Volume 50 Issue 2
Wheeling High School
900 S. Elmhurst Rd.
Wheeling, Ill. 60090
October 18, 2013
WHS students build multipurpose structure Page 3
Updates to school facilities continue to be appreciated
Page 4
Jean Pabon
Fusion performs 18th annual show “Yield: Children At Play”
Page 12
StuCo wows students and staff with homecoming decorations
Not enough students are aware of the school fight song
more news online <wheelingspokesman.com> a&e: English class hosts first annual “House on Mango Street” book talk
feature: Dakota Laing, senior, runs marathon with his father sports: Boys soccer updates
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Left: Construction is almost complete for the structure that will serve as a coaches viewing area, storage space and a concession stand for the softball team. Right: A story featured in the 1964 issue of Spokesman describing the construction that occured for the concession stand in the football stadium to be built. “Football has always been popular, but I hope that maybe in 50 years, softball games will be as big as football games are now,” Lauren Hart, junior, said.
area, a place for music to be played and the game to be announced over speakers. Co-Editor-in-Chief “Already, I’ve talked to people that are asking about what’s going 50 years ago, the concession stand outside the football stadium on out there. There were alumni that came back for the homecomwas built, and it has continued ing game that were asking about to be in use since then. This year, it,” Dr. May said. the Practical Architectural Class The PAC program typically (PAC), which is part of a district works on building houses in the wide architecture program, is community, but after a proposal helping to build a structure near was submitted by WHS, they were the varsity softball field that will selected to work on the project. also have the ability to serve as a “My students are getting the concession stand. practical experience of building it. According to Dr. Steve May, assistant principal of student activi- The school benefits because they get a structure at a discount with ties, while the structure will have us providing all the labor,” Marc an area that allows concessions Sears, PAC teacher, said. to be sold, it will also function as The construction project began a storage unit, a coaches viewing
Kelly McKewin
at the end of August and is expected to be complete soon. With the completed structure in place well before the beginning of the spring sports season, it is expected that the building will bring a number of benefits to the softball team. “While the softball program or parents would have to run the concession stand, it puts us in line with other schools, since there’s an area for people to sit, and it will be nice for the girls to have music playing before the game,” Dr. May said. “It will also help if we decide to host tournaments.” According to Nikki Mikosz, junior, the team will be more organized this year with the help of extra storage space. “We’re going to have a bigger
place to keep everything, so we won’t have to worry about losing equipement. There were mice in the old shed, but we won’t have to worry about that,” Mikosz said. “We’re just improving everything to make it more updated. It’s going to be nice.” While the structure will have a number of practical uses, many girls on the softball team feel that it will boost the team’s spirit and confidence, as well as attract fans to the games. “It will give us more confidence to know that the school is behind us and willing to build this for our team,” Lauren Hart, junior, said. “We only have parents coming to the games and it might be fun to start having students come.”
New student-founded clubs at WHS are currently open to anyone interested in playing chess or learning to play chess. Co-Editor-in-Chief “During these weekly meetWhile WHS offers an array ings, they learn how to play and of academic clubs every year, the practice,” Mr. Fu said. newest among them is a chess This year, the team will not club, started by Matt Kelly and have the opportunity to go to River Laing, sophomores. any competitions, due to a lack “Why would someone start of funds, but the sponsors and a chess club? To play chess of co-captains hope that there will course,” Laing said. be opportunities to get funding Francis Fu, math teacher, from the school and compete and Timothy McIntire, science against other schools in years to teacher, are sponsoring the club. come. Kelly and Laing are the co“Our goal for the year is to captians. just get organized and get people “The first few meetings will excited about it,” Mr. McIntire probably be getting together and said. playing chess,” Mr. McIntire According to Kelly, he wants said. to get as many people as possible This is the first year WHS to join, even if they do not atwill have a chess club, although tend every meeting. most other schools in district “There’s been a lot of conflict 214 already have chess clubs. of interest, but it’s pretty open “It actually happens to be to join throughout the year. If a big deal. A lot of schools go someone is in a sport in the fall, to State and Nationals. And I they can always come in the thought ‘Why doesn’t Wheelspring,” he said. ing have this?’ I know plenty of The club is currently open to people that play chess,” Kelly chess players of all skill levels. said. Meetings are held on Mondays The practices are weekly and from 3-4 p.m. in room 221.
Kelly McKewin
Karina Pina Staff Reporter Standing alone is always difficult but this doesn’t stop Nick Crumbaugh, senior, from attempting it. With the support of Tom Steinbach, engineering teacher, and other students, Crumbaugh has been trying to open a Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) chapter at Wheeling High School. SME is a huge organization attempting to connect students with their future bosses. The club would provide an opportunity for students wishing to get in contact with industry members and to help build relationships with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing world. The club would be available to the entire school, not only for future college graduates but for those who wish to enter the workforce straight after high school. The club will be run mainly by students with teacher guidance and assistance. In hopes of starting the club by November, both Crumbaugh
and Mr. Steinbach met with an SME member Monday, Oct. 7 to discuss future plans for the club. Only in the early stages, the club has a long way to go, but with the help of interested students, Crumbaugh wishes to plug WHS into the SME world, which could become extremely successful by giving students an advantage in the professional world. Having a relationship prior to holding a job could make the difference in getting a career. With the large manufacturing community in Wheeling, a connection with national organization like SME is vital. “Wheeling High School has a push for engineering since there’s a huge manufacturing sector around the school, something other schools don’t have,” Mr. Steinbach said. If this opportunity were to become a reality, WHS would become the only school with a SME chapter in District 214. Having such an exclusive opportunity could be extremely helpful to those who take full advantage of it.
Aide Hernandez Staff Reporter WHS hosted the second Illinois Congressional Debate Association (ICDA) tournament this past Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12. The ICDA tournament consisted of 27 schools throughout the Chicagoland area. Participants were provided with a packet of bills. Students were given about a month’s time to prepare. During this period they were to research both the pro and cons of the bill, prepare speeches and practice their speeches. During the tournament the participants were separated into rooms based off experience. There were 13 varsity chambers and nine junior-varsity chambers; each with about 20 participants. The goal when placing students is to balance first comers or newer debaters with more experienced ones, which allows them to learn from one another. “This year my chamber was pretty even, everyone was pretty
good, it was a tight competition,” Amanda Duese, junior, said. During the tournaments the students were placed into the chambers with one representative from each school. “It was a competitive competition but I made a lot of new friends from different schools, I had a lot of fun,” Regina Sevilla, freshman, said. Each room had one specific bill assigned and each debater was to give a three minute speech presenting their argument. Within this three minute speech their position on the bill must be made clear, they must include cited evidence and refute oppositions presented by fellow students. Following the speeches there is a two minute question and answer session. Zalman Faltushanskiy, sophomore, and Mike Onyszczak, senior, placed as first speakers in their individual chambers. WHS took third place in the tournament overall. “I feel like this year we’re really back up to speed and going
Polly Draganova, senior, greets students from another school before the tournament; welcoming them to Wheeling. The tournament was the first one Wheeling has hosted in three years. “The novices did well for their first or second tournament. It went well for the team overall,” Draganova said.
in the right direction. There are really good novices this year, that are really elevating their game,” Mike Hurley, debate coach, said. Mr. Hurley has been coaching debate at WHS since 1985. The students also receive help from Wendy Relich and Michael Burke, assistant debate coaches, and Nate Ruben, WHS graduate.
“The four of us are really a team that prepares Wheeling to go into debate. It’s really all of us that make it work,” Mr. Hurley said. Many of the debaters felt that the experience was a positive one. “It was a very good experience and I’m glad I’m doing it. I think it was a prosperous tournament,” Matt Kelly, sophomore said.
AVID holds first ‘Fall Fest’ for scholarships Patricia Makris Staff Reporter Wheeling students in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program under the direction of Bruce Varela, Brianne Rand and Kevin Lennon are planning to host the first ever Fall Fest to raise money for college scholarships. AVID is a structured, college readiness program designed to increase learning and performance in children from elementary through high school. Specifically, Mr. Varela stated that “Wheeling’s AVID program is a
college prep program for students in the academic middle. The goal is college for all!” Amy Diaz-Hablich and Andrea Granados, seniors, are in charge of the event set for Nov. 2, in the field house. All AVID students will be working at stations throughout the event. “We came up with the idea because we had gone to a picnic that Mr. Varela’s son was having at his school, and we just thought that kids from our community would like something like that,” Granados said. According to Granados, who has been involved with AVID for
ObamaCare legislation impacts students at Wheeling Katie Chong
required to insure full-time employees, part-time workers Staff Reporter will be less likely promoted to full-time positions. If a student is employed in fullChelsea Manago time position, he or she will be more likely to have their hours Staff Reporter cut or be laid off altogether. The Patient Protection Another service that and Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare offers is the free ObamaCare, is a piece of sterilization to teenagers. In legislation that attempts to cut states like Oregon, teenage the cost of health insurance girls will be able to purchase while making it available to birth control, even without Americans who the consent of are unable to their parents or get medical guardians. This insurance. The applies to girls as government young as 12. will provide Families withoptions to help out health insurthose find the ance are limited The Affordable right medito turning to cal program medical services Care Act will that suits the significantly impact for severe cases. customer. “So you only their futures one Those covered go to the doctor way or another.” under medical when you’re very insurance will sick. Even by have access to Michael Burke then, it might more medical English Teacher be too late for services withsome things. out extra fees You might need or limitations. surgery,” Sandra Even though Chico, AP GovernObamaCare has come into ment teacher, said. Without legislation, it has been ObamaCare, an athlete withignored, despite it directly or out health insurance would indirectly affecting students in have to pay costly charges for a District 214. surgery that would cost noth“I can bet you that almost ing, or less with ObamaCare. all the students in this foyer Also, the act would allow don’t care about ObamaCare people to get the preventative because they are too busy with care they need, such as regular schools and sports,” Naya check ups or screenings, to Clemons, senior, said. prevent the further developStudents at WHS are ment of diseases. employed in part-time jobs. With ObamaCare in effect, However, because ObamaCare students can get medical covstates that businesses are only erage, despite other setbacks.
October 18, 2013
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four years at Wheeling, AVID has impacted her by helping her become more involved in the community. Although the Fall Fest is mainly directed towards younger children, there will be a variety of activities for all including a haunted house, bouncy house, face painting, food, games and raffles. Most notably, a raffle consisting of a mountain bike, donated by the Trek Store of Highland Park. Admission is free, however, the cost of activities varies under $5. When asked how important fundraisers, such as the Fall Fest, are to a senior, Granados replied “they are very important to me
News Flash On Saturday, Oct. 19, Crucial Step Clique will be hosting a dance in the cafeteria at 7p.m. Admission will be $5.
Jean Pabon
news 2
Debate places third in second tournament
because some of the students are struggling to pay things for colleges and with the money we raise, we are able to help them out.” Any senior in the AVID program may apply and those most deserving of a scholarship will be chosen by the AVID teachers. Depending on the total amount of money raised, Mr. Varela indicated that multiple scholarships may be awarded. In regards to their ultimate goals for the Fall Fest, both Granados and Mr. Varela agreed that they wanted to raise as much money as possible for students and scholarships.
Finals will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and Friday, Oct. 25. Students should go to blocks A and C on Wednesday, and blocks B and D on Friday. Fiirst Quarter ends Friday, Oct. 25. Hoops for Africa will take place at 12:30 in the gym on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The official opening for th Nanotechnology lab will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24. There will be no blue or gold late start that day. There will be no school on Monday, Oct. 28. The AVID Fall Fest will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m. The WHS Orchestra will host its annual Pops Concert on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Fall Sports Awards Night will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Parents will need to register to meet with teachers online by Oct. 30. There will be no school on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day. Circus Literary Magazine will host its annual Barnes & Noble Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 9, beginning at 9 a.m. Math Team will have their second meet of the year on Thursday, Nov. 14.
3 arts
Top Left: Debbie Gutierrez, sophomore, Lily Johnson, senior, and Breton Spiller, junior performing in “Fusion 18.” The theme of this years Fusion performances was “Children At Play” and took place in a playground. Top Right: Lisette Rodriguez, senior, Celine Dirkes, senior, Katarina Meikrantz, freshman, and Celis Santiago, junior, stand in the playground. Bottom Right: Rodriguez reads from a poem. Bottom Left: Phoebe Dowell, sophomore, Dirkes, Meikrantzm, Santiago, and Jayde Ficks, sophomore play a variation of the childhood game “Red Light Green Light.” Red light is stop, green light is go and yellow is slow motion.
Photos taken by Rossy Peralta
Artist of the Month
Yarely plans to take her talent around the world Amy Diaz-Hablich
Staff Reporter Over the past three years, Yarely Rodri“Yarely is inspired by music, taking guez, senior, has been involved in all the pho- pictures of people and bands. She relates her tography classes available at WHS. Rodriguez photos to music, and emotions in ways that has taken Photos 1, Photos 2, and is currently artists engage with participants.” said Dyer. in AP Photos, continuing her passion for takRecently, Rodriguez had an opportunity ing pictures. Rodriguez always strives to bring to take photos at the Van’s Warped Tour. This out her best photography opportunity gave Rodriguez a skills to all her images. Since feeling of her dream job in the Photos 1, she has grown as future. Craig Owens of the band Chicodos performing at Vans Warped Tour. The photo a photographer. With her “It was so much fun. I was taken by Yarely Rodruiguez. motivation and hard work, emailed the manager... of Van’s Rodriguez has been able to Warped Tour and I told him capture wonderful photos like; ‘Is there any way I can get for everyone to see, which a photo pass? This is like my Yarely takes photos is why she has been selected dream; I want to be a profesof non-posed moveas Spokesman’s Artist of the sional photographer.’ And I -The Speech Tournament “Welcome To The ment, and captures Month. told him it was going to be Jungle” will be held Sat, Oct. 29 from 7-4. “I like taking photos of street scene photos my senior year and I wanted anything; I just like capturto work on my portfolio with unposed.” ing the moment.” Rodriguez those photos. So he’s like ‘Yeah -The Pops Concert featuring Jaz 1 and 2, said. So he gave me a photo Kent Dyer sure.’ Kent Dyer, photos pass and it was so much fun Choir and Orchestra will be held Sat, Nov. 2 Art Teacher just being there between the teacher, describes Rodriguez at 7:30. as motivated and dedicated. pit and the barricade. It was a “Yarely is very motivatrush too because everything was ed to go out and take photos going so fast and there were other -The IMEA concert festival will be held Sat, at concerts all on her own,” Dyer said. “Her photographers, too. It was fun, nerve racking strong dedication and interest to capture music too, but it was fun.” said Rodriguez Nov. 9 at Crystal Lake Central High School. and art through photography is incredible. According to Kaeleigh Wiliming, senior, According to Rodriguez, she has been in- Yarely’s photos captures and expresses emospired by Ashley Osborn and Adam Elmakias, tions. -The fall play, “Dearley Departed” will be perwho are two photographers known for their “It makes you feel like you are there in the formed Thurs. Nov. 14, Fri. Nov. 15 and Sat. live performance photography. image.” Wiliming said on her photography. Nov. 16 in the theater at 7:30. “Ashley Osborn has amazing live event Rodriguez plans to be a professional photos, so I got inspiration from her. I decided photographer, and also wants her talent to be to grab a camera, my first camera, 2 or 3 years shown around the world. -The IMEA Jazz Festival will be held Sat. Nov. ago and that’s where it all started.”Rodriguez “I want to take pictures of anything that said. I can. My main topic is performance pho16 at Lakes Community High School. According to Dyer, Rodriguez has been tography so I’m trying to work on that.” said showing emotion and music inspiration in her Rodriguez photos. Information collected by Chris Nush
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Arts News Flash
October 18, 2013
feature 4
Despite setbacks, student council creates Wildcat World put up our walls around part of the seating area, but our carpenter, Steve Kenzior, fell ill the day of set up so we had to go to plan B which was to use the seats themselves as walls to the castle,” Ms. Chico said. Anna Bezkhlebetskiy, sophomore, recognized the difference between student council last year and this year. “Student council is a much younger, and larger group, a majority of our activities are very close to each other this year which means we will be much busier than most years, and our executive board is younger than most years. However, we (student council) really formed into a family because, in order to be a strong and productive Student Council, we have to be a strong family first, and part of the reason Homecoming was such a success this year was because of how strong of a family we have became. It is a very stressful, and tiring process Group shot of student council wearing their Wildcat World shirts. The shirts resembled this year’s homecoming theme, Wildcat World, which the but very rewarding,” Bezkhlebetskiy student council has worked on creating since May of last year. said. The stressful process didn’t stop was on the foyer. But this year we made Wildcat World, was decided through a Paige McCoy student council’s pride in their the timeline in the main hall so it doesn’t vote by the student council during May work. Co-Feature Editor have the same just streamers in the hall last year. “I am very proud of everyone like it did before,” Tianna Thompson, All new and returning members meet for putting so much hard work and The lights illuminated a Disney castle sophomore, said. in small groups to discuss and plan posin the gym while princess and prince After Coronation Rehearsal on Sunsible themes then they are voted on by the effort into making this homecoming one of the best,” Bezkhlebetskiy cut-outs lined the hallway. Those many day, several Senior entire council. said. decorations, which are the first glimpse Stars helped the “A lot of people Despite problems, Ms. Chico into homecoming’s theme, were set up by student council in have come up to me and found herself very pleased with the WHS student council after hours of work decorating. They said that they loved the hard work student council put in. the weekend before. used the plan that decorations and that it “My way of gauging the success Khadeeja Salehbhai, senior, is part of the Coronation brought them back to “The sense of accomstudent council’s executive board. Committee had their childhood,” Thomp- of our decorations is how well it looks at the end of the week. When “My favorite part of setting up home- designed during son said. plishment is what makes students like what we have done coming was when it was just student summer meetings Occasionally, probhomecoming and all the council members here at 8:00 pm sunday to set everything lems arose for the student and appreciate the hard work and attention to detail, they help us keep hard work involved worth night and we just looked at the foyer all up. council members. the decorations up and looking nice. done and set up. We were all very proud “The sense of Kristen Chico, Learnit, as well as seeing the This year, when we came in to set at what we had accomplished decoration accomplishment is ing Center Coordinator, appreciation of all our decup for the dance Saturday morning, wise,” Salehbhai said. what makes homerecalled some problems. it looked just as pristine as we had orations by the school,” The actual set up for homecoming coming and all the “We were limited left it the following Sunday. I am Kadeeja Salehbhai to the amount of paper started Saturday, September 28th. Student hard work involved very grateful to the staff and student senior we could put on the council members stayed at WHS for 12 seem worth it, as body for protecting our hard work hours starting at 8 a.m. Their group well as seeing the walls but we used what work and for the many positive had the help of over 60 student council appreciation of all materials were already in members. our decorations by the school,” Salehbhai the foyer. We used the display cases to act comments we received,” Ms. Chico said. “In the previous years we didn’t really said. as movie signs for the different sports to decorate the main hall because our focus The homecoming theme this year, promote their games. We had planned to
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Halloween costumes become more inappropriate each year
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Erika Pogorzelska
333 S. Milwaukee Ave. (just south of Dundee Rd.) Wheeling IL 60090 (847) 459-1900
Co-Feature Editor Anna Gleyzer
October 18, 2013
Staff Reporter Halloween: a time for children to dress up as their favorite characters and go door-to-door getting free candy. However, what began as a holiday where people wore masks to ward off evil spirits has evolved into an excuse for girls to dress indecently. When there are children around with their parents, is it really acceptable to present oneself in that way? “It depends on what you’re doing.” Ashley Engerbretson, junior, said. “It’s inappropriate if they go trick or treating in public.” According to Angela Sisi, principal, the reason that girls choose to dress this way is to due to the lack of variety in costumes. “When you go to the Halloween store, all that the stores carry is children-friendly costumes and then adult costumes.” Ms. Sisi said. “Even when looking at a Halloween magazine, that’s all that they have.” If that is all that the stores carry, then how is a teenage girl supposed to get an appropriate costume? Jenny Mendieta, senior, also thinks that the reason that girls choose to dress like this is because inappropriate fashion is publicized and seen as society’s norm. “We idolize people and we want to be like them,” Mendieta said. “We see them dress that way and we think it’s okay.” Brianne Rand, math teacher, tries to direct her children’s attention away from clothing that is inappropriate. “When [my children] look through the Halloween magazines, I try to have them avoid those kind of costumes and direct them toward the kid-friendly
ones,” Ms. Rand said. Emily Rodriguez, math teacher, says she has not seen a teenage girl dressed in inappropriate clothing while trick-ortreating, but she said she would not be surprised if she did. “If I saw a girl wearing inappropriate clothing, I would feel embarrassed for her,” Ms. Rodriguez said. When teenage girls go out for Halloween, they send a message that revealing costumes and carrying oneself in public that way is acceptable. “The message that we send kids is not good, but these kids see these kinds of messages everyday anyways,” Marisandra Vega, senior, said. It’s true, kids do receive these messages every day: on television, on the internet and even in public. One thing girls forget when wearing short skirts and cropped peasant tops for a “cute pirate” look is how their parents feel. Would she let her own daughter dress like that? “If my daughter dressed that way, I would feel embarrassed.” Engerbretson said. “Usually the weather is cold on Halloween. Who are they trying to impress?” Gary Mendoza, senior, says if he had a daughter, he would not allow her to dress the way some girls do. “If I had a daughter and she dressed like that, I wouldn’t let her out,” Mendoza said. Over the years, girls seem to being dressing more and more inappropriate for Halloween. However, when putting on a costume, think of whether or not children should see you dressed that way.
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October promotes awareness of worthy causes Staff Reporter
Information gathered by Leo Walker
October is home to many traditions: seasonal treats like apple cider, Halloween, pumpkin carving, or Fright Fest at Six Flags. What many people do not know is that this month is also home to many groups or causes promoting their awareness. There are over five causes that use October as their awareness month. The most advertised cause in October is the fight against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen is a foundation that provides financial support to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and sponsors a 5k run that fundraises for research working towards a cure for breast cancer. The fight to end breast cancer is still happening, and provide any contributions. Although the fight against breast cancer is widely known, there are other worthy causes represented in October. A cause that is frequently talked about in schools across the country is Bully Prevention Month. Bullying has accounted for than more than 149,000 counts of self harm and suicide. There are many contributors to help stop bullying, such as The Trevor Project (a support group for LGBT Teens), The Bully Proof Foundation, and many more. If you have been bullied or thinking about self harming please call one of the hotlines under Bully Category on the panel or talk to a teacher, parent, or counselor. We have a diverse variety of cultures [at Wheeling], two of which are repre-
sented during the month of October. It is Filipino and Italian heritage month. Our Italian Club has been spreading awareness by serving homestyle, authentic, Italian cuisine during the lunch periods. It is a month to embrace your heritage. This month is also Domestic Violence awareness month. The serious issue does not get the necessary attention that it. One in four women have experienced some type of domestic violence in their lifetime. However, domestic violence affects men and women, in addition to their family and friends. If you know someone who is being domestically abused please call one of the hotlines under the Domestic Violence category on the panel, or call the local police. It is also HIV/AIDS awareness month. One in five Americans are living with some type of sexually transmitted disease. In teens it is not so serious, but still be aware of the statistic and be safe. Down Syndrome is also an issue that many of people face. People with Down syndrome are sometimes made fun of or mocked because of their condition. This also goes along with bullying awareness. Down syndrome awareness is to show people that people with down syndrome really are equal and should be treated equally. A campaign that correlates with Down Syndrome Awareness is the R-Word Campaign. The campaign encourages people to stop using the word “retarded” to describe a person with a disability, or using it as an everyday word. This campaign is running through our school, and is strongly supported by our assistant principal, Ms. Erin Deluga.
5 feature
Leo Walker
With athletic training comes dedication and Love Chelsea Manago
school career. Love began high school in Plainfield, Illinois, later moving to Wheeling for Staff Reporter his sophomore year. It was during his Senior year can be a rough one for freshman year that he realized athletic some students. Clueless seniors will be- training was what he wanted to congin to feel the pressure of having to plan tinue doing for the rest of his life. Being out their futures and where they want to able to watch injured athletes progress see themselves in the next few years. back into play helped Love realize his But for Ronald Love, senior, all passion. the planning has been a walk in the He continued student athletic trainpark. The early realization of his love ing at Wheeling his sophomore, junior, for athletic training has allowed him to and now his senior year, working his excel in his craft throughout his high way to become one of the most vital
Laing goes extra mile, runs his first marathon with his father
members of the student training team. “He knows everything there is for a student trainer to be certified in and even more. He’s a guy we turn to when we don’t know what to do,” fellow student trainer Jessica Mamalio, senior, said. Wheeling High School’s athletic trainer, Rocco Tieri, has become an inspirational figure to Love. He has not only guided Love in his endeavors in athletic training, but also in life. “Since I came to Wheeling my sophomore year, he has taught me so
much, like no matter where you come from or how much money you have you can always push through it,” Love said. Love has high hopes for his future, hoping to get his doctorate in Health Sciences once he graduates with a degree in athletic training. He dreams of owning his own sports rehabilitation center to work with all types of athletes. “I just like helping people,” Love said. “I already played sports and I didn’t care for it too much. I like helping people more.”
Erika Pogorzelska
Co-Feature Editor
D. Laing describes how they had prepared for the marathons. “(My dad and I) are both runners, so we were already running everyday,” D. Laing said. “Then on Saturdays, we would add one more mile to our runs until we got to 20 miles. It was all long distance training, so we started at 15 miles. We would also eat Clif Bars, which tasted horrible but they were a lot of calories, to make up for the calories we burned while running.” Find out the results of the marathon on the website <wheelingspokesman.com>
Nada Laing, Dakota’s mother, captures the scene of the Fox Valley marathon just starting. Over 4,ooo people attended this event, only a few being current high school students.
October 18, 2013
Photo used with permission of Nada Laing
On Saturday, September 22, 4,000 people ran the Fox Valley marathon in St. Charles, Illinois. One of the runners was Dakota Laing, senior, running his first marathon with his father, Scott Laing. “Deciding to run the marathon was pretty short notice. When you plan on running, you need to be able to have a few hours a day to train and stick to it to achive your goal,” Mr. Laing said. “When Dakota and I both had time to train over summer, we dicided it was the earliest window to do this marathon before he graduated.”
expressed no intention of selling the property. As members of this community and neighboring areas, it is our duty to act as a voice for these historic local characteristics. In order to maintain the aspects of our town that we can all relate to and identify with in terms of the experiences we have had and the memories we have made there, we must express to local officials and those wishing to put an end to these places their importance to our families, to our community, and to the future generations of our town. As of Oct. 4, the Army Corps of Engineers has dropped the Didier Farms property from the retention pond proposal, though Didier had not heard directly from the Army Corps. This change of plans was partially a result of great support from the community, in addition to backing by the village of Buffalo Grove and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. “I’m very thankful for the local support that we’ve got,” John Didier, co-owner of Didier Farms told the Buffalo Grove Countryside. “I’m glad that we’re appreciated here. We’re trying to be a good neighbor.”
Recipe from christineiscooking. com Ingridients 1 tsp. sugar 1/8 tsp, vanilla extract 1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (this should be a heaping teaspoon)* • 2 oz. espresso or extra-extra-strong coffee • 1 C milk • • •
Jean Pabon
jepordy, it is up to us, the members of the community, to ensure that future generations are able to make the same memories we cherish. Didier Farms was originally purchased in 1912 and was one of eight dairy farms at the time in its location on Aptakisic. Megan Provost In the late 1940s, produce Co-Editor-in-Chief & Focus Editor switched from dairy to cabbage and sweet corn, from which it has since As Wheeling, Buffalo expanded to pickles, Grove, Mount Prospect and eggplants, and zucchini. Prospect Heights residents, Today, Didier boasts an most of us are familiar with early selection of flowers the family-run small-town and hanging baskets in vegetable stand and host of the annual Pumpkinfest, Didi- addition to its traditional er Farms. We all took the field variety of vegetables. On Sept. 23, the trip to the pumpkin farm in Army Corps of Engineers elementary school, bundling announced their plans to up with jackets and gloves to buy out the Didier Farms ride the hayride, pick out our property and turn the pumpkins, get hopelessly lost in the corn maze and take silly property into a retention pond to help control pictures with our faces stuck the flooding of the Des in cartoonized ears of corn Plaines River. This proposand not-so-scary scarecrows. al came as a shock to both From toddlers squealing over the Didier family and the their custom-grown mini community, though this pumpkins and festive rides to was not the only threat high school students looking posed to the Didier famfor a part-time job during the ily. Buffalo Grove also harvest season, Didier Farms has touched the lives of people has competing plans to young and old across the com- commercially develop the unincorporated land, munity. So when the fate of a though Didier has hometown classic is put in
What means “fall” to you?
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Copy Cat Recipe
Directions: 1. In a large coffee cup, mix the sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and espresso. This should be nice and hot since your end latte is hot. If your coffee has cooled a bit, heat it in the microwave before adding the milk.
“Footbal season. When I see people playing and practicing football, I know it’s fall,” Vijay Nellutla, freshman.
2. Froth the milk. ** 3. Add the frothed milk to the other ingridients and gently stir the latte. Top with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional pumpkin pie spice. *You will need a little more for sprinkling on top of the finished product. **If you don’t own a frother, you can still make this drink. You can replace the frothed milk with heated milk.
Feasting for Fall
Check out Erika and Anna’s costume column in Feature
“Colorful, brown and orange leaves, and Halloween, too. And candy. And Thanksgiving!” Mercedes Herrera, sophomore. Jean Pabon
October 18, 2013
Local farmstand prevails with community support
7 focus
Sweaters , football and pumpkin spice lattes
Information collected by Megan Provost
Apple Beef Stew Recipe
Taste of Home
Recipe from tasteofhome. com
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Ingridients 2 lbs. boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-in. cubes 2 Tbsp. butter 2 medium onions 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/8 tsp. salt 2 C water 2 Tbsp. apple juice 2 bay leaves 2 whole allspice 2 whole cloves 2 medium carrots 2 medium apples, peeled and cut into wedges
“When all the cheesy pumpkin stuff goes on sale and my mom tells me to put on a sweater,” Gabriela Patricio, junior.
focus
Directions: 1. In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, brown beef in butter. Add onions; cook until lightly browned. Sprinkle with flour and salt. Gradually add water and apple juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. 2. Place the bay leaves, allspice and cloves in a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Add to pan. 3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes longer or until the meat, carrots and apples are tender. Discard spice bag. Thicken if desired.
6
Yield: 4 servings
“Definitely football, nice atmosphere, leaves falling and seeing you kids here at school,” Dan Sacco, custodian. Photo opinion collected and assembled by Jean Pabon and Megan Provost.
October 18, 2013
“Just hockey, you know, playing it and watching the professionals play it,” Alexander Marriner, senior.
la voz 8
Preción de ser primera generación en ir a la universidad era generacion porque no tienen un guia para derejirlos a la universidad. Una de las cosas que me ha aydado es hablar con amigos que van a la universidad. Brittany Racky, graduada en ‘12, es una de las personas quien me anima a aplicar a escuelas de cuales Rossy Peralta yo no estoy segura. la voz editor Racky me informa sobre las oportunidades que DePaul University ofrece a los estudiantes y sobre las cosas positivas de ir a una escuela en Chicago. Una de las cosas que he echo para prepararme es Durante el otoño, los seniors comienzan a aplicar a hacer una lista de los lugares que tienen el programa las universidades y eso puede convertirse en una experi- que me ayudara con la carrera que quiero obtener. encia estresante si no están preparados ni organizados. Muchos de los lugares cuales estoy aplicando estan Durante este año escolar, los seniors fueron introdu- en Chicago ó en otro estado cerca de familiares. Por cidos al “Common App”, un proceso de solicitud de la ejemplo he comenzado a aplicar a University of Indiauniversidad utilizado para enviar a más de 500 colegios, napolis porque tiene el programa de terapia de arte y lo que hace aplicar a las universidades mas simple para está cerca de donde tengo familiares en Indiana. los estudiantes. Tambien es importante que tengan un plan en caso A pesar de contar con esta herramienta, todavía pu- que no haz sido aceptado a la universidad, por ejemplo ede ser estresante, ya sea porque están aplicando a una llenar una aplicacion a un colegio comunitario, como escuela que no utiliza la aplicación común, escribiendo William Rainey Harper College. varios ensayos, o porque piensan que no será capaz de A persar que no tengo los mismos recursos que un pagar. estudiante que tiene padres que fue a la universidad, Aunque yo también estoy enfrentando estos hay un sentido de logro de ser la primera en mi familia problemas, también enfrento el problema de que mis de no solo graduarse de la secundaria pero también ser padres no pueden realmente ayudarme con el proceso la primera de potencialmente ser la primera en ir a la de solicitud, ya que no fueron a la universidad, y me universidad. enfrento a la presión que yo soy la primera persona en ir a la universidad en mi familia. A veces hay más estrés para los estudiantes de prim-
Consejos universitarios -Busca escuelas que tienen el mayor que quieres. No tienes que ser un senior para buscar escuelas. Cuanto antes se busca, más fácil va ser el proceso cuando tengas que aplicar. -Preguntate lo siguiente... “¿Quieres estar cerca de casa?”, “¿Quieres estar en el estado?”, “¿Quieres ir a la universidad fuera de los EE.UU.?” Las respuestas te ayudarán a reducir el numero de escuelas. -Si estás preocupado acerca de cómo se va a pagar la universidad, busca becas y subvenciones. Hay algunas becas y ayudas con los requisitos más extraños. -Si estás eligiendo entre tres universidades, haz una lista con los aspectos positivos y negativos de cada universidad y compara. -Visita una universidad, podría ser el factor determinante en la que deseas ir. -Asegúrate que mires los plazos de solicitud. Cada escuela es diferente, asegúrate que no apresures la aplicación, o que se te olvide la fecha de límite. -Si no has decidido que quieres hacer, ve a un colegio comunitario y luego puedes transferir a una universidad para no ponerte en deuda. -Preguntale a personas que actualmente van a la universidad para preguntar su opinión sobre la escuela, las financias, y si les gusta. -Para obtener más ayuda, puedes ir a bigfuture.collegeboard.org para mas ayuda sobre universidades.
Dibujo por Mariana Martinez
Octubre 18, 2013
“The Pregnancy Project”, un libro de inspiración cia de Gaby Rodríguez, pero tambien una historia que enfoca en pelear los estereotipos, y también el encuerto de la fuerza de salir de la sombra; quitarse las bajas expectativas para tener un futuro mejor. Amy Diaz-Hablich Yo pienso que Gaby Rodríguez quería enseñar a todos que ella era diferente que la persona que su staff reporter familia creía que era. Rodríguez se dedicó a trabajar duro y a hacer su mejor esfuerzo en la escuela para no repetir lo que su mamá y hermanas habían pasado. El libro “The Pregnancy Project”, se trata de Ser una madre adolescente es algo muy duro porque Gaby Rodríguez, una estudiante con ambición que ellas todavía son niñas. no quería ser una madre a una edad temprana. Su Aunque hay gente que no le guste escuchar sobre familia siempre le recordaba que iba acabar siendo adolescentes embarazadas, es importante que todos una madre adolescente como sus hermanas mayores sepan sobre el tema. Cada año casi un millón de chiy madre. Parecía ser una tradición para la familia cas adolescentes quedan embarazadas y cuatro de diez Rodríguez quedar embarazadas antes de graduarse de chicas quedan embarazadas antes que cumplan 20 la secundaria. años. Aunque es un tema serio y triste es importante Mucha gente utiliza su experiencia para tratar de informarse de las causas y el trabajo que es ser una predecir lo que le va a suceder a otra persona. No madre a una edad temprana. sería extraño que la mayoría de las familias piensen Aparte del libro “The Pregnancy Project”, se hizo de esa manera. Gaby Rodríguez tenia curiosidad de una película sobre la historia de Gaby Rodríguez. como la gente la vería si estuviera embarazada, “Lla- Liberado el 28 de enero del 2011, el público pudo remaré la atención o seré una estadística sin futuro”. lacionar el libro con la película, aunque es dicho que Todas las preguntas que Gaby se hizo le inspiró los libros siempre tienen más detalles. Mucha gente a hacer su proyecto final de la secundaria. Para su puede relacionar con la historia de Gaby Rodriguez y proyecto Gaby fingió su propio embarazo para ver tambien como la sociedad puede ser duro en hablar cómo su familia, amigos y comunidad reaccionarían. estereotipos de la gente sin conocer quién son. Es Gaby, no solo tenia que guardar su secreto de toda importante estar concentrado en el futuro para poder su escuela sino también de sus hermanos, y los padres ser una persona mejor y no dejar que gente distinguía El libro de Gaby Rodriguez con la contribución de Jenna Glatzer, The Pregnancy Project: A memoir, fue de su novio. Gaby uso un estómago falso por casi el futuro de uno mismo. publicado en 2011 despues que Gaby atrajo atención siete meses para que se viera que estaba embarazada. cuando anunció que no estaba embarazada. “The Pregnancy Project”, no solo revela la experien-
2008
Cyrus releases new album Chris Nush A&E Editor
It’s been over seven years since Miley Cyrus made her debut on the hit Disney show, Hannah Montana. Throughout her seven years of fame, Miley has received love from adoring fans and criticism from tabloids. From her infamous Vanity Fair cover in 2008 to her most controversial performance yet at the MTV Video Music Awards this past August, Miley has stayed strong and not let the criticism bother her and it shows on her newest album. Cyrus’ new album, Bangerz, was released on Oct. 3, 2013 and is one of her best albums yet. It features her two hit songs “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball”, which have both become hits. “We Can’t Stop” reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and “Wrecking Ball” peaked at No. 1. “Wrecking Ball” is much different from other songs on the album because it’s a personal song rumored to be about her engagement and breakup with actor, Liam Hemsworth. “All you ever did was break me,” she sings. On the track, she reveals a much more personal side that many of her fans can relate to. Many songs on the album feature other artists including Nelly, Big Sean, and Britney
2013
Spears. The songs are what you’d expect from the “New Miley,” as some have referred to her as: edgy, for a more mature audience, and definitely not “The Best of Both Worlds.” Despite the media outcry from her recent performances, I love “New Miley.” Cyrus just wants to express herself and show that she is growing up and not the same 15-year-old that played Hannah Montana five years ago. She isn’t hurting anyone in the process, she is doing no harm and we shouldn’t judge her. We should respect her for wanting to grow as a person. People also need to realize that Cyrus is just going through a phase. Ten years from now, she’ll have moved on and thought nothing of her current phase. We all need to realize this and that she is just expressing herself through her music and performances. “I was so glad to let the world hear Miley’s side of the story. Miley is very smart. She’s thought this thing out in advance,” Miley’s father and co-star on Hannah Montana, Billy Ray Cyrus, said in an interview on The Arsenio Hall Show that aired on Oct. 3. In the wake of all the controversy, Cyrus has stayed strong, recently making an appearance on Saturday Night Live as the host and musical guest. She has even starred in a documentary on MTV called Miley: The Movement that aired Oct. 2. The documentary followed the production of her new album and her transformation as an artist, public figure and person. No matter what Miley does, she is an amazing singer, songwriter and actress. It’s her party, she can do what she wants to.
9 entertainment
Fun Twitter accounts to check out! Check out these help- @WHSActivities ful, interesting and funny pages. “Boys soccer beats Hersey
B
Information collected by Chris Nush
4-3 in overtime!!”
@Factsionary “Euphobia is the fear of hearing good news.”
@Lord_Voldemort7 “Kris and Bruce Jenner have separated? He finally got Kris to pass him a sock and BRUCE IS A FREE ELF!”
arnes & Noble
OOKFAIR
Wheeling High School Circus Literary Magazine Saturday, Nov 9th 9am-10pm
Barnes & Noble
Arlington Heights Rd & Rand Rd
Questions? Contact Laura Wagner 847-718-7066 laura.wagner@d214.org bookfair #11102290 Infographics created by Kent Dyer
October 18, 2013
Please present this voucher prior to making your purchase. A percentage of the net sale will be donated to your school/organization.
forum 10
Editorial
Thumbs Students embody school spirit, yet lack awareness Up... As portrayed in recent events such as the homecoming pep assembly, WHS homecoming football game and the Buffalo Grove homecoming football game against Wheeling, our school represents with a lot of school spirit and Wildcat pride. From cheers and chants and rallies when we score to involvement in school-wide events to just showing up for games, we prove not only to other schools but to ourselves that we are proud of where we come from and the name we wear on our jerseys and spiritwear. So why is it that the Wildcats aren’t aware of some of the major components that make our school a success? In every classroom, hall and foyer of the school, recycling bins are put in place to help WHS be more environmentally friendly. With all the plastic bottles from lunch and paper from classes that we go through, recycling should be second nature to our students, yet some don’t even know our recycling program exists. It is all too common to see students throw paper into garbage cans, claiming “the school doesn’t even recycle.” Just outside door 28, a giant dumpster is clearly labeled “No Garbage, Recycling Only.” Next to almost every yellow garbage bin in the
cafeteria is a blue recycling bin, same size, same visibility to all students. With all the accessibility and opportunity everyday to make a difference in our world with such ease, recycling should be something every student takes part in. In terms of our sporting events, we typically have a great turnout with a big enough voice to let our opponents know we came to play and came to win. And yet, despite the efforts of many Superfans such as Chris Pierro, Jeremy Stephani and Julien Willoughby, seniors, our 16-1-2 MSL Conference Championship-bound boys soccer team still lacks the student support they deserve at their games. “(Turnout) could be better, but it has been better than the previous games,” Willoughby said. Our boys soccer team has not reached this point in the season since 1995 and has not won this title since 1977. After 36 years, we should be proud of our team for reaching this point and representing our school with hard work and dedication. We need to express this pride by coming to the games, just as with other sporting events. At home games with the presence of our
award-winning WHS marching band for football and pep band for basketball, our WHS fight song is played to encourage our teams to fight on and celebrate victories once they do. With the sizeable turnout we get at these sporting events and the ringing presence of our school’s anthem, why aren’t the Wildcat fans singing along? With such supportive student-backing of our sports teams and the popularity of Friday night football games in the fall and basketball games in the winter, our fan sections should be able to squeeze in a verse or two of our fight song between their chants and cheers. From participating in spirit days during homecoming week and chanting and cheering during pep rallies, to urging our teams on at sporting events, to just wearing our WHS blue and gold in our everyday lives, WHS students continue to show that they’re proud to be a Wildcat. It’s time we realize everything that being a Wildcat is really about.
10 out of 10 members of the editorial board agree
To Fusion performing “Yield Children at Play,” a play created and directed by students To the Superfans who supported the 16-1-2 boys soccer team throughout the season To the representative from the Department of Education coming to open the nanotecnology lab on Thursday, Oct. 24
Obamacare presents good ideas, poor execution
Alex Gleyzer Finance Manager
Zalman Faltushanskiy
October 18, 2013
Staff Reporter On Oct. 1, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as the Affordable Care Act, or, colloquially, Obamacare) went into law, establishing a universal health care market in the United States for millions of uninsured people. Prior to its enactment, people could be denied health coverage due to preexisting conditions or could, in some cases, not afford insurance at all. With this enactment, everybody has the opportunity to obtain health care for primary coverage, or as a safety net. This new act provides much security for our generation and future generations. Under the Act,
dependents (usually children) will be covered under their parents’ plan until the age of 26, making them eligible to receive medical care longer and not have to risk going without insurance while in college. This also reduces their out-of-pocket expenses during their college years, allowing for 18-26 year olds to spend their discretionary income in other places that can provide an overall boost to the economy. The Affordable Care Act also guarantees acceptance for all, regardless of whether or not they have preexisting conditions. This provides added security and ensures that those with expensive illnesses will not have to break the bank in paying for coverage or for treatment. Another benefit of the Affordable Care Act is that it makes insurance, well, affordable. The health insurance marketplace provides tiered pricing based on income level and provides tax rebates to offset the cost of the premiums. This ensures that people will not have to spend a large portion of their income on health insurance and can use their income to support the economy through other media.
The Affordable Care Act may seem like a solid idea on paper, but it proves otherwise when executed. The Act causes everyone to be insured, meaning that insurers will have to increase premiums because of the new citizens they have to cover. What the act lacks is the solution toward the cost of insurance rather than the coverage. The main reason that not everybody has health insurance is because of the cost to obtain it, and the cost of having a premium if an injury were to occur. Furthermore, the Act will implement a Medicaid-style insurance program, which provides very little coverage. While having insurance is a benefit overall, it will be worthless if the insurance cannot pay for a number of treatments and medical tests. An increase in waiting time for care will also be expected with the establishment of the Affordable Care Act. Looking to our neighbors to the north, Canada’s health care system is socialized; everyone has health care and is guaranteed treatment if necessary. However, because so many people demand the same treatment or test, waiting times for procedures, from
those as simple as a CAT scan or a MRI for basic ailments to radiotherapy for cancer patients, are very long. In some cases, waiting times can extend to months or, in extreme cases, years. Canada has fewer doctors than the U.S., and wait almost three times as long as U.S. patients to see a doctor. This puts undue suffering upon the patient and could make their condition worsen. While the scope of doctors is much larger in the United States than in Canada, patients could still be expected to wait while appointment space for doctors opens up. United States President Barack Obama currently praises the U.S. ideal of equality, and his latest efforts to provide healthcare for all only exemplifies that ideal. Obamacare has still has a few holes to fill, but also remains promising toward the next generation. Students and families all over will see medical differences whether it is in the near future, or later on. However, the Affordable Care Act is currently delayed due to the government shutdown, and it is still a primary reason toward bipartisan disagreement.
Thumbs Down...
To the fact that the date of finals had to be changed to Wednesday and Friday next week. Finals are already stressful enough without the added pressure of schedule changes
Spokesman Staff 2013-2014 Editors-in-Chief *Megan Provost *Kelly McKewin
Feature Editor *Erika Pogorzelska *Paige McCoy
Web Editor Kelly McKewin
Focus Editor Megan Provost
News Editor Kelly McKewin
La Voz Editor *Rossy Peralta
A&E Editor *Chris Nush
Asst. La Voz Editor *Antonia Arismendis
Forum Editor *Katia Bryhadyr Sports Editor *Patrick Ryan
Finance Manage Alex Gleyzer Staff Reporters
Staff Artist Mariana Martinez
Aide Hernandez Amy Diaz-Hablich Alex Gleyzer Anna Gleyzer Anthony Dean Chelsea Manago Karina Pina Katie Chong Leo Walker Patricia Makris Zalman Faltushanskiy
Advertising Manager Anna Gleyzer
Adviser John Uhrik
Photo Editor *Jean Pabon
*Staff members with asteriks are on the editorial board.
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This is the official student newspaper of Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, Ill. 60090. Written, edited and distributed 8 times a year by advanced journalism classes, independent studies and other interested and qualified students. Produced by using desktop publishing and is printed by Son’s Enterprises, Inc., Skokie Ill. Mailed subscription $15 per year.
readers. Readers are encouraged to contribute letters to the staff in room 137 or mail them in care of WHS. All letters must be signed. Letters may be edited for length, style, possible libel, clarity, and adherence to our publication policies. Spokesman’s mission is to report the news objectively and truthfully. We will print any known errors here in the issue following our gaining knowledge of the error.
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CorrectionsIR was incorrectly defined on page 4. It stands for Individualized Resource.
Football players achieve success off the field
Jean Pabon
The overarching theme from the results of this program seems to be that the more involved you are in extracurricular activities, the better your success in the classroom. The common belief is that you have to pick one to be good at, that you can’t have success in both school and extracurricular activities, which the tutoring program has proved wrong. “I had a friend who quit football to focus on his grades,” Sono Tsogtbaatar, freshman, said. “Ever since he quit playing and stopped coming to the tutoring, his grades have actually gotten worse.” The football players attending the study sessions have already shown tremendous improvement. “The guys are already doing better and we hope to see more, and we will continue it as long as we have the resources,” Pearlman said. “Our next phase is hopefully to have student tutors in addition to having a teacher present.” One of Wheeling High School’s biggest mantras is to get involved. There are many ways a Wheeling student could do this, from playing a sport to joining clubs to being in the school’s performing arts groups. Being involved in something other than solely schoolwork is important because other activities actually assist you academically. The sports-over-school athletes are becoming harder and harder to find at Wheeling, because being involved helps you to achieve success in the classroom, on the field, and ultimately, in life.
11 sports
-cally important for success in anything.” The tutoring program holds study hours on Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons every week, for around two hours each day. “The majority of kids right now are freshmen, but many kids from other grades attend as well,” said Scoggins. “We typically have 45 to 50 guys attending each session.” The majority of attendees really enjoy the time during the sessions. “I get help with my homework in a quiet environment,” Joey Knapik, freshman, said. “I really enjoy coming because it’s like a secondary learning environment.” In addition to the academic support the program provides, attendees can also expect to learn on full stomachs. “We try to order pizzas each time as another incentive for the guys to attend,” Scoggins said. “The food helps them to concentrate and makes the study hours Chad Scoggins, English teacher and football coach, teaches at a tutoring session. more fun.” According to Erin DeLuga, assistant Patrick Ryan principal of curriculum nd instruction, Envisioned by Brent Pearlman, head football Sports Editor coach, and run by Chad Scoggins, freshman football “We’ve been collecting and measuring data, and the data so far has been excelcoach and English teacher, the tutoring program for Wheeling football players provides a focused learning lent.” Measuring data on student success environment so that they can study, do homework, and is another main component of the tutoring The old and often cliche adage “dumb jocks” program, along with the actual tutoring. achieve academic success. was a generalization made about athletes to declare “Our goal for this program is to “After last season, I noticed that the kids were their care for sports over school. This generalization struggling academically, even though they were put- continue to foster a thriving academic is losing its relevance, especially among Wheeling ting forth effort,” Pearlman said. “I wanted to create and cocurricular program for the football athletes. In conjunction with the beginning of the a supervised scenario with a teacher present for the players, and we hope to expand it to all football season this year, a tutoring program has guys to study in, and to show them that academics are Wheeling athletics,” DeLuga said. been started to assist football players academically.
Stampede look to continue success Anthony Dean Staff Reporter
Alex Marriner, senior, chases down a loose puck at a BG/H/W practice on Oct. 13 at Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion.
Coach Barra feels that the season began “ok” as they beat Barrington to win their pre-season tournament, but they still have progress to make in order to meet their expectations. Martin is also very focused on the season ahead. “The goal for this season is to improve on last season so it’s state title or bust. So far, it’s been okay, we haven’t started to get really into the season as a lot of guys do other sports so the chemistry isn’t there yet,” Martin said. Coach Barra pointed out that there still
are some key players to look out for. When asked to name a few key returning players, he responded “Andrew Cole was an all state goalie last year and we also have John Cappuccitti, Brien Martin, and Michael DeSalvo to watch out for.” Wheeling players Alex Marriner, senior, Connor Havlir, senior, and Christian Kalama, senior, all hope to lead the Stampede to another successful campaign. The Stampede play Libertyville at Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.
October 18, 2013
Jean Pabon
Many people may not have even known that Wheeling had a hockey team until their playoff run to the state championship game at the United Center last year. The BG/H/W Stampede is comprised of students from Buffalo Grove, Hersey, and Wheeling High Schools. Last year, the Stampede made a name for itself in the state of Illinois by making it all the way to the state championship at the United Center, home of the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. Even though Stampede lost, Mark DeSalvo, team president, was still high on the season. “To go down to the United Center as one of the two best teams in the state, you can’t get much better than that,” DeSalvo said when asked his opinion on last year’s team. But now the focus shifts to the 20132014 season. Brien Martin, forward and senior from Hersey, felt that “last year was good but had a disappointing ending with the loss at the state championship, but winning the league in the inaugural
season was great. It was definitely a success.” When asked about his opinion on last year’s season, Dave Barra, the varsity team head coach, responded, “I considered it to be a huge success. We won the league and lost in overtime in the state championship game.” For this year’s team, DeSalvo commented “While we’ve had some players graduate from last year, the team we have this year has almost as much talent as last year, so the talent level is there.” He continued, “I expect the team to go to the playoffs and play for the state title for the second year in a row.” Coach Barra feels similarly as he said, “We are setting our sights on winning the league again and going to the state championship game again, this time hopefully with a different outcome.” Teamwork is the focus of the team so far this year, according to DeSalvo. “I don’t think that there is a single player on this team that won’t make a difference. It was really fun to watch new members gel with old members in the tournament and that’s the most important part-the team coming together,” DeSalvo said.
Volume 50 Issue 2 October 18, 2013 Volume 50 Issue 2 September 20, 2013
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“Fight wheeling wildcats, for alma mater fight. Glory in the combat for the blue, gold and white. Fight! Fight! Fight! Faithful to our colors, we will ever be, fighting, ever fighting for a Wildcat victory!” Noelia Castanon, freshman.
The FIGHT Song?
Patrick Ryan
Girls Volleyball: 5 p.m. Oct.18 at the Maine West Invite.
“The fight song really pumps you up The atmosphere of a college football on the field,” Erick Cerebro, senior and or basketball game is often roaring and varsity football player, said. “Our home rowdy, with thousands of cheering fans. In atmosphere would be a lot better if people addition to the crowd noise, music from made a bigger deal out of it because it the school’s marching band or pep band makes the students more connected.” permeates this atmosphere with different Fight songs are played to inspire school pep tunes and quite often, the school’s spirit, and this is especially true at sporting fight song. events. Most college students are very familiar “The fight song shows the history of with their school fight song Wheeling and really should because it is played and be a bigger deal” Chris sang often on and around Pierro, senior and varsity college campuses and durbasketball player, said. ing sporting events. ColThe main reason that lege fight songs provide Wheeling students are not an identity for the student very familiar with the fight We already have such body because the song is song is that not much effort incredible school spirit well known and is associis made to teach it to them. ated with that school. The fight song is played and collegiality among The majority of high at sporting events, but the students, and makschools, including Wheeltake little notice of ing the fight song popu- students ing, have their own fight it and it does not do much lar would only reaffirm song. However, high to excite the crowd. school fight songs are not “When I was teaching our Wheeling identity,” well known by students in St. Charles, we did it in a and do not inspire the Erin DeLuga pep assembly and everyone same amount of school along because the Associate Principal of Instruction sang spirit as college fight school was relatively new and Curriculum and nobody knew the fight songs. “We’ve never really song,” said Erin DeLuga, done much to promote our associate principal of instrucfight song at Wheeling“ Dr. Steve May, tion and curriculum. “If we played it at assistant principal of student activities, more athletic events and our superfans said. “District wide, if you found a random started singing it at games, it might catch kid and asked him how the school fight on.” song goes, you’d find it’s probably a pretty The key to popularizing the fight song prevalent problem in schools.” at Wheeling is to play it more often and to Wheeling’s fight song was written in make an effort to show students the impor1964 in conjunction with the opening of tance of knowing the fight song. the school by John Higgins, a Prospect “We already have such incredible school student at the time. The Wheeling fight spirit and collegiality among the students, song is played by the marching band at and making the fight song popular would home football games and by the pep band only reaffirm our Wheeling identity,” Ms. at home basketball games. DeLuga said.
BG/H/W Hockey: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Glacier in Vernon Hills vs. Libertyville.
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“I know we have a fight song, but I don’t know the exact words.” Tyler LaRosa, sophomore.
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“Probably the reason why I don’t know the fight song is that I don’t go to many sporting events and don’t really take part in the cheering when I do go.” Michaela Wittman, junior.
“Go Wheeling Wildcats, for alma mater fight. Glory be the colors of the blue, gold and white. Fight! Fight! Fight! Faithful to our colors, we will ever be. Fighting, ever fighting for a Wildcat victory!” Keith Meikrantz, senior.
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Jean Pabon
Damara Delgado
Football: 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at home vs. Elk Grove.
Girls Tennis: 9 a.m. Oct. 19 at Highland Park High School at the Mid Suburban League Meet.
The lyrics to the Wheeling fight song.
Follow boys soccer as they continue their pursuit of a state title at Maine East High School at 5 pm on Tuesday Oct. 22.
Upcoming Events
Boys Cross Country: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at Buffalo Grove for the Mid Suburban League Meet.
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WHS fight song exists despite student unawareness
Follow girls swimming and diving as they compete in the Mid Suburban League Diving and Swimming meets on Nov. 1 and 2 at Barrington High School.
“I don’t know the words. I never learned them.” Jeff Morse, NJROTC instructor.
Photo Opinion by Jean Pabon
Go to Wheeling Spokesman online to view photos of the week and extended sports coverage