Vol 44 senior issue

May 29,2008

1111 S. Dee Rd, Park

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SENIOR AWARDS SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

Recognition of

College and University Scholarships

Applied Arts and Technology Award: Piotr Rog

Art Award: Magdalena Piech

Business Award: Daniel Hejza

English Award: Will Pierce

Augustana College- Dean's Scholarship Aaron Ruder Music Scholarship Aaron Ruder BaldwinWallace College- Baldwin-Wallace Scholar's Award Kara Konken Bradley UniversityPresidential Scholarship Ricluird Viltarreal Butler University- Freshman Academic Scholarship Claire Brownson Carthage College- Endowed Scholarship Springfield Scholarship Merit Award Allison GroessI Founder's Scholarship A//;.so/i Groew/Merit Award Nathaniel Swantek Music Scholarship Nathaniel Swantek Trustees Scholarship Nathaniel Swantek Concordia University- Music Scholarship Anita Stefanek Presidential Scholarship Anita Stefanek DePaul University- DePaul Scholar's Award Lauren Michalak, Nicky Priovolos, Tania Zaparaniuk, Ogilivie Zavala DePaw University- Full TuitionMusic Performance Award Jessica Kwasny, Trustee Award Nicole Mirjanich Dominican University- Recognition Scholarship Sandra Marzullo Elmhurst College- Dean's Scholarship Hannah Johnson Theatre Scholarship Hannah Johnshon Eureka College- Achievemnt Award Scott Herman Presidential Scholarship Chelsie Zimny Florida Atlantic University- Presidential Scholarship Roy Carvatta Illinois Institute of Technology- Heald Scholarship Mark Wasik University Scholarship Mark Wasik Illinois Wesleyan University- Alumni Opportunity Grant Joseph Blum National Alumni Scholarship Lauren Alpert, Joseph Blum, Kimberly Conway, Kevin Seske Karen Solari Indiana University- Hutton Honors College Melissa Manson Indiana University Distinction Award Meredith Bonk, Melissa Manson, Philip Yatvin Mervis Indiana University Recognition Scholarship Colleen Holmes Scholarship in Jewish Studies Philip Yatvin lovra State University- Award for Competetive Excellence Eric Forbes College of Engineering Scholarship Eric Forbes Judson University- Dean's Scholarship Mark Jacobi Music Performance Scholarship Mark Jacobi Knox College- Founders Scholarship yoiep/i Kozak Lake Forest College- Presidential Scholarship Jennifer Kurtz Lawrence University- Lawrence University Heritage Scholarship Csilla Megyeri Loyola University of Chicago- Loyola University Grant Mariola Krupa Plocienak Scholarship Mariola /fn(pn Marquette University- Ignatious Scholarship

Family/Consumer Sciences Award: Lindsey Corliss

for Academic Distinction Lauren Krawczyk St. Ignatious Scholarhsip Matthew Bednarz Michigan State University- Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship Andrea Ansenberger, Kacie Jonasen University Scholar's Award Andrea Ansenberger, Kacie Jonasen Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design- Board of Trustee Scholarship Julie Wayer Milwaukee School of EngineeringAcademic Achievement Scholarship Anthony Baran Merit Scholarship Allison Haas North Central College- Concert Winds Scholarship Julie Jarosz Music Education Scholarship Julie Jarosz Presidential Scholarship Julie Jarosz Women's Chorale Scholarship Julie Jarosz North Park University- Dean's Award Desiree Bakken Trustee Award Desiree Bakken Northwestern UniversityMusic Scholarship John dines Oberlin CollegeJohn Frederick Oberlin Scholarship Lindsey Boven McGregor Scholarship Lindsey Boven Ohio Techinical College- Auto-Body Technology Scholarship Competition Joseph Bellisario Ohio University- Presidential Scholarship Ann Merrell Purdue University- Trustees Scholarship Isabelle Sumera Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyMerit Scholar Award Robert Huening, Andrew McCurry Saint Xavier University- Honors Scholarship Michelle Tourtillot Athletic Award Michelle Tourtillot Santa Clara UniversityPreferred Scholarship Blake Williams St. Norbert College- John F. Kennedy Scholarship JacA: Zillmann Presidential Scholarship Elise Mottley Tulane University- Presidential Scholarship Ashleigh Hejferman TVinity International University- Dean's Scholarship Melissa Ale.xandru Music Scholarship Melissa Alexandru Truman State UniversityAcademic SchoXaxsYap Joseph Murrary NCAADiv. II Athletic Scholarship-Football Joseph Murray United States Air Force Academy- Appointment to the U.S. Air For Academy Tliomas Kashul Jr United States Merchant Marine Academy- Paul Hunsader University of Alabama- Capstone Scholar's Award Shannon O'Hern NCAADiv. 1 Scholarship-Soccer Shannon O'Hern University of Colorado- Boulder - Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship Jane Feireisel University of Dayton- Dean's Merit Scholarship Beau Hoffman, Jacklyn Kowalski Music Talent Award for "Voice Beau Hoffman Trustee's Merit Scholarship Lauren Reboletti University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana-

Foreign Language Award: Lauren LciMarca

SENIOR AWARDS SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

the class of 2008

Illinois Champagne-L'rbana- Campus Merit Award George Aguilar College of Engineering Scholarship Lauren Sheehy Chancellors Scholar- Campus Honors Program Kimberly Daul, Cori Johnson, Connor Simmons, Lauren Sheehy College of Business Honors Program Daniel Hejza, Daniel Schallmo Engineering Excellence Scholarship Award Cori Johnshon Grainger Freshman Scholarship Cori Johnson James Scholar Honors Program Alexander Dardi, Kimberly Dardi, Cori Johnson James Newton Matthews Scholarship Kimberly Daul John A. Calder Memorial Scholarship Cori Johnshon NCAADiv. 1 Athletic Scholarship-Swimming 5ara/i Walsh President's Award Program-Ceo/ge Aguilar University of Iowa- National Scholar's Award Kimberly Blankshain, Lauren Cichowski, Andrea Kroll Old Gold Scholarship Kimberly Blankshain University of Missouri-Columbia- Gapinski Scholarship Matthew Tarpey Mark Twain Scholarship Matthew Tarpey Sutherland Scholarship Matth^ Tarpey University of Notre Dame- Alumni Clib Scholarship Erin O 'Connor Hibernian Scholarship Erin O 'Connor National Merit Award Samantha Reich Notre Dame Club of Chicago Scholarship Maija Gustin University Scholarship Maija Gustin, Erin O'Connor, Samantha Reich University of Toledo- National Rocket Award Mark Schmidt Tower Blue Scholarship Mark Schmitdt University of Wisconsin-Madison- Freshman Academic Achievement Award Vilas Patrick Clark, Vanessa Grosskopf^qaity Scholcirship Vanessa Grosskopf University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point- Merit Based Non Resident Scholarship Nicole Besyk UWWTiitewater- General Merit Scholarship Daniel Benson Non-Resident Scholarship Daniel Benson Western Michigan University- Provost Scholarship Nicole Spunar

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital- Service League Internship- Kelly Dougherty. Catherine O'Malley Ancient Order of the Hibernian Scholarship- Erin O Connor Chicago Federation of Labor and Industrial Union Council-William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship- Erin O 'Connor

Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship- Colleen King Des Plaines Ladies of the Elks- William Vogg Gartner Orthodontics, Ltd.- Maggie Wave George Gattas Scholasrhip- Samantha Reich Golden Apple Scholarship- Jillian Ramiraz Good Citizens Award-Daughters of the American RevolutionMaggie Wave Good Citizens Award-Sons of the American Revolution- Daniel Hejza Hawkette Scholarship Award- Colleen Holmes Illinois PTA Lillian E. Grover Scholarship- Samantha Reich Dlinois Regional Award in Musical Theatre- Kara Konken Dlinois Student Assistance CommissionRobert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship ProgramAndrew McCurry, Connor Simmons Lions Club of Morton Grove- Tracy Simkins Maine South Hellenic Club- Nicky Priovolos Maine South Student Council Senior Scholarship- Kimberly Satorre Make a Difference Scholarship- Kelsey Arsenault, Erin O'Connor, Agata Parfieniuk National Merit Commended Student- Owen Demke, Erin O'Connor, Hannah Pae, Lauren Sheehy, Connor Simmons Mid-America Senior Scholarship- Daniel Benson National Merit Finalist- Eric Baurer, Sarah Carpenter, David Cotrell, Kimberly Daul, Wesley Durham, Erich Mart/elder, Emily Maassen, Karen Perille National Merit Scholarship- Kimberly Daul, Andrew McCurry National Merit Semi-Finalist- Andrew McCurry, Maria Pace Park Ridge Civic Orchestra Music Scholarship- Ellen Mangan Park Ridge Kiwanis Club Noon Scholarship- Connor Simmons Park Ridge Pan Hellenic Scholarship- Kelsey Arsenault, Anne Gamache Park Ridge Juniors Scholarship- Lauren Alpert, Owen Demke, Vanessa Grosskopf, Maifa Gustin, Agata Parfieniuk Park Ridge Presbyterian Harry W. Shaw ScholarshipHaley Williams Park Ridge Presbyterian ChurchRalph J. and Ellen Frost Scholarship- Lauren Cichowski, Mallory Machon Rotary-O'HareDaniel Dace Scholarship- Sarah Coady Safeway Scholarhsip- Kathryn Lewandomvki State Farm Holiday Classic Scholarship- Samantha Reich Twentieth Century Scholarship- Nicole Besyk, Melissa Manson, Csilla Megyeri Wm. Wrigley Jr. Corporation Scholarship- Karen Perille

Mathematics Award: Connor Simmons

Music Award: Wes Durham

Organization Scholarships

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Social Science Award: Erich Hartfelder

Science Award: Andrew McCurry

Speech/Drama Award: Hannah Johnson

Physical Education Award: Mallory Machon

4'

M/7(far>'-Timothy Colon, Sarah Dickey, Michael Prasinos Alabama University of Alabama-Shsixmon O'Hem Arizona Northern Arizona University-Caitlin McConville California Santa Barbara City Co//e^e-Matthew Fisher Santa Clara University-Blake Williams Stanford University-Josh Alvarez Colorado Colorado Mountain College-Aindiew Kusznir, Alex Carver Colorado State University-Matthew Egan, Jennifer Parrish Fort Lewis University-Tom Kowalski University of Colorado-Boulder-Jane Feiereisel, Valerie Grear, Ross GuUo Florida Florida Atlantic University-Roy Carvatta University of Florida-Vmce Dosev University of South Florida-Sean Byrne United States Air Force Academy-Totn Kashul Georgia Savannah College of Art and Design-Brian Deyoung Idaho Boise State University-Matthew Carroll Illinois American Academy o/Arf-Magdalena Piech Augustana-AaroQ Ruder Aurora University-Kristen Marbach Aveda Beauty Insitute-Cassandra Kulwin Benedictine University-Nicholas Depaul, Craig Hoffman, Pierce Hoffmann, Joe Lagattuta, Brian O'Toole Bradley University-Michael Biel, Nicole Hammerschlag, Richard Villarreal Columbia College-Michelle Bethard, Joeseph Cirignani, Nancy Guida, Taavi Haapala, Enrique Johanet, Martin Kralovec, Kaitlin O'Shanna, Caterina Scamarcia, Thomas Trownsell, Katrina Underwood Concordia College-Anita Stefanek Cooking and Hospitality of ChicagoMatthew Bursoni DePaul {/wfv^r^/fy-Sumayyah Baig, Adriana Bartolomei, Julie Beato, Katarzyna Chwascinska, Apostolos Evangelou, Caitlin Gallager, Lindsay Jablanovec, Katherine

SouTHWORDS • Johnson, Lauren Lamarca, Jacqueline Malacha, Nicole Michalak, Michael Neff, Stephanie Pagone, Yaroslaw Petryna, Nicky Priovolos, Michael Rasmussen, Samantha Underwood, Daniel Wojciechowski, Bohdan Yarymowych, Tania Zaparaniuk, Mike Zaruba, Ogilvie Zavala, Elena Zistakis, Christopher Zivkovic Dominican University-Yasen Azmanov, Marco Colapietro, Adrian Jonak, Nick Kulas, Katherine Kulpa, Sandra Marzullo, Douglas McGillivray, Amanda Oddo, Lindsey Ruiz, Conrad Sewinski Eastern Illinois University Sarah Coady, Jessica Griffin, Joe Hader, Magda Jarosik, Gina Romanelli, Margaret Tabin Elmhust Co//e^e-Natalie Agaton, Anthony Chavez, Hannah Johnson, Joe Lynch, David Solomon, Chelsie Zimny Eureka College-Scott Herman Flashpoint Academy-David Sherry Harper Co//e^e-Samantha Calandra Harrington Institute of Interior DesignRahela Titean, Samantha Valle Illinois Institute of Art: Chicago-AnXhony Bartucci, Lindsay Lamarca Illinois Institute of Technology-Claudius Kuzmicki, Karoline Mocarski, Mark Wasik Illinois State t/Miver^/fy-Christina Allen, Abbie Barreto, Carly Cara, Lauren Conrad, Lindsey Corliss, Kelly Doheny, Claire Forrest, Jennie Ghisolf, Carla Gorman, Lisa Horan, Kelsey Kronborg-Mogil, Nicholas Lifton, Alysse Mancuso, Paul McCann, Julia Oberheide, Chris Osterberg, Michael Pachowics, Sean Paoletti, Marcella Petrielli, Daniele Prestigiacomo, Jill Ramirez, Michael Randazzo, Lauren Rivera, Danielle Romanazzi, Lauren Sims, Steven Siwek, Chris Tatlock, Andrew Terleckyj Illinois Wesleyan t/n/Ve/-5(ry-Lauren Alpert, Richard Bake, Joe Blum, Kim Conway, Caitlin Eskew, Michael Hansen, Kathy McCortney, Tommy Muck, Karen Solari, Kevin Seske, Judson University-Mark Jacobi Kendall College-Guarino Stolfa, Shaye Yunker Knox College-Joe Kozak Lake Forest College-Jenmfer Kurtz Loyola University-Elizabeth Chimiel, Michael Coyne, Christopher Dinello, Stephanie Jozwiak, Josephine Kochou, Mariola Krupa, Paul Kutska, Elizabeth Leddy, Mark Mastroianni, Daniel Sudrzynski, Gina Tingas, Naomi Titean, Sandra Walko, Kristi McKee Milikin University-Jaclyn Parrilli, Peter Pappas North Central College-Julie Jarosz, Conor

SENIOR ISSUE

• 2008

Oenning North far^-Leigh Altizer, Desiree Bakken Northern Illinois University-Teresa Bozikis, Tomasz Buzun, Maureen Davies, Zach Hester, Elias Mellul, Megan Millon Northeastern Illinois University-Max Broeker, Bobby Daniels, Monika Klokocki, Roksana Kmiecik, Pamela Lemperis, Andrew Slezak, Konrad Wojcik, Alicia Woppel Northwestern University-Wilson Funkhouser, John Glines, Emily Maassen, John Montejo Oakton Community Co//ege-Adam Aldaddah, Nadia Askar, Matthew Bailey, Adam Baruch, Alexander Baumel, Michael Bobek, Thomas Bobek, John Bucaro, Patrick Byskiniewicz, Jennie Cheverette, Jeanine Colletti, Cihan Dasdelen, Henry Dauphinee, Ashley Demitropoulos, Kyra Diversey, Samantha Dravellas, Ewelina Dudek, Ashley Evans, Milosz Fidowicz, Samantha Garza, Christine Grodzik, Olivia Guenther, Anastasiya Halytcka, Stephanie Hofer, Mark Imreibe, Dorota Janicka, Deirdre King, Victoria King, Andrew Kosecki, Marcello Landazuri, Max Leiby, Raymond McClintock, Erin Mulligan, Jonathan Neesan, James O'Toole, Caroline Ostrum, Sean Owens, Miriana Pekic, Alexandria Peshek, Angel Reyes, Rabiha Saleem, Aleksandra Szeliga, Tiffany Szymanski, Joshua Wacker, Alexa Waterstrat, Melissa Woppel, George Eskildsen, Mallory Delaney Pivot Point International-Claire Tourloukis Roosevelt University-Nuala Gibbons Southern Illinois University-Brian Fisher, Gregory Gillespie, Robert Stanxzyk, Amy Tomlinson, Kent Tomlinson, Peter Zapotoczny St. Xavier University-Vicky Evangelou, Michelle Tourtillott Trinity International (//i/ver^jry-Melissa Alexandru Triton College-Daniel Billeh, Jessica Carraso, Antonella DiMaso, Dana Dressner, Megan English, Michael Gallo, Kevin Kubica, Katlyn Leszcynski, Lamise Moukyed, Alexander Nedinic, Dominik Patkowski, Dianna Perez, Evangelos Politsopoulos, Robert Salerno, Alyssa White U of I at Urbana-Champaign-Matt Abtahi, George Aguilar, Corinne Aufmann, Jack Blandin, Santino Cannizzaro, Nicholas Conde, Alex Dardi, Kim Dardi, Kim Daul, Frank Divito, Carolyn Draus, Chris Fahey, Courtney Fuller, Paulina Golik, Kelsey Grandi, Dan Hejza, Christina Hold, Samantha Imburgia, Cori Johnson, Tomasz Jurga, Arash Khan, Carmen Kotfisz, Kim Lavelle, Raquel Lee, Allison Mayer, Pat O'Mara, Agata Parfieniuk, Paige Patterson, Peter Piekarczyk, Marek Sadowski, Sarah Saladino, Ryan Schmidt,

ALLEGES SOUTHWORDS • SE>aOR ISSUE • 2 0 0 8 James Schmitt. I n k Sekieuic/. Samantha Sodini. Graham Stapleton. Kevin Verre.

Maggie Wave, Anna Witek. Daniel Schallmo.

Maeve Leurck. John Cottrell. Douglas Tanaka. Jessie Gremer t/o//-C/i/cago-Natalie Danilowski. Anthon> Ferrante. Tom Kucharski, Antoinetta Lazzaro.

Margaret Lis. Arica Lj nn. Kaitlyn McKenna.

Anastasia Radaios, Olivia Radwanski.

Michael Radziszewski. Michael Rago.

Gabriela Sadowicz, Adrianna Sulimowicz, Lara Trenkenschu, Sarah Walsh.

U of I-Springfield-BreXt Janssen University Technical Institute-Pioir Rog Western Illinois-iordan Bachmeier. Alex Curi. Ben Lopez. Daniel Maloney, Shannon O'Toole, Bradley White Indiana Butler University-Claire Brownson, Paul Brumley, DePaitw University-KcWy Kohlndorfer, Jessica Kwasny, Ellen Mangan, Nicole Mirjanich Indiana C/«/ver5/rv-Christine Allegreti, Kevin Berena, Meredith Bonk, Kristen Brown, Natalie Buskirk, Frank Calabrese, Evan Farrell. Carly Fenili, Colleen Holmes. Mark Huber, Kevin Jones. Colleen King. Michael Kramer, Kiley Krug. Melissa Manson, Catherine O'Malley, Josh Sissman, Daniel Sokolowski, Philip Yatvin Purdue University-KohcrX Calkins, Zachary Cioromski, Bobby CoUetti. Joe Grieco.

Abby Hayden. Neal Mitchell, Emily Potratz, Charles Schuetz, Sarah Staunton. Douglas Tanaka Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyAndrew McCurry University of Notre Dame-Maija Gustin, Erin O'Connor, Samantha Reich Iowa Iowa State University-Mark Balow, Sarah Divirgilio, Eric Forbes. Catherine Lakomek St. Ambrose University-Michael Mullane University ofIo\va-Kin\ Blankshain.

Kristin Callahan. Matthew Causey. Lauren Cichowski, Stephanie Crawford. Alexander Fritz. Alexis Knight, Andrea Kroll, Daniel Manning, Amanda Masek, Mike Nelli.

Samantha Nelson. Tim OHara. Kayllyn Saethre. James Seiwert Kansas University of Kansas-Mackenzie Christie Lousiana Tulane University-P^Arew Galiger, Ashleigh Heffeman

5

Maryland Johns Hopkins University-Erin Deda 5/. John s College-Eric Bauer

Oregon University of Oregon-James Rapp

Massachusetts Tufts University-Sarah Carpenter

Pennsylavania Lehigh University-Ainne Gamache

Michigan Hillsdale College-Michael Kendrick Hope College-Grace Gonzalez. Lindsey Wolf Michigan State University-Andrea Ansenberger. Amanda Black. Kacie Jonasen.

Abigal Wilson Northern Michigan University-l'iicholas Hartmanis University of Michigan-Liz Otis, Caitlin Sanchez Western Michigan University-'Nicole Spunar

South Carolina Winthrop University-John Michael Kulnig

Minnesota Bethel University-Haley Toter Carleton College-Owen Demke St. Olaf-Dan Holland ' Winona State University-Jessica Palmer

Missouri Truman State University-Joseph Murray St. Lous C/«/ve/-5//>'-Alexandra Rigali University of Missouri-Columbia-Samantha Bowler, Stacy Burghardt, Kathleen Coffey, Theresa Fitzpatrick. Rob Huening. Thomas Joyce. Carly Kane, Philip Kozak, Michael Pattullo, Chris Prinz, Tracy Simkins.

Matthew Tarpey, John Tortorello, Kileen Casey Washington University-Karen Perille New Hampshiere Dartmouth College-Erich Hartfelder New York Columbia University-Da\id Chao New York Insitute of Technology-Sean Mroczkowski United States Merchant Marine AcademyPaul Hunsader Ohio Baldwin-Wallace-Kara Korken Miami University-Julie Magiera Ohio Northern t/«/vcr5/n -Stephanie Makos Ohio University-Jason Gatziolis Ohio Wesleyan University-Ana Merrell, Will Pierce Oberlin College-Lindsay Boven University of Dayton-Beau Hoffmann, Lauren Kelly. Jackie Kowalski. Lauren Reboletti Xavier University-Lydia Gerlach

Texas

LeTourneati University-Ann Amador Texas Wesleyan University-Kathym Lewandowski Utah University of Utah-Paul Vandenberg Washington Gonzaga University-Chris Heck Washington D.C. George Washington O'Keefe

University-Me^an

Wisconsin Carthage College-Jami Balgro. Jessica Cerese, Allison Groessel, Peter Hoflfer, Eric Klepitsch. Katherine Stavrides, Haley WilUams, Christopher Williams Lawrence University-Csilla Megyeri Marquette University-Kelsey Arsenault, Matthew Bednarz, John Butcher, Sean Coppin, Beian Disher, Martin Gembis, Sean Halley, Ashley Knowles-Follet. Nick Koglin, Lauren Krawczyk. Megan Magnuson, Susan Moran. Katherine Newman, Sean O'Cormor, Katherine Poziemski, Traci Sheehan, Milawaukee Institute ofArt & Design-Julie Wayer Milwaukee School of Engineering-Anthony Baran, Allison Haas 5/. Norbert-KrisXen Balek, Megan King, Elise Mottley, John Zillman University of Wisconsin-Madison-Kyle Benedix, David Bemdtson, Pat Clark. Dave Cottrell. Vanessa Grosskopf. Nick Kohler, Tara Lewensky. Natalie Mielecki. Nicholas Neumann. Jacqueline O'Reilly, Greg Pierce, William Vogg University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee-Monika Zwolinski University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh-Joshua Krieger University of Wisconsin-Stevens Ft. -Nichole Besyk, Jessica Hirsch, Carl Klimah University of Wisconsin- Whitewater-Daniel Benson

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UNSUNG .HEROES ^ SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

Unsung heroes of Ann Merrell

Kim Satorre

Agata Parfieniuk

hy Ellen Mangan

b\ Matt Abtahi

by Jimmy Grizzell

What is a hero? Webster defines it as a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent, endowed with great strength or ability.

Although Ann Merrell is neither mythological nor legendary, she is a hero. The great strength and ability that has been endowed to her is her personality.

I have been teammates with Aim on tennis for the past three years, and I do not remember a single day when she didn't come to practice full of energy and a positive attitude. When she's not giving it all she has on the court, Ann's speaking in quips and anecdotes as she's made it a point to make people laugh every day.

During tryouts this year, although she was a senior, Ann learned the names of all the underclassmen trying out, and helped out many freshman coming onto the team with their skills and comfort level in their new high school enviroimient.

Though the tennis season ended in October and she has a very busy work schedule at Outback Steakhouse, Ann is still on the courts almost every day, now helping out the JV boys' teimis.

Besides tennis, Ann has been an active member in her church youth group. She is President of the Botany Club at Maine South, and Vice-President of the National Honor Society. She also finds time to walk her neighbor's dog every day.

What I really admire about Ann is her reliability. Amongst her busy schedule she still finds time to listen, offer a fresh perspective and a look on the bright side. She will always have time for a friend.

The fact that she is able to accomplish everything she has taken on is incredible. The way she achieves these tasks, with a sense of humor and a bubbly manner, makes her heroic.

Her infectious smile seems to endlessly persist, and her sheer energy for life doesn't seem humanly possible, and yet it is. You may have seen her in the halls, yet you would have never known of all the time and effort she has put into this school.

Kimberly Satorre is not just any Hawk: she is something more. Throughout her career here at Maine South, Kim has always lent a helping hand.

As Maine South's Student Council secretary, Kim always did more than she was ever asked.

Aside from Student Council, Kim also makes time for class council.

Her freshman year, Kim was one of Maine South's representatives to the Unity Through Diversity conference in Chicago. Her sophomore year, she was chosen to take part in the Tosch Leadership program.

Kim also brought anew level of Hawk Pride to school everyday. By her senior year, Kim had taken the role of Asian Club president all while continuing her many other contributions to Maine South.

Kim has been an active member in the community also. She has taken part in the musical theater group at St. Mary of the Woods in Edgebrook. as well as the youth group and the choir at Our Lady of Ransom church. Kim also makes time to be part of Filipiniana. a traditional Filipino dance group.

But there is more to Kim than just her happy face. Within her lies a warm heart that has helped make this school what it is.

In a time where appreciation for others seems to be minimal. Kim of all people deserves to be thanked.

Next fall, Kim will attend Oakton to get her prerequisites done. She then hopes to become a nurse, where she'll further expand her same attentive nature that benefited Maine South.

To those who know her, Agata Parfieniuk is not unsung. A bit of a confradiction. as this is supposed to be "Unsung heroes of the class of 2008," but it's true. Everyone who has spent any amount of time with Agata knows how extraordinary she is, and has no qualms about singing her praises. Not only is she bright, fun, and interesting; she is also modest to a fault and by far one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

Yes, she may be a little quiet at first, but you'll be hard pressed to find someone who's given more to this school. An overachiever, she's naturally involved in way too much: Model UN, Mock Trial, MSA, Constitution team. Brotherhood, and every other club imaginable. She's also in just about every AP class possible, and is absolutely brilliant. She still somehow makes time to have fun. She's always ready to go to a concert, be it (insert cool band no one knows) or Radiohead at Lollapalooza. She even likes good music.

I was on Agata's unit for C-team, and she worked harder than anyone to decipher all the convoluted legal precedents, and to memorize the names of obscure court cases. She's probably the most dependable person you'll ever met: while I was rurming aroimd in circles irritating everyone, she never stopped working to imderstand the nuances ofAffirmative Action.

She's so dedicated to perfection that, finding a possible flaw in our argimient 10 minutes before we were supposed to present, she tried to get us to rework our entire prepared response (we didn't, but that's beside the point).

While literally everyone, both teachers and students, thinks the world of Agata, she somehow stays humble. You will never hear her brag about anything. Ever. I'm sure the openly admiring tone of this article is slightly embarrassing to her.

UNSUNG HEROES SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

the class of 2008

7

Connor Simmons

Matt Abtahi

Kevin Jones

by Drew Galiger

by Suniayyah Baig

b\ Ann Tomlinson

If you look at a blueprint of the Maine South building, you'll find very few areas of the school that haven't been affected by Connor Simmons. He's been a part of the PA wing since freshman year, plays varsity volleyball along with being the captain of varsity soccer, continues to be number one in the class, and still manages to have a life beyond 1111 South Dee. With all of this on Connor's college application, not only would admissions officers have been impressed, but it would have gotten Grandma Georgina, Grandpa George, and Grandma Josephine out of bed, too.

Connor is the type of kid who joins the Constitution team after it's already qualified for the national competition in Washington D.C. and help them to a top-10 finish without any competition experience. He's the type of kid who, as an Eagle Scout, devotes his time to service in the community. He is the type of kid whose intelligence is so promising that he gets hired at a lab for the summer despite being a little young.

Ask anyone who has ever witnessed Connor booking in his classic Samba shoes, and they'll tell you he's really quick. Ask anyone who's heard him play music, and they'll tell you he plays wicked smooth. Ask an>one who's shared a conversation with him. and they'll tell you how bright he is in all areas of academia. But the best aspect that still remains is the class act character Connor shares with everyone every day.

At the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign in the coming years, Connor will undoubtedly do great things. His future is not uncertain when it comes to whether or not he'll succeed—there's no question he will—but rather along which lines of his abilities and to what extent.

Battling the existence of evil and trying to save the world are all things a hero is commonly known to do. However, a true hero is more than this stereotype: he is the epitome of a sincere person. Matthew Abtahi, a Maine South student with all of those qualities, is underplayed. Indeed, his involvement in extracurricular activities, commitment towards school work and friendly behavior prove that he's anything but ordinary'. As a conscientious first-year student, he joined the tennis team and participated in C.E.C. and Brotherhood. His passion for involvement grew as an upperclassmen, and he became a vital member of the Mock Trial Team, Spanish Club, and Student Council. He also could be seen flying the Maine South flag at all home games, just one outlet for his immense Hawk Pride. However, Matt manages to show his spirit every day. in the garbage he picks up in the hallways when no one's looking and the Hawk apparel he is always sporting. Next year. Matt will attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There, he plans to major in Biology and possibly be Pre-Med, further extending of his desire to better the lives of others. Nevertheless, in addition to planning his future, he has continued to devote his time at Maine South through MSA (Muslim Student Association), which is meant to educate his peers on the Islamic culture. All in all, he has created quite an image of greatness through his activity and persona. Indeed, he has not slain a dragon or fought a war as most heroes are expected to have done, but he has hurdled through the technical difficulties of Rube Goldberg and battled time to attend multiple school meetings through his dangerously cluttered schedule. I am proud to see his efforts being acknowledged—he is a true Maine South hero.

In my book, Kevin Jones is without a doubt an unsung hero. I have had the privilege of working with Kevin on stage crew for the last three years, and his passion and work have astounded me.

First of all, being members of stage crew, we are not really noticed for all the work and the endless hours we put in behind the scenes.

Yet, this never bothers him. Although he never seen on stage, he knows that people will notice everything he has done to make a production fantastic.

Kevin has shown his talents through various ways these last three years. He has been a construction crew head for countless shows, the Assistant Technical Director, and most recently he stage managed this year's fall play, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare."

I had the honor of being his Assistant Stage Manager for that production, and I cannot begin to describe all of the eflfort he put into it in order to make that show amazing.

Kevin has spent countless hours in the Maine South auditorium, enough to make it his second home. While some kids may go, "Wait, our school has an auditorium?" Kevin has even spent many Saturdays working 9-4 in order to finish a show just days before opening night.

It takes pure dedication to do that.

Some people quit before a show starts, some quit in the middle, but Kevin never has. He has worked on twelve superb productions, and his work will always be remembered.

In the fall Kevin is heading off to Indiana University where he hopes to major in political science. I hope he has a chance to work on some theatre there because any school would be lucky to have his skill and talent on one of their own shows.

8

SENIOR MEMORIES SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

"f i§hbowl...that sounds painful."

u Ally M a y e r once h i t m e w i t h her car. It's s o m e t h i n g every M a i n e South s t u d e n t should experience.'n -Karen Perille

''Being captain w i t h "kitty'whiskers" during track!"

-Katy McCortney

-Lydia Gerlach and Antoinetta Lazzaro

I uiore Q coin bro on /loge for Ihe uiinler plQi|.

Tolk oboul pulling il oil oul IhereT* -Katie Johnson

"My summer after sophomore year.

-Tim Christiansen

"I once had to sit through a two and a half hour documentary about the

-Wilson Funkhouser

font Helvetica. D o t .D o t .Dot."

"I reaUy enjoyed the cafeteria's chicken stand."

-Josh Alvarez

-Nick Kohler

"Going to Nationals for C-Team."

-Rob Huening

"Risking nny life on the rain day to rescue my friend."

-Kelsey Grandi

"AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE WATER WARS 2 0 0 8 . N O u SQUIRTINC IN CLASS." -Chris Heck

-Sarah Carpenter ''LeaVrng rehearsal early to steal ice from the teachers' lounge. Deliciousl" -Maureen Davies

''Shahvton O'Hern and I pretending to be locked inside tlie photo case. We got a lot of weird looks..."

Meeting my friend at tiie spot' every morning."

-Samantha Underwood

"My boyfriend asked me to prom this year by getting Cubs' player Ryan Theriot to sign a baseball saying, 'Kiley, have a RIOT at prom with Mark' along with autographing and writing #2 on it. It was the coolest!"

-Kiley Krug

**l couldn*t hold back f r o m dancing w h e n t h e y played t h e Superbowl Shuffle every passing period* Too bad we l o s t / *

"Jacqueline O'Reilly dragging me down the hall on my butt in my white tennis skirt. I mopped the floors that day"

-Chelsie Zimny

-Kaitlin O'Shanna

SoUTHWORDS • SENaOR IsSUE • 2 0 0 8

lOR MEMf

10

SENIOR COMMENTARIES SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

Thank God for 'Unanswered Prayers' There's a song by Garth Brooks entitled "Unanswered Prayers." I've heard the song for pretty much my whole life and I listen to it often, but until recently, the actual meaning behind the lyrics completely eluded me.

My high school career has been very productive. I went from being a "problem student" with failing grades in grarmnar school to being a student who is often commended by teachers, a student who earns a good grade point average and has worked hard to maintain his place on the honor roll for all eight semesters of high school. Tve become a gifted writer and a talented speaker, not to mention one of the most politically outspoken voices on campus. I even managed to become the editor-in-chief of the school paper and a leading member of the Mock Trial team. And even though all of this was happening around me. I nearly missed it all.

Ifs true. I was totally blind to my own accompUshments. I couldn't see any of it because I was too concerned with one thing— one wish that was never meant to come true. Brooks wrote about an almost identical dilemma: "Each night I'd spend praying that God would make her mine." 1 never understood, until now—just a couple of weeks before I leave Maine South for gc od—^just

what Brooks meant about thanking God for unanswered prayers.

As much as I've done with my four years, I still feel as though I've wasted nearly all of it.

1 couldn't see past that one aspect of m\ life.

Everything else became pointless and trivial.

Michael Coyne Editor-in-Chief

That is probably the biggest mistake I've ever made. I should never have let myself become so blinded that I couldn't appreciate my life for everything it was... everjthing it is.

So, why am I writing this? Why should I tell this story? I could have just as easily written about politics or some other burning issue and called it a day. But 1 thought it was important to try and let this class (and anyone else who happens to read this piece) learn fi^om my mistake. No one should become so enthralled with any one thing that tiiey fail to see the big picture. Nobody can be defined by one thing.

and it's ridiculous to tr>' to pigeonhole a life— especially your own.

It sounds like the world's simplest, most obvious advice: don't be overtaken by any one point m >our life. But when you find yourself in a situation where something matters that much to you. it's incredibly easy to lose sight of your life as a whole. Tliere are no words for how much you'll regret that lack of vision.

That's the purpose of this article: don't take your life for granted. Try to see the big picture. Maybe the details won't always look exactly the way you'd wanted them to. but that's not always a bad thing.

In fact, in my case, that wish not coming true is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm not just grateful for my unanswered prayer, I'm also thankful that that unanswered prayer ga\e me a clearer vision and acceptance of my life.

There is always a bigger picture for everj' individual. That's my parting wish for this senior class and for the students of Maine South as a whole: look to tlie big picture, and remember the value of every unanswered prayer, every ungranted wish, and every futile coin that falls into the wishing well.

Remember the big picture, readers. Your life is bigger than any one detail, no matter how important it seems to you in the moment.

Going to college to save the environment It's a scary thought to be thinking, but the "real world" is coming at me fast. College for four years, possibly graduate school, and then I'm going to help make the big decisions in this world. Ifs a weird feeling, knowing that you may be responsible for some of the Earth's greatest accomplishments.

But the world is becoming a very scary and interesting place, with the possibility of reaching our goals becoming more and more distant.

Sometimes, I'm just in shock of how far we've come since the Stone Age. We can have an artist sing into a microphone and make music a digital file on a computer (which is another wonder in itself), then place that file onto a chip in an MPS player and be able to convert that to music again through tin\ speakers in headphones. Can you imagine if you told someone 100 years ago that we would be able

to do that? They'd think you were crazy. It makes me wonder about what will be thought of during my lifetime.

My hope is that 1 can be a part of the great things to come. Hopefully, my college

Josh Sissman Production Editor

experience and knowledge will help me to accomplish this, and let me help humanity better itself This is partly why I am going into environmental science at Indiana University, but also because the environment is such an

important thing to me.

Earth is all we have as of now, and I don't think people realize that it can, and evenmally will, become uninhabitable. Society hasn't treated its greatest gift with the respect it desen es, and I want to find ways to help fix the damage we have done and continue to do so ever>' second w-e're alive.

I know many don't believe in global warming, but Tm a believer. My greatest fear is that my children wont be able to enjoy nature and the wilderness like I have been able to and my ancestors before me have.

1 would love them to, but it is becoming impossible. It simply won't be there or be as spectacular as it was during our generation.

Its a sad thought, but 1 have no doubt in my mind that humanity can't figure out a way to solve the problem.

Good luck to all the seniors next year and have fun in college.

SENIOR COMMENTARIES SouTHWORDS •

SENIOR ISSUE

• 2008

11

To my freshman self: things I wish I knew Coming into high school, I found myself looking for all the things "Mean Girls" had taught me about high school. Where were the plastics, the jocks, and the cool Asians? Four years later, I know these groups didn't exist.

Hollywood, my best map to this foreign place, had failed me. Nevertheless, there were some things I wish I had known that first day of freshman year. If I had the power to go back in time and give myself a guide to high school success my first day, this is what it would be: 1. Stop caring what people think—there will always be someone who secretly agrees with you. And if there isn't, who cares? No one thought the Earth was round and everyone thought Columbus was crazy and would fall off for trying to get to India from the other side, but he discovered a whole new world. It's so much easier to listen to people who tell you that you can't rather than believe that you can.

2. Take initiative in life. Go after what you want because you may only get one shot.

Always, always take that shot, because regrets can last forever.

3. Get to know your family at least as well as you know your friends.

4. Take advantage of your metabolism.

Eat bad food. Cake is okay for breakfast

sometimes. Never, ever diet. And if you must workout, do something you actually enjoy.

5. Lounge is for (deep) conversations.

Homework comes second.

6. Don't take risks with your yearbook photo.

It's not the day to try a new eye shadow shade or experiment with hairstyles.

Keep it classic and casual.

7. Avoid the cafeteria.

Pack a lunch whenever possible. I'm sorry, but no matter how hard the cafeteria staff may try, the food will never be up to par.

8. Go to the games. They rock. And it's the best way to truly develop Hawk Pride.

9. Do not wear sweatpants every day. Yes, we all get up early and yes it's only school, but look nice once in a while. If not for yourself, do it for the rest of us. A sea of pajama wear is somewhat depressing.

10. Don't follow trends. Gauchos and full Juicy sweat-suits may have seemed like

a good idea at the time, but believe me, they weren't. Avoid them and other trends that are sure to come.

11. Appreciate teachers who do their job well. I will always remember those who gave me accurate schedules, who alerted me of and prepared me ~\ for tests, and who were available for help when I needed it. They do it for you, and it definitely makes all the difference in your Editor-in-Chief education.

12. Read books outside of class, especially during summer and breaks. It's not nerdy, I promise.

So, after learning all of these things the hard way, I'm graduating. Sure, the process wasn't half bad, except, of course, for learning number six. In the end, I'm just glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of Maine South and all it has to offer, from Southwards to track to Constitution Team, to have learned so much from the fabulous faculty, and to have met and befriended my fellow students.

Meghan O'Keefe

After four years, still a part of the family Sketching ideas for design and materials, things from different points of view and precreating a website for web development, writ- pare me for my academic future. Many teaching my first article for Southwords, meeting ers inspired me in subjects that I went into my friends in the morning at "the spot" that thinking of as just any other class. I wasn't we have sat at for the ^ always the last four years, shootmost motiing off bottle rockets vated of stuin physics, my first dents when I detention, going to wasn't intermy first high school ested in an dance, and watching assignment Entertainment the clock as the hand or topic, but Editor slowly inched its way these teachto 3:15. These are just ers knew a few of the memories how to get that I will take with me from Maine South. students thinking and get them to ask questions.

I would still be wondering what my maMaine South has always felt like a second jor was going to be and what my talents were home to me. 1 have always feh comfortable and if it hadn't been for these teachers. welcomed by my teachers and peers. It always felt like a place that I could be myself, see my One of my favorite parts of high school fiiends. expresses myself through my art and has always been when I would get called writing, and meet great and interesting people. down to the my counselor to pick out my new Throughout my four years, I was extremely schedule. It was always sad because you had lucky to learn from ver>' animated, thoughtful, become used to the people in your classes. and caring teachers. They all helped me to see Whether they were friends or not you knew

Katrina Underwood

that you were going to miss them—miss the class clowns, the kids that never talked, the girls that always laughed a little louder than everyone else, the cool kids, and the AP kids.

It didn't matter who you were but by the end of the year your class always felt like it had become part of your family. I have always felt this way about Maine South. It is always sad to see them go. but what makes it O.K. is that you know you will meet more students the next year. Your school family will only get bigger.

Each year of high school has always been a new and exciting adventure for me. I feel that through my high school years. I have learned more about myself and who it is that I want to be in the future. Sincefi^eshmanyear, my friends have changed, my st>le has changed, my hobbies, my interests, and my taste in music has changed. It's not that in freshman year and sophomore year I wasn't myself: it was that I was still in the process of discovering who I was. I have enjoyed the time that I have spent at Maine South and feel prepared for college.

12'

SENIOR COMMENTARIES SouTHWORDS •

SENIOR ISSUE

• 2008

Obstacles: the quickest way to gratification

I'm supposed to write an article about my experience at Maine South. Yet, as I reflect over an experience that has made me laugh, made me cry, made me so frustrated I just wanted to quit, and so inspired so that I just wanted to act, I struggle with where to begin.

I could focus on the positive summarize the past four years with a smile on my face and "Hawk Pride' on my mind. Perhaps I'd talk about all my moments of success, glamorize them a bit and sound as if my time at Maine South High School has been nothing but perfection and bliss.

That'd be easy to do. It'd be easy to say that I'll look back on Maine South twenty years from now and think, "Those were the days." But that wouldn't be true. Have I had fun at Maine South? Unquestionably.

Have I made memories here that will last me a lifetime? Of course. But those moments and experiences are not the things that changed who I was over the past four years, but rather the bad incidences that I was forced to confront.

Some bad experiences have been lighter than others. I hate math. To all my math teachers, I am sorry, but I do. Frankly, it stinks, and Ifindno pleasiu'e in it. Do I understand why the subject's necessary? Sure. Do I understand the subjecti No. I'm very bad at it. And to my

disadvantage. I'm not the most rational person in the world, thus the idea of falling to my knees, threatening suicide, and begging my math teacher for a not-failing-grade seems more preferable than finding the value of X.' I've never reached this point, but I've

Jacqueline O'Reilly Features Editor

come uncomfortably close. Considering I'm graduating alive, I suppose I've proven that a difficult subject isn't necessarily the end of the world, just an unfortimately huge bump in the road.

Teachers have also been a sort of wall I've rammed into several times. Everyone's experienced it: the teacher who after seeing the majority of his class fail only blames the students. The teacher who never updates the portal. The teacher who doesn't get what you're about. And my personal favorite, the teacher who doesn't like teenagers. I'm still trying to figure that one out. I've learned to

handle it, but not without a few expletives finding their way out of my mouth first.

Other experiences have been more severe. My personality is a stranger to no one. It makes me great friends, and occasionally, a great enemy.

This trait led to one of my teachers, whom I'd had one too many negative encounters with, go to a new teacher of mine, one I'd yet to make an impression on, and tell her lies, both academic and personal, about me. You can imagine the "warm fuzzies" I felt when my new teacher said in so many words, "You're not an idiot without respect for your superiors?"

I've also hit huge emotional obstacles. My shoulder-to-cry-on and voice-of-reason, my best friend, moved away half way through my high school career I wasn't chosen for a team I had dedicated three seasons of hard work and improvement to. And I nearly had the life sucked out of me by the stress and turmoil that comes along with junior year.

All of these experiences have been difficult, but all of them rewarding. They taught me patience, respect, and determination. My time at Maine South might not have been the best days of my life, but it did play a huge role in who I became, and I'm proud of that.

"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."- Frank A. Clark

Special thanks from a senior Reflecting, there are a lot of things I can say about my high school experience. I could say that it was amazing, that these were some of the best years of my life, that they were some of the most challenging years, or that the time I spent in H a w k ' s nest will stay with me f o r e v e r .

And while these statements are all t r u e , the reality is that the experiences ^ would be empty without the amazing people that made every moment (even the unpleasant ones) worth living. So I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. The words seem small; however, the sentiment behind them is enormous and heart-felt.

Thank you to my parents, who*fueled all of my aspirations with their undying support.

Thank you to all of my teachers, who

made me appreciate the value of hard work; who expanded my knowledge; who showed me that the world is a beautiful place; who sprinkled their magic and made me the person I am today. I would like to thank Mrs. Higgins-Spoleti, Mrs. Reiger, Mr Stathakis, and Mrs. "Valko for inspiring my deep passion for words and writing and sowing the News Editor seeds for my future in journalism. Thank you to my friendsLauren, Deirdre, Stephanie, and everyone else, you know who you are- for being the sisters I never had. Thank you for making me giggle hysterically for hours on end, for sympathizing with me, even when my worries were trivial, for making spur of the moment supermarket runs in heels and a Homecoming dress with me, for stapling my papers, for burning waffles with me, for sharing the "time

Nicky Priovolos

of our lives." Regardless of where our separate paths may lead us, in the end, our hearts, our unbreakable bond of friendship, will unite us.

Thank you to my Southwards buddies for always keeping paste-up entertaining. Thanks for making the time fly by with witty comments, smiling faces (despite missing out on the precious Collaboration Day sleep), and constant help and encouragement. Thank you for bringing on laughter that always reached my eyes.

While reading this, I encourage you all, regardless of year in school, to take a moment to remember all of the people who touched your lives and made your own high school experiences memorable.

Maine South will always have a special place in my heart. And although we may not physically walk the MS halls next year, a part of our hearts and souls will remain here forever.

Goodbye, fellow Hawks. Regardless of where your lives may lead you, make the most of every situation and know that your friends and family will help you get through everything.

Good luck with all of your futine adventures.

ENIOR (JOMMENTAR SouTHWORDS •

SENIOR ISSUE

• 2008

13

No backpack required for high school success It's best to enjoy this while you can because there is a whole, big world waiting out there for you. Many people say statements like this. While this may be true, with very little responsibility compared to the "real world," high school can truly be a great time. However, high school is a stepping stone to a new experience of college and a career.

I learned that you do not need to have a backpack to be successful in school.

Despite several teachers questioning me as to why I did not have a backpack, I made my own decision for a lighter work load. Through the years in high school, I learned to make my own choices. Over the years, growing up, I have gotten more independent. More freedom is great, but it also taught me to better deal with the consequences of my actions.

Everyone has the potential to do something great in their life, and while the typical student may not know specifically what they want

to do after high school, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Many times it depends on your experiences and choices in school and after school. Many thoughts can change between now and the end of college. There are many life altering choices coming your way, and

Tommy Joyce sports Editor

it's best to be ready for them. Make a choice that best suits your needs as an individual; do not pick a college just because everyone else is going there. Be prepared for changes in your life and more freedom to make your

own choices.

At many points in your search for college and beyond, life can seem overwhelming, if not dowTiright scary. While its hard to believe the choices you make now could have a lasting impact on your life, it is important to do what you feel is right. It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and secure settings and to embrace a new surrounding of college, but it is a necessary experience.

It is important to choose how you want to spend these four years. It is good to become involved an activity, find something entertaining, and meet new people.

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.

Most importantly stay relaxed. XVhile life is not always perfect, it is vital to be who you want to be and make choices for yourself Good luck to all the seniors next year and have an entertaining year, it's a great ride.

14 Maine South's 2007-2008

SOLTHWORDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2 0 0 8

Shannon O^Hern

Abby Hayden

Soccer

Badminton

Shannon makes all the players around her better. She has great soccer instincts and incredible ball skills. Shaimon is a fouryear varsity member and she has been All -Conference all four years. She has been All-Sectional all four years. She was a Togo national champion a member of the ODP regional pool and a member of the imder 18 US National Team pool. She will continue her soccer career at the University of Alabama.

Playing second singles along with first doubles, Abby had many key victories for the Hawks. Abby won five medals throughout the year at various tournaments. She was voted team MVP in 2007 along with an AUCSL selection in 2007 and 2008. She always maintained a positive attitude and was a great role model and supporter for her teammates.

Abby was an extremely hard worker and showed great determination all year.

Gina Jenero

Karen Solari

Softball An All-Conference centerfielder. co-captain Gina Jenero, played a stellar season. Combined with speed and athletic ability. Gina was able to save many games w ith diving acrobatic catches in center field. Renowned as one of the fastest runners in the Central Suburban League. Jenero was able to beat out mam sacrifice bunts for singles this season. Obtaining the starting center fielder job as a junior. Gina blossomed. With excellent defense and quality offense, Jenero became a key player on her team's quest for the playoffs.

Volleyball Karen's is viewed by many as one of the top all-around female athletes in Maine South history. Her leadership helped the team to an elite 8 finish in the 4A division. She was named to the Central Suburban League All-Conference team. The Pioneer press named Karen as the top fall female athlete in addition to naming her to the All-Area team. She was voted MVP by her team. Her drive and determination fostered many of the exceptional skills we have seen her display over the past four years at Maine South.

Good luck to Karen as she continues her athletic career at the collegiate level.

Caitlin Eskew Track Caitlin is a three year varsity letter winner.

During that time she set numerous school records and earned All-Conference honors twice. In becoming one of the most dominant sprinters in our area, Caitlin qualified to the state track meet in four events in each of the past two seasons. Her hard work and dedication earned her all state honors and she was the anchor leg of the 400-meter relay team that finished sixth place in thus year's state meet.

Her positive attitude and outstanding leadership skills have made her a tremendous captain.

Tina Ho Tennis Tina played first singles this year. She was a four-year participant for the girls' tennis team and a second-year varsity player. Tina's ability was outstanding. She had great skills, power, outstanding footwork, aim. and mental toughness. She came to practice every day ready to play and ready to be pushed to her limits. She was a true leader on and off the courts. No matter how tough or easy her match was, she exited the courts exactly the same with confidence. Her teammates looked up to her and nominated her as the MVP. With her leadership, Tina was a valuable asset to her team.

FEMALE ATHLETES SouTHWORDs •

SENIOR ISSUE

• 2008

15

Senior Female Athletes

Karen Solari

Sarah Walsh

Basketball

Swimming

Karen Solari has been a huge part of the Maine South Girls Basketball program.

She has received many recognitions for her accomplishments including two All-Conference selections and a 4th team All-State selection.

Coach Mark Smith identifies her as the toughest athlete he's ever coached. Karen led the Hawks deep into the playoffs, despite a fractured bone in her foot. Her leadership on and off the court is extraordinary. She has maintained a GPA of 4.7 (top 1%) and is involved in countless leadership initiatives at Maine South.

Sarah, a four year varsity letter winner, excelled in several areas of swimming. Named team MVP junior and senior years along with being chosen as a captain her senior year, Sarah set a school record for the 100-yard breaststroke her junior year and broke the mark again her senior year. She was also named a CSL ScholarAthlete, while being named All-Conference both her junior and senior years. She was also named to the All-Area team. A Sectional medalist and IHS A State qualifier, she finished 15* in state her senior year.

Nicole Mirjanich

Teresa Bozikis

Golf

Cross Country

An All-Conference selection her senior year.

Nicole excelled in many facets of the game.

Showing great improvement from last > ear, she dropped her scoring average by over four shots per nine holes. Her hard work throughout the summer and season truh paid off. Her scoring average was a 46.04. putting her in the top 10 in program history for single season average.

Nicole finished tied for third individually in the MSA Regional, guiding the team to their first Regional Championship in program history.

Teresa is an outstanding individual who achieved a great deal in a short period of time in our program. She only ran with us for one season, but it was an outstanding one. She is a true leader that is looked up to by our younger runners. She worked hard and went from the junior-varsity level to rurming in the top seven in a matter of weeks. In the end, Teresa was a major factor as our varsity team captured the CSL Conference title. As a resuh of her great performance at the conference meet, she was named All-Conference. Her attitude and discipline will be missed.

16' Maine South's 2007-2008 [ALE ATHLETES

SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR IssLfE • 2008

Danny Benson Swimming/Diving Kyle has done the remarkable this year - he has destroyed two varsity records which have been standing for thirty-six years. He has also taken the tri-fecta in Swimming/Diving: a CSL South All-Conference selection, IHSA State Sectional Medalist/State Qualifier, and on top of that, Top 12 in State—the first MS All-State Diver ever. With the support of family, friends, and the team, the young diver has hurdled, piked, and entered into immortality.

Football

Hughes Tennis

Mark is a two-year varsity athlete and leads Darmy was named All-State by all four publications. He was a two time CSL All- the team at the 1st doubles position. Mark is Conference player and the Offensive Player a great leader and always demonstrates good of the Year in 2007. He was one of 50 players effort and attitude. Mark always cheers on named to the Old Spice Red Zone Players of his teammates and is very hardworking. Mark the Year. Benson set the school record for most worked extremely hard throughout his career at catches in a career (155) and had 95 catches placed 5th in conference at first doubles. Mark for 1276 yards and 14 touchdowns. A CSL always demonstrated tremendous sportsmanship Scholar Athlete, he made the Academic All- and supported all of his teammates throughout State team, and was voted team captain and had he season. He is exactly what any coach would a 4.12 GPA. Daimy will be playing football at want in a senior athlete.

Wisconsin Whitewater.

Claudius Kuzmicki

Tim O Hara Cross-country

Golf

Tim O'Hara was the top runner for the Maine South boys" cross country team. He had a difficult season recovering from injury, but through his determination and effort led the Hawks through the regional meet and into sectionals. Tim won the Peoria Woodruff junior varsity meet, beating 300 other runners to the finish. He is twentieth on the all time list for the Maine South home course with a time of 16:03. His leadership and efforts earned him an All-Conference this season and was the team's MVP.

James Kim was an extremely valuable player for the Maine South golf team team. With an average score 42.6 and a LOW SCORE of 39 vs Niles West. Kim put up good numbers throughout the season. He had a 84 in the Mine Niles Shootout Tournament and 83 in the Glenbrook South Invite. James had a great > ear on the course and will be truly missed.

Volleyball The top Senior athlete for Boys Volleyball is Claudius Kuzmicki. Claudius has been on the Varsity for three years and a starter for the last two seasons. This year, he was awarded All Conference for the Central Suburban League South. Claudius had over 150 kills for the season and while being third overall in spiking efficiency among the team. He also provided valuable leadership and was a great asset to his team. With his heart and determination, Claudius was able help the team greatly-. He will be attending the Illinois Institute of Technology in the Fall.

17 Senior Male Athletes MALE ATHLETES

SouTHWoRDS •

SENIOR ISSUE

• 2008

Chris Osterberg

Joe Kozak

Brad White

Wrestling

Basketball

Baseball

Chris wrestled as a varsity starter for three seasons and won more than 80 matches. This accomplishment has earned him a place on the "Wall of Fame." He was one of this year's tricaptains and a key contributor in one regional and two CSL titles. Chris always competed with courage and had an intense desire to win.

He has been a phenomenal leader and a natural winner. Chris is a Regional champion, and an All Conference selection.

Senior captain and two-year varsity starter Joe Kozak has been a key player for the Hawks.

Joe was an All-Conference selection, a Pioneer Press All-Area selection, as well as an IBCA honorable mention for the All-State team. Joe was unanimously voted as this year's team MVP, averaging 16.6 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 59% from the field. Joe will continue to play basketball next year at Knox College.

As starting centerfielder and lead-off hitter for varsity baseball. Brad White has excelled in all areas of the game. With a batting average of .371 and a slugging percentage of .468, Brad has really become a solid player. He is extremely consistent and runs the bases very well. Brad has also done tremendous work on the mound with a 3.33 earned run average. Brad has been a positive influence on his teammates and is a very coachable young man.

John Michael Kulnig

David Chao

Soccer

Track and Field

John was a three-year varsity starter and served as a tri-captain for this year's varsity squad, all the while earning a 2007 Fall Scholar Athlete award. He was an All-Sectional and All-State Honorable Mention goalkeeper for the second straight year and also earned All-CSL honors for the second time. He was awarded his third Quincy All-Tournament Team award while leading the Hawks to their third straight tournament championship. John Michael finished the season with a 0.89 Goals Against Average and helping the team post 8 shutouts. Next Fall, Kulnig will be attending Winthrop Universitj'.

David is a four year member of the Boys' Track and Field Team. He was a team captain as a junior and senior. He went to the State Meet as a junior and a senior as a member of the 4x200m relay team. He is a member of the 4x200m relay team that currently has the second fastest time in school history at 1:29.07 and is also on the top times list for the 100m dash at an 0:11.20. His leadership and commitment has helped David make himself a better athlete and person along with helping those around him to do the same. David has done so much and means so much to the Boys' Track and Field team, he will be sorely missed as he moves on to attend Columbia University in the fall.

SouTHwoRDS • SENIOR ISSUE • 2008

"' ODTSTiDlilli"ATHLETES "" OOTBALL BASKETBALL TRACKS FIELD

David

VOLLEYBALL BASKETBALL

SOFTBALL