Vol 46 issue 6

1111 S. DEE ROAD • PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS 60068

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St ide s in

February 19, 2010

VOL. 46, NO. 6

Hawk(ette)

PHOTO COURTESY EMILY LYNCH

YEAH!

Varsity Hawkettes perform their high kick routine at Disney World in Florida.

Hawkettes placed third in the nation at the UDA Championship.

IL Primaries On the Blue Line Results for spots are no surprise Page 4

G Grand stop boasts world’s ggreatest gravy Page 7

‘Selkie’

Cheerleading

Maine South’s winter play opens Feb. 18 Page 8

G Girls finish thirteenth iin the state Page 14

VOL. 46, NO. 6

2) France was voted the best place in the world to live for the fifth year in a row by International Living magazine, a data analyzer and publisher of its annual Quality of Life Index for 30 years.

NEWS

1) Record-breaking blizzard conditions hammered the northeast last week, leaving 55 inches of snow and over 1,000 flights canceled. The storm began on Feb. 6, and continued until Feb. 10.

3) Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, issued a mass recall of over 4.2 million cars worldwide.

The recall came amid claims of sticking pedals, involuntary acceleration, and faulty brakes. It is expected to cost Toyota over $2 billion.

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Washington, D.C.

Paris

Baghdad 3

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Toyota City

GRAPHIC BY MATTHEW ELLER

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Mexico City 4

4) Heavy floods and mudslides left over 41 people dead in small cities surrounding Mexico City on Feb. 2.

5) Over 167 people were reported dead due to a series of avalanches that stuck a mountain pass in the Afghan hills on Feb. 11.

6) A judge has ruled that the famous flute riff in Men at Work’s Australian rock anthem “Down Under” plagiarized a popular nursery rhyme about a Kookaburra written in 1932.

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Sydney

Final cuts for District 207 approved by Board decision was made after a meeting in the Maine South auditorium where NEWS EDITOR the board heard pleas from students, n Feb. 1, district 207’s board of parents, and concerned community education unanimously voted to members against the proposed cuts. eliminate 137 positions throughout Emma Visee, President of the MTA, the district. The approved resolution also spoke at the meeting, calling also requested the Maine Teachers the board’s proposal, “a plan like a Association to open the current ransom note.” Visee also explained the teachers’ contract to help save as MTA’s request, saying, “We ask [the board] to use the [reserves] as they were intendedto get us out of rough times, like we are in now.”

Prior to the meeting, the board announced t hat t he y had District 207 board members and administrators listen to community members on Feb.1 in reconsidered the Maine South Auditorium. The board voted to proceed with staff cuts, unless the MTA their position on reopens the current contract.

Jackie Hazlett-Morris

PHOTO BY JACKIE HAZLETT-MORRIS

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many as 45 teaching jobs that would otherwise be cut. The plan involves a modification of salary schedules and relinquishing of a cost-of-living increase for 2010-2011.

If the MTA chooses to approve the board’s proposal, the board of education will approve an additional $2 million from the District’s Education Fund reser ves. The

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the Maine West fencing team, and had decided it would remain a varsity sport. The board also announced that they would suspend the plans to combine the boys’ gymnastics teams.

At t he meeting, Asst.

Superintendent of Instruction Barbara Dill-Vargas gave a PowerPoint presentation focused on the projected funds for the district. The district’s cost reduction plan involves a $13.5 million reduction in spending and a plan to increase non-tax revenue by about $1.5 million during fiscal year 2010-2011.

The eliminated positions will reduce costs by nearly $7.5 million.

This is in addition to the $1.1 million cost reduction due to the elimination of seven administrative positions announced in December.

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Erica Bosco STAFF WRITER

ue to the recent thefts around the school, Maine South put together the Lock-It-Up campaign.

Lock-It-Up encourages students to keep their cell phones, iPods, wallets, and other valuables safe.

The hope is that once students learn how easy it is to have something stolen, they will be extra careful and use common sense to keep their possessions safely locked up in their lockers.

Officer Luehr decided that the thefts were getting out of hand. “I felt like I had to do something,” says Luehr.

A contest was held to design a poster to promote Lock-It-Up, and to raise awareness for taking precautions against theft. Junior Dylan Wallace won the design contest.

The posters will be hung around the school to promote Lock-It-Up,

an easy access to your property.”

“I hope the posters will create awareness and minimize the opportunity for theft,” said Officer Luehr.

“I feel that the posters will be s u c c e s s f u l ,” s a y s Wallace. “It takes more than a poster to stop theft, though. It takes a student body willing to do the right thing.

Fellow students, if you see an open locker, do the right thing: close it and secure it.

And if you’re thinking about stealing a fellow student’s property, I want you to think The new Lock-It-Up poster is designed by Dylan about how you would Wallace. The poster will be around the school to feel if your property promote the new Lock-It-Up program. was stolen.”

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especially in and near the cafeteria and locker rooms where the majority of the thefts occur.

Both Wallace and Officer Luehr believe the posters will be effective in reminding students to lock up their things. Students should keep their lockers locked. iPods, cell phones, wallets, and other items of value should not be out in the open. Taking these precautions will greatly reduce thefts.

“98% of the thefts occur because people leave their stuff unsecured,” explained Officer Luher.

“I hope it will encourage students to not only keep a better eye on their property, but also to make sure that when they use their lockers to make sure their lockers are completely, secure,” says Wallace. “Maine South lockers are notorious for not actually locking when you close them. People sometimes forget to spin the dial a little after they close it; otherwise, it won’t lock all the way, making for

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF DYLAN WALLACE

Lock-It-Up encourages students to keep items safe

Illinois on the fast track to high-speed travel Hope Tone

STAFF WRITER

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ollowing his first State of the Union address, President Obama announced a trip through the country to pursue his intention of building a high-speed train system. Chicago would be the Midwestern hub, connecting major cities like St. Louis and Detroit. Florida and California also received specific attention from President Obama on this matter. He also said that the federal government would be subsidizing the cost of construction.

President Obama proposed using $8 billion of the $864 billion February stimulus plan to subsidize the cost of the trains. In order to build the railway from Chicago to St. Louis, the federal government is promising $1.1 billion. Originally, Illinois requested $4.3 billion to build the new railways, but the requests from states totaled more then six times the amount President Obama devoted from the stimulus plan. Twenty-two states will receive Federal grants for these projects.

California is one of the only states to already have a pre-existing high speed rail system. They will receive $2.3 billion towards the construction of new tracks as well as for the improvement to those that already exist. In 2008, the citizens of California

voted to begin building a high-speed rail service. Current construction was scheduled to be finished in 2011, but citizens of California hope that more federal money put towards the project will expedite the process.

When completed, passengers will be able to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles in as little as two-and-ahalf hours, compared to the current five-hour train ride.

President Obama hopes that by creating this new railway system we can finally push the unemployment rate well under 10 percent.

High-speed trains originated in Japan. The travel industr y experienced a boom after WWII. Passenger travel between Tokyo and Osaka became overcrowded.

So to try and reverse it, private businesses began to research a faster option. In 1959, the first high-speed rail opened, traveling from To k y o t o Osaka at 210 kilometers per hour (about 130 miles per hour). After this, high-speed train conventions popped up all over the world, mainly in Europe. France, Spain, Austria, and Germany are just a few of the major western European nations to utilize high-speed trains.

In Europe, high-speed trains are already widely-used forms of transportation. Typically, these trains provide a more efficient way to reach the desired destination than a normal train, (while still being less expensive then air travel). Also, the high-speed trains tend to lend more comfort to the passenger. They offer a larger leg space and food trolleys.

With over 6,000 miles of track, China has one of the largest and fastest high-speed rail systems in the world.

China’s fastest train runs at an average speed of 300 kilometers per hour (187 miles per hour).

Europe. High-speed trains in Europe revolutionized travel. The fastest train runs at around 270 kilometers per hour, or 168 miles per hour. The TGV can take you from Paris to Lyon in just three hours, instead of the ninehour drive.

Illinois will benefit from the construction, not only in the short term but in the future as well. Governor Pat Quinn said that the construction and improvement of the tracks would create 6,000 jobs in the state of Illinois.

Currently on Amtrak trains, getting

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from Chicago to St. Louis takes around five and a half hours. But, the highspeed trains would cut this down to just more then three.

Building these tracks represents an already shifting population. A few years ago, most would have probably chosen taking a plane over taking a train but it seems that that’s not the case anymore. From 2006 to 2009 the number of Amtrak passengers has gone up 63%. With long security lines, high fees for checked baggage, and expensive tickets, air travel for domestic passengers may be a thing of the past.

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The Chinese government has promoted the rapid expansion of these railroads because they wish to not only link the far ends of the country, but also to encourage development and rapid industrialization. The plans are also expected to have more completed for the 2010 World’s Fair in Shanghai.

France boasts the TGV, which has the most miles of track in all of

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FEBRUARY 19, 2010

VOL. 46, NO. 6

Illinois primaries carry no surprising results Austin Bryniarski

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAINJUSTICE.COM

local suit company in Des Plaines, claiming that he refused corporate n Feb. 2, Illinois citizens voted political action fund (PAC) money in the primaries for numerous and money from federal lobbyists. governmental positions. Among the At the young age of 33, he has most attention-grabbing of the races been painted by his opponents as were the senatorial and gubernatorial inexperienced and not ready to races. assume higher office. Controversy I n t h e S e n a t e r a c e , S t a t e also came from Giannoulias’ familyTreasurer Alexi Giannoulias and run Broadway Bank, which had US Congressman Mark Kirk were been accused of its association with picked for the Democratic and characters of Chicago corruption, Republican tickets, respectively. In mainly Tony Rezko. However, the gubernatorial race, Pat Quinn there was no evidence found that emerged as the Democratic contender he had personally made loans or while there are still questions covered any checks of Rezko. In a surrounding the Republican general recent political ad by the National election candidate. The Senate seat Senate Republican Committee, Democratic candidate for Senate in question is currently being held he was likened to Tony Soprano. Alexi Giannoulias

by Roland Burris, who was appointed During the campaign, Giannoulias by then-Governor Rod Blagojevich received the endorsements of US were responsible for the closeness amidst a scandal involving the selling Representatives like Congresswoman of the race between the democratic of the seat to the highest bidder.

Jan Schakowsky and multiple special contenders, leading to a 50.4 to 49.6 The voter turnout was especially interests groups including labor percent final result. low for this primary, estimated under unions, Planned Parenthood, and the Pat Quinn assumed office after 25 percent. It was expected this Sierra Club.

Blagojevich was indicted in January number would have been higher in Republican Mark Kirk gave his of last year, and plans to continue his acceptance speech after policies as governor during his next winning with a commanding term if he wins.

Another race of interest was that lead – one that he held in polling for a long time. Basing of the lieutenant governor, in which his campaign on “experience, Scott Lee Cohen won the democratic integrity, and reform,” Kirk ticket. However, he decided to not was the favorite candidate run in the general election on Feb. 7 among his party. Kirk’s due to allegations of domestic abuse strengths are seen with his by his girlfriend, who was arrested for notable amount of experience prostitution charges. He dropped out in the military and his number of the race on Feb. 7. The republican of years on Capitol Hill as the side of the governor’s race was even 10 th District Congressman closer than the democratic.

The vote between State Senators from Illinois. However, he has been criticized of being Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard was too liberal on issues such as almost too close to call, both at around 155,000 votes. After tenuous gun rights.

Republican candidate for Senate Mark Kirk In a new ad by progressive counting, the final tally was in Brady’s group VoteVets, his views favor. response to things like the healthcare were questioned; going against debate, fiscal goings-on with the climate legislation and national deficit and the recession, and domestic energy policiespolitical party conflict. contradictory to his voting In sophomore Allie Sakowicz’s history. February polls by opinion, “so many people disagree Rasmussen Reports show with the decisions of current legislators Kirk having a 46 percent in regards to the economy…it’s lead over Giannoulias’ 40 disheartening to see that very few of percent. them seem to care enough to vote for The campaigning of these candidates for the upcoming term.” candidates throughout the Alexi Giannoulias announced his state will determine whether candidacy for the US Senate in the a republican win of the seat summer of 2009. Having consistent will occur this November. polling numbers throughout his In the gubernatorial race, campaign against Cheryle Jackson Democratic Governor Pat and David Hoffman, he got about 40% Quinn had a slim win over of the vote. Giannoulias’ campaign state comptroller Dan Hynes. highlighted his saving of jobs at a Some say that negative ads Democratic Governor Pat Quinn

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GOVERNORPATQUINN.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGOIST.COM

NEWS

STAFF WRITER

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SOUTHWORDS

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to room LRC 1 or given to a member of the editorial staff or e-mailed to southwords@maine207.org.

SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief Caileen Bazarek Anne Wave News Editors Jackie Hazlett-Morris Ashley Kozubal Features Editors Asha Kirchhoff Joanna Madej Entertainment Editors Tayler LaBellarte Lydia Ramsey Commentary Editors Katie Hernandez Kaci Zimmerman Sports Editors Jimmy Loomos Michael Unti Charlie Vinopal Production Heads Matt Eller Ted Sherbin Graphic Designers Adrian Adamiec Marjo Pajaj Photographers Chris Anderson Josie Fioretto Miranda Kahrilas Abby Powell Adviser Mr. Stathakis

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Celebration 2010 in need of help Joanna Madej FEATURES EDITOR

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVEL.WEBSHOTS.COM

Features

retty dresses, crisp tuxes, flowers, tons of pictures, and a few bittersweet tears sprinkled in. Most would agree that senior prom is the culmination of high school and a night never to be forgotten.

Mai n e S out h s e n i ors h ave traditionally celebrated their prom at a hotel chosen by their Senior Class Council, and for more than ten years, many of them have then attended an event known as “Celebration.” This year, senior prom will be held on June 4 at the Westin Hotel.

Celebration is a substance-free post-prom event that gives seniors a great alternative to attending other post-prom activities, many of which may potentially include alcohol or drugs. More importantly, though, it is a fun night out with friends that really adds to the prom experience.

With the actual prom ending at 11 p. m., Celebration continues into the early hours of the morning.

The program changes every year as the Celebration Committee gets feedback from the past year’s class and picks its new venues accordingly.

Two years ago, Celebration took place at the Aragon Ballroom and featured a hypnotist and a performance

by Comedy Sportz. Last year’s Celebration included a trip to ESPN Zone. Both years culminated with the traditional Odyssey Cruise launched from Navy Pier.

The Committee also asks current seniors for input. Students can voice their ideas at the monthly Celebration meetings, which all seniors are welcome to attend. They can also post their ideas via Celebration’s Facebook group.

This year, the post-prom event will include two venues. The first one will take place at Houlihan’s, right here in Park Ridge. A “Prom Mystery” is included in the program, food will be served, and there will be a live band playing. The second venue is the famous cruise on a boat at Lake Michigan. The “Mystic Sunrise Cruise” will take students through the rest of the night and into the morning and will include a DJ as well as a breakfast in the morning.

These plans make for a perfect prom night, and that’s exactly what it will be—that is, if the student body helps to make it actually happen.

Celebration simply has not raised the funds that it has expected to raise by now. The total cost of the event is $36,000, which is the cost after what the students pay for tickets has been deducted. The end of February is close approaching and only $6,000 has been raised.

“If we don’t get the funds, there are many negative things that can happen. The ticket prices would go up this year, or we would have to get rid of the boat, or maybe even end Celebration altogether,” said Celebration Committee member Debbie Costanza.

Therefore, it is up to the students, and esp ecially the s eniors, if Celebration is to occur this year. There are multiple ways to help fundraise, so don’t be shy.

One of the biggest Celebration fundraisers is the Phone-a-Thon, which is just around the corner.

Celebration needs volunteers to make fundraising calls to multiple businesses on March 9 and 10. The job is fairly easy; all one needs to do is read a script and fill out forms.

The event will take place at Coldwell Banker in Park Ridge. For those who need extra incentives, food will be served and the time committed will count as community service hours.

Celebration is looking for anyone willing to volunteer; high school students of any grade level, parents, grandparents, siblings, or friends.

However, seniors should really take this upon themselves as it is their prom night. There are 40 phones available, so 40 volunteers are needed on each of the two days. The Phonea-Thon runs from 3:30-9:00 p.m. on each of the two days, and while volunteers are encouraged to sign up for two-hour slots, the more time one can contribute the better.

To sign up, e-mail Mrs. Arzola at mscelebration2010@gmail.com.

Celebration also raises funds through various raffles, such as the “Pizza Party for 10 with Mr. Claypool” raffle that happened earlier this month. Look around the school for these raffle posters and certainly don’t just walk by the raffle tables in front of the Cafeteria. Keep your eyes open as many school raffles pertain to Celebration and directly support it.

Another way to help the event raise some money is to volunteer to help out with the Market Day. Ten volunteers are needed after school on

The Odyssey Cruise has become a beloved part of the Celebration postprom event. Insufficient funds may lead to it’s removal from the program.

March 18 and April 20. All proceeds benefit Celebration. To sign up, contact Mrs. Arzola.

The Fashion Show will also be another time to help out. During the intermission, Celebration will be holding an auction on which anyone can bid. Some of the things to be auctioned are two parking spots, a reserved table for 10-12 people at prom, four reserved seats at graduation, as well as some gift baskets. The parking spots can go to a student in any grade level, not only the seniors. This is a rare opportunity for underclassmen to get a parking space, so bidding is definitely worth it. The Fashion Show is another one of the bigger ‘Celebration’ fundraisers so come and help out. The event will be held at the Maine West Auditorium on May 5.

For those who are busy, there are also fundraisers that don’t require extra time. One can go eat at specific restaurants on certain days, and the restaurant will contribute a percentage of the profits to Celebration.

Eat at Chili’s on any Thursday up through March 25 and 10% of the profits will benefit Celebration.

However, make sure to download the form first. Simply go to the Maine South website, click on Parents, and then click on Celebration Post Prom Event. This is also where all the other information on Celebration is available.

One can also help out by buying the Carson’s book for $5 and then using it on Carson’s Day, which is February 27.

Or, one can participate in the Online

Magazine Fundraising Campaign and subscribe to magazines, which not only benefits Celebration, but also saves the subscriber 85 percent on the magazines. And, of course, don’t forget to order a Celebration T-Shirt once they become available.

The fundraising opportunities are so numerous that everyone should find a way to contribute. Celebration is not asking the student body for money, but rather for time. What many don’t realize is that without the fundraising, one ticket would cost $125. With the funds collected last year, the students paid only $40 per ticket, an amount that could double this year with the way fundraising is going.

“With the money we’ve raised, we can’t even afford one venue,” said Celebration Committee Chair Melissa Arzola. “If we don’t get the money we need, we might have to end Celebration. And once it is ended this year, it certainly won’t be started up again next year.” While the lack of fundraising may be immediately impacting current seniors, it will have repercussions for future senior classes.

“I think students should get more involved and help with paying it,” said senior Nicole Knuth.

If the current senior class and underclassmen wish to see a MS tradition continued, fundraising for Celebration needs to drastically increase. Volunteering a few hours is a small price to pay for creating the picture-perfect post-prom celebration.

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FEBRUARY 19, 2010

VOL. 46, NO. 6

After School Matters a vital part of CPS Kristina Wareham STAFF WRITER

M FEATURES

aine South is fortunate to have many extracurricular programs in sports, music, and education.

Not all Chicago schools are able to provide this opportunity for their students. This need inspired Mrs. Daley, the wife of Mayor Daley, to create a program called “After School Matters” in 1991. This program is non-profit and focuses on providing educational and career opportunities for public and private school students in Chicago. It specializes in areas of business, technology, science, arts, sports, and more.

The program began as a summer event in which students were able to apprentice under professionals in the arts and specific careers. While the program first aimed to get students off the streets when not in school, teaching the students skills for success also became a primary aim. Its initial

success has caused exponential growth.

When first created, After School Matters involved only 260 teens.

Now there are 25,000 different opportunities, 715 programs, and 57 campus sites. The primary focus of this program is to help teens realize they have a future, as well as to instill lifelong values.

Each area of the program gives different benefits to the students. The students involved in the art program get to have their work featured in art shows and sold, whereas the teens involved in the sports focus on leadership. Once these teens have shown a certain degree of maturity and focus they are able to help coach younger kids and become role models for the younger children.

Other aspects on the program focus on business, where students can eventually apprentice to a professional and get a job.

A wonderful example of the

activities going on in ASM was the chocolate culinary event. All proceeds helped Chicago students receive scholarships to culinary schools. The culinary students made many creative desserts for the event including chocolate hats, dresses, and jewelry.

Students said that the program taught them not only culinary skills, but life skills as well.

Another opportunity given to these teens is the ASM’s art program.

One student was chosen to design a part of the Chicago Mural (located at North Ashland Avenue and West Armitage Avenue). These walls show various scenes involving Chicago life and current events. The mural is a tangible example of how a student can accomplish large tasks and make a lasting contribution to the community with a little help. The program has opened doors to activities that many Chicago students never have thought possible.

One of Mrs. Daley’s goals when

starting the program was to keep kids out of gangs and to enrich their futures. Statistics show that teens involved are nearly two and a half times more likely to graduate high school than those who are not involved in it.

The varied activities and success of After School Matters has gathered attention and praise. After School Matters has a Twitter under the name “AftrSchoolMttrs” to inform people of what the students are doing.

The program has also been called “a national model” by the website Catalyst Chicago, which specifically focuses on school reform.

The amount of involvement and the enthusiasm that the Chicago Public Schools’ teens display in the program is yet another testament to its success. The numerous skills that the students learn while participants in After School Matters have made the program an essential part of many students’ lives.

Student Council warms the community Kathy Wabiszczewicz STAFF WRITER

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ver yone associates Student Council with organizing Homecoming, V-show, food drives, blood drives, among other activities.

This year, the group decided to try something different, to try to do something special for those outside the Maine South school community.

The members came together and created blankets for the children’s center at Lutheran General.

It all began at a regular Monday meeting of the Upper House, including the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, and the sponsors, Mrs. Muir-Wilson and Mrs. Andrews.

Student Council Treasurer Julia Kashul suggested doing “something fun and giving for others so that Student Council would make more of an impact on the community”.

Kashul proceeded to contact Lutheran General to see if they were interested in something like this, and they became very excited.

Student Council began work on the blankets in November and finished right after the holidays. They created approximately 13 fleece tie blankets of varying colors and styles to give the children more to chose

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PHOTO COURTESY MRS. MUIR-WILSON

from. Originally, the blankets were intended to be Christmas presents to the children in the hospital, but the late start of the project caused it take longer. The blankets were delivered to the children on February 2 nd by President Teddy Sherbin and Treasurer Julia Kashul. This experience was definitely memorable for all those involved.

“The best part of this contribution to the children was that it felt so good knowing that what we were doing was going to make a child happy, feel special, warm and cozy and loved,” said Kashul.

“Knowing that the children were going to benefit from this was enough to give everybody in the council a warm feeling,” Sherbin acknowledged.

Although this was the first year the blankets were made, Student Council hopes to make it an annual tradition.

“Children’s hospitals and hospitals in general are always in need of materials for their patients. It’s a wonderful experience and when all is said and done, everyone is happy,” remarked Sherbin.

Even though it was not an option for the Student Council to create the blankets with the children, they

Student Council members work on the fleece blankets. These blankets were delivered in early February to Lutheran General Hospital. wish to make that a possibility for departments in hope that maybe more teachers will get actively involved,” next year. said Molly Amelse, one of the Student Council members involved Student Council Food Drive Ever y year Student Council in organizing the food drive.

Nonperishable food items will be sponsors a food drive to help stock the Park Ridge Food Pantry. This collected in each department office year Maine South will be “Fighting and then brought to the library later.

Hunger One Step at a Time.” The Students will also be able to bring drive begins February 17th and runs their items directly to the boxes in until March 5th. the library.

However, there will be one major The department that raises the difference. Rather than collecting most food will be allowed to make food items by classes, they will be a monetary donation to a charity gathered by department. of their choice through the Student “This year we are collecting cans by Council’s funds.

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Transgenders redefining the gender roles Anna Rangos GUEST WRITER

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Jimmy Loomos

SPORTS EDITOR

If looking for the perfect place to enjoy a day off of school or a nice spring weekend, try the Grand Avenue stop of the Blue Line.

Even if it’s not early in the morning, the Breakfast Club (1381 W. Hubbard Street) offers delicious food at affordable prices – even on a high school budget. Their biscuits and gravy is a must. It is so rich it is practically pure butter with sausage bits inside. It is a must have at the restaurant. Just don’t tell the doctor because it can’t possibly be good for the heart.

While at the Breakfast Club, be sure to check out their stuffed French toast as well. According to the menu, it was voted the best French toast in

disown their kids.” change himself physically. He plans Next came Dylan’s friends and on taking testosterone hormones in peers, who he feared might be even the near future. It is customary that harder to come out to than his family. transgender people under 18 must “I braced myself for the worst.” Dylan wait a year before taking any drugs or said. However, all of them were very undergoing any surgeries. However, accepting. “They just wanted me to he and his therapist are trying to get be me, and they didn’t really care that date moved up. As for surgeries, what gender I was, they wanted me Dylan doesn’t currently plan on to be happy,” said Dylan regarding having any. his friend’s emotions towards him Currently, transgender people coming out. face prejudice f rom b ot h t he Dylan began to feel bad about straight community and the gay making his friends keep his secret. community. According to the 2003 He decided that he was going to come National School Climate survey, out to his peers, and in a very unusual 55 percent of transgender youth way: a mass Facebook message. Dylan reported being physically attacked, took great time, effort, and caution in 74 percent reported being sexually writing his message, and his friends assaulted at school, and 90 percent felt were right by his side. The support he unsafe at school. Often times, many received was overwhelming. “I don’t transgender youth feel alienated from think I have ever gotten that many their peers.

Facebook updates in my life,” Dylan “It kinda sucks; it’s like you’re said with a laugh. too gay for the straight community, Dylan still has a few issues at and your too straight for the gay school. He originally wanted to community,” Dylan said about how transfer schools. Dylan was afraid that transgenders are accepted. “There is he would attract negative attention, progress being made, but there is still making school a hostile place. a lot of work to be done.”

Fortunately, most people at his school Dylan seems unsure about how have accepted him, despite a little people will accept him in the future, confusion. “People will sometimes be but his biggest fear is relationships. like ‘he, she, he,’ and my friends will Relationships can be extremely correct them.” Dylan plans to start his difficult for transgenders, especially transition by next semester. in younger years. “It’s hard because I Dylan is still not sure on how don’t know who will like me,” Dylan f ar h e pl ans to said. so be ready to dine and dash at this Mexican gem of the city.

If you are looking for a party, then schedule a trip to the Grand stop on May 5 for the Cinco de Mayo Festival (600 E. Grand Avenue). This event features mariachi bands, dancers, and musicians who celebrate Mexican culture. And guess what? ¡No cuesta nada! (It’s free).

H o w e v e r, i f A room at the Mars Gallery (1139 W. Fulton Market), one is planning a which features contemporary art. visit before then a little less fancy is on the agenda there is still plenty to do. There are then stop by the City Pool Hall (640 countless art galleries such as the W. Hubbard Street) for the chance to Fifty50 Gallery (1017 Lake Street) play pool, darts, eat delicious food, or and the Mars Gallery (1139 W. Fulton enjoy the free Wi-Fi. Market), both of which show the Bring friends and an appetite works of skilled artists. If something because this place is sure to please.

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Features

magine going through life never feeling comfortable with yourself.

Imagine wondering if you were really meant to be the opposite gender.

This is a feeling that’s all too familiar for suburban high school student Kaci, who now goes by Dylan.

There is no hard data for how many transgender people live in the U.S. today, but the American Psychological Association estimates that one in every 10,000 people identify themselves as transgender.

Eve n t h ou g h t h e nu mb e rs don’t seem high, the feelings and transformations people go through are significant. Many transgenders go through a time period of intense questioning of their gender, sometimes leading to emotional distress and isolation.

The life of a transgender person is much more complex than one could imagine. Currently, Dylan identifies himself as a transsexual male, or as “gender fluid.” Gender fluid is when gender is in between male and female, and this can be influenced by your mood or environment.

Dylan came out as a lesbian in middle school. As time progressed, she became more uncomfortable in her skin. During her freshman year, she began to question her gender

identity. At the time, she had few words to describe how she was feeling.

One night, Dylan went to a party and met a transsexual man named Mark, who was transitioning to become a woman. As time went on, Dylan realized that she had a lot more in common with Mark than she thought, inspiring her to show her true colors.

Eventfully, Dylan recognized that she felt more comfortable physically and mentally as a male.

During his stage of questioning, Dylan felt many differing emotions.

“I felt a lot of envy towards my male friends, and I was very self conscious.

I was confused on where I stood.”

Many transgender people have the same feelings of self-consciousness and isolation. According to the Journal of Homosexuality, 33.2 percent of transgender people have tried to commit suicide.

Next came one of the hardest parts in any transgender person’s life: coming out. Dylan sat with his father and had one of the most serious conversations that he had ever had with him. His father, while taken aback, was very supportive.

However, he advised Dylan to keep his feelings a secret from his mother.

Dylan still has not come out to his mother but is fairly certain that she will be supportive. “I’m very lucky to have the support I have from my family. I mean some parents would Chicago, so why not try this delightful feast?

Can’t get enough of the sweets?

Then stop by Blommer Chocolate Factory (600 W. Kinzie Street).

Opened in 1939 by the Blommer brothers, this factory is the perfect place to stop with friends to fill up on some chocolaty treasures and sniff the fresh aroma of chocolate goodies.

If you feel like escaping to savory foods and escaping the brisk Chicago weather, then stop by Burrito Beach (200 E. Ohio Street) or Chavas Tacos (2351 West Grand Avenue).

Like each name indicates, both fast food Mexican restaurants have their delicious specialty.

Burrito Beach offers traditional wraps, but even has vegetarian options and smoothies. It’s the perfect place to kick back with some friends or visit while on a budget. It’s equally inexpensive counterpart, Chavas Tacos, is very authentic. Spanish teachers will be proud because the menu is mainly in Spanish. While their tacos are great, seating is limited

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FEBRUARY 19, 2010

VOL. 46, NO. 6

‘Mass Effect 2’ great for fans of the first one Teddy Sherbin PRODUCTION HEAD

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ENTERTAINMENT

ioWare released the sequel to their 2007 hit “Mass Effect” this January with “Mass Effect 2.” The game continues to follow the story of Commander Shepard, a member of an elite, galactic military group.

Shepard can be either male or female, depending on the player’s decision.

Shepard joins forces with the rebellious, human-survivalist group, Cerberus, where he or she continues to unlock the secrets of the Reapers, an ancient race of intelligent machines that threaten complete extermination of biological life in the galaxy.

In this game, Shepard recruits a team of the strongest and smartest warriors in the galaxy. The cast is composed of well-developed and intriguing characters. Each character has a personality that the player can offend, complement, or even fall in love with. The flaw in the cast is that the large ten member crew makes it difficult to get to know each character separately, a trait that was lauded in the first game. An even bigger flaw is that in BioWare’s effort to create an interesting cast, the writers had trouble giving the player the same freedom that he or she had in “Mass Effect.”

One of the greatest attractions about the first game was that the player guided every aspect of the game. Every time Shepard spoke, the player decided what he or she would say. Every good or bad action was made at the player’s discretion.“Mass Effect 2” sacrificed versatility for very little gain. While a player could follow whatever path he/she chooses, Shepard commonly took over conversations, guiding the story in a more linear direction and making the story feel more pre-designed. When I wanted Shepard to be more like a saint, he tended to take a more neutral approach. When I wanted him to tell someone off, he ended up punching them in the face.

One interesting aspect of this game is that if players have a “Mass Effect” game saved in their Xbox, they can load this game in “Mass Effect 2,” meaning that a little action in the first game influences the story in the second game. For example, if a character died in the first game, he or she will not be present in the second game. The story of the game plays more as a bridge between the first game and the long anticipated finale, “Mass Effect 3.”

In addition to the poor representation of BioWare’s inventive conversa-

tion structure, most situations tended to be resolved without much thought.

There was only one time in the game that I actually had to consider the consequences of the choice I would make.

The greatest thing about the first game was that with the freedom of control came the responsibility of knowing that every decision would have far reaching results. Many choices would bring up an ethical question that would tap a player’s deepest moral beliefs. “Mass Effect 2” asks for little moral questioning.

There is usually one path to take, meaning that there is no choice. If there is a choice to make, it is almost always obvious as to the path you want to bring your character down.

This simplified version of the game’s most exciting feature, in addition to the lack of flexibility of the story, immensely decreases the replay value of the game.

Actually, in spite of the story and character flaws, the game has managed to improve upon the first game in many other ways. Side missions, despite the few that feel pointless, are beautiful, scenic, and, most importantly, lack the Mako tank that ruined the side missions in the first game.

Each side quest is its own story. The

worlds are different than the simple mountainous terrains of the first game. Now, there are beautiful forests and exciting space stations, just to name a few of the cool locations that the player can visit.

To aid the beautiful missions, the battle system was over hauled.

Several new weapons were introduced, including the devastating new heavy weapons. Instead of the weapons overheating, the game introduces “heat clips,” which is just a fancy phrase meaning that now the player has limited ammo. The special powers are much more limited, but also much more accessible.

Overall, the game is well done, but it does have some flaws. The good news is that “Mass Effect 2” promises a phenomenal sequel to the series.

The bad news is that BioWare is rushing to get this finale out. Presently, “Mass Effect 3” is set for a January 2011 release. The team is planning on using the same graphics and same team as “Mass Effect 2.” Hopefully, BioWare will touch up the systems.

Furthermore, I hope that they figure out how to make the story just as versatile and enjoyable as the first one.

Definitely buy this game if you plan on playing the entire series. It will be well worth it.

‘Selkie’ a great show of Maine South talent STAFF WRITER

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ou may have heard of the ancient myth of the Loch Ness Monster.

This myth has seemed to be one of the most popular Scottish myths, as it has been referenced in movies and books all over the world. However, the story of the Loch Ness Monster is not the only ancient myth that the Scottish have. Another common tale in Scotland is the myth of the Selkies.

The Selkies are female seals who, every Midsummer’s Eve, would swim to shore and shed their pelts. As they reached shore, they would turn into human women and start dancing for anyone who watched. Our own theater department is now relaying the story of the Selkies in the play “Selkie”

by Lauri Brooks.

The story is told in the view of a young girl named Elin Jean, played by freshmen Giuliana Bartucci. Elin Jean’s mother, Margaret, was a Selkie.

Katie Patterson plays Margaret, who,

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one Midsummer’s Eve, attracted the attention of a human male. This man ended up stealing Margaret’s pelt so that she can not turn back into a Selkie but stays human and bear the child with the man who stole her pelt. The man’s name is Duncan, and is played

by Chuck Shultz.

The weird thing about Elin Jean being half Selkie and half human is that she has webbed fingers, a symbol for her strong longing for the sea. This play focuses on Elin Jean’s struggle to belong somewhere. She has trouble fitting in at home and with her classmates. She did find solace, though with her difficult friend, Tam McCodron played by Danny Giovanni.

But when she has her adventure in the sea with an mother’s sisters, The Red and The Black, played by Rachel Lapp and Annie Hoeg, she is still lacking the sense of belonging.

The cast for this play has been working for a few months now to portray this old myth on stage (and to perfect their Scottish accents). The play

has a very small cast, including only 18 actors.

However, “S e l k i e” has been one of the most student-r un plays in a long time.

A l o n g Selkies Annie Hoeg and Tamara Bodnar strike a pose during side direc- their costume parade. The stage will be set and ready by tor Ms. Mc- show time.

Cleneghan, the show is produced all the erotic dancing of the Selkies

by Maine South’s finest students. too. The cast and crew are living up Sophomore Claire Floriano is work- to the high expectations that have ing with Ms. McCleneghan as the been placed on them, to make this student director. Also, senior Eric performance great!

“Selkie” opened last night, on FeHollander has written all the music and has been working with some buary 18 at 7:30 p.m., but continues of the best musicians here at Maine tonight, February 19 and tomorrow South to create some beautiful music on the 20. Tickets will be available to go with stage production. Another at the box office. The doors open at senior, Erin Self is choreographing 7 p.m.

PHOTO BY TEDDY SHERBIN

Danielle Soldat

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Race for ‘best picture’ now twice the excitement Andrew Salomon STAFF WRITER

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a young black girl who endures hardships within her family, and dreams of a better life.

Out of all the films, “Precious,” “An Education,” “Up in the Air,” “The Blind Side,” and “The Hurt Locker” are the more “Oscar Bait” worthy, with the rest being the ones who would have been snubbed. However, the race is turning out to be only between “Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker.” These two films have been back and forth at the other awards. Plus, the directors of both these films were once married to one another, so this would have a popular “narrative” for people to watch. While it is not the best film on the list, “Avatar” is definitely the most popular around the world and most likely to win Best Picture. Cameron would also be in the lead for Best Director then, but the voters may give the award to someone not attached to “Avatar” to spread the wealth around.

If this is the case, Katherine Bigelow of “The Hurt Locker” would be a front runner.

The acting awards are pretty much a lock, and the general consensus is that Jeff Bridges will win for Best Actor, Bullock for Best Actress, Monique for Best Supporting Actress, and Christoph Waltz for Best Supporting Actor.

The Oscars will be announced March 7 in Hollywood on ABC.

Entertainment

n just a few short weeks, Hollywood’s most prestigious award, the Oscars, will be presented. Everybody knows about them, so instead of dwelling on their long history or what they mean for a winner, let’s get right down to who’s nominated this year.

The big shake-up this year is the fact that the number of Best Picture nominees has been doubled to 10.

This change came in the wake of the Oscar fiasco last year, when the bigger, more popular films such as “The Dark Knight” and “Wall-E” were snubbed by the Academy, even though they were better made and better received critically. Instead the nominees were films that were less popular or liked but were arguably more important (namely, “The Reader”). This was the breaking point of a long-running feud between the Oscar voters and the general public over what should be considered as a nomination. To counteract the backlash, the Academy decided to go back to its old technique of nominating 10 films. The idea was to include not only the best films, but the films that were considered “genre” films (sci-fi, animated, comedy, etc.).

This was how the Academy Awards were done up until 1943 when the

change was made to five. magical planet like “Avatar” does, it With this change, the Academy takes place in South Africa. was bound to include some surprises “Up”: The second animated film into its line-up. And it did. ever to be nominated for the big Here are the Oscar nominated prize. Carl Fredrickson is an films. elderly man who decides to “Av a t a r ” : T h e b i g air-lift his house to Venezuela budget James Cameron film and accidentally picks up a practically everyone boy with it. has seen. A Space “Up in the Air”: Marine infiltrates and No relation to the eventually becomes a above film, just merely part of the alien native coincidental. George race.

Clooney is a corporate “A Serious Man”: downsizer who suffers The Coen Brother’s an existential crisis in this black comedy about a film from the Academyman and all the bad things favorite Jason Reitman. that happen to him. Really “An E du c ati on”: A bad things. cheery little film that takes “ The Blind Si d e”: place in merry ole Britain The film based on a true in the go-go 60s, in which a story about a homeless teenager falls in love with an black boy being raised by a older suitor. white family (led by Sandra “The Hurt Locker”: A Bullock) who goes on to play gritty war drama about a football. man who defuses bombs for “D i s t r i c t 9 ” : a living.

Considered the “Inglorious g re at opp o s ite Basterds”: The of “Avatar,” this Quentin Tarantino movie is about a film about the elite PHOTO COURTESY OF VALPO.EDU pencil pusher for WWII squad that a big company does one thing and who accidentally becomes a member one thing only: kill Nazis. of an alien race. But, instead of a “Precious”: A drama about

‘Valentine’s Day’ a fun romantic comedy even after the date Madeline Petersen STAFF WRITER

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rom loner Valentine’s days to romantic dates, the new movie “Valentine’s Day” covers it all. Promotion for this movie has been around since September 2009, mainly because of it’s vast celebrity cast. Previews and clips have been circling the Internet for a while, and the excitement for this movie is enormous.

If you liked “The Hangover,” then you’ll enjoy that Bradley Cooper is one of the stars. If you’re a fan of “That 70’s Show,” then you’ll enjoy seeing Topher Grace. If you loved “The Princess Diaries,” with Anne Hathaway and Hector Elizondo, then their appearances in the film will delight you.

The movie is directed by Garry Marshall, (“Princess Diaries,” “Pretty Women”) and has a slew of famous stars; there is a star for any movie

lover.

(Ashton Kutcher) who proposes to The plot focuses on telling love his girlfriend, Morley (Jessica Alba). stories from all Me a nw h i l e , different age PHOTO COURTESY FANPOP.COM Reed learns groups. The his best friend, stories are all set Julia (Jennifer in Los Angeles, Garner), has w h i ch l e t t he a b oyf r iend stories intertwine. n a m e d The story starts Harrison with Kate (Julia (Patrick Roberts) as an Dempsey) on-leave army who is actually officer who is a married. passenger on a Liz (Anne flight from Iraq Hathaway) is to Los Angeles. working at the On the f light, biggest talent she meets agency in town Holden (Bradley and is dating Cooper). Holden the mailroom i s a g ay m a n assistant, whose lover is a Jason (Topher closeted football player (Eric Dane). Grace). Fast forward to Julia’s mother, The story line then moves to Reed Estelle (Shirley MacLaine), a happy

retiree who must reveal an affair from long ago to her husband, Edgar (Hector Elizondo). Edgar and Estelle have to show love and happiness towards their granddaughter (Emma Roberts) who is just starting to get serious with her boyfriend. It wraps up with the story of Kara (Jessica Biel), a publicist who is seemingly alone with no date on Valentine’s Day. She is too busy working for her boss Kelvin Briggs (Jamie Foxx) who she falls in love with while working together. Also, the “Taylors” will be appearing in this movie: Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift, that is.

Their love story and kiss on the set has had gossip-crazed “New Moon” raving. This is sure to be a hit, and would be a great date for couple’s or a friends’ night out.

The movie was released nationwide on Friday, February 12th, but it is still a fun romantic comedy to see, even after Valentine’s Day.

SOUTHWORDS 11

VOL. 46, NO. 6

A decade in video games Max Mielecki

STAFF WRITER

ENTERTAINMENT

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ith 2010 upon us, it’s kind of strange to look back at all the time that’s passed between 2000 and now. Back in 2000, we were playing on N64’s, Original Playstations, and had some time with the short-lived Sega Dreamcast. Then we saw Microsoft jump into the fray with the Xbox, Nintendo’s under-appreciated Gamecube, and the console that just won’t go obsolete, the PS2. Here’s a nostalgic look back at life before the Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3.

“The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask”- Nintendo 64, 2000; This is one of the most overlooked entries and the only sequel in the Zelda series, after the events of the infamous 1998 entry, “Ocarina of Time.” In “Majora’s Mask,” a childish and deeply disturbed imp called Skull Kid ambushes Link, taking his equipment as well as turning him into a tree-type person as a joke.

Link then meets a creepy-looking Mask salesman, who tells him Skull Kid had stolen Majora’s Mask, a mask used for dark rituals that had enough evil power locked inside of it to poison anyone’s mind while granting them otherworldly powers. In exchange for returning him to human form, Link agrees to return the stolen Mask to the salesman before he leaves town which happens to be in only three days. This sets you off on a journey of magical masks, an innovative time-keeping system, and an engaging and unique storyline never seen before, or since, this game.

“Guitar Hero”- Playstation 2, 2005: Almost everyone has played a “Guitar Hero” game in some capacity, at some time, in some place, that developers Harmonix and RedOctane have created with “Guitar Hero.”

Through the use of a Guitar-shaped controller, the player presses colored buttons corresponding to those on the screen, and each time you “played a note” correctly, it would make sound, therefore simulating playing the guitar part of a song. It was incredibly original and addictive and basically created the entire music game genre, as well as spawning a huge franchise and even a competitor; TV network MTV liked it so much that they bought out Harmonix and began development on the Rock Band series.

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“Luigi’s Mansion”- Gamecube, 2001: Here’s a little gem from your childhood. This game was available when the Gamecube was released, and was incredibly addictive. Basically, you are video game icon Luigi, brother of Mario, and you’ve just won a mansion in a contest you didn’t enter. Of course, when you get there, your find that you’ve been tricked and Mario has been kidnapped and his captors want you too. The captors in question are classic Mario enemies: ghosts called “Boos.” Then Luigi obtains a high-tech vacuum cleaner-like device and sets out to suck up all the ghosts he can in a fashion quite similar to the Ghostbusters. This quickly become insanely fun and you could sit on your 8-year old butt for hours just trying to capture every ghost. Surprisingly, there wasn’t another ghost-catching game like it until “Ghostbusters: The Video Game” came out last year.

“Assassin’s Creed”- Multiplatform, 2007: Let’s wrap this up with a more recent game, Ubisoft Montreal’s “Assassin’s Creed.” This was a new game to hit the shelves in 07, and was a sleeper hit. You play as Desmond Miles, a bartender kidnapped by the shady Abstergo Corporation not because of what he knows, but what his genes know. Tapping into memories supposedly stored in his DNA, Desmond is forced to use a machine called the Animus to relive the memories of a 12th-century Assassin named Altair, whom he is a descendent of. Altair of course had his own problems, as his home in the Holy Land was on the brink of war, and at the center of it all was the power-hungry Knights Templar. After breaking the “Assassin’s Creed” a set of rules which all Assassins must live by, he is told to take the lives of Nine men on a list, each one involved with the Templar. These two stories of Desmond and Altair intertwine, and charge towards a climax that soars on the strength of the original writing and innovations of the game, such as the great HD graphics or the satisfying swordplay and easy, impressive jumping and climbing system. After a successful Sequel, “Assassin’s Creed II” last November, this series is still going strong and proved that there is still room for new series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Apple reveals highly anticipated iPad also contributes to some of the gadget’s downsides: though iPhone STAFF WRITER applications run perfectly fine on or months—scratch that, years— iPad, they are displayed in a small, gadget geeks, bloggers, and pundits rectangular portion of the screen alike have debated the existence and comparable to the size of iPhone’s the potential specifications and design display or have their resolution of what they dubbed the “Jesus Tablet,” doubled instead of fitting natively, nicknamed for perceived status as which could potentially prove to be the ultimate consumer electronic incredibly annoying on a day-to-day device. Finally, on January 27, Apple’s basis. savior was unveiled to the public in a Fortunately, Apple debuted a few spectacle that somehow nearly lived new pieces of software that could be up to all the hype. key to the iPad’s success. An edition With a 9.7” multi touch screen, of the company’s popular office suite much like that of its relatives iPhone iWork, which includes mobile versions and iPod touch, iPad is about the of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, perfect size for couch-surfing as will retail for about ten dollars one could get. It’s thin, light and eachwhich is a fair price considering the desktop versions sell for $79.99. The most important n e w appl i c at i on , however, is an eBook reader appropriately christened “iBooks.”

This new software allows the iPad to directly compete with market stalwarts like Amazon’s Kindle, the Sony Reader and the Barnes & Noble Nook.

D e s pit e a fe w nagging issues with the design and software, there Many people have criticized the iPad as being too similar to the iPhone. Only time will tell if the iPad’s are still quite a few major selling points newer features will outweigh the negativity.

Music:has up t hat iPad remarkably sturdy because of its its sleeves. One is the inclusion of aluminum body constructed similarly optional cellular 3G data, which to Apple’s MacBook Pro line of allows the device to access the internet laptops. However, it lacks a webcam and web-capable apps on the go—but for video chatting or a potentially it costs $130 more per model and an more comfortable form factor. It’s a bit additional $14.99 or $29.99 per month hard for one to type on a completely for data access, depending on the plan flat surface when they’re sitting the buyer chooses. Another is just comfortably on the sofa, just as Apple the promise of the perfect Internet intended the iPad to be used. appliance for a reasonable price. $499 The software is basically that of for a large-screened device that plays the iPhone OS and the iPod touch but your music, movies, and YouTube scaled up to fit iPad’s larger screen and clips while presenting the latest news, slightly redesigned to take advantage surfing the web nearly as well as any of its new capabilities. For instance, speedy laptop, and displaying your when nested in the optional upright eBooks in a creative manner could dock, iPad’s home screen begins a hit the sweet spot, especially with slideshow of photos loaded onto the the consumer market as unwilling to device; a useful feature for those who pay for luxury goods as it has been. don’t feel the need to waste a hundred Add in the relatively familiar and and fifty dollars or so on a stand-alone comfortable form factor and Apple digital picture frame. Unfortunately could have yet another smash hit on that same large, high-quality screen their hands.

Adam Smith

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IMAGE BY ADRIAN ADAMIEC

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

‘Catcher’ should hit the big screen Matt Eller PRODUCTION HEAD

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morphosis published; he wanted it destroyed. Luckily, his close friend, Max Brod, didn’t adhere to his word after he died. As a result, readers can indulge in a novella that is overflowing with literary merit. This literature wasn’t acclaimed or even heard of.

Brod did it anyway.

With Salinger’s passing being so recent, the information pertaining to the rights to “Catcher” has yet to be publicly released. It is highly unlikely that it was left to his wife and daughter as he had separated from them years before with particular distaste.

From what the public knows now, the rights are up for grabs. If Salinger never wanted the book to become a movie, he could have legally made sure it wouldn’t.

Not only can this movie likely be made, it should be made. The desire for the rights to the movie by so many directors suggests that its production wouldn’t be for the money. Arguably, Holden will go to the highest bidder.

This director will be under the greatest scrutiny imaginable. He would have to get it right. The movie, therefore, would be the product of much care and planning.

My desire for a movie is likely supported by my ability to be detached from the book if it were to be made into a movie. I don’t believe someone can permanently “ruin” a book, song,

or other piece of art. A bad motion picture interpretation would simply cause a yearning for the original novel. The reason that a movie isn’t harmful is because the original book will always remain on the shelves of book stores and libraries and in the hands of many Americans. Therefore, no movie can deprive the novel of its original eloquence.

The movie would need to have quite a few non-mainstream qualities to be successful. The controversial topics that made the book such a hit should take precedent. It must have the same draw that fueled the book.

Most of all, it needs to stick to the book. Movies tend to take liberty with the book on which they are based. People will be coming into the theater wincing with the hope that this teenage archetype won’t be destroyed. Therefore, the movie shouldn’t focus on interpreting the plot in some new age way, but rather deeply explore the emotions and characteristics of Holden and his surroundings.

All in all, if Hollywood can purchase Holden, it’s a win-win for anyone who truly appreciates “The Catcher in the Rye.” If viewers are disappointed by the movie, they will be compelled to reopen the classic and re-experience Holden Caulfield.

the basket by two feet nearly every time. Another group of kids were the silent, angry type. These kids would be so furious at the other team for making a basket they tried five times harder on the way back, sprinting to their own side of the court so fast that they couldn’t stop in time to avoid hitting the wall.

Then, inevitably and assuredly, there were the benchwarmers who sat completely unaware of the battle going on in front of them.

And then there was the last group—the prodigies—who really knew their stuff. These impressive players seemed interested in the game and pretty good at the sport, cheering on their own team members while making most of their attempted shots.

The game started and I watched intensely, but occasionally I watched

the sidelines instead. There was one boy that was the absolute definition of a benchwarmer. He was not a prodigy, and according to the coaches, wasn’t worthy enough of a player to go in the game for even a minute.

And instead of watching the tense game between his own team and the opposing, he was fixated on the water in his water bottle and making sure he got every last drip out. His coach yelled at him to “get in the game, son!” because his interest seemed to wane, but it didn’t matter to him if his team lost the game, because he sat on the bench every minute of it anyway.

Society’s obsession with success in athletics, even at the age of ten, is bleak. It’s not that I think kids in elementary school shouldn’t be allowed to play a sport or even want to win every game. It’s that the soc-

cer moms and coaches put so much pressure on young kids that it seems like winning is the only path to happiness. It’s the coaches and the parents screaming for their—I mean their son’s—team to win that overrides the importance of team camaraderie that childhood sports are supposed to be about. Although it’s an over-used cliché, I stand by the argument that the point of a game isn’t to win, especially in elementary school athletics.

The Celtics meandered off the court at the end, half of them seeking comfort from their Gatorade and the other half from their parents. Joe’s team put up a tough fight, but sadly the game ended 35-34, a victory for the Lakers. The benchwarmer walked off the court mildly smiling, with his coach red in the face behind him.

Let’s hear it for the benchwarmers Anne Wave

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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wo weeks ago, I went to my 10-year old cousin’s basketball game. Joe’s team, the Celtics, was dueling the Lakers for their league’s first place title.

When I got to the gym, I found nothing extraordinary for a game of young kids. The Celtics were not in matching uniforms, the pre-game warm-up was a little chaotic, and players’ siblings roamed the court.

Both teams were just as I expected a group their age to be—that is, a hodge-podge of different personalities. First there were the over-enthusiasts. These boys were so excited and anxious to get the ball that the second they had it, they’d throw it overhand in the general direction of the sideline immediately, missing

Commentary

PHOTO COURTESY AMAZON.COM

n January 27, J.D. Salinger died in his home in New Hampshire.

When Salinger wrote Catcher in the Rye, offers to render Holden Caulfield on the big screen came from everywhere. Samuel Goldwyn, Billy Wilder, and Steven Spielberg are just a few that have vied for the rights Salinger always refused. With the failure of the movie interpretation of

his “Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut,” he had every reason to protect the inspirational story from the clutches of Hollywood. Now, however, a posthumous production should be made.

Long before he died, Salinger indirectly admitted his understanding that his novel would likely be made into a film. When talking about leaving the rights of the novel to his wife and daughter after his death, he stated, “It pleasures me to no end, ...to know that I won’t have to see the results of the transaction.” Although he didn’t want to be a part of the book’s transition into a movie, he appeared to know it would likely happen after his death.

So, Salinger didn’t want to be around when the movie was made; he got his wish.

Perhaps he wanted to keep his pride and joy within the confines of a book. However, others are craving a motion picture. This situation is not unique. Sometimes great works simply have to be forced.

Franz Kafka never wanted his Meta-

SOUTHWORDS 13

VOL. 46, NO. 6

To regulate or not to regulate?

Andrew Abtahi STAFF WRITER

COMMENTARY

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ollowing the State of the Union, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell addressed how deregulation would help the American economy come back to greatness. According to him, the only way the economy can be great is by allowing businesses to grow without government interference. It’s funny how fast things change.

In 2008, both presidential candidates agreed that deregulation had allowed big financial institutions to run risky transactions that were the major cause of our economic meltdown. But people easily forget things and feel that the big, bad government currently run by Obama is the reason for our pains.

Good government, though, is there to help the people even though people don’t like to admit it.

If government does its job, risky loans aren’t given out, banks don’t gamble, and Bernie Madoff doesn’t succeed in his Ponzi scheme. All these things are done when the government regulates.

When the Gramm-Leach-Bililey Act was passed in 1999, financial institutions were allowed to participate in all three financial markets: traditional banking, investment banking, and insurance. This allowed American favorites like AIG and Citigroup to merge with companies in other markets they weren’t in earlier and become big conglomerates that were too big to fail. This is a form of deregulation that had been going on in America since the ‘70s and was very popular.

America used to have this law called the GlassSteagal Act passed in 1933. It stopped banks from doing things like being an investment bank and a traditional bank to prevent them from getting too large. This law stopped a bank from hurting other markets and destroying the economy when a bank had a lot of toxic assets. But apparently deregulation helps American businesses and the American people.

There used to be a time when American government didn’t get in the business of business.

In the late 1800s, there was no regulation on American businesses. They didn’t need to regulate back then because how big could a corporation get without modern technology like the telephone?

But as America got covered with telephone wires, companies like Standard Oil and Carnegie Steel started controlling everything. Ron Paul, who hates government regulations, says that this time period is when Americans had the most freedom—when Americans had 12-hour workdays, and worked for 10 dollars a week. But at least in a world of no regulations, every day was “Bring Your Kid to Work Day,” with your son Jimmy working a double-shift three machines down from you.

Then, something terrible happened: the government started to regulate. A minimum wage was set up, an eight-hour workday was established, and monopolies were broken up to allow a more competitive marketplace, which would allocate wealth to more people and decrease prices for consumers. As seen in recent events and history, companies generally don’t care about the welfare of the people. The government is not driven by profits but is driven by keeping their jobs, which are in the hands of the people.

The government isn’t there to hurt people, and it isn’t there to destroy the economy. It’s there to make sure that competition is secure and that they can get another term, which is done by making you happy.

The only way to make sure that America doesn’t face another financial meltdown is by government regulation. Deregulation destroyed the ability of the government to make sure businesses weren’t risking the welfare of the American economy. Thankfully some of our politicians are fighting the calls for deregulation by pushing for more government oversight of business. Senators John McCain and Maria Cantwell are working to re-enact the GlassSteagall Act, both to the protests of deregulators and Bank of America.

Introducing the iPad Bigger isn’t always better.

COMIC BY PAUL FEDYNIAK

14 SOUTHWORDS

If you were in a pageant, what would your talent be?

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

“Making balloon animals.”

-Sean Zingsheim ‘10

“Shooting an arrow at an apple.”

-Victoria Leontios ’11

“Making sandwiches with my feet.”

-Noor Albanna ‘12

“Self defense.”

-Lindsay Parrino ‘10

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

‘Toddlers in Tiaras’: three going on thirty Anthony Eugenis STAFF WRITER

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Caileen Bazarek

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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ne of America’s most prized traditions took place on the seventh of this month—the Super Bowl. I love watching the game and picking a team to root for, whether it brings rivalries between my friends and family or not. I’m also one of those people who enjoys watching the commercials. However, it always surprises me when a person decides to get more food from the kitchen and use the washroom while the game is still on so that they are back just in time to see the commercials. That just doesn’t seem right to me, and it got me wondering if there was such a thing as “proper football etiquette.”

If there were such a thing, this proper football etiquette would have

to start off with one cardinal rule.

It’s one critical lesson I’ve learned first-hand living with my dad and brother: when football is on the T.V. screen in your household, do not—I repeat—do not talk to any of the men watching. If you ask a question, it will not be answered. If you try to tell them a funny story about your day, they won’t be laughing, because they definitely aren’t listening.

Save your breath, because the only response you will get back is a form of mumbling that sounds like it is in a different language. This mumbling is only being slurred because they realized you were talking and they needed something to fill the awkward pause they created by not saying anything back. They are in no way saying yes to whatever request you have for them, so if you asked them to do something and they mumbled back they would, don’t expect it to

get done.

So it seems like you should just wait until commercials to talk. But there are also people out there— probably at your Super Bowl party— who watch solely to tell everyone what commercials they like and don’t like. We all know this person, and have been in this situation. The famous Budweiser Clydesdale comes on and this person screams over any conversation going on in the room, “Oh, I love these commercials!” You and your friends all look at each other trying to figure out something to say other than “Cool…” but can’t and just go back to your conversations.

But before you can even spit your first sentence out, the E-Trade commercials come on with the babies, and guess what? They love that one too. But don’t worry, these people definitely don’t like every commercial.

But when one comes on that they

don’t like, they still make sure to let you know. There should be some unspoken rule of football viewing saying that someone can’t get more excited about the commercials than the actual game.

This Super Bowl, I was fortunate enough to be with my friends who are insane about the Super Bowl: the game and the competition, the commercials, the jerseys and beads, the halftime show, and more. Even though they are girls, they still get just as pumped about football as any of the boys do.

Whatever type of person you are—a sports fan or not—I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no proper “football etiquette.” The Super Bowl can be a game, The Who concert, or whatever you want it to be; the only real thing that matters it that whoever hosts the party has a nice house and a big plasma T.V.

Commentary

t’s a known fact that trash TV makes money. Terrible shows like MTV’s “Next” or “Date My Mom” have aired for multiple seasons. After all, TV producers have made no effort to increase the quality of their work in the past few years.

“Toddlers & Tiaras” is a repulsive reality TV show airing on The Learning Channel (TLC). Essentially, it consists of parents transforming their normal-looking daughters into fake dolls to be judged by middleaged men. That’s right; it appears that dressing a child up in skimpy clothes and shoving them in front of men with creepy gazes is okay as long as there’s a cash prize for the parents.

The website, which can be accessed for viewers who can’t get enough of this sickness, has a feature called “Before and After Pageant Photos,” where two photos from each contestant are paired; one of an average little girl, and the other of a fake, phony cake-faced thing that somewhat resembles a two- to fouryear-old child. They are only kids, and it is not normal to have them dressed up looking like something they are not—a Barbie doll.

Fake eyelashes, fake nails, fake hair, fake tans, and even fake teeth transform the girls into mini money makers for the parents, who are the real villains of the show. Can’t they get a life and realize not all girls can

win beauty pageants at age two, especially when they need to go to the extreme of fake teeth? For some, the obsession for looking perfect has gone way too far.

One parent spent $1,000 on just a dress—a dress that the daughter will wear once. Add up all the fake accessories, the endless number of fake tans and you’ve got yourself enough for prosperous start to a college fund.

But of course, when the adult is the real child, logic is rarely used. Some mothers even hid the outrageous credit card bills from their husbands, out of fear that they would put a stop to their nonsense—as if it was a bad thing.

It is puzzling why the parents do this. They doll up their daughters, give them a false hope of winning, and then break their hearts when they lose. Is it for the cash prizes?

Possibly, but fame seems like the ultimate goal, given the amount of reality TV that is pumped out of networks these past few years.

Perhaps audiences want to see the PHOTO COURTESY OF TLC.COM melodramatic moments in other TLC’s new show documents the lives of parents and their toddlers who are people’s lives to escape their own engrossed in the world of child pageantry. and there isn’t anything that can stop detrimental to one’s health. How life’s drama and problems. this so-called “show” has not been With the use of Facebook groups it—except poor ratings.

How is it possible for a person cancelled for its complete idiocy is and fan pages as weapons for petitions and opposition groups exploding in with a moral compass to enjoy a difficult to comprehend.

For a show on The Learning popularity, it isn’t surprising to see a show that parades phony Barbiecouple group petitions demanding the like toddlers? Watching one episode Channel, there is not much learning, show’s cancellation. Unfortunately, leaves enough damage to a person’s except the obvious; reality TV is still reality TV is a juggernaut right now, psyche; an entire season would be awful.

SOUTHWORDS 15

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

VOL. 46, NO. 6

Varsity cheerleading team makes state Jimmy Loomos SPORTS EDITOR

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he Maine South Varsity Cheerleaders have a lot to be proud of at the end of the 2009-2010 year.

They surpassed all expectations in making it to sectionals then went above and beyond in going to compete against the top performers in the state of Illinois.

At the beginning of their run, the Hawks were nothing short of great. They finished fourth in both the Maine South Invitational, as well as the annual competition held in Bloomington, Illinois.

In one of their largest competitions held at Elk Grove High School, the team finished ninth out of a strong field of 27 teams, making it one of the best finishes in school history.

Their biggest achievement came in the CSL Conference Champion-

ship were they finished first for the second straight year.

“We have been really successful,” said junior Mary Northfell regarding the team’s impressive competition season. “As we look back to the beginning of the season, we knew we had a lot of talent, we just needed to figure out where to use it in our cheerleading routine, and we did.”

Although the team was plagued with injuries, all those obstacles made them stronger.

“It was especially hard when we lost some of our strongest talent, but it is fantastic how far we came as a team this season,” said junior Alyssa Ribaudo.

Even with girls out due to injuries, the team’s chemistry, clearly their strongest weapon, was never affected.

“It’s really exciting to work with such a great group of people who

really enjoy what they do,” said Ribaudo.

However, all good things must come to an end, and for three of the captains, their time as a Maine South cheerleader is winding down.

“The 2010 seniors, three of our five captains, Amy Kovalcik, Jenny Chwarzynski, and Alex Gremer, will honestly be missed,” said Northfell.

“They have taught us so much, and they have been a great addition to this year’s competitive varsity cheerleading squad and the Maine South Cheerleading Program itself.”

“We plan to go out on that mat and give it our best shot,” said Northfell. “We are a talented team, and we know that we will try our best. No matter what happens, we will know that we gave it our all.”

The Hawks were able to place third at sectionals and advance to the state finals for the first time in several

years. They went in with high expectations and came out with their goal accomplished—a state finals berth.

Next for the Hawks came the State Championships. They went in as underdogs competing against some of the top teams in the state. Their goal was to finish in the top ten.

In the end, the Hawks finished 13th, but they were nothing short of a fantastic season. They showed strong determination day in and day out, and that showed in their end result.

“We definitely came out of our routine knowing that we didn’t perform our best, but that didn’t keep the smiles away,” said Northfell, “It was a great accomplishment to get down to Bloomington this year.

When we came home that night we knew that we were one of the top 25 teams in the state for cheerleading, and it was a great feeling.”

Boys’ swimming celebrates after major wins SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTS

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well as the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 54.69. Not only did he perform well individually, but he also helped with two relay wins.

DeGrazia said of his impressive performance, “Swimming isn’t so much about winning or losing; for me it is just fun to race people. I love a good race now and then, and if I do lose, I strive to be better for the next time I race. It thrills me when others boast about their ability. A friend of

mine from New Trier was boasting, and now he owes me lunch for beating him.”

After the convincing win against rival Niles West, it seemed like the Hawks’ swimming squad could not be beaten; unfortunately this would not be the case. They fell to talented opponents, New Trier, in a crushing 139 to 47 defeat.

Head Coach Mr. Kura, commenting on the loss, said, “It wasn’t really

a surprising loss, as New Trier is the number-one team in the state. As far as I know, nobody has beaten New Trier in several years.”

The loss had upsides including DeGrazia, who shone brightly, winning both the 200m and 100m freestyle. Although the boys’ swimming team has struggled recently, with the help of standout Jared DeGrazia, they can once again reach the form they were in earlier this year.

he boys’ swimming team was hard at work during and after a challenging week of finals.

Although the season started with an early loss to the Evanston Wildcats, the boys’ swimming squad continued to press on. They proved that they could put the early-season loss behind them as they placed 4th out of 12 teams in the Carl Sandburg Invitational.

Sophomore Dan San Gabino said of the fourth-place finish, “We all knew it was going to be a fast pool [heat]. We unquestionably made our mark in the pool with key wins from senior Jared DeGrazia and junior Andrew Solomon in order to tie for fourth place.”

The Hawks used this hard fought, top placement to their advantage. In their next meet, they went toe-to-toe with hardened rival Niles West. The Wolves proved to be no challenge for the Hawks as they handily topped them 106 to 80.

This was an especially important win for the Hawks given that they had not beaten the Wolves for 4 years.

Senior Jared DeGrazia was a force to be reckoned with. DeGrazia won the 50-yard freestyle race as Junior Andrew Solomon swims at the February 5 swim meet at New Trier. Although the Hawks lost, they have maintained a strong record all season.

16 SOUTHWORDS

PHOTO BY JOSiE FIORETTO

Charlie Vinopal

VOL. 46, NO. 6

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Gymnastics competes strong at sectionals and regionals STAFF WRITER

A

nother season is just about finished and the Girls’ Gymnastics team is better than ever. With a second-place finish at conference, these girls have worked hard throughout the season.

“Being a part of the Maine South gymnastics team has been a great experience,” said senior Paula Papaioannou. “I’m looking forward to the state meet.”

Although they were tied for first at conference, they ended up losing to New Trier by a quarter of a point due to a technicality, but even a second-place finish was enough to please the team.

“I have never been so proud of a team before,” said junior Sarah Russell. “We worked from day one and were still working until the last second we have.”

Following their exciting conference accomplishment, the girls continued their season on February 8 at the sectional meet. Maine South finished fourth and was unable to qualify for state as a team, but a few individuals are likely to make it to the state meet.

Along with Papaioannou who guaranteed a spot at state, fellow senior Jamie Brocker will do her best to qualify for State as well in the upcoming regional meet.

Papaioannou who is an allaround competitor, and Brocker

who competes in vault, beam, and floor, are the leaders, both mentally and emotionally, of this team. As seniors, they make it their responsibility to help the younger team members succeed.

In addition to their many dual meet wins this year, the girls won their biggest event of the year in the 21-team Candy Land Invitational at Niles West. They also placed second at the Maine West invitational, and third after competing in both the Niles North and Evanston invitational.

Early on, the girls established many goals for themselves. Although they had originally hoped to win conference, they were pleased to stick close with a skilled New Trier team.

They also had a goal to score over 135 points. They beat that without a problem. At Conference, they ended up with 137.65, while their overall highest score was 139.75.

“Our goal sheet was a tough list, but we checked all of them off,” said bar exercise specialist Casey Hinds.

“This was the best possible season we could’ve had and every meet everyone gave 100 percent and I’m just so amazed at our accomplishments.”

The girls can really correlate their success to the amount of camaraderie that they have.

“Our team gets a along very well.

We never have issues about anything,” said Papaioannou, “I loved

being a part of the team and getting years to come.

“I’m so proud of everything we’ve to know a bunch of great girls.”

This can also be said for the en- done this year. We’ve gotten new tire squad“There is never a moment skills and mastered the old ones,” when we are bored with each other. said sophomore Allegra Miller, “We We always make each other laugh can’t wait until next year, but we will and cheer each other on. I mean we miss all of our seniors.” have no choice but to compete together, but we did make the choice to become good friends as well,” said Russell.

With a couple of talented seniors on their way out this year, the girls plan to work hard to maintain their toptier status in the Central Suburban League.

Of course the shoes of both Pap ai o an nou and Brocker will be hard to fill, but with a talented core of sophomores and juniors, the Maine South Haleigh Sir, a Maine South gymnast, preforms her floor Girls’ Gymnas- routine at the sectional meet. The Hawks went on to tic team is sure finish fourth, with one member, and possibly a second, to be a force for moving onto the state meet.

PHOTO BY MIRANDA KARHILAS

Daniella Kroschel

Wrestling finishes season on a strong note Kevin Hemphill

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oach Fallico, Coach McCann, and the Hawk wrestlers haven’t missed a beat this year, despite losing last year’s senior standout, Chris Brassell. Brassell led the Hawks last year on his way to an individual thirdplace finish at state. But with excellent senior leadership this year, the Hawks had another successful season.

For the fourth straight year, the Hawks claimed the CSL South Conference title. That makes it their 8th in just 11 years. The team finished with a record of 16-6, but very possibly could have gone 20-2 if a few close finishes had gone their way.

Leading the way for the Hawks this year were senior Joe Brewster,

their way to the title. Outside of the conference, the team had quality wins against St. Pats and Rolling Meadows.

The Regional Tournament was a difficult one for the Hawks; they fell short of their pre-season goal of winning it, as they came in 4th.

But the Hawks were happy to see every single wrestler win at least one match at Regionals. Sullivan won his weight class and Brewster finished second. Other key finishes included Juan Diaz and Dale Cornille, who both placed third in their respective weight classes.

These four wrestlers have now advanced for the Sectional Meet at Glenbard North. This is widely considered to be the most difficult Sectional in the state as there are at

least four top-10 ranked wrestlers in every weight class in the Sectional.

All the Hawk wrestlers are considered underdogs in this year’s Sectional— even Brewster who goes in with a 35-3 record. But Coach Fallico continues to remind them, “You don’t have to be ranked better than somebody, you just have to beat them.”

Going forward, the Hawks are looking for the four wrestlers in Sectionals to perform very well, and hopefully qualify for state. The coaches are also eager as they look forward to next year as the so called “Fab 5”—(Sullivan, Williams, Diaz, Gutierrez, Blake Baer)—who will all be Seniors then. Fallico expects a lot of out his team as the Hawks look to continue their success, both this year in sectionals and next year.

Sports

STAFF WRITER

senior Cody Fallico, junior Sean Sullivan, and junior Mike Williams.

Brewster and Williams had more than 30 wins each, and Sullivan and Fallico achieved 25 each. The six allconference wrestlers included these four plus senior Dale Cornille and junior Alex Gutierrez.

B ut t h e re a l re a s on t h e s e individuals, and the team, were able to be successful was the leadership by the seniors on the team. Captains included Cody Fallico, Joe Brewster, Mario Pajaj, and Dale Cornille.

They kept all the wrestlers focused during the season. This outstanding leadership led to a great dual meet record for the Hawks.

The Hawks beat Niles West and rival New Trier, who was the bestranked team in the CSL South, on

SOUTHWORDS 17

WRESTLING • CHEERLEADING • GIRLS’ BASKETBALL • BOYS’ BASKETBALL • GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS • BOYS’ SWIMMING

Hawkettes compete at national level Jimmy Loomos

SPORTS EDITOR

PHOTO COURTESY TARYN DEGRAZIA

A

fter months of lengthy practices, grueling workouts, and rigorous competitions, the Maine South Hawkettes had their best finish in history on February 6 and 7 on the Disney property in Orlando, Florida.

Not only were the Hawkettes able to finish third in the High Kick category, but they also finished 11th in the Jazz category.

“At the beginning of our season, in April of 2009, this team set two goals: to receive Top 3 in the High Kick category and make it to finals in Jazz,” said varsity Hawkette coach and Maine South graduate Jackie Graney.

“These were two really big goals and we accomplished both for the first time in Hawkette history.”

Each category featured over 30 teams and the girls preformed their kick dance to “Shipping Up to Boston,” and their jazz dance to “Tainted Love.”

Both performances can be watched in their entirety at http://www.varsity. com.

Every year the Hawkettes seem to be not only competing, but succeeding, at a very high level. This year was expected to be a tough one after the team had many losses from last year, but that was not true.

“We lost 13 seniors and got 8 new sophomores on our team,” said senior captain Stephanie Nelson, “Everyone told us that this would be a transition year. However, we definitely proved them wrong after this weekend and in previous competitions. Not only have we grown stronger as dancers, but our friendships have grown as well.”

Even in what was seen as a “rebuilding” year the girls had their best finish in history, and every year they compete, and succeed, at a high level.

The girls go through tough practices almost the entire year, and this directly leads to their top finishes.

“Our key to success is the work ethic of these dancers. This year I had a team of fighters,” said Graney. “They came into practice and knew what they needed to do. We have been with

The Maine South Hawkettes pose with their third place trophy at the Universal Dance Association Championships in Orlando, Florida. They also finished 11th in the Jazz Category. each other for the past 11 months and have spent almost every day with each other.”

These long practices helped the girls grow as a team and prepare themselves for the challenges of competing at a national level.

“Our team is so much stronger than we were at the start of the season. We went from driving our coach crazy and looking not as good at the start of the season, to really getting it together and becoming a talented team,” said sophomore Kristie Daniels.

Even with skill, a team still needs more to be amongst the nation’s elite.

That is where the chemistry of the Hawkettes comes into play.

“We all love each other and have a good time,” said sophomore Mollie Stevens. “I love the girls on the team.

They are like my sisters.”

“Most of the reason we dance so well is because we all have close relationships. We all want the same things out of our experiences on Hawkettes,” said sophomore Catherine

Otis.

But even with the fun and games, the girls always know when to be serious.

“We all have the drive to become better. Every one of us is working together to push ourselves to become the best team we can and to meet our goals,” said Daniels.

It is important for teams with the talent of the Hawkettes to perform off the dance floor as well, and that is just what they did.

“Not only are these girls tremendous dancers, they have been able to maintain a team average GPA of a 4.0,” said Graney.

As is the case with the ending of every season, the Hawkettes will lose some strong members from this year’s squad.

The seniors leaving include three of the four captains, Caitlin Kelly, Claire Tichawa, along with Nelson, who have done a great job in helping their younger teammates handle being in the national spotlight.

“I started coaching when these seniors were freshman, and it is going to be hard for me to see them go,” said Graney, “I have cherished every moment with this team, and I bawled my eyes out when they announced we were top three in the country.”

The girls each feel the same respect for their coach. All of them know that Graney cares for them and does her best to help them succeed.

“Jackie Graney is an amazing coach, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Although only 22, she knows exactly what she is doing, and we would never have gotten this far without her. We are all so thankful for her talents. I could go on and on about her. She is wonderful,” said Nelson.

But the good times aren’t done quite yet. In early March, the National Championships will air on ESPN, and their final competition of the season will come on March 7 when the Hawkettes look to defend their state title in the High Kick Category at the Illinois State Championships.