whs
S POKESMAN Wheeling High School 900 S. Elmhurst Rd. Wheeling, IL 60090 <www.wheelingspokesman.com>
Volume 47 Issue #9 June 3, 2011
Debate wins ICDA for tenth time
2009
2010
2011
Photos used with permission from Mike Hurley, debate coach
Photo Illustration by Mikey Ciavarella
Debate has consecutively won the ICDA (Illinois Congressional Debate Association) State competition for the past five years. The 2009 team shown above consisted of Becky Fowler, Lauren Linzmeier and Sanjit Shah, ‘09 graduates, and Chris Schwarz, senior. The 2010 team included Jon Tracey, ‘10 graduate, Schwarz, Nate Ruben and Sami Zuba, seniors. This year Schwarz, Ruben and Zuba went to State again alongside Tom Schwermin, senior. Mike Hurley, debate coach, has led the team since it started in 1985. “We’re the hardest working team,” Schwarz said. “What sets us aside is we research well, practice several times a week and work together as a team.”
For the fifth year in a row, WHS debate claimed the ICDA (Illinois Congressional Debate Association) State winning title. Debate’s last event of the year will take place starting June 13 in Dallas when Chris Schwarz, senior, competes at the National Forensic League’s national debate competition. “One (strength of debate) is a culture of hard work. Students not only expect to work hard, but they revel in it,” Mike Hurley, debate coach, said. “The second thing is a belief that we’ll do
well, not that we’ll win, but that when you step into that performance, you are fully equipped to succeed.” The junior varsity team also won second place at ICDA state.
ICDA State
Debate brought back the ICDA trophy after competing in the ICDA State competition on April 15 and 16 at Northern Illinois University. The varsity team consisted of Schwarz, Nate Ruben, Tom Schwermin and Sami Zuba, seniors. “We have constant leadership. The only common factor (for every state win) is him (Mr.
Hurley),” Ruben said. “He’s done it before, he knows the recipe for it.” Not only was this the fifth consecutive win, but it was also debate’s tenth win in 15 years. No other Illinois team has won more than once in that time. “After you win 10 times, there’s an attitude of respect from other teams,” Mr. Hurley said. Mr. Hurley also said he does not feel tension trying to live up to so many victories in the past. “The standard isn’t winning; the standard is excellence,” Mr. Hurley said. Despite that, Schwarz said he puts pressure on himself to live up to that standard.
“We put a certain pressure on ourselves because it’s such a huge legacy, a huge span of debaters,” Schwarz said. “Nobody wants to be the team to break that legacy.” Though Zuba also feels the pressure, she said the team “lets the hard work do the talking.” “A lot of other schools don’t practice as a team, but we’re all friends and accept that everyone doesn’t have to be the best,” Zuba said. “We’re all looking out for each other.”
Nationals
Schwarz qualified for the national competition last year, where he missed finals
by one point. “I just have to execute,” Schwarz said. “I’ll go to nationals, I’ll be friendly and debate the best I can and see what happens.” In order to develop the style that brought his success as a debater, Schwarz learned from styles of other debaters such as Sanjit Shah, Alex Seher, Becky Fowler and Lauren Linzmeier, ‘09 graduates. “They were excellent debaters, but also excellent role models, and I really respect all they’ve done to keep the team successful,” Schwarz said. Linzmeier placed ninth at nationals in 2009, and Zack Rosen, ‘07 graduate, placed sixth in 2007.
District 214 institutes activity fees Gaby Najera Associate Editor District 214 will require students to pay $25 per activity they participate in, starting in the 2011-2012 school year. Families will pay a maximum amount of $100. For parents who have more than one child enrolled, the sum of their children’s fees will not exceed $100. “We have tried over the years to keep our fees very low in comparison to other districts,” Dr. David Schuler, superintendent, said in an e-mail interview. “As our district finances become tighter and tighter, we need to look at both efficiencies and increased revenue.” According to Dr. Steve May, assistant
Inside
Online
principal of student activities, families of fee waiver will not have to pay the activity fee, but students on reduced lunch will. Parents may pay the activity fee during registration or any time during the summer. “It’s fair to pay $25 for each activity, but if you’re doing three seasons you shouldn’t have to pay (more),” Jocelyn Rodriguez, junior, said. For sports that hold try-outs, students must pay the fee prior to trying out; however, students will receive a refund if they do not make the team. Dr. May also said that the money collected will be sent over to the central office where the budget setting will begin. Dr. Schuler does not see the activity fee
English books next year
affecting the co-curriculum. “We know that the vast majority of our students participate in either feeder programs or private lessons or traveling teams,” Dr. Schuler said. “All of the fees associated with those greatly exceed $25. Most of the feedback we have been receiving on this topic has been that parents are surprised when they don’t have to pay a participation fee since they are so used to that from their previous experiences.” According to Dr. Schuler, no problems with the money distribution will surface. “The money will offset our overall student activities program. Therefore, it will be equitable as it will be used to offset our entire co-curricular program,” Dr. Schuler said.
Senior prank
Students must purchase books Seniors have flour fight in halls
Feature
Students prepare for Fight Night pg 5
La Voz Blanchfield awarded pg 2
Dr. Lopez’s brother visits pg 8
Haley Reinhart pg 9
Schwarz hopes to place as well. Schwarz also developed his style from seeing debaters when we went to nationals last year. “That changed the way I spoke a lot,” Schwarz said. “In general speaking at such a high level gave me inspiration to work harder. It was easily one of the most influential experiences of my style and skill.” Looking at Schwarz’s future competition at nationals, Mr. Hurley said, “You can’t predict debate... If he works really hard - and he’s a gifted debater - he’ll do well.” “He should just go and be confident. We’re behind him,” Zuba said.
High School Fees per Activity District 214 Stevenson Highland Park
Barrington
$0 $20 $40
$60 $80 $100
Infographic by Rosalie Chan Information from David Schuler, superintendent
Spring Blood Drive
Students donate blood
Index
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief
News.........................1,2 Forum...........................3 Feature......................4,5 Focus.........................6,7 La Voz..........................8 A&E.........................9,10 Sports....................11,12
News 2
Spokesman June 3, 2011
DeLuga becomes Blanchfield receives recognition associate principal Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief Steven Kellner, associate principal of instruction, will work as the district 214 director of staff support next year; Erin DeLuga, Prospect English and fine arts division head, will replace him. Both applied and went through an interviewing process when the positions became available. From 2004 to 2007, Ms. DeLuga worked at WHS as an English teacher. “To be honest, when I was leaving I felt at some point I would return,” Ms. DeLuga said. “I did have a
sense of serendipity when I took this job at WHS.” According to Megan Knight, English and fine arts division head, Ms. DeLuga fits well at WHS. Ms. Knight has worked with Ms. DeLuga in the past at Prospect. “At the end of the day, she puts the needs of students first and foremost at all times and she asks her staff to do the same,” Ms. Knight said. While both look forward to their new positions, both also said they will miss interaction with students. “There’s a certain energy in a high school. It’s going to be an adjustment,” Mr. Kellner said.
Megan Jones Feature Editor
With the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 and Memorial Day looming, WHS held a ceremony for Michael R. Blanchfield, presenting him with the award of distinguished alumni and an honorary District D214 diploma since he never graduated. “We are extremely proud and it is our privilege to be able to recognize him. There really are no words to express the sacrifice he made as a member of our community for the greater of our country,” Dr. Laz Lopez, principal, said. Blanchfield entered WHS in 1964 and left his sophomore year to join the army, never receiving his diploma. He earned medals, including the Purple Heart, the Vietnam service medal and the Medal of Honor. Blanchfield died in combat in 1969 when he threw himself onto a grenade without hesitating to sacrifice himself. This saved four patrol members and many Vietnamese civilians.
Mikey Ciavarella At the assembly to honor Michael Blanchfield, WHS honorary graduate, Pat Darrow, sister of Blanchfield, receives the Distinguished Alumni Award for Blanchfield from Judy Abruscato, Village President.
Relay For Life falls short of goal Gaby Najera Associate Editor
Valerie Westin At Relay For Life on May 21 to 22, Katharine Schwarz, sophomore, makes a luminaria bag in honor of her grandmother, who has colon cancer. Luminaria cost $10 each, and they lit up during the Luminaria Ceremony.
Cairo - The Coptic Christians fear that because of the revolution in Egypt, the nation will become less tolerant of religious minorities. Since the police state fell, more tensions between Christians and Muslims have occurred, threatening the revolution’s stability. Twenty-four died, 200 were wounded and three churches burned in sectarian conflicts since President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation.
This year’s Relay For Life event raised $78,000 with 50 teams and 455 participants signed up online. The original goal was $85,000. Due to weather changes on the date of May 21 and 22, Relay For Life took place in the field house. “I think we did better than expected because of the weather changes,” Jason Kopkowski, physical education teacher and Relay For Life coordinator, said. Before Relay For Life, the accounting club worked for bank night by counting money. “It’s really tough to get hands on experience (in accounting),” Kevin Lennon, business education teacher and accounting club sponsor, said. According to Mr. Lennon, during bank night,
accounting club collected a total of $22,000, and during the event, they collected $20,000. “I think it’s important (for students to get involved) because statistically, every student will have to deal with cancer personally or with someone they love,” Mr. Kopkowski said. In the case of Micki Kaufman, assessment center assistant, she decided to get involved with Relay For Life after a close friend of hers was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly after, she was diagnosed. According to Ms. Kaufman, she’s only involved with Relay For Life because it includes all kinds of cancer. Ms. Kaufman’s team collected over $600. “I felt better asking for donations that represented everybody,” Ms. Kaufman said. “I think it’s good for teenagers to have fun doing something to help others.”
Hong Kong, China - Wages rose in China, benefiting workers but increasing the cost Western trading companies and consumers must pay. Western business executives have flown to other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia, looking for places with low wages. But like China, wages rose in those countries as well.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Hamid Karzai, president of Afghanistan, warned NATO to stop air attacks to fight against terrorism because it may affect the people of Afghanistan. NATO responded by saying that they need to work with the government of Afghanistan in order to reduce civilian casualties from night raids and air strikes. Infographic designed by Mikey Ciavarella Graphic headline designed by Rosalie Chan Information gathered by Rosalie Chan and Frida Valdes
School Logic replaces SASI Rosalie Chan News Editor Students will no longer log into <mygradebook. com> to check their grades in the 2011-12 school year, as School Logic will replace the current student information systems of SASI (Schools Administrative Student Information) and MyGradebook. “It (SASI) was confusing for users to find information. It didn’t communicate directly with MyGradebook, and there were data errors. There was lots of miscommunication because of that,” Brian Hauck, social studies teacher and academic technology coordinator, said. “We need to have that change (of systems).” In July, the systems in all schools of District 214 will change to School Logic, a web-based system that manages information, including schedules, transcripts, grades, registration and attendance. “For the most part, it’s going to make what we do a little bit easier. The system works much smoother and easier,” Karen Barrett, English teacher and academic technology coordinator, said. District 214 had to find another student information system because Pearson, the company that owns SASI, stopped supporting SASI. “When we get past the learning curve of the new system, it will make life much easier for individuals using the system, as opposed to utilizing multiple systems,” Dr. Lazaro Lopez, principal, said. School Logic has three portals: School Logic, which the administration, deans and counselors use to process student data; Teacher Logic, which teachers use to record students’ grades and attendance; and Home Logic, which students
and parents use to view students’ grades, schedules and attendance. “I know they (MyGradebook) weren’t showing two of my classes. Sometimes it’s hard to get on it with my iTouch,” Kelly Mendez, junior, said. “I guess it’ll be good to see my transcript (on Home Logic). Attendance--I really don’t like that though...because sometimes they call your house and make all these mistakes.” Starting next school year, teachers will no longer submit midterm grades, but they will submit weekly grades, which students and parents can check on Home Logic. The district will also cut down on mailing since the schools will only mail report cards for every quarter but not for midterms. District 214 currently works on customizing School Logic for district schools, as in scheduling and grading. Administrators and some staff, including teacher trailblazers, have received training in working with School Logic. One teacher from each department works as a teacher trailblazer by volunteering to learn about Teacher Logic and help train other staff. “It (Teacher Logic) will streamline my administrative work,” Meredith Silverman, English teacher, said. “I hope that it will be easier to use and have more resources on it.” In the summer, staff members will have opportunities to attend workshops in June and July. If they do not attend these workshops, they must attend training institute days in August. Students will learn how to access Home Logic at the start of next school year. Teachers will still record summer school grades in SASI.
3 Forum
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Editorial
Thumbs Student recognition assembly requires reform Up... The annual student recognition assembly took place on May 23 in what seemed like a rush as student after student walked on and off the small stage. At the assembly, Dr. Laz Lopez, principal, and Dr. Steve May, assistant principal of student activities, among others, briefly spoke about student accomplishments ranging from music to academic to athletics. The students walked on a small stage, had their names read, walked off and then sat for the
remainder of the assembly, unless they had another recognition. While the administration should organize student recognition, they do not do enough. For the unrecognized students that do attend, few likely understood the meaning of every achievement mentioned. Many students remain unaware of the existence of half of the activities mentioned. Without some sort of explanation of how the
person won best cake decorating or how boys swimming broke a record, students and staff leave the assembly oblivious to what was really accomplished. Spokesman feels greater explanation and more visual representation would create true recognition. Whether a slideshow or a video, additional media for the recognition assembly would not only provide a better understanding of the accomplishments, but it would also incite student attention from
Keira’s Cartoons
the bleachers. Sponsors and school publications collect numerous photos of activities throughout the year, so the photos would be available to use. Alongside the media, the short speeches announcing different achievements could have a small extension for greater explanation. Though time seems to be an issue, cutting down on the performances a bit would open a greater time window. Spokesman also feels that despite being the student recognition
assembly, sponsors deserve recognition as well. For aiding debate in winning five consecutive state championships, Mike Hurley, debate coach, spoke during his club’s recognition. All sponsors do not need a speech, but they should at least stand with their students on the stage. Sponsors act as an intricate part of student success. The assembly recognizes accomplishments, but it needs expansion to become memorable in the eyes of WHS students.
Activity fees discourage student involvement
Solinna Chong Forum Editor The beginning of a high school career usually consists of trying new activities. As many seniors graduate, “I should have done this,” comes to mind. Students should be able to try new activities without having to pay the $25 district fee. These fees will affect the school year of 20112012. The fee will help with co-corricular activites. However these fees will also lessen student’s interest in joining activities because of the cost. In a stressful economy, many students try to save their money for things like college, so this may contribute to the lack of participation in after-
school activities. Although $25 does seem like an extreme amount, students will soon see that they are limited to amount of activites they can join. By joining only four activities, a student would have already spent $100. Also, activities may be dropped because of the lack of participation from students. Some clubs, like Student Council, experienced problems recruiting new members. With the shortened amount of participants, big events like Homecoming and Pack the Place may not be as “big” as they were in the past. Although the district is benefiting co-curricular activities, they are hindering student interest to join new activities. Most students do not join just one activity. They usually join at least two or more. With the new fee, many co-curricular activites will see a change in the number of participants.
Uganda proposes bill against homosexuals
Kasia Suchojad Staff Reporter Homosexuality has been the source of controversy both politically and socially. Our government
tries to ban homosexual couples from adopting and marriage. Countries like Uganda constantly hinder homosexuals’ freedoms by taking drastic measures. A bill proposed in October 2009 states that the purpose of the bill is to prohibit any same sex relationships to the public to keep a “healthy, normal or an acceptable lifestyle.” Failure to follow this law would result in a life sentence and repeat offenders would receive the
death sentence. The leader of the Uganda Gay Rights, David Kato was hanged for supporting the gay population. Many people believed the bill was proposed based on religious beliefs. They blamed the proposal on religious leaders who imposed their Christian ideas on Africans, claiming that homosexuality was both “un-Christian and unAfrican,” yet there are many religious individuals who accept the different religious
views of others. Since the discovery of the new bill, online petitions were set up on various websites to convince the president of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta, to veto the bill. To achieve this, the petitions need at least two million signatures. For those who have already been put into jail, their hopes are not lost. Many prisoners continue to rally within their cells hoping for change. Although Uganda
legislators claim that the bill will control the spread of HIV and AIDS and contain the rapid divorce rate, they are wrong to go to such extreme measures to eliminate the gay population. The violent method against homosexuals is inhumane and unnecessary. People should learn to accept others for who they are and stop trying to change them as the Ugandan government is trying to do to the homosexual society.
To Haley Reinhart, ‘09 graduate, for making it to the Top 3 on American Idol. Although she did not make it to the finale, she still showcased her talent to America and managed to get a record deal. To a proper recognition for Michael Blanchfield. This country is only as free as those who serve it. As Blanchfield did, this country can only stand when ordinary people sacrifice their time and even their lives to help the country. To the new healthy choices in lunch lines and vending machines, like fruits and baked chips. More students will choose to eat these treats when more are available to them.
Thumbs Down...
To the senior’s messy prank. Instead of providing laughs for the staff and underclassmen, the prank created more work for the custodians and caused unwanted detours in the main hall.
To post prom being cancelled. Without a safe, authorized place to go after prom, students are at risk to cause trouble.
2011-2012
Spokesman Staff Editor-in-Chief Daniel Brount
Focus Editor Mikey Ciavarella
Staff Artist Keira Skenandore
Associate Editor Gaby Najera
La Voz Editor Jocelyn Torres
Web Editor Jennie Alcantar
A&E Editors Krista Sanford
News Editor Rosalie Chan
Sports Editor Jess Musto
Staff Reporters Jasminne Hernandez Jes Martinez Lizz McDaniel Karen Rodriguez Kasia Suchojad Frida Valdes
Forum Editor Solinna Chong
Photo/Multimedia Editor Valerie Westin
Staff Photographers Dilsia Miranda Kristina Piamonte
Feature Editor Megan Jones
Graphics Editor Mikey Ciavarella Jocelyn Torres
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. Letters- Spokesman is a limited public forum and welcomes a free exchange of ideas from all readers. Readers are encouraged
to contribute letters 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. Advertising- For information, call (847) 718-7114 MondayFriday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
CorrectionsDarrel Malcom was misquoted on page 1. Ben Reiff’s name was misspelled on page 5. Prom will take place at the Marriott Lincolnshire instead of the Hyatt Hotel, as reported on page 5. Kelsey Mascko, senior’s name was misspelled on page 6. The cutline of page 12 referred to the high jump, not the high jump relay.
Feature 4
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Linzmeier recovers from cancer Eighth grader, Yeo,
exceeds expectations
Lizz McDaniel Staff Reporter
him more challenges.” “Taking honors geometry does not interfere in my other middle school “He’s really an exception, classes,” S. Yeo, said. I don’t know if we’ve had one Currently the highest (student) that young taking course in math at a sophomore class,” Karen MacArthur is honors Rinella, math teacher, said. algebra. Sung Yeo, an eighth Because WHS does not grade student at MacArthur have a large enough variety Middle School, currently of math classes, S. Yeo attends honors geometry at will possibly have to go to WHS. another school for other Yeo will take Pre- math classes. Calculus during the According to Dr. Watson, summer and AP Stats, AP S. Yeo plans to attend IMSA Human Geography, Honors (Illinois Mathematics English, Calculus BC and Science Academy), a and Spanish 2 during his college preparatory school freshman year at WHS. for talented high school According to Dr. Richard students in mathematics Watson, a case like Yeo’s has and science. never happened before. S. Yeo participates in “I’m very proud of him Math Counts, the math (Yeo); I was worried about club, and tennis club at him. I his middle thought it school. would be a When S. Yeo tough time becomes a for him “I think it’s freshman (in high at WHS, wonderful s c h o o l ) ,” he looks that they’re Hyo Yeo, into the giving him the Y e o ’ s possibility opportunity mother, of joining to be in a said. “He’s the Math class where doing very Team. he won’t be well. I don’t “I think w o r r y bored. ” it’s (Yeo anymore. being in He says h o n o r s h o n o r s geometry) really great; he’s geometry is not difficult like a normal freshman. for him, that the whole He has learned a lot (about high school experience high school) and he has an gives him more self esteem advantage,” Matt Kulczak, and it helps him be more freshman and friend of Yeo, independent and it brings said. Frida Valdes Staff Reporter
Valerie Westin Karen Linzmeier, chemistry teacher, Loretta Prindle, college career center and Micki Kaufman, assessment center assistant, walk the WHS track during Relay For Life on May 21. According to Ms. Linzmeier, Relay For Life was very emotional and inspiring.
apart. “I have to have scans every six months to make sure that the cancer does not return and that I remain cancer free,” Ms. Linzmeier said. While Ms. Linzmeier was infected by breast cancer, she still maintained a normal life at home and continued to work at WHS. According to Ms. Linzmeier, her biggest inspiration was knowing that God was not through with her yet. “I am a very spiritual person, being only 48
(years old) I knew God had more planned for me,” Ms. Linzmeier said. According to her family, adjusting back to her normal life was easy. “She still cooked and cleaned while she had cancer; so there’s really no difference. She’s just a lot less tired now,” Alex Linzmeier, junior, said. According to Ms. Linzmeier, the worst part about the chemotherapy was losing her hair. “The second worst part was that food tasted foreign. Water tasted terrible, food
lost its taste. It was not so fun,” Ms. Linzmeier said. According to Tia Allen, sophomore and one of Ms. Linzmeier’s students, she noticed that Ms. Linzmeier moves around the classroom a lot more. “Before she (Ms. Linzmeier) would sit at the front table and go over stuff on the Elmo. Then she would watch us work at the lab stations,” Allen said. “Now she walks around and offers to help us so much more. It is really helping me understand the work a lot more.”
Karen Rinella, math teacher
At the beginning of May, Karen Linzmeier, chemistry teacher, received news that she no longer had cancer in her body. Since Sept. 8, Ms. Linzmeier received integrative chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “When I first heard the doctors tell me that there was no more cancer in my system, I couldn’t speak. This was outstanding news for me and my family,” Ms. Linzmeier said. Instead of normal chemotherapy, Ms. Linzmeier chose to go with integrative chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is used to destroy a specific cancer. Integrative chemotherapy not only destroys cancer cells, but it uses spiritual healing as well. “I am glad I went with integrative chemo because it treats the whole person, including spiritually, as opposed to treating just the cancer. Healthy diets and meditation were a big part of the healing process,” Ms. Linzmeier said. On May 17, Ms. Linzmeier got her chemotherapy port removed. Ms. Linzmeier had cancer for 11 months. She had the port in for nine months and she took integrative chemotherapy for four months. During those four months, she received eight treatments, which were two weeks
AP World History create countries, fight battles Communist vs. Democracy
Characteristics of 8th period Below features the “National” characteristics that were chosen after “in class inside jokes.”
Michael Yoshino, sophomore, represented eighth period in a communist government. The class was smaller, which made making decisions easier.
Second period had more students and tried to make all decisions democratically. This made the decision making process longer.
Dilsia Miranda Staff Photographer What began as a small battle between second and eighth periods of AP World History to decide which class is the best caused the creation of the Communist Republic, a country from the imagination of eighth period. The country has received much attention; it has its own national anthem, flower and symbol. Michael Yoshino, sophomore and supreme emperor of the country, even created a Facebook page for the country. It began as the periods began fighting against each other by posting fliers of “propaganda posters” around the classroom. To calm the periods down from fighting between each other, Veto Manola, substitute for Amanda Bhansali, AP World History teacher, decided to create the fighting into a project after the classes finished AP testing. “It ended up being just for fun than for
National Game Hangman- This is the game students played during class after AP testing was over. National Language Bhansalian- The language created was named after their teacher Amanda Bhansali, AP World History teacher. National Animal Bear- They choose a bear after a movie that they watched about ancient civilizations and how one civilization “went bear dancing.” National Religion Manolian- Their religion was named after their substitute teacher, Veto Manola.
a grade because second period wasn’t as involved as eighth,” Mr. Manola said. Eighth period participated more in the project than second period as they began to order T-shirts, and Michael Genson, sophomore, created a national anthem for the Communist Republic. Students began to assign themselves jobs like Joey Dundovich, sophomore, who titled himself as vice-emperor of the country and Zygi Jasiunas, sophomore, as director of foreign affairs. Eighth period created war documents and proposals against second period. Despite second period having less interest in the project and wanting to watch movies instead, eighth period continued to plan characteristics of its country and declared themselves as the “winners” of the war. After witnessing eighth period wear their T-shirts during the AP recognition assembly, second period now plans their own T-shirts and ways to fight back against eighth period.
5 Feature
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Teachers, students spend time toward charities Babushkin trains for Fight Night
Jennie Alcantar Elena Babushkin, senior, uses a resistance band to tone the muscles in her arms. “By using the bands, I feel like I can punch so much faster,” Babushkin said. Babushkin trains for the annual “Fight Night” hosted by WHS’ boxing club and DECA. “It’s really nice to have people come and watch a great event while raising money for charity,” Babushkin said.
Frida Valdes Staff Reporter Megan Jones Feature Editor As members of the boxing team chatted amongst themselves while running, Elena Babushkin, senior, focuses on her workout while passing other runners. “I’m inspired by Mr. Burke (Mike Burke, boxing coach)and people who try hard to reach a goal in their life. I want to be that person; I want to reach my goals,” Babushkin said. At 7 p.m. on Friday, June 10 in the Wheeling gymnasium, WHS’ boxing club and DECA will host the third “Contenders for Courage” Fight Night event. All money raised from the night will be contributed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for People with Disabilities. Boxing members are
matched up with opponents based on weight, gender and skill, with each round lasting one minute. This will be the third time Babushkin has participated in Fight Night. Babushkin will fight Maribel Aguilar, sophomore, in the boxing ring. According to Mr. Burke the match will be extremely even; they’ve fed each other and made each other better. “It’s fun, it’s a lot of adrenaline, and you learn a lot about boxing. You forget about everything in the ring,” Babushkin said. According to Babushkin, her goal of the night is to be aware of every move her opponent makes and how to defend it. “She’s intelligent, she’s an excellent artist, she’s an excellent boxer; that’s quite a combination. She has an incredible work ethic and will take any opportunity to improve herself,” Mr. Burke said.
Dovbak sets goals to raise money for ‘charity: water’ 100 percent of all public According to Adry donations to “charity: Sotelo, senior, Dovbak water”, a non-profit started talking to his friends organization, goes toward about it in February and bringing M a r c h , clean and so most safe water fundraising to third events will “It’s just w o r l d take place something I’m not countries. this school passionate One billion year. about and people do “ H e that I want to not have (Dovbak) do.” access wanted to to clean bring it to our and safe school, but drinking the idea came water. a little too “That’s late,” Sotelo (1 billion) a lot of people said. “He knew I really dying every day,” Dovbak liked fundraising, and it was said. “One thing I like about perfect for me to help him.” them is that they have a GPS To raise money, Dovbak and shows where the well is plans to organize a 5K run from your donations and at Wheeling Park District what the donation has done. during the summer and It would be cool to see the a bake sale at the end of people you’re helping.” the school year. Other Ivan Dovbak, senior
Rosalie Chan News Editor When Ivan Dovbak, senior, clicked on an ad for “charity: water” that he saw on Facebook, he immediately became interested after looking through videos and learning how to get involved. “I’ve always wanted to give back somehow,” Dovbak said. Dovbak set a goal to raise $5,000 to sponsor a water project at a village in a third world country through “charity: water,” and he invited some friends to help. So far, he has made fliers and ordered T-shirts to promote the charity. Currently, he works on planning fundraisers and getting permission from the administration for advertising.
fundraising possibilities he thought of include doing something for Fight Night, a garage sale, a car wash and a bowling event. Dovbak has never done a project like “charity: water,” but he has participated in Relay For Life before. “I’m worried that people might not want to do this,” Dovbak said. “I never did this before, so I don’t know what to expect.” Dovbak hopes to raise $5,000 before he goes to college. According to Sotelo, they also plan to pass the project on to next year’s seniors. “What our school’s done with Interact with Africa is good,” Sotelo said. “There are good opportunities to go over there (WHS) to see how it’s doing in a couple of years. I’m hopeful for the future.”
Water project cost: $5,000 $5,000 donated for a water project
brings water for one village
gives 250 people clean water
Benefits of water include...
Sanitation
Health
Economy
Education
Charity: Water provides proof of that water projects are happening by letting you track the project through Google Maps. Infographic by Megan Jones Information from <http://charitywater.org>
S. Chico, K. Chico prepare to complete fitness goals 3 1 4 2 ..
..
S. Chico and K. Chico will begin by training themselves in the WHS fitness center.
They will begin to participate in 5K runs moving up to 10 K runs once more conditioned.
Megan Jones Feature Editor Every day for one to two hours, Sandra Chico, social studies teacher, and Kristen Chico, daughter of S. Chico, work out in the WHS fitness center training to complete their ultimate fitness goals in two years. S. Chico plans to run the Chicago marathon while K. Chico hopes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. “I’ve always liked to run, and running the Chicago
marathon is like the ultimate marathon experience,” S. Chico said. The Chicago marathon consists of 26.2 miles and is held in October. When K. Chico saw a YouTube video of celebrities climbing the mountain to raise money for malaria, she became inspired to climb the mountain for herself. K. Chico will fundraise for the WHS club Interact for Africa when she climbs Mount Kilimanjaro. According to K. Chico she would love to fundraise
with WHS because her mom works there and she plans on helping WHS’ Student Council next year. “If I climb, I would love to work with them to raise money and make it a cause,” K. Chico said. “I would ideally like for some students or teachers to come with me to climb the mountain so that there is more awareness and participation.” They train together by using the fitness machines, then ab work and cardio exercises. They have been
S. Chico will run in the Chicago marathon which consists of a 26.2 mile run. ..
K. Chico plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and donate the money she raises to Interact with Africa.
training since spring break. “It has been a really great bonding experience for the two of us. We are very close and tend to do lots of things together, but this is the first time we have worked out together,” S. Chico said. According to K. Chico, they are both very different from each other so they balance each other out. “When one doesn’t want to go to the gym, the other is motivating themselves to go and complete our goals,” K. Chico said. According to S. Chico,
training for the marathon has made her feel a lot more energized stronger. They began to train together when they realized it was time to get into shape for summer. S. Chico used to be in the Army and often ran long distances to train, but she has never run in an organized event like a marathon before. On Sunday May 29, S. Chico and K. Chico participated in a 5K walk/ run to help raise money for veterans in Arlington
Heights. K. Chico walked the event while S. Chico ran. S. Chico came in fifth place in her age group. According to S. Chico, she placed a lot better than she thought she would. “The event went really well. When I run by myself, my fastest time was 35 minutes, but in the event I finished in 29 minutes,” S. Chico said. “The people running with me helped me pick up the pace and improve a lot. I finished strong and it felt great.”
Focus 6
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Administration uses filters to blo
Recently students found ways of getting around the administrative filter and used blocked websites at school. The district implemented a new system that stops
Social networking blockage creates better environment
Mikey Ciavarella Focus Editor Facebook gives students a way to ask others for help with homework, ask others what they missed in school or just to keep in contact with each other. Facebook allows students to have a resource that allows people to access them anywhere. Statistics, according to <www.appsfordemocracy. org>, show that of all Facebook users, 13 percent are under the age of 17. Facebook has tools geared toward the students needs: it has apps that help with homework, help write papers and allow students to form study groups. The apps help make student’s lives better. Students can use Facebook as a resource, but Facebook gets misused often. While Facebook works as a place for students to connect with others and can be used a resource, cyber bullying occurs frequently on Facebook. Cyber bullying is an example of why the district
should block Facebook. Cyber bullying has become a major problem in high schools; statistics, from the National Crime Prevention Center, show that 40 percent of high school students have been bullied mentally, verbally or physically on Facebook. The best way to reduce cyber bullying from high schools is to block social networks. Blocking Facebook would eliminate it as a resource during school hours, but cyber bullying transpires as a bigger problem for the schools; therefore, school districts should choose to block Facebook. Facebook also distracts students from doing their work. Facebook could be used as an educational tool, but students mainly go onto Facebook to socialize with friends. That means if students go on Facebook at school and do not use it as an educational tool then they are abusing their privileges and they are also abusing Facebook. Social networking sites have become abused and provide a site for cyber bullying to occur. The district must block social networking sites to help prevent them from being abused and from being a place where cyber bullying occurs.
Step by Step of how a filter works
1
The website needs to get on the list of banned sites. There are many ways a site can get on the list. If it has been recommended by a committee, the site name or how it was registered.
2 3 4
The filter, a piece of software, acts as a shield. It reads the URL that is typed and checks it with the list of banned sites.
c
Co
If the website is on the list of blocked sites then the filter takes you to a warning message like the one to the right.
• Peop filters • Filters when people
• The filter can the list. If you are an admin of the filter, you can then type in a password to get around the filter. If not, you can not access the website.
Information gathered from cfm> and < http://infopeo
Infographic by Mikey Ciavarella
Five websites that teachers use in school Blocked W “PBS has excellent videos on Worldly and Medical concepts and issues,” Tim Meyer, science teacher, said.
“Wordle.net creates ‘word clouds’ which are a cool way to identify topics in pieces of literature. For example, when you copypaste Romeo and Juliet’s Prologue into Wordle, it creates a sort of mash up of only the repeated/ important words, and the larger the font they are, the more often they are used,” Jessica Maciejewski, English teacher said. “We watch a lot of slam poetry videos before we have our competitions in creative writing,” Laura Wagner, English teacher, said.
PBS.com
mygradebook.com
Wordle.net
Youtube.com
Prezi.com
“I use mygradebook daily to record grades and to allow students to follow their progress in class,” Peter Gajzler, teacher, said.
“I use prezi because it is a website that allows you to build presentations using a zoom feature,” Matt Padron, science teacher, said.
• Facebook • Facebook secu • Myspace • Proxy sites
Allowed W
• Twitter • Tumblr • Library Resour • District 214 Websites • Game sites • Youtube • Pandora • Yahoo • News sites
7 Focus
Spokesman June 3, 2011
ock distracting websites
s the students and staff from going around the filter, making it harder for students to break the rules.
Q &A Pros of a filter • There is a law, CIPA, that restricts the sites that people can see in high schools and libraries. • Helps keep students on task and less distracted. • Helps keep worried parents from calling about internet safety.
Photo Opinion How do you feel about the school blocking websites?
With Derrick Williamson, Technology Systems Supervisor.
Do you feel that the filters help students gain a better education?
“Yes, (it) prevents distractions. Introducing the internet teaches kids technical skills that they use in the world, but it also brings whole lot of distractions or inappropriate materials that take focus off the curriculum.”
“Well you see, I feel, personally, that blocking websites is necessary because it helps the learning environment.” Jay Powell, senior
Do you feel like Facebook should be blocked?
• Can decrease the amount of malware and spyware going onto your computer.
ons of a filter
ple spend their time trying to get around the
s can become too strict, causing problems e try to research critical information
n accidently block a site even if it’s not on
m < http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/ctc/page7091. ople.org/resources/filtering/how>
Websites
Kristina Stravinskaite, senior
How does a filter actually work?
“It (the filter) works many ways. It (the filter) blocks by ratings, site names and how it is registered.”
Does the district require the filter?
ure
“It helps students get their work done instead of being distracted by social networking. I have used Facebook as a tool.” Megan Vasey, junior
Websites
rces
“I don’t know. It poses dangers but it has learning tools. Social networking sites are big because of predators that we can’t manage. There is no law developed to deal with interactions.”
“I think it’s stupid when people block Facebook. Kids use it for homework not just to socialize about pointless things.”
• Ebay • Hulu • Wheeling Spokesman • Polyvore
“No, the State does. There is a very grey line to get around it (the law). It (the filter) is not censorship. We (Wheeling High School) use a combo of filtering and teaching to educate the students.” Why aren’t the game sites blocked?
“We have to teach to get students not to go on those. Supervision handles those. Teaching is the best way. We (Wheeling High School) want to teach appropriate use (of game sites).”
Interviewed by Mikey Ciavarella
“I feel that it’s wrong to some extent because some websites that can be useful to classrooms but some can be wrong for school.” Jonathan Enriquez, freshman
La Voz 8
Spokesman 3 de junio 2011
Lopez introduce hermano cubano nativo a estudiantes de WHS Jocelyn Torres La Voz Editor Un visitante extranjero caminó por los pasillos de WHS. El hermano de Dr. Lopez, director de WHS, llegó de Cuba para conocer a su hermano y a su madre por la primera vez. “Nos conocimos por primera vez en la casa de mi mamá en el Día de la Madre el domingo pasado. Esa era su meta este año. No la había visto en cincuenta años y está muy enferma ella entonces fue una bendicion que el la pudiera ver,” Dr. Lopez dijo. Le tomó aproximadamente diez años a Emenelio Lopez, hermano de Lopez, para obtener su visa. Cuba es restingida cuando se trata de este tema. Asi que afortuandamente fue por suerte que E. Lopez pudo visitar. Cuba le dió permiso a venir porqu su padre nació en España, por lo que se le dió su ciudananía española. Así, puede quedarse en estados unidos por cierto tiempo. Por esta razón, va ser un reto dificíl, de acuerdo con Dr. Lopez, que E. Lopez se pueda comunicar con su hermano aun despues que regrese a Cuba. No es fácil hacer llamadas telefónicas o comunicarse por correo. Incluso, el envío de cartas tarda un par de semanas. Ese
es el único medio de comunicación en que pueden depender los hermanos. De acuerdo con Dr. Lopez, el no podría esta más emocionado su hermano. Aunque al principio estuvo nervioso, últimamente, fue muy eligosio diciendo cómo los estudiantes de WHS son maravillosos, acogedores, y de buen corazón. “Tengo ahora otra conexión con alguien tan importante como mi hermano. A pesar de que lo he conocido por poco tiempo, siento que lo conozco toda mi vida,” Dr. Lopez dijo. Los maestros e estudiantes quienes lo conocieron también notaron el gozo emitido por los dos hermanos recien conociendose. “A Láz (Lopez) lo ha de haber beneficiado en que pudo conocer más sobre su familia, su historia, sus raices. Creo que fue un gran momento para los dos,” Rebecca Castro, maestra de español, dijo. Aunque se enseña sobre Cuba en las clases de español, no se sabe mucho de el país culturalmente por los problemas politicos. E. Lopez trabaja como conductor de autobús. Gana aproximadamente ochenta centavos estadounidences por trabajar ocho horas al día. Problemas politícos impiden el aprendisaje de Cuba en escuela.
Mikey Ciavarella Emenelio Lopez explica su vida en Cuba mientras los estudiantes de español atentamente escuchan y hacen preguntas. En Cuba, no venden refescos pero los tienen que hacer manualmente. También, el ingreso anual para cada trabajador en Cuba es aproximadamente veinte dolares estadounidences.
LEAP visita museo de arte
Maná regresa con drama y luz
Jes Martinez Staff Reporter Artista: Maná Album: Luz”
“Drama
Precio: Target
y
$12.08 en
Mejores 3 canciónes: “Vuela Libre Paloma”, “Llunvia al Corazón”, “Sor María” Valuación:
Jocelyn Torres LEAP, literatura en español AP, tomó su último y único paseo del año. Los estudiantes analizaron arte y lo compararon a las obras literarias que examinaron este año.
Karen Rodriguez Staff Reporter Chile exhumó los restos del ex presidente Salvador Allende en un intento por determinar si se suicidó o si fue asesinado en el golpe militar de 1973. Las autoridades esperan dirimir una controversia de décadas y establecer la verdad histórica del episodio que catapultó al poder al general Augusto
Pinochet Ugarte. La versión oficial de los acontecimientos contempla que Salvador Allende se suicidó con un rifle de asalto, mientras el palacio presidencial de La Moneda se encontraba bajo ataque aéreo y terrestre. Sin embargo, ni las balas ni el arma fueron recuperadas tras su muerte y los militares les impidieron a los familiares de Allende ver el cadáver del ex presidente. Autoridades mexicanas
incautaron lo que llamaron un “narco tanque” —un camión equipado con una armadura de acero que se cree era utilizado por algún cartel de drogas. El vehículo blindado de fabricación casera fue encontrado en una zona rural de Jalisco en el occidente de México, donde bandas de narcotraficantes han estado luchando entre ellas y contra las fuerzas de seguridad .
“Drama y Luz”, el nuevo disco de Maná que se publicó el 12 de abril, es el álbum número uno en el Latin Top 100 de Billboard. Sin embargo, cuando lo
escuché, me gustaron sólo 3 de las 12 canciones. Por lo general no escucho música en español, pero Maná es una banda que escucho de vez en cuando. La mayor parte de las canciones de este álbum tenian el ritmo lento, y contaban historias sobre el amor prohibido o la muerte. Mi canción favorita de todo el álbum fue “Vuela Libre Paloma”, “Te fuiste a un viaje a las estrellas, te fuiste al cielo mi amor...” La canción habla de la muerte de un amante, sin embargo, al principio, la canción no dice específicamente cual pérdida están de luto, así que es fácil de relacionar esta canción a cualquiera. Me gustó mucho por que las canciones no son algo más que el amor. Sentí que la canción fue inspiradora y elevadora al alma. Ayuda a los oyentes a recordar nuestras pérdidas y apreciar a la gente en nuestras vidas. “No te olvido paloma, me haces falta mi vida, algún día te veré...” La canción “Lluvia Al Corazón” es el número 2 en las 25 canciones principales. Me enamoré de las letras,
pero yo sentía que su voz era demasiada suave, y tampoco me gustó el ritmo de la música. “No más sufras, no mi bebé, eres la mariposa que vuela hacia el huracán ...” Las letras eran hermosas pero el ritmo y la música no fue de mi agrado. “Una mujer enamorada, decidida, pasma el aire, el universo y la razón.” La canción “Sor María” habla sobre una mujer, una monja, quien se enamora de el Padre de la Iglesia, son asesinados cuando se les encuentra cometiendo el pecado de tener una pareja. La canción es triste y demuestra como personas buenas cometen errores simplemente por sentir algo puro: el amor. El resto del álbum se compone de letras dulces, románticas e interesantes que influyen al oyente a pensar en el amor, la vida y la muerte. Yo no compraría el disco, simplemente porque sólo me gustan tres de las doce canciones. Y, a pesar de que no me gustaron todas las canciones, tengo que admitir que cada palabra, de cada canción fue increíblemente bien escrita.
9 A&E
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Reinhart visits hometown; Ford hosts fundraiser Jennie Alcantar Web Editor Even with low temperatures and gloomy skies, fans from all over the area came out to support Haley Reinhart, WHS ‘09 graduate and American Idol contestant, on May 14. Reinhart placed third overall.
‘This is my concert’
“I (came to the concert because I) wanted to support her,” Fatima Qazi, junior, said. “It was really cold, but it was worth it.” Reinhart held the concert at Arlington Racetrack where she performed for almost 30,000 fans that Saturday evening. She opened the night with her version of “Benny and the Jets,” a song she sang a few weeks prior on American Idol. “This is the first time I’ve been able to say ‘this is my concert right now,’” Reinhart said. After her first song, Reinhart invited Patti and Harry Reinhart, parents of H. Reinhart, and Angela Reinhart, sophomore and sister of H. Reinhart, to the stage with her. The four of them performed numerous songs together the rest of the night.
Her visit at Wheeling
Along with a concert, H. Reinhart made a midday appearance at WHS on May 14. There, she spoke to Brian Logan, band director, and invited him to the American Idol finale. H. Reinhart also greeted fans
in the gym; she thanked them for supporting her journey on American Idol. After her visit at her alma mater, she was treated to a motorcade to village hall. H. Reinhart rode with her family as well as the WHS marching band leading. They sang their version of “Hey Baby” entitled “Hey Haley.” WHS’s color guard held cutouts of H. Reinhart’s face as they marched. Judy Abruscato, Wheeling Village President, awarded H. Reinhart with a key to the city and announced May 14 as “Haley Reinhart Day.”
Drive One 4UR School
As part of H. Reinhart’s homecoming visit, Ford hosted a Drive One 4UR School event. Drive One 4UR School began in ‘07. The amount of money raised to date is $5.5 million. “She (Haley) picked to come here and picked Brian (Logan, band director, as her favorite teacher),” Ian Royston, producer for Ford-American Idol music videos, said. Drive One 4UR School helped raise money for the fine arts department at WHS. Their goal was to raise $10,000 by allowing people 18 and over to test drive a Ford vehicle. For every test drive, WHS received $20. Although WHS did not raise $10,000 in test drives alone, Ford decided to award the money to the school. Mr. Logan chose to evenly distribute it to the three music programs.
Top: Despite the rain, Haley Reinhart, WHS ‘09 graduate, Patti and Harry Reinhart, parents of H. Reinhart, and Angela Reinhart, sophomore and sister of H. Reinhart, perform at the Arlington Heights Racetrack on May 14. Right: H. Reinhart waves to her fans at WHS as she walks out of the car. Bottom Right: Michael Burke, English teacher, signs up to test drive a Ford vehicle at the Drive One 4UR School event held at WHS. Bottom Left: Samantha Bell-Brown, senior, and Andrew Jensen, junior, play in the marching band during H. Reinhart’s Homecoming parade.
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A&E 10
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Fall play ‘With Their Eyes’ reflects September 11 Kasia Suchojad Staff Reporter
Kasia Suchojad Naomi Carmeli-Shabtay, 8th grader from MacArthur Middle School, auditions for the fall play “With Their Eyes.” Auditions were held on May 17 and 18. “With Their Eyes” centers around the attack on the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. “(The play is a) good way to commemorate the tragedy,” Tegan Reschke, freshman, said.
Cheap activities make boring summers interesting make any boring summer day cheap and fun.
Picnic
Krista Sanford A&E Editor Summer can go two ways: fun or boring. I hate being bored during the summer, but I can never find something entertaining that won’t cost me my whole paycheck. After thinking about what costs little to no money that’s still fun, I made a list of some key things that can
Picnics in the park or picnics in a backyard serve as a great way to spend time with friends and eat yummy food. A sandwich and chips will cost less then $10 and spending time with friends is priceless.
Go to the park
Parks are a fun place to relive childhood memories. They provide a fun, free place to hang out all day. I can hang out at a park all day with friends and not spend a dime.
Have a sleepover Sleepovers
always
create great memories with friends. Just find a house, get a group of friends and then stay up all night having fun. Sleepovers also help control the amount of money spent. My friends and I always buy some snacks, but nothing over $10, while some people might buy lots of food. It all depends on the sleepover.
Working Out
Riding a bike around the neighborhood counts as working out; so does taking a walk. Even without a set workout schedule, people can get fit and have fun. Grap a group of friends and a bike and race each other down the block. Or walk around and look at the nature outside.
Upcoming movies for the summer
Dilsia Miranda Staff Photographer Now that summer’s here, the movie theater is a great place to relax with friends on summer nights. The following movies are only a few of the many movies debuting this summer.
Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part 2 Harry, Ron and Hermione are back at Hogwarts to destroy Voldemort on the big screen for the final installment to the Harry Potter series “Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part 2.” On July 15 most theaters and drive ins will probably be packed with fans ready to experience the epic finale. Transformers 3 What could be the final battle between the Autobots and Decepticons goes down July 1. Shia LeBeouf returns without Megan Fox for the third Transformers
movie, “Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon.” Rosie Huntington-Whiteley takes the place of Sam Witwicky’s love interest. It’ll be interesting to see how the switch of leading ladies turns out after two movies with the same couple. Apollo 18 “There’s a reason we’ve never gone back to the moon.” Apollo 18, out on July 26, is a movie about a cancelled mission to space. With no real actors, only unaltered footage of two men on the moon with something terrorizing them, “Apollo 18” is sure to be a suspenseful movie.
WHS’s next fall play is based on the summer reading book “With Their Eyes,” a retelling of the events of Sept. 11. The play includes one school day performance where students can come down to the theater with two shows at 7:30 p.m. the following Friday and Saturday. On Sept. 11, 2001, four planes redirected from their intended destinations toward major buildings; two hit the Twin Towers in New York City, one hit the Pentagon and one hit the rural plains of Pennsylvania after the passengers and crew allegedly attempted to fight off the hijackers that were meant to possibly attack the White House or the Capitol building. Firefighters, service workers and passengers of the plane died in the plane crash. “With Their Eyes”, written by Annie Thoms, chronicles the students of Stuyvesant High School, located four blocks from the site of the World Trade Center, as they express the impacts of the attacks. “It’s a real life account of the views of the attacks by students, adults and
teachers,” Orin Xavier, director and English and Fine Arts teacher, said. “It’s one of the fewest and strongest productions that were authentic and had multiple perspectives (of the attacks).” Out of the 12 students who auditioned on May 17 and 18, 10 made it for the 21 roles available. Some students will play their opposite gender, as more girls auditioned than boys. According to Mr. Xavier, each scene will contain monologues of an individual’s memory of the attack. “With Their Eyes” will be performed all day on Sept. 8, allowing students to experience the attacks through another point of view, and a 7:30 p.m. show on Sept. 9 and 10. “I didn’t put it on the actual anniversary, because I wanted people to actually see the play and then think about it, instead of just see the play,” Mr. Xavier said. Twelve students went to audition for the play from all grades, including Naomi Carmeli-Shabtay, 8th grader from MacArthur. “It’s a great way to meet people before I go to high school (and) it’s a great way to learn about the tragedy,” Carmeli-Shabtay said.
Miller’s new style creates conflicted opinions
Gaby Najera Associate Editor Mixtapes But My Mackin’ Aint Easy (2007) How High: The Mixtape (2008) The Jukebox: Prelude to Class Clown (2009) The High Life (2009) K.I.D.S. (2010) Best Day Ever (2011) Albums Best Day Ever: Dope Album (2011) EPs On and On and Beyond (March 29, 2011 Having listened to Mac Miller’s previous mixtapes, I was conflicted when I heard his single “Knock Knock” for the first time. I recognized his face right away when I turned on my TV and his music video was playing on MTV Hits. Although I was happy to see him reach such level of success, there was a major difference in beat in his music. Previous Mixtapes Filled with a mixture of
beats that keep the songs from sounding bland, Miller worked with other artists that kept his raps entertaining. Miller rapped about wanting more and working hard to get where he wanted to be. As a 17-year-old rapper, Miller was able to keep up with older rappers who had more experience in life. However, Miller was able to connect to his audience of teenagers due to his age. These mixtapes had a raw feeling to them, which gave them a feel of being real. Miller was a real artist that wasn’t manufactured by the standards of over played music. I n Progress I enjoy seeing the ch ange s in artists b e c au s e t h e progress o f t e n shows the artist maturing, leaving behind what they set out as an outline of themselves. Although Miller’s change does demonstrate how he has left behind that desire to reach the top, more recent music lacks that personality that fans began to love.
It seems like Miller decided to change his sound completely to attract a more mainstream fan base. I won’t deny that his songs like “Knock Knock” have grown on me. It must be that irresistible charm that Miller carries with him. I do praise Miller for continuing his career, but I hope once he reaches the fan base he wants, that he goes back to show a more personal side through his lyrics. An artist shouldn’t have to conform to singing/rapping about the typical themes in mainstream music to reach their maximum success. Recent Music With only a couple listens, it’s undeniable that Miller has true talent. His raps keep listeners moving to his rhythm. However, Miller can also be crossed off as an overrated rapper since his style of dressing and attitude blends in with the other rappers already wellknown. Miller has kept his ability to speak to the youth, at the age of 19. With lyrics “some crazy-a** kids come and knocked up on your door so/let ‘em in, let ‘em in, let ‘em in,” Miller demonstrates how teenagers are trying to fit into society by their own terms. Miller’s message in most of his songs have a reoccuring theme of enjoying one’s teenage moments.
11 Sports
Spokesman June 3, 2011
Keith, Zuba qualify, gain Jerbi, Spieza receive experience at state meet athletic scholarships Rosalie Chan News Editor At the varsity girls state track meet, Sydney Keith and Jessi Zuba, sophomores, competed for the 200 meter dash and discus, respectively, however neither qualified for finals. “I was disappointed, but I’m also a sophomore, so I’ll do a lot better next year,” Keith said. “I got to see a lot of good competition.” Keith ran 26.57 seconds in the 200 meter dash. Zuba threw the discus 89 feet. “They didn’t perform to what they wanted to. It was a great experience for them though,” Michael Theodosakis, varsity girls track coach, said. “It’s exciting to see them out there in Wheeling uniforms and attacking the track and field.” According to Coach Theodosakis, Keith and Zuba placed within the Top 30 in 3A. “I didn’t perform as well as I hoped, but
I was just happy to go down there,” Zuba said. “It was really nerve-racking. There were a lot of really good throwers.” For Coach Theodosakis, other highlights of the season include the team breaking indoor school records, placing second in the indoor invite and Eva Poznanski, sophomore, becoming conference champion in the high jump. “There were strong performances in each meet, but they didn’t have it all come together at the same time. They’ll be stronger next year,” Coach Theodosakis said. Zuba said that her highlight of the season took place at Sectionals when she threw 106 feet, 9 inches and placed second, which qualified her for State. According to Zuba, she improved by about 11 feet from last year with this personal best. Next year, Keith hopes to make more personal records and make State again. “I feel like it (the season) was good. I’m very confident in the next season that comes up,” Keith said.
Ultimate frisbee team takes third in tournament Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief The Wildcat ultimate frisbee team finished its season with a third place finish in the May 22 tournament. Prior to that tournament, the team was undefeated. “It was surprising (to be undefeated), but we felt we had a pretty athletic team and we had good stamina
because of the swimmers on the team,” Peter Durbin, senior, said. Chris Schwarz, Scott Lunardini and Andy Eiter, seniors, organized the team, which played in Ultimate Chicago’s league. “We talked to a lot of people, figured out who we wanted on the team and who wanted to be on the team,” Schwarz said. Mostly seniors composed the team. Ben
Reiff and Jimmy Williams, juniors, also took part. Due to most of the team graduating, WHS may not have a team next year. The team may not re-enter the league next year, since it is not a high school league. “I hope Ben and Jimmy try to continue it. We did it all on our own,” Schwarz said. “When you have high school kids putting things together for other high school kids, it’s difficult.”
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Betsy Jerbi, senior
Anthony Spieza, senior Photos by Lair
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief Kristina Piamonte Staff Photographer Betsy Jerbi and Anthony Spieza, seniors, received $1,000 athletic scholarships for their participation in WHS sports. Spur Club sponsors the
scholarship each year. Jerbi acted as a student trainer and participated in bowling, track and badminton. Spieza took part in golf and baseball. “They were all good candidates. They were deserving based on overall contributions and character,” Dr. Steve May, assistant principal of student activities, said.
Jerbi and Spieza learned about the scholarships at the senior scholarship breakfast on June 2. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must fill out an application. A committee made up of Dr. May, the athletic directors, one girls coach and one boys coach decide who receives the scholarships.
whs
S PORTS
Upcoming Events Summer Sports Camps
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Volume 47 Issue #9 June 3, 2011
Spring sports result in mixed outcomes Ask the athletes
How do you feel you/your team did this season? Girls Track
“I didn’t throw as well as I had hoped, but I’m looking forward to next season and being where I left off.” Jessie Zuba, sophomore, said.
Baseball
Boys Track
“The season was going good ‘til the end, but we didn’t really care about winning; it (track and field) was just about getting better. I ended up surprising a lot in long jump and hopefully I can make State next year.” Chad Mikosz, sophomore, said.
Girls Track: MLS Conference Meet 10th place of 12 IHSA Sectional Meet 14th place of 17
Softball
We got close during this season, I think next year when we have a majority of juniors on the team we’ll grow.” Sara Kern, sophomore, said.
Boys Tennis
Boys Track:
Overall Record: outdoor 2-4 Finished 10th out of 12 at Conference
Softball:
Overall Record: 7-20 Made it through the first round of playoffs.
Boys Tennis:
Placed fourth out of 9 in Sectionals “I thought I started to hit the ball at the end of the season a lot better than in the beginning; I wish we won more games though.” Tyler Shapiro, senior, said.
Girls Water Polo
Baseball: Overall record: 5-20 Boys Water Polo: overall record: 15-8 Girls Water Polo: Overall Record: 4-12 Placed second in MLS east division
“Seeing a large amount of the team pass the first part of Sectionals and seeing how great we played (was the most memorable part of tennis).” Oscar Irazoque, freshman, said.
Boys Water Polo
Badminton:
Hannah Park, senior, qualified for State
Girls Soccer:
Overall Record: 2-14-1
Boys Volleyball: “At the beginning it (the season) was hard to get into my rhythm again since I was in bowling while the other girls were in swimming and training for water polo.” Gaby Fuentes, senior, said.
Badminton
“I learned to work harder and be optimistic and have a little luck with you when you go to State.” Hannah Park, senior, said.
Overall Record: 17-16 Placed fourth in MSL east Photos by Lair, Jessica Livingston and Mikey Ciavarella Design by Jess Musto Information collected by Jess Musto, Kristina Piamonte and Daniel Brount
Girls Soccer
“Even though we didn’t win all the games, we worked pretty hard and always tried our best.” Ana Karen Hernandez, junior, said.
“We had our best record in WHS history; we were the number five seed in MLS, it was the first time Wheeling Water Polo won east division.” Ben Reiff, junior, said.
Boys Volleyball
“Being able to play with varsity and compete with teams that we lost in the past, but won this year.” Marc Gonzalez, junior, said.