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The Times Are Changing students react to new clocks, technology Megan Boyle Connor Hargett Each year, students walk back into school and notice all of the new technology that was installed over the summer. This year is no different, as new clocks are in every room, iPads will used in prep classes, a new grading website is now in use, in addition to new bar coding techniques on all books. As for the clocks, the old ones were running on a system that was over twelve years old. Many of the components and connections were failing. “It is difficult to troubleshoot problems that arise and replacement parts are expensive and hard to find because the system is no longer supported by the manufacturer,” technology systems supervisor Ken Naumiec said. The new system will be fully synchronized with the clocks. It is also supported wirelessly, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated wiring throughout the building. “The new clocks also function as a message board, giving school administrators the ability to send messages throughout the building, such as lock-down notices, fire alarms, announcements, etc. This visual messaging capability is particularly important for the deaf population as well,” Naumiec said. This new technology is necessary in order to further develop the school and move it in the right direction. However, many students are unaware of t -BVSFO ,FMMFZ the need for the new technology and all the clocks edia services technician Donald Barrett is in charge had to offer, so they felt the money could be used of making sure all clocks are functional. With the old elsewhere. system of clocks, many components were failing as years “I think by our age we should be able to read went on, calling for the new implementation. a normal clock and they don’t really need to waste accounts and can take advantage of the education suite money on new ones when every room has one al[Gmail, calendars, docs, sites, etc.],” academic technolready,” senior Emily Moody said. “I don’t think we need new clocks they all fine, ogy coordinator Gabriella Stetz-Jackson said. These e-mail accounts can be used to contact personally we could spend the money on something teachers which will be very useful for when students else,” sophomore have questions and need answering. Megan Brant said. “I would use the new e-mail account to e-mail my District 214 teachers if I have questions, but it is always better to adopted Google talk to your teacher in person,” Moody said. Apps for EducaAlthough students may not always use their action, to be used counts, it involves more than just having access to for both students teachers. The new system’s goal is ultimately to prepare and teachers. Betstudents for cloud computing and collaborative comter yet, it is free for munication as they enter college. Also, students will institutional purnow be taught to maintain a professional email acposes. count, and introduced to Google Apps. Thankfully, the “We did this new system is at a 66 percent discount for educational partly because of all Google has to institutions, leaving minimal cost. Not only are students going to be adapting to offer us and partly the new Google Apps system, but are also going to because our client be exposed to a new grading system that will replace based email system MyGradebook. was very expensive “The newer technologies integrate the online and provided limt -BVSFO ,FMMFZ grading portion with the student information portion ited storage space. [scheduling, transcripts, etc.] in one system, and that Along with Google ophomore Brad Jensen look is why we are moving forward with SchoolLogic for at the new SchoolLogic gradApps for Education, the student information side, and TeacherLogic for the ing system and thinks “it will students also rebe nice since I never really used online grading portion,” Stetz-Jackson said. ceive district email MyGradebook that much.” t $POUJOVFE PO QBHF
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Extreme Weather
Summer storms have stirred up a variety of consequences, including long term power outages. High heat indexes also left students searching for ways to keep cool.
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Off Season Training
August 23, 2011 Volume 44 Issue 1 John Hersey High School 1900 E. Thomas St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Teachers earn new positions, transfer schools In the wake of new schedules and class changes, students were informed on new changes made to the staff makeup. Social science teacher Tim Phillips and science teacher Christopher Marks were both offered division head positions in their respective departments at other district 214 schools. Now-former world history teacher, Phillips will be leaving for a new division head position at Elk Grove. Students have expressed their opinions on his departure. “It’s kind of sad that Mr. Phillips is leaving. When I found out last year that he might be teach AP U.S. history, I was really hoping I had him, but then I found out he was leaving,” junior Jessica Jreisat said. Phillips was a coach for both boys cross country and track. With this, some cross country members find the change to be a time for new coaches to take over. “Mr. Phillips was a great coach and he will be missed, but Mr. [Jay] Renaud, will do a good job replacing him,” senior Trevor Haas said. Marks was offered a similar position, as the math and science division head position at Buffalo Grove. Marks formerly taught biology and AP environmental science. Students also have given their thoughts on his recent leave. Marks was known for hosting various review sessions before the AP test to ensure their success on the exam. “Mr. Marks is an awesome and knowledgeable teacher who always seemed passionate about teaching my APES class. I’m sure he will serve the BG Bison well in the future,” senior Grace Sinopoli said. In Marks’ place, science teacher David Papez will take over as the AP environmental teacher.
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Student athletes choose various methods to stay in shape over the summer, in hopes of returning to their teams with proper physical strength and technique.
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The Correspondent
n as part of an effective strategy for keeping the invasive fish at bay while long-term biological controls are developed.
Student deaths promote reflection
News You Need To Know NYPD utilizes social media, exploits crime The New York Police Department recently formed a social media unit which will be used to catch criminals who use Facebook and Twitter to broadcast and exploit their crimes. NYPD has responded to shootings and murders that occurred at house parties that were advertised on Facebook, so the social media unit seems like a logical move for the department to make. Some people are in support of the new unit, in hopes that it will bring the crime rate down. “It’s your own responsibility whether you post about your criminal activities or not, and if you do, the police should use it (the social media unit) to fish out those criminals,” junior Tad Murase said. However, others strongly disagree, thinking the NYPD is overstepping its boundaries and invading in the public’s privacy. “On Facebook and Twitter you should be able to do or post what you want and having them searching posts is an invasion of privacy,” sophomore Olivia Twardowski said. Regardless of the viewpoint, people need to be aware of the posts they make on the Internet. If it’s put out there once, it’s out there forever. t "TIMFZ )BXLJOT
U.K. riots cause distress
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ondon riots have caused a total of 3 deaths.
The heaviest of the rioting is over, but Britain is still reeling after rioting in London and other U.K. cities. The riots began when taxi driver Mark Duggan was shot dead in what was supposed to be a standard arrest. Reports state that Duggan opened fire on the officer, prompting his partner to shoot him dead. The rioters, mistaking the gunfight as police brutality, set off a wave of looting across the country. “The cops have some of the blame, but no one saw it coming. The looters took it out of proportion and ended up causing a lot of damage,” said senior Erik Serna. t %BO .JLB
News
August 23, 2011
Becky Pauwels
Over the summer, two students died on separate ocassions. In June, a car crash took the life of junior Freddy Najera, as well as former students Jessica Ferrer and Elibeth Solis. “When I heard about it, I was shocked. [...] and at this point, it’s still so surprising,” senior Aimee Moyo said. “My friends were destroyed. Nobody could believe it,” Moyo said. “I have a lot of good memories of playing basketball with them, hanging out and being out with them, and always being able to say, ‘hi.’” The car crash gained special media attention because of the events that surrounded it. The teens were driving at 90 mph in a stolen car. The sole survivor, Daniel Ascencio, attributes his survival to the fact that he wore a seat belt, as stated in the Daily Herald. Melissa Drapatsky, Najera’s English teacher, was surprised to hear of his death. “When I heard of the circumstances of Freddy’s passing I was very angry at first. The bad decisions of a few teenagers caused intense pain to their family and friends. At Freddy’s wake, I spoke to several of his friends, my students, and asked them to learn from his mistakes and not put themselves in danger or make destructive decisions. Drapatsky added, “I know his friends will miss him this year, and hopefully use his passing as a way to motivate themselves to do great things in life since he won’t be able to.” Despite the circumstances of his death, Drapatsky remembers him well. “I had Freddy on my class schedule, but unfortunately he didn’t attend class often.He had a great smile and much potential. He was very capable and likeable in spite of his lack of interest in my class,” Drapatsky said. The crash also gained attention on Facebook, both good and bad. “I saw plenty of disrespectful comments after they died, but I don’t think that they really meant it. They were amazing kids regardless of what people thought,” Moyo said. Facebook also played a part in spreading the news of junior Adam Davis’s death. Davis was found dead on August 7 in a forest in Lake County. Drapatsky was Davis’ English teacher as well. “Adam and I worked very closely together for the whole year. He was a wonderful contributor to class discus-
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uniors Adam Davis and Freddy Najera died over the summer, bringing the student death toll to three students in the last six months. sions. His opinions were not always well received as they could be extreme, but I often felt like others in the class agreed with him, but were too reserved to back him up,” Drapatsky said. She remembers Adam as being a great student. “Adam was a great writer; the maturity of his ideas was unparalleled. Some of my favorite memories of Adam were when we met after school to go over his writing. He was dedicated to getting his point across whatever the topic was, and he always chose topics that challenged him. He went above and beyond the scope of the assignment and did more research or wrote more than others in the class because he so wanted to make his point,” Drapatsky said. “I graded his last essays just a few weeks before he died and one in particular was so poignantly written it will stay with me a long while. He really was a gift to have in class as he challenged me as a teacher and made me think about what I teach and how I allow my students to be heard. He could be intense at times, but his passion was what made him an interesting student and a great person. I don’t think I will have another student like him in my career,” Drapatsky said.
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With this new grading system, teachers are now encouraged to focus on updating each students account. “With SchoolLogic, teachers will be updating grades every Friday, and students will be able to see their updated grades,” assistant principal Richard Golminas said. Students have expressed their interest in the new system, hoping that it will be a suitable replacement for MyGradebook. “I only used MyGradebook once a week but I might use it more if the new system is easier to log into and I don’t have to remember that random password and classword,” junior Sarah Mulroe said. Last year, the math and science departments started a new system of checking textbooks out to students. Each book was barcoded and the student’s ID card was scanned in with their book. Phase two of the program will start this year which means all other departments will barcode their books. “Elk Grove barcoded all their books last year, but this year all schools in the district will barcode all their books,” English Teacher Jim Schiferl said. Teachers who find a textbook can scan it and find out who it belongs to. Students who lose their book will also have no way of avoiding fines. “It makes teacher’s jobs a lot easier because we no longer have to write down textbook numbers and all of the textbooks can be tracked,” Schiferl said. Even the books in the library will be scanned. If a student tries to steal a book without scanning it, the
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nglish teacher Jim Schiferl barcodes new books, a system that will be adapted off of last year’s attempts at scanning and barcoding textbooks. alarms by the library doors will sound. This will make it much harder for students to get away with avoiding fees for lost books, and stealing other students’ books. All in all, the advancements made have proven to be due to the need for updates. Many students have sided with the administration and feel like the decisions are being made appropriately, while others are still a bit confused. Regardless, the new innovations are going to give a new way of learning.
August 23, 2011
News
The Correspondent
3
Extreme weather forces students to adapt Brian Loomis
When the area finally got out of the drought, it was doused with seven inches of rain in a matter of hours, which An average high temperature in led to widespread flooding on roads, July is 84 degrees according to the gobut also in basements in lots of homes. chicago.com, but this summer was far Many people had to gut their basements from typical. The Northwest suburbs due to the water damage. spent hours of time cleaning up as a re“My family and I were out of town sult of a multitude of storms that travwhen our power went out and nobody eled through this area as well as dealing was able to come home and turn on our with the triple digit temperature readgenerator. Our basement filled up with ings. seven inches of water, and we had to reThe first couple weeks went on place all of our carpet and pretty much without a problem, but on the night everything on our floors,� sophomore of June 21, a storm swept through the Brin Joseph said. area that resulted in a tornado in Mount Many other students faced similar Prospect. The tornado was rated an fates as piles on the curbs grew larger EF-1 on the Fujita scale which is idenand larger awaiting the garbage pickup tified by winds ranging from 86 mph t .BEFMJOF 8FCFS the upcoming week. to 110 mph, according to The National “We received 2,327.58 tons of Weather Service. enior Joe Lehnert looks through some of the household objects garbage from Arlington Heights and Numerous students went without that were destroyed due to a storm over the summer. “I think it’s Mount Prospect during the week of the power for a whole week. ComEd, the just one of those things where you don’t realize how much you have July 25, but the preceding week was only power company, stated on their website unti you lose it all,� Lehnert said. 817.63 tons,� acting executive director that following the storm nearly 400,000 tornado went through which left a lot of trees of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern customers were without power. “My family had to go buy a generator and all over the place. There were trees all over the Cook County Steven Schilling said. “The Glenview Transfer Station was deuse candles to see, but our power came back on place for three days until the village was able to signed to be able to handle the peak flows that after only a day,� sophomore Sarah Thompson clean them up,� Ignaciuk said. But even when the power came back on, we experienced that week. We were able to have said. students were not done sweating it out as tem- all the garbage in trailers and off to the landfill Although Thompson was one of the lucky peratures neared 100 degrees, and some places by the following Monday,� Schilling said. ones, there were others who had a much harder surpassed it. The near record setting tempera“We only got three-four inches in my basetime with the power outages, even though most tures resulted in power usage at the highest in ment, so after we got rid of the water we used students tried their hardest to live without it. “I had no power for about three days, so I ComEd’s history at 23,573 megawatts, accord- fans to dry everything out, but we didn’t have to tear anything out,� sophomore Kelsey Panfil hung out with people who had power and went ing to ComEd. The heat wave was noticed before it arrived said. to the beach,� sophomore Jola Ignaciuk said. Power lines were not the only thing that in this area by meteorologists, which allowed t 4IBSF ZPVS FYUSFNF XFBUIFS TUPSJFT POMJOF BU went down as a result of the storm, many trees people to be aware of the deadly dangers that $PSSFTQPOFOU-JWF PSH were uprooted which prompted a massive clean- come with the heat such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, cramps, and dehydration to name a up completed by the public works department. “My house was near the area where the few.
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Opinions Facebook statuses cause problems
The Correspondent
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Wh e n a p plying Opinion for a job, most people write up the best resume, and prepare for an interview. They walk into their interview with their head held high, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, businesses have been checking Facebook to see if their prospective employees haveposted inappropriate pictures online. They’re looking for “great” pictures from the weekend. The idea of living young and hard was on students’ minds this summer. Some students liked taking pictures of each party they went to and posted the “funny” moments they captured on Facebook for the world to see. But students should consider the consequences if someone with authority finds those raunchy pictures. Sure, there’s a private setting
face b o ok
Profile
Friends
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News Feed
“Eyes are so red, I think my parents know” “Why would I get a job when I can party instead?” “I’m not going to school. This hangover is terrible.” “Roll it up, take a hit!!” Lauren Kelley
that can be selected, but that setup is still full of weaknesses. Students should not be posting pictures or statuses that are inappropriate online. Sure, pictures from the weekend seem fun, but most adults shouldn’t be seeing how some students “hang out” on weekends. Some things students post on Facebook are unnecessary and immature. People need to realize that
Celebrities distract from world events Ashley Hawkins
It seems we live in a world of ignorance. I’ve come to realize that unless a riot, famine, or natural disaster happens in our country, media coverage on it takes a backseat to celebrity culture or is otherwise nonexistent. Instead, television channels and radio stations choose to discuss the latest plastic surgery Heidi Montag had or gush about Justin Bieber’s latest break up. Celebrities are humans, just like every single person in this building. They need food, water, and shelter to survive. They work to make a living. They feel emotions, such as love and hate. I don’t understand the need to put them on a pedestal, especially since their lives aren’t much different than ours, and also because there are bigger problems in the world.
The Correspondent
is published 11 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. 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 2009-10. The Correspondent is a member of numerous press associations. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
Editors-in-Chief
In-Depth Editors
Opinion Editors
Shea Anderluh Ashley Hawkins Kevin Hyde Becky Pauwels
Megan Boyle Jordan Graff Julia Kedzior
Anthony Bellafiore Nick Diaz Dan Mika
Entertainment Editors
Feature Editors
Editorial Board Abby Fesl Connor Hargett Jessica Lynk Garret Matchen Emily Swanson
Managing Editor Claudia Caplan Lauren Kelley
News Editors Scott Backal Melanie Cohodes
Michelle Chester Susannah Sinard
Graphics Editor Carlos Andina Zack Killiam
Sports Editors Brian Loomis Michael Miller David Milligan
Max Bestvina Mackenzie Francis
Reporters
Erika Murillo Natalie Czarnota
Photographer Maddi Webber
Adviser Janet Levin
While Justin Bieber is getting a new hair cut, Americans are in Afghanistan fighting a war. While one of the Olsen twins battles an eating disorder, people in third world countries are struggling to find scraps of food. I feel like people don’t have a clue what’s going on in the world, but instead choose to pay attention to anything that will let them feel better for themselves or allow them to escape their own reality for a while. I gazed upon the Yahoo trends periodically throughout the day. Around 2 P.M., some of the top ten searches consisted of ‘Chicago Bears,’ ‘Pippa Middleton,’ and ‘Christina Augilera,’ all of whom had done nothing spectacular at the time the searches took place. Later that night, the searches ranged from ‘Bieber sundae,’ to ‘OutKast,’ to ‘Nicole Kidman.’ The headline of the first article I laid my eyes on read ‘Biggest Skin Mistakes.’ This took place the day after the London riots broke out, but any articles written
August 23, 2011
their friends don’t need to read their every thought. Status updates such as, “Did that really happen?” and the common, “What happened last night?” fill up the Facebook home pages on a Sunday morning. These posts are annoying, pointless, and could get students in trouble. Teens also tend to head on Facebook after a peer’s death. Suddenly, everyone is sharing moments between themselves and the deceased. They’re usually mundane messages like “you were in my lit class, rip buddy.” Those posting these comments want others to know that they knew the student who died and insist on posting. Even if these statuses tell of a touching moment, they have little emotional impact when the post is written in texting shortcuts. Allow the deceased’s real friends and family to grieve. Post thoughtfully or not all.
on the matter was placed at the bottom of the page, buried under less important news. I understand that a lot of extra attention comes with being in pop culture, and sometimes it’s alright to indulge in the latest gossip. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about how Britney Spears was recovering from her mental breakdown or what Justin Bieber’s new perfume smells like. But I really think we all need to take a step back and realize the lives celebrities live aren’t all that awesome. And while they’re trending on every social media network, there’s an abundance of devastating, important events happening around the world that require our attention. It’s appalling that the media we have headlines celebrities being generally mundane while Japan struggles with rebuilding their country and the Horn of Africa is in complete famine.
Take one for the team; Stick to your schedule
Melanie Cohodes homework with and the lack of available social
Nothing’s more frustrating than a futile situation, and trying to get into friend’s classes is undoubtedly one of those. While the point of going to school is to learn, it’s slightly more tolerable if one has friends in their classes. Having someone that can explain the latest math concept or Spanish verb is invaluable. It isn’t logistically sensible to have students request friends to be in their classes- each schedule is individually tailored to each student, and trying to line them up would be a nightmare. Students just have to hope they’ll share classes with people they already know. If that isn’t the case, then that’s too bad. For those who wind up with friends in only 2 or 3 classes, the impending school year could be a challenge. There’s no one to discuss
interaction will classes will be immeasurably dull. The only thing that can be done is a trip to the guidance counselor to beg for a schedule change. While it might not be feasible to mix and match all classes, there are some courses that are easier to deal with than others. If gym and lunch are next to each other it’s fairly easy to switch them around for the next semester, and avoid the humiliation that comes from having nowhere to sit in the cafeteria. But, as has been insisted since elementary school, not having friends around isn’t an excuse to mope- it’s an opportunity to make new friends. The guidance counselor is a last resort if school is completely unbearable, but generally, soldier on with a smile and a freshly sharpened pencil, and that schedule won’t be as bad as it seems.
August 23, 2011
The Correspondent
Opinions
J U S T S AY I N ’
Somethin’ to talk about
Green transportation gets in way As part of a right of passage as a teenager, summer should be filled with plenty of ill-planned vehicular cruising, complete with blaring music and driving at speeds that would be deemed unacceptable by neighborhood vigilantes. This summertime activity has been hindered, however, due to the overpowering presence of bikers. It seems as though I cannot drive down the block without encountering a fitness crazed cyclist, outfitted in racing gear and biking sunglasses. Things get a little more agitating when these overly pretentious bikers begin to vere into my lane, just as an oncoming car approaches. My advice to these bikers: either use the sidewalk or pedal at Lance Armstrong speed. After all, my car does weigh more than your bike. Just sayin’ Kevin Hyde
Biking causes student to reminisce The other day, I decided to take my bike out and ride around the neighborhood. To my surprise, was one of the most refreshing experiences that I had this summer. It reminded me of when life was much simpler; when I hadn’t ever experienced stress, when laying out in the grass was more comfortable than laying in my bed, when neighborhood parties were some of the most sought after events of the year, and when “going to the park” didn’t entail illegal substances I remembered all the good times I shared with friends and family. These are the memories that had been shoved to the back of my head, but these are also the memories I never want to lose. Hopefully others can also lure their past out of the depths of their childhood before they are gone forever. Just sayin’ Connor Hargett
‘New’ ID photos leave students self conscious When opening my large white envelope signifying the beginning of the school year, I wasn’t expecting to find anything that would make my day less then jolly. To my surprise, I lifted up a small card and was not greeted with the quality picture I had been expecting, from the impression I was under, students were going to be receiving ID’s with their yearbook pictures displayed as the photo. Instead, I was being stared at by a dark, enlarged and younger photo of myself. Usually I am not overly picky of pictures of myself, especially if it is a meaningless student identification card. However, this was a pathetic excuse for a school ID, the photo doesn’t show what anyone looks like. It’s as if whomever decided to reuse our old ID pictures wanted the returning classes to be deceived as a ugly group of teenager. Just sayin’ Claudia Caplan
Squeeze in summer reading
It’s no secret that students don’t always do the reading they’re supposed to do. Students have a lot on their plate. However, summer is a time for relaxation. We get a 3 month break from most schoolwork. That being said, there is no reason summer reading shouldn’t be completed. I know it’s a pain. Out of the seven books I’ve read for summer reading during my high school career, there’s only been one I actually enjoyed. I still shudder when I think of “The Odyssey.” If students can’t manage to read one book over the summer, how are they going to fare when they’re expected to work through the summer in the adult work? Just sayin’. Becky Pauwels
Show teachers some love Take a look through the countless Facebook statuses or walk Hersey’s halls. A stream of comments about scheduling can be heard, often said with dismay: “You got Mr. X? That sucks.” “Mrs. Y is your math teacher? Oh boy, have fun!” The reasons for disdain range from “She failed the paper I spent 5 hours working on!” to “He totally has it out for me!” It’s incredibly easy to complain about teachers, but we often talk about them without realizing how hard teachers have it. For starters, they’re glorified babysitters. Their jobs stick them in a room full of kids for seven hours a day, not to mention the countless extra hours of coaching, chaperoning, meetings and grading papers. Those words alone should make other adults exhausted, but combine obligations from family and friends and we can see that teaching is no easy feat. So what do teachers get for all of this hard work? Many times, they get treated disrespectfully. Remember the protests in Wisconsin a few months back? Their teachers were working hard but their governor decided that they didn’t deserve full collective bargaining rights, and he didn’t do this because he’s secretly a Bears fan. The reasoning behind the proposed pension cuts was that teachers didn’t deserve full benefits or bargaining rights because they don’t work during the summer. While it’s comforting that Wisconsinites didn’t vote in politicians who went to summer school (often), the idea that teachers get to kick back and relax when school lets out is at the very least ignorant. Contrast this to South Korea, where teachers are known as “nation builders.” They get extensive support and training from their government and their fellow countrymen. They’re almost respected as much as players in their pro Starcraft 2 league (I really wish I was making that last part up.) But teachers aren’t just important in terms of building countries; their influence on students themselves are tremendous. A good educator can change the way kids think about a subject. If I was asked my opinion of Socratic philosphy as an incoming sophomore, I wouldn’t have any idea what I was being asked. I also wouldn’t have the slightest interest in learning about it. But going to former teacher Mr. Hammerl’s World Lit class every day didn’t just make me aware of the various philosophical schools of thought; I actually wanted to learn more about them. Everyone’s got their own Mr. Hammerl; a teacher who made a class not just bearable but enjoyable. So if you see your favorite teacher this year, make sure to show them some appreciation. They don’t do this for the prestige, they don’t do it for the government funding and they definitely don’t do it for the money. Teachers take these jobs because they care about students and they want to see us excel in school. -Dan Mika -Read More Opinioms Online! Visit www.johnhersey.highschoolmedia.org-
What do you do to keep your information on Facebook safe?
Sarah Defrancesco
Emily Niklewicz
Anthony Martinez
“I set my Facebook profile so that only my friends can see it.”
“I don’t accept people as friends who I don’t know.”
“I change my privacy settings so only my friends can see them.”
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Freshman
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Blake Robinson
“I make sure I don’t put anything stupid on Facebook.”
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The Correspondent
August 23, 2011
Harry Potter
‘Potter’ makes childhood magical Shea Anderluh
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Magic never ends. Despite the fact that the series that symbolized so much more than a simple story is now officially complete, the magic that made it what it was for millions of kids, young and old, will never be lost. Growing up with Harry Potter has been, in many ways, one of the defining attributes of our generation. Since the first book arrived in the United States in 1998, the series has developed as its loyal fanbase developed, and matured as its loyal fanbase matured. This is part of what made the books and movies so meaningful to its readers, especially. “The series to me, in a way, defined my childhood. I grew up anticipating every book, and even the movies. It made me develop the love of reading that I still have to this day,” senior Joe Lehnert said. Harry Potter and his friends, whose magical adventures have captured the hearts of fantasy lovers around the world, took the final steps of what has been a life changing journey for everyone who lost themselves in the wizarding world that J.K. Rowling masterfully created years ago. The final installment of the movie series hit the big screens this summer, and many avid Potter fans have found themselves facing an entirely unfamiliar feeling: the prospect of life without Harry Potter. “I’m sad now that it’s over,” Lehnert said. “Knowing that there are no more books to wait in line for, and no more midnight premieres. It just all goes along with growing up, and in a way gives me the feeling that my childhood is over.” Senior Catherine Kemp agrees. “I was super sad after the last midnight showing because it really is kind of like the end of our childhoods. But we can also keep reading the books, and watching the movies, so Harry Potter will never really be over,” Kemp said. A love of reading is far from the only thing true Potter fans have taken away from the spell Rowling cast on our generation with her epic tale of friendship, bravery and love. By the seventh book, the complexity and carefully placed undertones provided enough room for enjoyment and analysis alike that Harry Potter will forever be considered a classic, to be reread time and time again. “Despite the fact that it’s over, the series will always be a huge part of my life. I don’t even want to guess how many times I’ll reread the books and watched the movies,” Lehnert said. “Without a doubt, my kids will not grow up without reading them!” Even as Harry, Ron and Hermione continue to grow up and live their lives, the magic that they instilled in readers’ hearts and minds will never really be gone. “The story is timeless,” Lehnert said, “It’s as simple as that!”
Wizarding world extends to Muggles Megan Boyle The famous magical school Hogwarts came to life just over a year ago when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in Orlando, Fla.. This lifesize replica of the school home to Harry, Ron, and the gang includes three roller coasters, three shows, and plenty other magical features. One of the roller coasters, The Forbidden Journey, takes tourists inside Hogwarts castle on an exclusive tour. “The line waiting for the ride is like a tour of Hogwarts, and the ride was really cool and interactive; it was awesome,” senior Meghan Griffin said. Visitors can also enjoy the town of Hogmeade where they can find actual shops and restaurants the characters go to in the books. These include the Three Broomsticks, where Muggles can experience the taste of Butterbeer, and Hog’s Head Pub, another popular restaurant. “The shops and Hogsmeade were just like what I pictured in the books,” Griffin said. Harry Potter fans can also pick out a wand (or as it happens in the books, let the wand choose them) at Ollivander’s wand shop. “The shop was identical to the movie, all the wand boxes were stacked to the ceiling. They had all the character’s wands and different wand too,” Griffin said. Overall, the park offers Harry Potter fanatics a chance to indulge in the life of those they only read about in books. “The theme park was so realistic. I felt like I was living in Hogwarts,” Griffin said, “It was truly a dream come true.”
August 23, 2011
Harry Potter
The Correspondent
Books beat box office; detail enriches experience Connor Hargett
Many people argue that the “Harry Potter” books are better than the movies, but I am prepared to fully explain why it is so. The movies are exceptional, don’t get me wrong, but the plot and detail in the movies would not translate into a great book. So ultimately, it comes down to the detail put into the books that makes them so much better. Things such as the entire Dumbledore and Grindelwald conflict. I won’t ruin the book for people planning on reading it, but throughout the book parts of Dumbledore’s past are revealed to the readers, which explains his personality and motives for his actions. Likewise, the book goes into details about Tom Riddle and how he came to power. It explains the significance of each of the horcruxes, and their hiding places. Those small additions help to captivate the reader and ultimately inspire the imagination of the readers. After all, books are only as successful as the minds that
read them. Other than the detail of the characters, the book also extends each of the characters deaths. Instead of simply getting a glimpse of the death of characters, the books offer a more dramatic version that places emphasis on the significance of each death. It creates more tension on the plot and a heightened sense of what just happened. However, I am not saying that these differences should have been added to the movie. If these details were added, it would have probably made for a very boring movie, while it is a very exciting book. Movies and books are like different languages, and some things just don’t translate. All I can suggest is that if you like the movies, then read the books.
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Same story, different experiences: movies confuse non-readers Jessica Lynk From 1997 to 2011, a whole generation of people have lined up to see midnight showings of eight Harry Potter movies and get their hands on seven books. The die hard fans waited in line for hours, while others were just dragged along with friends to see the movie a week after its premiere. Some students read every page word for word and can quote it, while others prefer to watch the movies. “I saw the first three movies before I read any of the books, so I wouldn’t say that the books ‘prepared me’ for the movies,
although those first three movies kept most of what was in the books,” sophomore Danny Kapinos said, “As the books grew longer and more was cut from the movies, reading the books helps explain different characters’ motivations throughout the story and it becomes much easier to follow.” Reading the books as a guide to the movie can help avoid angry friends who don’t want to answer question in the middle of the movie. When it comes to movies, most don’t want their friends and family to be talking to them during the movie or asking questions even when the movie ends. The same goes for “Harry Potter.” “After seeing each movie, it’s often my job to explain various things to those in my family who haven’t read the books,” sophomore Danny Kapinos said. There are many reasons why some students decide not to read. “Some peope only saw the movies because the books are a little bit too complicated for some people,” freshman Kali Tansor said. Reading for some seems to bore or can be extremely complicated. Others seem to struggle while watching the movies, but directors Chris Columbus, Mike Newell, Alfonso Cuarón and David Yates, and seemed to still keep interest for some that didn’t even read the books. “It was worth it to see the movie even though I didn’t read the books because I liked it!” freshman Kali Tansor said.
Final installment doesn’t disappoint Melanie Cohodes
Harrypotter.com/warnerbros
Typically, highly anticipated events are prone to be let downs, once they finally happen. The second installment of the Deathly Hallows movie proved to be anything but disappointing. It was on-the-edge-of-your-seat captivating, even for those who knew how it ended, and possibly the best few hours of my life I’ve ever spent. There wasn’t much of a reason to believe otherwise, though, if the other seven movies are anything to go by. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, the total worldwide gross of the previous seven movies combined amounts to somewhere around $6,377,054,500. Six billion dollars is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, it’s about one sixth of Russia’s military budget. With a $250 million budget (IMBD.com), a spectacular piece of cinema was practically a guarantee. However, it’s the actors who really bring a film to life. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson certainly delivered. They gave a fantastic portrayal of their characters, unsurprising,
considering that they’ve lived their lives as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The movie, even though it had all of its content previously written, was still a joy to watch. It brought to life the magic that encapsulates the entire franchise. Two hours worth of heart pounding battles, exhilarating dragon rides, and that unshakable sense that something great is happening, right there on the screen. It was the only Potter movie released in 3D, and they couldn’t have picked a better one. It’s no wonder that The Deathly Hallows part 2 ended up as the 3rd highest grossing movie of all time (BoxOfficeMojo.com), behind only Titanic and Avatar. It was a major suc-
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The Correspondent
with Music Ashley Hawkins My Way
“Cult of Personality� Living Colour- Released in 1988, I probably nev-
er would’ve heard this song if it weren’t for WWE Superstar CM Punk, who recently began using it as his theme song. I didn’t understand the extent the song had reached until my parents began singing along with it on Monday Night Raw. From one generation to another, “Cult of Personality� has remained a classic, and rightfully so. The guitar riffs at the beginning of the song are catchy and hypnotizing. The lyrics are bold and powerful. “Look in my eyes, what do you see? The cult of personality. I know your anger, I know your dreams. I’ve been everything you want to be.� It’s a song I can’t get out of my head. WWE has introduced me to various artists, songs, and genres throughout the years, and I’m very thankful for that. “Cult of Personality� has been added to my constantly-growing list of favorite songs and will always remind me of the eccentric, hardcore, straightedge professional wrestler that is CM Punk.
“Robot� 3OH!3- The newest single
from my favorite electropop duo will always be a reminder of Summer 2011 and the 3OH!3 concert that ranks as one of the highlights of these wondrous past three months. The first time I heard the full version of “Robot� was during the concert in July, and I fell in love with it instantly as Sean Foreman spit out the tongue-in-cheek, quip lyrics while dancing to the mechanical beat in a fittingly robotic manner on stage. The song is edgy, similar sounding to the album “Want,� containing a harder rhythm and more of a rap-tone. It’s a fun, infecting song, and I can’t get enough of it. 3OH!3 has truly delivered with another outstanding single. I look forward to their future releases, but for the time being, I’m content with blasting “Robot� from my worn out headphones.
“Tonight, Tonight� Hot Chelle Rae- Energetic. Upbeat. Lively.
Playful. Hot Chelle Rae has developed a unique sound represented by these colorful, lighthearted adjectives. The song “Tonight, Tonight� is no different, and perfectly captures the feeling of summer. Whether driving in my car, going on a walk, or dancing around with my friends, this song is an instant go-to track on my party playlist. With lyrics like “Tonight, tonight, there’s a party on the rooftop, top of the world,� I can’t help but blast this song from my radio and sing at the top of my lungs. From the moment I hear “It’s been a really, really messed up week,� to the time the music fades, I’m locked in a trance of utter bliss. Don’t like the song? La, la, la, whatever.
Miss me? Head to CorrespondentLIVE to read more Music our way! Lin k on the JHHS website.
Reviews
a t t Go
August 23, 2011
Thirteen year old pleases all age groups
“Run into the light, get out of your own way, not afraid to fight, believe in what you say, I’ll hold on ‘til the night.� Are lyrics from 13-year-old Greyson Chance’s debut album Hold On ‘Til The Night (H.O.T.T.N). The album hit stores on Aug. 2 and quickly made its way to number two on the top albums on iTunes. The album features 11 tracks with great variety. Anything from classical piano music, to pop, to laid back tropical music can be heard. That’s also one of the reason’s that H.O.T.T.N is great for all ages.
Grandparents that enjoy piano music may like “Waiting Outside The Lines� or “Slipping Away,� parents who enjoy tropical music may like “Stranded,� and teenagers who enjoy pop music may like “Unfriend You� or “Take A Look At Me Now.� Another reason that this album is great for all ages is because the lyrics are very relatable and real. Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Jaden Smith, and Ellen DeGeneres bought and loved H.O.T.T.N, so you gotta too! Mackenzie Francis
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Juice heads make students cringe
Jersey Shore season four aired in early August, and I had no plans in watching it. However, when my friends decided to put our plans on hold and instead gather in my living room with my family to watch the season premiere of the “hit show,� I had no choice but to sit by their sides sulking. I don’t understand the hype these fake, orange-skinned idiots receive. And I don’t understand how the show has a fourth season.
They’re in Italy. Awesome. I’ve seen three episodes total in the show’s life, and after watching the season premiere of season four, I can already tell that Sami and Ronnie will get back together, Snooki will end up crying and whining like usual, and the boys will fight with the girls. Yawn. The monotony of this show kills me. I may have been forced to see the season opener, but I will not be watching any other
N o t ta Ashley Hawkins
Swift performs enthusiastic concert, yet again Melanie Cohodes To December.�
Taylor Swift performed most of the music Live concerts belong in an entire differ- from her new album, Speak Now, except “Never ent category than just standing in a recording Grow Up� and “Innocent,� even including some studio and singing into a microphone- at least, from her first album Fearless, and managing to insert bits of “Apologize they do for Taylor Swift. “(OneRepublic), “Hey She performed on August Soul Sister� (Train), “Sug8 at All State Arena, and it ar We’re Going Down� was incredible. (Fall Out Boy), and “I’m The sheer amount of Yours� (Jason Mraz) into effort put into two hours her own songs. of entertainment was asThe concert showtounding; elaborate coscased the many sides of tumes for many of the the pop/country star, segsongs, ballet and tap dancTaylorswift.com ueing from a girlfriend ing interludes, an enclosed out for blood in “Better column that was transThan Revenge,� to a dazported around the arena zled dancer in “Enchantand over the fans, and, of ed,� a rural girl with an all things, a giant, color attitude in “Mean,� and a changing tree. heartbroken teenager in The most elaborate “Dear John.� performance would be But for all the chang“Haunted�- probably one of ing outfits and personas, the darker songs she’s writone constant stayed- the ten, but an amazing piece crowd. The entire time, to showcase. It started with they were screaming, a giant bell rising from the chanting along with the stage, included two more music, and showing their appearing and acrobats adoration at ear-piercing suspended on cords from levels. the inside of them, flipping t 5BZMPSTXJę DPN It was almost imposin midair, halloween-esque scenery, and a general aura that, instead of so- sible to imagine, but during the finale -her numbering the audience, whipped them up into an ber one hit song, “Love Story� (IFPI Digital Music Report, 2010)- the cheering got even louder, even greater frenzy. That’s not to say that the other songs were as Taylor Swift was swept over the crowd on an to be brushed past; the sheer audacity of “Speak enclosed pedestal hanging from the ceiling. The entire thing was more of a Broadway Now,� the fireworks that shot off during “Dear John,� the tissue paper ‘snow’ for “Back To De- show than a music event, but it was extremely cember� were all small touches that helped well-received by all of her fans, to the point that about half of them probably lost their voices the make good music into a great show. Her guitars changed almost as often as her next day. With this, Swift has proven herself a dresses, but were switched out for a banjo and a definite crowd-pleaser, and is definitely worth ukelele for a few songs- even a piano for “Back the money to see live.
August 23, 2011
Entertainment
The Correspondent
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Problems plummet planking Mackenzie Francis
“I think if people want to plank then they shouldn’t do anything risky or dangerous. I don’t do much planking, but the most dangerous plank I would attempt would be on top of a swing,” sophomore Lauren Solberg said. Planking may seem like all fun and games, but not for everyone. In some cases, extreme
don that, “He has been arrested on numerous occasions for indecent exposure.” Not just teenagers and young adults are Lying face down, hands against sides, and given a hard time when planking, employers are feet pointing down is the new fad; it’s called too. Seven staff members at a hospital in Engplanking. So where did this planking craze get land were suspended for planking when they started? were on the job and supposed to be working. According to Wikipedia, in 1994, public figAnd a prime minister in New ure Tom Green from Canada planked Zealand was questioned after a photo in public, leaving most baffled. Then of him planking in his office, was pubin 2000, Gary Clarkson and Christian lished in a newspaper. Both employLangdon, two teenage boys from Engers tried to reason, explaining that land at the time, started planking too. there’s nothing wrong with planking This time, people weren’t baffled; as long as it’s done safely, but both they were keen to trying the “lying were still given disciplinary action. down game,” which the boys called The one death and countless it. Soon enough, planking spread all number of arrests were enough to over England and other countries of have law enforcement questioning the world, finally making its way to the legality of this game. Australia and America in 2011. Now, In Australia, it’s now illegal to go it’s safe to say that this fad has become planking. “Planking shouldn’t be illea worldwide phenomenon. gal because it’s just people having fun It really became big when many and we aren’t trying to do anything well known celebrities started joining wrong,” Bruce said. Anyone seen doin and posting their pictures on Twiting this will be charged up to $150.00 ter, Facebook, and other social nett .BDLFO[JF 'SBODJT on the spot. working sites. According to couriermail.com. From singers like Justin Bieber, ophomore Alisyn Greenfield planks in the hallway for pure amuseau, “The activity is potentially dangerKaty Perry, Cody Simpson, and Chris ment. ous, as proponents of the movement Brown, to athletes like Dwight Howtry to out do each other by planking ard, and to actors like Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, and Jimmy Kimmel. Students are planking has resulted in both deaths and ar- on structures and in precarious positions, putstarting to tag along and post their pictures on rests. According to msnbc.msn.com, a 20 year ting themselves and others at risk of harm,” old Australian man planked on a balcony seven Australian Sergeant Matthew Russell said. Facebook too. As for other countries such as the USA, “Yeah [I post my planking pictures on Face- stories up and fell to his death, earlier this sumthere is a possibility of it becoming illegal, but book] my profile picture is me [planking] on a mer. “I think that you shouldn’t plank in stupid no such law changes yet. roof,” sophomore Will Bruce said. “I think planking possibly becoming illegal These celebrities have been seen planking places where you can fall and hurt yourself,” on boats, bookshelves, brick fences, and more. Bruce said. People can be arrested for planking is a bad idea, because if you don’t plank danSome people would say those are easy things to on police cars and private property and charged gerously, it’s not a problem. It’s just something people do for fun,” Solberg said. plank. Extreme plankers have planked moving for trespassing or obstructing traffic. Lyingdowngame.net said about one of the vehicles, light up letters on stores, roofs, ski lifts, original creators of planking, Christian Langshopping carts, and more.
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iTopFive What are your TopFive favorite songs? Junior Steffi Antony
Freshman Jenna Derka
1. “Lights Off” New Boyz 2. “Frisky” Tinie Tempah 3. “Go to Sleep” Lupe Fiasco 4. “How to Love” Lil Wayne 5. “Unusual” Trey Songz
1. “Tonight, Tonight Hot Chelle Rae 2. “Super Bass” Nicki Minaj 3. “Good Life” One Republic 4. “Last Friday Night” Katy Perry 5. “Lighters” Eminem Ft. Bruno Mars
“I like that Lil Wayne steps out of his comfort zone to sing instead of his usual rapping.”
“They all have a good beat and keep everyone in a good mood.”
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The Correspondent
Brites
Busy summer, easy school year Are grades the main priority in most students lives? One would think they would be in this day and age when GPA’s and test scores are so important in getting into college and becoming a successful person in the real world. In some students lives grades come second or even third to sports, jobs, and extra curricular activities, but it seems that in summer being in these activities can actually help them get ready for school. Kids with summer jobs can be more prepared when school comes around compared to the average couch potato. Summer seems to organize students and keep them ready for school. “No matter what season I am in, having a sport keeps me organized because I know I have less time,” senior Matt Brant said. Most student athletes or extra-curricular activity members agree that it is easier to go back school once they have a summer job. Some students believe it is an all around positive. Many would argue that a student with a summer job is more prepared for the year to start because they have adapted to being on a schedule. Scott Bakal
Features Summer actions prep for school year August 23, 2011
Kevin Hyde up at a reasonable time, so that when we have As the summer sun comes to a seemingly permanent horizon, students are beginning to show signs of preparation for the ten months of schoolwork that will ensue. Whether it be taking summer classes or becoming more organized, it is clear that students have been partaking in variety of activities that will help in the preparation for the school year. Summer reading has been a resounding reminder of the demise of summer, as students are beginning to buckle down and prepare for their English classes. “I started my summer reading book pretty early, so that I would have time to space out my reading time. I think that it has just been a reminder that school is in fact coming, but I am actually kind of glad that we have to do this, so that I won’t be totally out of it when school comes,” junior Michelle Bolker said. Summer education has not only been exemplified in the form of summer reading, but also in the attendance of summer school. Some students have expressed interest in obtaining credit hours as well as preparing for a regular school day. “I took summer school mainly to get my information processing requirement out of the way, but it really helped in the long run because it forced me to get up at my usual school year time. All in all, I do feel a little more prepared since I took the class over the summer and now am not going to be as shell-shocked when I get back to school,” junior Jensen Smith said. Since waking up early seems to be the bane of most students’ day, a few are preparing themselves a new sleep schedule to ease them back into their routine. “Lately, me and my friends have been coming home earlier and trying our hardest to wake
to wake up at 6:00 a.m. everyday, it won’t be as grueling, and we can actually pay attention in class,” Bolker said. Although students seem to be preparing themselves over the summer, the administration and staff have also been making preparations over the summer. Some of these instances include the freshman orientation day and the freshman mentor program. “We really want to make a smooth transition for both our incoming freshmen, as well as our upperclassmen [mentors],” assistant principal Rich Golminas said. “By being a freshman mentor, it is preparing me by having to refresh myself with all the rules and regulations that I will have to tell all of the freshmen,” junior Tori Valadez said. “I definitely think that getting up early will also be a big ‘wake up call.’” Staff and administration has also been receptive with preparing course changes and Swap-O days. “Once I got my schedule, I was able to find out exactly when I was able to change my classes if need be. As for the actually Swap-O day, it went pretty smoothly and I felt like everything was prepared nicely,” senior Molly Jahrling said. All in all, there has been a general sense of preparedness with students. Through ways like summer reading, summer school, and rearranging of schedules, students have proven to show attempts at preparation for a smooth school year. Administrators have also shown preparations through orientations, programs, and course changes. “I feel prepared, but now the only hard part will be waking up and actually staying on top of everything,” Smith said.
Boy scout ‘paves’ his way to Eagle status through volunteer work
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t .BYXFMM #FTUWJOB
Maxwell Bestivina Garret Matchen While most students were snuggled up in their beds in their air conditioned houses, junior Andrew Jaeger was out in the blistering heat making the school more attractive for his Eagle scout project. His goal, along with the help of many friends and family members, was to clean up the flower boxes and the giant “H” brick work out in front of the school. He cleaned out the old wood chips and revived the front. Jaeger and his co-workers came out at nine in the morning in order to finish his project. Jaeger ran on the same schedule for the next three days, and took a total of 18 hours to complete. “Everyone working together helped made the project easier and get done faster,” Jaeger said. “Yeah it was a lot of fun. Andrew and I have been friends for years so most of his friends are my friends. When you’re surrounded by people whose company you enjoy, it’s not really work anymore,” junior Diana Cleveland said. “We took the brick work out in front and
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unior Andrew Jaeger and volunteers spent three days fixing up the curb appeal.
cleaned it up since no one ever noticed it. We also took the planter box in front and cleaned it up and added new longer lasting plants that can sustain sunlight easier,” Jaeger said. The job had its ups and downs. “Brick work sucks, it’s hard and not as fun as it looks and takes forever to get done,” Jaeger said. “No, my part wasn’t difficult. I was just rolling sealer on with a paint roller,” Cleveland said. To clean the giant “H”, steps included removing grass and weeds between cracks, power washing bricks, and adding a new layer of sealant to protect it. As for the planter’s box, Jaeger and the
volunteers removed most of the old and dead plants, prepared the flower bed and replaced the old plants with newer plants. Jaeger and everyone who helped was quite proud in the work they all put in. “I chose the school to help out because I wanted to do something I could visually see every day.” Many people pitched in to help. “The Hannans helped a lot everyday and provided most of the supplies. Besides that there was my family and a whole lot of friends that all pitched in,” Jaeger said. Eagle Scout projects are always big and any help is appreciated. Boy scouts perform Eagle scout projects to obtain Eagle status. Deciding to help out at school can be much appreciated by anyone who walks by to enjoy the scenery. “Scouts are always doing projects, so were always looking for help, just ask,” Jaeger said. As for future projects for Jaeger, it seems as if there is nothing planned yet. “Nothing (is planned) as for now, but hopefully in the future,” said Jaeger.
Sports
August 23,2011
Athletes stay committed Offseason workouts keep students occupied, in shape
The Correspondent
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SP R S S R S Cross country heats up for summer conditioning
Ashley Hawkins Jessica Lynk Late nights filled with greasy foods and sugar filled candies are a typical way for students to celebrate the end of a school year, but athletes have to train instead of overfill to prepare for the upcoming season. From cross country to football to swimming, there are various ways students keep a routine in order to stay in t +FTTJDB -ZOL shape for their upcoming season. “I have been going to the football unior Amanda Petro swam hard at her morning practice. Petro, along with many other student athletes, worked over summer camps, and I run on my own. I lift with football and with some oth- the summer to maintain her fitness. er friends at home,” sophomore Sam Mulroe said. Junior Marianna Bonadonna agreed. “We As generic as running and lifting is, it is have a two week “boot camp” to get us ready better to train in a way specific to the chosen for our overnight camp, and then after camp we sport. start back up a little before school starts. Run“I do club swim team (at the YMCA). I go ning the dance over and over again is the cardio three to four nights a week,” junior Sarah Zidek benefit, and then we also do arm workouts and said. Picking something that is tailored to their abs to increase strength, so we can improve our sport can help get them better. dancing.” From eating healthy to training daily or It requires a lot of discipline and dedication even weekly, the more time students spend in to be perfectly fit for a sport, but these athletes their routine, the more successful they seem to integrate multiple steps to create a healthy lifebe during the season. Spending time over the style. Living this healthy lifestyle will benefit summer training, while being a pain, does have athletes in all aspects of their life. its benefits. This pain can be physical or can just “I also try to stay away from junk food and be pain to the mind imagining about it. try staying active, even when practice is over,” “When I started swimming for the school Mulore said. swim team, I wasn’t as tired as I knew I would be Whether it is junk food, television, or sleepif I hadn’t swam over the summer. It’s definitely ing in tempting students, staying in shape is urbeneficial,” Zidek said. gent when it comes to starting a new season.
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Concussions cause concern for football players, coaches Mike Miller ing a concussion each season, and 35 percent Football season is right around the corner, and players and coaches have a lot to think about when preparing for and playing the game, but one thing that’s becoming more a part of the game’s consciousness on all levels is concussions. The severe head injuries come up in the news frequently and are a hot topic for discussion in sports, especially football. With more information becoming available about their symptoms, effects, and proper treatment, those involved in the game, from trainers to coaches to players, are taking the necessary steps to reduce the amount of concussions and increase player health over the short and long term. “I know it damages your brain for the future,” sophomore football player Tyler Masini said. “It makes your brain swell, and for one player on our team, it temporarily affected his memory,” sophomore Joey Szymanski said. The formal definition for a concussion, from WebMD, is when “the brain is shaken so forcefully that it hits the inside of the skull, causing brain injury.” Symptoms can include “loss of consciousness or drowsiness, confusion, headache, and loss of memory of events surrounding the injury.” Over time, concussions can lead to long term brain damage, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition similar to dementia. Concussions are especially an issue in high school football. According to a study from the National Center for Injury Prevention, 47 percent of high school football players report hav-
say they have multiple concussions in a season. These numbers may not be exactly true for here, but the football teams do have to deal with a multitude of concussions. “There was a very large amount of concussions last year on the freshman team,” Masini said. “At one point there were five people at once with one,” Szymanski said. Despite these alarming figures, heightened awareness and new techniques are allowing trainers and coaches to properly diagnose and evaluate players so that they don’t go back to the field too soon. “Overall, in the past couple of years, there’s been a heightened sense of urgency to prevent and identify concussions,” head freshman coach Stephen Kuehn said. This new awareness has helped here on at least one occasion. “Last year, I recognized that a quarterback on the team had concussion symptoms and took him off the field,” Kuehn said. Once off the field, there are new processes to determine when a player can go back on. Hersey, for instance, uses the ImPACT system. Athletic trainers Hal Hilmer and Ari Hirschfeld said ImPACT is “a web based software system that measures an athlete’s response to visual memory and reaction tests”. Hilmer said that ImPACT “really helps, and gives more data to help the decision making process.” Concussions are still a part of football, but with the heightened knowledge of concussions and new tools to diagnose them, head injury treatment is heading in the right direction.
For many students, summer is a time for sleeping in and relaxing by the pool. But cross country runners aren’t as fortunate. They spend a surprisingly large amount of summer training for the upcoming fall season. These long distance warriors practice for six days a week from 7-9 A.M. from the week after school ends all the way until it begins again. They switch off between “easy” days and “work out” days. Easy days consist of running five to eight miles and work out days consist of running six to twelve miles. Even when they’re not running, they do other workouts, such as ab exercises. All this work takes dedication and a love for cross country, but it pays off when the season comes. “If you’re out there for ten weeks running at least six to eight miles a day, then a two to three mile race seems like nothing,” sophomore Jacob Komenda said. The hard work starts paying off for both the boys and girls teams on Sept. 1 at Hoffman Estates. t .JLF .JMMFS
Summer camps create chaos Spending times with friends is typically thought to be a good time having fun. However, when people get put in the same camps with friends, the chances of that are slim. You are sure to be worked hard and go home tired, or else the coaches have not done their jobs. “The camps pretty much took up my whole day because when I got home, I was too tired to do anything,” sophomore Alex Mueller said. There is actually a purpose to these camps, at least for the people coaching them. The coaches need to know who they want on their team before the actual tryouts, so they have these camps to look. However, there are two sessions of the camps so if people play more than one sport they will have to do both. Some sports even have two camps with one in each session, which can make it hard to find time for a break. Summer use to mean running around with friends and travelling to spend time with the family, but it has since turned into trying to impress the coaches. The only week off for some kids is the first week of August, when they have nothing until tryouts for fall sports the next week. t #SJBO -PPNJT
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The Correspondent
Sports
August 23, 2011
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he football team warms up with a run before working out in the excessive heat. By practicing early in the day, they tried to avoid the extremely dangerous temperatures. The high temperatures this summer required a large intake of fluids to keep hydrated in order to stay concsious on the field.
Athletes hydrate when heat triumphs Brian Loomis sulted from over exertion. In Georgia, two play-
Summer is always thought to be the time of year when it finally warms up to the perfect weather for running around with friends or going swimming, but sometimes it heats up to a point where it can become dangerous. This very situation occurred this July during the athletic camps that students flock to every MondayThursday at all hours of the day. The football camp may have been the most affected by the extreme heat due to being outside with few breaks, however, they did take some precautions to assure that no one was seriously affected by the heat. “We try to practice at the coolest times of the day which is usually in the early morning,” coach Dragan Teonic said. However, in some parts of the country there were deaths on the practice field that re-
ers lost their lives while practicing in camps over the summer, which resulted in much concern for every coach that read the headlines. “We try to shorten the practices to having three much shorter practices instead of two longer ones,” Teonic said. Coaches are responsible for the players when they are on the field which means that they must be proactive when conducting a practice to make sure that the workout is not dangerous. They also have to assure that the players are staying safe when practicing. “The coaches never have a problem if we need water and give us plenty of breaks during practice,” junior Quinn Orlandi said. The coaches are not the only ones who need to be watching out for potential dangers, the players need to also maintain control over their body to make sure the don’t push them-
TIMEOUT! i
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How did you prepare during the off-season for the upcoming year?
I play club volleyball with Sky High VBC and this summer I participated in beach volleyball tournaments at North Avenue Beach.
How is the varsity team looking this year? Will losing so many seniors affect the team a lot?
Q:
I think we’re going to be good. Our team consists of mainly seniors, so its going to be a little challenging for next year’s team.
Who will be the toughest opponents in the MSL? And what’s the probability of a state berth?
Q:
I think the toughest opponent in the MSL is Palatine. They have some good players and we’ll probably see them in the conference championship. I think we do have a chance at state, we’re just going to have to work at it.
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selves over the limit. “Drinking a lot of water and eating healthy five times a day helps in preventing me from becoming exhausted,” Orlandi said. They are currently conducting studies at The University of Georgia to research the affects of a football practice in the heat with hopes to help prevent future tragedies around the country. “We keep a close eye on players to assure that the athletes can stay safe while practicing, and encourage them too drink water whenever not in a drill,” said Teonic. The teams for all fall sports have now been made and they are working hard to have successful seasons. Games for some sports have begun. Hopefully now the weather will have cooled off enough, but if not, the players will know how to stay safe in the heat.
August-September
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Soccer @ Hinsdale Central Invite
“All these teams will be tough. It’s good to play the non conference teams first to see our weaknesses.” - senior Jon Krok Volleyball @ Libertyville
“They are always really big, and it’s definitely good to get the first game and get off to a good start.” -senior Maggie Hogen Tennis vs. Stevenson
“These teams are some of the best in the state. It’s important to play non-conference opponents first to get match experience.” -senior Jen Hall Cross country vs. Hoffman Estates
“It is important to start a good season. We’re ready.” -junior Brian Pena