent\' of homicidal mania that will keep you on edge. So grab your candy and pop this one into your DVD player, if you're brave enough.

"Halloween" Produced in 1978, and starring famous actors like Jamie Lee Curtis, "Halloween" is the number one choice on my list. If you are only able to watch one movie, choose this one. Myers is a boy sentenced to an uisaue asjlum for brutalh murdering his sister. He later escapes and returns home. Join him as he returns back to his old neighborhood to seek revenge on his sister, once again. This movie will have yon paranoid and anxious tlirougbout. i You will have a perfect Halloween when you and vour friends join together to watch a few scary classics.

1

OCTOBER

26,2007 â&#x20AC;˘VOL. 44, No.2

'In Rainbows' is Radiohead's best

by Will Pierce Radiohead's new album, "In Rainbows," is the band's most painfully beautiful work.

Terrifying, yet sweetly soothing, the Oxford quintet has outdone itself once again. Though the fear of the modem world is there, with Yorke asking in "Bodysnatchers," "Has the light gone out for you? / Because the light's gone out for me / It is the twenty-first century," gone for the most part is the anger of "OK Computer" and the removed, distant quality of "Kid A" and "Amnesiac." This is Radiohead's most intimate and human album yet.

"In Rainbows" represents a balance between the band's guitar, rock-and-roll, and electronic forays. The album begins with yet another memorable Radiohead opener, the danceable "15 Step." which features tlie shouts of Oxford school children. From there.

Radiohead runs its own gamut of styles in an album that has everything in the right place.

Goosebumps, head rushes, and tearful moments are abound in the following tracks.

The slow ballad "Nude" goes from sparse

drum and bass to a lattice of guitars, strings and a chorus of crooning Thom Yorkes. "All I Need" is a self-deprecating love song of the highest order, with a brooding, repeated bass line, heavy drums and one of Radiohead's

Pholo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

Thome Yorke, frontinan of Radiohead, in concert.

most powerful climaxes. "Faust ARP" is a deeply moving acoustic guitar duet with backing strings and some of the most beautiful lyrics on the album. "House of Cards" is quite possibly Radiohead's sexiest song: "I don't want to be your friend / 1 just want to be your lover / No matter how it ends / No matter how it starts.'' "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" is a nervous, driving rock song with velvety bass and twanging guitars. Each of the ten songs has a different direction, and all fit together perfectly. Fortj'-two minutes pass by like a dream.

"In Rainbows" is best listened to alone. It is an album that at once \\arms and frightens, shouts and whispers. Radiohead has done it once again, like they never have. For all its pain and sadness, the album's beautiful and melancholy ending, the piano driven "Videotape" declares, "No matter what happens now / You shouldn't be afraid / Because I know today has been / The most perfect day I've ever seen."

B i l l b o a r d ' s Top Ten songs ^y Colleen Hermann Good songs come and go, but great songs stay around. Well, at least for a couple months, and then they're soon to be forgotten. These are the songs that get stuck in your head; you can't get them out for days, and just when you finally do. you hear it on every radio station on your way home from school. For the past two weeks, the top three songs have remained on top, which is saying there must be something great in them.

In tlie first place position, we have "Crank Dat" by Soulja Boy, who may be a newcomer to the rap world, but with a few more hits, he could stay there for a while. Not only has Soulja Boy had the number one spot for the past two weeks, but along with his music video, he also has one of the most known dances and videos watched on YouTube.

Next up. the song in the number two spot, Kanye West's single "Stronger" also shows the fight it has for the charts. After his new album's September 11 release date, the album Late Registration has proved victorious over 50 Cent in the competition to outsell each other.

We can only assume that West has more up his sleeve for his other singles, including "Can't Tell Me Nothing" and "Good Life."

In the spot for third most played song this week, we have, surprisingly, Britney's new hit "Gimme More," which left us wondering, what happened to her this year at the VMA's. Not only was Britney Spears lacking in clothing on stage, but her ability to sing had also been left beliind. Here's hoping that this may be the last we hear from her for a while, but knowing her, she'll find another way to surprise us.

The next artist on the Top 10 list not only claims the number four position but also the numberfiveposition. By no surprise Timbalands

"Here's hoping that this may be the last we hear from her (Britney Spears) for a while, but knowing her, she 'II find another way to surprise us." music career, not just as a producer, has proved to be stable and successful. Featuring One Republic in the song "Apologize" and also featuring Keri Hilson in the song "The Way I Are," Timbaland has proven that working with a team is what will keep him in the spotUght.

He is also the artist who has been on the Top 10 list for the second longest length of time, shortly behind Fergie.

The next artist, in the number six spot for this week, is J. Holiday with his song "Bed." Although this may be the most unknown track this week on the Top 10 list, if you like discovering new R&B tracks, this song "Bed" wiU definitely be a pleaser.

Skipping ahead to the number nine slot, there is Fergie with "Big Girls Don't Cry." TTiis song holds the longest spot on the top 10 list and definitely feels like we've heard it enough.

Peaking at the number one spot a few weeks ago shows Fergie still has many dedicated fans, but with lingering success for the past 25 weeks, I think it's time that Fergie move off the list and make room for some other, better hits like, "Ayo Technology" in the number 11 spot, "Cyclone" in the number 13 spot, and "LovedStoned" in the number 19 spot.

These top 10 positions are subject to change every week, ff you disagree with how people are voting, then vote for yourself at wT\'w.billboard. com. Not only does the Billboard show you the Hot 100 list, but among others, there is a list for Pop 100. Hot Ringtones, and Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks as well.

OCTOBER 26,2007 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL.

44, No. 2

The fake facade of politicians want to hear. Yes, the president is supposed to represent and do what the people want. But If you've been paying attention to the what the people want and what will work in upcoming election, you've noticed the the real world are totally different. primaries are coming up. When the media That's where Bush deserves credit: he does says, "coming up," they really mean the first unpopular things with confidence- it's too one is in three months from now. With every bad those things don't work. Hillary doesn't election though, people analyze the candidates want to talk with "Rogue Nations," but look and choose which one fits them the best. Sadly, where not talking has gotten us. Iran and we have a two party system where third parties Syria are sending in weapons to Iraqi Shiite don't get any votes militias just to spite at all. The electoral America.

A failed system allows policy of shunning our enemies and not trying people to only have to cool the fire between two choices to lead us had led to more their country. When hatred of Americans was it possible that any voting worldwide. Of course, American could Hillary doesn't care about and isn't asking ^ All the major players in the primaries are committed to one of the two major political parties trusted foreign policy two sets of opinions? ^^^ ,^^^^ ^^ ^^^,^^^^ third party candidates.

The system hasn't officials.

She follows changed after 230 years even when it's brought material. The failed promises of politicians what the American people want. No offense us certain questionable presidents like George affected Americans then, and it's affecting us to the American people, but we aren't the W. Bush, his awesome father, and dare I say it, now. powerhouse on foreign policy. If you're 18 Ronald Reagan.

Many want Hillary Clinton as the first or will be 18 when the election comes along, But after all this failure to allow the female president, but she's just another fake please vote for the candidate that doesn't just American public to elect quality leaders, you politician. Her plans are made by the polls, take a poll and decide what America's future can blame politicians themselves. On the not by sound political thinking. Her ideas will be. I would like my country's future to campaign trail, they feed every voter what from Iraq to foreign policy consist of exactly depend on carefully thought-out decisions. they want to hear, but once elected, they give what the majority of democrats and moderates

by Andrew Abtahi

the people policies that were never expected.

Ronald Reagan, for instance, claimed the good old conservative promise of decreasing government spending, but once elected, he did the exact opposite. With his increased spending to defend against a dying Communist threat, Ronald Reagan spent more money than the government had. The public didn't care because he survived an assassination attempt and Walter Mondale wasn't presidential

Letters misrepresent numbers

by Anne Wave

If 80 is equal to 89 and 89 is not equal to 90, then my math teachers have been telling me the wrong information. The new Parent Portal has shed more light on a subject many parents, students, and teachers are in the dark about.

Since I was a little girl, my teachers and parents have been teaching me the values of fairness and equity. Given that it isn't possible in all cases, shouldn't we at least apply fairness where we can? I have a friend that is ranked very high in his class: he is a near straight-A student. I also know many students that have high B averages and don't even come close to the rank of the straight-A student. But, if one was to break down those grades, he or she would find these students are actually very close to each other.

So why doesn't that show in a transcript?

The answer is simply that the current system for determining students' GPAs only places its emphasis on the letter grade rather than the percentage truly earned. There are too many games to play with the current grading system. A student with an 81 average receives the same credit as one who averaged an 89.

And a student who averaged an 89.6 receives the same grade as someone with a 99. Those two students who averaged 89 and 89.6 are in reality, extremely close, but on our district's grading scale, are as far from each other as the 81 and the 99. My suggestion is that our percentages be converted to a number value- an 85 is a 3.5 and a 78 is a 2.8 on the regular scale. That way the 78s receive more credit than the 70s, and the 85s won't be bundled up with the 80s.

When finals come around, many students

spend most of his or her time figuring out how low of a grade he or she can get on a test to change the grade for the better or worse. Very often, the number is so sealed into a letter grade that a student determines he or she doesn't have to study at all. The motivation to study for exams with solid grades is non-existent. I don't believe this is beneficial to anyone.

We aren't only compared to each of our classmates, but also to all the high school students across the country-. If other schools have different grading scales, our high-B students will look worse than theirs. How is this good for our students?

District 207's grading system needs to change. If the goal of the district is really to improve learning, then the importance of every assignment needs to be stressed. Changing the way we determine GPAs would go a long way towards ensuring equity and achievement.

'COMMENTARY

ii Technology in overdrive

and alone. Nobody deserves that. Its really a great moment when you find that someone > ou care deeply for is actually willing to bypass Maine South, we have a problem. With direct communication with a "txt." It's cold, all of our near space-age methods of email, it's lazy, and its flat-out spitefial. This is not text messaging, instant messaging, and other the direction our society should be moving in. forms of impersonal, artificial communication, He's left staring at a cell phone screen, when Americans (especially American teens) are he should be able to look at his girlfriend and significantly damaging not only themselves, discuss their problems, or try to somehow find but the people around them and potentially the meaning or solace in her face. Of course, the very future of our nation. situation can work both ways. This is by no To some degree, I'm just as guilty of using means a gender issue. This is a compassion technology to circumvent coirmiunication issue. as some of my peers. Whether it's walking If something important needs to be said, say through the it to someone's school's hallways face. At the with an iPod in very least, talk my ears or using to someone on caller ID to the phone. Or avoid people, I'll use technology readily confess to an advantage that I'm a part of and have a the problem. The conversation danger comes on a web cam. with people Any thing 's who don't even better than realize that there being left is a problem. to stare at a Technology screen filled is great: don't with symbols, misunderstand letters, and me. I've seen numbers that photo courtesy of viM-w.engad^et.com only one friend of partially mine use his new Devices like these give you the world at your fingertips resemble touch-screen iPod and encourage technological abuse.

EngUsh. I'm to type a paper sorry, if you care while sitting in the cafeteria during lounge. In about someone, you can talk to them to their aspects like this, technology is a remarkable face. There are obviously multiple options for blessing, but many teenagers are trying to use doing so. this blessing to avoid human contact. That's a Communication is the obvious answer to frightening prospect. most of the problems in America. However, For example, to most teenagers, a text taking the "person" out of "personal message can serve as a perfectly legitimate communication" can only create more way to send a meaningful message. These problems. Perhaps this seems like a small issue teenagers are wrong. Aside from the obvious to some readers, but technology is only useful lack of grammar in internet or text messaging, when it is used to solve problems, not to create which is harming our generation's English more. Einstein said that problems cannot be skills, communication is getting colder and solved by the same logic that created them. more meaningless.

In this case, a method used for comfortable, The point is that text messaging and casual, "meet you at 8""-type conversations internet messaging provide an easy excuse caimot be used to terminate the need for real for not having to deal with someone face-to- communication and human contact. Having face. I've heard stories of girls actually trying a little respect for the people in your life is a to break up with their bo>friends with a text small step in making our country a better place. message. Thafs absolutely insane. Imagine Learning how to talk to people can only help that poor guy receiving a message like, "im rly us. Believe me, an internet or text message stRtin 2 h8 u." He's angry, confused, scared. "relationship" is no relationship at all.

OCTOBER 26,2007

• VOL. 44, No. 1

by Michael Coyne

©

"Why I'm only getting 15 seconds to reflect."

-Rob Hnening '08

©

"Whether I'll be grounded over the weekend -DanieUe Fritz '09

C CM

©

•'Eating grilled cheese.'

-Thomas Siwek '11

E o

s u

•• i he day ahead."

-Liz Karabetsos '09

COMMENTAM OCTOBER

26, 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 44, No. 2

u

Letter to the editor: view from the Left am not that concerned about him." I realize I felt it necessary to respond to claims made that this conference was held a few years ago, in the "Bin Laden advises Americans to 'shed yet I would hope that everyone. Right or Left, would pay shackles'" article from the last issue attention to of Southwards, that the Left has the comments decided that Bin Laden isn't any that our own sort of threat to the United States.

President has I would like to address two rather made on these interesting claims made by our own very issues.

President on this very issue, the first of which would be a response of Further, sorts to the statement "...the most this reference abhorrent rhetoric from those on the to "rhetoric Left, who claim that Bin Laden isn't from those any sort of threat." on the Left" would seem Not long after the horrific events to demand of September 11, President Bush attribution. addressed the American public in a Who on the press conference on March 13,2002.

Left s a i d Bush was asked, "Mr. President, in such a thing? your speeches now you rarely talk When? And or mention Osama Bin Laden. Why is that? ...Don't you believe that where? To photo courtesy ofnobeliefs.i the threat that Bin Laden posed whom? The won't truly be eliminated until he is article jumps Bush's own words can be used found either dead or alive?" President to foil the Right's claims. from Bin Laden's Bush responded saying, "I wouldn't latest videotape, to necessarily say he's at the center of any the Iraq War, to some irrational comment on command structure. And, again, I don't know fast-food, to the calling out of detractors of where he is. I - I ' l l repeat what I said. I truly capitalism (also unnamed, by the way) and ends

by Meghan O 'Keefe I can't help but notice the increasingly cynical comments I continue to hear people make. I hear the negative thoughts flying from the mouths of everyone around me, and sometimes I just want to tell them to stop. I don't know if they are making them because of weighty decisions, weighty backpacks, or weighty minds in general, but the fact of the maimer is that they are uimecessary.

Nobody wants to hear others complain, but more importantly, teenagers shouldn't need to complain every day because nobody should be jaded at age 18. Jaded is meant for door-to-door salesmen, failed actors, and Aerosmith songs. To truly believe that the worst outcome is most likely, that the world will never change, and that no one holds the

power to make a difference is uiu-easonable, unproductive, and false. I am a firm believer in change for the better.

Even though we are young, we should be able to look at the world, see what our generation needs to accomplish, and then do something about it. I hardly want to be known as the generation that assumed failure at its onset. Because every time a pessimistic remark is released into the universe, every time someone decides not to try, the world loses out, taking one step backwards instead of a leap forward. A classic example of this is the "My vote doesn't count for anything" line I hear used over and over by those who decide not to vote.

While they may have some logic in this mind set. it is important to note that never casting a ballot counts for even less and does not solve the problem.

I am not saying that the negative aspects of life are to be ignored. People fail, betray, cheat, and mess up. But no Debbie Downer attitude needs to be applied to potential successes, redemptions, and triiunphs. It is hard

with a reminder of patriotism and the need to respect our system. It's hard to figure what the point of the article actually is.

Another significant Bush statement is also obviously not considered in the article. "We have no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with the September 11 attacks," Bush admitted on September 18, 2003. This brings considerable question to the original reasoning for our involvement in the war in Iraq, which is completely different from our current reasons.

I believe many on the Right like to keep that whole point on the "down low." And where does Bin Laden claim to be responsible for the Iraq War throughout his tape? After having read the videotape transcript, it can be concluded that he actually has not made that specific claim.

And finally, a better question. Bin Laden is a threat, make no mistake about it. But why haven't the architects of the war or our military experts found him by now? And what so many on the Right are unable to fully describe is the original connection between Osama Bin Laden and Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;because there was none. The 9/11 Commission even stated this in 2004. They found "no credible evidence" of a link between Iraq and Al-Qaeda in attacks against the United States. It seems convenient for some to fail to acknowledge this.

-Maggie Wave at times to imagine the positive, in a world full of scams and possible downfalls, full of identity theft and fraud, but it is necessary in this life. Without the positive, what are we living for?

It's a choice you should make for yourself in the end. Choosing to display an uplifting perspective will make you happier, more likable, and may even make the positive more plausible in your life. Because even though bad days are understandable, bad lifetimes are simply ridiculous.

So I may seem naive and utu'ealistic, but I can't help but hope that when I lose things they will turn up in the lost and found, that when I am lost downtown someone will be willing to help me find my way back, and that when I sneeze in a room full of strangers someone will say "God bless you." Living means more when you say the Pledge like you believe it, when you do your own homework, and when you have an honest passion in life that isn't weighed down by thoughts of doom.

12

SPORTS OCTOBER

26, 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 44, No.2

Positive attitude key to Hawks' success

by Josh Alvarez Girls' volleyball (24-8). under the leadership of Coach Kelly Markworth. are read\ to swoop into the state tournament begiiming on Saturday, November 3 at Niles West.

"This team is a big turnaround from last year," commented Gina Jenero, a two-time varsity member.

Indeed the Hawks have momentum in this last stretch before playoffs. They recently took a close second place, losing to New Trier's squad by a few points in the third game, in

Glenbrook North's 16-team tournament. On top of that, they captured the championship title in Maine West's Pumpkin Tournament, defeating a formidable Batavia team.

The Hawks are taking second in the CSL Conference with two likely all-conference players Karen Solari and Ashley Heffeman.

Solari has been a solid performer at outside hitter throughout the season and a towering Heffeman has dominated her middle hitter position.

The Hawks have been fortunate not suffer any injuries to the squad. "It's been key having

everybody healthy and present through the practices." added Gina Jenero. Still, much of the Hawks' success is attributed to Coach Kelly Markworth"s positive attitude and intolerance for slumps in play quality.

A daunting, but beatable, Trevian crew looms over the heads of most Illinois teams.

The Hawks have already dueled the Trevians three times wirming their first encounter.

Payback for the tough Glenbrook loss may be the next most attainable objective besides a podium finish in the State Tournament for the Hawks.

Girls' swimming gets a workout

by Erin Klein

The Hawks returned to Maine South for their first home meet of the season versus Niles This year, girls' swimming has had a rather North on September 20, beating the Vikings. successful season, with a record of 6-2 as of The Hawks then made the long haul to Downers October 15. The team also placed first in two Grove North, where they faced such big name of their three invites. teams as Waubonsie Valley, Downers Grove This year, the Hawks have created their North and Downers Grove South The girls also first ever girls' freshman team, featuring 12 suffered their first loss. athletes. Captain Nikki Vidal says, "It's been The defeat wasn't disheartening to the tough getting everyone an adequate workout. Hawks, as they took a landslide victory over We've had to add extra mornings, but I'm glad Hoffman Estates the following Tuesday. They the program's expanding." The Varsity team then challenged Glenbrook South, and had their this year also picked up four freshmen: Taryn first dual meet loss. The following Friday they faced Evanston, who finished fourteenth last year in state, and had their second loss.

The highlight of the girls' season thus far would have to be their victory at the Hawk Relays on October 13. The girls hosted York, Leyden, Hoffman Estates, Niles North, and Highland Park at the 32°'' annual meet, which consisted of 13 relays. The York Dukes gave the Hawks quite a run for their money, finishing 144 to 142. Having placed second the past few years to York, the Hawks were ecstatic over their victory. photo courtesy of Erin Klein Captain Sarah Walsh says 'This was The team huddles together at a home meet. our most intense meet of the season. We DeGrazia, Francesca DiValerio, Dosia Kociuba, were down by two points going into the last relay, the 400 yard Freestyle, and we needed and Sam Wasala.

The girls were on the road for their first three to beat York to win the meet. We finished first meets, first challenging Maine East September in the relay by two seconds. Every one of our 8. They then faced six teams at the Hoffman relays placed top 3. It was a great night for Estates Invite, taking first place and placing top everyone" Co-Captain Jillian Ramirez was six in every event. The following Friday, the equally excited.

Hawks faced Maine West with a close victory First place finishes were taken by DeGrazia, over the Warriors.

DiValerio, Sabrina Buszydlo, and Kociuba in

the JV 200 medley and the JV 200 free; and Lauren Zitkus, Sarah Walsh, Leah Artwick and Kristin Kruk in the 400 yard Medley Relay; and Angle Sulimowicz, Sam Wasala, Kathryn Larocca and Walsh in the 400 yard Freestyle Relay.

As winning Hawk Relay's was settling enough for the Hawks, Senior Night October 15"" versus Leyden definitely put them over the edge. Walsh, who holds the school record of 1:07.24 in the 100 Breast, was close to beating her record at the Evanston meet, going

Photo by Erin Klein

Varsity swimmers pose after victory. only .07 seconds shy with a 1:07.31; however, senior night was just the occasion to break it.

With a 1:07.12, she set the new school record.

A victory for the Hawks that night made it one to remember for the nine seniors (Ramirez, Walsh, Katie McCourtney, Courtney Fuller, Sulimowicz, Olivia Radwanski, Emily Potratz, Maeve O'Mann, Emma Altamirano, and Caitlin Sullivan) leaving this year.

SPORTS OCTOBER 26,2007 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL.

44, No. 2

3

Bumpy road for boys' XC

of itself has been a major setback.

Expected to run as the n u m b e r Despite the setbacks experienced throughout three runner this the season, the boys' cross-country team is season, the junior's finally gaining traction. If recent success is any season ended with indication, the team is a strong group of runners this devastating with sincere dedication. Eight of the runners diagnosis. Not put in upwards of 700 miles over the summer, only did his plans with Ryan Lynn topping the list at 996 miles, change, but also the a distance large enough to get him all the way results of the entire to New York City. Coach Greg Nordahl says, team this seaso "Everybody worked their butt off and put in a were affected by lot of miles." his inability to Despite said efforts, though, the team hasn't run. Losing him been able to meet their own expectations set out "hurt our team a at the beginning of the season. Injuries, says l o t " c o m m e n t s Coach Nordahl, are the culprit for lackluster Nordahl. results in the early season. Everything from hip These flexors, which are caused by starting too fast, m i s f o r t u n e s to b\ Meghan O'Keefe to Tim O'Hara's continued struggle with his amounted to the Kevin Verre catches his breath and Seske regains Ins strength after the dislocated kneecap, to the everyday colds, have r u n n e r s n e v e r three-mile long competition at Maine South during the middle of their been the friction resisting the team's success. being able to put season.

Other factors are the off-season activities of their best foot the runners; wrestling, dodgeball, and soccer forward at any meet until conference. With dominates the long distance record board, is involvement are "beyond my control," says O'Hara taking first at a Junior Varsity Peoria currently accredited with the eighth all-time Nordahl. meet out of 300 runners with a time of 15:50, sophomore time on a fifteen-year-old course, Gabriel Arenas's stress fracture in and he finally proved he was ready to turn his with Wallace closely tailing him in ninth.

Hartfelder ended his high school career as season around. He took his spot as the number one runner a consistent number-three runner, known for on the team at conference giving 100 percent effort every time he ran.

The future of the team also shows serious and, with an impressive time of 15:12, placed fifth in the potential. Freshman David Eckhart shows some competition, a mere twenty- serious promise. He broke Lynn's freshman two seconds off of first place. course record on the nine-year-old course.

Another strong finisher at the Coach Nordahl hopes that even though they meet was sophomore Sean "thought they were going to have a better Senf in Uth place with a time season," he has not lost hope for a future state of 15:26. Both received All- trip in the coming years. With the current IHSA Conference honors for these system, only five AAA teams, which compete excellent times. The only among the largest of the areas schools, go on absent powerhouse runner was fi"om Sectionals to State. Maine South currently is placed in the geographic region, where 12 of Lynn. the top 25 teams in Illinois are competing for The combined results of these limited spots. Coach Nordahl. though, the team had the best runners has a sincere belief that they could someday m o v i n g onto r e g i o n a l s , make this extremely selective cut. including Senior Tim O'Hara, sophomore Ryan Lynn, senior "This is a demanding sport that is one of Erich Hartfelder, Senf, Dylan the few that requires such consistent effort.

Wallace, senior Andrew The effort these guys put forth deserves more senior K e v i n attention than it gets. If they continue to work photo by Meghan O'Keefe M c C u r r y , Lynn leads the pack as he rounds the bend near the fan section, Seske, Colin Baer, and David this hard, then we will be able to build the Eckhart. program to be able to compete at the State working to retain his favorable position during Senf, w h o s e f a m i l y level." the lengthy race.

by Meghan O'Keefe

mM^ Bovs' GOLF • GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL • GIRLS' GOLF • GIRLS '

SWTVIMLNC

• GIRLS' TENNIS •

FOOTBALL

• CROSS Coi NTRY • BOYS' SOCCER

Boys' soccer ends in heartbreak

by Josh Alvarez Boys' soccer cut their season short on October 17 losing to Elk Grove 2-0 in the first round of playoffs.

"We were so much better than [Elk Grove]", commented Rob Calkins, a team member. Most players did not want to comment on the game's occurrences, but there was grumbling about p)oor refereeing and "dumb mistakes."

The Hawks entered the State Tournament coming off of a 450-minute scoreless streak, an embarrassing 3-0 lashing by Niles West, and the loss of their leading scorer (10 goals) and assister (8 assists) Nick Kulas leaving the players and fans shaken and unsure of the

program's ability to meet last year's 3"* place achievement.

"Individualistic playing instead of a team effort is why we've been underachieving," stated John Michael Kulnig, the Hawks' goalkeeper, prior to the match.

"I'm definitely more anxious than last year," said Billy Vogg, a defender, while strapping up for the game. "Any playoff game can be my last."

"1 think they had potential it's just that they've been surprised throughout the season," commented Dan Hejza, a loyal soccer fan.

Surprise for some, but utter shock for many when the offensively challenged Hawks couldn't overcome an underdog Waukegan

team leading to an enraging 0-0 tie.

However, the boys have surprised their own share of teams as well. The Hawk's brave 0-0 standoff against New Trier, then ranked eighth in the nation, was their best performance of the season.

"That was Hawk soccer at its best," commented Hawk fan Shannon O'Hem. "It was New Trier's senior night and I'm pretty sure Maine South had a bigger student fan section than New Trier" In the end, the Hawks finished their season 10-6-5 after a strong, consistent effort the entire season. Despite tough losses the team was able perservere and work together for a good team effort.

Girls' tennis ends with a ban

by Ted Sherbin

The Maine South varsity girls' tennis team, coached by Coach Rizzi, began with a rocky start, but ended with a bang.

The season began with the team playing some of the tougher teams of the conference.

Eleven of the 13 players this year were new to the varsity team. Tina Hold held the spot of first singles. First singles is the toughest player because each team places its toughest competitor there.

"Tina did a great job this year, with great skills, an ever-positive attitude, and her refusal to be let down," said Coach Rizzi.

One of her strongest matches was when she beat a girl who she had previously lost to, earning her third in conference.

In spite of the team's 3-5 loss against Prospect, second singles Julie DeMarke play a phenomenal game. Kaitlin Kakarakis, fourth singles for Maine South, played an incredibly stuiming game against New Trier and, as New Trier is ranked, any victory against these Trevians is one to be admired. In the end, Kakarakis prevailed.

The first doubles team consisted of Megan Magnuson and Christina Allen. These two had the next toughest position of the team. At first they had to get used to playing together, but by the end of the season, they came together as a

great team. This was Magnuson's third year playing at the varsity level. Allen was also co-captain of the team with Kasia Poziemski, both of whom have played on varsity for two years.

Two other members worth mentioning are

"[I'm] very proud of what the girls accomplished as a team and how they represented Maine South." , -Coach Rizzi

Ann Merrell and Ellen Mangan, who were the second doubles team. In the sectional tournament, they had the roughest draw, but they managed to knock out the fifth-seeded team.

The team had quite a few awe- inspiring victories, including beautiful 7-0 victories against the Niles West Wolves and the Waukegan Bulldogs. Other impressive victories include the defeat of our sister schools, Maine East and Maine West, with scores of 7-2 and 6-1,

respectively. Also, the match against Ro Meadows was very close.

In the end of the season, the team took fourth out of 16 in conference and third out of 19 in sectionals. The team has high hopes for next year, as this year's junior varsity team was very strong. Despite not making sectionals. Coach Rizzi says that she is "very proud of what the girls accomplished as a team and how they represented Maine South."

Southwards needs sports writers Interested?

Contact Mr. EUefson or Mr. Stathakis in V131