November Issue by The Correspondent

The

Vo l u m e 4 5

orrespondent J o h n

H e r s e y

H i g h

S c h o o l

Issue 4

1900 E. Thomas St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 November 9, 2012

Page 8

First time voter attends obama's Victory rallY

Junior comments on ‘Red’

Page 11 Online

Swim team heads to sectional

Debate team comes out on top

MOCK ELECTION

• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HYDE

resident Barack Obama held his election night rally at McCormick Place on Tuesday in Chicago. Due to its close proximity, students like senior Michelle Bolker were able to attend the historic event.

Kevin Hyde Voting for the first time is an experience that will likely stay with the voter forever. The 2012 election marked the first election that some students are eligible to vote, and most 18-year-olds in the school exercised this particular right this past Tuesday. “I’ve waited a while, and now it’s a reality. I remember being younger and wishing I can vote, and now that I have the opportunity to make a difference with my vote, I couldn’t be happier,” senior Christy Morrow said. For senior Michelle Bolker, voting was not only on the top of her priority list, but being able to witness history in the making at President Barack Obama’s election night party was an experience she will never forget.

6:54 a.m.

BARACK OBAMA & JOE BIDEN 60.2% MITT ROMNEY & PAUL RYAN 28.5% JILL STEIN & CHERI HONKALA 5.8%

GARY JOHNSON & JIM GRAY 5.5% •1377 students voted

Bolker makes her way to her voting precinct for an early morning vote before school starts. She is expecting long lines, but is pleasantly surprised when the wait turns out to be only a few minutes. “I got lucky, I guess. After watching the news, I saw that other people weren’t so fortunate,” Bolker said. She walks quietly up to the ballot box. “With just the touch of a finger, I am making a difference. That’s so crazy, but in the best way possible,” Bolker said. After spending about 10 minutes at her ballot, she ejects her voting card from the ballot box. “Now I’ve just got to go to school and wait and see what happens,” Bolker said.

2:36 p.m.

•FRANCESCA HERNANDEZ

Bolker sits in her A.P. Government class, listening to similar topics about elections that will be discussed later tonight. The seat behind her is empty. Though senior Bianca Burns usually sits behind the anxious voter, she is exercising her political activity in a different way. Since Burns cannot vote in this election due to age, she is signed up to be an election judge in Wheeling. “It’s going to be a long day, but

from the station towards McCormick Place. “Obama will be there,” the driver said. Bolker informs him of her admission to the event. The driver retorts that he hates Obama, since he is from Kenya and Obama is not a good representative of the nation. Bolker considers this opinion, and then eventually brings up the subject of the electoral college. The driver explains he doesn’t understand why a system like this is in effect, to which Bolker agrees. “It’s so amazing seeing people from different aspects of life coming together for this election. The cab driver, who was from Africa, knew more about American politics than some people I know,” Bolker said.

olker was one of approximately 10,000 attendees of Obama’s election night celebration.

worth it. If I can’t vote, I’m going to do something,” Burns said.

3:32 p.m.

Once school lets out, Bolker makes her way to the train station in order to get downtown for the election night party. Bolker boards the Metra train bound for Ogilvie Transportation Center. She feverishly checks her phone for CNN updates. At this time, New Hampshire is leaning towards Obama, something Bolker had anticipated. “I think this is going to be one of the first real swing states that will help him get into motion. I can see this happening. I don’t want to speak too soon, but I’m feeling pretty good,” Bolker said. As the train begins to encroach upon the city limits, more and more Obama supporters boarded. Excitement quickly transforms from a dull roar to a giddy clamor of political sentiment.

4:26 p.m.

At this point, the train rolls into the station and Bolker quickly runs down to the main concourse, flailing her hand around for a cab’s attention. A cab zooms up and the friendly driver introduces himself, asks where to go, and speeds away

6:03 p.m.

As Bolker makes her way up to McCormick place, she passes through two security checkpoints. Armed guards instruct her to take out everything metal. Bolker walks through one metal detector and makes her way towards the event floor. The stage is in plain view, and the podium is set up for Obama’s speech later that night. “Seeing the podium is giving me chills. I know either way history will be made there tonight,” Bolker said. All around her, news outlets like CNN, Fox, CBS, and NBC scatter themselves across the floor, organizing equipment and taking preliminary shots. Bolker is now constantly checking her phone for election updates. A crowd of supporters make their way over to the big screen hanging from the ceiling. One of the first set of polls is now closed. A piercing uproar fills the crowding convention hall. Initial rendering and projections are beginning to come in. CNN is reporting Obama at three electoral votes, Governor Mitt Romney at 8:00 p.m. CBS confirms this projection. By now, Bolker is getting texts from friends like senior Marianna Bonadonna. “I can’t imagine how it is now. Take pictures! Wish I could be there,” Bonadonna said. •CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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News You Need To Know

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Senior revels in election history

Hurricane Sandy shreds East Coast • KEVIN HYDE

•Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday/MCT

urricane Sandy hit the East Coast last week. It took over 100 lives and left many people without homes and resources. Hurricane Sandy smashed through the Eastern seaboard early in the week of Oct. 29, leaving behind flooding, damage, and destruction that is all to reminiscent of apocalyptic movie scenes. The storm originated in the Caribbean Sea and plowed over the various islands of the region, including Cuba and Hispanola, beginning Oct. 24, causing a death toll of at least 69 people in the region. “I think its terrible that all those people had to relocate, and the damage from the storm looks horrible,” junior Brentyn Leong said. As Sandy made its way towards the east coast of the U.S., major cities in its path had to take major precautionary action to deal with the storm. From Washington D.C. to New York City, transportation systems shut down, stores closed, and the New York Stock Exchange halted trading for Oct. 29 and 30. Once Sandy passed through, the east coast realized the devastating effects of the storm that still haven’t left the region. 6 million people were still without power as of Oct. 31 and the death toll for the U.S. surpassed 50 as of Oct. 31 as well. Social media and news sources played a major role in the coverage and informing of students. Twitter, Facebook, etc. lent a helping hand in creating relief efforts for the storm damages. Even still, flooding and blizzards have complicated rescue and recovery efforts. • MIke miller

“I really can’t believe I am here right now. This is so historic. I will •continued from page 1 remember this for the rest of my life. I was here when Obama was 8:43 p.m. The electoral college count re-elected President. Wow,” Bolker is staying close. 123 votes are for said. Bolker’s phone is now bomObama and 152 are for Romney. barded with text messages from Neither candidate is at the required friends and family, celebrating the 270, -things are getting intense. victory. “I can feel it in the air. SomeThe chanting and cheering thing is going to happen. I don’t continues for about 10 minutes. know which way it’s going to go, Happy, old-time music like “Twist but someone is going to pull ahead, and Shout” starts to play. AttendI can feel it. The energy in here is so ees take a liking to this and begin electric, so inspiring,” Bolker said. dancing with each other, as well as The six screens flanking the strangers. Tears of joy flood the eyes stage all flash a CNN projection: of voters near the stage. The crowd Obama wins Pennsylvania. is overjoyed and maintains its jubiThe hall is vibrating with exlance for the rest of the night. citement. People are high-fiving CNN posts the “Way Obama and hugging, celebrating this imWon” reporting portant state with that the president each other. These received 93 per20 electoral votes cent of the Afpull Obama into rican-American the lead. Attendvote, 71 percent ees scream, “This of the Hispanic is huge!” vote, 73 percent S u d d e n l y, of Asians, 55 perthe south side of cent of women, the hall begins and over 60 perchanting somecent of young votthing indeterminable by Bolk• KEVIN HYDE ers. Also flasher and the rest of enior Michelle Bolker becomes ing on the main the people by the emotional after the announcescreen were polls stage. Soon, the ment of the 44th president win. by CBS and CNN message is clear. asking voters who The entire room they think cares about them more. is chanting, “Four more years! Four 85 percent of the vote went to more years!” With each word, a fist Obama, with students and attendfrom each person is thrust in the ees clearly supporting that statistic air. “I am so proud. This is exhilarating. I can only imagine what’s with Twitter posts and text mesgoing to happen if he wins,” Bolker sages. 11:55 p.m. said. After about an hour and a 10:14 p.m. half of waiting, the crowd is atwitThe crowd is growing more ter as to when Romney will make tense; they know the chance of his concession speech. The main Obama clinching the 270 mark is screens near the stage cut to video within view. CNN is reporting that Obama is at 254, and Romney is at of Romney in Boston, delivering 203. The six screens interrupt the his concession. The crowd is hum“Road to the White House” video ble, but wave their flags and cheer and switch to CNN on the right throughout the speech when Romthree screens, and CBS on the left ney makes reference to Obama three. The audio cuts to CBS and winning the presidency. When the crowd goes silent. Oregon goes Romney makes a statement saying to Obama, as does Washington. that Paul Ryan was the best addiAt this time, CBS flashes on the tion to his campaign, the crowd let screens, “OBAMA RE-ELECTED out a “boo” of disapproval. “I feel like Romney conceded PRESIDENT”. gracefully,” Bolker said. The speech American flags are waving ends, and the wait begins for the feverishly throughout. “Obama” event of the evening: Obama’s acchants are louder. Bolker has trouceptance speech. ble hearing people around her. 1:06 a.m. Four minutes later, CNN confirms After hours of waiting, the the same projection, Obama will be moment that everyone flocked to re-elected president. At that moMcCormick Place on this cold and ment, Bolker brings her hand to her rainy night begins. The red curtain mouth and tears begin to stream that acts as the backdrop for the down her face as she embraces othstage swiftly pulls apart, revealing ers around her. another section of seated

supporters, dancing and waving American flags. No media sources are being broadcast, but friends at home provide details that aren’t available to those inside the convention center. “Obama’s motorcade from the Fairmont Hotel has arrived at McCormick Place. They say that no one on the inside knows yet,” Bonadonna said in a text to Bolker. Now Bolker knows and is revealing the information to others around her. The lights dim. The uproar is tremendous, and the applause begins. An announcer discloses the president, and out walks Obama, along with his wife Michelle and his two daughters. As Obama and his family wave to the crowd, another round of “four more years” begins. The cheering continues for another few minutes. Obama’s family leave the stage, and the president takes his position. Instantly, the people in the crowd whip out their cameras, iPhones, iPads, etc. “I am so proud to be an American. I voted for that man on the stage,” Bolker said. Obama initiates his speech. After each main point, the president is applauded with a booming response. “I feel like the room is shaking,” Bolker said. The main focus of the speech has to do with moving forward and coming together. Obama tells the story of a middle class father who has had a tough time paying for his daughter’s Leukemia treatments. Obama tells how the government will help these types of people. “That’s who we are. That’s the country I am so proud to lead as your president. And tonight, despite all the hardship we’ve been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I’ve never been more hopeful about our future,” Obama said. “America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs, and new opportunities, and new security of the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders- the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, or what you look like, or who you love. It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, Hispanic or Asian, or young or old, rich or poor, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America.” “That speech was so inspiring and so powerful. I am so grateful that I was able to vote and take part in this. It’s such a privilege. This was my first time voting, and I got to see the president speak on election night,” Bolker said.

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Author teaches students Natalie Czarnota Author Mike Mullin, who wrote “Ashfall” a book read by book club, visited the s cho ol on Nov. 1. Before school on that day, m e m bers of the club had breakfast with Mullin, where they talked about his book and the process of writing it, and then got their copies of “Ashfall” signed by him. “‘Ashfall’ is a riveting read and I think that Mike Mullen followed through on delivering his idea,” senior Kailey Monckton said. Not all students would have read if the book if it were not for the fact that Mike Mullin was coming to visit. “‘Ashfall’ is a book I normally wouldn’t read, but the description sounded interesting [so I read it],” senior Elizabeth Lynch said. Fortunately, students were not disappointed by their encounters with the author. Everyone who

met Mullin found him to be very friendly and easy to connect with. “He seemed really interesting and seemed to know a lot about what he wrote,” Lynch said. “Mike Mullin is inspiring and passionate and eager to help others succeed,” Monckton said. Monckton wants to become an author, and she found Mullin’s visit very helpful and insightful. Throughout the day, students were given the opportunity to meet Mullin and talk to him. He even gave tae kwon do demonstrations, as he is a black belt in it. The main character in his book, Alex, also knew tae kwon do, which saved his life many times throughout the story. “Ashfall” is the first book in the trilogy Mullin is creating. The second book, “Ashenwinter”, is already released, and Mullin is currently working on the third book, “Sunrise”. Unfortunately for those who finished the first two books and are eagerly awaiting the third book, Mullin announced that it will take a while for him to finish it, so it will not be released anytime in the next year. Students interested in book club can go to the library to find out more information.

Th e C o r r e s p o n d e n t

Band places in district and all state

28 students make record

Matt Stadnicki tion made many more nervous. The Concert and Jazz bands attended the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) auditions for District and All State bands on Oct. 10. The auditions were successful, as all twelve students who auditioned for the jazz made the all district band, and sixteen of eighteen students made the all district concert band. “Every single person in jazz made it and almost every person in classical did so we did awesome.” junior Erick Berg said. Over 630 students auditioned for the 150 spots in the all district band. Hersey students made twenty eight of 150 spots. “Collectively, to have twenty eight kids make it to all district, that’s a district seven record,” band director Scott Casagrande said. Many students put in additional hours after school to practice. “I would stay after school until 4:30 for two or three times a week,” junior Andy Jones said. Most practices took place at home or on their own time, but there were some scheduled practices after school. “[I practiced for] Four days a week, for about one and a half to two hours [a day]” senior Monica Mroz said. The level of competi-

“Just seeing how many tenors were auditioning, and listening to them play didn’t help. I had to completely block it out to focus,” Mroz said. After the auditions, many were happy to see that the hours of practice finally paid off. “I kept thinking to myself that would really suck if I didn’t make it, but I did. I was really happy in the end,” Jones said. Though the band has a history of excellence at Hersey, this year is turning out better than last. Last year, less students made the all district band. “Last year it was nine out of twelve [musicians] for jazz and seventeen out of eighteen [musicians] for classical,” junior Kevin Kapinos said. Last year, twenty six musicians made the all district band in jazz and classical, while this year, twenty eight of thirty possible made it. “I thought it was representative of the hard work they put in,” Casagrande said. Those who made the all district bands play in concert in the next few weeks. The classical all district band plays tomorrow at Glenbrook North High School, and the all district jazz band plays in concert on Nov. 17 at Lake Zurich High School.

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Staff Political visits shape students’ views S peaks Teens priviledged to witness history, discover themselves The unavoidable effects of a presidential election season have taken a powerful root among students and staff. Unfortunately, once enough of these opinions and views circulate, the focus shifts onto the disagreements and clashing viewpoints. It isn’t rare to hear fiery debates and ear shattering scream matches ringing throughout the halls these days over Barack Obama’s inefficient and energyless policies and Mitt Romney’s chameleon-like shell. All of this political negativity is drawing attention away from the immense advantages that students really receive thanks to the efforts of the English department and their quest to immerse kids in active politics and important state and national issues. Recently, there have been visits from prominent politicians such as Rick Santorum, Robert

Dold, Brad Schneider, and oth- big step above the plenty of others who dispensed loads of in- er people who only even know about them through their uninformation. spiring TV campaign commercials. These politicians may not be in the game anymore in the next four years, so even if unable to vote, students that heard from them got to participate in the side of history that is shadowed by the victorious politicians. These political forums are ca schme t He opportunities for students to o oo l! my further discover their individual political stances. Sure, maybe someone who saw Santorum speak was filled with rage because of his ignorant ramblings, but instead of just complaining •Sarah Zidek about it, they know how to vote in the future. Self discovery is always a However, these visits are a clear indication of how fortunate good thing for young people, esstudents here really are. To have pecially since the big, scary, real the opportunity to actually meet adult world is looming ever closand listen to these politicians is a er.

Students save lives with selfless acts Jessica Lynk

I woke up that morning sweating. My face was hot and my heart was pounding. I signed up to give blood. The nerves kicked in, but it was go time. I walked into school, waited the 15 minutes in class and then trudged off to the gym. My palms were sweating. My fear was enormous. I began wondering why I was so nervous. I was just getting a needle in my arm. The unnecessary fear made me feel guilty. Here I was nervous of a needle being put in my arm, when multiple people needed what was to come out of my arm, to live. As I began sharing with people that I was donating blood, several began to cringe. They began saying, “Ew, I could never do that- it is so gross.” I wondered why people felt this way. Ev-

ery morning, students wake-up, go to school, complain about their gym teacher, go to sports practice, go home, do homework, and go to bed. Some kids can’t even go to school because they’re in the hospital. According to LifeSource’s website, LifeSource helps patients in six counties, and contributes more than 585,000 blood products each year to meet the needs of more than 60 hospitals. The nerves I felt were unavoidable, but I began to change my thoughts. Many families sit in the hospital watching their loved ones slowly die. Every time their phones ring, their hearts drop a little, hoping that they will say that someone was found to give them blood for a transfusion. Saying, “If it was my sister who needed it, I’d give blood,” is not an excuse either. Just because a student does not know who their blood will be given to doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do-

Hot Topics “Drum, Girls & Dangerous Pie” by Jordan Sonnenblick

“Time Magizine” “It is relatebale to people who like politics and world events”

“It can connect to everyone and it’s suprisingly deep for a book for young adults.”

-Senior Jenna Borrelli

-Junior Jon Lundquist

“Shug” by Jenny Han “People can relate to it. It’s about kids in high school.” -Freshman Lisa Patel

“Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain “It has an interesting plot.” -Sophomore Tim Herman

nate. Even if it is not a sister, donating blood is being a part of a larger community, which helps out everyone out as a whole. If a person does not have a sister, I guess he doesn’t get any blood. My small gesture of giving blood saved three lives. Yes, I had a bruise on my arm, and yes, my arm was sore, but that was nothing compared to what some people go through daily. I would take that strange feeling daily over what some people feel in just one minute. Although not everyone can not give their blood due to various circumstances, a person can still help. LifeSource needs many volunteers for each event and there are way to help out throughout the community. Sitting in front of the computer liking a status that says, “Like this to save this baby,” will do nothing to help out that child. Get-up, volunteer, make a difference. Just knowing that my small act of kindness helped save lives is more than enough to make me want to keep on giving blood.

What publication would you recommend to other students? Why?

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

“To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“It’s about kids our age.”

“I like sci-fi stories.”

-Sophomore Marina Study

-Freshman Andrew Maggio

“It has great detail and can really paint a picture for the reader.”

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins “Very interesting and it keeps you reading.” - Junior Kayla Schulz

-Senior Brendan Starr

“Slam” by Walter E. Myer

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

“Basketball fans might like it.”

“It’s an interesting and good book.”

-Senior Benito Juarez

-Mikayla Drake Freshman

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Th e C o r r e s p o n d e n t

Fights for drama, not real trauma Claudia Caplan

It appears that at least once a quarter, a magical event that stirs up drama and gossip returns. This event gives students a moment to have something else to talk about besides homework, tests, and stale relationships. We know this small circumstance of excitement to be an in-school brawl. It seems to be long due for the most stereotypical event in high school to occur, but as seasons change, the expected comes without fail. Fighting to show off ones power, students may reenact the scene from “Bambi” when the deers buck antlers to see who’s the alpha. Or the best of all, just trying to stir up some trouble to get a one way ticket to the dean’s office and out of chemistry class. Whatever reason behind the conflict in the commons, cafeteria, or classroom, unquestionably, every fight turns out to be unsuccessful for one of the participants. It’s funny depending on who is asked, the

fight’s champion may change. For instance, the winner depicted by the loser’s friend never seems to match up with the gossip spread by the winner’s girlfriend. Stories change, and students lie, but the person with the blacker eye always can be sorted as the “loser.” I wish I could be at either participants’ home when their mother and father inquire what the fight was about. No answer could ever seem satisfactory to an adult because physical fights in general, especially in school, could truly get out of hand. It’s pathetic to see these guys, and sometimes girls, trying to bustle in the safe environment of education because any outcome of their argument can’t get too far to the point of any serious harm, which is obviously the way these students want it. That’s not to say students should begin fighting next to Target, but that is the difference between the kids that want to throw a punch in the cafeteria during school and the teens that announce the all-famous saying, “I’ll meet you at the bike racks.”

Beauty, boys, and fashion, oh my Ashley Hawkins This summer, I discovered my unhealthy obsession with magazines. Issues of “Seventeen,” “Cosmopolitan,” “Teen Vogue,” “Allure,” and “Glamour” lay scattered across my bedroom floor, covers and clippings pinned to the walls. Providing a momentary distraction from summer reading and the scorching sun, these publications sucked me into the world of fashion, beauty, and boys. My reality was distorted. I readily bought into the perfect, glamorous pictures these magazines created. Buy this highly effective (yet super expensive) product, and my skin would be clear in five days. Wear red, and that guy will be mine. The definition of gorgeous is the tan, blonde, bikiniclad girl in the Dolce & Gabbana ad. I was brainwashed. The articles and advice printed became a bible of some sort. Follow every word, or I was doing it all wrong.

This went on for a while, until I finally realized I was reading it all wrong. Now, I don’t want to discredit these writers and editors. It takes a lot of research, writing, and focus to put out any publication. And I have found positives in my readings. The cover stories are inspiring, whether it tells about Nicki Minaj’s rise to fame or Demi Lovato’s struggle to find herself. The articles and tips are informative and interesting. I came to the conclusion that I don’t have the money to buy all these highly acclaimed beauty products, red isn’t my color, and I will never look like the Dolce & Gabbana girl. But that doesn’t mean I can’t find success. Magazines can be used as social guides but should never be taken verbatim. Read for leisure, absorb some information, just don’t live the “Cosmo” way.

t s J u S ayin’

Get class, dress for class

Cover up, Stick with bandaids

•CaITLIN STROZEWSKI

•Melanie Cohodes

Everyday walking through the halls, it’s hard not to notice how badly we dress here. The majority of students look like they just rolled out of bed and drove to school. It’s a little sad that on pajama day during homecoming week, it looked like it could have been any other day. In fact, Hersey High School on urbandictionary.com is explained as, “You know someone’s from Hersey when their normal school attire consists of sweatpants, some form of Hersey t-shirt, and gym shoes. We’re a classy bunch.” This needs to change, especially if our students can be recognized by sloppiness. I’m not saying everyone needs to wear designer clothing, but at least swap the sweatpants for jeans once a week. Just sayin’.

Bleeding? Cover it up. No one needs to see it, and no one needs to deal with it. Some students with paper-cut fingers will wave away the problem and say the bleeding will stop soon enough, but that’s not always accurate. Any drop of blood that ends up on a desk or chair is seen by students during the day, but really shouldn’t. Missing a minute or so of class to go to the nurse’s office isn’t that much of a learning gap compared to the other students in the class, and it’ll save time by preventing blood-related freak-outs in other periods. Above all, though, it’s a legitimate sanitary issue. So please, just get a bandaid. Just sayin’.

about an hour ago • like •

Senior Soundoff •A rotating column by class of 2013 •

Being bilingual proves beneficial Walking down the halls and talking to my friend in Polish, I often receive odd looks from others. To outsiders, it seems like speaking two languages is only helpful for communication. Yet being bilingual is more than being able to have a conversation that no one else will understand. It defines who I am, and it doesn’t come easy. While everyone was at football games on Friday nights, I was in Polish school. When my friends were watching their favorite TV shows after finishing their homework, I had to finish my homework from Polish school in addition to the homework from English school. I am often asked why I chose to suffer through all that extra work. Most students decide to stop going to Polish school when they complete eighth grade. However, I found that learning about the country I come from and keeping my culture alive is important, but that is not where the real advantage of being bilingual lies. I realize that it has helped me immensely in English school. Sure, at first it was difficult to juggle two languages, but by the time I reached high school, it helped me in advanced classes. A study in “New York Times” proved that being bilingual makes people smarter. When bilinguals are using one language, both language systems are active, which causes an interference in the brain. This is actually beneficial because it makes the brain work harder, strengthens the cognitive muscles. I am able to grasp things faster as a result, especially since I often have to switch between English and Polish. The advantages don’t stop with youth; they carry on for a bilingual’s entire life. A study by UCLA professor Jared Diamond found that bilinguals are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s in old age. So if students ever have the opportunity to learn another language, don’t hesitate. There is more to languages than just communication.

Natalie Czarnota

Th e C o r r e s p o n d e n t is published 10 times a year by the journalism students of John Hersey High School, 1900 East Thomas Street, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004. Subscription rate is $15 a year. Call for advertising rates. Phone (847) 718-4945. The Correspondent welcomes a free exchange of ideas. Letters to the editor may be sent to correspondent@d214.org. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of The Correspondent is determined by, and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself, its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication. The Correspondent will not publish any material determined by student editors or the student editorial board to be unprotected, that is, material that is libelous, obscene, materially disruptive to the educational process, and unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright or a promotion of products or services unlawful (illegal) as to minors as defined by state or federal law. All unsigned editorial area the opinion of The Correspondent staff. Materials in this newspaper are the property of The Correspondent 2012-2013. The Correspondent is a member of numerous press associations. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service. Two thousand copies are made each issue to be distributed to students during their second hour classes. Two hundred are printed and mailed to subscribing parents. Editors-in-Chief Ashley Hawkins Kevin Hyde

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o o b k r s e p t a o p m M o r ac F Bo

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Graphic by Jack Hargett & Abby F

Limited time and patience causes decline in reading

Ashley Hawkins

Reading, whether for leisure or for schoolwork, can always be used as an escape from reality. Diving into a fantasy-fiction novel or learning about the French Revolution from a history textbook serves as a way to take up time during dull periods, but not necessarily waste it. “I read almost every night before I go to sleep, even if I have a lot of stuff to do because it helps me forget about the stress going on around me and allows me to escape, in a way,” senior Mary Sobczak said. However, with new technologies and increasing amounts of homework, extracurricular activities, and work, Sobczak’s peers claim to have difficulty finding time to read. According to a study conducted by the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA) in 2007, American teens are reading less, both in time and amount, compared to previous years. Statistics may show that readership amongst teens is declining, but it is difficult to say why. An article posted on www.TheClassRoomPost.com by Ronald Maggiano lists a few factors that may have caused this decline: time, new technologies, Sparknotes, reading in school, and parents. Lack of time appears to be the biggest factor. “I think students are overwhelmed by homework and have too many reading assignments at one time. Instead, they just end up having to skip the books or not read them at all,” senior Elena Lindstrom said. Students feel it is difficult to pick up a book and read it for pleasure during the school year.“I really enjoy reading but because of homework and activities, I don’t have much time to pick up a book. If I ever do actually start one of my own choosing, it ends up distracting me from my studies,” senior Rachel Campbell said. “I usually like reading the required books, but sometimes even that is hard with extra assignments attached. I can’t just enjoy the book

as is,” Campbell said. Senior Steffi Antony agrees. “I don’t really read during the school year because there’s no time to read. Especially now with all the AP classes and college apps. I do read over the summer though. I try to read two to three good books during the summer.” Technology has also added to the decline. Video games, television, and the Internet serve as huge distractions to teenagers. While toying with technology can be fun, the Internet also has outlets such as Sparknotes and Cliffnotes that make it easier to get around completing a required

reading in its entirety. “Now you can just use the Internet to read, and there are also so many other choices and activities to do,” junior Jenny Kanookaden said. Maggiano noted that parents can influence how much their children read. If the parents don’t force their kids to pick up a book, then they won’t want to read. However, not all students agree with that. “My dad suggests books for me to read, but I usually end up not reading it,” sophomore Kasia Solomianko said.

Students also get burned out with all the reading they do in class. When students do get a break, they want to avoid reading at all costs. “I don’t read because I’m too lazy to. and I don’t feel like reading. The books we read in class are enough for me,” junior Ashley Augustine said. “For me, I don’t have much time to read, but when I get too many readings for homework, when I finish, I’d rather do something else,” Kanookaden said. Some students, however, think it’s a multitude of issues that cause the decline in reading. “I would say it’s a combination of other preoccupations and lack of interest. Some students are loaded with homework, work, extracurriculars, and then there are those that won’t be bothered to open a book,” senior Tim Nicosia said. While most teenagers don’t pick up books, regardless of the reason, some still choose to read. “I wouldn’t consider me being one of those people. One, outside of school, I am not a busy person and two, I actually enjoy reading. I even have a Kindle to keep a bunch of books in one place,” Nicosia said.

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Are you actually reading this? Students ditch traditional books for high-tech alternatives Natalie Czarnota effortless.

Stories have been told throughout all of human existence. From pictures on a cave wall to oral stories to writings on papyrus scrolls, it has only been in the past few centuries that the modern book was created and distribution made possible by the printing press. A few years ago, because of the many advances in technology the world is experiencing, a new way to record stories joined the long list of others: the e-book reader. A revolution in the world of books, e-book readers such as the Kindle and Nook have many advantages. “They’re easier to carry around, and you could have multiple books in one object,” senior Nancy Celaya said. She went on to say that books take up a lot of space and are difficult to carry around. Senior Taylor Pitcher agreed. “My Kindle is useful when I’m traveling because it isn’t heavy and fits easily in my luggage,” Pitcher said. E-book readers also allow readers to read in easier ways than allowed by a print book. The blinding white of a print book’s page could strain the eyes when reading in the sunlight, and the e-book solves that problem. With a screen that prevents glare, e-book readers make reading outside

“When I’m at the beach, the Kindle doesn’t reflect the sun, so that’s pretty cool,” Pitcher said. In addition, the screen can also light up, which allows users to read in the dark. “You can read late at night without keeping the lights on,” senior Philip Tubergan said. Another advantage of e-books is that they are environmentally friendly due to the fact that they don’t require trees to be cut down to make paper for the pages and cover. “I would rather read off of a Nook because it’s more environmentally friendly,” senior Jenny Bishop said. However, like most technologies, e-book readers aren’t perfect and not everyone agrees that they are ideal. “They could be distracting when you’re trying to read because of all the other features on it,” Celaya said. Many people also like to have the physical copy to feel the pages and binding of the book. “I like the feel of the book in my hands,” Pitcher said. Therefore, even though she has a Kindle, Pitcher still buys the print copies of books. “If it’s a series that I really like, I want the actual copy to have. If it’s just any book, I’m fine with reading it on a Kindle,” Pitcher said.

A big disadvantage of ebook readers is the cost. They could cost up to a few hundred dollars, and then their users must purchase the books, sometimes costing as much as the physical copy. Also, they can’t sell a book once they are finished with it or if they don’t like it, nor can they buy a used book for less money. Because an e-book reader is so expensive, it is more likely to be stolen than a regular book. Books also last longer than e-book readers. If an ebook reader is dropped, it could break, whereas if a book is dropped, the worst that could happen is that it could fall apart, a problem easily fixed with tape. Additionally, a book never needs to be charged and does not turn off when it’s out of batteries. While e-book readers are cool gadgets to have, students don’t want to completely eliminate the industry which creates physical copies of books. “I wouldn’t want print books to go out of business,” Pitcher said.

What do you read on a regular basis? Novels 22% Blogs/Online 33% Magazines 28% Newspapers 7% Other 10% What method do you use most often to read? Print 49% Electronic 51% How often do you read? Daily 39% Weekly 35% Monthly 17% Never 9% What percentage (approximately) of class reading having you completed? 90-100% 29% 89-60% 38% 59-26% 19% 25-0% 16% Source: 270 Students polled

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Boyle-ing it D O W with N BRian Boyle

Argo appears amazing Six American diplomats pose as members of a Canadian film crew as they are stumbling through a crowded market place in Tehran, Iran while scouting for a set location for their “Star Wars” rip-off film. If any of the numerous anti-American revolutionary guards suspect who they really are the group will be immediately and publicly executed. This is just one of the many intense moments of Ben Affleck’s third directorial effort, “Argo.” The film centers around the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, when furious Iranian revolutionaries and protestors stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 employees hostage. The opening scene in “Argo” expertly recaptures these horrifying moments in American history. Back in the U.S State Department, valuable intel. informs CIA “exfiltration” specialist Tony Mendez, brilliantly played by Ben Affleck, of the sensitive situation. A convoluted plan is hatched to create a fake film studio and have the six diplomats pose as the Canadian crewmembers. A sizable portion of “Argo” revolves around the Hollywood process and is brought to life thanks to two Oscar worthy performances delivered by John Goodman and Alan Arkin. The chemistry between these two as they struggle to run a fake production company in order to add credibility to the coverup is memorable and often very humorous, possibly the best part of “Argo.” “Argo” turns into a gripping heist film, as Mendez meets up with the other Americans at the Canadians home and attempts to sneak them through the heavily guarded Tehran airport. The last fifteen minutes are supremely agonizing and intense as the group’s lives hang in peril as they are aggressively interrogated over their fake Canadian identities. Affleck is excellent both in front of the camera as the lead character, and behind it, yet again proving he is a more than capable director. Writer Chris Terrio’s script is near flawless. Goodman, Arkin, as well as Bryan Cranston as Mendez’s supportive supervisor, provide exceptional work as the supporting cast. Even the timing of the release of “Argo” couldn’t have been better, with a similar attack unfortunately striking the U.S Embassy just weeks prior. “Argo” is a thrilling drama, a dramatic thriller, and the best movie of the year so far.

Reviews

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Take it

Songpop supplies amusing entertainment

The most played game on my iPod right now has to be SongPop. No, it doesn’t involve pig-hating birds or a man running away from a temple with treasure. Instead, it tests musical geniusness (which is, by the way, not a real word). By playing friends, family, or some random dude who could actually

be the neighbor, players may actually find out how much they actually know about music. When I say music, I don’t just mean the Ihear-this-everyday kind of stuff. Some of the playlists include Glee, 90’s alternative, and even animated movies. Not only do players need to know the music, but this is when the super speedy touch screen tapping skills will come in handy. Enough said, just get the app. • Mili Pandya

Horror films prove pointless As I was sitting at home with a group of friends on Halloween night, deathly scared while watching “Paranormal Activity,” a friend pondered, “ Why do we even watch scary movies if it just freaks us out?” None of us responded, but I could tell we were all thinking about the answer. I’m not the biggest fan of scary movies, but I have seen my fair share of them. After watching each one, I still get the ‘bejesus’ scared out of me. Horror films are pointless unless its actually high quality (which very few of them are). Most aren’t worth the dubious pleasure

of being scared out of my mind. I may be called a ‘wuss’ since I don’t like scary movies, but I think this ‘wuss’ would be better off watching “Braveheart” than taking part in a mind blowing disaster of a series of Saw films. I’ll leave it on scary movies. • Tim Griffin

Leave it

‘Red’ reaches top of the charts Melanie Cohodes Taylor Swift’s newest album is leagues away from her last, both in maturity and musical style, and well worth buying the entire tracklist. “Speak Now” was an energetic, country-based record chock full of her trademark mix of scathing break-up tunes and toe-tapping honeymoon-y songs, while “Red” is two years older and a whole lot better. Swift gains some maturity, which more than makes up for the lack of hum-along pop songs. Swift weaves together a style that is uniquely hers; definite country roots mix seamlessly with pop influence in the fusion for which Swift is renowned, not only for using, but for pulling off in a way that no other artist has managed. Her previous album (“Speak Now”) was extremely successful, snatching the highest one-week album sales record in Target’s history when it came out (according to TaylorSwift.com), but “Red” seems poised to outstrip it. “Red” has topped the one-day sales record that “Speak Now” set, and has had the largest one week sales mark for any album since 2002 (Billboard. biz). The popularity of this newest album is most obvious online; “Red topped the all-genre Top Albums chart at iTunes within 36 minutes of release, and first day sales at iTunes alone topped 262,000 albums” (TaylorSwift.com). This shows the overall quality of the album- even on iTunes, where the whole point is being able to pick and choose which songs to buy without needing to purchase the whole album, “Red” was wellcrafted enough to shoot straight to

the top in its entirety. Few of the songs stand out immediately, unlike the catchy repertoire of “Speak Now”, but after listening through the whole album a time or two, Swift’s musical genius really starts to reveal itself. “22” is this album’s version of Swift’s past • Francesca Hernandez hit, “Fifteen,” and accurately portrays how aylor Swift’s album entitled “Red” was released Swift has changed in the on Oct. 22 and proved to be an instant success. seven years she’s been on the beginning of a relationship, on the music scene. The opening lines (“It feels like but manages to twang a heartstring a perfect night/ to dress up like hip- or two when heard. “We Are Never Ever Getting sters/ and make fun of our exes”) Back Together” is probably the and chorus (“We’re happy, free, most popular of the pre-released confused and lonely in the best singles; Swift is famous for her upway/ It’s miserable and magical”) beat break-up songs, and this one are exemplary of Swift’s attitude as is a stunner. The chorus is simple a person and her lyrical skills. enough that anyone who hears She isn’t the innocent teenager it will find themselves humming of her first and second albums, but she’s definitely kept her personality. along for the rest of the song, and “Stay, Stay, Stay” has the light, the scathing lyrics are sure to make bouncy atmosphere that Swift de- the ex-boyfriend it’s written for buted on her past track “Ours,” a cringe when he hears it. “Red,” the title track, may feel-good song about a relationmake those who aren’t too fond of ship that’s going well- and is best extended similes wince, but strikes listened to without remembering a nice balance between country and that whomever she’s singing about pop, and the furious and distraught is probably also the subject of one ends of the emotional breakup of the sadder songs on the album. spectrum. “Everything Has Changed”, “All Too Well” is a shining exfeaturing Ed Sheeran (the British ample of the other type of break-up pop darling responsible for the imsong that Swift has been experimensely popular single “A-Team”), menting with; instead of an enis one of the more notable songs thu astic rebound, she draws out from the album, ending up at #1 on the hurt of a failed relationship in the iTunes Top Songs chart (Taya way that makes for an emotionlorSwift.com). The collaboration, which may ally wrenching track. “Red” is the seem odd at first glance- country- album that has cemented Swift as a pop fusion mixed with British al- singer and as a person, and has set ternative?- is a rare breed of song the stage for even greater success. for Swift to release; a sweet, hopeful piece that doesn’t stake too much

Entertainment

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Politcal viewpoints conveyed through networking Social media provides platform for political opinions Isabella Murray The election process is one of the most consuming procedures in America. News sources are constantly giving updates on different speeches and happenings of the candidates’ campaigns, social media is clogged with various people’s opinions, and television programs are devoted to scandals and faults of the candidates. Now, more than ever, the elections can be influenced by social media. This election has been penned “the Twitter election” and during the various debates, the ‘Twitter-sphere’ had generated up to two million Tweets sent about the presidential candidates every week, according to Twitter’s blog. “During the last election in 2008 Twitter wasn’t very popular and in the past year it has just exploded, so I feel like giving it the name the “Twitter election” is accurate,” sophomore Kate Morrison said. More than just being a “Twitter election,” social media sites have created platforms that add more dimensions to views. “People point to social media as a reason things are getting better

and more progressive. People are getting conspicuously active, and social media is encouraging citizens to have active participation in the election, where a long time ago people wouldn’t publish to each other,” English teacher Cary Weisgram said. Other than a way to get young people involved in the election by expressing their opinions, Twitter lets the candidates’ campaigns become more accessible to the younger generations as well. “I think that Twitter has been a way for younger generations to post what they think about the elections and debates, as well as campaigns to get their information across,” senior Lauren Nagle said. Regardless of how knowledge is distributed, the manner in which it done is also exceedingly important. “I don’t necessarily think that Twitter is the best place to share your political thoughts. Obviously anyone can share their beliefs where they want, but it doesn’t always seem like everyone knows exactly what they are talking about, which can be problematic for people who are get their facts from places like Twitter,” Nagle said. Although not all students are as educated regarding elections as they think they are, Twitter and other social media sites are an accessible way to express political opinions. “I feel like twitter and other social media networks are a both bad and good place to express political thoughts because although its good to have input on the election, sometimes people end up being really nasty if they don’t like your opinion.” Morrison said. Even though it may not seem as if Twitter is a satisfactory place to express certain opinions, the

campaigns see it as being highly effective. Within ten days of the election date, the candidates were becoming more persistent in getting heard. They were sending infinite e-mails, making phone calls, and especially using Twitter, as said on PBS News Hour’s website. Besides Twitter, other forms of media tend to be somewhat exuberant during the campaigning months. “Saturday Night Live” is an engaging way to see the exaggerated personalities of the candidates. The depictions may not always be accurate, but they generate laughs, and even so, hold some truth. Each Saturday before the election, about two months in advance, SNL starts putting out election skits. “I think they depict what people think of each candidate pretty well most of the time, but I don’t feel like it would sway voters into voting differently.” Morrison said. SNL has a responsibility to be funny, where narratives emerge, but their viewers aren’t that naive as to believe everything.. “If you agree with a particular joke, you wish it could sway people’s opinions.” Weisgram said. “SNL is a show to entertain, so of course they’re going to exaggerate the depictions of candidates. They will never be one hundred percent accurately displayed, and these false depictions may mislead voters,” sophomore Elise Bang said. Another element of technology that captivates the visually decisive population are memes. Memes are generally pictures with edgy captions or assumptions relating to the issue or picture. Political memes are incredibly popular right now, usually magnifying the faults of the candidates or issues. “Memes were funny a while ago, but they’re starting to get old. All they’re doing are making racist jokes, or twisting the candidates’ words to make them look bad. They aren’t in my interest anymore,” Bang said. Even so, the memes seem to reduce the seriousness of some topics, cultivating different discussions in humorous ways. “I think the political memes are a hoot! They add some humor to the 2012 election, and make lighten the tense political mood!” Nagle said. While freedom of speech is considered one of the great novelties of living in the United States, citizens are still trying to find the balance between being aggressive and polite.

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United adoption keeps friends together Sophomores celebrate fifteenth ‘Gotcha Day’ Mackenzie Francis Most students were probably picking out a costume for Halloween or making plans with their friends on Oct. 28, but not sophomore Isabelle McGuinnis, who was celebrating the 15th anniversary of her adoption (also known as Gotcha Day). In 1997, at just nine months old, McGuinnis was adopted from Changzhou, China along with two other girls. Sophomore Grace Hubick who attends Saint Viator High School, sophomore Olivia Delomadarme who used to live in Arlington Heights but moved to Wisconsin, and McGuinnis call themselves the Changzhou sisters. “The Changzhou sisters are girls that were adopted with me on the same day and from the same orphanage, and our families all came from Arlington Heights,” McGuinnis said. “It’s special because [our parents] all traveled around the world to get us, and we are still close. [We] celebrate Gotcha Day together, and our birthdays, which are all within the same time.” McGuinnis likes to celebrate Gotcha Day because “It’s the day our family was completed and it’s also a day for sharing memories and thinking about my family back in China.” McGuinnis still thinks about her birth family, but unfortunately, she does not know who they are. “A lot of times the orphans don’t come with

The Changzhou sisters stayed connected to Chinese tradition when they were growing up, thanks to their parents. “When we were younger, our parents always emphasized us learning our culture, so on Sundays we would go to Chinese school and dance,” McGuinnis said. McGuinnis, Hubick, and Delomadarme aren’t together very often, but when they are “That’s usually when we talk about [our adoptions], but otherwise, it’s more telling each other how it is funny that people always get us mixed up now.” She went on to say people often “mistake us for twins or triplets, and how people find it interesting • Courtesy OF ISABELLE MCGUINNIS that we were all adopted together, because we just think it’s normal.” ophomore Isabelle McGuinnis and her Changzhou sisters on The U.S. has offered McGuintheir Gotcha Day of 2004 with Olivia Delomadarme (left), nis many opportunities that she Grace Hubick (center), and McGuinnis (right). wouldn’t have had in China. “If I stayed with my birth fama lot of information- if any,” McGuinnis said. ily, I’m not sure how life would be. McGuinnis considers herself lucky and I would probably have a sibling or two because feels very fortunate to have been adopted. of the One Child policy in the past,” McGuinnis “If I hadn’t been adopted by my parents, I said. would probably have been in the orphanage be“I don’t think I would have had many opcause families only want babies, and whoever portunities because of my gender and there were doesn’t get adopted as a young child usually still some differences in China, although my will stay [at the orphanage], and usually end up part of China [Changzhou] is advancing now.” working there,” McGuinnis said.

Students collect household items for good cause Last month, students participated in the Terracycle recycling contest. The contest involved collecting various objects which were made into recycled products by the Terracycle company. Every object given to the company brought in money for the school. • Francesca Hernandez The goal of the Terhe Terracycle recycling contest proracycle contest was to motes its earth-friendly message and “help make Hersey more eco-friendly by action encourages student participation. and green awareness,” Environmental club sponsor Nancy Anderson said. First place winner senior Rachel Campbell raised over $42 by deferring 85 items from the landfill. Following her in second place was senior Dean Dotson, and senior Angela Andolfi came in third place. These top three winners received gift cards from places like Dairy Queen and Target for their efforts to become environment a l l y friendly. “My friend saw that I had a lot of things to recycle, so she convinced me to participate in it,” Andolfi said. Environmental Club will continue collecting empty tooth care products, tape dispensers, and old cell phones in the bin located by the main office throughout the rest of the school year.

•NaTalie Czarnota

Sports

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Sectionals serves as hurdle SP R S Swimmers compete for state qualification S

Emily Swanson

“This was my favorite season by far,” senior Kelly Johnson said. “We accomplished all of our goals and are ready for sectionals.” Sectionals will be held at Barrington High School tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. “I have high hopes that we’re all going to get lifelong best times; everyone has worked extremely hard this season,” senior captain Karolina Szymaszek said. “I think our A medley relay and our A 400 free relay will make it to state. We have practiced our starts and relay exchanges countless times this season.” “We’ve been preparing for this sectional meet since day one,” Johnson said. “Whatever happens will happen because of our best effort.” “I think we will do amazing tomorrow at sectionals,” junior Lenna Fotos added. “We’ve been working really hard to get to where we are now and I think all our hard work will pay off. We’re hoping for a lot of state times.” If the girls meet or beat any of the state qualifying times, they will continue with their season at the state meet on Nov. 16 and 17 in Evanston. “We expect to get best times and qualify for state,” head coach Dick Mortensen said. “We are mentally and physically prepared to do our best.” One way the swimmers have prepared for tomorrow’s meet was by taking special time out of practice to make goals for themselves. “We visualize every day at the beginning of practice to get our races in our mind and how we want them to turn out,” senior captain Amanda Petro said. “We figure out goals for ourselves, write them down, and turn them into Mortensen for the day of sectionals. We write these things down that we want to happen in our state of mind, so when it comes time to race tomorrow

Hockey lockout hurts all involved

•Emily swanson

enior Amanda Petro perfects her breaststroke in preparation for Sectionals tomorrow. Petro won the 200 IM and set a meet record in the 100 backstroke at the conference meet on Oct. 27. our body knows what to do.” One of their biggest goals this year was accomplished by winning the East Division title for the sixth year in a row on Oct. 11. “Winning the East meant so much to the team,” Johnson said. “It meant every yard swam during practice was worth it.” While the season has seemed to go swimmingly, it hasn’t been without its bumps. For a few weeks, Szymaszek came down with pneumonia. The team rallied together and Szymaszek was still happy with the season. “Even though I was sick for really fun meets, this was still my favorite season,” Szymaszek said. “It was really nice having our senior night as our last meet of the season, which was when we won the East.” With the sectional tomorrow, Szymaszek had very simple, yet powerful words “Anything is possible.”

Athletes switch up sports as seasons change Brian Loomis

advantage over those just starting. Fall athletes will have already been conditioning for months. “It prepared me by making me much stronHigh school athletics dominate students’ lives while in season. With practices going as late ger,” Carroll said. Aside from broad improvements, some as 6:00 p.m. and games even later, athletes enjoy athletes’ fall sports can have a direct impact on the time they have when their season ends. However, multi-sport athletes don’t have their winter seasons. “(Football) helps me with my post move that luxury as they have to switch from one footwork,” Orlandi said. sport to another overnight. One sport has a special circumstance in When a high school season ends, athletes are able relax and have time to catch up on that the athletes don’t get a break between seasons, and instead intensify: cheerleaders. They schoolwork. “I’ll have a lot more free time and more have competitions added in the winter as well as time to do homework and focus on school,” ju- cheering at basketball games. “There are more practices of higher intennior swimmer Lenna Fotos said. sity because we are now in our Fotos recognizes the competition season opposed benefits that come from to just cheering at the football having an off season, howgames,” senior cheerleader Joever, other athletes don’t hanna VandenBranden said. have the same opportunity. However, cheerleaders do Many athletes make quick share the change in mind-set transitions from sport to that other athletes experience sport when a season ends. when switching sports. A major part of the switch “We are more focused on is a mental adjustment. our goals to place well in our “I just try to adjust to competitions,” VandenBranthe different situations and den said. “The overall atmoget use to a different atmo•David Milligan sphere on the team is of higher sphere,” senior football and intensity.” basketball player Quinn Orlandi said. Those who compete in multiple sports still The change from outdoor to indoor sports during winter benefits almost all athletes by re- have to focus on their schoolwork. “It’s not difficult if you stay organized,” Carmoving the variable of weather. Other changes for athletes can be practic- roll said. “Take it day by day,” Orlandi said. “I just try ing their winter sport. “I am going to go to the pool and swim a to enjoy my last year as much as possible.” With everything being part of an intricate little before my first practice,” junior football balancing act, athletes who compete in back to player and swimmer Jack Carroll said. Despite the mental adjustments, athletes back seasons make sure to keep everything in who have just come off of a fall sport have an check while training.

The NHL lockout began on Sept. 15, less than a month prior to the scheduled beginning of the new season. The issues that the players are having include the owners wanting to reduce players’ revenue share from 57 percent to 43, to set a maximum term of five years on all new players’ contracts, and to eliminate signing bonuses. Since the lockout has kept the season from starting, players have resorted to other leagues in other countries. The bigger problem is the amount of games that have already been cancelled, and the fans aren’t too fond of that. “I believe the lockout has proven to hold negative consequences in the present due to lack of compromise and lack of play time,” senior Sara Bayerle said. “Future problems arise with fan support declining, causing less revenue for the league.” This lockout seems to be hurting everyone: fans, players, owners, and the league itself. The only fix is to end this tragedy. •Eddie Beyer

Kicker impresses Kuehn, nation with viral video Some might say that the kicking game is lost in the world of high school football. Fortunately, no one this told to Austin Rehkow who recently kicked a Washington state record crushing 67 yard field goal in his high school game. This bomb is longer than the current NFL record of 63 yards, shared by four athletes, and tied for the second longest field goal in national history, only behind a 68 yarder in 1985. Rehkow seems like the most unlikely of superstars, claiming that he has never hit a field goal in practice over 63 yards and, as ESPN’s Mason Kelley reported, Rehkow has not gotten any scholarship offers from a major Division I school. To give some perspective on just how far that is, the current record here was set by John Bookout when we won the state championship in 1987 who launched a 49 yarder. Former all-conference Huskie kicker and current history teacher, Steve Kuehn said, “The fact is that there are tons of kickers who can kick 60 plus yard field goals, but you have to give him credit for the situation that (Rehkow) did it for. He kicked it to tie the game.” •Kevin Schroeder

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Sports

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unior Jack O’Neil, leads seniors Ryan Kearns, Robert Somary, and sophomore Grant von der Lippe at the team’s cross country sectional at Busse Woods on Sunday Oct. 27.

ollowing a strong performance, the team qualified for state with their fourth place finish. The team placed 19 at state.

on der Lippe said, “Although placing fourth at sectionals doesn’t represent all the hard work, we were happy to move on.”

•Brian Loomis

Cross country explodes with chemistry Boys finish 19 in state behind Rodriguez David Milligan

This past weekend, the boys cross country team competed in the state finals in Peoria and finished 19 as a team. Sophomore David Rodriguez finished with the best Huskie time by finishing 35. Senior Robert Somary couldn’t help but give “big ups” to Rodriguez as he finished as the third fastest sophomore in Illinois. “I really wanted to be top 25,” Rodriguez said, “but finishing 35 in the state was a big accomplishment for me.” Coach Jay Renaud was almost disappointed with Rodriguez’s finish because “usually [Rodriguez’s] time would place him as an AllState runner, but this year was fast.” “I expect David to continue to grow into one of the best runners in the state,” Renaud added. As a team, the Huskies were hoping for a little more than a 19 place finish. All year, they

had hoped to get down to state like they did, but as Somary said, “We knew we were capable of more.” Renaud added that the team was “hoping to be in the mix for top 10 but didn’t run as well as hoped.” The field in Peoria consisted of MSL teams Barrington and Palatine, whom the team had kept up with all year. As assistant coach Todd Custable said, that’s what was the most frustrating. “The team was neck and neck with those top ten teams all year,” Custable said. “It’s a learning lesson for the team because they got a taste of the pinnacle. The younger runners are going to be even better next year.” This state run was the last for two-year captains Somary and senior Ryan Kearns. One of the aspects that they pushed was a sense of team and chemistry that was seen by the runners and coaches could see. “To see the team come together as best

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friends and progress throughout the year was special,” Renaud said. “The chemistry this group had brought us all close together and kept our goals in focus.” “The teams that get down date are the ones with chemistry,” Custable said, “and this team had amazing team chemistry.” As captain and a senior leader, Somary knew that there was a special group of underclassmen, and the seniors had to “encourage them to train hard and do all the little things that would help them achieve their full potential as runners.” “They will definitely be missed,” Renaud said of the seniors. “Their leadership was invaluable and irreplaceable.” Looking forward, Renaud has high expectations from this year’s state run. “The experience our younger runners gained should be incredibly valuable going into next cross country season,” Renaud said

This week in sports Girls Swimming Sectional Nov. 10

The girls team will travel to Barrington to compete in their sectional. The team has 12 girls competing. The two best times from each event will be competing. “I think we will do amazing tomorrow,” junior Lenna Fotos said.

What do you expect from your team this season?

We expect to go to the conference championship, and we hope to go down state.

What will be the biggest difference from last year?

We have a lot of team chemistry, so no matter what five girls are on the court, we will be able to work together.

What did you do in the offseason to prepare for the season?

We did fall league, summer league, free plays, and camp over the summer.

Opening Girls Basketball Game Nov. 13

The team opens up their season against Niles West. Niles West lost their star Jewell Loyd which should help the Huskies in their opener. The team finished last season with a 16-10 record and are looking to start with a win. “We want to start off with a win and prove ourselves,” junior Morgan Harris said.