Vol 8 issue 7

Chairmen Anticipate Budget Squeeze How will the failure of the District 207 tax referendum affect Maine South? Though decisions have not been finalized, several department heads are willing to guess where the necessary cuts will be made.

Mr. Otto Kohler. social science department chairman, noted that "the classes are largest per teacher and the costs are lowest" in his department. He hopes that other departments will run as efficiently before the social science department cuts its spending.

"Probably classes imder 20 students in all departments will be dropped," he commented.

"I would presume there will be an increase in size of classes.

We may initiate group instruction where a teacher lectures 120 students at one time."

"A new kind of course we may offer that will accommodate more students per teacher is simulations in history," Mr. Kohler continued. "Students would simulate a period or event in history, each taking a part. An ideal class would have 42 to 48 students."

Though he does not anticipate any staff reductions, any teachers hired in the future will be inexperienced. Mr. Kohler doesn't think this will have any effect on the quality of education. "It's good to hire new people," he said.

"I have two sons that are coming to Maine South. I hope the quality of education that brought us 17 merit scholars will continue," Mr. Kohler observed.

Mr. KcAler also believes the classroom to be the last place cuts should be made. He suggests looking more closely into extracurricular activities for cuts, though he believes those activities are of great merit.

"The introspection and evaluations going on within the departments are very good," Mr. Kohler concluded. "It's good to stop, look at what you're doing, what's necessary and see how to run things in a more efficient fashion."

Mr. Marian Davis, English department chairman, notes that English AP will be reduced to one period, as opposed to the present period and a half.

"Having two-thirds of the time we've had in the past may affect results," he noted.

It would be regrettable," Mr. Davis stated, "to increase size in a class where we work with reading and wnting skills."

Exclusive

In the science department, equipment will be at a standstill and some classes may be eliminated.

Mr. J. Ronald Teller, chairman of the department, commented, "First of all, I would be very surprised if we could purchase capital outlay items (equipment used year after year). We will probably also have to cut down on consumable supplies."

"We may," he continued, "be forced to curtail our course offerings. We may not offer any classes with fewer than 20 students. I'm fairly certain we will close our seminars."

Miss Katherine Pierce, chairman of the girls' physical education department, was disappointed when the referendum failed because she felt it showed that the community doesn't support what South is doing.

"Right now it is too early to predict how the failure will af-

fect our department, but it looks like we won't be adding anything to our department next year," she explained.

According to Miss Pierce, intramural sports could be seriously affected by the voters' decision. She doubts that any sport that has not been included in this year's program will be introduced next year.

Classes will be expanded if the girls' physical education department is forced to reduce its staff.

"Our primary concern is safety. With over 40 girls in a gym class, a teacher finds herself in a precarious situation regarding liability. I doubt much can be accomplished in an overcrowded gym class," Miss Pierce added.

"Right now there are more kids who want art and can't take it. Last year we had to cut classes because of capacity," said Mr. Joseph Stilp,

"All expenses were cut by the district with care." the deterioration of the learning atmosphere."

Mr. Elliott isn't sure what direction the cuts will take.

"There aren't many ways to cut math budgets," he said.

Vol. 8, No. 7 Maine Township High School South, Park Ridge, III. 60068 Dec. 17, 1971 "We don't really make decisions, except with relation to the direction of the cuts," Mr. Elliott continued. "In the final analysis, we'll probably be told at least how much and perhaps what should be cut."

Mr. Elliott is "concerned about what cuts will do to the Increased benefits to the indi- freshman writing which he said riculum committee on the basis quality of the department." vidual student and greater flex- demonstrated several writing of teachers' suggestions. TwenAll the department chairmen ibility in the English department problems. ty-nine teachers turned in eighty stress that their statements are are behind recent changes in With the new elective system, proposals. Many of the courses mere conjecture. Final decithe English program, according students can now select courses which will be offered are com- sions are to be made by the to Mr. Marian Davis, depart- which will best fit their indi- binations of similar suggestions. Board of Education. ment chairman. vidual needs, interests and abilThis new English program Dr. Clyde K. Watson, princiThe new elective system came ities, Mr. Davis said. The sys- was first brought before the ad- pal, made some general comabout after two years of com- tem of phasing allows the ministration in January, and ments on the cuts.

"Whatever cuts are made will mittee work which began when courses to better fit a student's was subsequently turned down, mainly for financial reasons. be done in all four schools.

Mr. Davis hoard of the idea at level.

Mr. Davis has been pleased After working on the program We'll take a good look at our a national conference in Washington in 1969. It began as the with the early results of pre-reg- continually throughout the sum- equipment budget. It may be Appropriate Placement for Ex- istration. He points out that mer, the English departent re- reduced drastically."

He continued, "Many small cellence, APEX, program in English usage has had the high- cently brought it again before board, who accepted, with classes will be eliminated. Class Trenton, Michigan, and spread est preliminary registration. the This shows that students are the assurance that the program size will increase. Larger class nationally. being "pretty realistic" in their will cost no more than the pres- size automatically eliminates Several area high schools are course selections, he said, negat- ent one. staff." now among those using the pro- ing the fear that students will gram. pick courses which are too easy.

Mr. Davis decided to adapt Preregistration will now be the new program for use at held every year. Courses which South after reviewing samples of do not have enough preliminary enrollments will be dropped, and students who chose these courses will make other choices during final registration. Some Class discussions concerning representative, a policeman, of the elements of the dropped lobbyists and the influence of several aldermen. Miss Little courses will then be incorpo- private citizens on government and a bicycle store owner. rated in existing ones to insure decisions have resulted in the Reviewing the present bicycle a balanced curriculum. formation of a student commit- code, conducting research and New courses will be instituted tee concerned with bicycle leg- making recommendations to the According to Mr. Kohler, the in the place of dropped courses islation in Park Ridge.

City Council will be the group's A group of students in the main functions. criteria for selection were inter- the following year; thus hopes Government/Democracy est in government as evidenced for a more flexible English pro- Ace. Little commented that by grades in government and gram, new interests replacing classes of Miss Christine Little sheMiss was "pleasantly surprised history courses, as well as a the old, changing the depart- and Mr. Kenneth Faulhaber, at the city's response to our subjective analysis of the stu- ment gradually from year to after hearing Mr. Donald Sun- suggestions.

It seems that many year. shine, Park Ridge Planning dent's overall performance in Park Ridgians recognize the school.

The first offerings to be under Board advisor and bicycle en- growing bicycle trend and the "On the whole, we were very the new program beginning next thusiast, organized a committee need for improved bike ordiimpressed by the high qualifica- year were drawn up by a cur- to investigate bicycle legisla- nances benefiting both bicyclist tion. tions of all the candidates," Mr. and motorist."

Kohler commented.

Nine students and Miss Little Miss Little also mentioned went to City Hall to attend a The Washington Workshops City Council Committee meet- that the possibility of setting are held in six one-week sesing and explore the possibilities aside bicycle paths depends on sions from January 30 to July of organizing a group to study the committee's recommenda30. Pam and Tom will decide tions and the receptivity of the bicycle laws. which session they would like to Park Ridge.

Though the meeting was canattend at a later date.

Each year, each Illinois legMr. Faulhaber stated that The Workshops are open to islator can grant two students celled, the delegation was able any student who files an appli- in his district scholarships to to speak with Alderman Kinnel students in his classes feel that cation with director Leo Tonkin be used at a state school. One and the Ass't. City Manager planned bicycle paths would make traffic conditions safer and can cover the expenses of must be for the University of Chuck Stennis. the program.

They were told Mayor Pea- for all concerned.

Illinois and one for another state Mr. Kohler announced that he school. The scholarships cover cock was appointing a bike One of the students to serve has a $50 partial scholarships tuition and other expenses. committee and that he would on the committee, Krista Mcavailable to any such student Michael J. Bakalis, state sup- contact Miss Little about stu- Lean, believes that improved who can personally provide the erintendent of public instruction, dent participation in it. bicycle legislation is necessary rest of the necessary funds.

The mayor called Miss Little because "bicyclists really have has introduced regulations to the Last year's representative to legislature shich will prevent le last week and suggested form- no safe place to ride. More the Workshops was Mary Beth islators from awarding these ing a standing committee con- people would bicycle if given Krebs '72. sisting of two students, a P.T.A. a safe area to do so." {CONTINUED ON PAGE a>

New English Elective System To Be Introduced Next Year

South Students Examine Bike Code in Committee

2 'Southwards' Editors WiU Go to Washington Pam Sakowicz and Tom Lanetot will represent Maine South at the 1972 Washington Workshops, Mr. Otto Kohler, social science department chairman announced exclusively to Southwords.

First alternate is Lisa Piasecki. She wUl attend the seminar if either Pam or Tom cannot participate for any reason.

Second and third alternates are Dianne Kinast and M i k e Goerss, respecitvely.

Both Pam and Tom will receive $225 scholarships to cover tuition, room, board and fees for the Workshops. They must pay their own transportation costs.

The scholarships were awarded by the Park Ridge Kiwanis.

Pam, Tom and the 3 alternates were chosen from a field of approximately 25 senior applicants. The evaluation of the candidates was made by a committee of social science teachers selected by Mr. Kohler.

Some teachers in other departments were also consulted.

chairman of the art department.

Mr. Stilp believes that the department will have to cut down on specialized materials such as enamel, clay and other equipment. However, he could not speculate whether staff membership will be cut. "Now's the time to increase creativity.

It has taken a long time to build up the art department we have here at South. It's too bad that the arts are first to suffer when there's an economic pinch."

Mr. Joseph Elliott, chairman of the mathematics department, believes that the cuts "will affect class size. An increase in class size would reduce cost, but it would also reduce the quality of education."

"With large classes," Mr. Elliott continued, "some of the interaction between a student and his teacher is lost. There is more group, less individual action. A large class leads to

Scholarships Restricted

Page 2

SOUTHWORDS

December 17, 1971

Review

V-Show Tops Past Shows

by Bruce Little V-Show has been over for almost two weeks now, and a review of Remember When might seem a little bit useless now. I think the Spirit of '72 deserves mention, however, because it is the best of the four variety shows I've seen and may be the best one ever.

This year's V-Show was not too long. It did not consist of a handful of good acts surrounded by dozens of poor ones.

In short. Remember When overcame most of the faults of previous years and was characterized by high quality performances throughout.

The change might have come from the creation of the VShow "Trunk." The "Trunk,"

according to the program, is "a core of players used in blackouts and sketches." They also formed complete acts of their own and were used to fill in the other acts. The players in the "Trunk" were generally pretty talented, and the acts they did were excellent."

This year's blackouts were the funniest ever, and sometimes the addition of even one extra player from the "Trunk" turned a mediocre act into a good one. The GRA act, "Sink the Lollipop," would have been nothing without the almost perfect imitation of Shirley Temple given by "Trunk" member Dee McNamara.

Imitation was indeed a major part of Remember When,

ShortwordS'

Why No South AFS •Judy Daly • This is the first time a student from South hasn't been chosen to participate in the AFS Americans Abroad program. In fact, we didn't even make the preliminaries. Blame has been placed on apathetic students and inadequate administrative communications.

However, maybe there is no real "alibi" to justify the poor response. Perhaps some students just didn't think AFS was worth getting into. After all the talk about "improving foreign relations," maybe they felt AFS just wasn't improving anything.

"These are possible explanations. But the fact remains that we are without an AFS Americans Abroad program next year.

Perhaps that will give us a little more time to establish "foreign understanding" within our own school.

• Maine South cafeteria food has long been the object of criticism by many students. However, when one board member paid a visit to South to sample some of the food, he found that the accusations were imjust.

He took an hour for lunch and spent it in our cafeteria. After careful selection, he chose one of South's renowned hamburgers.

He later exclaimed that it was one of the best lunches he ever had and seemed to notice that students around him managed to swallow a lot of food during the twenty minute period. Maybe it's all in our heads.

• M Club initiates who survived last week's initiation period should be congratulated. It takes a lot of nerve to sit on top of a locker with thumb in mouth, and recite nursery rhymes.

• Probably the most well-known fact around school is that Christmas vacation starts today at 3:40. Last Sunday night a talk show featured an excerpt from the book The Death of Christmas.

It described different people's reactions towards Christmas.

By their comments, no book was more appropriately titled.

Slowly the traditional Christmas is becoming a thing of the past.

One girl said she'd rather spend Christmas with her boyfriend than her family. For some, Christmas is the time of empty wallets, upset stomaches and an over-supply of ties.

And then there are the realists who ask how anyone can celebrate Christmas when people are being killed in Viet Nam and children are starving in Pakistan.

In a way, I think Christmas is dying. But we will be the ones responsible for its death.

and most of it was very good.

Most of the adults in the audience remembered the Andrews Sisters, and they gave a great round of applause to Ellen Kukulski, Joanne StoKa and Pat Topel because they managed to look and sound just like them singing "Apple Blossom Time."

Performing "Twist and Shout" and "Eight Days a Week," Brad Henricksen, Jim Wall, Dave Benjamin and Al Jahn imitated the Beatles perfectly.

As the "Sublimes," Margie Gibson, Sue Rodelius and Cheryl Bean did a beautiful caricature of the old Supremes.

The best imitations of the night, though, came in the comedy act "If I Were Not a Student." All six girls were very funny, and I think if Barb Baumgartner put on some weight she could probably pass for the immortal Elbert Smith.

Dance acts, of course, have been the trademark of V-Shows.

However, they were different this year because they were actually good. The Hawkettes, of course, were the best act in the show, but they ought to be since they've been practicing since last summer. The

Spirit of '72 dance chorus was probably the best ever, and both their Spanish number in the first act and "Spinning Wheel" in the second were excellent.

The song and dance act "Manhunters" was my favorite, and it was probably the first time that six hoofers have appeared on the Maine South stage.

A lot of really talented individuals performed, such as AFS student Nieta Silva playing the piano in "Rhapsody." In an unusual act, Anita Kuhn per-

formed a lovely ballet to the theme from Love Story. Both Amie Dolan, drilling with a rifle, and Krista McLean, twirling her baton, delighted the audience. Al Jahn and Brad Henricksen, singing a song that Brad composed, did the best duet in the show.

Was there anything bad about Remeber WlKn? Nothing important enough to be worth mentioning. One group deserving mention is the stage band.

As always, they were excellent, and this year they finally had a show worthy of their talents.

Open Letter

Concert Orchestra Laments Disrespect Displayed by Student Body at Assentbly Dear Editor, We feel it necessary to comment on the lack of courtesy demonstrated by students attending the A.F.S. assembly on December 7. The noise and rudeness was upsetting to students, teachers and speakers.

Nieta Silva, our A.F.S. student from Brazil, expressed her disappointment to the orchestra, of which she is a member.

"I almost said they can't have any liberty here because they don't know how to use it. I am really surprised because there is such a big difference

between students here and in Brazil. Here they're so immature, they really give me a bad impression. If they don't want to come to the assemblies, if they don't want to grow up and learn, they should stay home."

Obviously, students do not realize the value of assemblies.

They have the idea that an assembly is a place to socialize since no talking is allowed in study hall. The students are not entirely to blame, however.

One counselor was heard telling students in her complex that if they wanted to talk,

New Scholarship Rules (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

scholarships to stduents not in their district.

The regulatiwis will require the legislator to sign notarized forms stating that the student

Afterwords

Priority Twisting in Suburbia The defeat of the recent District 207 referendiun is indicative of the twisted values of American Suburbia: of the love of affluence and fear of spending it — even where it should be spent.

But that's not the only thing wrong with those good old WASPy values. There's something very serious afflicting a society that can justify a war in Viet Nam but that condemns organized, non-violent protest.

And ever take a good look at conventional white, middle-class liberalism? "Love thy black, red or Spanish-speaking neighbor until he shall move next door or you can make a buck panic peddling."

In short, the priorities have become rather twisted.

Hopefully, that's not how any of us want to "be when we grow up." Perhaps, however, we're already a few good steps along ihe way.

Our school is located right in the thick of it: South is supported by people who believe in the Gospel according to the Bourgeoisie. If you make South your world, you run the risk of making suburbia your life.

It's easy to get caught up in some ivory

'If I Were Not A Student Here": best satire in show.

tower of academia and forget about the world beyond these hallowed halls — just as adults get caught up in jobs or whatever and forget about what lies a few miles away on the other side of Higgins. It's easy, but it's not right.

We've got to keep ourselves cognizant of the fact that the Park Ridge way, the good old traditional American way, isn't the only way. And we can realize its strengths and its weaknesses only by comparison. If we are to grow and learn, the urban must become an integral part of the suburban; the international of the national.

We must step out of our shell and into the sea.

This all may sound like a very depressing commentary for the Christmas season.

It isn't meant to be.

Christmas isn't the time to ignore the world's problems. It's the time to look at them in a new light: with hope for the new year rather than with despair for the past.

So Southwords wishes you a happy holiday — a peaceful Christmas, an enhghtening new year.

receiving the scholarship lives in his district. Each recipient will be required to submit a notarized letter stating who his General Assembly representative is, what disti-ict he represents and what district the student is from.

Mr. Kemieth Reese, career counselor, urges all interested students to write their local rep resentative requesting consideration for the scholarship.

Recently, other scholarships have been under examination.

Of all those offered under the office of superintendant of public instruction, only four are stUl in force. They include the preceding as well as the special education, adult teacher education and children of veterans scholarships.

Those scholarships cancelled and no longer avilable are the teachers' education scholarship junior college, general education development. Cook County, special county and the agriculture and home economics scholarships to the University of Illinois.

One children-of-veterans-scholarship to the University of Illinois is awarded per county.

According to Mr. Reese, the best source of money in the state of Illinois is the Illinois State Monetary award, although other programs are in operation through the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

they were to get out of study hall and go to the assembly.

The students from that particular complex and others like it are the ones responsible for the disgraceful display of conduct.

To those interested in what they heard, the assembly had a great deal to offer. Each part of the program was the result of many hours of preparation; without such practice neither the music or speeches would have been possible. Each was the outcome of hard work and a desire to convey an important message to an audience that had supposedly come to listen and learn.

The speakers and musicians, evidently taken for granted, put a great deal of effort into their respective parts of the program. The speeches took many hours to prepare and the music was possible only through practice before, during and after school. Unfortunately, most of the audience did not seem to appreciate the work that each participant put forth to perfect their performances and please their audience. They did not receive the recognition that they deserved.

Perhaps the majority of the student body has no desire to learn about subjects relevant to this school, liiese students' behavior, as demonstrated at the A.F.S. assembly, embarrasses their colleagues and leaves a bad impression with outsiders.

Glenna Chance John Koulos Lucy Robandt Marian Sagona and 14 members of the Concert Orchestra

Th« official ttudtnt n«w«p«p«r af Main* TownsMp Hi«h SchMl SavMi, Park Ridga, llllnatt, ««0M. Wiitlan and aditad 15 Nma« aach yaar ky •tudantt of ttia high Khoai. (ubaerlption> includad with actlvily ttckaf, purchasad saparaMlY af «> par yaar, or Individually for 10c. (Prkad Mfhar far l u u a * af mora than 4 pataa.)

Editor iii-Chic< Mary Beth Kraba

December U, 1971

SOUTHWORDS

Page 3

Haying Gift Trouble? Look Here

by Eileen Lynch and Betsy Rossen With only seven more shoping days until Christmas, many students are at their wits' end to find that one special gift that shows they care enough to send the very best.

However, with money running short, we suggest that you settle for something a little more reasonable and a lot more meaningful.

For example, if your counselor is on your gift list, a year's supply of daily bulletins with important Chess Club meetings underlined is always a charming idea.

Or, picture the glow of happiness that will rise from Mr.

Roy Haglund's face as you present him a complimentary case of No-Doz. For Mr. Robert Simonson, that ever-popular assistant principal, we suggest brass polish to keep those wire rims shining.

An Instamatic camera to be used by the less-advanced students in Photography I-L is sure to make Mr. PhUlip Dunn's Christmas memorable.

We suggest that no gift list is complete without a Polish translation of Lord Jim for Mr. Daniel SUkowski, which should of course be cross-referenced.

For one of the most positivethinking teachers we know, Mr. Les Kent, how about an auto-

'Southwards' To Consider Accepting Advertisements The Southwords' staff is considering the possibility of running advertisements in the paper. The money thus raised could make Souttiwords independent of the school's and taxpayers' support.

Mr. Kenneth Beatty, Southwords sponsor, approves of advertising in the sense of training in the fields of selling, planning and laying out ads.

On the other hand, Mr. Beatty feels that "We'd have to sell enough ads to pay for the additional pages without losing copy space.

"There's also the problem of considering the price of the space the ad would occupy, the transportation of seller to the advertisers to sell, pick up and show proof of the ad as well as billing," said Mr. Beatty.

Dr. Richard Short, superintendent of District 207, said that "advertising is against board policy, which would have to be changed to allow it. It would be a disadvantage to the store owners because they pay taxes to support the school and therefore the newspaper. With ads they'd be asked to support the newspaper twice." He also felt that time ordinarily devoted to homework would be spent going "from door to door selling ads."

Dr. Clyde Watson, principal, feels advertising shouldn't be permitted in Southwords and called it "begging."

The newspaper presently receives 40 cents for each student enrolled at South. If current cutbacks from the new austerity program call for reduction of funds for Southwords, however, then advertising would be considered.

Dr. Watson foresees a problem in contacting all potential advertisers so that none would be left out. He is also opposed to students "soliciting" money for advertising.

The concensus of opinion of Park Ridge store owners seems to be that advertising would be welcomed. Although Hill's Sta-

tioners feels that it doesn't pay off. Just Jeans and others welcome the idea.

Bruce Little, staff member, feels "We could have one page of advertising and the other side for copy. The profits could go to such items as new typewriters."

Student Council is considering bringing the issue up for legislation.

graphed picture of W. Clement Stone, the founder of A.M.S. Miss Paulene Yates will be pleased as punch to receive your theme corrections on To Kill a Mocking Bird from freshman year.

We know that Mr. Thomas Kerth would appreciate a box of name tapes to use next year when he is with Uncle Sam. A color-coordinated set of green and red socks for that always-fashionable dean, M r.

Elbert Smith, is a smashing idea.

For Mr. Morton Igelman we suggest the record, Nanette Fabray's Greatest Hits (in French.)

This present will not only delight Mr. Igelman but also his students, who will have to sing these songs for the rest of the year.

A Hundred Things to Do in Your Spare Time is an excellent gift idea for Mr. Owen Cheeseman, head librarian.

Along this line, we also suggest a copy of the soundtrack from The Wizard of Oz for the library ladies.

A clever idea for that man who has everything but hair is a toupee. Mr. Darell Dickey, Mr. Glen Van Proyen, Mr. Ben Harris, Mr. 0. K. Wilson, Mr. John Bostick and Mr. Stanley Bentall all fall into this category.

Mr. Robert Hunt, on Uie other

hand, would probably appreciate a bald wig.

For Mr. Mike Deines, a pair of elevator shoes would help him feel on a level with his sophomore students.

A baton with a mind of its own would be greatly appreciated by Mr. Lloyd Spear, music department chairman.

For Mr. Harold Chastain, why not purchase a collection of the screenplays from AH in the Family?

Finally, Southwords is honored to present a box of personalized stationery to Miss Marian Fisher that she may keep up our correspondence.

For Mr. C h e e s e m a n : something to do when he's finished the paper.

Lift Mr. Deines' spirits with elevator shoes.

In your spare time, translate Mr. Silkowski's favorite book into Polish.

Jimmy': A Tale at Christmas Present

by Lise "Deck the halls," I hummed to the windows as I attempted to brighten them with cut-outs from cast-off magazines. Leaving for the corner store, I bumped into the string of popcorn across the door and wondered if I should get the tiu-key noodle soup instead of chicken in honor of the season. Why not?

As long as it wasn't any more expensive.

Out on the street, the cold wind polished the concrete and asphalt with the paper in its grip. I tried to outrun it, but it caught me, cruelly. My eyes teared as I tried to run faster.

In speed and blindness, I tripped over something on the sidewalk.

Stopping, I discovered I had knocked down a little boy. About four or five and very agile for aU his baby fat, he was already picking himself up. He examined me with solemn gray-blue eyes.

"I'm sorry," I said, feeling guilty and Scrooge-like. Knocking down a little kid is pretty low.

"Im O.K." A cautious glance met me from those unlaughing, uncrying eyes, with spikey black lashes. "Are you a mommy?"

"Uh - no • I'm not, just an older sister. He reminded me of one of my little brothers who had been five when I left home at seventeen.

"I'm going shopping to get a Christmas present for Mommy."

We were moving now, towards

the stores at the intersection. I wondered what mother let her child out alone in the neonsplattered, cold twilight.

"What's your name?"

"Jimmy."

"How old are you?"

"Five and a ha'f."

"Do you go to school?"

"Uh-huh. I'm in the kin-ergaren at A-bram lincton school."

I decided that this was stupid line of questioning. It proved, with finality, I guess, that I had slipped into adultdom, and I did't like it one bit.

"Know what your gonna get her?" He was concentrating hard, trying to get up the concrete stair of the Castle stationery store. He finished that with a mighty effort and turned to me, perplexed.

"I don't know. Prob'ly some a'ficial flowers. She likeds flowers."

"Official flowers?"

"No, a'ficial, like plastic."

"Oh." I was the perplexed one now. We parted; I went two doors down, and did my meager shopping for one. The stupid store didn't have turkey noodle or even chicken noodle, so I ended up with vegetable, which I hate.

The cold was even colder, the dark, deeper, and the neon glared false salvation into the night as I came out with my bundles. On the steps of the staionery store sat Jimmy, crying. "Jim — Jimmy, what's the matter? What happened?"

"Ah — A big kid took my money."

"How — who — wh." Big kids! Likely, he had been a tough, snot-nose neighborhood kid. "How much d'ja have?"

"Fifty-seven cents. I earn it all myself."

"Com'on." Together we went back. He clutched some Kleenex.

I helped him pick out four flowers; he chose, and I reached them out of the large basket. He pointed out one blue, two red, and a pink which I paid for. I worried, out loud, about a blue flower. Jimmy stated, with final' ity, that blue was his mother's favorite color. I didn't dare protest again. My burst of generosity shot my extra money for the week. As solem has ever, he clutched his flowers and the

Kleenex as we came back out onto the cold street.

"Thank you." he said, and and started diligently home. I thought the wind would knock him over, it was so tough.

"Jimmy — uh — I've got some wrapping paper. Do you want to wrap Uiem for your mom?" He considered it, his round face rumpled into a frown.

"Would it make'm better?"

"Sure."

"O.K., then. Where's your house?" By the hand, I took him home. I dug up the paper, wrapped the flowers, and handed them back to his anxious clutches. The whole time, he sat very still on the one chair in my rickety room. I offered him some soup, but he said he wanted to get home because it was suppertime and his mother always made something special.

I understood, knwoing that if I had something to go home to, I'd go home, too. I walked him down the three flights of stairs.

Even if 1 wasn't running around singing, I felt more like Christmas. My family was so large that someone had always been young, and Christmas was, for me, the season of children.

Goodnight, Jimmy, M e r r y Christmas. I hope your mommy realizes how great it is that you are you.

Faulting that night, I tired to finish a winter scene, one of an ice pond surrounded by trees and craggy hills. Cracks slicked the surface of the pond and toothed demons leered up, almost oblitereated by frost and trapped beneath the ice. My usual paintings were rather abstract, bright splashes of emo -tions and color, composed using almost human figures. Recently, however, I had been painting differently. Tonight, I put in Jimmy-eyed children skating close to the cracks. They smiled innocently, and I almost ruined the canvas when I realized what I was doing.

I was thinking about Jimmy's mother, too. He was only five, and acted, with his maturity and speaking ability, like an oldest or only child. Perhaps she was young. I clutched at straws, I guess, trying to find someone young enough to talk to in this

old neighborhood. I was starved for company. Maybe that's why I talked to Jimmy in the first place. I imagined finding Jimmy again, and taking him home.

Ever since I had moved from Peter's and struck out on my own, I had felt isolation. I began to imagine talking with his mother, having coffee with her.

I hadn't been in the neighborhood long. I wanted to meet people badly. I thought of Jimmy as salvation.

I went to bed, deciding that the lack of people was driving me absolutely nuts. First, talking to kids, then painting surrealistic, obviously symbolic paintings, next I would probably start considering marriage and kids. If Peter could see me now. . .

The next morning, Christmas proper, was brighter and colder, if that was possible. I convinced myself that I needed someone to talk to and went down to walk and search for my five-year-old salvation.

Luck was mine; I spotted his dull blond head two blocks over.

He walked with an older man.

His father? I didn't know, and hesitated as I caught up with their five-year-old pace.

Loneliness and the w i n d pushed me. "Jimmy," I smiled and knelt, eye-level in front of him. "How are you?"

"Fine." He looked up solemnly at the man who held his hand. "We're going to give my mommy her present at the cedmetary."

This time, I didn't need a translation. I guess my expression must have been a mirror of my mind, for as I whirled to run, father grabbed son, trying in vain to protect him from all the crazy people and pain in the world.

I ran all the way to my room and up those three flights of stairs. As I drove through the door, I broke the tring of popcorn hanging across it, and the white crumble catapulted all over the room. I stood in the middle of the mess, panting, my head spinning from the cold and exertion.

I dragged out my duffle bag, knocking down more of my cutout. 1 was going home for Christmas.

Page 4

SOUTHWORDS

December 17, 1971

Cagers in Early Season Romp

Hawk pivot Tom "Peanuts" Schmelzer bats the tip away from a Niles North foe.

The Varsity Cagers continued their winning ways scoring victories over conference foe Glenbrook North and highly touted Hersey. South's most recent win was Saturday's 75-47 conquest of the Niles North Vikings.

The Chicago Daily News, in their first poll of the young season, picked the Hawks third in the Chicagoland area. Ahead of the Hawks were Hinsdale Central and last season's state champ Thornridge, who welcomes back four of last year's starters. Another ranking, put out by a Champaign newspaper, placed the Hawks second in the state, behind only Thornridge.

Last Satiu-day night, in a conference encounter, the Hawks controlled the tip and from that point on controlled the game as they bucketed 13 points before the Vikings tallied their first mark. The teams exchanged field goals, and the score stood at 15-3 in favor of the Scarlet and white.

Mistakes and a cold shooting hand brought a slight demise in the Hawk attack as the second period progressed. The scoring in that quarter was even at 14 apiece.

Even though the Hawk scoring prowess had been deterred, South still held the upper hand as the buzzer sounded to end the first half, with the score 29-12.

Brady's Bunch was well aware that a change of strategy would be in the works during the halftime talk.

A loud and boisterous Coach Bernie Brady told his troops exactly what he thought about their play in the first half and then set out to develop a new strategy to get the Hawks back on the victory track for the second half.

Brady's change of plans seemed quite effective, as the Hawks won the tip once again and stormed through a 24-point quarter. The Hawk's hot outside shooting had, visible since the outset of the season, returned and South moved to a 22-point advantage by the end of the period. Careful defense was exhibited by the Hawks as Bill Harbeck stole several Viking passes and converted them into Hawk baskets.

The fourth quarter was just played for formalities sake, as both coaches substituted freely.

Before Tom Schmelzer retired

Tankers Travel to Glenbrook S. The Hawks shoot for a .500 conference average tonight when they travel to Glenbrook South to face the Titan tank squad. Hawk workouts have been tapered down as the team peaks for the meet.

"Glenbrook South is every bit as tough as the Glenbrook North squad we swam against last Tuesday," commented Coach Harris. "In strengths and weaknesses the two teams are practically identical."

The Hawks suffered a disappointing loss to Glenbrook North last week in their conference opener. "We didn't have quite the depth that Glenbrook North had," said Coach Harris. "Individual times, however, were very satisfactory and we had a lot of personal best times."

South's medley relay of Brad Kozie, Ted Johnson, Bob McCullough, and Joseph Nicolau got the team off to an early lead. Norm Pussehl took first in the 50-and 100-yd. freestyle events. McCullough grabbed first place in the 100-yd. butterfly.

Johnson shattered his own varsity record set at Maine East four days earlier with a 1:04.9 clocking in the 100 yd. breaststroke.

In non-conference action, the tankmen have remained undefeated since their openmg loss to Evanston. The Hawks triumphed over Maine East 52-43, toppled Hersey and Sullivan 101-43-24 respectively and trampled St. Patrick 75-20.

At the Maine East meet, South's medley relay combination of Kozie, Johnson, McCullough, and Terry Lubrano captured an easy first. First place honors went to Pussehl in the 200-yd. and 100-yd. freestyle events, Kozie in the 50 yd. free, Mike Scotese in the 400-yd. freestyle and Johnson in the 100 yd. breaststroke. Johnson captured Maine East's pool record with a 1:05.5.

Coach Harris juggled the lineup again against Sullivan and Hersey, and got even better results. Both the medley relay of Mike Springston, Johnson, Kozie, and Craig Jacobson and the freestyle of Jim Bruce, Jim Seidel, Keith Schalk, and Kozie took first place finishes. Schalk and Seidel placed second and third in the 200-yd. freestyle.

David Dale and Mike Scotese finished one and two for the Hawks in the 200-yd. medley.

Pussehl placed first in the 50-yd. freestyle and Jacobson followed up in third. Mike Pence captured the diving with 193.6 points. Kozie and Dale slammed the 100-yd. fly while Bob Mc-

Cullough finished second in the 100-yd. freestyle.

Springston outreached teammate Jon Benson in the 100-yd. backstroke. Johnson and Tom Houlihan tapped the 100-yd. breaststroke.

for the evening he had worked for six of the team's 12 blocked shots, and collected 12 rebounds.

Rick Kucera, who missed the first three games of the year because of a sprained ankle, tallied 13 points. Jerry Jones had 12.

The substitutes finished the job and the final score stood at 75-47. Tom Spicer was high man for the Hawks with 21 points.

The previous weekend the Hawks collected two victories and set a new school record for scoring by knocking Glenbrook North, 110-52.

The following night the Hawks traveled to Hersey to meet the

Swordsmen Break Even The Maine South varsity swordsmen faced New Trier West in their opening meet of the season and encountered a setback on the road to the state championship.

The Hawk fencers, who are suffering growing pains from the loss of four top men, dropped their first meet 10-8.

The foilers were in poor form as they went down in a narrow loss.

On A-strip, Larry Robbins was robbed of a possible victory in his first bout because of faulty electrical equipment.

He went on to win his last two bouts and post a final score of 2-1.

Number two man Mike Rusin was unable to grasp victory

Flex-Men Open Conference Tonight; Lack Sufficient Varsity Bouncers Tonight's meet against Glenbrook South will open the conference season for Maine South's varsity gymnasts. This will be the first home meet of the season for the Hawks Glenbrook South, defending conference champion, will provide tough competition for the Hawks. While the Hawks have scored relatively low in the 90's, Glenbrook South has entered its season upswing with scores ranging from 122 to 130 points, scores usually tallied late in the season by most teams.

The team is powerful because it is composed of a twenty man squad, eighteen of which are returning lettermen. They only lost two men from last season, compared to the Hawks loss of seven seniors.

However, the Hawks drawback, having to rebuild the team, has been removed. The team has now lost experienced gymnasts who were on the varsity. Despite this loss the team has proved itself to be successful.

As Coach John Riccitelli sees it, "The kids who have quit

the team were never here and never helped out anyhow. What we now have is a team which gives 100 per cent."

Over vacation the varsity will compete in the Maine East Invitational tomorrow, and the Thornridge Invitational on December 28. The Hawks best individual gymnasts will be competing with the top ten teams in the state.

The Hawks have proven their capability through improvement.

The varsity won their first nonconference meet against East Leyden, even though they admittedly made many mistakes.

In their second non-conference meet, they showed the desired improvement. Maine South led crosstown rival Maine East in four events and the all-around competition.

Several individuals led the Hawks. Dirk Martin '72 scored high in free-exercise, on high bar and in all-around with a 5.91 point average as compared to Demon Joe Darby's 3.98 average.

Tim Wright '73 on high bar and Keith Bocek '72 on parallel

Huskies. When the final horn sounded the Hawks were on top, 61-58, but not before a tough battle on the boards against the tall Huskies. Andy Pancratz, the Hersey all-state candidate, was limited to 12 points, but the 6-9 pivotman collected 21 rebounds. Kucera was high point man for the Hawks with 20.

Tonight the Hawks travel to Glenbrook South, and then take a week off before entering the East Aurora Holiday Tournament. South encounters the East Leyden Eagles in the first game Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 1:30 p.m. p.m.

bars gave the best routines on his apparatus. The final score showed the Hawks way ahead of the Demons, 96.11 to 74.58.

Last week the Hawks competed in an upsetting triangular meet against Hersey and West Leyden. Although Maine South trounced West Leyden, 91.7$ to 4-1.20, the Hawks lost to Hersey, 108.92 to 91.76.

and went down 0-3. Meter-feeder Don Clem was able to squeeze out two 5-4 wins and wind up 2-1. As a result, A-strip lost 5-4.

On B-strip things went downhill after Bill Bornmann won two and lost one and Ed Priest and Ed Novak each went 1-2, bringing the final B-strip score to 5-4.

In their second meet, however, the jousters rebounded from the first ag<mizlng defeat, trouncing Marshall 11-7 on the road.

On A-strip the top three faced stiff competition from the Marshall A-strip, led by Andy Mayberry, who was third in state last year. Plagued by errors and questionable calls, Larry Robbins managed to procure one win and two losses. Mike Rusin roared back strong after his previously lackluster performance to lead A-strip with two wins. Don Clem, although losing two bouts, came back with a startling victory over Mayberry in his last bout. However, A-strip was edged out 5-4.

On B-strip, performances by Bill Bornmann and Ed Novak clinched the victory. Both men won all three of their bouts.

Ed Priest won and lost one, and Steve Perlini, who substituted for Priest in the last bout, lost a close one 5-4, to make the final tally in the meet 11-7.

A Hawk grappter is reversed by his Glenbrook North foe during Saturday's meet.

Sportswords

Roundballers Open at East Aurora Tournament Tom Lanctot, Sports Editor

• After the Glenbrook South game tonight, the varsity roundballers cool their hot streak for ten days until they open the East Aurora Holiday Tournament.

Maine South encounters East Leyden in the first tournament game, Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m. The victor of this contest battles the winner of the New Trier WestPeoria Spaulding game Wednesday at 7. The survivor of that bout advances to the championship Thursday night at 8:30. The Hawks should see some solid roundball talent, but South will have no trouble winning it all.

It is time I clear up the confusion regarding the roundballer's state ranking. I rate Maine South first. Crystal Lake second, and Glenbrook North a close third.

Actually, Maine South has been rated as high as second in the state, behind defending champ Thornridge. Thornridge plays in the Carbondale Holiday Tournament, avoid-

ing an Aurora confrontation with South.

• In order to maintain my in-depth pom-pon coverage, I have gone to the person on the street for his opinion.

Here is a typical reply, "Expand this topic . . . include more illustrations."

• Because of the holiday season, I have postponed several of my scathing and ruthless sport exposes until a later date.

• With the failing of the referendum, many budget cuts will be made. Despite some belt-tightening, Maine South will continue to have a strong athletic program.

Perhaps one method of raising funds would be to upgrade one of the District's stadiums so that the track is suitable for horses. Race track stock could be sold for huge profits and racing dates awarded to the District.

Local communities could legalize off-track betting and instead of taffee apple sales, clubs would have their own bookie for fund raising.