Volume 50 Issue 3
Wheeling High School
900 S. Elmhurst Rd.
Wheeling, Ill. 60090
November 22, 2013
Katie Tychynska
Co Editor-in-Chief
Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, introduces himself to Nick Gross and Venessa Reyes, seniors. Gross and Reyes both participated in panel about nanotechnology with Secretary Duncan.
With the opening of the new nanotechnology lab, Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn visited WHS to tour the lab and participate in a panel about the importance of nanotechnology and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. “We are on the forefront of what schools are possibly going to be doing,” Kathy Konyar, science teacher, said. “The expectation of the lab is that we’re going to move forward and continue to change based on skills and experiences students need. We’re an example of what forward motion can be.” Ms. Konyar, along with seniors Ashley Sicard, Nicholas Gross, Haley Singer, Venessa Reyes and Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Associate Superintendent for teaching and learning, participated in the panel with Secretary Duncan. With Dr. Lopez moderating, both Secretary Duncan and the students had the chance to share their thoughts on nanotechnology and STEM. “The panel was fantastic, since it offered me such an amazing opportunity,” Gross said. “It was just an unbelievable experience that no one else may ever have.” According to Ms. Konyar, nanotechnology and STEM impact all students, no matter
what career path they choose. “Everyone needs to know something about it. What is most important is that everyone watching and listening to (the presentation) understands how important knowledge of STEM and having these skills is,” Ms. Konyar said. During the presentation, Secretary Duncan addressed the national implications WHS’s lab will have. “To see the kinds of opportunities these students and others of you have is amazing,” Secretary Duncan said during the panel. “It’s a chance for me to take this back to Washington and figure out how we can help and try to scale what’s actually working.” Gross believes that while the lab will nationally impact STEM education programs in hte future, Secretary Duncan’s visit will help advance WHS’s repuation now. “Secretary Duncan coming raises awareness on what special opportunities we have at Wheeling,” Gross said. “I believe that Wheeling began the climb to greatness when we became a STEM focused school, and Secretary Duncan’s visit adds a huge positive reputation boost to what other schools and the communities think of our school.” The nanotechnology class is currently only open to seniors. Students in the class have the opportunity to work with industry lab equipement and gain experience in science on the nanoscale.w
Jean Pabon
Kelly McKewin
Jean Pabon
Arne Duncan visits WHS, tours nanotechnology lab
Top: Tim Shover and Stephanie Maglaris, seniors, talk to Dr. Lopez and Governor Quinn about the nanotechnology class. Bottom: Ms. Konyar responds to a question about STEM education.
Christie Ambrose
Fine arts students impact STEM education during Duncan visit
Chelsea Manago
allowed Wheeling’s fine arts department to shine as well. Kelly McKewin, sophoStaff Reporter more, had the duty of broadOn Oct. 24, 2013, Seccasting the nanotechnology retary of Education, Arne panel event. Duncan, visited WHS to “You hear a lot of kids in tour the new nanotechnolthe school that say if you’re ogy lab. Though his visit not in an engineering class was focused on showcasing or a science class then STEM WHS’s advancement toward isn’t relevant or it’s boring,” the integration of Science, McKewin said. “But I think Technology, Engineering and [broadcasting] shows that Math (STEM) education, the everyone plays a role in it. inclusion of students in debate, Everyone is influenced by the yearbook and broadcasting STEM programs.”
Students in debate had the opportunity to ask questions to the members of the panel about the benefits of of STEM and its effect on the community. “It was nice to be involved since we have been a part of changing the school’s image from negative to positive throughout the years,” Polly Draganova, senior, said. While the event helped advance the STEM program, it also helped fine arts students gain real life experience.
Christie Ambrose, sophomore, was at the event taking photos for yearbook. She had the chance to follow Duncan around with the press. “We were treated like pros: we could go wherever we needed to, we were interviewed by a press lady and treated with respect from the other professionals,” Ambrose said. “I found out what it was really like--getting pushed around by other photographers in the hot sticky room, having to push to get the angle you need.”
Jean Pabon
Top: Mike Onyszczak, senior, and Courtney Kalash, junior, listen to the nanotechnology panel as they prepare to ask Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, questions about his opinion of nanotechnology. Both Onyszczak and Kalash are members of the debate team, which was given the opportunity to ask the panel questions. Right: Christie Ambrose, sophomore, practices taking photos for yearbook. Ambrose took photos throughout the day while Secretary Duncan toured the lab and spoke on the panel.
Read more about the students that participated in the nanotechnology panel with Arne Duncan on page 4
special education teacher, started the program here Asst. La Voz Editor at WHS last year. “(FUSE) started with (Ms. Canady) last year, Following last years pilot run, FUSE, a hands- she is currently on maon exploration program, ternity leave, so I stepped in to help out this year” continues to expand. Kent Dyer, art teacher, FUSE is an after-school activity in which students said. The program was can explore their Science, developed by a team of Technology, EngineerNorthwestern University ing and Math (STEM) interests. Throughout the professors. The team’s goal year, those in FUSE have was to create a program that appealed to high the opportunity to perschool students, while still form various challenges, each with different levels incorporating math and of difficulty. There are 11 science concepts. One of the founders challenges, including 3-D printing, robotics, design, includes Lauren Penny, a Northwestern gradubiotechnology and Anate who has been helping droid app development. with the program here at Rebecca Canady,
Aide Hernandez
Jean Pabon
news 2
FUSE program continues into second year News
Brian Rogers, freshman, works on a computer during an after school FUSE meeting. “It’s always fun. We’ve done
3-D printing, lego robots and apps. I definitely plan on doing it for the next three years,” Rogers said.
WHS. “I’ve been coming in and observing and changing the design based off the feedback I receive from the kids,” Penny said. Despite FUSE’s focus on the use of STEM, everyone is sure to find something they enjoy. “It’s a very open, calm and friendly environment. It allows us to be creative,” Brian Rogers, freshman, said. FUSE is open to all and is flexible, meaning participants are not required to attend every week. FUSE meets every Tuesday in room 174, and includes STEM activities for all levels, so no prior experience is needed.
Student council holds annual food drive Staff Reporter “We found dressing from 1996!” Natalia Arriaga, a junior helping out with the annual canned food drive said. It was an amusing moment in the grueling task volunteers participated in. All help was appreciated by student council members on Monday Nov. 18, where checking dates and sorting cans was the main goal of the group. Students diligently checked the dates and sorted hundreds of cans, but admitted it was well worth their time since it was for a good cause. The food drive is run annually by student council every fall, where their
goal is to gather enough food to feed 100 families. The canned food drive impacts the community directly, helping students and their families in need. “All the food goes toward Wheeling High School so it could be helping someone in your class,” Sandra Chico, student council adviser, said. According to Ms. Chico, there is a year-round need for food, but it reaches a strain around the holidays, where winters hit food pantries hard and some people struggle so provide for their family. That’s when the food drive comes to the rescue. Teams are assembled by students and proceed to split up the Wheeling area, distributing flyers to
later collect food. Awareness makes the canned food drive successful each year, since the more people knowing means more cans can be collected to help those in need. However, according to Ms. Chico, the numbers were not met as expected this year, which means some families might not get the food they need. “What one does may not seem like a lot but if everyone contributed two or three cans, it could mean a lot,” Ms. Chico said. A little goes a long way, and participation could make the difference on someone’s kitchen table this holiday. And that’s what it’s all about, helping Abbey Egger, sophomore, tapes a box of food that was collected by students closed. Student council worked to sort and those close to home. Jean Pabon
Karina Pina
pack all food collected for the food drive on Tuesday Nov. 19.
Students and staff send cards to overseas troops Katia Bryhadyr
is just an affirmation that we appreciate the fact that Forum Editor they are there,” Mr. Morse said. It will also impact While most of WHS the students since they students will spend their get time to think there is holidays home with someone far away from their families, troops in their families. Afghanistan won’t. “We will make a dif“During the holidays it’s ference,” Abel Rendon, usually a lonely time for senior, said. “The soldiers people serving overseas should not be forgotten away from their families and this is a gesture that and this is a nice thing shows students remember.” that we can do to make Last time them feel cards were better,” Jeff made and Morse, sent out Senior Naval to troops Science Inwas two structor for years ago NJROTC, and this said. For soldiers, I year is the A lot of hope it is just an first year organizaaffirmation that we teachers tions are doare taking ing the cards appreciate the part in the for troops fact that they are event. and this year there.” Mr. a company Morse contacted Jeff Morse believes the school saying Senior Naval Science that while they have Instructor for NJROTC WHS would love 600 cards to make required and cards for they were in troops more need of people to make often, he hopes not many them. Teachers got an email asking them to help cards will be needed in the out with making the cards. future. In 2014, troops are Many WHS teachers vol- supposed to be pulled out unteered to sign the cards of Afghanistan to come and talk to students about home. If there are less it. Now more than 1,000 people overseas, less cards cards are signed and being need to be made for the soldiers. sent out to the troops so “Hopefully things will holidays can be less lonely get better overseas,” Mr. for them. “For soldiers I hope it Morse said.
November 22, 2013
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Flash
The variety show will be held in the theater on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Auditions for the winter play, Harvey, will be held on Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26. There will be an early dismissal at 1:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. There will be no school on Thursday, Nov. 28 or Friday, Nov. 29 in observance of Thanksgiving. Orchesis will be hosting a children’s workshop at 2 p.m. and later perform a dance on Saturday, Dec. 7. Wheeling band will be perfoming in the Holiday Extravaganza on Thursday, Dec. 12. Scholastic Bowl will take part in their pre-season tournament at Elk Grove High School on Saturday, Dec. 14. Debate will participate in their next tournament on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Lyons Township High School. Jazz Band 1 is performing at McCormick place for the Midwest Band Clinic on Thursday Dec. 19. The next issue of Spokesman will come out on Friday, Dec. 20. To submit story ideas, email John Uhrik at john.uhrik@ d214.org. Send in stories of everyday heros to Angela Ginnan in the main office or by emailing her at angela.ginnan@ d214.org.
3 arts
Rozmus creates portfolio of her portrait paintings Amy Diaz-Hablich Staff Reporter Since Freshman year, Michaela Rozmus, senior, has been involved in several art classes and every year she has taken an art independent study. Rozmus has grown as an artist using various types of techniques and is currently working with mix media, which consists of water colors, pen/ ink, hard pencil and charcoal. Her passion for art is shown through her artwork and dedication to the art program. Rozmus has showed leadership qualities throughout her years in the art program and that is why she has been chosen as Spokesman’s Artist of the Month. “She has been committed to the program for several years, she’s always been consistent with her work, and always goes the extra mile,” Rebeccah Silver, art teacher, said. Rozmus has been involved in Art 1, Intermediate Art and is currently taking AP Studio Art working on her portfolio. On Nov. 4-14, the art classes had an art show at Harper Community College, and Rozmus came in to help set up the show. “The initiative to do it all on her own is incredible, that’s the extra kind of commitment that we appreciate,” Ms. Silver said. AP Studio Art allows students to receive college credit like any other AP class. “Many students don’t realize that we provide an AP Studio Art class where students can receive college credit. Many students are always surprised when I tell them that,” Ms. Silver said. Being part of AP Studio Art has allowed Rozmus to create her own portfolio which
is strongly concentrated with using portraiture paintings. Portraiture paintings allow the artist to paint through their artistic interpretation of the object or image. “I enjoy working with color pencils and if I have time I like working with paint. Right now my concentration is going to end up being something along the lines of the women’s role in society,” Rozmus said. “My concentration also consists of using black and white portraits on watercolor backgrounds.” Rozmus has always enjoyed drawing, but it wasn’t until middle school where she became more interested. Towards the end of her eighth grade year she worked on various art projects that allowed her to discover her true passion. She has been inspired by the artwork of Agnes-Cecil, and Carne Griffiths who are both known for working with abstract colors and details. Jonathan Enriquez, senior, describes her art work as different and modern. “It’s out of the ordinary but it’s good! It’s nothing I’ve ever seen before, she should...continue with it. Honestly her work has such a creative outlook, it’s as almost as if it were something you would see at an art gallery,” said Enriquez. As Rozmus continues her senior year, she will continue to work on her art and finish her portfolio. She also plans to continue working on her art; maybe a possible art major, as she moves on to college next year.
One of Rozmus’ drawings.
Grammy winning trumpeter visits WHS Erica Johnson Staff Reporter
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the music department was treated to a clinic presented by Western Illinois University (WIU) featuring Bobby Shew, a world renowned trumpet player and Grammy award nominee winner. The clinic lasted over two class periods, carrying itself past 5th, 6th and into the beginning of 7th period. WIU first listened to Wheelings Jazz Band 1 perform their staple songs, ‘Eternal Triangle,’ and ‘Dedication.’ The plan was that after they did this, WIU and Shew would give them advice on the performance. Instead, Shew gave a speech on what music means to him. Ronald Roth, senior and four year member of both Jazz Band, Marching Band and the Symphony Band, expressed his opinion on the speech.
“[Shew] talked about how music is negatively affected by competition. Shew’s speech was so inspirational, and got all of us thinking about what music should really be about,” Roth said. Following Shew’s expression, WIU’s Jazz Band played for the packed theater of Band, Orchestra, and Choir members and Wheeling’s principal Angela Sisi. Dr. John Cooper, WIU band director, had the band play one of Coopers original songs. “The sole performance was compelling and beautiful! It was a latin styled piece that had everyone tapping their toes. His speech was compelling and was what music is really about,” Maryssa Peterson, senior and choir member said.
Karina Pina
‘Dearly Departed’ premeires at WHS
Maggie Monaxious and Marco Mazzetta, junior, played Suzanne and Junior in the fall play.
The production dives headfirst into the chaos of a dysfunctional Staff Reporter family and their unruly funeral plans. Along the way they encounter mulLasting roughly around 2 hours, tiple problems ranging from returning this years Fall Play “Dearly Departed” memories of an awful abortion to by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones was a violent wrestle between brothers. a hit to those who attended. Personality’s clash over the simplest of “It’s a southern comedy about tasks and hilarity ensues when complanning a funeral during the ‘90s and promises are attempted to be met. The all the things that could go wrong,” variation of characters is what makes said, Breton Spiller, junior, who took the production memorable. on the role of Raynelle. “I liked the loud lady and her lazy With the help of the director Orin son.” Annelhy Piña, an 8 year old Xavier and the tech crew, all three who attended the play, said. shows were a success. Laughs filled the A full 15-member rehearsed day Sang Theater as lines were performed after day in order to put on a perfect effortlessly, even though nerves were performance. high strung for certain members of “There’s a final dress rehearsal put the cast. Some more than others since on for teachers and others who want it would be their first appearance on to see,” Leo Walker, freshman said. stage, such as Verna Hamilton who The production took to stage on described her character as “just the Nov. 14-16. daughter of the widow.” But to others The last moment of continuous it was just another production under applause and smiling cast was one to their belt being that nine out of 15 remember, both for those in the play cast members belong to the Internaand the audience. tional Thespian Society.
Karina Pina
November 22, 2013
Paige McCoy Co-Feature Editor A panel led by former principal Dr. Lazaro Lopez discussed WHS’s new nanotechnology lab. Four students-Nicholas Gross, Ashley Sicard, Venessa Reyes, and Haley Singer, seniors--were chosen to appear on the panel. They spoke alongside Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Participants were selected based on certain qualities, including: their participation in rigorous classes, how outgoing they are and the ability to interact well with the audience. Gross believes that nano will positively affect his future. The class gives him something that no one else has to put on his college transcript. “This nano class will give me a great class to put on my transcript for college and also the fact that I will be able to use this class to a job in the nano field in any industry just by displaying the fact that I have had prior college experience on these microscopes and will look better on a job application rather than a person who either only did it in college or needs to be trained in the use of the microscope. I had an instance where Chinese principals from different schools in China came into the lab to look at the machines and asked students such as myself questions about what we where looking at,” Gross said. Reyes, who was motivated to take nanotechnology because of her teachers, thinks that nano is where the future lies. She discovered that she liked science
Katie Tychynska
feature 4
Students attend panel about nanotechnology
Lazaro Lopez, former WHS principal and current district 214 associate superintendent, Haley Singer, senior, Ashley Sicard, senior, Kathy Konyar, science teacher, Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, Venessa Reyes, senior, and Nicholas Gross, senior, attend the nano panel.
when she took physics. Besides being in the nano class, Reyes has taken AP Calculus and accelerated math courses. Even if a students interest is not in nanotech, things like working with the machines and doing research projects allows students to get out there and learn about the science community. Being able to expose students to STEM education will motivate and prepare them,” Reyes said.
Singer’s prediction is that nano will help WHS in growing. “It will really benefit the reputation of WHS. The stigma of students here and what people thought in the past is really changing with the publicity. It can only benefit our education system by implementing it,” Singer said. Sicard wants be become a neonatal respiratory doctor, which is a doctor that works with newborns. The STEM
courses helped Sicard determine what to become. She believes that the nano class helps people decide what they want to become. “Science is part of the field I want to do. (In the nano class, we) look at things at the nanoscale. You can use nano to detect cancer. It’s really cool and it’s relative to a lot of jobs in the future” Sicard said.
Spokesman and Lair travel to Boston for JEA Conference Honorable Mention for Feature Writing; and Jaron Urban, junior, received an Excellent rating for Yearbook Copy/Caption: Academics. Aside from educational experiences, students had the opportunity to venture off and explore the city. Considering how packed the elevators were, getting to their rooms was not an option anyway. The streets were reminiscent of early America with small businesses, architecture, parks, and different coffee shops that all have the same name. As the 50th anniversary of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s assassination approaches, walking through the streets also indicated his significance in the city where he was born.
Patricia Makris
each session as students took notes and participated in discussions. Staff Reporter Other presenters shared personal stories including Mary Beth Tinker, sharFrom Nov. 14 through 17, meming her experiences with the infamous bers of Wheeling’s Spokesman and Liar, black arm band she wore to protest the accompanied by John Uhrik, Spokesman Vietnam War. advisor, and Sandra Gruen, yearbook Students also competed in write adviser, attended the annual JEA Confer- off competitions Friday evening. Over ence held in Boston, Massachusetts. 2,000 participants attended the JEA Members of both parties attend Conference, but only 859 students were numerous sessions throughout Friday recognized for their writing, design work, and Saturday. Each session was directed broadcasting and photos. Wheeling was at different areas of journalism or media. well represented for the competition as Writers for the Boston Globe, teachers Kelly McKewin, sophomore, received a from across the country, Emmy Award Superior rating for Newswriting; Erika Winners and other professionals taught Pogorzelska, sophomore, received an
In terms of public transportation, trains moved quickly and doors shut rapidly. Even though it was the first trip for current Spokesman and Liar members, the overall trip was a success. Both groups were able to bond with their advisers and build a stronger connection within their respective publications. Academic clubs should consider pursuing more travel based experiences in order to broaden the learning experience. In the future, Spokesman hopes to continue their success within the JEA Conference in other states across the country.
Jean Pabon
Patricia Makris
Mr. Uhrik looks at a map of Boston, trying to navigate Spokesman members to a place to eat and back to the hotel.
Spokesman members gather for a group photo at the park. From left to right: Erika Pogorzelska, Patricia Makris, Jean Pabon, Chris Nush, Rossy Peralta, Erica Johnson, Amy Diaz-Hablich, Kelly McKewin.
Jean Pabon
John Uhrik
November 22, 2013
Publications members attempt to kill time as the flight back to O’Hare Airport was delayed from weather.
Annalisa Baranowski and Paige McCoy, yearbook members, bond over games.
Social media allows students to express themselves like never before to the negativity surrounding a medium that is heavily integrated into teen’s lives. staff reporter Despite the negativity, some social media outlets still manage to bring something As more social media outlets pop up new to the table. Some of the most and become increasingly popular, some popular mediums have provided people of the same arguments may reappear. with ways to share their creativity and While they may be very informative and personality. sometimes a necessary reminder, the Vine, an app where users share same old arguments about privacy, cyber 6-second videos, has managed to take the bullying, or being antisocial contribute world by storm. The popular user gener-
ated content can vary from small clips of cats to funny skits. What makes this app unique and an incredible contributor to a positive outlook on social media is that the amount of creativity displayed in many of the 6-second skits. With more teens ditching Facebook for Twitter, we are now reaching a new level of connectedness. Rather than just answering, “What’s on your mind?” Twitter provides a platform for users to feel
free enough to update more frequently about anything, allowing personalities to shine. With our generation’s obsession with social media, its influence may not die out for some time. Thus letting issues like cyber bullying and privacy are bound to come up once and again. A negative outlook on something doing great things.
Social Norms campaign changes students’ views majority of students at WHS do not drink, do drugs, or smoke. These percentages were taken and made into posters that were posted throughout the school. The perception of teenagers usually conStudents share their opinion on the posttain stereotypes such as “Every high schooler ers. drinks or does drugs”. In movies “When I first saw the like Project X, teens know how poster, I remembered the to throw huge parties that insurvey we took last year and volve setting the house on fire. figured that’s what the results In reality, the perception of a were about.” Paul Wagner, typical teenager is distorted. sophomore, said. “The results Many teens don’t drink, do were kind of shocking, but I drugs, and party every night. don’t expect any school to be The goal of the social The Social Norms cam100 percent drug free.” paign is a program to positiveTiffany Nop, sophonorms campaign is to ly impact students based on more, thought the posters teach students about research of the student body. were a bit confusing. what typical behaviors This campaign was started by “At first I couldn’t tell of teenagers are in the Link Together Coalition, if the posters were supposed comparison to what a teen drug and alcohol use to be taken in a good or bad the perceptions are” prevention program consisting way” Nop said. “But it did of adult representatives in the change my opinion on the community. These adults want Angela Sisi school seeing these statistics.” to promote positive choice Angela Sisi, principal, principal for the youth, families, and describes what the goal of the overall, the community. Social Norms campaign at The Social Norms WHS is. campaign is now in effect at WHS. Last year, “(We’re) hoping to lessen the peer presstudents were given a blind survey with ques- sure on students, and change the perception tions regarding to students ever doing drugs, of ‘everyone does this’” Ms. Sisi said. “When drinking alcohol, and knowing friends or students think ‘Well everyone does it’, in realfamily members that drink or do drugs. These ity, they don’t. The reality is much different results were totaled up and the end results from what the typical perception is.” One of the posters for the Social Norms campaign show the results of a survey were good. The survey results show that the taken in the spring of last school year, saying a majority of students do not drink.
Erika Pogorzelska co-feature editor
5 feature
Chelsea Manago
Jean Pabon
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Everyday custodians work with a positive attitude Erika Pogorzelska co-feature editor
Michael Henry, another custodian, has been working at WHS for 16 years. They’re the first ones in the buildHe also talks about changes he has seen ings and the last ones out. They help set at the school during his time working up for school’s pops concert in the gym, here. then make sure by the next morning it “The fieldhouse was a big change. looks like nothing ever happened. They It looks so much better. I like it” Mr. are the oil to WHS, keeping the building Henry said. “I can’t wait to see what running smoothly and looking spick and improvement WHS will have next.” span. That’s right, they are the custodiMr. Sacco, Mr. Henry, and Javier ans. Guzman, a custodian for nine years, all Dan Sacco, one of the custodians, describe their daily routines. has been working at WHS for 19 years. “My job consists of doing a lot of He’s seen many of the changes WHS has things” Mr. Sacco said. “I work in the gone through. cafeteria, the kitchen, and the teacher’s “The catty shack moved and it’s a lounge. I also handle deliveries somelot larger than the old one. The nanotimes.” technology lab was also a large change” “It depends on what’s going on” Mr. Mr. Sacco said. Henry said. “Depends on what’s going
on, what day it is, and what we have to do.” Mr. Guzman cleans in the math hallway, fixes things throughout the school, and is typically the one to unlock doors for students to get to their lockers. “It’s what we’re here for, for you guys” Mr. Guzman said. The custodians view students at WHS with such a positive outlook. “The most important task in my job is to provide a clean establishment for you kids to work in.” Mr. Sacco said. “You kids are the future and I love seeing students succeed.” “My kids graduated from here” Mr. Guzman said. “I still remember their classrooms, and working here makes me think of when I was in school. I
like working here and taking care of the kids.” “The students are great here” Mr. Henry said. “I’ve seen a lot of the soccer games here. It was exciting to watch, and see more and more fans show up.” The custodial staff at WHS consists of some of the most humble people in the building. They know the ins and outs of the buildings, and they see the best in the students. “I’ve had some kids come back and visit every once in awhile” Mr. Sacco said. “It was a pleasure watching them graduate, them smiling on that stage, it was only the beginning of their journey. Every student should always follow their dream and go as far as they can in school. It’s worth it.”
Joe’s Pizza, classic pizzaria sticks to its roots
Jean Pabon
A then and now of Joe’s menus, many aspects of it staying the same.
November 22, 2013
A tasty throwback: Above is a Joe’s Pizza ad from one of Spokesman’s first issues in 1966. Below is a currnt ad for Joe’s Pizza.
for over 30 years. Greg’s father, Ron, and his partner are the founders of Joe’s. Since Joe’s opened, the pizzeria has Nowadays, this fast paced society leaves prospered. most people sitting in the drive-thru line for “Our business has grown greatly,” Greg their grab ‘n’ go meals. Joe’s Pizza manages to said. “We opened another location in Paletine keep their authentic pizzeria vibe. At Joe’s, one in 2008. Our wives, Nicole and Ellen, help could experience an essence lost in the fast run the restaurant.” food franchise. The consumers and the emRunning a family owned business for ployees connect more so than at a drive-thru, such a long time has been a fun experience for where workers and cooks at Joe’s know regular Greg. customers by name. One ordering pizza on “I still enjoy working here. Business has a Sunday night may not realize that they are been good for us. We get to meet a lot of new being served by one of the owners, Greg. people, but we also have regular customers Joe’s Pizza is a is a family owned restau- that we have gotten to know better.” Greg rant that has been open since 1966. Greg and said. his partner, Rick, have been working at Joe’s
Jean Pabon
Jean Pabon
Erika Pogorzelska co-feature editor
focus 6
Reducing the carbon pawprint at WHS paperboard boxes. The recyclables should be rinsed free of food and the lids should be off. Forum Editor However, it is okay to leave plastic caps Wheeling High School helps the on containers. Light bulbs, soiled paper environment by recycling paper, alumi- fibers like oily pizza boxes or paper num and plastic. napkins, and recycle batteries should not “Our responsibilities are to be placed in blue bins. Do not include separate the recycling material,” Angela styrofoam, wood, and plastics bags Ginnan, associate principal, said. into the recycling bins. Do not recycle Students and teachers can throw electronics. away any recycling material into special The custodians then collect the blue bins that are found recycling material and Groot, everywhere around the the waste management school. The bins are company that handles blue so they could be WHS’s recycling program, told apart from other helps with the equipment garbage cans. There needed for recycling and are dozens of blue bins helps find a good spot to throughout the schools where the trucks can come I make every effort and pick up the recycling in every classroom, hallways, and the cafeteria. within my art class material. The recycling Students can throw any process takes place everyto conserve and recycling material in day and the more student reduce excess those bins. separate the recycling There are many material the better. materials. I even things that can be Different people contacted Mr. recycled. Paper can be have different roles in Lichtenberger glossy or non-glossy the recycling process. about having my magazines, junk mail, Students help by separatand paperboards. Cereal ing recyclable material and art students creboxes, brown paper bags, ate more visually custodians help by taking and office or school it out. engaging signs paper that is not in need “Once or twice a week anymore can be recycled. (about recycling).” I empty the recycling bins Anything plastic that has in the cafeteria,” Dan the recycling symbol on Kent Dyer Sacco, first shift custodian, like any plastic beverArt Teacher said. age or food container, Custodians that clean shampoo, and yogurt out the classroom blue cups. Aluminum cans, steel bins everyday complain or tin cans can also be recycled in the about the lack of recycling among the blue bins. Only glass bottles and jars students and staff. can be recycled. Only brown, green and “We never get a lot,” Michael clear glass can be recycled. The recycling Henry, custodian, said. Some blue bins material can be put in paper bags how- might have one or two papers in them ever it should not be put in plastic bags. while most do not have anything in The material may be mixed together in them at all. the blue bin. Flatten all cardboard and
Recycling bins at Wheeling boast proof that, yes, we do recycle and make efforts every day to make our world a cleaner, safer place.
Jean Pabon
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Jean Pabon
Katia Bryhadyr
A classroom recycling bin contains old newspapers and advertisments, which will later be collected by Groot and recycled alongside other recyclable materials.
Eco-friendly fountains continue success Katie Chong
Bottled water can cost anywhere from 240 to 10,000 times more than tap water. The Average american drinks up to 30 gallons of bottled water every year. Disposable bottle production uses up to 17 million barrels of oil [er year, enough to fuel 1.3 Million cars. The energy used during the production of plastic water bottles could power 190,000 homes.
Infographic by Katie Chong and Megan Provost
November 22, 2013
Out of the 50 billion bottles of water bought each year, only about 20% are actually recycled. Our water fountains have recently saved nearly 200,000 Plastic bottles from being thrown in landfills.
Staff Reporter Last year eco-friendly water fountains were implemented around school. Staff members and students agree that WHS should invest in more. “I would love to see all of our drinking fountains converted to bottle-friendly fountains. Everytime I go past one of the fountains the number of ‘bottles filled’ is a really impressive number,” Kathy Konyar, biology teacher, said. In fact, since being installed, nearly 200,000 bottles of water were saved. Not only are water bottle fountains environmentally friendly, but they benefit students and their health. Students seem to prefer eco-friendly water fountains over traditional ones. “It’s easier to fill bottles up and the water taste better,” Ana Uriostegui, junior, said. Eco-friendly fountains do not require students to tilt their water bottles. Because students do not have to put their mouths where other students have put theirs, it reduces the spread of germs between students. “As budget allows, we will probably invest in more,” said Brian Lichtenberger, Director of Buildings and Grounds, said. Although it is evident that students and teachers approve and appreciate the eco-friendly water fountains, there is always room for improvement. “We especially need more in the English hallway!” Abbey Mae Egger, sophomore said.
As of now these water fountains are only in place in the math wing, the foyer and athletic wings. Students believe that Wheeling High School needs more.
The new fountains installed last year have a motion sensor-activated spout that allows students to refill their reusable bottles rather than purchasing more disposable ones, cutting back on plastic bottle waste and promoting drinking more water, keeping our students healthy and hydrated.
Walking the halls at Wheeling High School, one is sure to come across one of the many recycling or waste bins stationed around the building. With such easy access and constant opportunity to do our part in saving the world for not only ourselves but also for future generations, one would assume that WHS students and staff are doing everything in their power to ensure that they are doing their small part to make the world a better place. Well, one would be wrong.
world for us in the years to come. Global warming, as foreign and far-out of a concept as it may seem, is a very real and very serious issue to everyone living on this planet, us included. Just because we have decent climates now does not mean that they will stay this way in the future. If we want to continue to enjoy our sunny summers, rainy springs, cool autumns and frosty winters, we must be sure that we are doing everything in our power to save our comfortable climates and clean environments from the laziness and unintentional destructiveness of our lessaware peers. Wheeling High School is a school among many, achieving greatness and raising the bar every day. We’re better than some slimy banana peels at the bottom of a recycling bin.
Jean Pabon
Co-Editor in Chief
able products from ending up in landfills or, worse, the open environment in which we live. A blue plastic recycling bin and a gray metal waste can are staple characteristics of almost every classroom in WHS. Considering the superfluous amounts of paper used (and wasted) in classrooms every day, the least we can do is put the excess back into use. In terms of the other miscellaneous items making their way into classroom bins, this is more of just common courtesy and common sense: walk the few extra feet to spit out your gum, move the trash can closer to the tissue box to make sure they’re disposed where they belong, and encourage people to be more thoughtful when throwing away their trash. The little things we do day to day may eventually be the things that save the
“I’m sure there’s a recycling program but no one actually thinks we do recycle,” Savannah Garcia, freshman.
Damara Delgado
Megan Provost
From students excusing their banana peels and food wrappers sitting at the bottom of cafeteria recycling barrels with “We don’t even recycle!” to teachers filling their classroom bins with paper, plastic and whatever else will fit, our recycling program here at WHS is being underrated and often times unacknowledged due to ignorance and pure laziness. In the cafeteria, the waste and recycling bins are placed merely feet apart, if not side by side, where students are guaranteed to see them both. Why is it, then, that all of the trash and scraps from their lunches, recyclable or not, are all thrown into either one or the other? The extra second or two it takes to throw the empty Ohana bottle and plastic fork into the recycling bin is the second or two that saves those recyclable and reus-
Do you think that we recycle at WHS?
7 focus
Saving the world for ourselves
Groot is the waste management company that collects and sorts Wheeling High School’s recycling production.
Damara Delgado
“Yeah because there’s all the recycling bins (and) there’s another recycling bin for the back,” Diane Rawlinson, dance teacher.
Photo opinion by Jean Pabon and Damara Delgado
Jean Pabon
Dan Sacco, custodian, helps Student Council members unload a cart of recyclable materials.
Jean Pabon
Jean Pabon
Signs on the dumpster clearly state the purpose of the new bin.
“No, because there are papers everywhere (and) because I see papers in the trash,” Victor Castaneda, senior.
November 22, 2013
and contribute to Wheeling’s already active-and-thriving recycling program. Co-Editor in Chief The Wheeling High Previously, WheelSchool kitchen staff already ing High School’s day-to-day makes an effort towards enforcrecycling waste was held in ing the program by recycling and collected by Groot from hundreds of cardboard boxes, an 8 cubic yard dumpster by plastic jugs and other recyclable the loading dock in the back of materials every day after meal the school. Recently, however, production. With lunch mateWheeling has replaced the old rials, students must be careful recycling dumpster with a large to seperate materials covered 10 cubic yard dumpster. in food from clean materials, With the installation as dirty materials cannot be of the new dumpster, Wheeling recycled. is recycling up to one third of Hopefully, as more our daily waste output. members of our school do their Wheeling High part in ensuring the cleanliness School’s new recycling bin and safety of our environment, will hopefully promote more Wheeling can become a model recycling within the school of school for recycling.
Megan Provost
“Yeah, we have recycling bins all over the place,” Kendelle Trotter, junior.
Jean Pabon
New dumpster to increase recycling
Damara Delgado
“I personally think that (WHS) does recycle because teachers tell us to recycle and it’s important to the environment and community,” Misty Guerrero, sophomore.
altar de muertos localizado afuera de la cafetería. Shelby Soto, senior, explica el significado de el altar Staff Reporter de muertos, “Hicimos un altar para los corredores del El día 2 de noviembre, se celebra El Día de los maratón de Boston, como un monumento para los que Muertos, una celebración prehispánica que honra a los fallecieron.” ancestros. Aunque es una celebración Mexicana tamAparte de el altar de muertos, Latino club vendió bién se celebra en algunas partes de Latinoamérica. comida y las famosas calaveras de azucar. El origen de la celebración del Día de los Muertos En orden para preparar y completar la ofrenda, Laviene desde la época prehispánica. tino club trabajo por más de dos semanas. Las calaveras En el tiempo prehispánico era común usar los de azucar fueron hechas por los estudiantes de Latino cráneos como trofeos en los rituales. Los rituales sim- club y tomó una semana para preparar la base y otra bolizaban la muerte y el renacimiento de las personas semana para decorar. fallecidas. “El proceso tomó dos semanas debido a la cantidad El Día de los Muertos es una celebración entre de tiempo que tuvimos cada semana después de la familia que se celebra con decoraciones como flores, escuela”, dijo Itzel Cuevas, senior. comida, veladoras, papel picado y ahora fotos y el Aunque El Día de los Muertos no es un celebración famoso pan de muerto. celebrada por toda la gente o entre familias es intereLa gente usualmente pone las decoraciones en un sante aprender un poco de la cultura hispana. Latino altar de muertos junto con las fotos de los fallecidos. club tuvo la oportunidad de compartir un poco de las El Día de los Muertos es una tradición alegre donde tradiciones hispanas con estudiantes. familiares pueden recordar tiempos pasados con famili“No todos los hispanos celebran El Día de los ares que no están aquí. Muertos, entonces poder compartir con la escuela y Para esta celebración Latino club organizó una re- poder celebra con Latino club fue especial… Tuve caudación de fondos para becas cuales los estudianted la oportunidad de enseñar parte de mi cultura a la podrán aplicar. Esta ocación también les dio la oporescuela”, comentó Cindy Guerrero, senior. tunidad para compartir un poco de la cultura hispana. Latino club trabajo con la clase de español AP y con la maestra the arte Rebeccah Silver para completar el
Pan de calabaza glaseada Ingredientes del pan de calabaza: 1 y 2/3 taza de azúcar 4 huevos 1 taza de aceite 16 oz de relleno de calabaza 2 tazas de harina 2 cucharaditas de polvo para hornear 2 cucharadas de canela 1 cucharadita de sal 1 cucharadita de bicarbonato de Ingredientes Glaseado de queso crema: 3 onzas de queso crema 1 taza de mantequilla 1 cucharadita de extracto de vainilla 2-3 tazas de azúcar pulverizado
Jean Pabon
Amy Diaz-Hablich
Jean Pabon
la voz 8
Latino club y la clase de Español celebran el dia de los muertos
Nachos de manzana Ingredientes para los “Nachos”: 1 manzana por persona Chocolates de su preferencia (nosotros usamos chocolate semidulce y choloate blanco) dulces preferidos (nosotros usamos m&ms y reece’s pieces) se pueden usar nueces si quieren Pasos Para los “Nachos”: 1. Corte las manzanas en tamaño de bocado
Pasos para el pan de calabaza: 1. Precaliente el horno a 360 2. mezcle todos los ingredientes para el pan de calabaza en una taza 3. unte con mantequilla su molde para el horno preferido 4. ponga la mezcla en la cazuela y ponga en el horno durante 25 a 30 minuMientras el pan de la calabaza hornea, comience a hacer el azúcar glaseado de queso crema. 1. mezcle el queso crema, mantequilla y extracto de la vainilla juntos. 2. mezcle el azúcar pulverizado una taza a la vez hasta que consiga el consecuencia que le guste. Cuando el pan esté hecho, espere a que se enfríe por 5-10 minutos antes de que usted comience de poner el glaseado de queso cremoso
2. ponga los pedasos de manzana en un plato. Si usted quiere, usted puede hornear las manzanas. Si quieren hornealos, precaliente el horno a 360 y ponganlo al horno por 10 a 15 minutos. 1. Derrite el caramelo y mientras está caliente, pongalo sobre las manzanas 2. Para el chocolate, derrita el chocolated en bolasa de plástico y corte la punta de las bolsa para poder ponerlo sobre las manzans. 3. Antes de que el chocolate se enfríe, ponga los dulces y las nueces en las manzanas
noviembre 22, 2013
Rompiendo el estereotipo Latino en WHS hemos hablado español. “Estamos en America y aqui en america hablamos inglés.” es lo que nos han dicho. Rossy Peralta “Cuando salgo con mi mama, personas piensan que ella no puede comprender, entonces hablan La Voz Editor despacio o no usan palabras difíciles en inglés,” dijo Venessa Reyes, senior. Reyes, fue la única latina en el panel de nanotecHablando español siempre hace a uno Mexinología con Secretario de Educación de los Estados cano. Ser Latino hace a uno un pandillero ó una Unidos, Arne Duncan. mamá adolescente. “Estaba bromeando con mi mamá que llamara Muchos estudiantes latinos tienen que dema univision. Me siento orgullosa que era la única ostrar que no son los estereotipos que la sociedad hispana en el panel.” ponen. Hay una misconcepcion que si eres latino, José Ortiz, graduado en ‘12 ha sido juzgado no eres bien educado. por el color de su piel y estudiantes en su clase han 51% de la población de WHS es Latina, pero pensado que él no es buen educado. eso no quiere decir que no hay racismo en la escuela “Pienso que si (estoy rompiendo el estereotipo) y afuera de la escuela. Muchos estudiantes latinos muchos sueñan de graduarse de la secundaria pero tienen que demostrar que son capaces de alcanzar no ir a la universidad. Estoy en una universidad en éxito. una beca donde no tengo que pagar mucho. TamHa habido muchas ocasiones donde personas bién trabajo en un lugar donde no se ven muchos han expresado su opiniones sobre mi famila cuando latinos.”
Uno de los estereotipos principales de latinos es que las jóvenes son mamás solteras. “Soy más estereotipada mas cuando estoy con mi hermano chiquito. La gente asume que porque soy Mexicana y tenemos un vinculo soy una mama joven… No puedo ser solo una hermana amorosa,” dijo Carolina Figueroa, junior. Durante su primero dos años de escuela secundaria, Figueroa fue una de los pocos estudiantes en clases avanzadas, ella ha sido dudada y comentó que era difícil hacer amistades en sus clases porque ella no sentía que ella pertenecía “Cuando alguien te dice algo negativo, haz que entre por un oído que salga por el otro. tomalo como un reto de romper el estereotipo y convertirse en inspiración.” dijo Reyes “No te rindas… si te enojas, transmite ese enojo en motivación…No tengas miedo de preguntar por ayuda y no pienses que vas a ser juzgado porque hay otros estudiantes que se sienten igual a ti...hay muchas posibilidades en WHS,” dijo Ortiz
¿Tienes un héroe? ¿Tienes un maestro que consideras un héroe de cada dia? Comuníquese con subdirectora, Anglea Ginnan con el nombre del maestro y explicación de porque el o ella es un héroe para tí y los estudiantes. Pueden contactar a subdirectora por correo electónico: Angela Ginnan at angela.ginnan@d214.org
Picks of the Month November, 2013 Information collected by Chris Nush
Anna Gleyzer Staff Writer
“Allegiant,” the third installment of the popular “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth, hit bookstores everywhere on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and has sparked a phenomenon. In its first day in stores, it sold nearly half a million copies, a record for publisher HarperCollins. With the final book in the trilogy finally released, fans everywhere are having mixed reactions about the ending of the book. “Insurgent,” the second book in the “Divergent” series, ended with a cliffhanger, leaving readers wondering what was going to happen next. In “Insurgent”, Tris and Tobias finally reveal the video that Jeanine Matthews (the antagonist) was trying to hide from their society. The video has a woman named Amanda Ritter on it, who is from an organization that is fighting for peace. Amanda talks about how the world has become corrupt and the factions were made as a solution to this corruption. Chicago was sealed away from the rest of the world so that they could help end the corruption and figure out a way to help make a new society that will prosper. When the society had many people who were Divergent, that is when the Amity could open the fence forever and the community could re-enter the world. In “Allegiant,” Tris, Tobias and their friends are finally given the chance to explore what is beyond the fence. Tris thinks that beyond the fence, her and Tobias can find a new, happy and simple life together. But things change fast when Tris and Tobias realize that what’s beyond the fence is more challenging and scary than what they thought. Told in alternating points of view, “Allegiant” has hit No. 1 on USA Today’s Best Selling Book List.
Overall after reading “Allegiant,” I was happy with it. I know there was a lot of controversy over the ending, but I think that Veronica Roth ended the book in the right way. She had the ending planned that way since the beginning of the series and did not feel the need to change it. “I thought about other options,” Roth said in an interview with MTV. “But the more I thought about them, the more I felt like they weren’t really doing justice to her story. This is a very intense transformation that she undergoes, and to have her just be like, ‘OK, well, we saved the day. Let’s wander off into the sunset together,’ it just didn’t feel right. She earned a more powerful ending to her story than that.” I think in the end, Roth made a very gutsy move that a lot of other authors would not take. But she had a reason for the ending and I think in the grand scheme of things, the ending made sense. “This was the end she [Tris] had chosen, and I felt she had earned an ending that was as powerful as she was.” Roth stated on her website. I understand why people are upset with the ending, it was unpredictable and many of us have not read a book with an ending like that. Overall, I think the that “Allegiant” was a really good book. Roth tied together the first two books really well with the third. She also made the alternating points of view work really well with the ending of the third book. In the end, I am really sad that the series is over, but Tris and Tobias both had good thought out endings and I am satisfied with the way Roth choose to end the series.
M O V I E A L B U M
Catching Fire After the major success of The Hunger Games, the second movie in the trilogy hits theaters today. Catching Fire will chronicle Katniss and Peeta’s return to district 12 after winning the Hunger Games in the previous movie and then them competing in the next Hunger Games event where the best former champions all compete together.
The Marshall Mathers LP 2 Eminem debuted his eighth studio album earlier this month on Nov. 5. The album features his hit singles Berzerk, Survival and The Monster featuring Rihanna. The Marshall Mathers LP. The new album has alrighty generate positive reviews from fans and news sources.
9 entertainment
‘Allegiant’ leaves some fans stunned, upset
Bitstrips A P P F A S H I O N
Bitstrips is an app that allows you to make an avatar and create cartoon strips using that avatar. You can also access your friend’s avatars and use them in the cartoon strips. There are a wide selection of backgrounds, themes and costumes to dress yourself in to make your Bitstrip fun, interesting and creative!
Infinity Scarves There have been so many fashion trends this season. From Moccasins to loom bracelets, but the new big trend this season is scarves, more specifically, infinity scarves. Infinity scarves are great for any season. You can add them to any outfit to make it stand out. They come in many different colors and patterns to fit anybody’s personality.
Avril Lavigne’s new self titled album hits stores Rossy Peralta La Voz Editor
Here’s to Never Growing up are some of her upbeat songs that make great party songs. Rock N’ Roll is more of a rebellious song where she sings about not conforming to society. The album also has a couple of ballad songs, which balance the album out so that it’s not too pop punk. Give You What You Like is one of my favorite songs because it shows a softer and emotional side of Lavigne that you don’t hear in another track in this album. Lavigne has that she loves Hello Kitty so much that she decided to write a song all about it. The song falls short to show love for the cute character and instead sounds like a rejected Ke$ha song. Lavigne is a great example of experimenting with different genres showing the change that she’s going through in her life in her music. She’s never afraid to push the limit in her wardrobe where she wears spiked stilettos, music videos where she casually kisses a girl or in her songs. She reminds us to not care about being a misfit, but rather be yourself.
November 22, 2013
Canadian pop punk princess, Avril Lavigne, released her self titled album on Nov. 1 making it her fifth studio album. Lavigne has been known to sing about her personal life and is known for writing outspoken songs such as Don’t Tell Me where Lavigne talks about not being pressured by boys or about her divorce with her first husband. Lavigne, who recently got married to Nickelback frontman, Chad Kroeger, wrote more than half of the songs on the album with him and the song Let Me Go features Kroeger. The song is authentic to the rest and Lavigne also mentioned on On Air With Ryan Seacrest that it was the first song they wrote together and realized that they were falling in love. The album also features Marilyn Manson in Bad Girl. In this song, Manson starts the song and occasionally shouts in the chorus. Lavigne shows the Bad Girl in her and the playful quality that she has in her voice that everyone loves. The song would be better without Manson. Her hit singles, Rock N’ Roll and
forum 10
Ugly duckling under- Editorial goes plastic surgery WHS advances on the nano level skills, breaks ste-
Zalman Faltushanskiy
Staff Reporter
Our recent successes in opening the first-ever nanotechnology lab in a high school in the United States and our visit from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan drew a lot of media attention, from the local, Des Plaines-based Journal-Topics newspaper, to the nationally recognized Associated Press. One would assume that this groundbreaking event would only produce good publicity for Wheeling, and that area newspapers would be excited to report such a high profile visit. After all, Wheeling High School is progressing full steam ahead into the twenty-first century, preparing students for a career field that, as Secretary Duncan himself stated, is projected to have 2 million jobs by 2020, and our students will be at the forefront to fill those jobs. However, one of the area’s and country’s most widely read newspapers published an article that, try as it might, could not hide the journalistic bias of the reporter. On Oct. 25, the Chicago Tribune published the article “Duncan visits Wheeling High’s new nanotechnology lab” on their website, which had around 3.5 million unique visitors in October 2013. The report was written by Sally Ho, a local journalist who covers the Northwest suburbs and focuses on education. On her professional LinkedIn profile, she proclaims that she “love[s] finding the gems that are class-
room-based stories.” Her article clearly proves that, in her opinion, Wheeling is anything but a diamond in the rough. The choice of angle for any journalist is one of the most important decisions to make when beginning to write an article. The angle taken by Ho, however, proves inappropriate and offensive to the current affairs of Wheeling High School. From the first sentence, she describes Wheeling as the prior “ugly duckling” of District 214, and then showcases Wheeling’s turnaround to today. The turnaround was absolutely an extraordinary feat, but its place in this article is disrespectful toward Wheeling High School, its teachers, and its students. The nanotechnology lab is a cause for celebration, not a time to reflect on prior stereotypes of Wheeling. We must look much more recently for a more accurate comparison. In the 2013 U.S. News and World Report Rankings, the third highest among District 214 schools. Our rise to being one of the best in Illinois is a significant part of our history. However, reverting back to old stereotypes about Wheeling shows how little the author thinks about Wheeling today. Those stereotypes do not prevail to today, as prominently displayed by Secretary Duncan’s visit. As a school that has endured pressure from numerous sources to improve and that has been the victim of stereotypical thinking by students from other schools, it is unfair that we must revisit those stereotypes to illustrate our current successes. To put it crudely, Wheeling has received plastic surgery on the nanoscale, shedding our “ugly duckling” face to become one of the prettiest, most successful schools in District 214 and the whole state of Illinois.
Thumbs Up...
reotypes
Often referred to as the “best kept secret of District 214,” the Wildcats have recently been able to show the district, along with the rest of the state, all of the positive aspects that make up WHS. After a historic season, the boy’s varsity soccer team placed second in State with an overall record of 23-2-2, all while uniting WHS students, staff and the Wheeling community behind the team. No athletic team has ever advanced as far as a State match at WHS before, meaning the boy’s soccer team has accomplished a great feat in Wildcat history. Swarms of enthusiastic fans gradually built up during the boy’s road to State and State run. Chants of “Vamos Gatos” were screamed from bleachers, printed on T-shirts and still echo through the halls of WHS today. Students lined up down the main hall in both directions waiting entire periods just to get their hands on a Vamos Gatos T-shirt to show the pride and love for the team. This love and support was not as present in past seasons, due to lack of student interest in these athletic events. Even at the beginning of this season, the few attending fans struggling to get a crowd to come out and support the soccer team, even during their winning streak. As Wildcats, we have known of our potential all along, however; it took a Statequalifying team and a rallying of fans for other schools to see that Wheeling is a force to be reckoned with. But Wheeling isn’t just wornout cleats and cheering fans. We’ve shown through our still young, but thriving STEM programs that we have what it takes to prepare the next generation of computer programmers, engineers and other students hoping to go into a
STEM-related career for the thousands of jobs that will be available to them in the not-so-distantfuture. We are the first public high school nation-wide to have a nanotechnology lab. Thanks to the lab, students at Wheeling will now have the opportunity to take classes and pursue careers they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. From hosting battlebots competitions to the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan visiting, Wheeling is a center of STEM education and preparation for students. Recently, both Spokesman and Lair went to the National Scholastic Press Association’s National Journalism Conference in Boston Massachussetts. There, we collaborated with publications from all across the country, developing, enhancing and broadening our skills, while sharing our success with other high school journalists. These opportunities allowed us to share all of the positive and great achievments of Wheeling while also strengthening our own skills to continue our success back home. Not every school can say that their soccer team made it to the State final game. Not every school can say that their students are practicing in the nation’s first public school nanotechnology lab. Not every school can send their students across the country to enhance and develop their skills in order to make them successful back home. The hidden gem of District 214 has begun to shine, showing Wheeling’s true potential.
To all the people at WHS that contributed to the STEM discussion. To soccer’s phenomenal season. The team came in secon in state with a school record score 23-2-2. Dr. May for ensuring that soccer team got the support and praie they deserve throughout the season. He provided the students with fan buses, sold “Vamos Gatos” shirt and the after-game in the cafeteria.
10 out 10 members of the Thumbs editorial board Down... agree.
November 22, 2013
To having hand sanatizer in the main hallway empty most of the time. To the library closing down because of the lack of people
Spokesman Staff 2013-2014 Editors-in-Chief *Megan Provost *Kelly McKewin
Feature Editor *Erika Pogorzelska *Paige McCoy
Web Editor Kelly McKewin
Focus Editor Megan Provost
News Editor Kelly McKewin
La Voz Editor *Rossy Peralta
A&E Editor *Chris Nush
Asst. La Voz Editor Aide Hernandez
Forum Editor *Katia Bryhadyr Sports Editor *Patrick Ryan Photo Editor *Jean Pabon Staff Artist Mariana Martinez Advertising Manager Anna Gleyzer
*Staff members with asteriks are on the editorial board.
Finance Manager Alex Gleyzer Staff Reporters
Amy Diaz-Hablich Alex Gleyzer Anna Gleyzer Chelsea Manago Erica Johnson Karina Pina Katie Chong Leo Walker Patricia Makris Zalman Faltushanskiy
Adviser John Uhrik
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This is the official student newspaper of Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, Ill. 60090. Written, edited and distributed 8 times a year by advanced journalism classes, independent studies and other interested and qualified students. Produced by using desktop publishing and is printed by Son’s Enterprises, Inc., Skokie Ill. Mailed subscription $15 per year.
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to contribute letters to the staff Correctionsin room 137 or mail them in care of WHS. All letters must be None 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 Monday-Friday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Girls Gymnastics
Cheerleading
“We did alright last year, and improved as the season went on. This year we want to earn respect for our team. To earn other schools’ respect, you have to win. I’m looking forward to every part of this season,” Chris Pierro, senior, said.
“We are really improved from last year. I’m looking forward to having a strong season, and to getting new skills each day. We have a lot of work to do, and if we work hard we will improve and achieve our goals,” Annah Meintzer, senior, said.
“The goals for the team this year are to be committed and to improve our scores from last year. We know what our weaknesses are and it’s important that the team focuses and works hard to overcome them,” Madisyn Rozner, senior, said.
Boys Swimming
Girls Bowling
Girls Basketball
Wrestling
“Our goal as a team this season are to win Conference. We have two returning state competitors and I know a lot of us have been working very hard in the offseason. We are looking forward to being the best swim team Wheeling has had in a long time,” Noah Ihde, senior, said.
“In the beginning things might be a little rough, but I think that once we get into the swing of things, we will have success this season. I really hope to see myself and everyone else improve as the season goes on,” Elizabeth Stavros, sophomore, said.
“This season we hope to work hard, continue to improve, limit the injuries and win! I’m just so happy to be playing with such a fantastic group of people and I believe we have a lot of potential to do really well,” Hailey Dammeier, junior, said.
“While we had more talent last year, we definitely have more dedication this year. We have a good team this year and I think we will be successful. We just want to do our best all season,” Sam Blair, senior, said.
The captains and leaders of all the winter sports were asked about the upcoming season.
11 sports
Team leaders promote hard work in hope of success, begin season by declaring goals and expectations
Boys cross country advances seven runners to Sectional meet Patrick Ryan
nandez, juniors, Justin Loquercio and Elliot Nabatov, sophomores, The boys cross country team and Matt Hoffman, freshman, all achieved notable success Nov. advanced to the Sectional meet. 2, sending seven runners to the “This experience at the SectionSectional meet at Busse Woods al level is great for such a young in Schaumburg. Drew Schwartz, group,” Tom Polak, cross country Cole Dammeier and Edwin Her- coach said. “This is a really good Sports Editor
building block for our program, and an excellent way to gain experience.” Polak continued, “The fact that we have no seniors is really amazing. I’m very proud of the success they’ve had this year.” The cross country team has
only advanced runners to the sectional meet twice in the last seven years. “I really hope we can be competitive next year,” Polak said. “We have lots of potential and I believe that this season was a great first step.”
The seven cross country runners confer with head coach Tom Polak before the race.
Justin Loquercio - 50th - 16:20 Edwin Hernandez - 51st - 16:20 Elliot Nabatov - 116th - 17:04 Matt Hoffman - 130th - 17:17 Drew Schwartz - 131st - 17:20 Joe Swiech - 140th - 17:29
November 22, 2013
Cole Dammeier - 58th - 16:26
Volume 50 Issue 2 Volume 50 Issue 3
Wheeling High School
900 S. Elmhurst Rd.
September 20, 2013
Wheeling, Ill. 60090
Godlewski swims her way to State Sports Editor As fall transitions into winter, the majority of fall athletes begin the switch into their offseason training programs, to prepare for the next season. One Wheeling athlete, however, will not make this switch for quite some time. Theresa Godlewski, junior and varsity swimmer, has had much success at the Conference and Sectional swim meets, and will be advancing to the State meet on Nov. 22 at New Trier High School. “The biggest factor in my success was pushing myself beyond my breaking point,” Godlewski said. “I pushed myself to do backstroke when others were doing freestyle, even though it was slower. I really worked on my weaknesses.” Godlewski has achieved many honors this season, including a record breaking 50 meter freestyle and 100 meter backstroke at the Conference meet. Godlewski won the freestyle at the conference meet with a time of 24.31 seconds. Furthermore, Godlewski broke the Barrington pool record, MSL record, and her own school record with a time of 57.73 in the 100 meter backstroke. “It does not feel real to have the fastest backstroke in the pool,” Godlewski said. “I can’t put into words, can’t explain the feeling.” “Some girls can be good
swimmers, but cannot bring it to the meets,” Lisa Poynor, varsity swimming coach, said. “Theresa is very mentally strong, and very confident.” Godlewski has not accomplished such feats alone, however. Throughout the entire season, she has had tremendous support from her teammates. “I am so unbelievably proud of Theresa for succeeding so much this season,” Adrienne Rozmus, sophomore said. “No one deserves to have come so far and have accomplished so much more than her.” Godlewski likened her teammates to “a big, cozy family.” “They always support me really well, and we always support each other. It is really fun to swim with that kind of support,” Godleski said. Rachel Ropski, senior, is also very proud of Theresa’s success, “She is one of my best friends and I see how bad she wants it and seeing her fulfill her dreams and goals makes me so proud of her,” Ropski said. While the other girls on the team are very supportive of Godlewski, she is also very supportive of her teammates. “Theresa has contributed to the team in so many ways. She is the biggest motivator on the team and she is always there for everyone,” Rozmus said. “She tells swimmers when they do a good job and she is always cheering on everyone at their meets.”
Upcoming Events IHSA State Swimming Tournament: Nov. 22 and 23 at New Trier High School. Times vary. Girls Basketball: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 home vs. Antioch.
Courtesy of @WHSactivities
Patrick Ryan
November 22, 2013
Girls Basketball: 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at Niles North. BG/H/W Hockey: 8:10 p.m. Nov. 24 at Iceland Ice Arena vs. Maine West Boys Basketball: 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at Leyden.
Godlewski holds her medal at the Sectional meet Nov. 16 at Barrington High School. She competes at the IHSA State Finals Nov. 22.
their meets.” Godlewski is rightly deserving of that praise. According to Coach Poynor, she is an extremely hard worker and an incredible competitor. “My job is done with her. It is her time to shine, and we’ll see what she’s capable of,” Poynor said. “I really hope she can reach her goals. The sky’s the limit her senior year.” Poynor continued, “As a freshman, Theresa came in as a really good swimmer, but not quite an elite swimmer. As a sophomore, making state in the 50 meter
freestyle and 100 meter backstroke gave her confidence and showed her what she was really capable of. This year, she has really developed into an elite swimmer.” Godlewski plans to swim competitively in college after high school. “I’ve been looking into some colleges, and I really hope to continue swimming as long as I can.” “Theresa’s success will definitely carry over to college,” Poynor said. “I think she will have a lot of recruiters in the future and will hopefully be swimming at a Division 1 school on scholarship.”
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Girls’ tennis hangs up rackets on successful season
Jean Pabon
Jean Pabon
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Left, the girls varsity tennis team is pictured on the tennis courts before a match. Right, Erin Kron and Samantha Broms, seniors, compete in a doubles match.
Zalman Faltushanskiy
case, the girls moved up a position from previous years and won more matches than before. That’s very Staff Reporter positive.” The team’s success, according As the balls dribble to their to Coach Christopher, could be final bounce, the 2013 varsity girls’ largely attributed to the dedication tennis team has already begun to of the team. look towards next year, as a revival “It’s been awhile since we’ve had of commitment and dedication such a large group of seniors come brought them success this past out as freshmen, stay out, and conseason. tinue to grow as players and team Overall, the team achieved a members. We were also happy that record of 12-4, that, according nine of the 13 girls on the team to Jim Christopher, varsity head found time and had the desire to coach, was the team’s best dual grow their game by playing during meet record since 1990. Coupled the winter. When we have that with their record, the team tied for type of commitment, we have sucthird place in the MSL East divicess,” Coach Christopher said. sion, along with achieving second One of the most successful place at the Grayslake Invite. players, Alex Fister, senior, believes “We improved quite a bit over maturity also played a large factor. the last couple of years,” Coach “Not only did we win more Christopher said. “In almost every matches overall then we have in
past years, but we all got along and actually felt like a team. Past years, there has always been drama between girls, but this year, there was none,” Fister said. Playing alongside Pranati Mondkar, senior, the duo won ten matches this year as the top doubles spot on the team. Teammate Gosia Markiewicz, senior, won 13 matches, good for the most singles matches won on the team. Markiewicz’s sister, Anna Markiewicz, junior, and her partner Kristen Lee, senior, won nine matches as a doubles pairing. According to A. Markiewicz, the varsity team achieved such success due to internal motivation. “The varsity team did so well this year because for most of the members, it was their senior year and everyone tried their best. In the offseason, people also took
tennis lessons and improved,” A. Markiewicz said. When looking to the future, the tennis players and coach await with excited apprehension. “I’m a little nervous for next year because the team was mainly made of seniors. Next year, there will only be three senior varsity girls,” Courtney Kalash, junior, said. On the opposite side, “I think next season will go well because everyone will try harder and step up because the seniors are leaving,” said A. Markiewicz. Coach Christopher said, “There is good potential with both of the under level teams. Hopefully all of our players will take some ownership in their game and use the off season to play more and improve. If they do, we will have a nice future.”
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