Creative Arts Day Students visit Forest View for workshops
Dana Kehl, senior and Paul Dini, ‘09 graduate look over the pamphlet handed out to them by sponsors of the RISE Benefit dinner before they eat. The pamphlet contained an update on school’s built in Angola, Africa with the money raised by school’s part of the RISE organization.
STEM team begins planning for wind turbine construction Daniel Brount Focus Editor Led by Michael Geist, Project Lead the Way teacher, Victor Gonzalez, math teacher, and Dan Weidner, physics teacher, the student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) team plans to build a wind turbine. The team began with meetings every other week in September. While working on the wind turbine, students will use skills from each factor of STEM. “I decided to join (the student STEM team) because I want to go to a good engineering school and it’s a good project to get experience,” Nate Ruben, junior, said. Some teachers of STEM subjects told their
students about the group, so that they would know about it if they wanted to join. “Most students in it (the student STEM team) are interested in STEM fields and want to find a way or experience what it’s like to use that knowledge to make something, design something, or help somebody or a cause,” Mr. Geist said. To start off, the students brainstormed what they would like to build, which involved finding alternative ways to get energy. They began researching after deciding to build a wind turbine. “We had presentations based on research on wind turbine history, what other groups and schools have done, the industry and hobbyists are doing and how we can take what they’ve learned and apply it here at Wheeling,”
Mr. Weidner said. An important part of the project revolved around the idea of helping the school and the community. The wind turbine would be able to generate electricity for the school. “When we look at every other school in the country who says they are green, they bought it (wind turbine) with grants, but we have yet to find one who is building it from scratch,” Mr. Weidner said. With a lot more preparation left, such as the possibility of building a prototype, the project could take the rest of the year or longer. “We mainly want to make an impact for the community and it provides hands on experience that other college kids aren’t going to get,” Ruben said.
Wheeling community youth involved in stabbing incidents in November Dan Malsom Editor-in-Chief
Oscar Najera Editor-in-Chief Two fights, both resulting in stab victims, have occurred in the Wheeling community this November. Four WHS students were hospitalized with stab wounds following a fight that occurred in the early morning on Nov. 1 east of Elmhurst Road on Dennis Road near Mark Twain Elementary School in Wheeling. Another fight took place on Nov. 12 near Wolf Road north of Dundee Road. In this event, the victims were not WHS students. According to a source close to the investigation who prferred to remain unidentified, the attackers were not WHS
safety of other students and victims involved. Laz Lopez, principal, said that the school’s close connection with the Wheeling Police Department helps keep the school secure. “We want them to be as familiar with the school as we are, so that if there is ever an incident at school then we have a police department that knows the school well,” Mr. Lopez said. According to Maggie Gray, senior, one victim of the Nov. 1 attack returned to the party, where WHS students drove him to the hospital. She later learned that the three other victims had been hospitalized as well. “All of the stories were exaggerated. It wasn’t a gang fight between gang bangers,” Gray said. *Luke Sokolowski contributed to this report.
whs
students in either case. “They had the offender in custody right away, and it was on North Wolf Road, so it was nowhere near here (WHS),” Stephanie Conboy, school resource officer, said. On Nov. 1, the fight began as the four students were leaving a Halloween party. They passed three other teenagers, and after an exchange of words, the incident occurred. Details about the Nov. 12 incident were not made public as of press time. “The most important thing is to get the students to support the victims, because they are your classmates who didn’t do anything wrong,” Officer Conboy said. According to Officer Conboy, if a WHS student were responsible for an attack similar to the two earlier this month, the school would take precautions to ensure the
Locations of recent Wheeling stabbings Nov. 12 Dundee Rd.
Nov. 1
WHS
Infographic by Katie Kalmes
Students tutor at local schools p2 Graduate creates AP note website
Pops Concert p 9
Swimming competes at sectionals p 12
p4
INSIDE
S
Wheeling High School 900 S. Elmhurst Road Wheeling, IL 60090 <www.wheelingspokesman.com>
POKESMAN
IMEA festival Band, choir, orchestra
The club Interact With Africa works with RISE, a non-profit organization that raises money to build schools in Angola, Africa. The club fundraises throughout the year by selling donuts the day of late starts, taffy apples, and wooden roses for Valentine’s Day to raise money for the school in Africa. On Nov. 19, students began walking around the school with jars collecting money. Mariola Sobol and Sara Strauss, co-sponsors, attended a benefit dinner with club members for RISE International who recognized WHS as a partner. “I went to Angola, Africa and it was amazing to see the students who actually get to go to school thanks to WHS’s
Photo courtesy of Jenny Belcher
Blood drive at school Senior class sponsors Lifesource drive
Sports Editor
involvement,” Ms. Sobol said. Interact raised a total of $35,000 to help build two schools and one classroom. Last year, the club tried a new way of reaching out to the students by setting up “A Walk Through Africa.” In this walk, set up in the WHS main hallway, students went through an interactive walk as a child from Africa. Interact members gave students that participated in the walk a card that named the village they were from, what kind of education they have, how they got to school, and whether they would die as a child or not. “The turnout was alright. We tried to make people aware of the conditions that the kids in Africa live with,” Jenny Belcher, senior, said. “This year should be better because we will be better organized.” This year the Walk through Africa is Dec. 7 through Dec. 10.
Wolf Rd.
www.wheelingspokesman.com
Ryan Griesmeyer
Wheeling Rd.
On the Web
Interact with Africa attends RISE dinner; sponsor visits Angola
Elmhurst Rd.
November 20, 2009 Volume 46 Issue 3
2
News
November 20, 2009
Feature Editor Mark Twain Elementary School now offers after school tutoring from WHS students. This is the first year that Twain has adopted the high school tutoring program. Robert Frost Elementary School has had the program the longest of all the schools. Booth Tarkington and Walt Whitman Elementary Schools also offer similar tutoring programs. Twain offers after school tutoring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30. “Since it (the tutoring
system) is offered three times a week, tutors are expected to come once a week, but some kids come more often, like two or three times,” Jose Celis, principal of Mark Twain Elementary School, said. Teachers pair each tutor with one Twain student consistently in order to build a relationship between the tutor and the student. Tutors help the students with homework, explaining problems and answering questions. “I think it (the tutoring system) is excellent because it helps kids learn more, especially the bilingual students,” Adriana Camargo, senior, said.
Journalism Education Association
National Write-Off Contest in Washington D.C Nov. 13
Excellent:
Bety Camino, Yearbook Student Life Photography
Honorable Mention:
Luke Sokolowski, News Writing Dan Malsom, Commentary Writing
National Scholastic Press Association
Best of Show 8th Place for pages 9-12
There were 497 total entries in 15 categories
Infographic By Krista Sanford
This is Camargo’s first time tutoring students. High school students can also help kids in homework club. Tutor and student work together in the hallway to provide a one-on-one experience. So far, about 140 high school students in total volunteer with Twain’s tutoring program. According to Mr. Celis, “of course, we’re always looking for more.” Twain has offered after school tutoring for about five weeks already. “I really appreciate the idea of giving back, and that the (high school) kids want to give back to their old school,” Mr. Celis said.
Gina Carrillo, junior, tutors a student at Twain Elementary on Nov. 12. “It (tutoring the elementary school students) is very fun and entertaining, and very interesting,” Carrillo said. This is Carrillo’s first time volunteering this year, and she tutors the same student each week on Thursday afternoons.
Board of Education discusses adding student-run President’s Council Non-voting group would give input to board members every other month during meetings Brianna Bitout Asst. Web Editor The District 214 Board of Education, which convenes twice a month, is considering adding student representation to the board. According to Dr. David R. Schuler, superintendent, the board has been considering the idea of adding a student for a while. Jim Perkins, board member, suggested the idea of a President's Council, where a student in high standing from each school would represent his or her school. This student would not have to meet any requirements that the board set and would be chosen by each school. “We didn't want to limit the student. It
wouldn't be fair for me to come in and say 'Student X' (gets to be on the council),” Dr. Schuler said. Another suggestion was to have the student council president represent his or her school.
David Schuler, superintendent
Stevi Anderson
Stevi Anderson
Twain offers new tutor program
“We didn’t want to limit the student. It wouldn’t be fair for me to come in and say ‘Student X’ (gets to be on the council).”
The President's Council would would only attend board meetings every other month. The students would have input as to decisions
being made by the board; however, state law prohibts the students from voting on school board issues. A major concern, according to Rinn Knoepfle, assistant to the superintendent, was whether the council would be able to adequately represent all students in the school. “There are a lot of pros and cons with any decision they make, but I think one of their concerns is just taking action. They want (the decisions) to be meaningful for students and the board,” Ms. Knoepfle said. The Board discussed the decision of whether or not to add student representation at the Board of Education meeting on Nov. 19 at Forest View Educational Center. Results of that discussion were not available by press time.
District 214 seeks more revenue sources Daniel Brount Focus Editor Due to the economic recession, District 214 has struggled with a budget problem for the last couple of years. “We have to look at every possible revenue resource,” Lazaro López, principal, said. One such example of revenue involves the flagpoles at Wheeling and Elk Grove high schools, which will have hidden cell phone antennas inside.
This deal with Verizon Wireless comes with a $2,500 gain for the district each month, and the rent will increase by 3 percent annually. According to Mr. López and Debra Parenti, District 214’s associate superintendent for finance and operations, although this amount remains small compared to the budget, every source of revenue counts. “We need to balance the expenditure and we need to look at both sides of the equation,” Ms. Parenti said. Despite the money it will
provide, the gain remains low considering the district’s budget, which tops out at over $220 million each year. “The state is in a budget crisis. State revenues for education and grants are in jeopardy,” Ms. Parenti said. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has reached its lowest point in history, only reaching 0.01 percent. “This .01 percent CPI will significantly impact the largest revenue source for D214 in the next budget cycle,” Ms. Parenti said.
Interns organize Operation Support Our Troops Katie Kalmes Web Editor Operation Support our Troops, officially started on Nov 19 at the freshman Gold Seminar and will run during the first two weeks of December. The campaign was originally started last year by the Student Services interns and personnel. Once again, Student Services interns will run the project this year. “So many times, their (soldiers’) work goes unnoticed. This is a way to say thanks and show them that people at home are thinking of them. Plus, having spoken to service men and women who have been deployed helped in
terms of deciding what items to donate,” Jamie Jennings, Student Services intern, said. The Operation Support Our Troops campaign will accept items such as books, baby wipes, toothbrushes, Ramen noodles and footballs. Flyers will be posted around the school with a list of possible donations closer to the start of the campaign Although the campaign is mainly focused on the freshman class and getting them involved, upperclassmen are also encouraged to participate. “Collectively, we don’t get many opportunities to say thank you to the men and women who protect our country. This is a great way to let them know that we appreciate every thing they are doing to keep us safe,” Ms. Jennings said.
Editors-in-Chief Dan Malsom Oscar Najera Web Editor Katie Kalmes Asst. Web Editor Brianna Bitout News Editor Luke Sokolowski Asst. News Editor Krista Sanford Forum Editor Jon Tracey Feature Editor Stevi Anderson Asst. Feature Editor Mallorie Bromer Focus Editor Daniel Brount La Voz Editor Gaby Najera A&E/Photo Editors Jennie Alcantar Bety Camino
Editorial
November 20, 2009
Dave’s Doodles
Students to help administration make key decisions in school Sometime before the beginning of 2010, District 214 school board members will begin discussions about adding a non-voting student group that will meet with board members and attend monthly board meetings. S p o k e s m a n wholeheartedly encourages students to become more involved with the decisions being made in our community. The majority of students do not recognize what impact the school board has on every high school, every teacher and every student. Spokesman believes that a President’s Council, comprised of one or two interested and worthy students from each of the seven district schools, would provide those students with the bigger picture of how their schools function. In turn, students would present the perspectives that they obtain from attending school every day. School board members have jobs of their own, typically not related to any of the high
schools and therefore do not understand this perspective. A President’s Council would shine a light on schoolspecific issues and would serve as a student consensus on problems or proposals that span the entire district. Currently, one specific proposal for a President’s Council suggests that each school chooses its student council president to serve on the President’s Council. While serving as the student council president requires sound leadership and clarity of thought, Spokesman cautions the school board not to overlook other qualified students. When Dr. José Torres, superintendent of school district U-46 in Elgin, Ill., began a similar advisory board in his school district, any interested student could apply for a position. The application required that students submit a letter of reference, a school transcript and a personal essay. A similar application
Idea of morality unclear among students, people
system would fit District 214: the essays would weed out lazier students, and teacher recommendations would show which students exhibit the qualities becoming of a President’s Council member in everyday life. Leadership and dedication aside, a President’s Council member must also be genuinely interested in the well-being of his or her school. This final quality proves harder to express on an application form. But one group of WHS students already does what a President’s Council member would do, except on a smaller scale: the WHS Principal’s Forum. Spokesman suggests that the WHS representative must serve as a member of the Principal’s Forum before and while he or she serves as a member of the President’s Council. In this way, WHS would assure that the most qualified and interested students would represent our school on the district level.
Slow hallway walkers annoy, inhibit students
Sports Editor Ryan Griesmeyer Graphics Reporter Jocelyn Torres
Jon Tracey Forum Editor
Staff Artist David Kajmowicz Adviser Karen Barrett, MJE This is the official student newspaper of Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, Ill. 60090. Written, edited and distributed 9 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. Advertising- For information call (847) 718-7114 Monday-Friday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Letters- Spokesman is a limited public forum and welcomes a free exchange of ideas from all 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 not print any errors knowingly. Editors will print corrections of printed errors here in the issue following our gaining knowledge of the error. Corrections- The name of Chanelle Martin, senior,was misspelled on page 10. -The name of Ryan Schiltz, P.E. teacher was misspelled on page 7.
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Luke Sokolowski News Editor Oreos? Black and white. Charlie Chaplin movies? Black and white. The concept of morality in an ever-changing society? Not so much. The idea of what particular qualities characterize a so-called “good person” confounds many individuals. Students at Wheeling High School see them in the hallways, at church, on the news, and think to themselves, “that guy is a good guy,” but why? The answer remains complex because people vary so greatly throughout the world and throughout WHS. However, all can agree upon the most basic qualities of a good person. The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. As people enjoy positive reinforcement and receiving respectful treatment, a good person always tries to act how he would like others to act toward him. A good person also hones the trait of compassion. If a student drops his books in the hallway, a good person will always help said student pick those books up whether or not he has time to waste. By following these simple themes, anyone can act as a good person. Unfortunately, sometimes people just forget about doing the right thing and think about attaining their own happiness. As children grow up, they begin believing that others’ happiness is simply not as important as their own. One cannot truly claim this statement false. Perhaps someone should think about their own happiness above others’. The complexity deepens as oftentimes people will only act nice as a means of attaining their own happiness. They comprehend that if they act nicer toward people, people will like them better. Does this form of kindheartedness describe a good person, or does it only self satisfy? Either way, a world in which every person stopped for even a moment just to hold a door open for someone or refill someone’s expiring parking meter would make life much more enjoyable. Little things like that can splash some much needed color upon a person’s day.
David Kajomicz
2009-2010 Spokesman Staff
Forum
Everyday I walk down the halls of WHS and get frustrated because some kids in front of me suddenly stop and begin a conversation or just stand there. As I try to get around them, I almost bump into several people who also want to get around and make their way to class. This causes a big problem that needs to be addressed. Congregating is not the only problem, students walking very slowly can also be a big problem. It has become such a big issue that someone created a Facebook group using some very colorful language to tell people to hurry up or move out of the way. The group has close to half a million members. So since it’s such a
big problem, but why does no one do anything done about it? According to Ramon Williams, dean of students, the administration knows about the situation and they ask teachers and security staff to help clear the problem areas. But I never see any security staff clearing the area during the day when the problem occurs most often. But I can admit that I see security staff along with Dean Williams encouraging students to move to the side of the hall before the school day begins. I think that more effort should be put towards controlling the problem throughout the day, and Dean Williams agrees. “We tell students to clear the area, but the problem could be better. It’s just always a cat and mouse thing. We (administrators and security staff ) can’t be everywhere at once,” Dean Williams said. I agree with Dean Williams, school staff can not solve the problem alone. The problem can be easily solved
with some common courtesy. Instead of crowding up the hall to have a conversation, put in that little bit of extra effort to move to the side. However, just moving a few steps still does not solve the problem. Basically, like the song “Life is a highway,” the hallway can be considered a highway too. Students rushing to class should walk on the left side of the hall, people walking and talking should walk slightly in the middle to allow people to pass them on both sides and students who use passing period as social gossip hour should move all the way to the right. Even though students use both sides of the hall, this solution will help. So how do we solve this problem? Just get the heck out of the way and watch for other people! Students from all grade levels contribute to the problem. So spread the word to friends, or as Dean Williams suggests tell security or tell a teacher. Students cause this problem so students have the obligation to fix it.
Infographic by Jocelyn Torres
November 20, 2009
Feature
Linzmeier provides study resource for current AP students Stevi Anderson Feature Editor
Three years ago when Lauren Linzmeier, 2009 graduate, took her first AP class, she began to type out her notes to organize them more easily. Now, she has her own web site designed strictly to help current AP students. “Eventually some kids saw my printed notes and wanted access to them. At first, students just wanted my notes individually so I would just e-mail them, but eventually I realized it would be easier to put them on the Internet where everyone had access,” Linzmeier said. Linzmeier’s web site, <www.Linzmeiers.com>, offers notes from eight different classes, mostly from social science classes, including AP US History, AP World History, AP Psychology and AP Economics. “It’s a big help. My son (Alex Linzmeier, sophomore) uses it as well, for AP World History. I think a lot of kids do (use it), because they heard about it from Lauren. She was involved in band when she went to school here, so a lot of the band kids heard about it and word
spread,” Karen Linzmeier, AP chemistry teacher and mother of L. Linzmeier, said. Ms. Linzmeier often refers her students to her daughter’s web site if they do not understand the classwork. Some students, such as Trevor Levy, junior, have only referred to the web site once or twice, while others use the notes on a regular basis. Jaime Ropski, junior, uses the web site’s notes for AP US history to follow along in class, adding her own notes to them during lectures. “It (following along in class) helps because then I know more about what’s going on and it leads me to the next problem or solution,” Ropski said. Other students, such as Tom Schwermin, junior, use it for test review. “I use it right before tests to review. It encapsulates the main ideas and puts it (the information) into more logical structures,” Schwermin said. Students also use other study tools, such as notecards, Cornell Notes and study groups with friends. While some students use Linzmeier’s web site, they hesistate to talk about it in school for fear of their teachers finding out.
“The teachers know about it, I’ve heard them talk about it and if it helps us, they should support it. The notes are what they taught Lauren, so they (the notes) should be right,” Ropski said. Teachers such as Elizabeth Lennon, AP US history teacher, and Amanda Bhansali, AP world history teacher, already know about the web site, and have varied responses to their students’ use of it. “I can’t get access to it (the web site) so I can’t really suggest something (to my students) that I’ve never seen myself,” Ms. Lennon said. Ms. Bhansali said that she knows of Linzmeier’s web site and knows that her students use it, but she also has never seen the web site for herself. She has no problem with her students using the site, but only to a certain extent. “I think it’s a good starting point, but it shouldn’t be your sole resource to succeed (in AP world history). If a student is confused, I would first tell them to look in the textbook and ask each other or ask me. Maybe if I’m not available and it comes down to that as a resource, then I think it’s fine,” Ms. Bhansali said.
Note-worthy Statistics
How students use Linzmeiers.com in different AP classes I. 3rd period AP Pyschology: 22 students polled 1. Teacher: Patricia Baima Other study tools used by AP a. 3 out of 22 students have used Linzmeiers.com b. Of these three students, all have only used the site once or twice c. 8 out of 22 students would admit to their teacher if they used the site
Pysch students
Flashcards Cornell Notes
Study Groups
Other
N/A
None
II. 8th period AP English Literature: 8 students polled 1. Teacher: Wendy Relich Other study tools used by AP English students
a. 3 out of 8 students have used Linzmeiers.com b. Of these three students, 2 have only used it once or twice. c. 4 out of 8 students would admit to their teacher if they used the site
Flashcards
Cornell Notes
Study Groups
Other
III. 3rd period AP US History: 26 students polled Other study tools used by AP 1. Teacher: Elizabeth Lennon US History students a.15 out of 26 students have used Linzmeiers.com b. Of these 15 students, 10 have used it once or twice, two use it weekly, and one uses it daily. c. 17 out of 26 students would admit to their teacher if they used the site.
Flashcards
Cornell Notes
Study Groups
Other
IV. 7th period AP Economics: 13 students polled 1. Teacher: Sandra Chico a. Six out of 13 students have used Linzmeiers.com b. Of these six students, two have used it once or twice and three use it weekly. c. Seven out of 13 students would admit to their teacher if they used the site.
Other study tools used by AP Economics students
Flashcards
Cornell Notes
Study Groups
Other
Gajzler returns to alma mater after career change Luke Sokolowski News Editor Nine years ago Peter Gajzler, long term P.E. substitute teacher and 2000 alumnus, walked the halls of WHS as a student. Now he works as a substitute teacher at the school that changed his future career plans. Mr. Gajzler graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. As a student at WHS, he didn’t have an exact plan of his future career, but that later changed. “Honestly, I didn’t have an exact vision of where I would be or what I would be doing. I went into U of I undecided and then I decided to go into sports management,” Mr. Gajzler said. Mr. Gajzler decided to go into sports management during his senior year of college. However, one opportunity changed this plan. “I was contacted by Rita Runyard (P.E. teacher), at the end of my senior year at U of I. She told me about an open assistant coaching position for the girls volleyball team. I accepted that offer and that was my first year coaching here. I had a great time coaching so I decided to go back to college and get my teaching certification,” Mr. Gajzler said. According to Mr. Gajzler, the “coaching environment” at WHS inspired him to become a teacher. He attended Northern Illinois
University and became a certified P.E. teacher in the fall of 2007. Mr. Gajzler returned to WHS at the end of January this year as a building substitute. In October, he accepted the long term substitute position for Ryan
Kevin Muck, P.E. division head
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“He bleeds blue and gold. He is is Peter Gajzler, he is Wheeling High School.”
Schiltz, P.E. Teacher, who took maternity leave. Mr. Gajzler began his position as Ms. Schiltz’s sub on Oct. 12, and he has already made an impression on his fellow co-workers and students. Norma Rothers, P.E. division assistant, said that she likes the idea of having Mr. Gajzler in the department. “I think it is a great opportunity for him (Mr. Gajzler) to gain teaching experience he needs to become a full time P.E. teacher, whether it’s here at WHS or at another school. He does a good job relating with the students. I’m happy to have him here. I am a Peter Gajzler fan,” Ms. Rothers said. Mr. Gajzler previously volunteered with the boys volleyball team and this year he coached the freshman B football team. According to Kevin Muck, physical education division head, Mr. Gajzler has “what the the P.E. department was looking
for.” “He went to school here, he coaches football and volleyball here, he bleeds blue and gold; he is Peter Gajzler. He is Wheeling High School,” Mr. Muck said. Mr. Muck then added, that he seriously feels that Mr. Gajzler is the best candidate for the position because of his experience in P.E. and his experience working at WHS. Cyrene Dacanay, sophomore and Mr. Gajzler’s student, agrees with Ms. Rothers that Mr. Gajzler does a good job relating to students. She said that Mr. Gajzler’s personality has gotten students to enjoy attending his class. “I like having him as a teacher because he isn’t one of those P.E. teachers who just stands there watching, yelling out orders while we just follow. During warm-ups, he actually does them with us,” Dacanay said. “Having a young teacher for gym is great because he has the same sense of humor as us. He understands and laughs along at the jokes that some of the guys yell out during class.” Mr. Gajzler said that being a long term substitute differs from being a building substitute because you have the consistency of a real teacher. “I look at it (subbing for Ms. Schiltz) as having my own class, so I love it. I get to execute my own lesson plans, I get to learn grading and learn our P.E. system. As building sub, you show up daily and you don’t know where you are going to be. I like having the consistency,” Mr. Gajzler said.
Feature
November 20, 2009
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Majority of students buy school lunch Jennie Alcantar
Total lunch: $2.50
“Usually (you can only) bring sandwiches to school,” N. Westin said. “Unless you According to a Spokesman have a thermal thing.” survey, 81 percent of students N. Westin admitted to at WHS preferred to buy having brought lunch up until lunch, rather than having to sixth grade, then he decided pack a lunch on a daily basis. to start buying in seventh Valerie Westin, grade. sophomore, “I don’t “(In the) long know stands in the why. miniority that I guess it’s run, (its) does not mind because there’s cheaper than more variety,” bringing a sack lunch to school. N. Westin said. buying at “I’d rather “(You) don’t school.” pack,” Westin get tired of it. said, “My mom Even though actually packs it I (usually) eat and I don’t feel pizza.” like waiting in the lines.” Natalia Ladzinska, senior, Although Westin would brings lunch to school also. rather have her mother “I’m very picky,” prepare her lunch on a daily Ladzinska said, “(Bringing basis, Nick Westin, freshman food from home) gives me and brother of V. Westin, the opportunity to bring what buys. I like to eat.”
Total lunch: $4.45
Valerie Westin, sophomore, regulary packs her lunch. Normally, it consists of a ham and cheese sandwich, assorted chips, a juice pack, a smaller snack and usually a candy bar or something else for dessert.
Jennie Alcantar
Natalia Ladzinska, senior
Jennie Alcantar
A&E Editor
While Valerie Westin, sophomore, packs lunch, her brother,Nick Westin, freshman, buys his lunch at the school’s Quick Claw. N. Westin gets a slice of pizza, a drink and another snack in order to fill him up. “They (my parents) would (pack my lunch) if I wanted to, but I prefer to get a lunch,” he said.
Reason of WHS student lunch choices:
Number of Students who Buy Lunch
(Bring) Not Spend: 7
Number of Students who Bring Lunch
(Buy) Easier: 48
Number of Students who Buy and Bring Lunch *100 people were surveyed
(Buy) Better Choices: 31 Number of Students
Jocelyn Torres
Bargamian leads organization of donated goods for canned food drive Gaby Najera La Voz Editor
collected at the canned food drive by leading people to the correct tables and rearranging the misplaced canned items. Solving the problem concerning the amount of space available on the tables, Bargamian decides to form a new table for the macaroni and cheese. “I enjoy looking back at an accomplished event, for example, Homecoming, and thinking back, wow, we did that. I like being involved in our school activities. I feel like I have a say in what goes on,” Bargamian said. As a freshman, Bargamian decided to “give it (Student Council) a shot” after coming across a lot of student council flyers. The freshman class voted Bargamian into her first postition in student council: freshman secretary. Although Bargamian likes being a part of student council, she admits that it can be overwhelming at times. “I don’t like that sometimes I have to give up other activites or commitments for student
Jennie Alcantar
Wearing a long purple sweater with grey hearts, Diana Bargamian, student council president, can be easily spotted by people who want to ask her for help. Bargamian smacks her gum as she looks for the correct section to place the canned food items in her arms. According to several of her fellow student council members, such as Jen Nixon, senior and student council vice president, and Sandra Chico, student council adviser, Bargamian knows her responsibilities as president. For the Homecoming preparations, Bargamian stayed until all the decorations were up, telling people what needed to be done. “She’s always there, willing to do what needs to be done. She knows where we need help,” Nixon said. During the evening, she had Chanelle
Martin, senior, walking with a bag of balloons, giving them to people to blow up so the balloon arch could be done . The arch needed to be done in order for it to be ready by the following morning for the Homecoming Coronation assembly. Bargamian oversees the rest of the student council staff on their tasks ahead. According to Ms. Chico, as student council president, Bargamian works hard and cooperates with the other members. “She’s willing to roll up her sleeves and she does what everyone else is doing. People respect her for that,” Ms. Chico said. Bargamian stops when she reaches the long table labeled as “drinks” and picks up a small white box with red letters. The corners of her lips turn upwards, forming a slight smile, “since when does the jell-o go with the drinks?” she asks, laughing along with fellow student council members. Bargamian takes the lead organizing cans
Diana Bargamian, senior and student council president, helps arrange items in different labeled sections for the organization of the items collected for the canned food drive. The canned food drive began on Nov. 12 and ends today.
council, or if someone doesn’t accomplish their job, it’s on my shoulders to do it,” Bargamian said. Other than student council, Bargamian participates in varsity soccer, club soccer, NHS and she works as a soccer referee. Placing her hands around her mouth, Bargamian calls for the attention of the staff working during the canned food drive organization day. She brings back her arms down to her sides and makes sure everyone gets the message to place items underneath the table once that section is filled. “She’s really nice, and tells someone what to do without yelling at anyone,” Anna MacQueen, senior, said. “She’s just so bubbly and friendly. That’s why she’s my best friend.” “It became so challenging to balance school, student council, soccer, family and friends. I had to do everything, but as time goes on, I’m beginning to definitely get the hang of it,” Bargamian said.
6
Fo
November 20, 2009
Constant What is Facebook?
Facebook is a social networking web site that is operated and owned by Facebook, Inc. Facebook users can update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. Users can also communicate with people by adding them as friends, writing on their walls or by sending them a message.
Students overuse social networking sites
How was Facebook created?
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook Inc, created Facebook in February 2004. It began as a social networking site exclusively for Harvard students. Within weeks, the demand for the site grew and the site continued to expand its user base. The original idea for the term Facebook came from Zuckerberg’s high school (Phillips Exeter Academy). The Exeter Face Book was passed around to every student as a way for students to get to know their classmates for the following year. It was a physical paper book until Zuckerberg brought it to the internet. Facebook then opened up to work networks, eventually containing over 20,000 work networks. Finally in September 2006, Facebook opened to anyone with an e-mail address.
Krista Sanford Asst. News Editor
What features does Facebook have?
The Wall, a space on every user’s profile page that allows friends to leave public comments; pokes, which allow users to send a virtual “poke” to each other; photos, where users can upload albums and photos; and status, which allows users to tell friends where they are and what they are doing. A user’s Wall is visible to anyone who is able to see that user’s profile, depending on privacy settings. Facebook announced a news feed recently, which appears on every user’s homepage and highlights information including profile changes, upcoming events and birthdays of the user’s friends. Users can now prevent friends from seeing updates about certain types of activities, including profile changes, wall posts and newly added friends. Infographic by Luke Sokolowski; Information from <http://www.crunchbase.com/company/facebook>
What is Myspace?
Myspace is a social network with around 125 million users. The site enables users to communicate with friends through personal pages.
How was Myspace created?
Thomas Anderson and Chris DeWolfe co-founded the network in 2003. They created the site because of how popular the web site Friendster became in 2002. Internet marketing company eUniverse made Myspace as a side project.
What features does Myspace have?
Users can message one another, post comments on one another’s pages, post blogs, customize pages with a personal background and music that will play when people view people the page and post pictures. Infographic by Ryan Griesmeyer; Information from <http://www.crunchbase.com/company/myspace>
What is Twitter?
Twitter is a network that allows users to follow people, such as famous celebrities or friends. If the user is following the person, then for every post that the person posts, that post, called a tweet, shows up on the user's home screen.
How was Twitter created?
Jack Dorsey, co-founder and chairman of Twitter, came up with the idea. He wanted to know what his friends were doing during the day. He brought the idea of Twitter up to his colleagues and they built a prototype. Obvious.com originally funded Twitter. According to the web site, Obvious.com is a web site that creates interesting things that matter to the world. In May 2007, Twitter's population grew and the founders wanted to move away from Obvious. Because of this, they created Twitter Incorporated.
It seems nowadays, everyone who is anyone can be found on at least one social networking site; whether it be Facebook, Myspace, Twitter or something else. Despite the different names, all of the sites are the same. They all help people keep in touch with friends, share pictures and play games. It’s okay to admit that you have a problem. I can admit I have the same problem. I had a Myspace account in middle school, but then when I got to high school, I switched to Facebook. Then, over the summer, a friend introduced me to Twitter. Now, I update both whenever I can. I downloaded Facebook on my phone, and every morning I go on Twitter to see what people have posted. When I found out that I would be doing a story on social networking sites for this issue, I became excited. I tweeted (posted something on Twitter) Evan Williams, one of the co-founders of the social networking site called Twitter, asking if I would be able to interview him. No more than five minutes later, he tweeted me back: “Hi, Krista. Unfortunately, I don’t have time. Thanks, though. Good luck.” My question is, if Williams didn’t have time to answer a few questions from a high school journalist, then how did he have time to go on Twitter? In my observation on social networking sites,
people try to go on Facebook or Myspace as much as they can. Social networking sites have a feature that allows users to update their status message using mobile phones. Also, I have seen status messages on Facebook where a person posts a status saying he should be working on homework, but then he stays up late at night trying to finish that homework because the time that should have been spent doing the homework was taken over by a certain social networking site. I’ve also seen people on Twitter update their followers on their homework progress and then complain about how long it takes them to do their homework. So here’s a question: Have social networking sites become so popular that they are now something that some people must be on? Facebook comes out with so many new games and applications that people want to spend all of their free time playing on Facebook instead of doing something more productive. Schools and workplaces have tried to block people from going on these social networking sites while at school or at work, but users find loopholes around the blocking. It has come to my attention that being so addicted to social networking sites is not healthy and a very serious problem. For example, my mom always told me that if I go on the computer too much, my eyesight will go bad. If that is the case, then the people who go on social networking sites all the time will more likely have very bad eyesight in the future. In order to stop this problem before it becomes untreatable, everyone should log off the web sites for a whole week. Don't update statuses, upload pictures, or write on friends walls. Instead, call up a friend and hang out at the mall. That way, people can realize that there is more to life than just looking at a computer screen.
School groups that use... Facebook
What features does Twitter have?
Trending Topics are popular topics that people on Twitter are talking about. When a user clicks on one of the topics, a sentence explains what it is about. Underneath that sentence are people on Twitter who are talking about that topic. Twitter Lists are new to the site. Twitter describes them as timelines users build themselves, consisting of friends, family, co-workers and sports teams. Infographic by Krista Sanford; Information from <http://twitter.com/about>
• • • •
Cat Pack • Student Council DECA • Swimming FEA • Math Team Spokesman
• Spokesman (@WHSSpokesman) • Student Activities (@WHSactivities) Infographic by Katie Kalmes
Photo Opinion “So I can stick around with my friends that are halfway across the country from me,”
Gabriella Araujo, freshman
“I don’t really use them,”
Roman Schluter, sophomore
7
ocus
tly Connected What are the different messengers? AIM - Several messengers are available, such as AIM Express, AIM for Mobile and AIM for both Windows and Mac to fit the users’ needs. Yahoo! Messenger - Besides instant messaging, Yahoo! Messenger incorporates games, file sharing, access to the Yahoo! Web Search and more. Windows Live Messenger - While instant messaging, users can play games, share photos, and more. Google Wave - Though currently unreleased, Google Wave will have chat, games and will allow users to work together on documents. Infographic design by Jocelyn Torres; Information from <http://dashboard.aim.com/ aim>, < http://messenger.yahoo.com/>, < http://home.live.com/> and < http://wave. google.com/help/wave/>
Inside Scoop: Student 100Survey students surveyed Which social networking site do you use the most often? None: 8 percent Myspace: 22 percent
Facebook: 64 percent Twitter: 6 percent
How much time do you spend on social networking sites daily?
Students use Skype for long distance communication Ryan Griesmeyer Sports Editor Social networks such as Instant Messaging, Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are now welcoming something new: Skype. Skype enables people to make calls over the Internet, to instant message, to transfer files and to video chat. Students are beginning to use Skype as a way to talk to friends and family members who they previously communicated with via long distance calls. In order to use Skype, users must have names, just like a screen name, to connect with one another. The user chooses a specific name and only if another person has the name can they chat. Emily Moore, junior, uses Skype to communicate with her college boyfriend,
Ben Jassin, WHS 2009 alumnus, via video chat from the University of Miami in Florida. “I first got Skype when my boyfriend and friend told me about it. But I got it so that I could talk to Ben ( Jassin) and my sister while they were both away at school,” Moore said in an e-mail interview. Jassin also uses Skype to talk with friends in college and his little sister Lizzie Jassin, freshman. “I got it (Skype) right after I got my laptop,” B. Jassin said. “I needed a way to talk to my girlfriend better than just using the phone or text messaging all the time.” Both B. Jassin and Moore use Facebook more than Skype on a regular basis but use Skype when they want to chat and have longer conversations instead of just sending messages back and
forth. “…Facebook is easier because Skype has a lot of problems when I use it. But Skype is still fun because you can see the person when you’re talking to them,” Moore said. Other students don’t feel the need to use it. “I don’t have Skype because I wouldn’t really use it. I have a Facebook. I don’t know who I would talk to on Skype since everyone is here,” Sara Kerns, freshman, said. According to students that were surveyed, Facebook is more popular for students in high school because the option to see each other is not as hard as people out of state. “Skype’s a fun way to talk to people but it takes a while to load and I don’t really talk to too many people on there, so most of the time I’m on Facebook,” Moore said.
2 or more hours
24
1-2 hours
35
Less than 1 hour
33
Does not use
8 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
What instant messenger do you use most often? Other: 15 percent Yahoo: 22 percent
None: 26 percent AIM: 37 percent
Why do you use social networking sites? “I find it’s easier for me to get a hold of different people rather than calling them,”
“To keep in touch with friends,”
Kevin Aguilar, senior
Alix Lazzaro, junior Photo Opinion by Jennie Alcantar and Daniel Brount
8
20 de noviembre, 2009
La Voz
Celebraciones pierden valor tradicional Algunos luchan por mantener tradiciones de su cultura viva por medio de la expresión del baile folklórico Gaby Najera
Graphics Reporter La cultura hispana es conocida por sus festivales grandes y gran variedad de comida. Desde que la cultura se trajo a los EE.UU., los hispanos han perdido esa manera de festejar sus propias celebraciones. Ahora, queda la esperanza que personas de la comunidad latina hagan el ezfuerzo por incorporar su cultura nuevamente en una forma que ganchen el interes de los demás. Por ejemplo, el grupo folklórico ya existía para la comunidad pero decidieron incorporarlo en WHS. La mayor parte de los que están en el grupo son mujeres y niñas. El problema que surge entonces es la falta de muchachos en el grupo. A partir de este momento, están tratando de hacer un video para los anuncios en la mañana para promover su grupo folklórico y pedir que mas varones se unan el.
“Me gusta porque te pierdes en la música y en tu baile. Te sientes orgullosa de representar tu cultura en esa manera.”
Aunque si tienen dificultades,alg unos miembros como Julissa Carasco, junior, tiene optimismo en el grupo. “Me gusta porque te pierdes en la música y en tu baile. Te sientes orgullosa de representar tu cultura en esa manera,” Carasco, junior, dijo. Las canciones son elegidas dependiendo en cual estado representan. Por ejemplo, “La Negra” representa a Jalisco,
México ya que es una canción muy popular para el ballet folklórico. También, cada baile tiene su propio traje tradicional que refleja la cultura de ese lugar en específico. Estos son comprados en México o hechos a mano por unas mamás voluntarias. El grupo folklórico se reúne a las cuatro hasta las cinco cada martes y jueves en St. Joseph the Worker en Wheeling. Pero otras celebraciones como el día de los muertos quedan olvididas. Aunque sigan en Mexico, donde los abuelos siguen poniendo flores, velas, y comida para celebrar, se ha convertido como otro dia cualquier. Isamar Muñoz, sophomore, todavia tiene la cultura hispana en su hogar. “Ponemos su comida favorita (de los defuntos), decoramos con flores y velas,” Muñoz dijo. El mismo entusiasmo que es puesto en las formas de baile de los latinos deberia ser puesto en todas las celebraciones de la communidad latina.
A la derecha: Susana Contreras, sophomore, practicá con el grupo folklórico en St. Joseph the Worker. El grupo usa el espacio proporcionado por la iglesia todos los martes y jueves desde las cuatro hasta las cinco de la tarde.
Beatriz Camino
Jocelyn Torres
“Nos va a beneficiar tener más hombres, porque más gente va a tener con quien bailar y participarán en los bailes con nosotras,” Ana Karen Hernandez, sophomore, dijo.
Julissa Carasco, junior
La Voz Editor
Jennie Dice: Celebrando Acción
de Gracias con familiares, mascotas Jennie Alcantar A&E Editor
El día de acción de gracias es celebrado cada último jueves de noviembre. Esto significa el día en que los indígenas y los primeros colonos compartieron una cena en Massachusetts en 1621. Ahora, mucha gente americana celebran este día, pero al igual también los latinos. Ya hay varias familias que aunque no lo celebren
igual, tienen la misma idea de este día festivo. Por ejemplo, mi familia en lugar de pavo comemos pollo. Los indígenas le decian “pavo” a todo tipo de aves. Algo que nunca falta, es el pozole de mi mamá. Y tambien algun tipo de pasta, como el espagetti. Cada año, nos reunimos para una cena familiar. Sin embargo, este año, nuestros parientes de Kansas tenían que venir. Hubo un cambio de planes y ahora vamos a pasar el acción de gracias con la familia más cercana como mis tios y tias de ciudades cercanas.
Al juntarnos con mis primos, siempre hay algo que hacer. Aunque sea solamente jugar “Lotería” o jugar juegos de videos. Será diferente de lo esperado este año, sin parientes molestos a aparecer y ademas tener que preparar una comida para los nuevos miembros de la familia: nuestras mascotas. Mi mamá fue a PetCo en donde encontro unas recetas de comida para mascotas. Las comidas que enseñaron fueron, “Arándanos con pavo” y “Croquetas de pastel de calabaza”. Lo unico que espero es que no se vayan a pelear mis mascotas, igual que se pelean los humanos.
¿Cual es el peor familiar que tienes que ver el día de accion de gracias?
“Mi familia, menos los que viven conmigo. Mi primos, especialmente,” Jocelyn Gutierrez, freshman, dijo.
“Mi tio, se cree mucho,” Julio Hernandez, senior, dijo.
A& E
November 20, 2009
9
Top Left: Adam Korber and Katrina Gustafson, freshmen, play their cello part during Bethoven’s fifth symphony. “Bethoven’s fifth symphony is the most fun to play because it has a really good cello part,” Korber said. Bottom left: John Remaly, senior, Sean O’Keefe, sophomore, Jon Tracey, senior, Tomas Echeverri, junior, Dan Malsom, senior, and Kevin Warner, junior, sing with the Midnight Blues. Right: Derek Espinoza, freshman, plays his saxophone while performing with the Jazz Band II. “The best part about the POPS Concert was the Jazz Band I performance. They sounded great and did a great job.”
POPSConcert Photos by Jennie Alcantar
Nov. 7, 2009
Solan choreographs Creed’s newest album for Dance Chicago with ‘Full Circle’ cannot Orchesis members ‘Overcome’ setbacks “We are pretty focused for the most part,” Trejo said. “We go off on tangents and have Editor-in-Chief our stories, but we know what we need to do.” In addition to his work with the dancers, Members and alumni of the WHS Orchesis Solan must meet with the festival officials and program took part in two showcases earlier this decide on lighting, sound and costume choices. month and will host another at 7:30 p.m. on “I performed in Dance Chicago for two Nov. 28 in collaboration with Dance Chicago. years with Wheeling Orchesis,” Solan said. The Dance Chicago organization sets “Now the experience is completely different. up a slew of festivals from October through Back in high school we worried about the December that take place in Chicago and the rehearsals, but now I see the business side of it.” surrounding suburbs. According to Diane Rawlinson, dance “It is a way to get the whole Chicago teacher, Orchesis members gain experience community together and with the technical aspect dancing,” Ryan Solan, dance during high “Ryan’s (Solan) a re- of choreographer and ’08 school. She requires that ally easygoing person, dancers set up their own graduate, said. On Nov. 12, Christine systems during but at the same time lighting Daly, Janice Gebhardt, Katie shows. he knows what he Kalmes, Daniela Trejo, “I try to teach them Jenny Belcher and Rachael wants to get accom- to be as professional as Fromkin, seniors, and possible so that when they plished and that’s Jessica Weber and Maddie walk out into the world, good in a choreogra- they are fully prepared,” Ludwig, WHS graduates and Orchesis alumni, danced in a Ms. Rawlinson said. pher. piece at the Theatre Building WHS will also be the Chicago. Solan, also an first high school to host Orchesis alumnus, choreographed the piece. a Dance Chicago event: Dance Slam West, a The dance, titled “See My Point,” is the new showcase this year. second that Solan has choreographed for According to Ms. Rawlinson, Dance Dance Chicago. Chicago officials wanted to find a new venue “We were all expecting him to in the suburbs so that they could reach out to (choreograph) again,” Trejo said. “Last year, he an audience that has not made the trip into the kept it a bit more on the down low. This year city in years past. he decided to open it up to more people.” “It’s kind of cool (for Dance Chicago) to After sending in an audition tape in July, have performances at the Music Institute of Dance Chicago officials sent Solan an e-mail Chicago (in Evanston, Ill.), the North Shore that said the festival would feature his piece in Center (for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Ill.), one of four “New Moves” showcases. the Chicago Theatre and now Sang Theater in Now a sophomore at the University of Wheeling,” Ms. Rawlinson said. Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Solan made At that festival, Orchesis members will the three-hour drive from his university to perform “A Subtle Execution,” choreographed WHS once in October and once in November by Fromkin, Gebhardt and Megan Donisch, so that he could lead dance rehearsals. senior.
Daniela Trejo, senior
Dan Malsom
Mallorie Bromer Asst. Feature Editor
In Creed’s new comeback album, “Full Circle,” the band presents a good blend of strong instruments and lyrical melodies, yet they show a disappointing lack of creativity and individuality between each song. Creed debuted in 1996 with its first album, “My Own Prison.” They stayed together throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s and eventually broke up in 2004, thus releasing the album “Creed: Greatest Hits.” After three years, the band then reunited to release “Full Circle.” The album’s first song, “Overcome,” started off the album strongly. The lyrics expressed feelings of starting over and speaking one’s mind. It had a lyrical melody with good contrast between the verses and the chorus. On the other hand, the guitar solo was a bit overdone and somewhat screechy, but really showed off the abilities of Mark Tremonti, guitarist. In contrast, “Bread of Shame” was a major disappointment after the strong start. The instruments overshadowed the vocals, so it was
hard to decipher the song’s words. Another problem was that the flowing melody didn’t match the harsh beats and riffs of the guitars and drums. “A Thousand Faces” and “Rain” really show off the softer side of Creed. “A Thousand Faces” tells about someone looking back at a friend or lover and realizing that he or she lied over and over and said contradictory statements. The lyrics in “Rain” talk about being torn between two different options and wanting either to take the decision away or just decide quickly. Both songs show a lighter side of the guitars and take Creed to a new level of intensity and musical ability. When listening to the songs on the album separately, one may think that the songs are unique and intresting, but when placed side by side with the rest of the songs on the album, one will realize that all sound either the same or eerily similar. The album only has two types of songs: soft and edgy. The softer songs, like “Away in Silence” and “Time,” have elements of slower beats and calming guitars that resemble “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s. The edgier songs, like “Good Fight” and “Suddenly,” have sliding guitars and pounding drums that resemble a heavy metal band. Although buying the full album would definitely be a bad idea, buying certain songs, such as “A Thousand Faces” and “Overcome,” off of Creed’s “Full Circle” would be worth paying $1.29 off of iTunes.
10
A& E
November 20, 2009
Screen
“The Box”
Released Nov. 6, 2009
save your $
$
test
To view or not to view? if you’re bored
$1 theaterworthy
Bety Camino
see it twice!
Photo Editor
Four emcees collaborate for variety show Oscar Najera Editor-in-Chief
Though director Richard Kelly has had two popular cult movies under his belt over the past eight years, he created nothing more than a generically pitiful replica of his cult classic “Donnie Darko,” released in 2001, with “The Box,” an adaptation of the short story “Button, Button” written by Richard Matheson in 1970. Simply stated, the story begins with a stranger delivering a box to the door of a well-to-do suburban family in the middle of the night. Later that day they are informed that the box contains a button which will do the following if they press it: first, a stranger whom they do not know will die, and second, the family will receive a suitcase with a payment of $1 million dollars. If they return the box without pressing the button their lives will continue as usual. The popular television series “The Twilight Zone” did their own rendition of Matheson’s short story, which fit into a half hour time slot, but Kelly painfully extends the film to the point of no return. Featuring a disorderly storyline with bursts of scenes that transition poorly and are frustratingly never explained and a mess of underdeveloped ideas whose links are strained, “The Box” lulls audiences into a deep stupor if not complete anger due to confusion. A solid portion of the movie consists of disturbingly still or odd frames with little relevance to the overall plot. Even worse, Kelly laces the entire
Allie Sotelo, senior
film with unnecessarily haunting music that builds up scenes only to result in nothing particularly interesting or important. Despite this, the film has potential: actress Cameron Diaz and actor James Marsden portray their characters well. Diaz and Marsden genuinely look like two regular suburban parents that care deeply for one another and for their son, Walter, played by Sam Oz Stone. Unfortunately the dialogue written for the film is unrealistic, with similar dialogue styles for both young children and adults. Walter, a boy no more than 12 years old, speaks fluently about NASA equipment. In addition, an overly eccentric high school outcast feigns understanding of psychological and philosophical matters. His sophisticated language even eclipses the language of others twice his age. With quixotic dialogue, bafflingly superfluous scenery, and worst of all a terrible, non-cohesive storyline, “The Box” is best taken as a joke or comedic film. One would take away nothing more from the movie other than complete confusion and possibly a disdain for science fiction films if this were one’s first taste of a movie dealing with life on other planets. Perhaps Kelly felt wise by dodging a connection to “S. Darko,” the recently released sequel to “Donnie Darko” but nonetheless, Matheson’s story should have been left to a 30 minute “Twilight Zone” episode.
“...I’m doing three acts as well as being an emcee. So despite me possibly passing out onstage, I think it will be a success.”
“Auditions were fun. I got to be silly and we were rolling around the floor...well that was mostly me. We managed to trip a couple of times.”
Jeremy Ber, senior, holds the video camera and explains to Allie Sotelo, senior, when she needs to start taping. Sotelo counts down from three and begins to record. Ber acts out part of the Variety Show intro, but Sotelo stops when she realizes that she is not getting his legs in the shot. “You do realize that it is ‘No shave November…,’” Ber jokes. Diana Gukasov and Ayesha Qazi, seniors, laugh in the background. Ber, Gukasov, Qazi and Sotelo will emcee this year’s Variety Show. Jenny Belcher, senior, was a fifth emcee originally chosen as well. According to the Variety show sponsors, Bertha Sanchez and Joanne Amador-Zapata, they chose the five emcees since they had good chemistry with each other. Ms. Sanchez and Ms. Amador-Zapata saw how the emcees complimented each other first during the audition process. “Auditions were fun. We didn’t hold anything back…we are all very energetic and spastic,” Gukasov said. Before practices and rehearsals started, Belcher decided that she would not emcee since she had was busy with several other activities. “I am in a lot of activities, and I don’t want to do a bad job in any of them. They all take time away—I don’t want to show up late to practices and still be able to emcee the show,” Belcher said.
Ayesha Qazi, senior
However Belcher did mention that the stage would be too crowded with five emcees. “It upset me that they had five emcees. I like the traditional two or three. I don’t think it would work well (with five), “ Belcher said. “It’s going to be challenging to agree on the dialogue.” Qazi originally had thoughts similar to Belcher’s. “When you hear that there are five emcees it’s weird to hear that. The reaction of people is that they are surprised and they think it’s weird,” Qazi said. “At the same time, it may be too many but we all wanted the role and I’m happy how it turned out.” Making final adjustments to the show, the emcees have found a way to work together, and make the four emcees have an equal part in the show. “We actually are collaborating quite nicely. I am confident that what we make in terms of intros for the show and acts will be… entertaining and most of all, humorous,” Ber said. “The other girls…they really are working as hard, if not more than I am in terms of getting things functioning with the show.” Sotelo has similar thoughts on how the rehearsals turned out. “I think that practices are going well, when we are together ideas just flow out of us. We pretty much all understand each other and our sense of humor. We come up with ideas that fit for the four of us,” Sotelo said. The Variety Show, themed Showdown, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow in the Robert E. Sang Theater.
“Coming up with ideas (for the audition) was pretty easy. At the auditions, we practiced introducing Beyonce...We are all very energetic and spastic.”
Meet
the
Emcees The Variety Show, themed Showdown, will begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow in the Robert E. Sang Theater.
“We (Diana, Allie and I) decided to audition because we wanted to be part of the show and contribute to it.”
Design by Bety Camino, Information by Oscar Najera
YouTopia
Jon Tracey Dan Malsom
Forum Editor
Editor-In-Chief
Brianna Bitout
Top Pick
Asst. Web Editor
LIPDUB- I Gotta Feeling (Comm- UQAM 2009) Someone with a video camera walks through a large building. Inside, 172 people, everyone dressed up and singing their own little part of the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling.” Greatest communications project ever.
Runners Up Drag and Drop World
I’m not sure which wins: the clever, artistic concept of dragging and dropping everything to make a picturesque paradise, or the catchy background music. This offbeat Canadian phone commercial has both.
Taylor Swift ParodyYou Belong With Me (“Just A Zombie”)
Banned Anti-Smoking Ad (Funny)
A spoof of Taylor Swift’s hit, “You Belong With Me”, reveals a side of the pop starlet that has never been seen before. Chasing after the love of her life, Swift promises not to eat his brains.
A carpenter finishes up his job when he notices that he cannot find something. This advertisement proves that smoking kills (in unrelated ways.)
Sports
November 20, 2009
11
Wildcat Fall Sports Wrap-up Swimming “Conference (was my best memory )because I placed second in my heat and I dropped four seconds from my best time.” Heather Murphy, sophomore
Girls Golf “My best memory was probably Regionals because it was our seniors last year.” Natalie Parada, sophomore
Tennis “Winning third place in Conference and first place at the Elk Grove Invite.”
2009 Fall Sports Highlights Football
Football “...My best memory was winning our first two games.”
Matt Splon and Tim Schalz, seniors named All-Conference Adrian Ward, junior
Volleyball Team placed fifth in Conference
Boys Golf
Boys Golf
“Being able to compete against all of the good teams and being able to put a good score up against them...”
Jack Ferguson, freshman, tied for 26th place at State. He scored a157.
Swimming Amy Wilson, senior, placed fifth at Sectionals in the 100 yard backstroke. Leah Malsom, sophomore, placed seventh at Sectionals in the 200 yard freestyle and the 500 yard freestyle. Kayla Dale, freshman, Ryan Griesmeyer, senior, Wilson and Malsom placed sixth at Conference in the 400 freestyle relay.
Girls Cross Country Katie Anderson, senior, placed fourth at regionals. She then placed 121 out of 150 runners at sectionals.
Kari Pasterczyk, senior
Jack Ferguson, freshman
Soccer “Winning the Bartlett Tournament was a great experience for the team.” Jose Felix, senior
Girls Cross Country
Volleyball
Boys Cross Country
“The pasta parties before big meets were fun because we got the chance to become closer.”
“Winning our crossover game against Hersey and the beginning of the season camping trip in Central Wisconsin.”
“Over the summer we’d all come early and run together so we developed strong bonds from the start...”
Katie Anderson, senior
Kayla Jordan, junior
Nick Modlin, sophomore
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Boys Basketball 6 p.m. Nov. 23 Maine West Classic Wrestling 10 a.m. Nov 27 Barrington Invite Girls Basketball 4 p.m. Nov 27 Proviso East at Niles N. Tournament
As the girls swim team approached the end of the season, the team prepared for Sectionals. Barrington High School held Sectionals at 1 p.m. on Nov. 14. where 13 schools participated. WHS came in 11th place with 48 points. The top three schools were Barrington High School with 281 points, Hersey High School with 173 points and Palatine High School with 134. Amy Wilson, senior varsity captain, placed fifth, the highest Wheeling placed in any event, in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:03.33. “If I can have every girl swim her best (at Sectionals), she’s done her job,” Lisa Hanrahan, varisty swimming coach, said. Leah Malsom, sophomore and varsity swimmer, placed seventh for both the 200 freestyle and the 500 yard freestyle. Kayla Dale, freshman, placed 15th for the 50 yard freestyle. Christa Khatcherian, senior, placed 13th in 50 Yard freestyle. Khatcherian tied with Hersey with a time of 26.24. “(The best part of sectionals is) when you finish your favorite race and you look at the clock and you see the time you want,” Wilson said.
Top: Callie Schoeneman, junior and varsity swimmer, swam butterfly for her first two laps in the 200 Individual Medley at Sectionals on Sat. Nov. 14 at Barrington High School. Bottom Left: Schoeneman continued her race with two laps of backstroke, two laps of breastroke and finished with two laps of freestyle. Schoeneman accomplished a personal best by dropping her overrall time by five seconds. Bottom Right: Emily Sullivan, senior and varsity swimmer, reaches during the 100 backstroke race. Only the two fastest swimmers in each event go to Sectionals.
Cheerleaders welcome professional choreographer Katie Kalmes Web Editor This year, varsity cheerleading has chosen to welcome a new professional choreography for their competition season. “We have always hired someone outside the school to choreograph our competition routines.... We got a recommendation from another coach that she was good and we were looking for a change, so went with her,” Erin Ejnik, varsity cheerleading coach, said. Overall, they will compete five times
including sectionals and if they qualify, the state competition on Feb. 5 and 6. “I definitely think this will give us a good routine therefore making us look a lot better at competitions,” Tara Battaglia, senior and varsity cheerleader, said. Along with a professional choreographer, cheerleading has welcomed a total of three male cheerleaders. “Having boys affects the squad because it makes stunting easier.” Battaglia said. Cheerleading’s first competition is on Dec. 18. at John Hersey High School.
Anderson places fourth as individual qualifier at Regionals Mallorie Bromer Asst. Feature Editor At the girls cross country regional on Oct 24 held at Deer Grove, the girls Wildcat cross country teams placed last, yet Katie Anderson, senior, placed fourth as an individual qualifier and advanced to sectionals at Busse Woods (Schaumburg) on Oct 31.
whs
“Working towards achieving our goal (to win conference for the third time in a row and make it down to State,)”
Jon Tracey Forum Editor With the graduation of key starters Ashley Wilson and Bridgette Gray, the question arose of how the team would manage without these players. “We're a completely different team from last year,” Selma Smajlovic, senior, said. “This year we're a smaller team so we're looking to be a fast and defensive team. More of a guard team.” Wilson started on varsity all four years of her high school career and now plays at Purdue University. “I don't think we ever realized how much she did for the team,” Smajlovic said. “Now that she's not here, we realize it. You could always look to her to rebound or go to the post.” The team, however, pushes through this fact and remains positive because although two starters graduated, three return: Bianca Szafarowicz, Stephanie Kuzmanic and Janelle Cannon, seniors. The team expects the season to begin with these three starting along with Smajlovic and Kellie Kuzmanic, sophomore. Shelly Weigel , head coach and math teacher also noted the option of Leah Malsom, sophomore.
“Team Building -becoming closer as a team,”
Ethan Gonzalez, senior cheerleader
Question
Samie Spinabella, senior basketball player
There, Anderson placed 121 out of 150 girls and did not qualify for state. “When we got to the meet, we did our 15 minute warm-up and stretches. We did the same as any other meet,” Anderson said. Anderson then finished the race with a time of 21:23 minutes. “After the race, I was sad because my season was over, but I knew it wasn’t the end of my competitive season,” Anderson said.
Girls basketball revamps roster
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
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POR TS
Girls Gymnastics 6:30 p.m. Away v.s. Palatine
Asst. News Editor
Jenny Alcantar
Bowling 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 Home vs Hoffman Estates
Krista Sanford
Jenny Alcantar
Upcoming Events
Wildcat swimmers finish 11th place at Sectionals
Jenny Alcantar
November 20, 2009 Volume 46 Issue 3