Vol 45 issue 1

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008

1111 S. DEE ROAD • PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS 60068

VOL. 45, NO. 1

Maine South...

updated.

Graphic by Matt Eller

NEWS

FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY SPORTS

2 4 7 9 12

New teachers arrive at Maine South.

South brings in new renovations.

Latest reviews on summer movies.

This year’s footThe scoop on the music in the ball team. halls.

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2 Comparing the Candidates NEWS

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

by Keely Patt Even if you have taken residence under a rock for the past year and a half, you’d be familiar with Barack Obama and John McCain. Being familiar with their names is all well and good, but as November rapidly approaches and many high school students realize that they have a say in determining the next leader of their country, knowing the candidate’s faces and a political catch phrase or two isn’t enough. When you say you’re going to “Barack” the vote or back McCain, what does that really mean? How much do we really understand about the political stances of the men who each have an equally good chance at becoming our next president?

The Republican candidate for president is John Sidney McCain, a 72-year-old Arizona senator. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958, McCain spent 22 years serving as a pilot and officer in the Navy. Five of those 22 years (1967-1973) were spent in a Vietnamese prisoner camp after his plane was shot down over Hanoi in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Navy, McCain was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and was elected as the U.S. Senator from Arizona in 1986. In 2000, George W. Bush defeated him for the Republican nomination, but now he is back, making a second appearance in 2008.

On the Democratic side is 47-year-old Illinois senator, Barack Obama. Though he originally grew up in Hawaii, after he graduated from Harvard Law School, Obama worked as a civil rights lawyer and community organizer in both Chicago and New York City and eventually settled in Illinois. In 1997, Obama was elected to the Illinois state senate, where he served as chairman I of the Public Health and llustrati ons by Welfare committee. Obama Lea hA rtw entered the presidential race on ick February 10, 2007, and after a close race, beat out Hillary Clinton for the democratic candidacy.

Below is a brief summary of the viewpoints of each candidate on some of the most pressing issues of the upcoming election

Healthcare McCain: Goal is to make health insurance more affordable with $2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals and $5,000 for families; does not support universal coverage. He believes that healthcare should be without heavy government interference or regulation.

Obama: Supports mandatory health coverage for children and plans to expand adult coverage; eventually wants universal healthcare by having employers share the costs of insuring workers and offering coverage similar to that of federal employees in order to cover the $65 billion dollar cost. He desires heavier government regulation and influence in the healthcare system.

Iraq McCain: Favors a conditionsbased withdrawal over a fixed date believing it would create more stability; backer of the “surge” (troop increase) and is willing to have permanent Illus tr U.S. peacekeeping forces in Iraq. ations by Lea hA Obama: Favors a timetable for rtw ick completing withdrawal (plan for all troops to be out by the end of 2009) and opposed troop increase. He believes more troops would only boost unnecessary casualties.

Taxes McCain: Favors tax cuts and proposes cutting the corporate tax rate down to 25 percent; in his first year, promises a balanced budget, and lower government spending.

Obama: Wants to raise corporate taxes overall and raise income taxes on the wealthiest in the nation while lowering taxes for lower-class workers and the elderly; wants to triple Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and to have higher credit for large families. Also favors more government spending with a boost of tax revenue.

Education: McCain: In favor of parental choice of

schools, vouchers for private schools, and the right of parents to home school their children. He wants more money to go towards community college education and believes competition among schools for government funding will boost school productivity.

Obama: Doesn’t require mandatory prekindergarten programs, wants to expand teacher mentoring programs and wants tax credits to pay up to $4,000 of college expenses for students who perform community service.

Abortion McCain:Against abortion but would not seek an amendment to ban it.

Obama: Favors all abortion rights.

Gun Control McCain: Against assault weapons ban; favors background checks being required at gun shows; believes in preserving the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms).

Obama: Supports ban of all forms of semi-automatic weapons and wants tighter state restrictions on firearms in general.

Shared views: On the issues of immigration, gay marriage, the death penalty, and stem cell research, the two candidates have similar opinions.

Both men support the border fence (with regards to illegal immigration). When it comes to gay marriage, both Obama and McCain oppose a constitutional amendment to ban it and support civil union. They both support the death penalty as well as relaxing federal restrictions on financing of embryonic stem cell research.

There still is much left to be explored and questioned regarding these two candidates and their political beliefs and new information is uncovered with each passing day. The next presidential debate is scheduled for September 26 and will have a domestic policy focus; be sure to tune in to learn more about the two men who are neck-and- neck in the race for the Oval Office.

(Facts assembled from the Washington post)

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

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The new faces of Maine South

by Jackie Hazlett-Morris In addition to the class of 2012, there are a few other new faces around Maine South this year. Maine South welcomes the 11 new teachers that join us this year.

Ms. Janice Sit Ms. Sit is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She majored in secondary education with a major in English and a minor in Social Studies. Ms. Sit enjoys teaching high school students because they‘re “fun and interactive.” Ms. Sit says she loves teaching because she “loves reading and discussing books.” She especially enjoys reading books by Asian-American authors.

Her favorite teaching experience was when she joined an Asian-American Club on their trip to Washington D.C to compete in the National Japan Bowl where they placed 11th out of 37 other teams.

Ms. Christina Palffy Ms. Palffy graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree and obtained a master’s degree in biology from Northeastern Illinios Unvirsity. Ms. Palffy has taught both college and high school students but says that while teaching college she missed the energy of high school students and enjoys being a part of such an important time in students’ lives.

She enjoys spreading her passion and love for science and wants “to help students understand the world around them.”

Mr. Steve Bishop Mr. Bishop is a graduate of Concordia River Forest College with a BA in education. He has a double major in math as well as physical science. Mr. Bishop says teaching was “the logical direction to go” because he has always had a knack for explaining things so everyone can understand them. He has always loved math and he says he has “been blessed with the ability to understand it.” His most memorable teaching experiences involve students when they have a “light bulb moment,” or when they finally “get it” after struggling with a topic for some time.

Ms. Haihong Shi A native of China, Ms. Shi joins Maine South

as an instructor of Mandarin Chinese. Ms. Shi taught English and Chinese in China and loves teaching languages. She majored in English Literature and Education at the Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China and Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

Ms. Shi’s favorite teaching moments are when her students are able to really understand, speak, and appreciate Mandarin Chinese.

papers; a teacher is someone who enhances your life.” She majored in special education at Western Illinois and attended the University of Phoenix for her Master’s degree. She is qualified to teach English, reading, and science. Ms. Kassen’s greatest teaching experience was when she was teaching the periodic table to her students and they were completely overwhelmed, but through a large amount of determination, they were able to explain it to their parents with a look of pride of their faces. She chose to teach high school students because their level of maturity and insightfulness make class discussions much more enjoyable.

Maine South also gratefully welcomes Mr. Schneider (science), Ms. Johnston (science), Mr. Aloy (AAT/AT), Ms. Adelberg (special education), and Mr. Sommer (AAT/AT), whom the Southwords staff was unable to contact for this feature. We wish the new teachers good luck in their first year at Maine South.

Photo by Jackie Hazlett-Morris

Five of the new teachers pose for a picture.

Ms. Shi chose to teach high school students because she enjoys watching them grow and appreciates their level of maturity.

Ms. Tonya Warren Ms. Warren’s goal as a social worker is to help teachers accomplish their job, while at the same time helping students achieve their full potential. She wants to help kids overcome obstacles to achieve success in life. She attended Carthage College for her B.A, then she received her Master’s in Social Work and Education at University of Illinois at Chicago and National-Louis University. Ms. Warren originally majored in psychology in college, but switched to social work when she was obtaining her master’s. She chose to teach high school students because they “are easy to talk to and have a great sense of humor.”

Ms. Tracy Kassen Ms. Kassen found her true calling when she was just a sophomore in high school. One of her teachers taught her that “a teacher is more than just a person who presents material and grades

Flags honor victims of 9/11 tragedy

By Erin Klein The Maine South Conservative Forum sponsored the second annual 9/11 Never Forget Memorial this year. The memorial consisted of 2,977 American flags representing each person tragically killed in the terrorist attacks.

The flags were laid in 60 rows, with 50 flags per row.

The memorial is part of a nationwide project organized by the Young America’s Foundation to respectfully remember the attacks and those who lost their lives in the event. This year over 300 high schools and colleges throughout the US participated.

MSCF president Zach Swanson was very pleased with the event. “We had over a dozen kids helping out. The set up only took a few hours. It went really smoothly,” Swanson said.

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FEATURES SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

Vice presidential nominee breakdown

by Andrew Abtahi and Anne Wave With the close of both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the race to the White House is in its final lap and the Vice Presidential nominees have been announced.

Barack Obama chose Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, and John McCain selected Alaskan governor Sarah Palin.

Biden is a 36-year veteran member of the U.S. Senate. He is current chairman of the Committee of Foreign Relations, and former chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Sen. Biden ran as a Democratic presidential candidate in 1988 and 2008. He is Roman Catholic and married to his second wife, Jill.

Biden voted for allowing military action in Iraq in 2003. Earlier, however, Biden tried to pass a resolution on making war an option only if all diplomatic options were used. Since the start of the war, Biden has been one of the biggest critics of the Bush Administration and their choices throughout the struggle.

Prior to the vice presidential choice, Obama was ridiculed for both his lack of experience and his knowledge of foreign affairs. By

picking Sen. Biden, Obama is attempting to bolster the areas that some consider weak.

On the other hand, Biden’s experience may hurt the Obama campaign’s arguments against McCain. Many of Obama’s criticisms of Senator McCain had to do with the fact that McCain had been in Washington for more than thirty years and made no changes. These same arguments can be said about Joe Biden, however, so it weakens Obama’s case against McCain.

Sarah Palin is a 44-year-old mother of five children. A self-described, “hockey mom,” she was the mayor of her town in Alaska, and governor of the state for two years. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Todd, and was runner-up Miss Alaska in 1984.

McCain’s choice of vice president is a big surprise for this presidential race. Having a short resume leaves her experience in politics up to interpretation by the nation. Palin also had a “trooper-gate” scandal recently exposed.

It is rumored that she attempted to fire a state trooper because of a bitter divorce between him and Palin’s sister, and when the Safety Commissioner refused to fire the trooper, Palin

Katrina victims avoid past mistakes

by Thomas Bielawiec Three years after the disastrous events of Hurricane Katrina, residents of Southern Louisiana and other states around the gulf coast, did not take any chances against the immense threat of another storm that was soon to place their lives in danger. On August 25, Hurricane Gustav formed southeast of Portau-Prince, Haiti that later hit the U.S as a high category two hurricane on September 1.

From the moment the people became notified of the approaching storm, no one wanted to make some of the unfortunate mistakes they had made three years earlier. People secured their homes by sealing windows and packing up their valuables. With the shock of hurricane Katrina fresh in their memories, Louisiana officials promptly evacuated endangered areas of Louisiana; this was Louisiana’s largest evacuation to date, including around 2,000,000 people, 200,000 of which were New Orleans residents.

The government prepared shelters and methods of transportation early on for evacuees with no way of escaping. FEMA, church groups, and volunteer programs dedicated time to ensure the safety of the people by raising money and providing safe areas. On September

1, Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency, which called around 6,000 Louisiana National Guard members to duty. Similar, but not equal, preparations were executed in Alabama, Mississippi and parts of Texas.

Towards the end, Hurricane Gustav was weaker than expected, but still took the lives of 110 people.This number was significantly lower than that of Katrina, which, according to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital, caused the deaths of 1,836 people and classified another 705 as missing.

Yet, the hurricane still left its mark; many people were left without power and some water supplies were contaminated. Trees fell due to the powerful winds and some areas of Louisiana flooded up to 1½ feet of water.

According to Times Online, Hurricane Gustav ranked in the 10 most costly hurricanes in the U.S. and is estimated to have cost insurance companies around nine billion dollars in the U.S alone. Predictions were made that stated that the hurricane would lead to a rise in gas prices, but that guess proved to be false.

Although the world will almost certainly have problems like this again, it’s good that precautions have been put in place to minimize damage.

fired them both.

Sarah Palin brings many positive things to McCain’s campaign. Being a younger woman, she brings excitement and energy to his campaign and possibly some swing-voters, particularly women. Also, McCain also has been struggling with a majority of conservative America about certain social issues such as abortion. Palin can help attract pro-life voters and swing others on the fence because of her stance on other important social issues. Palin is also a member of the NRA, which has its obvious pros and cons. Finally, she connects with blue-collar voters that McCain has been struggling to get.

Both vice-presidential picks add something to their respective tickets and easily can be seen as patches the presidential candidates are using to fix some holes in their campaigns.

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

Editors-in-Chief

News Editors

Features Editors

Entertainment Editors

Commentary Editors

Sports Editors

Production Editors Photographers

Staff Artists Adviser

Bess Featherstone Erin Klein Courtney Vinopal Ashley Kozubal Keely Patt John Stevens Joanna Madej Tom Bielawiec Sarah Geraci Lydia Ramsey Tom Berg Steven Wear Xander Tapling Anne Wave Marissa Duric Patrick Mirski Caileen Bazarek Lesia Witkowsky Ted Sherbin Matt Eller Chris Anderson Jackie HazlettMorris Leah Artwick Mr. Stathakis

FEATURES SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

The Maine South transformation

By Joanna Madej When students left the halls of Maine South in June of the last school year, many were expecting to come back to the same setting and school in the fall. While we were all away tanning, swimming at the pool, hanging out with friends, and reading our summer reading books, however, Maine South underwent quite a transformation.

Many students were particularly astonished to see the new cafeteria decor. The wall just outside of the café has been painted grey and blue, with some rainbow-color streaks in it. There are also rainbow-color floor tiles scattered around here and there.

The outdoor café is probably the most beneficial cafeteria change to Maine South students. The new addition of a few new

On the Blue Line

By Lesia Witkowsky The Blue Line is Chicago’s elevated train system that runs from O’hare to Forest Park.

For just $2 each way, the Blue Line can take one deep into the heart of downtown Chicago.

Though many people have ridden this line before, taking it to popular stops such as Millennium Park or Navy Pier, many haven’t taken the time to discover those lesser known streets. Many stops along the blue line still remain foreign. This new monthly column, “On the Blue Line” will take you into those places and help you uncover what they have to offer.

Our first stop is a personal favorite of mine: Damen.

Damen is just ten stops away from Cumberland (towards the loop). This artsy neighborhood has excellent music venues and great restaurants.

Among these restaurants is the much loved Earwax (located on 1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., right off the blue line exit). Earwax makes the greatest milkshakes in tropical fruit flavors, along with mouthwatering quesadillas and Tuscan sandwiches. You’ll feel creative just being in this restaurant with its circus-painted walls and abstract statues. Also along Damen, right off the line, one can find great used book stores and old record stores. Among these are Mytopic book store (1564 N. Milwaukee Ave) and Adelqui Enterprises Inc (1454 N Milwaukee Ave). Just walking down Damen is an adventure, for it is filled with aspiring musicians selling their own work.

red tables and benches outside provides a great alternative to eating lunch in a loud and crowded café on a nice sunny day. This is also really good news for all the people who had to sit on the ground in the past when they wanted to eat their lunch outside.

This next important renovation might

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This means no more dividing the classrooms up between the computers in the front, which have been eliminated, and the ones in the back.

Now you will actually hear what the teacher is saying about that Shakespeare essay.

There were also many smaller changes to the Maine South campus. Those of you who drive may have already noticed that there are no more speed bumps in the parking lot. Also, the Field house has a new floor.

Other minor changes include the renovation of the foods room and the change of location of the technology room.

Perhaps the most noticeable change has been the new music and bell system. Many agree with the idea that the music system is similar to the game of Musical Chairs. The music plays during a passing period and stops when there are thirty seconds remaining to get to class. As for the bell, many Photo by Jackie Hazlett-Morris students have strong opinions of Maine South students enjoy their lunches in the new outdoor the new sound. As Mr. Claypool cafeteria. said, though, the new bell tone was actually get you to visit the library more often. “the best option available.”

The Maine South Library has made, and will These new changes have already begun still make, many changes with the goal of to impact Maine South students in numerous making students feel more comfortable and ways. Whether you like them or not, they will at-home. As Mrs. Rose Retrum, the head most likely have an effect on you and your life librarian said, “It’s going to be more relaxed as a student at Maine South at some point. As and casual.” we start the new school year, these changes Something that’s already noticeable is all are sure to improve the learning experience of the space that’s been made in the middle of Maine South students. the library. They had to clear the space because starting soon, you will be able to visit the library before or after school, or during a study hall period, and be able to sit in soft, couch-like chairs.

You will also be able to borrow one of the 30 new laptops, which have wireless internet access, and go sit wherever you want in the library to work. The new comfortable chairs are a great option here.

Something else that can be noticed is that the library already got new computers, not including the new laptops it’s still waiting for. There are now 50 desktops Photo by Jackie Hazlett-Morris located in the back of the library The Maine South library now features a new layout, for student and classroom use. computers, and, in the future, couch-like chairs.

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FEATURES SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

Rainbows show promise in Park Ridge

by Asha Kirchoff The “Promise of Park Ridge” was displayed through fifty-five unique rainbow statues placed around the city to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rainbow Hospice’s Good Mourning program this past summer.

Rainbow Hospice provides care for terminally ill patients in their own homes and offers families bereavement programs when their loved one passes away. The program offers an environment for the children and their families to cope with grief, by meeting once a month in age appropriate groups, Rainbow’s Chief Development Officer, David J. Samson said.

Samson and Rainbow’s Director of Special Events, Jacqueline K. Mathews worked with “Promise of Park Ridge” chairpersons Mayor Howard Frimark, Nancy Frimark, John Heinz, and Barbara Heinz to make the project possible.

City officials Kim Uhlig, Director of Economic Development; Wayne Zingsheim, Director of Public Works; Alderman Donald Bach, and Alderman Richard A. DiPietro also worked with Rainbow Hospice on the project. “They would start at ‘yes’ and figure out a way to make something work,” Mathews said about

working with the Aldermen Bach and DiPietro.

Mathews led the project from its conception in January of 2006 to the first meeting with the co-chairs in October 2007.

Photo by Jackie Hazlett-Morris

This rainbow, painted by Maine South’s Mrs. Pichinos, is displayed to benefit Rainbow Hospice.

Maine South participated in this project as well. “I love the Maine South story,” Mathews said. “Rainbow hospice was approached by an anonymous donor who wished to purchase

a rainbow but not decorate it. The hospice put the donor in contact with the Maine South Art Department and Art Club, who painted the rainbow,” she said. The rainbow, which features elements of nature, is on display at Fire Station 35 on Devon. Art teacher Mrs. Pichinos also painted a rainbow entitled “The Bridge to Sansho-En with Water Lilies,” for Mr. and Mrs. Heinz, while Mrs. Meier painted a rainbow with day lilies for Clem and Rosemary Ryan.

“We wanted to have a visible piece, reflective of the work we do,” Samson said about the formation of the project. The rainbows, unveiled on June 21, were purchased and decorated by families, businesses, churches, and schools around Park Ridge.

The plan originally intended to have twentyfive rainbows, which would be on display until September of 2008. Most of the fifty-five rainbows now in place will be displayed until November 15, with some rainbows moving locations.

“It was so much fun,” Mathews said.

“It’s projects like this that really bring Park Ridge together as a community.”

Reverend Meeks leads protest to New Trier

by Lisa Francis In keeping with tradition in the city of Chicago, the day after Labor Day is almost always the first day of school for the Chicago Public School System (CPS). On this day, students strap on their backpacks, sharpen their pencils, and buckle down for the school year ahead of them.

On the morning of September 2nd, the first day of school for CPS, however, Reverend James Meeks led approximately 950 students and some of their parents into church busses and took them to the freshman campus of New Trier High School in Northfield.

His mission: protest unequal education funding and boycott the first day of school.

As the busses unloaded at New Trier’s Northfield campus, the CPS students were greeted with open arms and banners by the Trevian student body. As a symbolic gesture, CPS students filled out New Trier enrollment applications to try and send the message that schools in the state of Illinois should have equal funding per pupil.

New Trier’s District Superintendent Linda Yonke responded by saying, “Students from the CPS school system cannot enroll here even if they pay tuition, due to the fact that they live outside of district boundaries.”

Yonke admitted that money has played a role in school performance, along with supportive parents and hardworking students. According to the New Trier website, during the 2007-2008 school year, the school district spent around $17, 500 per student in their final budget, one of the highest dollar amounts in the state. In comparison, CPS schools spent about $11,300 per student and Maine Township High Schools spends around $14, 695 per student.

The reason for this lopsided statistic is that in Illinois, property taxes make up about 70% of school funding, meaning inner-city schools generally end up with less to spend per student than suburban schools in areas with higher property values. Meeks was outraged by the staggering statistics, which is why he called for 800 elementary students and 150 high school students to boycott the first day of class. Meeks places most of the blame for this imbalance in district budgets on the Illinois state governor, Rod Blagojevich.

“If we say we’re a world-class city, then we shouldn’t be content with having second-class schools…the bad guy is the governor in this situation,” Meeks said.

To fix the situation Meeks is proposing a plan that would allow $120 million extra

dollars to flow into the CPS system. The state legislature is not making any promises.

Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley praised parents who did not participate in the New Trier protest. Mayor Daley has always pushed for CPS students to attend the first day of class, and Meeks tried to derail that goal. Over the last 16 years, pupil attendance on the first day has gone up 17%.

According to CPS school code, each student is allowed to miss nine days of class.

If more than nine days are missed, then the student cannot advance to the next year. So, if a student participates in Meeks’ boycott which could last days, they run the risk of not being allowed to continue to the next grade.

Some commentators have said that Meeks had only a “minor victory,” partly because Meeks called for 120 busses to charter the students, but only four were actually needed.

According to the Associated Press, parents of the CPS students just want the same opportunities for their kids as everybody else, as well as opportunities that may have never had. Most students at New Trier are in favor of getting better school funding for everybody, and are eager to helps in any way they can.

ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

Remember Me? Summer Movie Reviews

“The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”- Most people would recall the 1999 remake of “The Mummy” as being pretty good.

The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for the third installment of the “Mummy” franchise, “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.” This film is unimpressive, uninspired, and is basically a bore.

The film is set about twenty years after the first movie, and Rick and Evelyn O’Connell are now retired. Their son is now grown up and an archeologist in China. While there, he discovers the tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

Audiences learn that the Dragon Emperor was a ruthless warlord who controlled most of China, and wanted to learn the secret of immortality. Now the family has to kill the Emperor, who is resurrected with a magic amulet, before he gets to Shangri-La, becomes immortal, and raises his army again.

This film seems like an afterthought to the original movies. The acting is uninspired, and the script lacks the wit and charm that made the first two films enjoyable. When the movie tries to add this, the actors usually mess it up and make it seem awkward. The script is also bad in the constant loopholes and broken rules. With so many things that just do not make a lick of sense, we are forced to rely on the action of the film. But, that too does not satisfy our expectations. The original “Mummy” films had a certain creepy tone to them, which is what made them so enjoyable. This one, however, completely loses this and with that, its ability to be enjoyable.

This film is nothing more than something some studio execs thought would make money.

When watching this film, it is hard to imagine that anyone working on this film truly cared about making a good film.

by Andrew Solomon “The Dark Knight”- This summer’s most anticipated film was, without a doubt, “The Dark Night.” The second installment of the hugely popular new “Batman” series undoubtedly lived up to the hype. Writer and director Christopher Nolan returned with leading man Christian Bale and a cast of characters, both old and new, to tell another chapter of the story that has captivated millions. In the film we see that although Gotham has become cleaner, Batman’s persona has become darker. Popular opinion has grown against Batman’s vigilantism. He now struggles with the moral dilemma of either revealing his true identity to the world or allowing innocent people to die every night at the hands of the newest crime villain,

the Joker. Heath Ledger’s Joker, gives one of the most powerful, strange, and sadistic performances of his career. The Joker’s presence on the screen causes simultaneous emotions of both disgust and attraction that really sets a strong tone of action and suspense throughout the entire movie.

However, as with any film there are both pros and cons. The con in this film goes by the name of Rachael Dawes, the Assistant District Attorney and former love interest of Bruce Wayne, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal’s persistent smirk, hand on the hip, “I’m one tough broad,” performance was thoroughly nauseating. She did not appear to be the type of girl Bruce Wayne would ever end up with in the end. Her character remained unsympathetic and unhelpful to everyone throughout the entire film. Both her physical appearance and personality seemed haggard and worn out. Her character’s violent end in the movie was entirely appropriate.

The film’s main struggle is really about good vs. evil. Yet, in the end, audiences were left unsure as to who the true victor was. The new District Attorney Harvey Dent, played by Aaron Eckhart, who was thought to be Gotham’s “White Knight,” ultimately succumbs to evil as Two Face, and dies because of it. Batman’s moral lines also seem blurred at the end of the film. Batman fought and stood for the truth, and yet, in the end, showed that he had no confidence in it. He made the choice to lie about Harvey and himself. Despite his good intentions, he tried to achieve something good for Gotham by using an evil means. Maybe this will set up the moral dilemma for the next episode. And still Gotham suffers...

by Billy Amorella “Mamma Mia”-A Broadway musical brought to the big screen, “Mamma Mia” is an upbeat tale of a girl looking for her father to give her away on her wedding day. The music of ABBA fashioned this musical. The singing was great, and the scenes of the Greek island were beautiful. The cast, including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, kept audiences smiling.

“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2”- The much anticipated sequel to the first “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” did not disappoint. Cramming the second, third, and fourth books of the series kept the movie interesting, while some parts of the books happened to be a bit dry. Starring Blake Lively

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(“Gossip Girl”), America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”), Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, the personalities of the four best friends really shone through. This was a touching movie that women young and old can all relate to.

by Lydia Ramsey “Hancock”-The first half of “Hancock” is very enjoyable. It tells the story of a man who has superpowers, and uses them to fight crime.

This might sound pretty run-of-the-mill, but the twist is this superhero is a homeless drunk.

This formula works well, and could have carried the film through its entirety. It’s funny, witty, unique, and overall, could have been a great parody of the superhero genre.

The second half of “Hancock” involves Hancock meeting a public relations person who wants to improve his dubious image.

While it is entertaining at times, it makes the movie feel a little too heavy- handed. The story they go with is somewhat cheesy and falls flat. It feels, in short, like a different movie.

All the plot twists and character drama feel out of place with the first half, which could have carried the movie and made the first successful parody of the superhero genre. Sadly, the filmmakers decided to try and make it serious, and by the end of the movie, Hancock feels like a totally different character.

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”-In “Indiana Jones,” audiences are reunited with their favorite archaeologist. Set in 1957, the story revolves around a Mysterious Crystal Skull that several Russian Communist troops are determined to obtain, and use to take over the world.

When it comes to the casting of this movie, it isn’t very suprising: Shia LaBeouf as the young man hoping to pick up Indy’s mantle; Cate Blanchett as the villain; Harrison Ford, as Henry Jones, Jr. This movie was cast how you would expect it, with good actors who fit in their roles.

The story is fine in the beginning, but soon takes a turn for the ludicrous. The Crystal Skull could have been more mysterious, the alien aspect could have been downplayed, and the henchmen could have seemed more threatening. This doesn’t affect the movie, but makes it feel more like “Close Encounters.”

One thing they did well is that they did not shy away from the unique villain deaths the series is known for. If you are a diehard fan of “Indiana Jones,” this movie will disappoint you. However, to the casual fan and average movie go-er, it’s definitely worth a try.

by Michael Loiacono

8 Coming to a theatre near you...

ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

By Agnes Pletnia This past summer proved to be a great one for the big summer blockbuster. Movies like “The Dark Knight,” “Pineapple Express,” and “Wall-E” showed audiences that Hollywood was over its dry spell and back with a vengeance.

This return to quality entertainment can only mean that the fall movie season will be even better—probably the best fall for movies in a long time.

This next month brings us “Burn After Reading,” the post-“No Country For Old Men” effort of the illustrious Cohen brothers, which promises quirky humor and famous faces, such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, and Tilda Swinton. September is also the month that delivers “Eagle Eye,” the next big action project from Shia LaBeouf. The thriller is sure to be the big action movie of the fall.

October will also be filled with big names this year. It will, of course, usher in the opening of the first and final big screen incarnation of the High School Musical franchise: “High School Musical 3.” Other films that are highly anticipated are “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and the annoying, but not surprising, “Saw V.” Not to worry folks, October looks to be salvaged by films like “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” starring Michael Cera as, you guessed it, the

photo courtesy of 007.com

The preview poster for “Quantum of Solace,” coming out on November 14. endearingly geeky love-interest; “Body of Lies,” which will showcase both Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe’s abilities to play intense cops on intense missions; “W.,” the George W. Bush biopic we didn’t know we were

all waiting for; and finally “Zack and Miri...,” the next big comedy from the people who brought back R-rated comedy with movies like “Superbad” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” not to mention the summer hit “Pineapple Express.”

If October seemed jam-packed, then prepare yourselves for November. It’s got it all. Films like “Quantum of Solace,” the new 007 movie, and “Transporter 3” will feed your hunger for action and intrigue while movies like “Australia” and “Soul Men,” starring the late Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, will appeal to the sensitive side of audiences. November also sees the release of perhaps the most highly anticipated film of the year: “Twilight,” a film based on the best-selling book series of the same name. The film is a necessity for teen readers/moviegoers this fall, due to the fact that the next highly-anticipated Harry Potter movie, “The Half-Blood Prince,” has been delayed until July 2009.

With summer over and school in session, it may seem like everything there was to look forward to came and went with the eightydegree weather, but with a fall movie season concentrated with this much power behind it, the next three months will be anything but boring.

Pleasant eateries of Uptown Noodles & Company

by Lydia Ramsey The Noodles & Company restaurant chain has been around the Chicago area for many years. Finally, one has arrived in Park Ridge’s very own Uptown. As part of the new development area, the restaurant is right across from the back of the public library. Walking through the doors, people are instantly greeted by a friendly employee. The menu is easy to understand, and the noodles are separated into three categories; Asian, Mediterranean, and American. The food is always freshly made and includes fresh vegetables. This way, even though it is considered fast food, it is still healthy. All the workers are very cheerful, creating a friendly atmosphere. The portions were manageable, and came in two different sizes—small and regular—a stark contrast to the “Super-Size-Me” attitude of other fast food chains. There is also an outdoor eating area for the summer and early fall. Overall, this restaurant looks very promising as the new favorite for teens and adults in the Uptown area.

Tasty Pup

by Tom Berg Over the past year or two, uptown Park Ridge has undergone a series of major developments, and the benefits of these renovations are finally beginning to trickle down to the citizens. One of these benefits is Tasty Pup, a quaint hot dog stand that has just recently set up shop where Planet Smoothie once stood.

The new Tasty Pup is a comfortable joint with a very warm atmosphere, thanks to the orange and red walls and the neat, orderly menus. The service is very nice and friendly, especially to Maine South students; they proudly display a Maine South Football Booster card next to the cash register. However, the establishment itself is rather small, with only a few tables to sit at, so sometimes it would seem more practical to just get your food to go.

Whether it’s for here or to go, the food keeps ahead of the hype: the way they pack the vegetables and condiments in there, they aren’t kidding when they call their hot dogs “gardens on a bun.” Their polish sausage

and hamburgers are also very good, and all their food is reasonably priced (Not Gene and Jude’s prices, but very fair, at $4.50 for a hot dog and fries).

As an unexpected surprise, the ice cream also stands out on the diverse menu. The eight different flavors, ranging from the classics to the more outlandish, such as bubble gum, are all up to par with what you would find at a Dairy Queen. They even have their own take on DQ’s Blizzard, called the Snowstorm, that also stands up to its more established competition. Like the Blizzard, they combine candy treats, such as M&M’s and Reese’s, with ice cream to create the perfect dessert combination. And Tasty Pup is open all year, so students can now get their ice cream fix, even during the winter.

Tasty Pup is one of the better things to appear thanks to the renovations. Its prime location, friendly atmosphere, excellent service, good food and fair prices can help make it one of the great teen hangout places in the new uptown.

9 Rhapsody in Red and Black COMMENTARY

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

by Xander Tapling There has been a distinct change in how Maine South conducts its passing periods.

Over the summer, Maine South underwent a technological “upgrade” that involved purchasing a new sound board for the PA system. The new technology being used by the school gives the administration more control over exactly what can be broadcast over the PA system of the school.

The most obvious difference is the new selection of music that plays during the passing periods throughout the day. This change was designed and implemented by Principal Claypool. Discussing the new bell system, Mr. Claypool said that the idea came from a school he taught at a long time ago, which also played music during its passing periods.

In addition, Mr. Claypool explained that, while there was not a “huge problem” with students being late to class, the music during the passing periods would help serve as a reminder of how much time is left to get to class.

The music is a tremendous idea in theory.

by Courtney Vinopal Oh, summer—it is the only three months out of the year when high school students are given complete control over their lives. They can relax and bask in the warm glow of twelve weeks free of sleepless nights and stress-filled days. All this freedom, and guess what I wasted my summer doing? Researching colleges.

Seniors may be able to attest to this the most; I know I’m not the only one, who, over the summer, began to cave into the pressure that is the college search. I knew that if I didn’t start thinking about college over the summer, I’d end up leaving it until all the applications were due.

So, not knowing where to begin, I searched

But there is still a very important question: who will be able to choose the music? During an interview, Principal Claypool soothed concerns about music selection by highlighting the fact that it would soon come from a wide variety of sources. For example, if a school organization were doing a fundraiser, then the officers and members of that club or organization would have the ability to advertise for that fundraiser

by picking the songs to be played during the week of said fundraiser. The music could also be used as a reward for various school activities.

The music in the hallways wouldn’t be so colleges across the board that interested me. I read about them in four different books, sent away for information, visited some of them, and even made a “college wall” complete with pictures and information about each school.

After all this, I still don’t have I clear idea about where I truly want to go.

I certainly know of plenty of colleges that I’m interested in, but after a while, all the glossy brochures with pictures of stately buildings, autumn leaves, and students leading meaningful class discussions begin to look the same. How can you really tell where you’ll be happy? The fact that I may overlook the “perfect” college is quite terrifying to me, as I’m sure it is for many other seniors, perhaps even juniors.

I think what makes the college search so stressful is that you’re forced to ask so many questions about yourself: Do I like small classes? What am I interested in? Can I handle being far away? Do I like to party? Until now,

unbearable if not for the glitches in the system and almost unending selection of songs from a limited number of artists (namely Chris Brown, Kanye West and Rihanna). Maine South has seen fit to tackle the latter problem with a soonto-expand list of music genres, stretching from rap to jazz and blues. The glitches, however, have simply been tacked onto District 207’s “To Do” list with regard to new technology.

The sad part of all of this is that this tends to be the district’s approach to all attempts at newer, better programs and technology. While the district administration’s drive to keep up with the newest bits and pieces of convenient gizmos and time-saving systems is admirable, their tendency to unveil new ideas before they are actually practical and flawless generally leads to obvious and annoying glitches in the system (such as clocks stopping and changing time zones). Unfortunately, all we can do as students is complain about it to various teachers and counselors, mainly to hear them say “Yes, we understand.” This brings up a key question: if patience is a virtue, then shouldn’t the administration practice it?

my schooling has not been by choice, but rather by chance. Now that I have control over where I go in the next phase of my life, it’s hard to know where to begin.

I’m beginning to recognize that there probably isn’t one “perfect” college out there for everyone. Ultimately, happy students will be happy in any number of places that you put them in. Likewise, angry students may be angry no matter what college they go to. As much as I worry, I know that everyone will be fine. Every year, hundreds of kids make decisions about where to go after high school, and many of them find places where they are truly happy.

So, if you haven’t started thinking about college yet, disregard this article.

But if you’re a bit tightly wound, like me, know that you’re not alone in the stress of being forced to think about your future. The search can be the hardest, because it begins with knowing yourself.

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COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO.1

China’s peace lesson

by Stephanie Bergren With the Olympics fresh in our minds, some reflection is needed. The Beijing Olympics were definitely interesting: ripe with athleticism and controversies. It was an opportunity for the People’s Republic of China to make a statement; luckily, it was a good statement.

Friendship, sharing, and sportsmanship. All the things we were taught in kindergarten made their way into one of the many official Beijing Olympic songs. The messages are clear, at least if you understand Mandarin Chinese. For those who don’t, let me translate: We are all friends, and China, especially Beijing, is a cool place.

Leading up to the Olympics there was a lot of hype about China’s progress as a communist nation. The Olympics shouldn’t have to do with politics, but they do.

However, China promoted something worth noting: world peace. It takes a country with a questionable political agenda to suggest that we all be friends, and many in the world aren’t even sure they were sincere. The leaders of

England should continue this trend of world peace in the 2012 Olympics.

While world peace may not even be achievable, it could be a goal that we can get extremely close to, which is better than nothing.

World peace isn’t just an answer to the Miss America question “What is your greatest wish?”

If we put more effort into it, it might become more attainable. The nations of the world have nothing to lose by becoming at least more cordial with each other.

There are a lot of things the Olympics now focus on, yet shouldn’t be about, including the supremacy of nations, steroids, etc. China, however, has brought the focus back to what it should be about. There aren’t many times when nations are brought together on peaceful terms; the Olympics should represent what the uniting of nations is really about: finding common ground. Even if this common ground is as superficial as a sports event, at least it’s a start.

by Bess Featherstone Behold the ridiculous scandals your parents worry about from the Park Ridge Herald-Advocate Blotter:

Between $5 and $10 in cash was stolen from a vehicle parked on the 100 block of North Grace Avenue overnight between July 28 and 29. ...or did I spend that five bucks on lunch yesterday?

A 20-lb. cement statue of a dog was thrown at a car parked on the 900 block of South Clifton Avenue overnight between July 26 and 27. The car’s hatchback and bumper sustained damage.

Dog: 1 Car: 0 Anti-freeze was poured all over a 1981 Ford Fairmont parked on the 300 block of South Knight Avenue overnight between Aug. 15 and 16.

A rock was also thrown at the car, damaging a front fender.

Thanks, I was starting to worry about my car freezing in this 90 degree weather!

Someone removed the top layer of bricks from a landscaping wall in the front yard of a residence on the 300 block of West Cuttriss Street overnight between Aug. 23 and 24. The bricks were then thrown into a nearby garden, causing one brick to break.

Um, what?

A sewer cover was stolen from the playground area at Roosevelt School, 1001 S. Fairview Ave., overnight between Aug. 23 and 24.

Oh! That would look perfect next to the bricks in my garden!

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COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO.1

by Nora Elderkin Imagine a magical world where everyone you know is gathered in one place. You can talk to whomever you want, whenever you want.

You can look at pictures of your secret crush until your eyes start to burn, you can flirt with someone without having to look them in the eye and reconnect with friends from your childhood.

It sounds like a fantastical paradise. As most of Maine South has discovered, however, it really exists. This world comes to us in the form of Facebook: a website that anyone high school age or above can join. On Facebook, you can post an unlimited number of pictures of you and your friends write on the “wall” of anyone who also has Facebook, and even instant message.

Now I want you to think about an average school day. When you get home from school, are you more likely to begin your homework immediately or check your Facebook first? For many people, the answer is obviously Facebook.

Facebook is taking over the social world of teenagers in America. There is no doubting the fact that massive numbers of people should be admitted to internet rehab because of the site.

Most of my Facebook “friends” are people I couldn’t care less about! Why is it now necessary to look at pictures of someone I’ve seen in the hallway once? If you won’t talk to someone in person, chances are there’s no need to talk to them online. So why do people do it? Because it’s addicting.

People get a rush from being bold on Facebook though they’re shy in real life.

If they think someone looks cute, or nice, or even remotely interesting at all, they can comment on a picture of that person, poke them, or write on their wall. Now they could even give that person an exotic plant thanks to Facebook applications.

People are so used to using Facebook for everything that even birthday party invitations are registered as “events,” instead of sending cards to people in the mail. The more popular networking sites like Facebook get, the more impersonal the world becomes. This internet era is referred to as “The Facebook Revolution.”

However, it’s time for a counter-revolution: Students against Obsessive Facebook Usage.

The Republican Party’s Juneau

by Anne Wave It was only a year ago that the movie “Juno” came out. Now, the Republican Party has its own “Juneau” story playing. If I had written the current election story for a creative writing class, the paper probably would have been handed back with a message of, “Try again - this is too far-fetched.”

The irony of the religious, anti-sex education, book-banning, conservative mom with a pregnant and unmarried 17-year old daughter seems almost too unreal.

The recent selection of Sarah Palin as the vice presidential candidate is one of the biggest surprises of this election to date. But what is even more surprising is the reactions Republicans have had to her. Seeing how Republicans are putting Sarah Palin on a pedastal when she contradicts fundamental Republican values seems to not quite make sense.

Conservatives like to point fingers at liberals and say they lack family values. Palin describes herself as a conservative – but she is willing to go back to work just three days after giving birth, out her pregnant teenage daughter to the nation, and leave her three-month old special needs child at home while she is campaigning.

The combination of these facts and qualities she claims to have seems incongruous. The mother has a major role in the care and development of her child, and the fact that Palin is traveling around the country, making her campaign a priority instead of staying at home to care for her troubled family seems to contradict these values that she aligns herself with.

Palin is expecting to play a big part in leading the country into a very important four year transition – but how can she successfully take control of a nation if she can’t even instill the simple family value of abstinence on her daughter?

I would think some soul searching of a respectable amount of time might be in order for her to decide if this is the right time for her family to be uprooted from Alaska and put into the national spotlight.

It’s difficult not to have an opinion on the current events unfolding in our presidential election. I agree with Senator Obama in saying that children of the nominees are off limits – but the kids are the side shows here. The story is that Sarah Palin is not taking care of her family full time and has thrust her pregnant daughter’s personal life into the media. The kids aren’t the story; she is.

What is your favorite Facebook application?

The Facebook Revolution

“Pieces of Flair” -Owen Patt ‘11

“Music Player” -Jake Cozi ‘12

“Bumper Sticker” -Nick Keenan and Rafal Kres ‘10

“Dream Car” -Mike Kaczmarek ‘09

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SPORTS SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

Former Hawk making a name for himself organization, Schlitter started in the shortseason A program and only played for one On August 7, 2008, game. Shortly after, Schlitter was moved up the Chicago Cubs made a one-to-one trade to Low A in Lakewood, NJ where he finished sending left-handed pitcher Scott his first season. After his first Eyre to the Philadelphia Phillies season, Schlitter made the High for pitcher Brian Schlitter. This A squad and played with them trade did not make the headlines in Clearwater, Florida until he like the Ken Griffey Jr. trade, but was traded to the Cubs. After the trade was significant for the becoming a Cub, Schlitter has Park Ridge community. Schlitter been playing down in Daytona is a graduate of Maine South and Beach, Florida and hopes a former Hawks pitcher. Schlitter to work his way up through is currently in the Cubs single-A the Cubs organization and organization, but this former eventually make it to Wrigley.

Hawk has a lot of potential.

Growing up in Park Ridge, While at Maine South, Schlitter Schlitter was around Chicago had many accomplishments and the Cubs his whole life. and was the ace of the Hawks Schlitter states, “I’ve been a pitching staff. In his senior Cubs fan my whole life, I went season, Schlitter led the Hawks to as many games as I could to the summer state tournament growing up.

Since I started and a 25-9 record. According to college, I have not been back assistant varsity baseball coach to Wrigley, but I’m hoping to Jason Marsicano, “Brian was make a trip back there as a fan a tenacious competitor. He had or as a player.” the ability to dominate a game On August 7, when Schlitter with his velocity and control. He received the news of his move, would bear down and overpower he was very honored and happy some of the best hitters in our to be traded to his hometown Photo courtesy of jeffcrupper.com league.” Schlitter always had a Cubs.

Schlitter states, “It felt good time playing baseball, he was Brian Schlitter pitching for his team in Clearwater, Florida. pretty good to be traded for a always very relaxed and enjoyed major league player straight up. joking around with his teammates, I was surprised that I even got traded because but when he needed, he was always able to college for another year. it was past the deadline.”

After another year at Lake City CC, Schlitter focus on the task at hand.

Schlitter has had a very successful Schlitter has had a long and steady career decided to transfer to the College of Charleston and inspiring baseball career. He has a lot of after graduating from Maine South. After in South Carolina. After a year at the college potential and a bright future. Hopefully, we will graduation, Schlitter continued his baseball of Charleston, Schlitter was drafted in the one day be able to see a former Hawk on the career at Lake City Community College in Lake 16th round of the MLB draft and signed with mound at Wrigley.

City, FL. After his freshman year at Lake City, the Philadelphia Phillies. In the Phillies

By Patrick Mirski

Schlitter was drafted in the 33rd round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels. Despite being drafted, Brian decided to return back to

Southwords Needs Sports Writers.

If interested please contact Mr. Stathakis in Room C130.

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SPORTS SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 • VOL. 45, NO. 1

Hoff comes back home

by Matt Eller his volleyball-related personal life. He spoke never be satisfied just with what has been done Olympic gold medalist and Maine South about his more modest volleyball play as a already. alumnus Tom Hoff visited Maine South teenager, how he was never satisfied with his Maine South students did not hesitate to ask on Thursday, September 4th. Hoff was the performance, and encouraged the audience to the 6”8’ Olympic athlete plenty of questions captain for the men’s Olympic about his athletic ability. Among volleyball team. He gave a speech many interesting facts, the students in Maine South’s spectator gym were amazed to know that Hoff could to about six hundred students and jump well over the rim of a basketball staff members, according to Mr. hoop.

Thetard.

Hoff had great things to say about Hoff, an alumnus of Maine China. Not only did he bring back a South class of 1991, decided to gold medal, but he said it may have visit his former high school on one very well been his last Olympics. of his rare trips back to Park Ridge.

Hoff could not have ended his Hoff shared his most memorable Olympic career in a more tremendous experience at Maine South which fashion. was “Getting volleyball as a club Hoff’s appearance flooded the sport. It provided an outlet to my spectator gym with onlookers. After passion playing volleyball.” his presentation, he was rushed by Hoff proved this passion for the many students eager to get autographs game as he and his team defeated and to touch the gold medal. Tom was Brazil in a neck-and-neck final generous in taking many pictures and game. “I was thinking of playing signing a multitude of shirts, shoes, the game; not that it was 24-23,” and pieces of paper. Students, staff, Photo by Jackie Hazlett-Morris Hoff said. and coaches came for a once-in-aHe gave an inspiring speech Tom Hoff speaks to the Maine South students in the Spectator Gym. lifetime chance to see this superstar in which he recalled parts of alumnus of Maine South High School.

Cross country off to the races the 2008 cross country season.

During the season, the junior varsity girls run about 2.2 miles September 2 was the hottest at meets, varying slightly at day of 2008 so far, according to different locations. The varsity Tom Skilling. It was also the teams run about three miles. first meet for the Maine South This year, Coach Downing Girls’ Cross Country Hawks. and Coach O’ Halloran are Amid the intense heat, coaching the girls’ squad. the excitement and nerves Returning runners, Kristin were under control for the Zillmer and Colleen Gavin, teams. Their season officially who finished 1st and 2nd, started way back on August respectively, at the Maine West 13. Running around the north meet, are ready for an exciting fields, on the track, and through season. Coach O’Halloran is the forest was preparation for a “excited to help people improve successful season, starting with their personal best times.” the Maine West Invitational The season continues with meet on Tuesday, September meets almost every Tuesday 2. and Saturday for the next few The teams traveled to Maine Photo courtesy of Bess Featherstone weeks, including a home meet West and despite the hindering The girls, including returning runners Kristen Zillmer and on Wednesday, October 1. Come support the heat, Maine South runners came in first Colleen Gavin, run hard at practice.

Hawks as they fly together at cross country. in the girls’ Varsity race. And so began

by Kate Hurley

BOYS’ GOLF • GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL • GIRLS’ GOLF • GIRLS ’ SWIMMING • GIRLS’ TENNIS • FOOTBALL • CROSS COUNTRY • BOYS’ SOCCER

Volleyball sets up its season

By Gabby Whittinghill After making it all the way to super sectionals last year, the girls’ volleyball team is back and ready to live up to their new expectations.

Though they lost nine girls from last year’s team, there are six returning varsity members: seniors Colleen Wohl, Laura Buskirk, Claire Ristau, Johanna Norman, Brittany Wisniewski, and junior Amy Kutska.

The Girls’ volleyball team got off to a great start again this year by defeating the

Maine East Blue Demons in their first match at home. Though the second match of the new season was lost against Prospect, these girls are capable of doing well again this year.

Senior and returning varsity member Laura Buskirk states, “we are in for a difficult season, but we are going to be a good offensive team and we have a solid back row of Claire Ristau, Morgan Jaeger, and Johanna Norman.” Girls’ volleyball has a strong team this year and their goal is to beat their rivals, especially New Trier.

They have the potential and the skill to get as far as last year’s team, and they need to really come together and be a good winning team that they feel they can be. Wohl said, “Everyone incorporates something to the team. We have a lot of talent on our team and I believe we can go very far this season.” These girls are looking forward to a great season once again.

The Hawks still have a tough road ahead of them, but they are ready and willing to leave it all on the court.

Football tackles the competition a high contributor to this year’s season. Other key players include: Catino, senior captain

By Lesia Witkowsky and linebacker, Corby Ryan, senior linebacker With a 52-20 victory in their first game of and fullback, and Zach Timm, senior lineman. the season over Schaumburg last Friday, this The football team has many strengths this year’s football season is off to an excellent year, including “specialists on offence with start. Currently, the Maine South Boys’ varsity a lot of quality receivers,” Inserra said. The football team is rated the #2 football team team also has excellent speed on defense and in the area by both the Sun-Times and the strong special teams. However, their offensive Chicago Tribune, and is expected to do very line is fairly new this well this season. year. The Hawks lost Head Coach David a majority of their Inserra is very proud of offensive players from this season’s start. In last year. their first game, senior With their solid quarterback Charlie Goro lineup, one can expect threw two touchdowns great things out of this passes. Having been a year’s season. varsity member for three A big upcoming years, he is now captain game to watch out for along side fellow team will be the home game members Nick Catino v e r s u s Glenbrook (senior) and Joe Orlando North.

Another key (senior). Last year, Goro game will be the one threw at total of 2,700 against Glenbrook yards and 26 touchdown South, along with the passes. He also rushed for homecoming game 600 yards. versus Waukegan.

Matt Perez, a junior The Hawks have running back, also always maintained shined in the defeat of Photo by Courtney Vinopal a t r a d ition of Schaumburg, with two The Hawks working on some of their plays during practice. e x c e l l e nce, and rushing touchdowns. New this year will be no to the varsity level, Perez is expected to do very different. well this season. The defense is also very strong this year, having had an impressive first showing with twelve tackles behind the line.

The score was 52-6 before the Hawks decided to heavily substitute. Orlando is primarily a wide receiver, but according to Inserra, he “does everything.” Last year Orlando had a total of 45 receptions, 10 touchdowns and averaged 18 yards a catch and is expected to once again be