Vol 48 issue 7

April 20, 2012

Vol. 48, No. 7

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Spring Musical turns heads See Page 5

Election Day

Romney comes out on top in Illinois Primary Page 4

Kony 2012

The facts behind the controversial viral campaign Page 10

Cellular Privacy

Stevenson HS searches student phones Page 12

Sister, Sister

O’Connors take their tennis talents to college.

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NEWS

| April 20, 2012

Chicago Cultural Plan attracts public input Chicagoans meet to plan a showcase of the city’s cultural variety Natalie Kirchhoff Staff Writer

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he City of Chicago is in the process of implementing the Chicago Cultural Plan for 2012, an initiative designed to promote cultural attractiveness and economic development. This year, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has decided to base the cultural changes that will be made in Chicago on the opinions of the public.

City officials conducted a series of public town hall meetings during February, allowing Chicagoans the opportunity to discuss in a open forum what cultural changes and developments they wished to see cultivated in the city. Hundreds of citizens participated, voicing their

opinions on the course of Chicago’s cultural development and a series of Neighborhood Cultural Conversations scheduled for early April.

Proposals often shared common themes, such as the belief that art could create a safe haven for children and young adults in troubled areas of the city. Others suggested that programs and centers be instituted in the neighborhoods surrounding Chicago, and that they create plans that would reflect the city’s cultural variety.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has already begun to implement this through the Gospel Festival to be held June 2124. The festivities will begin in Millennium Park for the first two days, with the last two taking place on the South Side of Chicago.

In addition to these larger ideas, town hall meetings have led to suggestions of other smaller, yet effective, changes in Chicago, such as eliminating parking fees in areas that are certified cultural centers, or authorizing free transit at certain times in cultural centers.

In years past, the Chicago Cultural Plan has been implemented as a way to supplement the cultural development of the city and to foster an appreciation for art of all forms. First introduced in 1986, the Plan became the basis for the myriad cultural programs and centers that exist within the Chicagoland area to this day.

This includes helping develop Chicago’s non-profit art community, as well as individual artists and forprofit business organizations. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events also hopes to make inexpensive cultural events more accesible to the public.

It was later revisited in 1995, where the intent of the plan became more focused on creating a cultural spotlight that would reveal Chicago’s artistic developments on an international level.

The actions of the 1986 and 1995 meetings of the Chicago Cultural Plan led to the establishment of the Department of Cultural Affairs. In early 2011, the Department was merged with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events in an attempt to reduce

spending. Now, under the authorization of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is in charge of this year’s Cultural Plan.

Some remain optimistic that the Chicago Cultural Plan will affect the artistic latitude of the city and the consequential touristic boosts.

Others are more cautious about the actual effects that the Cultural Plan will have in changing the national view of Chicago as a highly respected cultural center.

“I think that most people recognize Chicago as more of a center for corrupt politics than a center of culture,” said junior Kelly Hartjen.

“Most people will be doubtful that the city can create a change like this because Chicago is struggling economically, and it would be difficult for it to put more money into this idealized movement.”

The portion of the city budget assigned for cultural development has been reduced for 2012. The allocated quantity is 29.2 million dollars, a 3.6 million dollar decrease from the previous year.

Remembering Adam Kopplin

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n March 10, 2012, Maine South lost a member of the student body with the passing of Junior Adam Kopplin. Adam is remembered by his peers, teachers, and family as a hard-

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working student who was reliable, trustworthy, and talented.

“He was a very kind, genuine student, someone willing to help out and go the extra mile,” his former teacher Mr. Michael Boyle said. “At every one of the guitar concerts he would always be willing to be a roadie—whenever we needed help, he was right there.”

Adam looked to the future and hoped to one day enter the medical field.

“He seemed older and looked older than his years. He talked a lot about the future and how he wanted to go into the medical profession,” says his counselor Mrs. Krista Clarke. “He was a great kid and a lot of students

looked up to him.”

Both Boyle and Clarke agree that Adam was a talented musician.

“I’ve always been impressed with Adam’s music ability,” said Mrs. Clarke. “He was a phenomenal guitarist. I do not think a lot of kids realized how good he was at what he did.

I don’t think he even realized it.”

Mr. Boyle added that “Adam was very naturally musical; he would learn a guitar solo note-for-note, even really complicated ones. I think that he was a great musician, a great guitarist, and a great friend. He was a very loyal friend to the guys in his band and others that he knew in class and a great person all around.”

Music was always a passion of Adam’s and he was the guitar player for his band, Predator. Paul Reszczynski, one of Adam’s fellow band members, said that Adam had a persistent work ethic when practicing.

“As a band member he was always wanting to keep moving and wanting to do as much as he could in one

day,” he said. “Musically he was really gifted. He was amazing. He knew stuff on the guitar that a lot of people didn’t know—especially for his age.”

On top of being incredibly gifted with a guitar, Adam was a good friend and cared very much for others.

“He was one of my best friends and he was always there for me when I needed him,” Reszczynski said. “If anyone was struggling or having a hard time, he was there to back them up.”

Adam had big plans for the future. “He was an outgoing person.

He had plans and a future ahead of him—whatever he was going to try I’m sure he would have succeeded at it,” said Reszczynski.

Adam left an impact on all whose lives he touched, and his passing will leave a void in the hearts of many.

by Charlie Vinopal and Jimmy Loomos

April 20, 2012

| NEWS

High temperatures hit Maine South Both inside and out, students feel the heat Chris Brendza Staff Writer

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hicago experienced its warmest March in history this year, according to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature around the nation was 8.6 degrees warmer than the 20th century national average for March.

Chicago also set new temperature records nine days in a row, with record-breaking highs recorded from March 14-22.

The warm March weather affected the Maine South community as well. While students and staff felt the effect of this heat in the building, the cooling system was not on.

According to Maine South’s Director of Building and Grounds Ed Beese, there were several reasons why the cooling system wasn’t turned on. “Cooling a facility like Maine South isn’t just a flip of a switch-it’s a complicated process,” he said.

Maine South’s heating and cooling system runs on two different types of pipelines, one for the Awing and PA-wing, and one for the center offices and other areas of the

school.

While the system could have been switched to cooling before spring break, there is always a chance for the weather to turn colder in April or even May, freezing the pipes. And switching back to heating is a 10-day process for the A-wing and PA-wing.

All of this makes choosing the day to switch to cooling a very difficult decision. As a result, the cooling system isn’t turned on until the beginning of May, mainly because having the pipes freeze during a cold spell is too big of a risk.

“It’s the hardest part of my job.

Choosing the day to switch to cool-

ing isn’t an exact science,” said Mr. Beese.

More than 15,000 high-temperature records were broken across the continental United States, continuing a trend that began this past winter, which was reported to be the 4th warmest on record nationally by the NOAA. The records set this March included 7,755 daytime highs and 7,517 high overnight lows.

North America’s abnormal heat has been attributed by climate scientists to extreme weather patterns associated with global warming, although short-term events generally are not reliable evidence of longterm patterns.

More requests for safety at Talcott crosswalk Ellen Longman Staff Writer

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fter a year of mild improvements, parents are again asking the city of Park Ridge to do more to improve the Talcott crosswalk west of Hamlin Ave., where pedestrian safety is still a concern. At recent board meetings, parents have advocated for solutions to the problem— namely adding a crossing guard or a stoplight.

When the issue was raised last year by parents, some minor changes were planned to help drivers become more aware of the crosswalk, which they are technically required to stop at.

The crosswalk was repainted and a school-zone speed limit was enforced. Plans to add a sign situated in the middle of the lane, similar to one near the Park Ridge Public Library reminding drivers that they must stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk was considered. These changes have been relatively ineffective, and the problem has been compounded by students running across the street at locations other than the crosswalk.

“Talcott has been a problem ever since I was a freshman,” said Junior Kristen DiPietro, “They made

[the requirement] that cars have to go twenty-five miles per hour after school, but the cars don’t follow that rule.”

Students who live in the area continue to experience difficulties getting home.

“I only live a few blocks north of Talcott, but I don’t walk home since it’s almost impossible to cross the street by the driveway, and I’d have to go all the way down to the crossing guard for Washington School,” said Freshman Brighton Jelke. “It’d double my walk home.”

The school is aware of the problems, but lacks the resources for a crossing guard.

“Every morning and afternoon we have students that run across the street at the Talcott exit,” said Dr. Garlasco, Assistant Principal for Students. “My understanding is that is not technically the crosswalk. The actual crosswalk is a block southeast toward Hamlin. A crossing guard would be the best because he or she would control traffic to get students across safely.”

Dr. Garlasco explained that the necessary resources restrict implementation.

“I only have two security [guards] working early in the morning and can’t designate one person every day to be out there because they’re needed in other areas of the building in the morning,” she said. “The very best solution would be for students to pay attention when they cross and for drivers not to drive fast and stop

when students are crossing, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Some parents, however, are calling for more initiative to be taken in ensuring the safety of those who use the crosswalk.

“At the very least they should add a crossing guard—it’s a very danger-

ous corner,” says parent Shelly Harris, who has seen kids dart in front of oncoming cars on Talcott many times.

“It’s chaotic, especially in the mornings, because kids about to be late to school are trying to cross at the same time as cars are turning.”

PHOTOS BY ERIC FREEMON

Dissatisfied parents and students call for precautions at hightraffic intersection

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BEEP BEEP

The intersection where parents and students hope to see change is where the street that comes from the Jock Lot intersects with Talcott Road.

TO JOCK LOT

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NEWS

| April 20, 2012

Knockout victories in Illinois Sweeney sweeps the 55th with Santorum down for the count John Novak Staff Writer

he Illinois Primary Election took place March 20. Every county was won by either Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum, with Romney beating out his opponent due to support from densely populated areas. Although the primary was for a national election, it still had important implications at the local level.

The Republican primary for the 55th State House District ended in a landslide victory for Susan Sweeney.

State Projections pitting Romney as

the favorite proved true. Amassing 433,700 votes-46.7% of total votes cast-he beat opponents former Sen. Rick Santorum (35%), Rep. Ron Paul (9.3%), and former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich (8%).

Leading up to the primary, polls

GRAPHIC BY AUSTIN BRYNIARSKI

showed Romney with a solid lead, due to his popularity in Chicagoland. Projections showed him with double-digit leads.

However, after Super Tuesday-a day in early March when ten states simultaneously hold their primaries/ caucuses-it still appeared possible for Santorum to win Illinois. His supporters have routinely delivered more votes than polls initially predicted.

Romney was most successful in northern Illinois, winning the populous Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County and Will County by substantial margins. He appealed to those concerned with fiscal issues and continued his attack ads of Santorum. He campaigned heavily in Cook County, once making a stop to talk to some customers at Pancakes Eggcetera in Rosemont.

As expected, Santorum took almost every county in southern and western Illinois. He gave speeches daily throughout various coun-

Primary Results Romney (47.6%) Santorum (35%)

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Romney had success in the Illinois Republican primary election in the same counties President Obama held in the most recent general election. Santorum received the most support in rural counties.

GRAPHIC BY ADRIAN ADAMIEC

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ties and appealed to social conservative voters. Having graduated from Carmel High School in Mundelein, Illinois, Santorum has strong connections to the area. One of his major stops while campaigning was speaking at an event at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights a few days before the primary.

This year’s primary was uncharacteristically important in the race.

Although Romney was the clear frontrunner, Santorum’s momentum was able to push Romney off the simple path to victory.

Prior to ballots being cast, CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley said, “Romney could really use a romp in Illinois. It wouldn’t put him over the top, but it would put him back on track with a head of steam.” Crowley’s prediction was spot on.

By gaining Illinois’ 54 delegates, Romney extended his lead over his challengers and all but solidified his GOP presidential nominee.

as write-in candidates. Mulligan and Schaefer later dropped out of the race.

Mayor of Des Plaines, Marty Moylan, was uncontested in the Democratic primary and won the nomination with 3,513 votes.

The 55th State District was recently created and will include parts of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, and Schaumburg.

Sweeney and Moylan will run against each other in November to become the representative of the new district. Democrats are looking to take home more districts in suburban areas under the new political map and are counting on Moylan to win. Moylan was elected Mayor of Des Plaines in April 2009. Sweeney is a resident of Park Ridge and according to her campaign website, if elected, she would, “work not only to scale back the latest personal and corporate income tax increases, but also commensurately reduce the state’s spending.”

District resulted in 2,223 votes for Susan Sweeney, 46 votes for State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (R-65th) and two votes for Kelly Schaefer.

All of the candidates were write-in candidates. Mulligan was originally removed from the ballot because of a petition challenge, prompting her to register via a write-in. Sweeney and Schaefer then entered the race, also

primaries include Gov. Mitt Romney’s overwhelming victory over Sen. Rick Santorum, who officially dropped out of the race on April 10, and Jan Schakowsky’s victory over her opponent, Simon Ribeiro in the 9th District. Also, Iraq war veteran, Tammy Duckworth, nailed down the Democratic nomination for the 8th District.

Local National Voting for the 55th State House Other results from the March 20

April 20, 2012

| ENTERTAINMENT

Students puts on provocative Broadway show with “Chicago”

Joshua Timm

Entertainment Editor he first thing people should know about Maine South’s musical this year is that it’s “Chicago”; as a musical, it has been nominated for more than 30 prestigious awards and won 6 Tonys. Its movie adaptation was nominated for more than 50 awards and won more than 40, including 6 Oscars.

The next thing people should know about “Chicago” is that it’s not a show for young children. It is a prohibition era saga of jazz, sex, drugs, liquor, and murder.

Certain portions of the dialogue have been changed in order to keep the show presentable, which posed the production staff at South with a problem: keeping the true nature of the show without offending anyone.

“Chicago” begins with Roxie Hart killing her boyfriend and trying to make her husband take the rap for the murder. She ends up in jail where she meets fellow murderesses—most notably Velma Kelly, who murdered her husband and sister—and tries to beat a prison sentence by any means necessary. The story is based off the real 1924 trials of Beluah Annan and Belva Gaertner, two women tried for murder.

While there are many fans of musical theater, there are also many who feel that musicals aren’t something to

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be excited about. “Chicago” breaks the stigma that musicals are old and boring.

“It is a contemporary, edgy production that directly mirrors what’s going on in our current society and the whole idea that we glamorize and popularize criminals and elicit actions,” said director Mr. Muszynski.

The cast is especially exited to be working on “Chicago.” Senior Becca Hess, who plays Roxie Hart, the show’s female lead, said, “It’s fun to be in the show because it’s something that people actually know; it was a movie that people have actually seen, so my friends are actually excited to come see the show.”

Senior Sean Cahill-Lemme, who plays male lead Billy Flynn, is excited about the show for similar reasons.

“This show takes social chances—it’s very risque,” he said. “I don’t mean to bash other productions, but it’s fresh, exciting, and fast-paced, so everybody can enjoy it, not just one type of person.”

Part of the universal appeal of “Chicago” comes from the fact that elements of the show aren’t sugarcoated, as Maine South shows have been in the past. The language, liquor, violence, and general grittiness of the show is something that Maine South hasn’t really done before. Because of the mature content in the show, Mr. Muszynski has had to remove certain inappropriate parts while still keeping the nature of the show intact.

“It still has an edge, but it doesn’t offend. Hopefully,” he said.

PHOTO BY AISLING ROWLAND

Maine South theater strays from the beaten path

HIS MOUTH NEVER MOVES

The cast rehearses “They Both Reached For the Gun,” in which Billy Flynn pulls a ventriloquist act with Roxie Hart.

PHOTO BY AISLING ROWLAND

The content of the show has some mature elements that are simply unavoidable, like the song “Class,” and a scene that involves a hanging. The show is also host to rather abrasive language. While some of the darker elements can’t be sidestepped, the main changes to the show are found in adjustments to the language.

“Some of the language is being changed, but some of the subject matter you can’t avoid, and there is going to be some [mature] language,” Mr. Muszynski said. “The fact is that musical theater—all theater—is written specifically to mirror what’s going on in society and even make a commentary or point something out, which this does. We can’t teach students that musical theater is always like ‘The Sound of Music.’ We can’t... it would be an injustice.”

In the past, musicals at Maine South have had a pit orchestra, a band of musicians right below the stage, separate from the show. In “Chicago,” there is no pit orchestra, but rather a stage band. The musicians wear costumes and play on stage, interacting with the cast, making the music a much more integral part of the show. “Instead of your standard orchestral accompaniment, this year the music is a lot more exciting,” said Junior Matt Anderson, a threeyear veteran of musical productions at South. “Think Benny Goodman. But interestingly enough, the show PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT The accompanying stage band cheerfully even involves a major banjo rehearses “Razzle Dazzle,” a number from “Chicago.”

part, and even some mandolin and accordion. The music is always fun to play because all the numbers are in a fun, slightly provocative, jazzy style.”

The music for “Chicago” is something that students may recognize because of the movie. However, most people grow up learning to love musicals, but don’t really recognize that that’s what they’re watching.

“All of those Disney movies are musicals,” Mr. Muszynski said. “It’s what saved Disney, frankly, because Disney movies were going under, and they made the conscious decision to bring in Broadway writers and wrote musicals, so ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ which is one of the first of those, is a musical... That’s what saved Disney. So our young kids are being influenced by musical theater and they don’t even know it.”

While “Chicago” is not a wholesome, family-safe Disney movie, it certainly has the same level of crowd appeal. According to BoxOfficeMojo. com, the worldwide gross product of the film “Chicago” was $306,776,732.

Comparably, “Hercules” earned $252,712,101.

“I just think that [students] should come to see it because they’ll be surprised by it,” Mr. Muszynski said. “Their thought of what a musical is will be challenged and here’s an opportunity to see something in their own backyard that’s produced by fellow students that will kind of blow their mind.”

The show premieres Fri. Apr. 27, with additional performances Apr. 28 and 29, as well as May 4 and 5.

Tickets are currently on sale.

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ENTERTAINMENT

| April 20, 2012

Facebook imposes new feature for all users Songs that are Marla Micor A

you’re stupid,” or other, rather angry statements that involve words that are far too explicit for a high school newspaper.

Timeline is also a bit confusing since the change took place. For example, tagging people in posts is now somewhat misleading. Previously, tags simply would show up in blue in the exact location that you mention their name. Now, Facebook implies that you’re “with” that person. Thus, at the end of the post it says, “with— John Smith” or said person. For most, this is an unwelcome change.

On the other hand, there are

people who actually enjoy Timeline.

Since the dates now travel back to your birth year, users are now able to fill in the blanks of the years that they did not have a Facebook. It may be exciting to be able to document every detail of your life, but be aware that these pages can be accessed by anyone.

Facebook makes site updates quite often. Some are strictly cosmetic, while others enhance the site’s performance. Inevitably, users will dissent, but most users continue to use Facebook and eventually we all adjust to the new look.

IMAGE CREDIT FACEBOOK.COM

Staff Writer s many of you are aware, Facebook has gotten a huge facelift. The Timeline feature was released to the public in early December. While at first it was optional to make the switch, now Timeline is defaulted for every user. This change has brought about opposing reactions among Facebookers. Some find it to be easier to navigate and allows for a way to be more creative. Others absolutely despise it, claiming they were still adjusting to the previous changes and find it to be more complicated.

Timeline contains a multitude of differences from the original layout.

There is now a huge “cover photo” that is displayed on top of everyone’s page and there is a clearly labeled outline of a person’s history by the day, month, and even year of a person’s post. Timeline can even take you back to the year that the person was born (though, technically, you can’t have a Facebook before the age of 13).

Most of the complaints come from the 24/7 users. Most teenagers express their anger and/or confusion on the Internet. The statuses that have been floating around News Feeds, mostly involve things like “No, Timeline,

MAKE A STATEMENT

Cover photos are displayed loud and proud on the top of your profile. Choose wisely.

Early birds and their hearty morning delights miliar restaurants a few blocks away.

Although it is a relatively small Editor-in-Chief & Features Editor restaurant, Sunrise Grill provides s lazy high schoolers who lack its customers with a laid-back and any sense of motivation to wake friendly environment to consume a up in the morning, we have become delicious meal. The walls are sprinaccustomed to the Special K bar kled with sassy signs and colorful paintings to keep you ocbreakfast. Face it—when one cupied while waiting for leaves the house at 7:30 in the gratifying meal the morning, the only that is about to grace option is to reach into your plate. that snack drawer and The menu at grab the first item. So, Sunrise Grill conon those rare occasions tains your basic when a hearty breakfast breakfast, brunch, and comes your way, the opporlunch items. However tunity should not be taken for FLICKR.COM simple these items may granted.

As a common meeting place for seem on paper, they are much citizens of Maine Township, Rose- more appealing when in mont and its associated restaurants person. Paired with a side tend to overshadow those around of fresh fruit or mouththem. That is why a perfectly deli- watering hash browns, cious and reasonably priced Sunrise each dish at Sunrise Grill is Grill has managed to go years unno- guaranteed to nourish any ticed by the masses. Nestled between stomach. In addition to the the suspicious pre-school and liquor giant size portions, the chefs at store on 1930 East Touhy Ave., fami- Sunrise Grill add their own personal ly-run Sunrise Grill is a perfect sub- flare to each dish. Especially famous stitute for the overpriced and unfa- is the gravy found on their beef stro-

Jimmy Loomos & Ally Stevens

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ganoff.

If you don’t mind a short drive or train ride, then head on out to the Bongo Room in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Their breakfast specials are more like dessert than breakfast. With an array of various dishes from red velvet french toast to caramel white chocolate pretzel pancakes, your sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied.

But, if a savory breakfast is what you desire, their egg and sandwich dishes are stellar as well. With an additional location and the original location on Milwaukee, it’s a fun, bustling environment surrounded by several unique shops.

You will be able to make an entire day out of your breakfast should you choose to.

The atmosphere itself is very laid back, but rather FLICKR.COM noisy, since the restaurant is always busy. Regardless, the food will taste like nothing you have ever had before.

too cool for you Joshua Timm

Entertainment Editor In between listening to Justin Bieber and Ke$ha on repeat, sometimes I like to listen to more obscure music.

There are thousands of extremely talented yet unsung bands in the world.

Knowing some of these bands makes me much, much better than you, but I’m willing to give up some of my superiority complex to share some of my favorite lesser-known songs.

“All Delighted People” – Sufjan Stevens While everything from Sufjan Stevens is fantastic, this 12-minute epic is backed by a full symphony and is incredible from every angle.

“How it Ends” – DeVotchka The song contemplates death and the afterlife, and is simply beautiful.

After listening to it for the first time, the next thing you will do is listen to it again, guaranteed.

“Another Sunday Morning” – I Come to Shanghai A slower song, this is about starting over, being a better version of yourself for the future and whether or not you’ll change. The parts where the tempo picks up are especially great.

“Good Luck” – Sondre Lerche Not only is the music superb, the lyrics are thoughtful, and towards the end of the song is an incredible violin solo that makes you wonder why you never tried to be a violin virtuoso.

“Heart Skipped a Beat” – The XX This is a call and response song about lost love. While the theme isn’t exactly original, the lyrics still have an impact, and the fluid, subtle, yet catchy beat make this song a gem.

“Helena” – Nickel Creek This song describes a volatile relationship and rationalizing a breakup between two people. With driving string parts including a mandolin, this is one to put on your iPod. “A Candle’s Fire” – Beirut Beirut’s songs are backed by horns, and this song ends with a fantastic arrangement for the brass section.

“Anna Sun” – Walk the Moon This is a five-minute song that’s chorus is as catchy as pertussis. It’s about being young and experiencing things that you’ll always remember.

“What you Know” – Two Door Cinema Club The catchy guitar beat and driving chorus make this one to listen to on repeat.

April 20, 2012

| ENTERTAINMENT

Nick Cosgrove, ‘06, plays Frankie Valli Joshua Timm

Entertainment Editor he dream of many of Maine South students, whether they be point guards or guitarists, is to find success and be famous in their field.

It isn’t a common occurrence, but it is, as evidenced by South’s own Nick Cosgrove, entirely possible.

Cosgrove graduated from Maine South in 2006. He was involved in multiple choral ensembles and participated in several musicals, and attended Carnegie Mellon where he earned a BFA in Acting/Music Theatre in 2010. He is currently playing Frankie Valli in the national tour of “Jersey Boys.”

Cosgrove started singing at a very early age. “My mom always tells me that I sang before I talked,” he said. “I didn’t speak until I was three! I understood everything that was going on, I just didn’t talk. One day I went up to my Mom, put my hands on my hips, and sang a song from Sesame Street, looking up at her so proud of myself. She goes, ‘Oh, so you want to sing?’ She then bought me a bunch of those Disney sing-along tapes and I was mesmerized for a week straight.

By the end of the week, I was talking and singing all over the house.

It was as though I couldn’t get the words out and music was the key to my speech.”

Cosgrove’s first experience singing for an audience was at his church growing up.

“I was a cantor at Our Lady of Ransom at a very young age,” he said.

“They had to put a little step-stool up at the microphone so I could reach. I was a boy soprano at the time singing the ‘Pie Jesu’ and everything else up a whole octave. It was there that I found my love for singing in front of large audiences, and began to read music.”

While he attended Maine South for high school and participated in musicals when he was a student, he also participated in theatrical productions at Maine South before he graduated from elementary school.

“It wasn’t until 3rd grade that I became interested in theatre,” Cosgrove said. “Maine South High School was looking for children to be in their production of ‘Will Rogers Follies,’ and my Mom asked me if I wanted to

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audition. I immediately said ‘yes,’ auditioned, and was cast as the youngest son, Freddy. It was my first time in front of a theatrical audience, and I remember feeling so comfortable up on stage. That same year I performed Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” at Franklin Elemenatry School’s V-Show and all of the students who were in Will Rodger’s with me, came to support me. I’ll never forget them cheering in the back with posters they had made.

I felt so cool having high schoolers come cheer for me at my elementary school’s V-Show!”

The first truly theatrical production Cosgrove saw was “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” when he was about five years old, and last summer, he played Joseph in a production in Kansas city.

“To play roles now that have affected you at a young age or inspired you to go into theatre in the first place is the most fulfilling feeling in the world.”

When Cosgrove started attending Maine South, he became involved in school productions. He spoke with reverence of the theatrical production staff.

“Our team of John Muszynski, Michael Pressler, David Danckwart, Laurie McCleneghan and Patrick Sanchez always carried out every activity and show that happened in the fine arts wing with such ease,” he said. “The theatre program impacted me in the way that I was always aware of my professionalism, which has helped me very much throughout my career thus far. ‘Never be late.’

‘Always be prepared, and be giving 100% at all times.’ ‘Treat others with respect.’ They weren’t just teachers at South. They were role models and, in many ways, second parents.”

A lot of students applying to college have to decide whether they want to make a career out of the performing arts or decide to take a more stable path.

“I attended Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program the summer after my junior year in high school,” Cosgrove said. “I fell in love with the program and knew it was where I wanted to attend to receive my BFA in Acting and Music Theatre. I was originally waitlisted to get into the program and would’ve attended Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music. I wasn’t defeated yet. I wrote

PHOTO COURTESY NICK COSGROVE

South alum in ‘Jersey Boys’ national tour

individual letters to each of the faculty, telling them that if they took a chance on me and accepted me into the program, I would work harder than any other student there because I wanted to become the best actor I could be so badly. They accepted me.

From then on, to this day, I’ve never once doubted myself. If you work hard enough, fight for what you love, practice your butt off, and are willing to be completely vulnerable no matter what the outcome, you’ll always succeed. You may not always get the job, you may not always be number one, but you’ll never live in regret, that’s for sure.”

And Cosgrove has very good reasons to hold no regrets, because he landed his dream job of being Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys.”

“I saw ‘Jersey Boys’ when I was 17, at the Bank of America Theatre in downtown Chicago. This was around the time that I was really debating whether or not to really go into this as a career...When I saw this particular show, it was the first time that I saw a musical and said to myself during the production, ‘I want to do that.’ It became my dream show.

The role that I would want to play all throughout college. That I’d work on my falsetto and mix during all of my voice lessons at CMU to strengthen that part of my voice more.

“It has been a dream to be performing in this show. I’m most excited to be coming to Chicago and to be performing on the same stage at the Bank of America Theatre where

I first saw it when I was 17. To be coming full circle is an indescribable feeling.”

As a recent high school performer himself, Nick had some parting words for high school students who hope to accomplish something great one day: “Once you’re out in the real world, no one is going to be telling you what you need to be doing. It’s you that has to stay proactive. Take dance class.

Take acting classes. Soak up as much information as you can on websites such as Playbill.com, so you’re a well-informed actor. Read the news!

Most new theatre being created is commentary on what is happening in our current events. Prepare yourself to be told ‘no’ and sometimes not even be given a reason why. You have to walk into every audition telling yourself ‘I’ve prepared this material to the best of my ability, and if I’m what you’re looking for today, fantastic! If not, then I will take what I have elsewhere and someone else will be interested.’ You’re not going to be perfect for every project. But you have to stay positive as tough as it gets sometimes and know that it is going to happen for you. Today, tomorrow, or 10 years from now, if you are constant, stay positive, work hard, and practice your craft...you will see results. I promise. Because if you truly love it, as much as people will tell you ‘you’re crazy for going into this,’ it won’t matter because you know in your heart that you were meant to do it.”

SouthwordS 7

FEATURES

| April 20, 2012

Language students travel to foreign countries Des Mustafa

Features Editor ver this past spring break, 17 Maine South students participated in a week-long trip in which nine students spent their days on Dominican beaches and eight students went sightseeing in France.

Having gone to Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Spain in past years, the Dominican Republic was next. From walking on the oldest street, la Calle de Las Damas en Distrito Nacional, to horseback riding on the beach in Cabarete, many memories were made. Nine students attended this trip and it’s safe to say that it was an overall great experience.

Apart from touring Christopher Columbus’ home and depicting pictographs and petroglyphs, many cultural foods and heartwarming experiences were also a big part of this trip. There was the traditional rice and beans, the sugar cane and coco juice, all of the tropical, mouthwater-

O

ing fruits such as mangos and papayas, and even more exotic delacaces such as corrota fish, or parrot fish.

Mr. Fallico, the chaperone of the trip, described it as a trip that “combined altruism, cultural education and threw in some fun as well.”

According to one of the students, the part of the trip that made the biggest impact on them was the Dominican people themselves.

“My favorite part of the trip was going to the community and making the chocolate balls and eating a lunch that they prepared for us,” he said. “It is very hard, I think, to find people like that. Even though I could not communicate with them as much as I would have liked to, they were just people of gold. So I guess I could also say the people that lived there were the highlight of my trip.”

Although there was much entertainment in this trip, the Spanish students also spent their time donating clothes and books to El Jardín de los Niños, a Dominican Community.

“Though we saw coral, ancient cave drawings, and Columbus’ house, it was the donations that left a lasting impression,” Junior Shie-Jene Shan stated, “I never knew a small contribution of books and clothing would be so momentous; the children were so happy and welcomed us with such warmth, that it made me realize a little can go a long way.”

On their trip to France, the French class visited Paris, Nimes, and Nice.

According to French student Caitlin Dorff, the trip was a “life-changing experience.” The class of nine spent the first three days in a hotel in Paris right next to the Eiffel Tower. After Paris, the class traveled to Nimes and to Nice along the Mediterranean.

Mrs. Soerens described this trip as “cultural immersion and an essential part in learning a language.”

“Learning French is so much more than vocabulary and grammar in the classroom; it is becoming culturally literate in all that is Francophone literature, history, culture,

etc.,” Mr. Soerens staed. “By leaving the classroom, students will have a chance to not only use their language skills, but also experience firsthand all that is the world that encompasses the language. I am very proud that our French program offers this opportunity.”

This was an action-packed eight days for French students. There was lots and lots of sightseeing involved in this trip, from the Roman ruins, to medieval walled villages, to observing modern art.

Aisling Rowland, a sophomore, describes her trip as a lasting remembrance. “It sounds cliché, but going on this trip was an experience I’ll never forget,” she said. “Being able to actually use a skill I learned in school in real life was really awesome. Going to the south of France was really neat; I got a taste of what it’s actually like to live there. I really wish I could just live in France. I’d be totally content to pack up and go there now.”

ball games or sporting events during a clutch moment or when the pressure is on. Along with the chant, students raise their hands and make their hands look like a flying Hawk.

This phrase originated at a sporting event a few years ago and now represents being one united team. Today in AP Bio, I learned that Hawks fly together. It’s like an evolutionary thing.

Maine what? Maine South! phrase This phrase is used to show exactly who we are and to demonstrate our pride. Once this cheer gets started, it progressively gets louder each time to show the rising enthusiasm for our Hawks. When this guy from Mount Prospect misheard what school I went to, he said “Maine what?” to which I retorted, “Maine South!”

Hawk on phrase Rock on. Easy enough. I just learned a new song on my keytar. Hawk on, bro!

Hawked verb To be defeated, like when

losing a game. Shelby’s grade was Hawked when her math teacher found out she was cheating.

Hawk•er noun A hacker that goes to Maine South.

Tends to be found in the ninth period AP Computer Science class.

What was that one movie with Angelina Jolie? “Hawkers?”

Hawk•sat•ion•al adj Sensational. Now we’re just making these up. This issue of Southwords is hawksational.

Hawk yeah phrase Mr. Inserra changed an inappropriate phrase said by an overly excited student at an assembly two years ago.

Thus, “Hawk yeah” was born. Mom, Grandma brought cookies! HAWK YEAH! YOFO phrase You Only Fly Once. I decided to just not do the homework because I’m a senior. YOFO. Shawk noun When something shocking happens at Maine South. Archaic, used extremely rarely. Because nothing shawking ever happens. No known examples available Faux•hawk noun A wannabe hawk. ...is that New Trier kid running around with a red and black shirt? What a fauxhawk.

Contributions by: Katherine Szczepanski, Maggie Fleita, Brianna Cloney

The unabridged Hawktionary J ust like many different regions and cities, Maine South has it’s own individual language. Here’s a list of several popular words and phrases so you don’t feel left out in the hallways.

Hawk•ward adj Variant of “awkward.” Nobody knows exactly who the first student to say it was, but the term became popular last year to express an embarrassing or awkward moment that is unique to Maine South. It was Hawkward when Jenny dropped her Bosco Stick on the cafeteria floor and then proceeded to eat it.

Hey, Hey Baby! Say what? Go Hawks! phrase This high-spirited cheer can be heard for miles around Wilson field on a Friday night during the football season. It’s one of the most popular chants sung from the stands to cheer on their team. Originating from the song, this phrase is a classic way to express school spirit. What did that cheerleader just say? “Hey, Hey Baby!

Say What? Go Hawks!” Oh! GO HAWKS! Hawks fly together phrase This phrase is often heard at the foot-

8 SouthwordS

ILLUSTRATION BY ADIR

AN ADEMIEC

Removal of plants near Maine South pond affects ecosystem Nicole Shammo

I

sary.

“Since the reeds have been cut down, there is significantly more pond ‘scum’ on the pond,” Mr. Lonergan said. “That scum was all but non-existent until the elimination of the reeds.”

That “scum” is algae.

While the pond is not a natural body of water, it is considered a non-tidal wetland. These wetlands are typically very rich in nutrients and are highly productive relative to the size. Its mineralrich soil is what brings in animals, especially the red-winged blackbirds, that come to feed on the insects and healthy plants dwelling in the rich soil.

Because the pond is so full of nutrients, the surrounding plant life needs to be deeply-rooted into the borders of the pond—hence the reeds.

The reeds stabilize wetlands, filtering out polluted sediments and removing excess nutrients. Without the reeds, all of the soil along the edges of the wetland is now eroded away during rainfall.

The polluted sediments, excess nutrients, and eroded soil causes “eutrophication.” This is a natural process, but can be accelerated by human activity such as the use of fertilizer, known as cultural eutrophication. In brief, excess nutrients (both that are naturally brought in and from soil runoff) allow for excess plant growth, called an algae bloom. In an already highly productive area, the algae can grow at very fast rates. This is when the pond is entirely covered in that green “scum.”

The problem with algae blooms is that all of the algae takes up the oxygen that other life in the pond need to survive. Algae do not have a long life span and therefore soon die off, leaving decaying organic matter coating the pond’s surface. To be able to break down the dead algae also takes up a lot of oxygen, leaving the already struggling plant and animal life unable to survive. Mass mortalities

| FEATURES

of the fish drive land animals away from the pond because of the poor land quality and lack of food.

Starting this year, Maine South’s lawn has been taken care of by TruGreen. TruGreen offers a range of service for lawn care and management with the goal to provide “a greener and healthier lawn.” Currently, TruGreen services homes, schools, and businesses, where they take care of the lawn, and keeps it healthy looking by applying appropriate fertilizers and pesticides. There is an option of using TruNatural, a 100% organic fertilizer; however, Maine South opted for the ChemLawn package.

Fertilizers can throw an aquatic ecosystem into entrophy. TruGreen has been under attack by the Toxics Action Center and the Pesticide Watch with their campaign “Refuse to Use ChemLawn.”

The campaign shines light on the 32 available pesticides that may be used on residential and commercial lawns. Research indicates that all of them are threatening to the environment including water supplies, aquatic life, and non-targeted species.

Even more disturbing research comes from the campaign’s website: “17 of 32 (53%) of TruGreen ChemLawn’s pesticide products include ingredients that are possible carcinogens, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).”

The reeds were cut down to keep Maine South safe (and pretty). Unfortunately, the whole ecosystem that surrounded was hugely impacted, especially with the addition of the inorganic fertilizer leaking into the pond.

As for the red-winged blackbirds, without the reeds they have no reason to migrate back here seeing as they have nowhere to build their nests. Also, with the eutrophication that takes place, the wildlife is scarce and overall doesn’t provide a healthy habitat for any animal to live.

“This year, I have been checking every day since late February,” says Mr. Lonergan. “It is now April and I still have not seen a red-winged blackbird.”

PHOTO BY JIMMY LOOMOS

Entertainment Editor t is well known that every year birds fly south to avoid the cold winter months. They do this not only because of the freezing temperatures, but also because their food supply is beginning to decline—insects die out, plants wither away, and rodents scurry underground. In the spring, birds return once again both for the food supply now available, and also to begin their nesting season.

Maine South has been home to the red-winged blackbird for over 30 years, always returning in early March. More recently, however, this has not been the case. English teacher Mr. Lonergan has watched specifically for these birds for the past few years.

“About five or six years ago, the reeds that surrounded the pond were cut way down and completely eliminated in all but one little spot,” Mr. Lonergan said. “Since then, the red-winged blackbirds have been later and later in returning to the pond and in fewer numbers,” he says.

Red-winged blackbirds prefer living in small wetland areas, and the pond was the perfect location for their habitat. Most wetlands have some sort of surrounding plant life that is an important part of the ecosystem and helps sustain the balance between all of the living organisms. When the reeds, known as cattail, were cut down, it disrupted that balance, especially for the birds.

The reeds became a problem after the attack at Columbine High School. Many schools took new security measures to strengthen school safety— including maintaining the vegetation surrounding the school and making sure that no trees, shrubs, or grasses grew to a height that could interfere with the school’s safety. Initially, Maine South simply trimmed the reeds to meet the safety standards, but eventually they were completely cut down.

The red-winged blackbirds rely on the reeds for nesting grounds and protection from other predators. Since these birds tended to stay in large groups, nests were found densely packed in the limited reeds that grew around Maine South’s pond. Without the reeds, the red-winged blackbirds have no place to build their nests for the next generation, therefore forcing them out of the habitat.

These reeds, however, if not closely monitored, can turn into an invasive species overrunning the entire area and preventing other animals and plant life from thriving.

“The spread of cattails in a wetland area can have other negative impacts on the wetlands” Biology teacher Mr. Knodle said. “Cattails can change a marsh or shallow wetland to a more dry condition. A balance is needed to maintain healthy wetlands and management of cattails is sometimes needed.”

At Maine South, the reeds grew tall, but they were not considered invasive to the pond environment; therefore complete removal was unneces-

April 20, 2012

GOT ALGAE?

Since the removal of the cattail surrounding the pond six years ago, algae has started to cover much of its surface. In addition to the algae growth, the pond has seen a sharp decline in wildlife.

SouthwordS 9

FEATURES

| April 20, 2012

Kony 2012: what is really happening in Uganda?

Colleen McErlean Staff Writer

B

etween the videos, Facebook posts, and in-school small talk, Kony 2012 has become an important issue amongst teenagers. Maine South teens have become inspired by this years-old issue, and feel the necessity to take action. Students have tried to help in multiple ways, from bringing it up in random conversation to planning on covering Uptown Park Ridge in posters. These teens are well-intentioned, but how much do they really know about the situation?

The original video, which prompted folks to take action, was created by an organization called Invisible Children. Invisible Children is a human rights organization which was created in 2003 by three college students. Invisible Children originally created the video to make Kony “famous.” The film presents children who, for the past twentysix years, have been subjected to Kony’s horrid treatment. They speak of how the children are forced away from their homes and supplied with guns at an incredibly young age. The children are driven to murder their parents and then the boys are made into child soldiers and the girls into sex slaves. One of the children, Jacob, is interviewed and breaks down on camera.

The organization’s plan was to

PROP-UGANDA

The official Kony 2012 poster that is expected to be used at “Cover the Night” event on April 20.

10 SouthwordS

make their audience recognize the crisis and sympathize with the featured kids. Invisible Children wants to raise awareness in hope that the United States will take action in the cause.

However, it appears that their video did not trigger an entirely positive reaction. The video about Kony is actually receiving more attacks from critics than Kony. The critics are more concerned about the video than Kony’s actual massacres.

Nevertheless, even though they did not receive the reaction they wanted from the adult population, Invisible Children’s actions have caused young adults everywhere to raise over $13 million annually for about six years.

Besides their video, Invisible Children is also attempting to get celebrities to be the spokespeople for their cause. They have also issued a kit equipped with wrist bands, posters, and other propaganda material.

Through both the video and the kit, Invisible Children wants to raise awareness and push the American government to send troops and take action. However, what they either are not aware of or dismiss is that we do have troops in Uganda. Not only has President Obama taken action, but both he and former President Bush have made the pursuit for Kony’s arrest a priority.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Kony 2012 campaign. In the article “The Kony 2012 ‘Controversy’” by Dan Pallotta, it is said that, as Invisible Children has been more successful in their efforts, they have received more criticism.

They are being criticized for not combating the atrocities of the Ugandan military, not giving adequate weight to the fact that Kony is now outside of Uganda with a weakened force of several hundred members, and making it harder to capture Kony by putting the spotlight right on him.

Pallotta argues that such criticism is immoral and is giving young adults a reason to not participate. He exclaims that as teenagers view these comments and the lack of action taking place, they lose their sense of spirit and figure “what’s the point?”

The question that has been surfacing most often is what is really happening in Uganda. Joseph Kony originally appeared when the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) emerged in Uganda. Since Musenevi came

to power in Uganda, the government has faced numerous resistance movements from army-based organizations like the National Resistance Army (NRA) and LRA. The LRA fought with the NRA after the northern region of Uganda was subjected to their military occupation. The NRA had been accused of similar things that Kony has, including the forcing of children into corrupted military services. However, in 2005 the International Criminal Court (ICC) only issued warrants for the arrest of the LRA members and leaders. The LRA has been vastly cut

down and has migrated towards the South Sudan. Since the nation has supported the LRA, the Sudan is the most secure location for the organization to move to.

The Ugandan government has officially accpeted the support and aid of the United States. Even before Obama’s recent call for action, the United States had soldiers sent to aid the Ugandan government. It also seems that the LRA has nearly disappeared from Uganda all together. Recently, the LRA has only been sighted in nearby countries of Uganda, but not in the nation itself.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

Invisible Children’s objective is focused on consciousness and advocacy in bringing Joseph Kony to justice: “We exist to stop LRA violence and support the war-affected communities in East and Central Africa. We also exist to empower young people to ‘do more than just watch,’ to take steps towards ending injustice.” Here are some facts about the movement:

“IF INVISIBLE CHILDREN IS A HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION, WHY HAS MILITARY ACTION BEEN CONTEMPLATED?” Invisible Children stated that they desire that Joseph Kony be put to a stop peacefully through peace talks, but obviously Kony has taken a different approach. “We don’t want him killed and we don’t want bombs dropped.

We want him alive, captured, and brought to justice,” Jason Russell, one of the founders of Invisible Children, stated. One hundred US military advisors have been sent to Uganda to assist the Ugandan army by aiding the troops in strengthening their hand to hand combat and training them on how to use new technology. Therefore, no US troops will actually be fighting against the LRA.

“KONY HASN’T BEEN IN UGANDA FOR SIX YEARS, WHY ARE WE STILL AFTER HIM?”

Although Kony has not been in Uganda specifically, he is still the world’s most wanted war criminal. Kony still performs the crime of kidnapping young children from their homes and turning them into malicious child soldiers.

“UGANDAN PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI ALSO USED CHILD SOLDIERS. WHY HASN’T HE BEEN PERSECUTED?”

It is obvious that there are numerous horrendous people in this world who commit appalling crimes daily in this world, but someone needs to start somewhere and Joseph Kony is that start.

“WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY THAT IS COLLECTED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN GO?” Rumors have been going around about the money Invisible Children receives and where it actually goes. If you log onto invisiblechildren.com/ financials you are able to view all of their financial forms, annual forms, and 990 forms from 2006 to 2011 making it able for one to see where the money goes and the exact dollar amount that is spent on travel, schools, media, etc.

April 20, 2012

| COMMENTARY

Administration justified in cell

phone drug investigation Sarah Householder Staff Writer

A

t Stevenson High School, students were shocked when cell phones were seized and text messages were read for information regarding drug trafficking. The information gathered was used to justify the search of the alleged dealer, and investigation into the people he/she had been negotiating the sales with.

Students took their outrage to the Internet, bashing the administration for its invasion of privacy. Rumors swirled that close to 200 phones had been searched. The investigation resulted in three student expulsions and a number of suspensions (the official count won’t be released, ironically, to protect student privacy).

Students should by no means be surprised by this restriction of rights.

As we progress through our education, we’re constantly taught that as Americans, we have certain rights.

This includes the Fourth Amendment, which states that, as US citizens, we have the right to protection from “unreasonable searches and seizures.” What’s reasonable about a rumor? If your number happens to be in the contacts of someone being questioned, is that grounds for administrators to search your phone as well?

If we were adults, the answer to this question would clearly be, “no.”

Yet despite the fact that we are expected to act like adults, student rights almost completely disappear once we step on campus. As shown in Supreme Court cases such as New Jersey v. T.L.O, as soon as it becomes an issue of student safety, backpacks and lockers become fair game for unannounced searches. As long as there is reasonable evidence that a search will provide evidence of illegality, such as a tip or a teacher’s accusation, the school can legally search a student’s belongings. Call it unfair, but we all still are minors, and as far as our constitutional rights go, very little consideration is given to cries of injustice. In fact, school administrators have full rights to take a cell phone if they believe information in it could shed light on criminal activity on school property, including drug sales, vandalism, and drinking.

However, as long as information

gleaned from phones is treated as circumstantial and no action is taken against the student until more evidence is gathered, there’s no reason why the student shouldn’t be held accountable for what’s in their phone, given that it is within the rights of the administration.

“As long as they have a first and last name to go off of, I don’t see why investigating students based off of a text is such a bad idea,” said sophomore Michael Zavos.

Schools use their freedom to overrule privacy issues as a way to cut back on negative behavior.

Schools are legally allowed to drug test students without probable cause if they are involved in things such as sports, music, and other extracurriculars. These students are expected to accept a lower threshold of privacy since these are voluntary activities. The threat of getting kicked off of their activities deter many from drinking or doing drugs.

Schools have also come under fire recently for requiring students to give up social media passwords, in order to cut down on bullying and insubordination. This practice, which Facebook has publicly denounced, is a bit more ambiguous than the undue search issue, since the activity didn’t happen on school grounds or during school hours, and didn’t immediately endanger others. Since publicly venting anger about another person isn’t illegal, schools shouldn’t have the power to require students to give up their privacy outside of school.

While such tactics have yet to be employed at South, there’s no reason not to expect something of the sort in the future.

“If I were to find out there was a student or students involved in criminal activity and that info was on a cell phone, then yes, I would use it in an investigation,” said Dr. Rose Garlasco, Assistant Principal for Students.

While no one is advocating a kind of high-alert situation in which the administration would be alerted when the word “drug” is texted, it is unreasonable to expect schools to avoid such an obvious portal to illicit student behavior. If it’s such a concern, students should leave phones at home, harness the power of phone calls, or use the “delete” key.

SouthwordS 11

COMMENTARY

| April 20, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

Senior finals need reform F

12 SouthwordS

Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to LRC1, 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

Jimmy Loomos Charlie Vinopal

STR

ATIO

NB

YA

DRI

AN

ADA

MIE C

Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords

ILLU

rom the moment they step into high school, freshmen cannot wait for the day when they can call themselves graduates. As their senior year winds down and that final day draws closer, one obstacle still remains—finals.

As of now, seniors are required to take finals in all of their classes, and each test should be worth between 10 and 20 percent of the student’s final grade. Senior finals are really no different than regular semester finals, aside from the fact that they occur about a week earlier than they do for underclassmen.

Many students complain about the school’s current policy. Why do seniors have to be in school for so long? As second semester seniors, do finals actually matter? What is the point of senior finals? These are just a few of the questions commonly raised by the student body.

In comparison to other area high schools, Maine South seniors remain in school later. For example, at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, seniors take their last exams on May 22.

At Niles West, seniors are done with classes prior to Memorial Day. At St. Ignatius, seniors end classes on May 18, about half a month prior to Maine South seniors.

In fact, senior finals policies at other schools are completely different. At Libertyville High School, for example, seniors do not have to take finals if they have an A in any class, or if they have a grade above a 75% in any class in which the individual took the AP test.

Glenbrook South seniors do not have to take a final for a class if they have a B or above and have fewer than three unexcused absences in the class.

At Glenbard West, the policy changes from class to class; in some classes students need not take the final at all.

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068

In the past, Maine South has experimented with various final e x am policies. In the early 1990s, seniors were not required to take second semester finals. About a decade later, the school experimented with a policy that allowed seniors who had a B average or above in the class and who had no unexcused absences or tardies to be exempt from their finals. However, this program never made it past its trial days with the Board of Education because of issues with the unexcused absence portion of the policy.

Though attempts to implement this policy have failed in the past, times have changed. The senior finals policy that makes the most sense would exempt second semester seniors from their finals if they have an A or a B prior to the exam.

This policy will motivate seniors, who are otherwise likely to fall victim to severe senioritis, to keep their grades strong in order to forego their finals and begin summer earlier. At the same time, it still gives students who want to take the exam, whether to raise their grade or to better learn

the material, the opportunity to take the test. This policy will promote better work and effort amongst seniors.

Changing finals to make them optional for a specific group of seniors will alleviate the stress already felt by teachers at the end of the school year. There will be no more grade grubbing, irrelevant tests, or forced studying among unwilling seniors.

Similarly, there will be fewer disciplinary issues, because seniors will be more focused on their schoolwork so as to qualify for exemption from their finals.

It would take a minimum of three months for such a change to occur because the new change must pass through the committee that proposes the change, the first and second readings, and then the final vote by the Board of Education. Many issues influence a possible change including the state law that students must be in school a minimum of 176 days. That figure includes finals, so cutting those days could place the school in violation with the state.

It is clear that a change to the final exam policy would be welcomed.

The current senior final exam policy benefits neither the students nor the teachers. A change would not only reduce the stress levels of exhausted seniors, but also aid the teachers who have to deal with them.

Managing Editor Austin Bryniarski Production Head Adrian Adamiec News Editors

Dora Bialy Caroline Murphy Sarah Tarabey

Entertainment Editors Nicole Shammo Joshua Timm Features Editors

Des Mustafa Ally Stevens

Commentary Editors Gianna Carrozza Sarah Hands Soren Ramsey Sports Editors

Hope Allchin Nicole Johnson Erin Martelll

Photography Editor Josie Fioretto Copy Editor Adviser

Adam Smith Mr. Stathakis

April 20, 2012

| COMMENTARY

Fourth quarter stresses me out Charlie Vinopal Editor-In-Chief

W

hen you think of the most stressful times in high school, a few moments are inevitably going to come to mind: the first day of freshman year, applying to junior leaders or Hawk Pride as a sophomore, or taking the ACT in your junior year.

There is, however, one time in high school that is more taxing than all of those listed above: being a fourth quarter senior. The common misconception is that fourth quarter seniors are free to stop paying so much attention to their schoolwork and coast towards the end of the year.

While schoolwork may get slightly easier in this time, we are forced to begin thinking about things that far exceed the stressors of high school.

Admittedly, I thought that this final quarter was going to be an absolute breeze compared to the rest of my high school career, but I’ve found that in the last stretch, there’s more to worry about than just book work.

Last week, the final wave of colleges and universities revealed their decisions to applicants, so now most students are getting a pretty good idea of where they’re going to school next year. Many students, however, have not had to wait this long. In fact, some have known where they will go to college since as early as October.

The fact that some students have had all of their plans laid out for six months, while others continue to wait for colleges to get back to them makes for an incredibly stressful climate in this final quarter of high school.

Knowing that one of your friends is already planning housing and roommates while you continue to wait on news from a school puts tremendous pressure on you as a student. That pressure far exceeds the

rigors of the classroom.

When the college admission process is over, however, the stress doesn’t end. This year, Maine South has had a number of seniors receive admission to incredibly selective schools, including a number of Ivy Leagues and elite state and private institutions. Our community is proud of these accomplishments and rightfully so. However, what isn’t seen are the students who don’t gain acceptance to these schools and are forced to make incredibly tough decisions.

In some scenarios, students are planning on rooming with a friend only to find that they get in and their friend doesn’t, or vice versa. In this fourth quarter that is advertised as the easiest of our high school career, these college admissions provide us with a host of different emotions.

If we get into a college or university we’re elated, but if our good friend doesn’t, we’re conflicted. If we don’t get in and our friend does, we feel

jealous. Students who have not gotten into the school of their dreams now are forced to put even deeper thought into what the future holds.

These students have had everything planned out in their heads only to get a letter or email causing a serious detour in that plan.

On top of all this, we are now faced with something we’ve never experienced in our lives: distance from our peers. Now it’s beginning to sink in for most of the senior class that there’s a good possibility that we are just a summer from living miles and miles away from kids we’ve been going to school with since Kindergarten, and that’s a scary prospect.

The last quarter of senior year is seen as the blow off period, where students can finally relax and start thinking about the next stage in their life. However, while the school work may slow down, the final stretch of high school presents students with much more to think about.

to 15 years ago. Despite the routine resurfacing of the courts, weather factors continue to cause cracks and unevenness in the surfaces.

Tennis courts that are old or in poor condition can trigger many sport injuries. For example, lower leg and ankle problems can easily be caused by uneven surfacing and  QUEENS OF THE COURT

As a solution to these problems, playing area are sealed as best as pos73% of the surveyed Maine South sible, and the metal gutters must be tennis players proposed replacing all removed and replaced with a flatter of our current courts with brand new surface, such as asphalt. This would courts. allow to for nicer courts that are safer Another option would be to to play on. continue resurfacing the courts and also to remove the metal gutters.

“Resurfacing the courts is a more cost effective solution,” said Mr. Galis. “Brand new courts cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; we do our best to keep the courts as level as possible by resurfacing the courts.

Safety is our top priority.”

Due to high costs, replacing the tennis courts may not be possible in the next few years. To ensure the safety of tennis players, the maintenance department should continue resurfacing the courts.

Until the courts can be completely replaced, it is important that the NO MAN’S LAND Cracks and protruding cracks running between gutters can cause injuries and interfere with play. the courts and within the

Staff Writer ince Maine South first opened in 1964, the tennis courts have been located next to the A-wing parking lot, exposed to the extreme Chicago weather. Large cracks are clearly visible throughout the surfaces of the courts and the dated metal gutters in the center of the courts can cause players to injure themselves. Clearly, these courts are in poor condition, and something must be done about it.

According to Mr. Mike Galis, Director of Facilities & Purchasing at Maine South, the tennis courts are resurfaced every few years, at the cost of $2,500 per court.

“The cracks on the Maine South tennis courts are filled in with cement and sanded down, and the courts are repainted,” said Mr. Galis.

In 2011, the fences were also given a new coat of paint and windscreens were added, one of which reads “Hawks Tennis.”

Though this helps improve the overall appearance of the courts, the conditions of the courts are still quite poor and even dangerous.

According to Mr. Galis, the last time the courts were replaced was 10

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Seniors Haley and Audrey O’Connor look towards collegiate tennis courts. Page 15

cracks on tennis courts.

In an informal survey, the Maine South Boys’ and Girls’ tennis teams responded to questions about our courts’ conditions. Out of the surveyed, 87% of the tennis players are dissatisfied with our courts. A main concern of the surveyed was that the cracks and metal gutters on the courts not only send tennis balls in different directions, but are very easy to trip on.

“The tennis courts are in really bad condition,” said sophomore Gabi Lojewski. “The majority of schools we play have courts in good condition, whereas ours are damaged.”

Out of 43 responses, 72% of tennis players considered our tennis courts to be in worse shape than those of other high schools.

PHOTO BY LAUREN HENDRY

South’s tennis courts in need of renovation

Marisa Sclafani

SouthwordS 13

SPORTS

| April 20, 2012

Maine hockey starts short spring season

Kay Thursby & Hope Allchin

Staff Writer and Sports Editor he Maine hockey team had yet another successful season on both the varsity and junior varsity levels. The team is a mixture of boys from all three Maine schools and is led by head coach Mike Tompkins, who has 25 years of coaching experience, along with Mike Gianfortune, TJ Karavos, Connor Tuttle, and Marc Ziekle.

The winter season for the varsity team ended on March 10 with a loss to Guerin-Nazareth in the Blackhawks State Championship Cup. The teams were competing for a spot in the Elite Eight of the tournament. Maine Township was knocked out after a loss in overtime, with a final score of 5-6.

“Our varsity team was a great group of guys that worked hard all season but ended up with some serious injuries which shortened our bench coming into the playoff,” said Coach Tompkins. “They never quit.”

Jack Starzec, a Maine South senior and co-captain of the team, also felt that the winter season was successful.

“We made a lot of strides in the positive direction,” says Starzec. “I feel like we came together and peaked at the right time. Our seniors stepped up and led the team like we had hoped.”

Between the three schools, there is a total of thirteen graduating seniors, all of whom, according to Coach Tompkins, will be greatly missed.

However, Maine Township Hockey does not just excel on the ice. The team has been involved in countless service projects, including an annual

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Halloween food drive, a charity game for the Hornets handicapped sled hockey team, and Rebuilding Together, showing a strong commitment to the community.

Although the combined Maine Township hockey program is less than six years old, the team has proven that they are league contenders, with back-to-back appearances in the State Championships of 2008 and 2009 and a strong presence in the MetroCentral League. The program has also proved it can rally fan support and is encouraged by its growing popularity.

This popularity may be contributing to a possible change for the Maine Township program. As of the 201213 season, the team is considering undergoing a classification change.

“It is our club’s goal to play as a pure Maine South team for the 2012-13 hockey season,” said Maine Township club president Jeff Starzec.

“This year we had 38 players on the junior varsity and varsity team from Maine South and 5 from Maine West and East. If this participation level continues, we will be able to meet that goal.”

Although the team would remain in the Metro-Central League, the team would be composed purely of Maine South players, dropping its combined status.

Possible program restructuring is not the only thing the team should be excited about for next year’s season.

The winter season’s junior varsity team qualified for the final four in the State Championship Tournament and only lost four games throughout the entire season. The team will also

Photo courtesy coach Tompkins

HIT THE ICE

The seniors of the Maine Township hockey team stand for the Star-Spangled Banner at the start of their Senior Night game in January.

get to test these players in the spring league, which starts in April and ends in late May and is designed to keep the players in shape between the winter seasons. Seniors are not allowed to participate in the spring league, so many of the talented young JV players have been promoted to the spring varsity level. South student Ethan Flynn is definitely a player to watch as he led the league in scoring on the JV level.

The varsity spring team is off to a solid start, according to Coach Tompkins. Led by sophomore varsity

captain Jake Usher, the team has a 1-1 record with a 3-2 victory against state championship runner-up St. Viator.

The goal for the short season is to improve on basic skills and possibly even win the league. The team hopes to continue their spring success on April 21 in a critical game against Fremd in Rolling Meadows.

Although the Maine hockey team is losing many star players from their winter season, the new varsity members hope to continue their success on the ice in both the spring league and upcoming fall season.

early injury. This may have contributed to their struggle to earn any early victories, though they came close against both Niles North and Glenbrook North.

“Varsity lost a few guys early in the season to injuries,” said Robertson. “But the healthy guys have really stepped up, filling in events they are not used to doing, and while the varsity hasn’t performed at its peak, we have the opportunity to send a couple guys to state.”

Indeed, for the remainder of the season, Maine gymnastics will focus on qualifying several individuals for state. Head varsity coach Eric Norie-

ga has high hopes for many of the team members, specifically Whiteneck, Courtney and Roberston.

Even more importantly, they want to perform well in the Conference Varsity tournament April 26, and win their upcoming home meet May 17 against Evanston.

“Evanston is always a close meet,” said Robertson. “We have a few guys trying new moves that should give us a good chance of winning.”

The boys’ Maine gymnastics coop is working for improvement in the remainder of its season in hopes for a win at the Conference Tournament and a shot in the post-season.

Boys’ gymnastics hopes for success at conference meet Erin Martell

Sports Editor oys’ Maine co-op gymnastics combines athletes from Maine South, Maine East and Maine West.

In the past, the Maine co-op gymnastics has struggled to field a full team. This year, however, was different. Together, the freshman, JV, and varsity levels started out with sixty kids in the program, a huge increase from last year.

“Our freshmen are showing some real promise,” said senior Nick Robertson. “Over the next couple of years, our team should improve.”

The varsity squad consists of only

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14 SouthwordS

eight members, including seniors Hunter Courtney, Mike Lee, John Warnock, Drew Whitenack, Robertson, Trevor Jaconetti and junior Charlie Schulze from Maine South as well as senior Izzy Medina from Maine East.

“This is the first triple combined team to compete in conference,” said Robertson. “It has never been done before, and though varsity hasn’t performed at its peak, the program has brought the three schools closer together.”

The team has already participated in eight meets, though they have had some athletes change events due to

April 20, 2012 | SPORTS

PhotoS COURTESY AUDREY AND HALEY O’CONNOR

 Haley O’Connor works on her serves before a local match.

 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Audrey O’Connor prepares to return a serve at practice in Lake Bluff.

Twin tennis stars headed for college success Sisters Haley and Audrey O’Connor hope to make names for themselves on collegiate tennis circuit Nicole Johnson & Hope Allchin Sports Editors

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enus and Serena Williams are not the only dominating sisters in the sport of tennis. Haley and Audrey O’Connor, seniors at Maine South, are up-and-coming in the tennis world. They first became involved in the sport ten years ago after trying almost every other activity as kids.

“Our parents [first got us interested in tennis],” says Audrey. “Neither played, but when they introduced us to the sport, we were hooked immediately.”

“We both just fell in love with tennis and wanted to pursue it seriously,” agrees Haley.

And pursue it they did. Competing in United States Tennis Association tournaments, the girls have played all across the country.

“We’ve been everywhere, from Georgia, to San Diego, to Mobile, Alabama, to Midland, Michigan,” continues Haley.

In these national competitions, the sisters have placed in both individual and doubles matches. Haley qualified for SuperNationals in San

Diego and Audrey won first place in the Columbus Indoor Tournament in 2010. The duo placed third in a national doubles tournament in Tucson, Arizona in July 2010. Audrey has also played on the Chicago Marian Wood Baird Cup team in June 2011, hosted in Illinois, where her team placed first overall.

It has taken much practice and preparation to compete at this level.

For the sisters, scheduled practices usually range from a two-hour group lesson, to an hour or an hour and a half private lesson. However, the training does not stop there. The girls train with each other daily and focus on a variety of different skills.

“There are so many different strokes in tennis; every day there is something new to work on,” says Haley. “Sometimes you can come off the court soaked in sweat after sprinting back and forth for an hour, whereas sometimes you come off mentally exhausted after working through a few baskets of balls on your serve.”

While many Maine South seniors look forward to relaxing after school, these girls cannot wait to get out on the court and compete.

“I love that tennis challenges you in every aspect,” says Audrey. “It pushes you physically you have to outlast the opponent. It pushes you emotionally; if you get too upset or angry, you cannot regroup and fix what’s not working. It also pushes you strategically. If your opponent’s

just bigger and stronger, there’s always a way around it. The hardest part is that you have only yourself to rely on. The discipline necessary to win a match is exceptional. You really grow from this sport.”

Haley agrees: “Because you are so alone out there, every mistake you make is your own. And you make endless mistakes in the game, so it teaches you how to deal with failures.”

Even with all of the pressure and competition, the sisters still have a strong bond and appreciate the support they receive from each other.

“I can’t speak for Haley, but for me, it’s helped immensely,” says Audrey. “Tennis is a lonely sport, and to always have someone, not only to hit with and travel with, but someone who’s constantly pushing me to my limits, is invaluable. Sometimes it’s tough since we are together so much, and comparing is inevitable. But we have a great relationship. Her humbleness and motivation have been an inspiration. She’s a natural leader and I expect great things from her.”

Haley also enjoys playing with her sister.

“It has been quite a road with my sister. Since we are twins both fighting for the same thing, it got really competitive. She was always a little better than me, a better competitor and she is a beast of an athlete.

I never saw another female athlete like her. Its been tough living in her

shadow in the tennis world, however it has kept me really humble, and actually caused me to work harder and keep my motivation up, and to have someone always to hit with is great. She and I are as close as anyone could be.”

After graduation, the sisters have big plans for their tennis careers.

Audrey is going to be attending the University of Illinois, on a full ride scholarship, where she will continue to play.

“I visited many schools around the country and was pleased to find this gem in my own backyard,” says Audrey. “I’m so excited to play for my home state.”

Haley is going a bit farther away, to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

“I am thrilled to be playing college tennis there. I love the team and the coach,” says Haley. “I’m also so excited to serve my country and go through all of the experiences that West Point offers.”

When asked about post-college plans and if they would continue to play, the girls had a definitive answer: yes.

“I hope to develop my game further and have a successful college tennis career, and eventually give the tour a shot,” says Audrey.

Haley speaks for both girls when she says, “I couldn’t imagine my life without it, and since it is a lifetime sport, I’m lucky that I don’t have to.”

SouthwordS 15

BADMINTON | BASEBALL | BOYS’GYMNASTICS | LACROSSE | GIRLS’SOCCER | SOFTBALL | BOYS’TENNIS | TRACK | BOYS’VOLLEYBALL | WATER POLO

Unprecedented seasons for South water polo Caroline Borowski Staff Writer

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his is the fourth year of boys’ water polo at Maine South, and already, they have made a name for themselves among the male athletic programs.

Since the St. Charles East game, the varsity team has won nine straight, including their first ever win over Highland Park by a score of 12-7. Currently the team has won five conference games, making them perfect in the Central Suburban League South.

In addition to the big win over Highland Park, the Hawks defeated Niles West 17-6, Juarez of Chicago 188, and Northridge Preparatory of Chicago 18-4. The team’s goal this year is to improve and build off the last three seasons, and they certainly have done so thus far.

The team will encounter a tough stretch where they will face three of the state’s top-ranked teams, and they hope to pull out a few victories in these difficult matches.

As for long-term goals, the varsity team hopes to win the Metea Valley/ Nequa Invite Tournament later this month. In their conference, the Hawks hope to finish among the top three teams. They also plan to make a run in the playoffs.

On April 10, the boys’ water polo team encountered their first topranked opponent: New Trier. South was predicted to lose in a landslide, however they mirrored the Trevian’s intensity and only lost 9-10 in the last minute.

Despite the short existence of the program, the boys’ water polo team has become a very supportive, optimistic and ambitious group.

“Current seniors Michael Zadlo, Michael Dobben and Luke Kapolnek started the first year of the program as freshmen and have grown to be real leaders on the team,” said junior Tim Prinz. “We are looking forward to showing our conference and sectional [opponents] how much we have grown in the last four years.”

Other than your current sport, which do you wish you could go pro in?

What is the last song you listened to?

What schools are you considering attending or playing at next year?

What is the highlight of your career at Maine South?

What is your biggest high school regret?

Gianna Carrozza Commentary Editor

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alfway through the season, girls’ water polo has a record of 7-4, is placed third in conference, and is fighting to be ranked top 25 in state.

Before the start of their season, most players thought that it would be much different from the previous years of water polo at Maine South.

After losing their coach Jannon Kirley last season, Sarah Gershon was hired for the job. Even though she met her new team just a few months before the start of the season, everyone looked forward to a fresh start.

“I think Coach Gershon will give us a lot more opportunities to move forward in our season,” said varsity junior Tyler Gooding prior to the season.

With little time to adjust to a new coaching style, the team didn’t know what to expect. Just two weeks into the season, however, the team had a 5-2 record.

Gershon was previously the head

water polo coach at Deerfield High School, so when it came time for the girls to play Deerfield, tensions ran high. The Hawks wanted nothing more than to win for their coach.

Knowing Deerfield’s strengths and weaknesses, Gershon prepared the girls well for the game which resulted in a 13-3 win for Maine South. Tearing up, Gershon reminded the girls that this game was very important to her and was proud that they won.

With a month to go, the girls still have seven important games left which determines their ability to place top 25 in state. The team’s goal is to win conference by beating Maine East and New Trier.

Another goal fueling the water polo team is their desire to make it to sectionals, which would be a first in the brief history of the program.

Despite being a young team with a new coach, the girls’ water polo team is proving that they have a chance of accomplishing their goals and going far in the post-season.

Pat Aloisio

Lindsey Zawila

Matt Sherbahn

Ally Schnell

Golf

Fencing

Ultimate Frisbee

Fencing

“Pinball Wizard”

by The Who

“All Star”

by Smash Mouth

Babson, ISU, or Oakton

University of Illinois

Madison, Colgate, or Purdue

Hope College

Winning state for football as a sophomore

Tackling a girl in badminton

The Rube Goldberg Competition

Being in the top seven in cross country

Not playing basketball

Not getting into more trouble when I was younger

Playing too many video games

Not doing well academically freshman year

“Helena Beat” “Bohemian Rhapsody”

by Foster the People

by Queen