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Fall Sports Wrap-Up pg 12
news 1-2 forum 3 feature 4-5 focus 6-7 la voz 8 a&e 9 sports 10
News Orchesis Pepsi Refresh Project Feature Plummer dances A&E
CD Reviews
Spokesman Circus Fundraiser pg 10
whs
Volume 48 Issue 3
Nov. 18, 2011
Wheeling High School 900 S. Elmhurst Rd. Wheeling, Ill. 60090
<www.wheelingspokesman.com>
Canned food drive adapts to support more families Rosalie Chan News Editor Before, third period classes competed to collect the most food in the annual canned food drive, but this year, Student Council opened the competition to any class period and started a spirit stick competition between grades to increase student participation. “Student Council this year, we just kind of wanted to add more fun this year. We’re just switching it up a bit more,” Teasia Kimmons, senior and Student Council president, said. This year, an additional 70 families have been added to the list of families who qualify to receive food. “Some people have less,
some people have a lot less. We have to work hard to meet everyone’s needs.” Sandra Chico, social studies teacher and Student Council sponsor, said. The canned food drive took place Nov. 1 to 14. The sorting took place after school Nov. 15 to 16. The distribution will take place tomorrow, Nov. 19. “Since anybody can do the food drive with us, it’s a good way for kids to get out and help the community,” Dan Peters, junior and Student Council member, said. As part of the spirit stick competition, during lunch, students could also place money inside jars for each grade. The grade that collects the most canned
food and money wins the spirit stick. In addition, the class period that collects the most canned food will win either a pizza or bagel party. “I turned in 12 cans... ’cause I wanted to help people that are less fortunate,” Jonathan Marquez, junior, said. On Nov. 5, students dropped off close to 10,000 fliers throughout the community to promote the canned food drive, and on Nov. 12, they picked up the donated food. Student Council works with the Rotary Club in the canned food drive. The Rotary Club provides gift certificates for food and grocery stores, and it handles the distribution. “I think it’s really a shame
that things have gotten so bad. More people are getting assistance,” Nancy Keppel, rotarian, said. “You hear positive things on the news, but this tells the true story.” In addition, Student Council worked with the media department to collect old electronics. The media department receives money for recycling the collected electronics. According to Kristen Chico, learning center coordinator, approximately one third of the families at WHS have low income. “It’s sad to know that one third of the population (at WHS) is suffering economically. We pushed them (Student Council) harder to make this year a success,” K. Chico said.
Top: Katie Aquayo, senior, sorts canned food in the cafeteria on Nov. 14. Student Council collected canned food from community and school-wide donations. Right: Janet Delgado and Chris Gonzalez, juniors, place food at its appropriate table. Students could help donate by bringing food Nov. 1 through Nov. 14. Valerie Westin Photo Editor
ACT scores rise despite missing PSAE standards Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief Despite WHS’s failure to meet state standards based on the results of the combined Prairie State Assessment Exam (PSAE), the school’s average composite ACT score increased from 21.6 to 22.3. “We’ve increased over the last couple of years not only as a school, but as a district,” Paula Kruty, assessment supervisor, said. “I believe we have a very strong administration and of course a very strong group of teachers and they’re looking at what students need to succeed to get into a college.” Each individual category also increased, but according to Dr. Lazaro Lopez, principal, the reading category needs more attention. “We’ve done a lot to help in this area (reading) by focusing on direct instruction freshman year, but it’s obvious we need to continue doing more,” Dr. Lopez said. By utilizing the data from the PSAE and other areas, the district adjusts curriculum to enhance college readiness skills. “We have to teach you to adapt on the fly,” Dr. Dave Schuler, superintendent, said. Recently, WHS has included more yearlong classes for juniors to help prepare in all subjects. Teachers evaluate their curriculum to help prepare as well. According to Ms. Kruty, teachers also use programs like
Mastery Manager to analyze test scores throughout the year. “Mastery Manager allows us to identify students that are at risk,” Ms. Kruty said. “Then the teachers and staff can work with these students recommend them to different after school and lunchtime groups to help work with these students.” However, the combination of the ACT portion and the Work Keys portion places WHS below standards. Dr. Lopez attributes this to students not giving as much effort on the Work Keys, which takes place on the second day of the PSAE. “It (Work Keys) isn’t an accurate measurement because students don’t see as much value,” Dr. Lopez said. “The ACT is a measurement that colleges look at. Everybody wants to do well on that because it means access and increased scholarships.” Lisa Buresh, senior, agreed that she did not work as hard on the Work Keys test. “I was tired from the ACT so I was done thinking,” Buresh said. “It (Work Keys) doesn’t affect anything. I know for some seniors you can get out of some finals, but I’m in AP classes so it does nothing for me.” Dr. Lopez also said that the number of second language learners and students with disabilities brings down the scores, and it is not fair to evaluate those students the same way.
Average Composite ACT Scores Wheeling High School 25
State of Illinois
20 22.1 20.7
21.8 20.8
21.6 20.7
22.3 20.9
2008
2009
2010
2011
15 Score 10
5
0
Year
Rosalie Chan
News Editor
News 2
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
News News Administration monitors Flash Flash school computer activities Band hosted a jazz band concert on Nov. 16 with performances from Terell Stafford, a Grammy awardwinning trumpet player, and the Northern Illinois University Jazz ensemble. Jazz Band I performed to open the concert. Debate won third place overall on Nov. 12 at the tournament at St. Charles. Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams, American Idol alums, will perform at the Mag Mile Lights Fest on Nov. 19. They will cover “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” which will be released on iTunes Nov. 21. Madrigals will host its 41st annual Madrigal Dinner at 3 p.m. on Nov. 20, in the school cafeteria. NJROTC collects new toys for the Glenview Council of the Navy League and Marine Air Control Group 48 at Great Lakes. Children in Lake and Cook Counties will receive these toys. Orchesis participates in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge to earn $5,000, which will help them go to Philadelphia of the National High School Dance Festival. During November, Voting will occur through Pepsi’s web site, Facebook or by texting 109261 to Pepsi (73774). SHADES will host its annual variety show “Tonight, Tonight” at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night in the theater. Admission for adults is $6, for students with ID is $6 and for children is $4. For more news, like Wheeling Spokesman on Facebook or follow @WHSSpokesman on Twitter.
Rosalie Chan News Editor Alfonso Toledo, sophomore, works on his French homework on a computer in the library. The administration monitors student activities on the computers. “Whenever I have free time (on the computer), I would look at sports, not do anything (I’m not supposed to do),” Toledo said.
Solinna Chong Forum Editor The WHS administration has enforced monitoring student activities on school computers. Although the administration is monitoring the computers, websites like Twitter and YouTube will not be blocked because they can be used for educational purposes. For example, teachers use YouTube to present videos related to the class course. “There has been debate over it (YouTube),” Brian Hauck, academic technology coordinator, said. “Some say it is great for educational purposes, but others just want to ban it all together. Teachers, especially, see using YouTube as a valuable education tool.” The reason why the administration does not ban certain websites but are monitoring them is to teach students when and when not to use certain websites. “Students need to learn to make good choices. They need to focus on their education now, that way they can live through society,” Derrick Williamson,
technology systems supervisor, said. This will help certain school activities like Media Technology, Yearbook and Spokesman with their work because they use sites like YouTube and Twitter. “Sometimes we need ideas for commercials in media tech and sometimes we depend on sites like YouTube to help us get ideas,” Chad Mikosz, junior and media technology student, said. Extracurricular activities will not have a problem with using certain sites anymore, as long as they advise a teacher beforehand to use a certain website. According to Mr. Williamson, the web sites that are considered “inappropriate for school” will still be blocked no matter what. “We (the administration) know, without a shadow of doubt, we know what to expose students to,” Mr. Williamson, said. Students should not expect websites like Facebook to be unblocked anytime soon because they are still considered “inappropriate” for the school’s environment. “It (blocking Facebook) gives us restrictions to only stay on task and not to goof around,” Kim Voltaire, senior, said.
Syria - Death tolls from violent clashes rose, and the Arab League wants to suspend Syria because of President Bashar al-Assad’s repression of dissent.
Pennsylvania Joe Paterno, football coach at Penn State University, was fired for failing to report to authorities the child sex abuse committed by his assistant.
India - The Kuki tribal group seeks to create a separate district in India’s Manipur State. They protest by blocking two main roads that link Manipur to the rest of India.
Infographic by Michael Ciavarella Information gathered by Rosalie Chan
Low interest rates produce borrowing opportunity Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief To take advantage of the low interest rates, District 214 will borrow $20 million as a bond sale. The combination of the low interest rates and the state owing money led to accepting the proposal. “It’s a great time to borrow and we were able to make a good offer,” Dr. David Schuler, superintendent, said. “We can keep up with our annual maintenance projects.” The money would go toward funding capital projects such as new floors, painting and piping. “Everything is on a replacement cycle,” Dr. Schuler said. “This $20 million will help for the next five to six years.” Brian Lichtenberger,
director of operations, organized the plans of the maintenance projects to show the Board of Education on their Oct. 20 meeting. Some of the projects include renovating science rooms at John Hersey High School and bathrooms at Prospect High School. According to Dr. Schuler, the lack of assurance that the state and county will distribute tax revenue on time also makes the proposal beneficial. “If the state and county were on time, it would be fine. If they were two weeks later than we’d expect, we’d need to borrow money,” Dr. Schuler said. Without the extra money from the bond, late tax revenue could result in the district needing to borrow money last minute, which would likely result in high interest rates.
District revises school courses registration seminar on Frida Valdes Asst. News Editor Dec. 1. District 214 will redesign and eliminate courses for the curriculum, which will take affect next school-year. The district will eliminate preparatory level courses to align with the new Illinois Statewide Transcript System. It will also eliminate courses that are not aligned to a career pathway or program of study. “The changes to our course offerings are submitted to the board of directors after much discussion with the division heads and teachers in the buildings” Sara A. Pick, executive administrative assistant to the associate superintendent for educational services, said. According to Dr. David Schuler, District 214 superintendent, student enrollment causes addition or deletion of classes. All freshmen, sophomores and juniors must attend a class
Some class titles will get updated, such as Law & the Individual to American Problems, and AVID will now have that title in the elective offerings. Starting next school year, Carrie Mattingly, social science teacher, will teach AP European History. According to Ms. Mattingly, WHS offered AP European History ten to eleven years ago, and it has been redesigned in order to give seniors, who would like to challenge themselves and who like history, the opportunity to earn college credit. This course, according to Ms. Mattingly, will focus on European History and “won’t be as intimidating” to students who have taken a college-level class. Additionally, in previous years the state did not grant credit for AP Italian; this year it will. The school curriculum will incorporate Math Applications due to a Harper initiative.
Other classes that will be added include: Beginning Strings, grades 9-12 String Ensemble, 9-12 Fashion Merchandising, 9-12 Lifestyle Fitness, 9-12
District 23 superintendent to retire this year Jes Martinez Staff Reporter Dr. Gregory Guarrine, District 23 superintendant, will retire this school year, and Dr. Deb Wilson, assistant superintendent, will take his place. “I have worked with Dr. Guarrine for many years and respect the work he has done in his tenure in the district,” Dr. Wilson said. Dr. Guarrine has worked with
District 23 for 23 years and has been superintendent for 9 years. District 23 includes Anne Sullivan Elementary, Betsy Ross Elementary, Eisenhower Elementary and MacArthur Middle School. “I have been in public education for over 40 years and will be 62 years old soon. I thought it would be a good time to retire while I still have good health,” Dr. Guarrine said. Dr. Guarrine has worked to start a full day kindergarten program for “at-risk students” and expanded the Spanish bilingual program. According to Dr. Guarrine,
the single most important thing from working with District 23 was reorganizing the schools into grade level centers for this school year. Dr. Wilson said she will miss Dr. Guarrine’s years of wisdom and his sense of humor as he moves into retirement. Dr. Guarrine, plans on being with his family and continuing his volunteer activities. “I plan on being with family, of course, but also continuing many of the volunteer activities,” Dr. Guarrine said. “I currently work with what is the Northwest
Suburban United Way, the Mount Prospect/Prospect Heights Rotary and the Northwest Community Hospital Foundation.” Dr. Wilson also has plans for when she becomes superintendent. “We will continue to strive for excellence - to be better tomorrow than we are today,” Dr. Wilson said in an e-mail interview. “The educational landscape will continue to change and we will challenge ourselves to change with it in a positive direction.” Dr. Guarrine’s final day in District 23 will be June 29, 2012.
Forum 3
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
Editorial
Themed weeks provide insight, fun for students Thumbs Up... In past months, WHS students have organized several themed weeks. Spokesman feels that students should take more advantage of these weeks since their peers are working hard to make helping others fun and interactive. By participating in these weeks such as Italian Week, Peace Week and the Canned Food Drive, students had the opportunity to interact
with and benefit their own peers. During these weeks, students can learn how to act selfless and develop more awareness of their surroundings. Spokesman feels that by participating in these weeks and reflecting on their actions, students will become mature. The assembly introducing Peace Week gave students the opportunity to see the bigger picture of being
kind to others. With participate, participating the increasing numbers can evoke the feeling in teenage suicides and of making a difference. bullying With a victims, All 14 members s t r u g g l i n g s t u d e n t s of the editorial economy, 70 should more families r e f l e c t board agree. in the area have every day been added to the about the kind of person list for the canned they are and how they food drive distribution. can improve themselves. Even if students cannot While Spokesman does help economically, helping not expect all students to Student Council hand
out fliers and spread the word still gets more help for these families. Members of our student body are trying to make students come together, to create a better environment for WHS. As a way to show appreciation, the rest of the students should not discourage others and instead promote a friendlier environment.
To Hoops for Africa and Fight Night for successfully raising money for charity. Instead of a simple fundraiser, events like these appeal to students’ interests.
Keira’s Kartoons
To the first, successful Italian week. This helped students learn more about Italy and raise money for the club.
Frenzy over Black Friday School should balance use becomes ridiculous of technology, textbooks
Solinna Chong After a day of thanks, comes a day of spending money. Shoppers awake from their turkey-filled slumbers and head to Best Buy or Target. Some call the day saving money, but I call it money genocide. Black Friday originated in Philadelphia in 1966; the term initially starts the holiday season. Ever since 1966, Black Friday has always been known to be the busiest, but also most dangerous, day of the year. My parents tend to map Black Friday out like going into war. They make a list of all the stores to “hit” and gather ads and coupons for that store. Like writing up a hit list, my mom circles what they want to buy and so on. This process continues to intensify as the years progress because new merchandise comes out at affordable prices every year. I normally do not
participate in this frenzy because (1) I am too sluggish to wake up at 3 a.m to buy a T.V that I already have, (2) I do not want to face the mobs of people who threaten anyone who gets in their way and (3) even though the tag says “sale” there will always be strings attached to the sale. Black Friday basically says, “Hey people, spend all the money you have saved up because sales like this do not happen everyday,” but in truth, stores have sales all the time. Last year, my dad waited until Black Friday to buy my little brother a Nintendo Wii; a week later, the Wii went on sale again at an even lower price. Black Friday is a con. It promotes spending money that some of us do not have; but because of its manipulative ads, people spend anyway. Society is so used to “expensive” that when the prices go “75 percent off,” people just pounce on the opportunity. The day is rolling in very soon, so the frenzy will start once again. What to keep in mind when shopping for the latest iPhone is “Do I really need that?”
Rosalie Chan When I think of books, I picture the ones made of paper; the ones that you can physically flip the pages, not the electronic books on laptops, iPads and other electronic devices. Recently, a school district in Munster, Indiana has completely eliminated textbooks. Now, their students check out laptops to use in school. However, schools should not completely replace their textbooks with technology (at least not too soon in the future). Rather than relying on technology to teach students, schools should use technology as a tool to help teach students the skills they need. WHS has taken steps toward what Munster has done. The AVID classes use iPads for assignments and college research, and the health careers classes use laptops to do their school work. While the health careers classes still have textbooks, all their school work is done on the computer, so the class is completely paper-free. Tim Meyer, science teacher, said that using laptops in class helps students get their work done. “(Using laptops is) not so much (distraction) in here and that’s because this (the health careers classes) is an elective course, so students want to be here. I teach biology and chemistry. In those classes, students are not focused,” Mr. Meyer said.
Also, according to Brian Hauck, academic technology coordinator, using technology in classes rather than paper work helps students with organization. The use of technology at school has benefits, but the success of using computers relies on having electricity and Internet access. If schools rely too much on technology, teaching with technology will be hard when a power outage happens. In addition, while technology helps some students focus, it distracts other students. For example, a student may watch videos or play games on the iPad rather than using it to complete an assignment. I have found that it is easier to read and learn from books instead of computers. With books, I can post-it note quotes and take my time to read. Whenever I read on a computer though, I read at a quicker pace but absorb less of the content. Last Christmas, I received an eReader. Although I was excited, I also saw the drawbacks: staring at an LED screen for hours gives me a headache. Another setback was when my eReader died in the middle of a novel. Furthermore, whenever I finish reading a book, I love to go back and reread my favorite parts. With my eReader, I cannot do this unless I know specifically what pages those parts are on. So whenever I finish reading a book on my eReader, I never bother to reread the book. With physical textbooks, students will not have to worry about electricity or Internet access. While students should learn to use technology as it becomes more useful, they should not depend completely on it. For now, schools should continue to train students to use technology, but real textbooks and paperwork should be used.
To the third activity bus after school. Instead of forcing students to sit three to a seat, they can now comfortably sit on their way home from school.
Thumbs Down...
To the amount of students who do not show up for their detentions. If ditching a class means an hour of detention, then how long would ditching detention be?
To the inappropriate attire for this year’s autumn weather. While the leaves become minimal, the amount of fabric worn also becomes minimal.
Spokesman Staff 2011-2012 Editor-in-Chief Daniel Brount
Associate Editor Gaby Najera
Web Editor
Jennie Alcantar
News Editor
Rosalie Chan
Asst. News Editor Frida Valdes
Forum Editor
Solinna Chong
Feature Editors
Jasminne Hernandez Lizz McDaniel
Photo/Multimedia Editor
Staff Reporters
Focus Editor
Asst. Photo Editor Kristina Piamonte
Perla Jimenez Jes Martinez Nicole Neumann Robert Perales Karen Rodriguez
La Voz Editor
Graphics Editors
Staff Photographers
Advertising Manager
Staff Artist
Megan Jones Jocelyn Torres
A&Editor
Krista Sanford
Asst. Sports Editor Jessica Musto
Valerie Westin
Mikey Ciavarella Jocelyn Torres Megan Jones
Jessie Livingston Jessie Sanford
Keira Skenandore
Adviser
John Uhrik
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.
encouraged to contribute letters to contribute letters to the staff in room 135 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.
Letters- Spokesman is a limited public forum and welcomes a free exchange of ideas from all readers. Readers are
Advertising- For information, call (847) 718-7114 Monday-Friday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Corrections-
The dates on SHADES’s variety show should be Nov. 18 and 19 on page 2.
Feature 4
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
Bus driver arranges job to ensure family protection us and make sure we were okay.” Maggie Artegea, senior at Buffalo Grove High School, said. Now that M. Artegea is older, she Jocelyn Torres apreciates her father being a bus driver. La Voz Editor “Now that we are older, his job does still gives him the advantages, like going out Oscar Artegea, bus driver, wakes up on service preaching to people and he has every morning to a giant yellow school bus. some free time in between school hours,” M. He has done this every morning since 1998; Artegea said. he has been driving for WHS for 13 years. Mr. Artegea said he does not plan on Mr. Artegea also drives for Cooper Middle driving his bus for much longer because School, Holmes Middle he wants to focus on School and Mark Twain reading and studying Elementary School. the Bible. My dad mainly picked Prior to becoming a Also, he wants to being a bus driver bus driver Mr. Artegea was help people understand because he wanted to be a transporter in the X-ray the Bible better so that able to be close to us and department at Holy Family they too, can learn make sure we were okay. Hospital, a Patient Care about the treasures that Technician and a reading are in the Bible and Maggie Artegea helper at Field Elementary make their relationship BGHS senior school. stronger with God. As a reading helper at Field Elementary, “He is very dedicated to his beliefs and Mr. Artegea helped Spanish speaking it shows whether he is in a religious setting students learn how to read in Spanish or driving kids to school everyday. He sticks before moving on to learning how to read to his ethics, and that’s what I admire most in English. Mr. Artegea also was a lunch about him,” Jon Castellanos, junior, said. and recess supervisor at Field Elementary Being a Jehovah Witness, Mr. Artegea School. preaches the Bible to people to try to According to Mr. Artegea he started give them a deeper understanding of the his bus driving career, “because when my concepts of their religion, and how it differs daughters were little, my wife and I couldn’t from other religions. find anyone to babysit for us so by me “I actually liked it (my father being a bus working at the bus company, I was able to driver) because if I ever needed anything pick routes in which my daughters would be I knew that he would always be there,” M. in. That way I was sure that they got to and Artegea said. from school safe.” Mr. Artegea is always kind to all students Mr. Artegea places his family before his that ride the bus. He sees students that rode job to ensure their protection. His role as the bus years ago, and they still remember a father is the most important part in his him and wave. everyday life. “I have learned that if you treat everyone “My dad mainly picked being a bus driver with kindness. They will always remember because he wanted to be able to be close to you.” Mr. Artegea said.
Nicole Neumann Staff Reporter
“
Valerie Westin Photo Editor Oscar Artegea, bus driver, prepares for his afternoon route at WHS. “ On the last day of school a group of middle schoolers threw eggs at the bus and I had to clean it off later; I wasn’t mad, I thought it was funny, “ Mr. Artegea said.
”
Geraci develops clean environment for students Perla Jimenez Staff Reporter “If you truly love your career, you’ll never work another day in your life,” John Geraci, second shift head custodian, stops to point this quote out from a Career Night’s poster while walking through the halls at 4:30 p.m. checking trash cans, keeping litter away and making sure that the doors are safely shut. An 11-year member of the WHS custodial staff, Mr. Geraci knows the importance of his job as a custodian of a high school. According to Mr. Geraci, custodians take charge of setting a productive learning environment for the students. The areas he is in charge of run from the main hall, the mail room, deans’ offices and the nurse’s office. Each teacher needs his room set up a specific way, and they must keep the room tidy to prevent anything that “deters them (students) from learning.” On occasion during the school day, school staff members must call the custodians to help them. Security guards might need keys, help with set-up or as Dale Thal, security, puts it, clean up of “blood pathogens that might be lying around.” “They’re always more than willing to
help... that’s why the school is pretty clean,” James Gumz, security, said. Custodians also take charge of the lost and found. According to Mr. Geraci, they (custodians) act as a “last hope of defense” for students. According to students such as Jessica Perez, sophomore, the bathroom areas seem forgotten at times. Throughout the day, custodians address as many issues as possible, but they can miss bases at times. Even so, the regular school day is not the busiest time for the custodians. At any time past 3 p.m., custodians are popping in and out of rooms and preparing the school for all the after-school events including plays, dances, career nights, clubs, games and practices. For these events, custodians must also deal with work orders from different sponsors. They set up stages, chairs, tables and open up certain rooms among other things. Despite the added work load, Mr. Geraci enjoys the afternoon, adding that he has the chance to support all the effort that students put in. Mr. Geraci summarized his opinion of his profession by saying,“We get to see it all... They (students) do all the work: we don’t hang the streamers.”
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Valerie Westin Photo Editor John Geraci, second shift head custodian, directs set up for a choir concert on Nov. 15. Custodians take charge of various activities such as the lost and found, preparing for events like dances and sports games as well taking charge of specific rooms. “We set the tone for the room,” Mr. Geraci said.
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Feature 5
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
CSC hosts ‘Step it Up’ guest choreographers
Pacyk, Singer define love for poetry Jasminne Hernandez Feature Editor Christine Pacyk, English teacher, entered a poem into a contest and won first place. Haley Singer, sophomore, also made semifinals in the World Poetry Movement Contest.
Pacyk enters poetry competition, wins
Valerie Westin Photo Editor Berenice Diaz and Ana Karen Hernandez, seniors, practice with instructor Jarrel for Crucial Step Clique (CSC). Different schools attended on Nov. 12 and got the chance to learn dance and step routines. “It was fun, and I got to meet new people,” Ana Karen Hernandez, senior, said.
Ms. Pacyk entered the Emerging Writers Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award Competition and soon after received the news that her poem earned first place. “I was definitely surprised, that’s for sure, because when you enter a contest like that you hope you’re going to win, but you don’t expect to ever, ” Ms. Pacyk said. Ms. Pacyk traveled to Springfield, Ill. on Nov. 17 where she received her 500 dollar reward and recorded her poem to be added to the Illinois Poet Laureate web site. Patrick Gray, senior, was glad to learn about Ms. Pacyk’s accomplishment. “I think it’s great to have a teacher who’s been able to demonstrate good writing material that’s been through the publishing process,” Gray said. “It’s
also beneficial because we are able to correctly breakdown material and see the characteristics that create good writing material.” Before writing the poem Ms. Pacyk did research for her multi-cultural literature class on race and racism and came across information on lynching. “I think that historically we have one perception on what a lynching is and I found that it’s much, much more worse and horrifying than I had imagined. I ended up being so disturbed by it, and so I ended up writing a poem,” Ms. Pacyk said. According to Ms. Pacyk, her poem contains a commentary about the way we handle history. “How you know if it’s something that the United States is not proud of, for example, we just gloss over it or we have a bridge version where you kind of hide it,” Ms. Pacyk said. “I feel that we don’t face the truth about things and that’s really one of the reasons history repeats itself because it allows us to forget the horrors of the past” According to Ms. Pacyk, she always keeps a writing journal with her to write down anything that inspires her. Her inspiration is drawn upon the natural world, humanity and politics. Students also inspire Ms.
Pacyk in the way that they view the world differently than she does. “I feel Wheeling students in particular are very real, down to earth, and that’s what I love about teaching here, personally. So that definitely inspires me,” Ms. Pacyk said. Ms. Pacyk also inspires her students as young writers. “I love how whenever she gives us a prompt she shares a personal story that helps trigger ideas for her students; it makes the prompt easier when it’s relatable,” Mayra Ocampo, senior, said. The award-winning poem can currently be viewed at <www.bradley.edu>. “I hope that maybe it (her winning poem) inspires students to write or to let them know it’s (poetry) not a dead art form; people still appreciate it, people still read poetry, and write poetry and that it’s just cool,” Ms. Pacyk said.
Poetry becomes outlet for Singer Singer entered the contest online and later received a letter telling her she had become a semi-finalist in the poetry competition. “My whole life I have had a love for words and
language,” Singer said. According to Janet Singer, H. Singer’s mother, the poem she entered into the contest was very dark and disturbing to her. Her mother felt the writing in the poem portrayed her daughter in that dark way. “My poems are mostly about hard times in my life and tend to be from dark places. I’ve only shared a few poems with Michaela (Rozmus, sophomore), and I shared one poem with Jesse Hall (junior at Stevenson High School) because it was about him,” Singer said. Rozmus knows Singer has a gift for her writing, yet sometimes what she writes about worries her at times. “Yes, some of her poems concern me as a friend. I worry about her sometimes. But I’m not saying she needs to stop writing,” Rozmus said. According to H. Singer, she has learned a lot from entering her writing in the poetry contest and from writing in general. “I’ve learned that my poems can hurt people I’m close to. Some of the people I love get scared for me because of where I write from in me,” H. Singer said. “But I’ve also learned that writing poems for me is my outlet. I love it. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t write.”
Focus 6
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
Never
What suggestion would you make to a person with depression?
Johny Carvajal, freshman
“I would ask them why they are feeling this way. I would give them a different point of view to look at things.”
Give
“Find a friend and someone you can talk to and help you through.”
Every 15 minutes someone dies from suicide i
Nick Crumbaugh, sophomore
Amanda Mullin, junior
Sara Mansouri, senior
“Probably the best thing to do is talk. Make sure your friends and family know because they are your biggest support group.”
Health classes institute panel
The first sememster health classes this year brought a panel of students from Glenbrook North to speak about depression and suicide during the two day mental health unit. According to Ryan Schiltz, guidance counselor, students “typically respond to their peer students more than teachers.” “Before we used to have counselors go to talk, but using kids was a way we thought we could reach out to students more,” Ms. Schiltz said. “We just want to educate so students know depression does happen but they can get help.” Erika’s Lighthouse held a presentation during lunch periods at WHS which over 300 students attended on Sept 16. Ms. Schiltz hopes to create WHS’s own panel like Glenbrook North and that by semester two, health classes can listen to a panel by their own school peers. “I’ve been approached by students who want to share experiences to help heal themselves,” Ms. Schiltz said. “It is a very important topic with a lot of stigma, because of the events recently it’s been more known and this helps us to be advocates and spread awareness that you can get help.” Erika’s Lighthouse will help train students to speak in the panel about their personal experiences.
“Talk to someone you trust about why (you are depressed), and try to find things in life that make you happy.”
Design by Michael Ciavarella; information from Megan Jones
Brian Logan, band director
“I tend to think the way to keep them from being depressed is keep busy and keep love in your life. Don’t become a hermit.”
Survey results acknowledge thoughts of suicide in student body 80 70 60 50 40 Never: Once: 30 63 Couple 45 20 of Often: times: 10 14 28 0 Have you ever had suicidal thoughts?
Yes: 11
No: 139
Have you ever attempted suicide?
New programs for ‘those who will not be forgotten’
In the past year, Hersey High School experienced three suicides. Due to these events, projects are being created in order to spread awareness and remember those who have taken their lives.
Carly Jordan Bell, Gina Fasolo and Melissa Hanahan, juniors at Hersey High School, created bracelets from a bracelet customizing website. The yellow bracelets say “reach out” on one side and “you are loved” on the other. “Hersey has lost so many students over the past year, and I knew I had to do something to try and change something. Sometimes the smallest thing can make the biggest difference,” Bell said. The friends of Gina Giancola, deceased Hersey student, organized a Pink Out on Nov. 4 in honor of her. They sold over 700 pink shirts. Ryan Garrett, sophomore and friend of Giancola, also
How to h el p yoursel f?
How to h el p a f riend?
Megan Jones Focus Editor
• • • • • •
Take time to relax Eat a healthy diet Get enough sleep Exercise regularly Do something fun Get support from family and friends • Seek help if you think you might be suffering from depression
• Encourage your friend to talk to an adult or seek treatment • Be understanding, supportive and spend time with your friend • Let them know they are not alone • Remind them that drugs and alcohol can make depression worse • Know there is a li mit to what you can do- a friend can make a big difference, but only a professional can treat depression
plans to organize a 5K run. “She changed it (my life) profoundly, the way I look at things and changed the way I acted,” Garrett said. “People should speak out and don’t suffer on your own.” The proceeds from both sales went to Erika’s Lighthouse. In addition, a toy drive is being created to continue the tradition of Adam Davis, deceased Hersey student. He has been delivering gifts to kids in need since he was four years old. A box will be located in front of the Prospect Heights Park District where people can bring unwrapped gifts to donate. For more information check online at <www.wheelingspokesman.com>.
W h o can I g o to? • At school : speak to a counselor or a teacher/adult that you trust • Suicide Prevention Hotli ne : 1-800--S UICIDE • Medical Emergency 911 • Omni Youth Services : 1-847541-0199 • Someone to talk to in a time of crisis : 1-847-6972380 • For a Family or Personal Problem- Northwest Mental Health : 1-847-952-7460 Information from Erika’s Lighthouse
Focus 7
Spokesman Nov. 18 2011
Up
in the United States.
Why is this relevant? -There have been at least 7 suicides in District 214 over the past year. According to the World Health Organization: - One million people die from suicide a year. - In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. - Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America. - Every 40 seconds one death occurs worldwide due to suicide. - Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers next to car accidents (1) and homicides (2). Suicide kills more then cancer.
No: 52
Yes: 98
Do you know of anyone who has committed or attempted suicide? Suicides are becoming more frequent in WHS student’s lives.
150 WHS students surveyed
Hurricane of Hope aims to spread suicide awareness, hosts D214 event Megan Jones awareness. Focus Editor “When I
During Elizabeth Bailey’s, senior at Buffalo Grove High School, freshman year, her friend’s brother committed suicide. “I remember going to the wake and seeing how badly those who knew him were affected. I wanted to think about how I could help the people who are left behind,” Bailey said. “Then I went to Relay for Life a couple days later and thought to myself, ‘how could I do something like this for suicide prevention?’” Bailey talked to her friend, Jessica Giambarberee, senior at Prospect High School, who also wanted to help spread suicide awareness. The girls decided to create Hurricane of Hope (HOH), an event that will be hosted at Forest View on May 5, and all high school students in D214 are invited. According to Dr. David Schuler, D214 superintendent, “Each building has a plan in place...” but “we have been looking for a district wide approach.” The girls saw immediate results. People approached them and thanked them for helping because they have either felt depressed before or they used to self harm. According to Bailey, families of suicide victims thank them for spreading
see this movement, I see dynamite not just a spark,” Bailey said. “Some people are not aware of how many people are being lost. I don’t want the bare mini-mum of this event. With this being a district wide event, it has the potential to reach tons of students.” While the event is still in it’s planning phases, ideas for it include booths set up with professionals that people can talk to, a memorial service for those who have Photo used with permission of Elizabeth Bailey committed suicides either Buffalo Grove High School’s BG Cares group supported by lighting candles or Hurricane of Hope by using 25,000 post- it notes that said releasing balloons, and inspirational messages such as “help is out there.” The post-it a mini carnival set up notes were placed on every students locker. where the prizes include Mr. Laasko who has helped We want to be able to slips of paper with facts plan meetings. return during our college and busted myths about “It has not been easy years and see HOH still suicide to let people have trying to get administration happening,” Giambarberee fun but also educate them said. and spread awareness. Mr. Laasko has planned “We are proud to meetings with the district, bring this further We hope to spread Bailey and Giambarberee into the light and let awareness. Suicide has including representatives people have normal this stigma that we from Erika’s Lighthouse conversations need to bust through. and Alexian Brothers about suicide and We need to educate Medical Group. A meeting depression so it and learn how to help on Nov. 21 will further does not become a friend. plan out what the event bottled up. We want specifically consists of. to normalize these Elizabeth Bailey “In a sense we BGHS senior topics so students need to come to more are open for support on board with the program. understanding in the without any negative Back then, the area wasn’t community to bring suicide backlash,” Mr. Kurt as affected by it so the out of the darkness. It’s Laasko, Prospect High student body wasn’t really okay to talk about it, it’s School principal, said. accepting it,” Bailey said. okay to be sad. It’s a part Bailey has been They began working on of life, and people need to struggling to create an this event mid July. know that,” Bailey said. awareness event since her “It’s something we freshman year. The event do not want to see end. kicked off after contacting
“
”
WHS host events, promotes unharmful lifestyles ‘Operation Snowball’ preparation begins Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief
Valerie Westin Photo Editor
Friends of Rachel host Peace Week, assembly Peace week showed an emphasis on respect by holding several activities that related to respecting students’ selves, students’ community and students’ peers. Left: Dr. Michael Fowlin, motivational speaker, visited WHS on Nov. 7 for a mandatory assembly where he presented his speech, “You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me.” He has been speaking for 16 years with about 300 schools a year. He speaks at middle schools, high schools, colleges, and select organizations. “I hope that kids who feel alone and victimized and isolated will feel less of this aloneness,” Fowlin said. “I want the ones that cause it (bullying) to realize the impact they make on others. I hope that the ones who stand around and watch it happen will learn to speak up.” Above: Zoe Maglaris, freshman, and Córazon Leal, sophomore, sell a pencil gram where students had the opportunity to write their own message to other students during Peace Week to Zorayda Trujillo, freshman. Pencils were delivered on Thursday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 14. “The purpose is to promote peace by being kind to everyone,” Maglaris said. “So far, the T-shirt and pencil sales have been pretty successful, but we don’t know exact numbers yet.”
Raymundo Galarza, social worker, began working with 23 student leaders and 3 student directors this year to organize WHS’s first “Operation Snowball”. “It is in essence a drug prevention program,” Mr. Galarza said. “The most unique thing about this is it doesn’t just tell you drugs are bad, but what it does is it allows students to have a great time, have fun, act silly, and enjoy their life in a drugfree way, and then at the end, say that we spent 16 hours having fun without it.” Teachers recommended different students to help organize and then attend the Illinois Teen Institute (ITI) over the summer. “It is like a week long extended Snowball to show us what Snowball will be like when we bring it here,” Brittany Racky, senior and Snowball director, said. “After going this summer, my perspective is different and I’m more open to new people.” The students will take over in the organization later in the year. In the future, Mr. Galarza hopes to have it “100 percent student run.” Alongside organizing Snowball, the group took part in Peace Week by giving out free compliments and having a table in the main hallway on Nov. 10. Operation Snowball plans to take place from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on April 28. “We know the event will work its magic, we just need people to be there,” Mike Yoshino, junior and Snowball director, said.
La Voz 8
Spokesman 18 de noviembre 2011
Variety Show lucha por cambiar percepciones Perla Jimenez Staff Reporter “Es un estudiante que no ha tenido oportunidad?” Esto es el criterio que Berta Sanchez, trabajadora social, considera el más importante en cuanto escojiendo participantes para el Variety Show. Sra. Sanchez, Joanne Zapata, maestra de español, y Rebecca Castro, maestra de español, están de acuerdo. La parte más importante del Variety Show es que la voz y las culturas de cada estudiante sea representado. El Variety Show tiene una reputación desde años pasados de ser más que nada una colección de bailes y canciones. Según Juan Gonzalez, junior, no hay suficiente variedad en el Variety Show. El asistió como freshman y sophmore, pero no planea en regresar este año. Gonzalez fue esperando una gran variedad de talentos, pero fue desilusionado al asistir. Encontro que los que actos se parecian demasiado de uno a otro. Aparte de este aspecto negativo que tienen algunos alumnos, tambien hay varios que piensan lo opuesto. Yuridia Mendoza, senior, es un estudiante con esta opinion. Ella dize, “Único, único: siempre tenemos eso.” Explica que en cada Variety Show siempre hay algo diferente y inesperado. Igualmente, los artistas del Variety Show están muy emocinados sobre el programa. Vrutisha Patel, o VP, sophmore dice, “El año pasado no era el (Variety Show) mejor, pero este año lo estamos mejorando.” Este es el primer año que Patel está participando en el Variety Show. Dice que
P L AY
OR
no tuvo la confianza para perticipar como freshman, pero lo disfruta mucho y está contenta que decidió entrar. Como muchos de los estudiantes dentro del programa, Patel se siente satisfecha de haber entrado al Variety Show. Daniel Glowa, junior, tiene la misma opinión del Variety Show. Como Patel, el disfruta el Variety Show y lo utiliza como una forma esencial para expresarse si mismo. Las patrocinadoras del Variety Show están más que satisfechas cuando los estudiantes hacen esos comentarios. Más que nada quieren que el Variety Show represente a todos posittivamente como estudiantes trabajadores y creativos. Sra. Zapata, patrocinadora, dice que el Variety Show tiene mucha potencial y que no son sus intenciones incluir solamente un tipo de talento u otro. “Si ellos (estudiantes) no se envuelven, no podemos hacer nada acerca de ello (la falta de variedad),” Sra. Zapata dijo. Sra. Zapata, junto con las otras patrocinadoras, han visitado Variety Shows de otras escuelas. En comparación a ellos, el Variety Show de Wheeling es much más diverso. “Muchas veces ellos (otros Variety Shows) no dejan novatos sin experiencia o que no son parte del coro o la banda o algún grupo organizado que partcipen. Nuestro Variety Show es lo opuesto,” Sra. Zapata dijo. Dió una lista se actuaciones del Variety Show del año pasado. Este año incluye más talentos que cantar bailar. Recorren desde piezas instrumentales a actos cómicos. Zapata concluye, diciendo, “Pienso que es hora que cambiemos la percepción de estudiantes.” El show se presentará esta noche y mañana a las 7:30 p.m en el auditorio de WHS.
Kristina Piamonte
Asst. Photo Editor
Reyna Acosta, junior, y su grupo, Cruz de Estrellas, practica para el Variety show despúes de la escuela en el auditorio. “Mi amigo me preguntó si lo quería hacer ye es (baliando) divertido y desde que me sugerió participar, hemos estado practicando una vez a la semana,” dijo Acosta. Cruz de Estrellas es un grupo de balie de balies mexicanos tadicionales y modernos.
CHEER
ON CHICAGO'S NEWEST COLLEGE FOOTB ALL TEAM !
Karen Rodriguez
RATED THE BEST REGIONAL COLLEGE IN CHICAGO!
La cadena Univisión lanzó al aire un nuevo reality show llamado Prostagonistas el 12 de octubre. El proposito del show es darle una opurtunidad a jóvenes que sueñan en convertirse en actores o actrices. Las audiciones empezaron en seis ciudades principales de los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Despúes, seleccionaron 20 semifinalistas, del cual solo 12 pasaron a la Casa Estudio en Miami. El programa sigue a
los nueve concursantes que quedan las 24 horas al día a travez de camaras en todas partes de la casa: en la cocina, en los dormitorios, y aún en los baños. En la actualidad, hay 40 camaras moviles y ocho camaras permanentes. Hasta ahora han habido 4 eliminados. Los compañeros han sido los que eligen, a travez de votos, quien será el condenado/a de la semana. El condenado de la semana pasada por razones de convivencia segun sus companeros, Luis Alvarez, Mexicano, tiene solamente 18 años. El fue eliminado el viernes pasado. Al ver los comerciales del show, me pareció interesante pero no suficiente para sentarme cada día en mi sofá a las 9 de la noche para sintonizarlo. Sin embargo, un día, al estar en casa de Denisse, mi hermana, los protagonistas
estaban en medio de una pelea en su cocina. Y como toda una señorita, me fui y me senté a ver. Cuando menos lo pensé ya estaba mordiendo mis uñas y riendo por las tonterias que cometian. Protagonistas permite a los televidentes entrar y conocer a los futuros actores e actrices, y atravez de la compañía Sprint, te deja votar por tu preferido/a. El drama, el romance, las peleas, y las risas me han mantenido entretenida por días. Y, obviamente, está el chico lindo que me fascina ver: Alex Rosales. Realmente satisface las fantasias de un “chico perfector. Me encanta ver como todos se desarollan y no miento al decir que es un pasa tiempo que vale la pena. El show se transmite todos los dias por Univisión.
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A&E 9
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
Fall play: ‘The Nerd’
Daniel Brount
Editor-in-Chief
Pops Concert: Movie Mayhem
Krista Sanford A&E Editor For the birthday of Willum Cubbert, played by Harlan Rosen, junior, his friends decided to throw him a party. Rich Steadman, played by Marco Mazzetta, freshman, was one of the guests. Throughout the evening, Steadman annoys Willum and his friends by making them play silly games like “Shoes and Socks,” where everyone had to take off their shoes and socks and put a bag over their head. Above: Meghan Ausnehmer, junior, watches as Clelia Waldgrave, played by Maryssa Peterson, junior, smashes a plate to relieve the stress from Cubbert’s birthday party. Left: Steadman talks with Axel Hammond, played by Aaron Jung, junior, as he tries to fill up a glass of wine. “Performing was really fun. I really love presenting something we worked so hard on and getting laughs,” Mazzetta said.
Daniel Brount
Editor-in-Chief
Omar Joya, junior, plays a jazz piece in Jazz Band I for the Pops concert. Jazz Band I performed three songs: “Georgia On My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael, “Blue” by Bobby Shew and “Manteca” by Dizzy Gillespie. This year’s Pops concert theme was “Movie Mayhem.” Symphony Orchestra, Caught Off Guard, Concert Choir, Jazz Band I and Jazz Band II picked pieces relating to movies such as “Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison, and “Psycho (Prelude)” by Bernard Herann “Movie Mayhem” held a sold out concert at 7:30 on Nov. 5 in the gymnasium.
upcoming performances Nov. 18-Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Variety Show
Nov. 20 at 3:00 p.m.
Madrigal Performance
Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Orchesis Childrens Workshop Dec. 7-Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Extravaganza
Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Orchesis Showcase
IMEA selects 16 students to perform in IMEA concert Krista Sanford A&E Editor The Illinois Music Educator Association (IMEA) selected 16 students from WHS to perform with high school students throughout the whole state. “(IMEA) divides up the state into nine regions and the kids compete for the top groups,” Brian Logan, band director, said. Groups consist of choir, orchestra, band and different jazz groups. According to Mr. Logan, the 16 WHS students made it from out of about 70 high schools that compete in this region.
“I was pleasantly surprised at a few of the selectees,” Mr. Logan said. “We also have a few musicians who worked really hard that didn’t make it, and I was surprised.” Julia McCarren, senior and IMEA member, made IMEA for concert choir and vocal jazz. This was her first year trying out for IMEA. According to McCarren, she wanted to try out for IMEA since it was her last year in high school. “I knew that if I worked hard for it and make it... it would show all my hard work paid off,” McCarren said.
Michael Genson, junior and IMEA member, made IMEA for jazz band IV playing the bass trombone. While he did not make IMEA his sophomore year, he did make it his freshman year, too. “(My favorite part about IMEA is) going and working with people you don’t know,” Genson said. IMEA members receive the music ahead of time and practice on their own. Then, the day of the concert, they get together and practice for the first time. During their audition, students had to sight read a piece. According to McCarren,
the judges gave her a minute to look at the music before she had to perform it. “I started preparing (in the) summer,” McCarren said. “Any extra time (I had) I was singing.” According to McCarren, she feels happy that she gets to sing with other people in different choirs; but, she says that IMEA is time consuming and nerve racking. The band, orchestra and concert choir IMEA concert takes place on Nov. 12 at New Trier High School. Jazz Bands and vocal jazz play at a Jazz Festival held on Nov. 19 at Evanston High School.
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Selected IMEA Participants Band:
Chelsie Coren, Heather Murphy, Kaitlyn Nielsen, Matthew Kulczak, Kylie Gember
Concert Choir/Vocal Jazz: Julia McCarren
Jazz Band I: David Robertson, Cesar Mendoza, Andrew Jensen
Jazz Band II: Ronny Roth, Michael Genson
Jazz Band III: Leah Malsom, Alex Linzmeier, Caroline Vetter
Jazz Band IV: Omar Joya
Orchestra: Jenny Garbarz Infographic by Michael Ciavarella
A&E 10
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
Circus hosts Barnes & Noble fundraiser Right: Samantha Broms, sophomore, ties a beaded bracelet that Caitlin Ku, daughter of Ann Ku, math teacher, made. Along with bracelet making, people could decorate cupcakes and listen to a Circus member tell a story. Harlan Rosen, junior, held story time from nine to eleven. Bottom: Heather MacIsaac, senior, and Rosen stand and wait for a costumer to stop by their greeting table. At the greeting table, people could pick up a voucher as well as look at old Circus Magazines.
Photos by Daniel Brount
Krista Sanford A&E Editor Circus Literary Magazine held its fifth annual fundraiser at Barnes and Noble this Saturday from nine to five. “We find that every year we really do bring in a lot of money,” Harlan Rosen, junior and Circus member, said. “I’m just trying to support the group I’m in, so we can do this every year.”
Circus raised about 700 dollars from the Barnes and Noble fundraiser, according to Christine Pacyk, English teacher. According to Rosen, Circus members handed out vouchers to costumers while they were shopping. If the costumers used the voucher with their purchase, Barnes and Noble donated 20 percent of the purchase to Circus. Activities for the fundraiser included temporary tattoos, creating
balloon animals, decorating cupcakes, story time, bracelet making and gift wrapping. Costumers could put in money and enter a raffle to win an autographed copy of “If You Give a Dog a Donut.” “I just like seeing little kids thank me. It’s nice,” Rebecca Way, senior and Circus member, said. Ann Ku, math teacher, brought her kids Caitlin Ku and Tyler Ku to Barnes and Noble for the fundraiser. “We come here every
year. You can never have enough books,” Ms. Ku said. According to C. Ku and T. Ku, their favorite part of the fundraiser was reading the books. T. Ku liked reading about cars. C. Ku and T. Ku also made beaded bracelets during the fundraiser. “They like seeing some other kids from their preschool,” Ms. Ku said. Ms. Pacyk was happy with the outcome of the Barnes and Noble fundraiser.
Al u Arc ives From the second Coldplay released “Paradise,” I knew I had to buy Mylo Xyloto.
David Nail, The Sound of a Million Dreams
Jennie Alcantar Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto
No. of Songs: 14 Release Date: Oct. 25 Genre: Alternative Rating: 5/5 Favorite Songs: “Us Against the World,” “U.F.O,” “Paradise” Sounds Like: Muse, Snow Patrol
No. of Songs: 11 Release Date: Nov. 15 Genre: Country Rating: 4/5 Favorite Song: “Catch You While I Can” Sounds Like: Jason Aldean David Nail’s soothing country voice, and storytelling lyrics make this album an easy listening country CD.
Mac Miller, Blue Slide Park No. of Songs: 15 Release Date: Nov. 8 Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap Rating: 4/5 Favorite Songs: “Smile Back,” “Frick Park Market” Sounds like: Asher Roth
At first, I was a little skeptical about listening to Mac Miller. But after listening to “Frick Park Market,” I can honestly say I am warming-up to him.
For Full Reviews ...
<www. wheelingspokesman. com>
Check out <www.wheelingspokesman.com> on Nov. 29 for the full story!
Show starts at 5:30 p.m., tickets are $8 at the door, $5 if you buy them online
Wheeling Graduates
Infographic by Michael Ciavarella
Sports 11
Spokesman Nov. 18, 2011
Boys’ cross country, girls’ swimming finish season at Sectionals Boys’ cross country advances to Sectionals for first time since 2007 Robert Perales Staff Reporter The boys’ cross country team competed at their Sectionals meet for the first time in four years on Oct. 29, where they placed 15th out of 21 teams. According to Bruce Ferraro, sophomore, making it to Sectionals was a huge accomplishment. “At our Regional race, a lot of our team came through, and that was just a great accomplishment,”
Ferraro said. “It felt good to make it to Sectionals for the first time in four years.” After advancing to Sectionals by placing fifth of nine teams at Regionals, the boys’ cross country team did not manage to advance after Sectionals; however, José Ortiz, senior, had a positive outlook on the Sectionals competition. “Although it wasn’t our best competition, I truly believe Sectionals gave our younger teammates a lot more experience
for competitions in their upcoming years,” Ortiz said. “It only gives Wheeling a better chance of making Sectionals every year from now on.” Initially, the Wildcats had the goal of making it to State. While they did not meet their goal, Nick Modlin, senior, felt accomplished with the team’s overall success. “In the beginning, our goal was to make it to State. While this didn’t happen, I truly believe we performed
incredibly well, and I’m just so proud of our team,” Modlin said. According to Ferraro and Ortiz, the highlight of the season was making Sectionals. “My favorite part of the season was seeing everyone’s expression after finding out we made Sectionals. We were all so excited,” Ortiz said. While the boys’ cross country team did not place at Sectionals, they hope to make State next year.
Girls’ Swimming Sectionals Overall Placing:
- Eighth out of 12 teams
Individual Achievements: - Theresa Godlewski, freshman, broke the backstroke record at a time of 101.5 seconds - Leah Malsom, senior, placed sixth in the 50 free with a time of 25.11 seconds Infographic by Jess Musto
Freshmen step up onto varsity girls’ basketball team Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief
Kristina Piamonte
Asst. Photo Editor
The girls’ basketball team walks onto the bus to travel to their away game at Maine South High School on Nov. 15. Results of the game were unavailable by press time. “They don’t expect us to win because we were the underdogs last season. We’ll give them a run for their money,” Nia Evans, senior, said.
With three freshman members, the girls’ varsity basketball team started the season against Maine South on Nov. 15. “We feel the freshman class we have for all levels is very talented, so we put them where we felt appropriate,” Julissa Hernandez, varsity girls’ basketball coach, said. Hailey Dammeier, Hannah Debrowski and Deanna Kuzmanic, freshmen, joined the varsity team after playing on the middle school feeder team. “I feel like that (feeder team) taught me everything I know about basketball. It’s helped me so much,” Kuzmanic said. Kuzmanic said she feels excited to play with varsity. “It’s really cool that I get
to play with the people I’ve been watching growing up,” Kuzmanic said. “I watched my sister (Kellie Kuzmanic, senior) too.” According to Nia Evans, senior, the new team will benefit the Wildcats. “Last year, we struggled filling positions. This year, it’s more stable because people are able to fill more positions,” Evans said. “We’ll be able to improve the team chemistry faster.” Results of the Maine South game were unavailable by press time. The Wildcats play against Fenwick at 7:30 p.m. tonight. “Fenwick is a top notch program,” Coach Hernandez said. “I just hope we play together and keep focused on defense, which will play into offense. As long as the girls are ready to play, we should be fine.”
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upcoming events Girls’ Basketball 7:30 p.m. tonight at Fenwick Girls’ Bowling 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Palatine
Sports Volume 48 Issue 3
Like Wheeling Spokesman on Facebook or follow @WHSSpokesman on twitter for news and updates.
Nov. 18, 2011
whs
Fall sports wrap up with mixed results
“It was a fun season for the team; we finished the best Conference place in Wheeling History,” Michael Taylor, senior, said.
“This season was the best because we finally broke the Sectional barrier,” Jordy Arriaga, senior, said.
“It was pretty tough, but as a team we did good,” Marta Dzundza, sophomore, said.
Boys’ Golf
Final Record: 12-3 Second place in MSL East, Fourth place in MSL.
Boys’ Cross Country “I think this season our team did really well overall. We won half of our matches and we we improved a lot this season,” Dani Bitout, senior, said.
Qualified for Sectionals for the first time since 2007. Read more on page 11.
“I wish we could’ve stopped making the same small mistakes that cost us a few games,” Rogelio Loredo, senior, said.
Girls’ Cross Country
Final Record: 0-6 Placed 12th in Conference.
Girls’ Tennis
Qualified for Sectionals. Dani Bitout, senior, placed fourth in Conference.
Boys’ Soccer
Final Record: 7-15-1 “It felt good to beat Buffalo Grove and it made us feel like we accomplished something since it was a big obstacle,” Arturo Sotelo, senior, said.
Football
Final Record: 2-7 Dave Dunbar, varsity coach, finished his football career with this final season.
“The best thing was the chemistry between the team. Even though we didn’t win it was fun with the people” Jessie Zuba, junior, said.
Girls’ Volleyball Final Record: 8-14
Girls’ Swimming Final Record: 1-10 Placed seventh at Conference
Girls’ Golf
Missed advancement to Sectionals by one point. “The swim season went pretty great overall. As a team we did better,” Emily Zieger, sophomore, said.
Design by Daniel Brount. Information gathered by Jennie Alcantar, Daniel Brount, Jess Musto, Gaby Najera and Robert Perales. Photos by Rosalie Chan, Mikey Ciavarella, Jessie Livingston and Valerie Westin.
“It was a tough season, but we made it through and a lot of us met our goals,” Jackie Resnick, junior, said.