Sp kesman June 2, 2017
Volume 53 Issue 8
Wheeling High School
Page 3
Josie Levin
Choir concert honors seniors
900 S. Elmhurst Road
Page 5
Page 8
Display shows cultural pride Josie Levin
Wheeling, Ill. 60090
AP spanish takes trip to art museum Aaron Bernacho
Follow us on social media for more coverage and live updates:
@Whsspokesman
NASA partnership lauches students out of this world MJ Hurley Assistant Sports Editor
Children across the U.S. dream of working for NASA one day – for students in Wheeling High School’s advanced engineering program, that dream is a reality. Since April, Wheeling students have been building brackets and handles that will soon be launched to the International Space Station (ISS). The aluminum alloy and stainless steel hardware – some of which feature design specifications that are the size of a human hair – will help ISS astronauts move around in zero gravity. “It’s humbling knowing that Wheeling High School will have apermanent piece of history in space,” said Tom Steinbach, a Wheeling engineering and machining instructor. “The parts, as small as they may be, are still vital in the space station and it will be a memory of a lifetime.” The project is part of a unique partnership with the SME Education Foundation and High School Students United With NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) that demonstrates the strength of Wheeling’s engineering and manufacturing program. Wheeling is one of 10 high schools across the country – and the only school in the state of Illinois – participating in the NASA project. In order for the intricate parts to work inside the International Space Station, they must be manufactured
efficiently, which creates a competitive environment for the students, Steinbach said. They are a part of Project Lead
The Way which is the series of Engineering Courses offered at Wheeling High School that are designed to challenge students with rigorous, hands-on, 21st century skills. These classes lead students throughout various career pathways and ignite passions and interest within the engineering and manufacturing fields. This project also gives students an opportunity to solve critical thinking problems and difficulties in the classroom, the workforce and day to day life.
“These kinds of collaborations with industry partners ensure our curriculum is in line with
industry standards and trends,” said Dan Weidner, the director of career and technical education for High School District 214, which includes Wheeling High School. “We want to build the next generation of manufacturers now, and give them the skills to be employable as soon as they graduate.” For Wheeling engineering and manufacturing students, the project is a hands-on, real-life challenge that will help them as they pursue careers in the STEM field. “The PLTW Engineering classes I
have taken at Wheeling High school will definitely help me with going into career and college,” said Erica Herin, junior. “I feel I will have more of an advantage with the machines and technology than most students thanks to my classes, my teachers, with their support and the supplies in front of me, I feel I have a huge advantage over other schools and students.” Wheeling senior Victor Fuentes said he was ecstatic when he learned he would be helping to build parts for NASA. ”At first I thought Mr. Steinbach was joking and giving us old NASA prints,” he said. “I couldn’t believe that we were actually designing and manufacturing parts for NASA. I was jumping out of my seat knowing that I would be designing something for NASA and it would actually be used on the ISS.” Steinbach said he hopes the project will encourage more Wheeling students to consider a career in manufacturing or engineering. He believes there is a misconception that engineering is solely for students who are strong in math and science. At Wheeling, staff work to include students with all kinds of skill sets in the engineering and manufacturing courses. “We as a community are looking for students who are critical, out-of-the-box thinkers,”s aid Steinbach. “If you are the type of person who wonders hows things work or how things are made, you would excel in our area.”
2
News
June 2, 2017
Pool construction begins just in time for summer
Ongoing construction of the WHS pool. Pool construction started May 15th, and will last until the beginning of the school year. The new additions include deck work, new lights and balcony upgrades. Photots from @TedBirrenD214
Graphic by Josie Levin
Compassion project steps up game, goes viral This year the multicultural literature class decided to raise money for WINGS, an organization whose mission is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. The class chose to focus on homelessness this semester, partially in part because they focused on the same issue last semester. This time around, the students of the compassion project decided to raise money through a bake sale, raffle and video game competition. The competition, which involved games such as “Mario Kart” and “Super Smash Bros”, had students pay one dollar per person to verse their fellow students in the games. The idea to do a video game competition
Max Piasecki Editor-In-Chief The compassion project has yet again helped to promote selflessness with their recent video game competitions, bake sales and raffle to help raise money for the homeless and promote general awareness. The project, started in 2012 by Christine Pacyk, English teacher, has her multicultural literature class working to research a global, national or local problem. Once they adequately research their topic, students decide how to help their cause by finding and donating to a reputable charity.
came out of not being able to volunteer this semester for the homeless, but still wanting to create a fundraiser and help the organization. “(The students) took the raffle idea from last semester, because that was super successful… and some of the students in the class just like video games, and I mean who doesn’t,” Ms. Pacyk said. Due to the lack of a multicultural literature class next year, Ms. Pacyk will no longer be doing the compassion project. However, she plans to continue volunteering in her personal life and to hand over the compassion project to Melloney Owens, sociology teacher.
Freshmen digital literacy test David Ruvinskiy Web Editor Starting with the 2017-2018 school year, incoming freshman will be enrolled in a digital literacy course through Schoology. This course will teach students how to effectively use the iPad, as well as how to be safe online and on social media. Before the completion of the course, students will have restricted access to their iPads. At the beginning of their sophomore year, students who completed the course will be given the same access to their iPads as juniors and seniors. The idea for this course stemmed from
staff concerns about students behavior in the classroom, as well as parent concerns about students’ safety and digital citizenship. In order to address these concerns, people at District 214 researched other models. Rebecca Kinnee, innovative technology facilitator, explained the process for researching the new model. “One of the models that they were researching was a course that was offered at District 211, which is similar to the program that is going to be started here next year. So they didn’t just make it up. They looked at other districts to inform what that course should look like,” Ms. Kinnee said. Students who do not have concerns about limited iPad access do not have to complete the course.
Bob Ross off cancelled; scheduling error cause David Ruvinskiy Web Editor On Saturday, May 20, teachers and administrators from the six major high schools in District 214 were supposed to participate in a “Bob Ross Off” as part of the annual art show. However, the event was cancelled due to the limited number of volunteers. Bob Ross was the host of a TV show
known as “The Joy olf Painting.” Each episode of the show consisted of Ross explaining how to create a painting from start to finish, as well as providing tips on how to be a better artist. During the “Bob Ross Off” representatives would compete to see who could create the best painting by following along with a Bob Ross video. Since Bob Ross paints fairly quickly, representatives would be given an art student to guide them through the process. Although Wheeling High School was not
going to send a representative this year, Tim Piatek, English and fine arts division head, participated in the challenge last year. Since the event has been going on for two years, Julie Bale, art teacher, thinks this year was a missed opportunity. “It is a lot of fun to see the show. I think the people who do it also have a deeper understanding of painters and the process and what it’s like. It’s just fun. It brings attention to the art program and all the cool things we do,” Ms. Bale said.
3
Arts
June 2, 2017
District art gala paints a picture Diversity on Claire O’Donnell Staff Reporter
Courtesy of Rebeccah Silver
Nolan Whalen, senior, standing with his artwork at the D214 art show on may 13.
There were many unique characteristics of the D214 art show. According to Rebeccah Silver, art teacher, this show was unique because it was exclusively work produced by D214 students. “Each school selects one student to participate. We raise money for the scholarship through artwork sales from each high school. At the end of the show, the senior winner is announced,” Ms. Silver said. One student featured was Nolan Whalen, senior. “He worked incredibly hard and to accomplish what he has and came to help set up and take down the show,” Ms. Silver said.
Whalen’s favorite piece “Snow White” was featured in the art show. “I had to be the model which I think added a certain ambiguity to the piece. It really makes you question who the figure exactly is. It makes the viewer come to terms with gender, gender norms, and society’s view of what we should look like,” said Whalen. The D214 art show is constantly evolving, for the artists are influenced by the environment that surrounds them and it is reflected within their art. “It’s really a celebration of work from the the entire academic year” Ms. Silver said, “The work is always impressive and it’s so rewarding for everyone to see the phenomenal journey these students have been on.”
Choir honors seniors, sings send off
Josie Levin
Santi Cuevas Staff Reporter
As the year comes to an end many groups and clubs are losing their eldest members. For the choir here at WHS, they are losing a good amount of their senior singers and with this they will soon start a new journey somewhere else. The senior choir here has experienced the Josie Levin most change, they have gone Brianna Gray, senior, sings solo during spring through a lot of choir concert. change such as going from a small group of about 37 to a larger one of almost 150 .The seniors show great
leadership skills and a lot of talent that will forever stay with them. As stated by Stephen Colella, choir director “They’ve been great in representing the program and how it should look like and how it should sound like” For a freshman, meeting seniors is usually a terrifying act, but when you all share the same Josie Levin passion it can become easier. Stephen Colella, chior “They were all director, conducting at spring chior concert. really nice and welcoming and because they have a lot of passion and love for music it is like a role model for the underclassmen to follow their steps and
have the same passions” Mitzy Ramirez, freshman said. The senior group in this years choir has not only been through Mr. Colella’s journey but as well as their own. Most of them have stayed in choir for the past four years in which they have sung gospel music and made the choir program grow. Although this is their last year singing for Josie Levin the high school Michael Freeman, they have left an senior, also sings solo impact in the at spring chior concert. choir. As stated by Mia Dimayuga, senior “I think we left a pretty good mark so I think it’s going to go uphill from now.”
display in culture show Aidra Crawley Staff Reporter
In celebration of the melting pot that is our student body, the annual Display of Cultures took place Friday, May 19th. The wide range of performances included Bollywood, Irish, Polynesian, Ukrainian dance, singing and accordion playing. The students involved in putting together this display consider it a positive Josie Levin opportunity for Izabella Kwietniewski, cultural awareness. sophmore, dressed in “The best part of traditional polish clothing display (of cultures) was to be able to perform, obviously, as well as working with each other” Bruno Salgado, junior, said. Salgado performed dances for multiple cultures during the display. He performed bollywood, bachata, ballet and polynesian dances. “If there are people who want to do display, I encourage them to experience it,” Salgado said.
Pictures by Josie Levin
Above: Lesly Gonzales and Daniel Lopez, juniors, walk through the main hallway during the display. Below: Odayls Lorenzo, junior, listens to Jakub Kacala, junior, play polish accordian music.
Spring events end but band marches into next season
Karime Cantu
Saxophone players, Jennifer Morales, Jocelyn Avalos, freshman, and clarinet players, Dana Kowalkowski, freshman, and Rosa Rivera, sophmore, perform in the spring band concert.
Josie Levin Associate Editor The year may be over but band isn’t. With concert season coming to a close, the band program is transitioning into marching season.
“We’re really excited to start getting the music in their (band students) folders,’ said Michael Malik, band director. The music was composed by a private composer specifically for WHS marching band use. The final event of concert season, the Night of Jazz, was performed by the jazz bands the wednesday of last week featured solos from the graduating class including Matthew Hoffman on piano, Lewis Manoxios on tenor saxophone and Michael Freeman on trumpet. “It was a great concert,” Mr. Malik said, “they were all fantastic.” These soloists reflect only a small portion of the graduating class. “We have a very large senior class that were going to miss dearly,” said Mr. Malik. “They’re a fantastic group, they are well balanced in all the different instruments.” However he is hoping that underclass
will step into the roles left behind. “Basically down the line were losing a lot of great musicians so we’re hoping that this freshman class can really step it up and fill those spots and were looking for strong leadership from our juniors and sophomores that’ll lead the way to another successful year,” Mr. Malik said. He has hope for next year’s band, however. “The junior class has some really outstanding players. People like Daniel Lopez who’s actually a nationally renowned flutist,” Mr. Malik said. Lopez, junior, said he was excited for next year, although seniors “were the structure that held the band together” this past year. A sentiment was echoed by Karsyn Burgess, junior and trombone player “Now that the seniors are leaving they’re like the glue to the band that hold us together and
now that we’re going to be seniors we have to take that position (of leadership) and hold the band together.” The school is ramping down but band is marching into its next season with a fever.
Courtesy of Lesly Gonzalez
Emily Dominguez and Rebecca Montesinos, juniors, marching in the Memorial Day parade
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Feature
June 2, 2017
Promposals: Greater than or equal to prom? Christopher Fink
Garcia said that she was very surprised when she was asked to prom and that as Staff Reporter planned out as promposals are, the element of surprise seems to be a constant. Many What do you think of when you upperclassmen share the same opinion. hear the word prom? Do you think When promposals put someone at the of an elegant banquet hall full of long center of attention, they feel special and dresses and tuxedos? Well if you’re a high that seems to be the goal for most people. school student you most likely think of “I think they’re an adorable way to promposals. Posters, flowers, music, and show someone they are more special to lots of planning. These are all traits that fit you,” Miranda Raimondi, junior, said. She into the category of a promposal. So why in was asked with a poster and a keychain the new generation has the actual asking to which made her feel elated. As special prom become a greater deal than the dance as proposals are, some people feel some itself. Well for one, high schoolers want to believe extravagant ones are not required. make their date feel special when asking “It depends on how comfortable both them to prom. partners are about showing their strong “I think people just want to make them affections in public,” Raimondi said. special so that the person they are asking Some people feel awkward about feels special,” Liset Garcia, senior, said. promposals especially when they are shy or
aren’t really up to going with a date. Garcia expressed it could be a good or bad thing depending on how you feel. Some people would enjoy hanging out with their friends rather than following the traditional route which can make promposals very awkward. One way that people avoid these awkward routes is by taking a more calm undertow. “It can be as calm or as chill as you want. it’s your choice for however you want to ask them,” Lesly Gonzalez, junior, said. She asked her date and friend, Daniel Lopez, junior, with a formal invitation and candy. Overall students agree that promposals are a great way to make your date feel special however crazy promposals are not all that matters when it comes to the big dance.
Courtesy of Liset Garcia
Liset Garcia, senior, get asked to prom with a poster made by Jonathon Musto, junior.
STEM camp aids young students prepare for high school Santi Cuevas
entering high school due to it being the most significant years in a student’s life. However, having a camp that helps Staff Reporter students experience an aspect of a high school course is helpful. STEM Camp is a summer enrichment program that STEM camp wouldn’t be as successful as it is if it weren’t focuses on students from 1st to 8th grade. These classes for the student helpers who come in during the summer offered in the camp help the students see math and science and help the classes run smoothly. in different perspectives along with setting an example of “The helpers are the only reason that we can do this what high school curriculum will look like in their minds. because we have usually between 100 to 125 helpers. Some “It is the attempt to help them to understand how high classes need like five to seven helpers to help because when school looks like and what to expect in the science and you’re working with little 1st graders even through 8th math projection in the high school,” Mediha Abat, science they require a lot of hands on help and so our helpers do teacher, said. that for us,” Cindy Hughes, division assistant, said. Many students are intimidated by the thought of Being a helper for the STEM camp has its benefits
Spokesman interviews members of the Little Wildcat preschool class and the Class of 2017!
Patrick Reiger
Maya Castro
as well. By being a helper, you can bring your younger siblings into the camp for free as well as earn community service hours if needed. Helpers also learn to be more responsible as they are given a group of kids that they need to take care of and teach throughout the course. The purpose of STEM is to provide students a glimpse of high school courses before being a high school student. The camp aids students in understanding math and science at a young age. “I think it’s important because it teaches kids about science and math in like fun ways that they can understand and put into real life situations,” Liliana Geati, sophomore, said. STEM camp and its purpose allows for students and student helpers to learn and grow.
Nolan Rand
Emelie Scoggins
Q1: Kindergarten because we can learn a lot.
Q1: I’m going to Mexico for a month and eat tacos.
Q1: Play baseball because I love baseball.
Q1: To go swimming in the pool.
Q2: I like the big bouncy house.
Q2: We went to a pumpkin patch. I liked going on the rides.
Q2: That I love eating tater tots and chicken nuggets.
Q2: Lemonade stand because it was so fun.
Q1: What are your plans for the summer? Rachel Lisowski
Q1: I’m going to be
Q2: What is your best memory from this school year?
coming back to help the drum majors in marching band and maybe do some freshmen camp.
Q2: Superstate. Jump really really high lack widow
Nelson Hernandez
Grelda Castrejon
Q1: Go to work for a while and the afterwards I’m going to start school at Harper.
Q1: To go out with my friends and enjoy the time I have with them and go to Mexico.
Q2: During lunch, playing uno and jenga- it gets intense.
Q2: Football games because I got to enjoy it with my friends one last time.
Sean Walker
Q1: I’m going to work a lot to save money for college. Q2: Superstate was fun.
Information and photos collected by Shailah Magallon and Santi Cueves
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Feature June 2, 2017
Students display their cultures with pride
India
Mexico
Russia
“I like the colors and the festivals because they’re really uplifting and there’s so much energy,”
“I really like the music- the beat gets you moving,” Salud Ponciano, senior.
“I like the nature. I like cultural things like traditional dresses. I like the food- it’s different from others,”
Greece
Poland
“I just think that it’s the foundation for so many things like philosophy and democracy. It’s just so unique. And the food is amazing,”
“Our country is beautiful- we have mountains and castles and it’s old and we have a really long history, great traditions, and good food,”
Shailie Shah, sophomore.
China “My favorite part is the food and the celebrations. We celebrate Chinese new year which is a really big deal in our culture. We get hóngbao which are red envelopes and we get money with it and it’s also a time where we spend time with family,”
Zoe Kais and Eleni Lafazonos, seniors.
Catherine Chan,
Diana Anisova, freshman.
Izabela Kwietniewski, sophomore.
sophomore.
Information and photos collected by Shailah Magallon
“Bigger Than Me Project” helps sex trafficked victims Shailah Magallon Associate Editor Sociology classes recently hosted their first annual “Bigger than me Project”. Coordinated by Melloney Owens, social sciences teacher, the project’s purpose was to show students that there are problems in the world that are bigger than all of us.
“The “Bigger Than Me Project” is a service learning project to teach students that even though each of us are going through challenges, there are others who are experiencing problems too,” Ms. Owens said. The first annual project is off to a great start. “We raised $737 to donate to Anne’s House which is a home for sex trafficked victims,” Ms. Owens, said. Anne’s House is under the Salvation Army’s PROMISE program. Girls, ages 12 to 21, who are being sexually exploited are welcomed into the house as a safe haven. However, the girls have to be willing to better themselves in order to function in the outside world.
This is just the start of the beginning for the “Bigger Than Me Project”. The program doesn’t only help people outside of WHS, it also helps students learn about the real world and life in general. “The mission is to help students gain a sociological imagination by seeing that no matter how many times we get knocked down by this thing called life, we need to get back up stronger and wiser. More so, by helping other in need, it’s a win-win situation and it helps us realize the world is “Bigger than Me”, Ms. Owen said.
Focus
6
June 2, 2017
Caffeine takes center stage in ad as teenagers obsess over the Amount of caffeine found within the most consumer-popular beverages Beverage Volume (fl oz) Dunkin’ Donuts 14 Brewed Coffee Dunkin’ Donuts 14 Latte Dunkin’ Donuts 14 Mocha McDonalds 16 McCafe Latte McDonalds 16 McCafe Mocha McDonalds 16 Coffee McDonalds Sweet 32 Tea Starbucks Classic 48 Caffe Mocha Starbucks Grande 16 Caffe Latte Starbucks Grande 16 Coffee Coca-Cola Classic 12 Diet Coke 12 Moutain Dew 12 Slurpee 12 Monster Energy 16 Drink Red Bull 8.46 5 Hour Energy 2
Caffeine amount (mg)
210 151 151 142 167 145 100 510 150 330 34 46 54 40 160
80 200 *Information gathered from the Mayo Clinic. They also state that up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is probably safe for most healthy adults, a maximum of 100 mg a day for adolescents and none for younger children.
Do you think caffeine has any major positive or negative effects on t “It has a positive effect because when you drink coffee, you get hyped and happy. I don’t think it has a negative effect at all. Drink it,” Melanie Aguilar, freshman, said.
“I think it has both a positive and a negative effect. It can give you energy, but if you drink too much, you will shake,” Claudia Chan, sophomore, said.
June 2, 2017
Focus
7
dolescent intake and attention e dangerous, growing trend Caffeine proves deadly in adolescent overdose incident Amanda Talalaj Focus Editor
Information gathered by Healthline.com
Did You Know...
It’s hard to visualize any teenager today walking into class without holding their backpack, their iPad and their most personally prized possession of an extra large, caramel iced, mocha frappuccino they got from Dunkin’ Donuts before the bell rang that day. Most high school students find it just about unbearable to get through the day without their coffee, their energy drinks and their excessive dependence on all things caffeine. Caffeine and caffeinated beverages especially are on the rise in all age groups across the globe. Starbucks signs and exciting energy drink commercials on TV display the efficient working class of America utilizing their products for the overall betterment of their bodies, minds and functions throughout the week. Widespread jokes over the U.S. dependence on “morning coffee” and other caffeinated consumptions have now become so ingrained in the widespread media that it has evolved to be an especial influential factor on the adolescent community. Teenagers specifically have become a target for this immense caffeine endorsement. With social media promotions and mass endorsements everywhere, the trend has caught up quite heavily in the past couple of years. Nonetheless, caffeine consumption on the high school mind and body is not a positive development, especially in its abundance. This
concept was outlined in the recent news article pertaining to South Carolina teen found dead due to his overdose on caffeinated products. Davis Allen Cripe,16, died April 12th, after consuming a large diet Mountain Dew, a cafe latte from McDonald’s and some type of energy drink. These beverages, with their dangerously high amounts of caffeine, proved to be fatal when combined altogether. They were the primary factors to cause Cripe’s arrhythmia, which is the equivalent to a heart attack. “The purpose here today is not to slam Mountain Dew, not to slam cafe lattes, or energy drinks. But what we want to do is to make people understand that these drinks — this amount of caffeine, how it’s ingested, can have dire consequences. And that’s what happened in this case,” coroner Gary Watts said. Cripe’s parents are also urging to notify others on the dangers of caffeine consumption in adolescents. Perhaps through Cripe’s story, a silver lining can be drawn in that others will rectify their own caffeine intakes when they are fully informed of its immense effects. “Davis, like so many other kids and so many other people out there today, were doing something that they thought was totally harmless, and that was ingesting lots of caffeine,” coroner Watts concluded.
• Around 83.2% of American teenagers consume caffeinated beverages regularly. • On any given day, almost 75% of U.S. children and teens consume caffeine. • Around 68 million Americans drink three cups of coffee every single day. • An estimated 30 million Americans drink five or more cups of coffee every single day. • More than 21 million Americans drink six or more cups of coffee every single day.
the mind and body? “Caffeine is good when it helps you get through the day, but too much of it does have a negative effect. It also depends on the person,” Lesly Gonzalez, junior, said.
Cartoon by Josie Levin
“In my personal experiences, when you take too much of it, it is hard to focus and you can become over-hyped,” Nolan Whalen, senior, said.
“I feel like it affects your body more than your mind. It gives you an energy boost, but if you drink it everyday, you can become addicted to it,” Lizbeth Arreola, world languages teacher, said. Photo Opinion by Faviola Gutierrez and Luz Martinez
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La Voz
02 de juno 2017
Las mesas de los nacions de latin america Aaron Bernacho Asst La Voz Editor
Pictures by Josie Levin Arriba izquierda: Stephanie Flores, junior, presente la cultura de Argentina. Arriba derecho: Juliette Gonzalez, junior, y Alexia Flores, senior, a la mesa de Puerto Rico. Medio izquierda: Estaban Machado, junior, y Rebecca Castro, maestra de espanol, bailan cerca de la mesa de Mexico. Medio derecho: Tiffany Bucio, senior, debajo banderas de naciones. Abajo izquierda: Gabriela Arias y Francisco Plazola, juniors, a la mesa de Colombia. Abajo derecho: Dos estudiantes a lado de la mesa de españa.
s
Clase de español viste el museo de arte español
Pictures by Aaron Bernacho
“Fuimos a ver otros comunidades hispanohablantes en la área, unos más grandes. El museo fue diferente, el arte fue reorganizado y teníamos un guía. Tiene más sentido teniendo alguien explicando los piezas de arte porque todos interpretan arte diferente. Mi tierra fue auténtica con murales y decoración, y el personal fueron nos trataron muy bien y sobre todo tenían un buena oferta en general. También es el más conocido restauran en el área. Si pienso que es beneficial porque podíamos ver cómo grandes comunidades hispanohablantes interactuar y ver la importancia de aprendiendo españolw.” Rebecca Castro, Maestra de espanol Aaron Bernacho
“Display of Cultures” tuvo lugar el 19 de mayo, siendo un día de representación para estudiantes y sus países nativos. Ocurrió en el pasillo principal con banderas llenando el corredor y tableros de carteles sobre mesas. Estudiantes de Wheeling High llenaron tableros de carteles con información sobre sus países que escogieron, presentando informacion básica del elegido país a alumnos o observadores. Los presentaciones también tenían artefactos y comidas, la mesa polaco tenía un estudiante tocando un acordeón y los mesas latinoamericanos estaban dando comidas tradicionales como el arroz. En el teatro, estudiantes bailaron con música de todas partes del mundo, desde música bollywood hasta música irlandesa. Este evento fue alojado por S.H.A.D.E.S club (Students Helping Accept Diversity in Every Situation), la patrocinador siendo Ms. Sanchez. Este evento deja estudiantes a apreciar su cultura, y presenta la diversidad de WHS. Con vestidos y atuendos clásicos de bastantes países, tienen la oportunidad para mostrar de dónde son con estilo. A la misma vez, alumnos que estaban observando el evento se divirtieron y también aprendieron sobre las culturas de sus compañeros. Julia
Ivaniv, junior, presentó sobre (país aquí) y explicó su experiencia durante Display of Cultures. “,” dijo Julia.diferente. Hasta ahora, no tiene planeado de regresar a enseñar las clases de español debido a su nueva posición, aunque va a trabajar con muchas familias que hablan el idioma español. La señora Zapata ha expresado una gran pasión por lo que es el español y lo ha demostrado en sus clases. Esto va ser un cambio diferente que va a iniciar una nueva etapa de la vida de la señora Zapata. Pero como todo, las cosas tienen que llegan a un final aunque no queramos. Hasta ahora, no tiene planeado de regresar a enseñar las clases de español debido a su nueva posición, aunque va a trabajar con muchas familias que hablan el idioma español. La señora Zapata ha expresado una gran pasión por lo que es el español y lo ha demostrado en sus clases. Esto va ser un cambio diferente que va a iniciar una nueva etapa de la vida de la señora Zapata. Pero como todo, las cosas tienen que llegan a un final aunque no queramos.
9
Entertainment
Cartoon Critiques:
June 2, 2017
Game not over, watch for updates
EVERYTHING EVERYTHING “Everything Everything” seems pretty unrealistic and trying too hard to appeal to teens. I mean her house practically has everything and some guy wouldn’t just make her want t-
Max Piasecki Editor-In-Chief
Okay maybe love does heavily influence a person
Cartoon by Aaron Bernacho
To celebrate Blizzard Entertainment’s one year anniversary of their massively popular online shooter “Overwatch”, the company has begun an anniversary event filled with new additions including maps and cosmetic items. The first person team shooter, released May 24th, 2016, has achieved massive success over the past year. With a playerbase of over 30 million people and an active, enthusiastic fan base, “Overwatch” has grown considerably since its release. With the addition of three new characters, multiple maps and events such as “Junkenstein’s Revenge” and “Uprising”, the new anniversary events includes maps such as the Black Forest, Castillo and the Necropolis for arcade matches, adding a heightened sense of excitement and variety. Skins for characters such as Tracer, Bastion and Genji help to add more color and personality to the already well known and established characters. These new additions have helped expand certain character’s lore and provide something new for veteran players. honesty. This album is so chill. However, one major issue within the It has its own energy that you can’t help game has been the functionality of loot but get caught up in in the best way possible. boxes, crates that give players rewards Overall, the album does an incredible job of such as ingame currency, cosmetic skins, showcasing the band’s strengths; from lead voice lines and more. For the anniversary singer Hayley Williams’ gripping vocals to event, players can get specific anniversary the liveliness of the drums, it’s a brilliant skins and icons. Yet, the system seems display of exactly what makes their music so to be based more on luck than actual engaging. probability. The chances of getting Every song is a bop. I can’t believe anything related to the event or even Paramore invented music with this album. something worthwhile seems so miniscule It reminds me of Twenty One Pilots; the that the anniversary event seems to have lyrics are super depressing but they’re hidden become more pay-to-win that truly fair. behind upbeat melodies. The album contains Despite the broken lootbox system, the lyrics like “Hard times, Gonna make you new additions to the game have been fun wonder why you even try” but hides it to play with, and add a fresh breath of air behind a few drums and a groovy guitar, to the game. Hopefully Blizzard will fix the creating the perfect balance of sincerity and lootbox system, and make “Overwatch” a lightheartedness. truly fair and fun game for everyone.
Paramore album palpable
Aidra Crawley Leslie Hernandez Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Released May 12, Paramore’s 5th studio album “After Laughter” is the band’s first album since the release of their self-titled album in 2013. “After Laughter” is better than self-titled could ever hope to be. Instead of a forced contrast from the band’s previous image, the new album is a natural development; it’s simultaneously more mature than any of Paramore’s older work while keeping their usual vibrancy and
Masculine insecurity strikes again: the romper for boys
Josie Levin Associate Editor How do romphims affect me, a nonman? Badly. I’m not against the idea of men wearing rompers. I’m against men taking over rompers. Women’s clothing does not exist without mens clothing. Men can wear rompers, because the word romper is not stating in its name that it is exclusively for women. It doesn’t even have her in the name. The romphim however, is not for women. I went to romphim.com, the face of a movement, and the models they had looked
really good. Like really good. And yeah, they aren’t going to ask for my birth certificate if I buy one but it says something that the romphim emphasizes ‘no girls allowed.” This bothers me particularly because I’m a romper enthusiast. I own five. I was planning to wear my favorite silver sparkly one to prom, until my mother intervened. And the fact that
Cartoon by Josie Levin
the high collared romper I’ve always wanted appeared on the screen before me just in time to buy for my upcoming summer job interviews? It made me ecstatic. But it’s not a romper, it’s a romphim. A rompnot-for-me, if you will. The romphim is not a romper for men it’s a romper not for women. The romper wasn’t gendered before the introduction of “Now for boys too!” option.
But marketing agencies don’t understand that. By separating the population in two, by creating gender specific versions their profits increase and I don’t get that pastel yellow romphim in my size for 20 bucks. And you know that prices are not going to stay low. Prices are going as high as new romp-her necklines will be. Because nothing says made for girls like objectification and sexualization integrated into things we try to enjoy. Men have been wearing rompers. Everyone has. The romper is a modernized outfit made from one garment. That’s a pretty old idea. By adding him on the end and saving men from having to associate with anything vaguely feminine. Women’s clothing doesn’t emasculate men, they do that to themselves by designating it as women’s clothes.
10
Opinion
Constructive excitement commences
Ursala Urban Opinion Editor As the school year comes to an end, the construction for new areas in the school begins. Continuing into the summer and a hefty portion of the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year, renovations for the tennis courts, new sports fields, music wing, and pool promise to deliver students a new experience in an improved environment. Personally, I’m excited. Wheeling has always been looked down upon, people have complained about the school not having adequate environments, especially for sports and music. I believe that the renovations will improve student morale. We’ll be able to proudly, not that we already don’t, say that we’re from Wheeling High School. While we do have to deal with the dust and the noise, it is nothing compared to
Josie Levin
the brand new areas we’ll have. The music wing, as all band, choir, and orchestra kids know, no longer cater correctly to each respective group as each continues to expand. For example, the instrument locker room in the band room is far too small for all the band kids to keep their instruments in, to move around, or be able to leave instrument cases in the room. Basically, it’s not practical for the band program. And neither is the too-small uniform room housing the marching band uniforms. The other programs have similar problems of inadequacy. The one downside to the construction of the music wing is the interesting predicament it set all music programs in. For example, the band has been moved to the theatre,
which is a fine arrangment, but does pose a probelm for the amount of things we have to fit into the theatre itself. But the orchestra has been moved to the teacher’s lounge, which poses a problem in terms of room for cellos and a bass; not to mention the lack of arm room for bowing. My knowledge fails me on where exactly the choir is going to be relocated, but I’m sure they don’t have an easy time, either. The construction has promising results, and I’m willing to put up with the noise and everything that comes with it to be able to see the final product that will see more room, an adequately situated music/art wing, better tennis courts, and a new pool.
June 2, 2017
Editorial:
The end of the school year has finally come upon us. The 2016-2017 school year has been just as diverse and unique as each year previous. We’ve had programs such as our musical go to Theater Fest, seen our campus change as facilities are renovated, say goodbye to our principal as she moves along in her career, and see the end of late starts and a 7:25 am start time. Change has been a recurring theme for our student body this year, and that idea hasn’t always been resonating with us. Change involves the deviation from what we’re used to, what we’re comfortable with and feel safe with. With change involves having to explore new terrain, along with abandoning what we’ve had and taking in the unknown little by little. Seniors are graduating and venturing into the world beyond the bubble of high school, juniors get to experience every new change their last year of high school and underclassmen get to test out every new change and feature. The prospect of change can be scary, but knowing how to move forward and go into the future headstrong is vital. We at Spokesman believe that when it comes to change, we can’t cry because it’s over, but instead we have to smile because it happened. Knowing that we’ve gone through this year and managed to reach the end is an accomplishment in itself. The experiences we’ve gone through and the memories we have made are something that will stay with us for life, and that alone get us through change and justify the need for change. 7 out of 9 members of the editorial board agree
Q: What do you do with dead elements? Guest Cartoonist: Lesly Gonzalez
A: Barium!
Spokesman Staff 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief Max Piasecki*
Forum Editor Ursala Urban*
News Editor Max Piasecki
Sports Editor Giuliana Geati*
Asst. News Editor David Ruvinskiy*
Assisstant Sports Editor MJ Hurley* Photo Editor Savannah Garcia
A&E Editor Josie Levin* Feature Editor Shailah Magallon* Focus Editor Amanda Talalaj* La Voz Editor Lily Calderon*
Web Editor David Ruvinskiy Cartoonists Aaron Bernacho Lesly Gonzalez Josie Levin
*Staff members with asteriks are members of the Editorial Board
Staff Reporters Aaron Bernacho Aidra Crawley Santiago Cuevas Christopher Fink Faviola Gutierrez Leslie Hernandez-Barajas Luz Martinez Claire O’Donnell 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. Letters- Spokesman is a limited public forum and welcomes a free exchange of ideas from all readers. Readers are encouraged to contribute letters to the staff in room 137 or mail them in care of WHS. All letters must
be signed. Letters may be edited for length, style, possible libel, clarity, and adherence to our publication policies. Spokesman’s mission is to report the news objectively and truthfully. We will 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.
CorrectionsPhoto credits to Josie Levin on page 2 Santi is Santiago Cuevas on page 4 Nik Buzinskis spelling is corrected Jarexy Garica spelling is corrected
Michael Sternquest spelling is corrected Guilana Geati spelling is corrected We apologize to Cynthia Carro, English teacher, for misusing a quote
11
Sports
Do you know your WHS fight song? FIGHT, Wheeling Wildcats, for Alma Mater FIGHT. Glory in the Combat for the Blue, Gold and White. FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Faithful to Our Colors, We will Ever Be. FIGHTING, Ever FIGHTING, For a Wildcat Victory!
June 2, 2017
What’s your favorite memory of this season? Softball
When we all went to Menchies after a game Sophia Stanke Freshman Water polo
Going to Buffalo Wild Wings as a team Karla Perez Sophomore Water polo
Graphic by David Gonzalez
Schuetz leads team to victory Luz Martinez Staff Reporter
Courtesty of Lair
Kaitlyn Schuetz, senior, aims to catch a ball into an out at first base. As a captain, Schuetz leads the softball team through her positivity and passion.
By demonstrating passion for the game, Kaitlyn Schuetz, senior, leads the softball team into success. “She stepped up as a positive role model for the younger players and took over a position that was new to her and worked hard at improving her skills,” Mike Caringella, softball coach, said. By keeping others positive during games, Schuetz developed her own skills mentally. “I think I improved on my mental aspect of the game the most. I think one of the hardest things to do as an athlete is to stay positive when things aren’t going the way you want them to. I think this season I was able to improve on it the most,” Schuetz said. Schuetz was able to step
up her own game along with helping others step up theirs. “I think I was able to show I was a good role model by being there for my teammates and showing the younger girls how to act/play,” Schuetz said. The coaches aren’t the only ones that believe Schuetz has stepped up this season, but Arielle Rosenston, senior, also agreed as a teammate and as co-captains. “Kaitlyn was an amazing captain, she always knew what to say to make someone feel better and cheered on every one and made them feel comfortable on the team,” Rosenston said. Schuetz’s skills in softball also stepped throughout the season in addition to her leadership. “Her hitting towards the end of the season was great. She moved from 6th in the line up to 2nd, that’s a huge leap,” Rosenston said.
Getting together as a team for a morning breakfast Anthony Delgado Junior Track & Field
Competing in sectionals because we ran our best times Jason Shannon Senior Information gathered by Christopher Fink and Santi Cuevas
Sp rts Volume 53 Issue 8
Upcoming Events
Rise and Grind for Summer!
June 2, 2017
Track & Field win sectionals, Wildcats hurdle over records into champions MJ Hurley Assistant Sports Editor
Photos courtesy of Victory Views & Sydney Johnson
Sydney Johnson, senior, Karolina Balcarcel, junior, and Hannah Degraff, senior, along with many more track & field athletes compete in sectionals, qualify for state, along with becoming sectional champions for the first time in 26 years. The team celebrates by showing off
Girls varsity track & field won the Class 3A Sectional Meet for the first time in 26 years, along with qualifying for 10 different events for the state meet four days later. The ten qualifying events were also the most since 1992. The York sectional included 14 other teams, and Wheeling placed first beating Glenbard West and rival Prospect for a well deserved upset victory. Not only did Wheeling win the sectional meet leaving them as sectional champions, but by qualifying in 10 events, the female athletes outperformed the top track teams in the state. “The season was different than in the past because we qualified for state in every aspect of the sport. That has never been done before in the history of the school. This is very rare, as most of the top programs in the state excel in just one area (i.e. sprints or distance) and ride the success of that group for the duration of the season,” Timothy Nowicki, head track coach, said. The victory was even sweeter for all the Wildcats involved in the success. “When I first found out that we won, I was so surprised and excited because our team didn’t even think we had a chance of winning this meet, so when they called our names we all ran toward each other in a circle and just started jumping up and down celebrating. It felt so great to win because we tried so hard to win the division meet and conference but came but short, so when we won this meet it felt like we just won the lottery,” Alexis Knight, sophomore, said. Nowicki sees this change in history of Wheeling athletics transpiring before his very eyes.
Best beats the basketball buzzer On December 16, 2107, TJ Best, senior, pushed Wheeling over the edge of a win against Elk Grove with a three point buzzer beater from well beyond the arc. Best executed the shot by continuous practice of shooting three pointers. For Best, this was a thrilling shot long in the works. “I have always dreamed of hitting a game winner. I’ve been playing at the park making it in my head since I was young,” Best said.
IN WHEELING SPORTS
Football tackle playoffs
Courtesty of Victory Views
Rohwedders claim golf school record
TOP MOMENTS
Courtesty of Victory Views
After 8 years of football not making it to a playoff game, the Cats had finally claimed a spot in the playoffs. In the last game of the regular season, the team took a victory over Hersey, which pushed them over the edge as East Champions. “The fact that we’ve done something that hasn’t happened for such a long time for the school was great to accomplish as a team,” Joe Knapik, senior, said. “At the end of the game, all I was thinking was playoffs, ...and that I could have another week with my guys,” TJ Best, senior, said.
“This program has taken it’s share of lumps throughout the years, but I see the culture changing. The girls are starting to realize that this isn’t just a hobby. If they want to continue to be successful, they need to continue to be dedicated and make sacrifices along the way,” Nowicki said. Nosa Igiehon, sophomore, predicts even more success for the future while looking up to upperclassmen athletes. “Our 4x4 will show up in finals next year because we’re once again, right on the edge. In triple jump, I’ve been grateful to have Timber (Terrell) as a role model. Not just as an athlete, but as a person to aspire. We both do the same event, and with her graduating, I will always keep her in mind,” Igiehon said. Timber Terrell, senior, believes Wheeling is one of the teams feared in Track and Field. “Having one of the best records and sending the most state qualifiers down as underclassmen as well, having record breakers come through the school every year, top 2 in the msl, bringing back all state medalists.. The school should know that we are a team that other teams worry about when there is a meet. We’re not known as underdogs when it comes to track and field,” Terrell said. Track provides a lot to athletes like Nicole Nguyen, sophomore. “Wheeling High School’s track and field program has been one of the best programs I’ve ever been apart of. I do many sports at wheeling, but nothing compares to the track program. It’s more than just coaches and athletes, it’s like a huge family that grows together and gets better, Nguyen said. After 26 years, WHS athletes believe that hard work pays off, and growing together as a team will breed success in athletics.
OF THE YEAR
Courtesty of Lair
On the first match of the fall season, Adrienne Rohwedder, sophomore, and Symantha Rohwedder, freshman, broke the school record in the history of all Wheeling girls golf athletes. “The Rohwedder girls will rewrite the girls golf record book in their high school career. I expect them both to be the standard bearers for all future golf records held at Wheeling High School,” Peggy Ellsworth, golf coach, said. To the Rohwedders, the accomplishment was more of a team win rather than individual.
Maloney throws baseball no hitter Brian Maloney, senior, started off the season opener for Wildcat varsity baseball with a no hitter game against Waukegan in one of the top sports moments of the year. Maloney dominated the game by striking out ten batters, and even surprised himself with the success of the game along with his
teammates, being just as overjoyed with the accomplishment. “It was a lot of fun getting a win on opening night in no hit fashion with your team cheering you on. I still can’t believe it,” Maloney said. Opening Day is one of the highest honors for a pitcher and Maloney proved his skills apon it.
Courtesty of Lair