Spokesman Issue 7

index

WHS presents ‘Legally Blonde,’ pg. 3

more news online

at <wheelingspokesman.com>

news: Broadcast of VisCom Film Fest sports: Water polo plays at conference

spokesman Varsity girls soccer work on improvement, pg. 11

Mikosz designs cars, pg. 4

Volume 49 Issue 7

news 1-2 arts 3 feature 4-5 focus 6-7 la voz 8 entertainment 9 forum 10 sports 11-12

Wheeling High School

900 S. Elmhurst Rd.

Like “Wheeling Follow us @ Spokesman” WHSSpokesman on Facebook

April 26, 2013

Wheeling, Ill. 60090

Dr. Lopez promoted

Solinna Chong Dr. Lazaro Lopez, principal, speaks at the National School Board Association visit on March 15. As of July 1, he will no longer be WHS’s principal. Dr. Lopez was promoted to the position of associate superintendent for teaching and learning of D214.

Read more in Feature on pg. 5.

a&e: Check out video interviews from ‘Legally Blonde’

WHS rises in rank

Rosalie Chan web editor Listed as 39th on The Washington Post’s Most Challenging High Schools of Illinois list, students and staff of WHS have made improvements that caused WHS to rise 11 places in rank.

“It’s a considerable jump,” Erin DeLuga, associate principal of instruction and curriculum, said. “The reason I say the move up is intentional is because of incredible students, staff and leadership in the building.”

Last year, WHS ranked 50th on the list.

“While I know we are not defined simply by a number, I view it as another indicator, among many, that we are on the right track and providing a unique and impactful education for our students,” Dr. Lazaro

Lopez, principal, said.

“The community should be proud of the work the students and staff have done to earn this achievement.”

This list ranks schools through an index formula of the number of Advanced Placement (AP) tests given each year divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year.

“I feel like it’s more competitive because people are taking more AP classes, so they feel like they have to step up to the challenge,” Lupita Martinez, junior, said.

The Challenge Index aims to identify schools that have done well in encouraging students to challenge themselves by taking AP tests.

“Our students thrive in every content area, from liberal arts to engineering, and that’s what makes our kids and our school so unique,” Ms. DeLuga said.

Positive Impact gives students opportunities for research, design Jacquelin Camacho

helping the students understand software, find industry mentors, and prepare for their presentations. Mr. Geist felt the most WHS hosted the Midwest Research proud of how the students took a lot of time Competition: Positive Impact, an engineering working on their projects in addition to contest that allows high school students other after school activities. to take on real world challenges through “Innovation is researching what others research, design and presentation, on April have done and building on that. Working in 12. One WHS team placed third in the Next an engineering field is about collaborating Generation’s Innovator Challenge (NGIC) of with others,” Mr. Geist said. the competition.

Mr. Geist hopes that the students use Omar Joya and Kat Dobrowski, seniors, this experience to understand what the and Cole Dammeier, sophomore, competed engineering field is like. in designing an operating room that “When [students are] choosing careers, minimizes the risk of infections for patients. part of their plan should include how they They focused their design on air ventilation can make an impact. It should not be about systems that allow an the money or status, increased amount of airflow it should be more into operating rooms. profound. I hope Missed the event?

“The highlight of the day that seeing what Watch the Positive for me was going up there to they are capable of, Impact broacast at present and knowing that we doing so early in made it to the finals. When I <http://goo.gl/7kGX5>. high school, helps learned that Wheeling made them choose their it into the top 6, I was both careers,” Mr. Geist nervous and excited,” Joya said. said.

NGIC first place winners, Justin Markel, Dan Crabbe, senior, and Anne Janulis and Beny Romo and Jon Kuruc of South Elgin Christian Galvan, juniors, also competed in High School designed a prosthetic leg for NGIC. They designed a prosthetic leg with a their project. Their prosthetic leg had a lower cost that could help amputees in third design that allows amputees to utilize it for world countries obtain prosthesis. multiple physical activities. Their research “Our product and the research involved focused on cycling and running. only skimmed the surface on how we could “It took us six months to prepare our impact third world countries. Considering project, and we will be continuing to work I will be majoring in engineering physics, I with companies to actually create the can utilize this experience as the beginning prosthetic leg,” Markel said. “It solidified of my educational career,” Crabbe said. what we want to do, encouraged teamwork, Dobrowski summarized this event as an and allowed us to build important opportunity for students to make their mark connections,” Markel said. on real world issues.

This is the second year that WHS has “All high school students should be hosted the Midwest Research Competition. encouraged to participate in an event like “Hosting this event gives WHS a good this because it is an opportunity for students reputation and shows that it is really to look at the world beyond their current enforcing STEM. I overheard a coach saying environment,” Dobrowski said. ‘do you do this every day?’ He was joking Michael Geist and Jeff Bott, engineering of course, but it really shows that WHS is teachers, served as coaches for WHS, showing its leadership in STEM,” Joya said. staff reporter

Photos by Rossy Peralta Top: Jordan Quiroz, senior, Phillip Cozariu and Alex Pawelek, sophomores, show visitors a presentation on the Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact event on April 12. The group designed a hospital room that prevents and reduces surgical infections.

Bottom: Christian Galvan, junior, prepares for his presentation on his group’s prosthetic leg project.

news

2

spokesman

April 26, 2013

news Groups fundraise, prepare for Relay For Life flash Annalisa Baranowski

staff reporter

Operation Snowball will start at 7:25 a.m. tomorrow at WHS. Spokesman won the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association (NISPA) Golden Eagle on Tuesday, April 12.

Lair and Spokesman won fourth place at Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Journalism Sectionals on Saturday, April 20. Six students qualified for State, which will take place Friday, April 26 at Eastern Illinois University.

Gangnam Symphony Orchestra from Seoul, South Korea will perform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 1 at WHS. Tickets cost $10. Check out online coverage at <wheelingspokesman. com>.

Emily Peterson, sophomore, sells rice crispy treats and brownies for her Relay For Life team, “Walk It Out.” This year Relay For Life will take place Saturday, May 4. Activities include live performances, luminaria walks and sometimes a silent auction.

Kristina Piamonte

Accounting students gain experience from Relay, contest Rosalie Chan

web editor After taking College Accounting, students had the opportunity to compete at Harper College’s High School Accounting Contest and work at the Relay For Life accounting tents on Saturday, May 4.

“For Relay For Life, it’s a great thing that first, they’re volunteering and helping

Band will go to SuperState at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Thursday, May 4.

Advanced Placement (AP) testing begins on Saturday, May 6 and ends Wednesday, May 17.

Student Council member application forms due by 3 p.m.

Monday, May 8 in Room 245.

For more news, like ‘WHS

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@WHSSpokesman

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out, second, they get handson training, and third, they get hands-on experience.

It’s difficult to get hands on accounting experience,” Kevin Lennon, business teacher, said.

Nick Ricciardi, senior, took College Accounting last semester, and he plans on going into the business field.

“It looks good on resumes, but I can learn what

Activity, registration fees rise for next year Megan Jones editor-in-chief

Ruff Off the Cuff will host an improv performance, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3 in the theater.

One hundred and nine participants, forming 21 teams, have signed up for Relay For Life; participants have raised $15,150.72 so far.

Relay For Life raises money for the American Cancer Society, which benefits cancer patients and medical research.

Students and staff can join a Relay team, fundraise money and attend an overnight event, which starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 in the fieldhouse.

“I’ve done it for the past three years and a lot of my family had cancer and are all survivors,”Alexa Fishman, junior, said.

Fishman is on the team, “Juniors 13” and has raised $309 over the past few months.

Micki Kaufman, assessment center assistant, has participated in Relay for 15 years, 14 of those years being a captain of the longest running team, “We’re Doing It Again.”

“The cool part is that the donations for Relay are not made up of only large donations, but many $10, $20, and $30 donations. People should not feel badly if they cannot give a lot,” Ms. Kaufman said.

All District 214 students will face fee increases in the 2013-14 school year as the school registration fee increases by $30, and student activity fees will be raised $15 each year for the next three years.

According to Jim Perkins, school board president, the change is brought on as federal and state budgets are being cut, which make up 10 percent of the district’s budget.

“We are trying not to make any effects on the classroom because of our budget. We have great partners that are helping us cover technology costs, and it helps that we’ve eliminated information processing because it tied up the staff who had to teach that class,” Perkins said.

“We cannot rely on State funding anymore. If we want to maintain our programs, we’re going to need to make sure we find other sources of revenue.”

The fees were approved at a District board meeting

on March 21.

This brings next year’s registration fee, which covers the cost of textbook rentals, physical education shirts and instructional materials, to $455 per student.

The student activity fee will be raised from $50 to $65 next year and allows students to participate in as many sports or activities as desired.

A benefit to the new registration process is that each student’s fee will be frozen for the duration of their high school career.

The fee a student pays as a freshman is the same fee they will pay as a senior. This allows families to prepare in advance.

According to Perkins, Governor Pat Quinn’s current budget plan, which has not been approved yet, cuts $1.5 million from education.

“We don’t want to cut our expenses. We are all going to feel some pain,” Perkins said.

If registration fees are paid before July 31 of each year, the fee will be discounted $25.

Future Registration Fees 2013-14: Student registration: $460 Co-Curricular fee $65 Parking fee $190

2014-15: Student registration: $490 Co-Curricular fee $80 Parking fee $210

2015-16: Student registration: $520 Co-Curricular fee $95 Parking fee $220

it’s like to be in accounting mode. This will help me understand business a little better,” Ricciardi said.

In addition, students who have taken College Accounting competed at the Harper College’s High School Accounting Contest on April 19.

However, WHS did not win, as it did in previous years. The top finishers from WHS were Jackie Camacho, Joe

Dundovich, seniors, and Bruce Ferraro, junior.

In order to prepare, students reviewed their notes from College Accounting class.

This year, College Accounting only took place during first semester. According to Mr. Lennon, the accounting students had fun, and they also had the opportunity to listen to speakers from Northern Illinois University

talk about the profession of accounting.

Heather Hok, senior, took College Accounting last year, and she competed this year and last year. She said she refreshed her memory for the contest by reviewing last year’s notes.

“I honestly think it’s a great class, and it prepares you for college. It gives you an entirely new perspective,” Hok said.

spokesman

April 26, 2013

arts

3

Top: Robert Perales, Lizzie Jassin, seniors, and Breton Spiller, sophomore, partake in WHS’s rendition of “Legally Blonde.” The cast sits quitely while watching Brooke Wyndham, played by Missy McGuinn, junior, rehearse her workout sequence, “Whipped into Shape.”

Bottom Left: Jassin, who stars as Elle Woods, learns that she is admitted into Harvard Law School while performing “What You Want.”

Bottom Middle: Jassin is convinced

by Melody Beltran, junior, and Maggie Monaxios, sophomore, who play her sorority sisters, to follow her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, played by Perales, to Harvard Law School.

Bottom Right: Perales and Jassin interact at a party while Jassin is wearing a bunny costume.

“Legally Blonde” took place from Wednesday, April 17 through Saturday, April 20. The musical displays a young woman’s ability to overcome all odds and become an independent law student.

Photos by Megan Jones

Artist of the Month

Tech crew plays pivotal role for the fine arts department Chris Nush asst. a&e editor While walking into the Robert E. Sang theater, anxiety overcomes for the show to start. Some may think that the actors are the ones putting in most of the effort the whole show.

However, directly above and behind the audience is a booth where the lights are controlled and where members of tech crew watch over performances to make sure the lighting is perfect. Backstage, people rush to pull the curtain down on cue and set the stage with props and scenery.

What many people forget is that tech crew serves as the “backbone” of the theater department, which is why they have been chosen as Spokesman’s “Artist of the Month.”

Tech crew creates the entire sets of plays.

Just like for woodshop, all members have to pass a safety test to operate power tools.

One average, it takes members about two to three months to create everything like sets and props.

“I think part of it is that we’re always there, we’re always in the theater and even when there isn’t a play, or a musical going on, we’re still doing stuff,” Teri Gansinger, senior, said. “There’s things going on in the theater all the time. Tech Crew helps with rentals, too. Without a set and stage, a lot of the shows wouldn’t be complete and we wouldn’t be able to do as much.”

Maggie Scanlan, freshman, described Tech Crew as being a family.

“It’s a little stressful because it’s like if we mess up, it’s harder to cover up than when an actor messes up, but it’s also really fun seeing what you’ve made out there.

Without us, you’d have a bunch of actors

awkwardly on stage...it’d be like ‘what are these movements these people are doing?’”

Scanlan said. “A lot of our sets are not light; even on wheels they weigh a lot, so pushing them is not always easy.”

Members of tech crew stay after school everyday until 5:30 p.m., and on days of rehearsal, they are there even later, with certain nights ending as late as 8 or 9 p.m.

Shows are always going on in the theater, which means that members are always in there working on sets, props or general maintenance of the theater in between shows.

“All these shows have come into the theater, be it plays, musicals, concerts...Tech Crew is there cleaning up from one show and getting ready for the next,” Derek Ellertson, tech crew adviser, said. “All the shows have really come together.”

As the adviser, Ellertson shows students how to set things up such as lighting equipment and cues. He also helps them while working on the fall and winter plays and the spring musical.

For some members, tech crew has been a way of making new friends. According to Joe Zirlin, freshman, “It’s a good way to interact with upperclassmen and help out.”

In between bigger shows like the musical and plays, tech crew paints the theater stage and wall. They also clean up the theater because there are always smaller shows taking place in the theater that they help out in.

“It’s a big time commitment, especially for running crew during the show,” Gansinger said.

Tech Crew recently helped build numerous sets for the musical, Legally Blonde, and will break down the sets from the musical. They will also help run Display of Cultures, which will occur on May 24.

feature

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spokesman

April 26, 2013

Dancer follows family tradition, embraces culture

Evangelista gives back to community through traditional Filipino performances Frida Valdés

start their own, and I hope that we can grow our Filipino community,” K. Evangelista said.

Divine Rhythm practices twice a week With his grandparents’ encouragement, and performs after mass at the church Artery Kristoffer Evangelista, senior, joined Divine of Mercy in Chicago and in various Chicago Rhythm, a youth group that performs locations. traditional Filipino dances, such as the “At first, I laughed because I didn’t know tinikling and banko. They recently performed what kind of dance group it was, ‘like hipat Navy Pier and appeared on TV. hop? please.’ When I heard it was Filipino “I felt (after performing) like I did I was like ‘okay, then it’s just traditional, something for my culture, and I did something easy stuff,’ and I know other people were for our community as well. like that too because we It was nice to give back hadn’t really seen how and to show where my complicated it really is,” family came from learn Polly Draganova, junior, why our family is so in said. love with their country,” K. K. Evangelista’s two Do what you love to do; Evangelista said. older brothers, J. and Paul According to Justin if you’re interested in Evangelista, served as role Evangelista, brother of K. something you like, just go models to K. Evangelista Evangelista, performing for it. Make friends that have when growing up, since is popular in the Filipino they were both part of culture and dancing in the similar interests as you, Filipino dance groups. particular has recently and start something and who “It’s actually really gained a lot of popularity knows... that could get you nice to have him around and has raised awareness into something big; it could when we perform because about the Filipino culture. we don’t get to really get you somewhere far.”

According to K. bond other than the fact Evangelsita, dancing is his we’re home, but Kristoffer Evangelista, that way of giving back to the for the most part, when senior we’re home, I’m having Filipino community.

K. Evangelista was to do other things,” J. inspired to join a children’s Evangelista said.

Filipino dance group at 8 years old after His performing made K. Evangelista watching college students compete at “Battle proud of his culture and made him more of the Bamboo” at the University of Illinois in social.

Chicago. This sparked him to create a group “It definitely encouraged me to become Used with permission from Kristoffer Evangelista at North Park University where he will attend this person that I never thought existed and Members of Divine Rhythm, Alan Alegre, Justin Evangelista, Mia Dion and Kristoffer next year. He will also perform at WHS’s for him (K. Evangelista), I hope he creates Evangelista, senior, finish flipping benches over J. Evangelista and Dion during their Display of Cultures on May 24. this more confident person that is willing perfomance at Navy Pier, Chicago. “When I first performed, I was really nervous about “I hope that other people who see us to take on goals and obstacles head on,” J. performing in front of a lot of people, and I didn’t mess up, so it was awesome. That gave me perform are also influenced and inspired to Evangelista said. confidence,” K. Evangelista said. feature editor

“

Mikosz designs racecars, receives money for current hobby Designing logos, numbers and templates for various racing simulators that run online, as well as real cars is Chad Mikosz’s, senior, passion.

C. Mikosz has been designing racecars for over six years and plans to turn it into a career.

“I hope he works for Nascar one day. I want to see him go far because he truly enjoys what he’s doing,” Nikki Mikosz, sophomore, said.

C. Mikosz has gotten paid for his designs. He created a mock-up website for the Android game, “SnackWarz.” They also used his art concepts to create their application.

“I’ve become a better artist.

I’ve designed hundreds of cars. Some times, it’s 10 plus a day,” C. Mikosz said.

C. Mikosz showcases his work on his website <www. bigevilracing.com>.

“Most of my best paint schemes have been randomly drawn onto the template in Photoshop, using the pen tool” C. Mikosz said. “Schemes for bigger projects could take weeks to design.”

C. Mikosz enjoys driving racecars but mostly designing them.

“I’m a huge racecar fan, and I joined a racing league online, where a bunch of people had created their own custom paint schemes, and I wanted to try,” C. Mikosz said.

C. Mikosz has observed other racecar designs, which inspired him to design.

“I love to create fictional paint schemes for myself to use, as well as drivers that I know online,” C. Mikosz said.

According to C. Mikosz his crew’s work has been popular so far, with hundreds of downloads on all of their files.

“It’s really exciting to see where my site will go in the next few years” C. Mikosz said.

According to N. Mikosz, his parents support his graphic design pursuits “as long as he’s happy.”

N. and C. Mikosz’ grandmother recently passed away and C. Mikosz dedicated and created a special design for her.

Interviews by Solinna Chong and Katia Bryhadyr

Mikosz’s design process: 1. First, Mikosz starts

with a base template and then adds numbers on the driver’s side, passenger’s side, roof, rear end and front end.

The car needs to have the driver’s signature above the roof and then any associate sponsors that he decideds to use.

2. Mikosz then creates multiple versions of logos so he can switch them out later and decide the primary sponsor for the car.

3. The primary sponsor logos need to go on the roof and the car sides.

4. He brainstorms ideas for the paint scheme, typically on Adobe Photoshop, using the pen tool.

5. After design is done, he saves the design as a .TGA file so he can import it into the racing simulator, Carviewer, to check if the base lines up, or 3DS Max to render it.

Images used with permission from Chad Mikosz

LOGICVILLE

WHS students can recieve a discount by showing ID

$25 off any driver ed program at the Buffalo Grove or River Woods location now through 5/10/13

<www.logicville.com>

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April 26, 2013

feature

Dr. Lopez says farewell to WHS, moves higher into Dist. 214 Megan Jones

my career path, but if I had already paid for a whole year of nursing in college, this (switching majors) As students from WHS settled would not be an option for me,” into class on Friday, April 5, Dr. Cameron said.

Lazaro Lopez, principal, announced Patricia Nicpon’s, parent of his promotion as he moves higher Kelsey Nicpon, senior, children into District 214 as the Associate have attended WHS over the last ten Superintendent for teaching and years. Her family is currently closing learning. His promotion is effective a chapter of having high school July 1. students as her daughter, senior K. “The opportunity is very Nicpon, graduates this year. bittersweet; I really enjoy being “I really see a huge difference in principal of WHS as it’s been my the kids’ attitudes and the school as identity for the last six years and I a whole. When my sons were going would gladly do it for many more,” to school, there was less comradery Dr. Lopez said. “In reality, I’d love and very little school spirit. Now, to do both jobs. I’m excited Laz has really about the role I can play brought out that Dr. Lopez’s words of to foster partnerships, kids should wisdom for the future the external experiences and be proud of their principal: career pathways for all six community and of our district schools.” their school,” Ms. “Honor the staff, Dr. Lopez has led listen to the students Nicpon said.

WHS for the last six He was years as he expanded it and partner with the recently named into a STEM (Science, community and you’ll the 2013-14 High Technology, Engineering accomplish more than School Principal and Math) focused high you ever hoped.” of the Year by the school. He recently added Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Illinois Principals nanotechnology into Association for principal his the science curriculum, “STEM for making WHS the first public all” initiative, which high school in the country to house a provides students of all ability levels research and development nanolab. access to “21st century skills” such Mary Jo Cameron, senior, as problem solving, teamwork, personally experienced Lopez’s scientific inquiry, technology and expansion of WHS as she enrolled communication within curriculum. in the certified nursing assistant “I’m just really proud and grateful program. to have experienced Wheeling “He’s created a lot more under Dr. Lopez’s direction; it opportunities for the students to be has truly been nothing short of a able to choose a career path in high blessing,” Michael Yoshino, senior, school and gain experience before said. “I certainly hope he remains college. I’m considering changing somewhere high-up in the district editor-in-chief

Dr. Lazaro Lopez, principal, talks with Jan Schakowsky, U.S. representative for Illinois’ 9th congressional district, about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education.

for when my little sister and brother come through.”

Dr. Lopez plans to continue his work at WHS through STEM, partnerships, grants and bringing relevance in the classroom on a broader scale at all six high schools Dist. 214 serves.

“My initial goal is to travel to all schools and meet staff members from across the district to hear their own aspirations for the ways they can be both relevant and engaging to our district-wide students,” Dr. Lopez said.

He plans to work very closely with the new principal of WHS and stay personally involved in the partnerships and organizations that have supported WHS’s resources.

In regards to the nanotechnology lab, Dr. Lopez plans to navigate the process especially within the

“Where’s Momma?”

Duese said.

Kraus misses the students, but knew that she had to get the surgery. “(After the surgery) I’ll be able to completely fulfill my responsibilities to the students and staff because they are an important part of my life and fulfill a large part of my day,” Kraus said. “It’s a rough journey, but I’m very determined.”

Richard Amundsen, security guard, met Mama this year.

“I called her to see if she was doing okay. She’s fine, and it was a pleasure to talk to her. She’s always friendly and makes you Photograph used with permission from Lair feel welcomed,” Amundsen said.

In September of 2011, Kraus Paige McCoy asst. feature editor injured her knee. She planned to have her surgery last summer, but When walking through the the surgery did not work. halls of WHS, people expect to “I miss being with the see their friends, teachers, the students, but the surgery was put occasional Willie the Wildcat, and off until the right moment for me Mama, but there’s one problem. and my job. I’ve received so many “Where is Mama?” beautiful ‘get wells’ and thoughtful Judith Kraus, a security messages from the staff at guard known to students as Wheeling. I miss everyone,” Kraus “Mama,” has been out of the said. building since March 28 due to a Every other day, Kraus full knee replacement surgery and attends physical therapy to help will not be back until the next her recovery. school year starts in August.

“For me, there’s so much Amanda Duece, more to being a part of Wheeling sophomore, can’t wait for Mama than just having a job. A large to come back. part of it is connecting with the “She was really students in different types of understanding. Without her here, ways. The surgery was easy, a lot of students who talk to her but the recovery part is hard. during lunch will be lonely; she Everyone will be in my heart,” kept a lot of people company,” Kraus said.

first two years. He adds that “while the lab will be at Wheeling, we hope for it to have a regional impact.”

However, many students have expressed concerns for the future principal for WHS. “I feel like we are not going to grow as fast as he’s had the school grow so far. I hope that he or she can continue improving the school status and keep pushing what Dr. Lopez has already set in place,” Cameron said.

According to Alex Gleyzer, junior, it will be hard to replace someone as “great” as him, but he knows Dr. Lopez has the ability to make the District better.

“Whoever follows him has to keep with his strengths and follow his ideas. He’s got the kids excited to be at WHS. He restored dignity,” Ms. Nicpon said.

focus

Great Expectations:

Looking at the obstacles facing today’s teens

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spokesman

April 26, 2013

Can AYP truly measure innovation practices?

Megan Jones For the 2012 school year, all District 214 schools fell short of federal standards according to the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) assessment; however, when looking through The U.S. News and World Report and The Washington Post, D214 schools are nationally ranked for being the best in the state.

Only 11 Illinois high schools made adequate progress.

However, only seven were ranked as a top high school in the state by the U.S. News and World Report.

WHS was the lowestperforming school: 56.8 percent of students met or exceeded the standard.

“I don’t think it’s fair because you are comparing differences, but Wheeling has

seen lots of growth, especially with how many are enrolled in AP Classes,” Micki Kaufman, assessment center assistant, said. “As long as I can see growth for every student based on who they are and where they came from, that is wonderful. If you see you are better than when you started, you know you’ve grown.”

All demographics, including traditionally lower performing groups such as English Language Learners (ELL) or low-income students are held to the same standard. But does one measurement really fit all?

To achieve AYP, a school must test 95 percent of its students and attain the target goal in English and mathematics, or reduce the percentage of students in the non-proficient category of achievement by 10 percent.

Greater expectations can be found at WHS, but I find that students thrive from this. We have so many unique factors that set us apart from the district leader, John Hersey High School, so how can we use the same tests to compare us?

To contrast, let’s look at all the successes WHS

maintains that the AYP does not show. In the last six years, WHS has witnessed an 80 percent growth in Advanced Placement participation while maintaining pass rates double the national average and recorded the highest ACT scores in the history of the school. The school is nationally recognized for its efforts in STEM education and often serves as an example for others in the country. However, we are “failing.”

Students do not attend WHS to participate in a standard course load.

Instead, they have the opportunity to spend the day diagnosing mannequin patients, learning medical terminology, working on experiments in a nanolab and gaining credit towards becoming a certified nursing assistant.

With many students below the poverty line, we know what it’s like to have to pick between working the night shift and studying algebra.

Considering the amount of dual language learners, WHS is an epicenter of diversity, and no standardized judgement or test score will show that story.

Stats share only half the story

D214 low-income households

Buffalo Grove

Elk Grove

Hersey

Prospect

18.8% 38.1% 31.4%

Rolling WHS Meadows

26.3% 13.6% 9.2%

This report is part of a Collaborative High School Journalism Project that includes high schools from throughout the Chicago area. It is made possible through a grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

38.1 percent of WHS students are from low-income households.

180 students participate in English Language Learners and Limited English Proficiency programs.

42 percent of the Class of 2012 were considered at-risk as freshmen due to low incoming test scores. However, in comparison to 2010, fewer students in subgroups, including economically disadvantaged and limited-English proficient, scored in the lowest academic warning category.

“

I don’t think schools with ELL kids should be judged differently, but instead be given the tools and resources necessary for students to prosper. Wheeling High School prides itsself on the growth students have from explorer to ACT.”

Dr. Alan Wahlert,

social science division head

1,877 students attend WHS Infographics by Solinna Chong Information from Illinois State Board of Education school report cards

focus

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spokesman

April 26, 2013

Prompt: You may continue reading on with “the great expectations” that students have. Sharpen your mind and continue with Focus.

If you finish early, you may go on and read the editorial on page 10.

How much is too much?

Do you think teens have greater expectations placed on them today?

Salehbhai masters time, stress management Megan Provost asst. focus editor For Khadeeja Salehbhai, junior, the term “booked” takes on a whole new meaning.

On top of three Advanced Placement (AP) and two honors classes, she takes on multiple extracurricular activities, drivers ed classes every night from 7:00 to 8:30, and ACT preparations that every junior does.

Salehbhai currently takes AP United States History, AP English Composition and Language, AP Psychology, Honors Physics and Honors PreCalc.

Without a working study hall and no lunch period, homework waits until after school to be done.

“I’m usually up until around 12 a.m. doing homework,” Salehbhai said. “I usually get between five to six hours (of homework); but if I’m lucky, I might only get three.”

According to Medscape, “adolescents generally require nine to 9.25 hours of sleep per night; however, many are getting less than eight hours of sleep per school night.” Salehbhai falls into this group, averaging five hours of sleep on school nights, “but it’s been around two hours lately, because I’ve been so busy,” Salehbhai said.

According to Salehbhai, sleep deprivation has taken its toll on her schoolwork. Time for studying for tests becomes less and less as more time is spent completing homework for these classes.

“I’ve always been a straight-A student, but this semester I got my first B in a class,” Salehbhai said.

In addition, Salehbhai is involved in many extracurricular activities at WHS. She is a member of National Honors Society, Junior Class

Board, Interact with Africa, Scholastic Bowl and is on the executive board for Student Council.

“She’s in everything, but she does everything well. Everything is done to perfection,” Sandra Chico, Student Council adviser, said. “She’s a quiet leader; she leads by example.”

With multiple activities and an already jampacked schedule, some sacrifices had to be made in terms of extracurriculars.

“I did math team for about two days, but I had to quit because it interfered too much with Student Council,” Salehbhai said.

Other conflicts include an overlap between Interact with Africa meetings and Scholastic Bowl meets.

Athletics have also been impacted by Salehbhai’s busy schedule. She participated in softball her freshman year, badminton her sophomore year, and played tennis both years in the fall.

Participation in tennis this year was prevented by a car accident in which Salehbhai badly injured her leg.

“I couldn’t walk normally for about four months,” said Salehbhai of her injury. “I could’ve been on varsity [tennis] my senior year had I been able to play this season.”

The injury left Salehbhai on crutches and in physical therapy everyday for the first two months after the incident, adding onto her busy evenings. Salehbhai was homebound for the first week of school and was left to learn on her own.

As a junior, Salehbhai has much to prepare for in terms of tests and college right around the corner. Rather than taking ACT prep courses, she studies on her own and does the same for her SAT preparation.

Salehbhai will also participate in summer research and is already writing essays to apply for scholarships.

freshman

“I feel as though the expectations, for teens grows every year, but its for our future, so we shouldn’t take it very lightly.”

Christine Almario, sophomore

Lache Knight, junior

Photos by Solinna Chong

Push for acedemic success takes over childhood

Ten-year-old kids should enjoy playing outside, watch as many cartoons as humanly possible and play the latest video game out there. Unfortunately, children these days are being stripped of their childhood for the purpose of academic success.

My 10-year-old brother has been spending more time with his textbooks than with friends, family and toys. His daily schedule, as soon as he comes home from school, consists of an hour and a half of homework, a half an hour of studying, an hour practicing his french

Mauricio Zavala,

“There are lots of expectations, but there have always been expectations to do well in everything we do. Trying our best helps us grow into great people for the future.”

Top: Khadeeja Salebhahi, junior, has kept all of her acedemic materials since freshman year. Stacking all her textbooks, notecards, notebooks and so on is about four feet four inches.

This is only eight inches shorter than Salehbhai’s height of four feet 11 inches. Despite the large stack of books, Salehbhai still plans on taking more Advanced Placement (AP) classes her senior year.

Right: During a Student Council meeting, Salehbhai paints a banner for Student Council’s upcoming recruitment week. Salehbhai is currently the secretary on the executive board.

Solinna Chong

“We strive for our best. We stick to our friends and family and get motivated. Everyone strives for a better future than they have now.”

horn and another hour reading an assigned book for a project. Although four hours does not seem like a lot, for a young mind that easily gets bored, it really is. According to Daniel Myer, psychologist, the human mind can only focus on one thing for 20 minutes; a child much sooner.

According to The Record, students from ages 6 to 17 spend about five hours on homework a week and 32.5 hours a week attending school. This is about 7.5 times more than students 20 years ago.

These days, society has emphasized the need for a successful education career that children like my brother are starting to mold to fit such great expectations at a far too young age.

Already, my brother has set goals for himself that seem far above the norm. He wants to skip a grade, become a dentist when he grows up and go to Loyola University. It took me almost two years to make up my mind as to what I wanted to major in, let alone choose a college, and yet children younger than me already have their lives set.

Also, the workload is too much. Students starting at age 6 already have book projects and essays to do, which is something I never had to do until about fifth grade. My brother’s workload has grown to be so overwhelming that he sometimes skips dinner, dedicates his weekend to homework or wakes up at 5 o’clock in the morning to finish.

Children typically need 10 to 12 hours of sleep according to Kids Health. Without a decent amount of sleep, deprived children may experience irritable or hyper behavior, which will make it more difficult to concentrate in school. Since children go through critical development stages, sleep is crucial to promote healthy, functioning brains and growth.

Schools should consider that students are still young, growing children. They need playtime, friends and family to process and grow well.

Even though a person’s education career is important, not doing one homework assignment or one essay will not kill a person; the amount of stress and lack of sleep caused by these assignments just might.

“I think people place more emphasis on the ACT than it deserves. Colleges today don’t look at just the ACT scores; there are other factors besides it.”

Harlan Rosen, senior

“I don’t think it is any greater for teens than it was for us (teachers). They have more resources than we ever had, but the biggest challenge for them is having too much information.”

Derrick Williamson,

Tech. Systems Supervisor Photo Opinion by Kristina Piamonte

STOP! DO NOT FORGET TO READ OTHER PAGES IN SPOKESMAN

[See Editorial on page 10]

la voz

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Abril 26, 2013

Clases de español participan en concurso de traducción Dos estudiantes seleccionados para competir en concurso en la Universidad de Illinois Rossy Peralta assistant la voz editor Jackie Camacho, senior, y Shelby Soto, junior, fueron seleccionadas para competir en un concurso a nivel estatal que crea conciencia sobre la importancia de la traducción en los EE.UU. Todos los estudiantes de AP Español y Español para Hispanohablantes se les pidió que tradujeran un documento de español al inglés. Los estudiantes se les permitió utilizar <wordreference.com> (un diccionario de internet) en sus traducciones.

“Yo estaba un poco nerviosa porque a veces siento que mi vocabulario de español y mi comprensión no son tan buenos cuando se trata de situaciones más ‘profesionales,’” Soto dijo.

Los estudiantes tuvieron dos horas para palabras, son las de alguien más las que traducir el documento. Maestros de español tienes que mantener en un idioma diferente,” compararon los documentos y seleccionaron la Sra. Castro dijo. dos finalistas de ambas clases.

Según la “Había una palabra en Sra. Castro, al particular que muchos de los traducir, hay estudiantes tradujeron mal, y la quienes son palabra es ‘papel’ y un montón más fuertes en de estudiantes pusieron papel inglés y los que o documento, pero (papel) esto fue una buena experiencia son más fuertes también significa ‘posición’” para mí porque me expongo a en español.

Rebecca Castro, maestra de tener que traducir algo que es Para los que son español, dijo. más fuertes en más formal.”

Según la Sra. Castro, los Jackie Camacho, Inglés, traducir estudiantes tienen que tener senior fue más fácil en mente que hay palabras con debido a que múltiples significados. el documento “En las traducciones no puedes basarte tenía que ser traducido al inglés. solamente en lo que suena bien. No son tus “Normalmente soy muy mala en la

“

Dulces y Golosinas La mayoría de estudiantes dicen que les gústan los dulces y golocinas Mexicanos o hispanos. Les gústan los Jarritos, cachetadas, paletas de chile y tamarindo, churros, agua de horchata. ¿Porque les gustán tanto estas golocinas latinas?

traducción rápida, pero porque teníamos 90 minutos y fue de Español al Inglés no batallé,” Camacho dijo.

Los nombres de Camacho y Soto fueron admitidos en la competición. En total, 50 personas fueron invitados para competir el 2 de mayo en la Universidad de Illinois.

De acuerdo a la Sra. Castro, traduciendo da a los estudiantes la oportunidad de aprender la importancia de traducir correctamente y les ayuda a prepararse para sus carreras futuras.

“Mi plan es tener doble licenciatura, probablemente en la educación y español, así que esto fue una buena experiencia para mí porque me expongo a tener que traducir algo que es más formal. Sé que en el futuro probablemente voy a hacer traducciones para mi trabajo,” Camacho dijo.

Según Darby “Me gustan los Dammeier, Pulparindos... los que senior, en su empujas para arriba primer año (Pelon Pelo Rico)... de ecundaria, Jarritos, churros... le prestó Son deliciosos.” dinero a -Mary Jo Omar Joya, Cameron, senior senior, para el baile de Homecoming.

Joya, en lugar de pagarle “No como dinero de regreso, le muchos dulces, pagó una parte con dulces pero me gustan Mexicanos. los dulces “Me pagó con unos Mexicanos. Me dulces de fresa-nopal,” gusta lo picante.”

Dammeier dijo. Dijo que -Louis Wool, le gustó y no le importó maestro de sciencias cambiar la deuda por dulces sociales Mexicanos.

Latino Senior Summit atrae más estudiantes de WHS que núnca Antonia Arismendis

staff reporter Cada año los estudiantes de Wheeling High School tienen la oportunidad de participar en una excursión a Harper College. La excursión permite seniors tener la experiencia de escuchar a oradores profesionales, visitar un campus universitario y conseguir que pensar en sus planes futuros.

Yvonne Tellez, senior, asistió al Latino Senior Summit y dice que su experiencia en Harper fue interesante y muy informativa.

Entraron a diferentes salas y algunos estudiantes de Harper hablaron sobre su experiencia en la universidad y sobre sus planes futuros.

Tellez dice que muchos de los estudiantes transfirieron

a una universidad después de asistir dos años en Harper y la motivaron a continuar sus estudios en Harper.

Gabriela Medina, consejera de ELL también dice que la excursión sirvió para motivar a los estudiantes.

“Ellos (los estudiantes) oyeron lo que nosotros (los consejeros) les decimos de la misma universidad,” la Sra. Medina dijo.

“Realmente sólo subió las expectaciones de ellos (los estudiantes),” la Sra. Medina dijo.

Según Sheila RuddenShorey, consejera de ELL, el evento da a los estudiantes la oportunidad de ver las diferentes carreras y cómo pueden beneficiar de una ayuda financiera.

“Creo que es un evento muy útil. No es sólo para las personas que piensan asistir

a Harper, pero si van a Harper, es todavía más útil. “ la Sra. Rudden-Shorey dijo.

Dijo que durante la visita la facultad explicó la conexión entre los diferentes departamentos, como acceso para incapacidades, ayuda financiera y las varias actividades que ofrece Harper.

También escucharon a un grupo de alumnos explicar sus propios experiencias y obstáculos desde Harper a sus carreras.

Según la Sra. Medina, más estudiantes asistieron al Latino Senior Summit este año que en años anteriores.

Más de 50 alumnos participaron.

“Los estudiantes fueron de un calibre muy de alto este año ... parecen estar tomando las cosas mucho más en serio,” la Sra. Medina dijo.

Can’t read Spanish?

If you didn’t understand any of this page except the ad, and you would like to, visit Spokesman’s website for translations:

¡Tenemos Traducciones!

Las traducciones están en la pagína web de Spokesman:

<http://wheelingspokesman.com>

Secretaria de Educación optó por amparo Elba Esther Gordillo, antigua secretaria de la Educación en México fue errestada y acusada de malversación de fondos de la Union de maestros para comprar ropa y sirujía plástica.

Fue juzgada culpable por malversación y crimen organizado.

Actualmente, Gordillo optó por amparo de su sentencia.

Propuesta de Reforma Migratoria Una reforma migratoria para el verano del 2013 fue propuesta entrando el nevo año. La reforma deja a imigrantes que an estado en los Estados Unidos antes de 2011, para ganar resdencia. Actualmente, la propuesta todavía está en debate.

Una de las posibles condiciones sería más protección en la barrera entre México y los EE.UU.

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entertainment

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spokesman

April 26, 2013

Coming to a theater near you

by Megan Provost Headline by Alex Galvez

“The Great Gatsby” Releasing: May 10

“City of Bones” Releasing: Aug. 23

After being named one of New York Public Library’s Books of the Century and one of TIME Magazine’s All-Time 100 novels, Scott F. Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” takes to the silver screen May 10.

Set in 1920’s New York, we follow Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he befriends his mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), and is sucked into his lavish lifestyle and curious past. In a film every bit as scandalous as the book itself, DiCaprio is sure to mystify audiences as he portrays the classy, yet lovestruck Gatsby rekindling an old flame with Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan. A classic tale brought to life with modern-day cinema, Great Gatsby is sure to captivate audiences. The soundtrack to the film will feature Beyonce and Lana Del Rey.

It isn’t until Clary is the only witness to a brutal murder in the middle of a crowded nightclub that her true identity begins to flip her world inside-out--literally. Following a demonic attack against her mother, Clary learns that she is a Shadowhunter, a member of an ancient group of warriors whose sole purpose is to fight and destroy the demons that plague the world. Jace, a Shadowhunter orphaned at a young age because of the death of his father and said to be the best of his generation, eventually takes Clary under his wing and teaches her how to fight, preparing her for battle. The movie stars Lily Collins as Clary Fray and Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace Wayland. Directed by Harald Zwart and based on the novel by Cassandra Clare, the movie is set to release on Aug. 23 of this year.

“Ender’s Game” Releasing: Nov. 1

“Divergent” Releasing: March 21, 2014

Based on the 1985 novel by Orson Scott Card, the alien science fiction thriller is sure to have audiences on the edge of their seats this November. Set in the not-so-distant future, we follow Ender Wiggin, a member of the group of humans who survived the attacks that lead to the domination of Buggers, an alien species quite similar to our Earthly ants. Ender is sent to a gifted military school, Battle School, to train for combat for a predicted third invasion to come. Being one of the youngest members of Battle School, Ender is picked on and beaten up by his older, larger fellow trainees, but prevails in the end as a leader above all.

Starring Asa Butterfield as Ender Wiggin and Harrison Ford as Colonel Hyrum Graff, the movie is set to release Nov. 1 of this year.

Named Goodread’s Favorite Book of 2011, the first book in Veronica Roth’s scifi trilogy, “Divergent,” hits movie theaters world-wide starting March 21, 2014. Set in dystopian Chicago, we meet Tris Prior, a teenager trapped in the Abnegation faction-the faction of selflessness and giving--until her Choosing Day, when she is determined a Divergent and leaves her faction and family for Dauntless, the faction of the daring and the fearless. It is here that she meets Four, a fellow Divergent and son of the Abnegation faction leader. Starring Shailene Woodley as Beatrice “Tris” Prior and Theo James as Tobias “Four” Eaton, Divergent is sure to captivate the audiences that cheered on Katniss as she took on the Hunger Games.

The third book in the Divergent trilogy, Allegiant, is set to come out Oct. 22.

Artists reemerge with latest albums Robert Perales a&e editor

Kid Cudi - “Indicud”

With his latest release, “Indicud,” Kid Cudi reemerges back onto the music scene and manages to attain what every artist dreams of reaching: sustaining a career with music that manages to grow in the process.

“Indicud” displays Cudi at his strongest and most powerful element. The lead single, “Just What I Am,” follows in the footsteps of some of Cudi’s strongest tracks as it displays a more nonchalant and mellow tone. The synths apparent throughout the track manage to create a climactic and powerful melody.

Other powerful tracks throughout the album include

Robert Perales a&e editor

Fall Out Boy - “Save Rock and Roll”

After a four year hiatus, Fall Out Boy (FOB) returns with their long awaited fifth studio album, “Save Rock and Roll.”

The eleven track album was preceded by lead single, “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up).” The pop driven track displays a different side of FOB; it showcases their inability to return after a hiatus and pick up right where they left off.

Overall, the track fails to properly introduce the highlights of the album.

However, the two stars awarded to FOB do come in from elsewhere.

Standout tracks include “Alone

“Young Lady,” “King Wizard” and “Immortal.”

The verses throughout the track appear swift and rich before exploding into the simultaneously mellow and powerful chorus. The song displays Cudi at his strongest throughout the entire album.

Unlike Cudi’s previous releases, “Indicud” appears to feature more elements of rap rather than HipHop. Some of the music industries biggest rappers appear throughout Cudi’s album including King Chip, A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar.

The 18 track album is available in both clean and explicit versions across all available platforms.

Kid Cudi’s latest release may introduce Cudi into more rap, but it certainly allows him to deliver one of his strongest albums to date.

Together,” “Where Did the Party Go” and the second single, “Young Volcanoes,” which samples Train’s “Hey Soul Sister.”

To a large surprise, FOB called in major artists to help them produce their latest material: Elton John, Big Sean, Courtney Love and Foxes.

In “Just One Yesterday,” FOB delivers one of the strongest tracks from the album, but the verses delivered by Foxes appear more juvenile and targeted toward a younger audience.

Perhaps, FOB should have reconsidered releasing new material. After all, they served a better purpose to Rock and Roll on a hiatus than with their latest material, “Save Rock and Roll.”

Infographic by Henry Gonzalez

Erika Pogorzelska staff reporter WHS’s VISCOM festival offers students the opportunity to show their own films. Students have worked throughout the year to create their own films and on Friday, May 10, students and staff can vote for their favorite film by using iPads and video displays which will present each film.

A formal black-tie “Vissie Award Night” will take place Friday evening. Prior to the doors opening for the event, Spokesman will be hosting a “Live at the Vissie’s Red Carpet” where broadcast reporters will interview and host the film creators .

The top-voted films will be on display during the evening, and the night will commence with an award presentation.

Sponsors hope that the ceremony will include student emcees and select performances.

This year’s film theme is “adversity.”

Kristina Piamonte and Kristoffer Evangelista, seniors, discussed the long process of making their film. They started brainstorming ideas at the beginning of the year.

All students submitted their entries by April 19.

Piamonte and Evangelista developed a concept and shot their film during quickly over winter break.

“Our film shows how this once healthy relationship evolves into a dysfunctional one,” Piamonte said.

Michael Konyar, freshman, also submitted a film. His film is a stopmotion animation with a jaws theme. He used clay and Legos and animated his film by hand.

“I’ve made films before, and I saw Film Fest as a good opportunity to share my films with others,” Konyar said.

forum

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spokesman

April 26, 2013

Discrimination against gay marriage brings confusion, unequality Thumbs

Chris Nush Over the years, gay marriage has become increasingly favorable in the United States. Just nine years ago, when Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, less than half the U.S. population was in favor of it. Now, in 2013, according to CBS News, 53 percent of Americans are now in favor of gay marriage. Although the numbers are not much higher, it is still an amazing step in the right direction.

Sadly, one thing remains the same: gay people can’t get married in 41 states.

Imagine being in a relationship

with someone for years. Finally, your partner popped the big question and you are getting married! You will finally be able to show the world just how much you love this person.

There’s one problem though: you can’t get married because you are in a same-sex relationship. This is the problem that many gay Americans face; this is a problem that I may face: not being able to marry somebody I love because of who I am.

Take another scenario: what if the person you love was sick or injured and you weren’t allowed to visit them in the hospital? Recently, according to The Huffington Post, a man in Missouri was arrested for refusing to leave the bedside of his sick partner. This never would have happened if the two men were able to marry each other. I, for one, would be devastated if I couldn’t see the man I love in his time of pain.

To me, it sends a bad message to kids when you make gay marriage illegal. If a kid who is afraid to come out of the closet sees that gays are

treated unequally, it’s not going to make them want to be open about who they are. For me, it was hard to figure out who I was because of this. Going to a religious school, I was told that boys like girls and girls like boys- end of discussion. I felt so different because I had feelings for boys instead of girls. It was hard to truly be honest with myself about who I was.

When I started going to a public school and being exposed to more diversity, I learned that it is okay to be gay. With the help of some great friends, I was able to come out as who I am and always was. If gay marriage were legalized, it would show that anyone can love anyone.

It would make life so much easier for kids struggling with finding out who they are.

Religion plays a major role in the opposition. But if I don’t follow the same faith, why should the rules of this faith govern me? A major argument people use is “It’s in the Bible” to justify their position. But

like Ken O’Neill said, “The fact that you can’t sell your daughter for three goats and a cow means we’ve already redefined marriage.”

This shouldn’t even be an issue anymore and we should have equal rights. Enough is enough, everybody should be allowed this simple right that lets you express love for someone else. At some point in my future, I would like the opportunity to walk down the aisle and marry the man that I love.

This is America, the country that advertises “liberty and justice for all,” not “liberty and justice for some.”

Ellen Degeneres once said “People are going to be who they are going to be, and we need to learn to love them for who they are and let them love who they want to love.”

Thats what it comes down to: people loving who they want to love.

Treating a group of people differently because of who they are is discrimination no matter how you look at it.

keira’s kartoons

Up...

to Dr. Lazaro Lopez’s, principal, promotion. He has changed the image of our school and given us an environment we can be proud of. Please remember us at Forest View and good luck!

To the Science and Environmental Club for exceeding last year’s donations and raising $603.27 for Clearbrook, a foundation that provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

To the Spread the Word to End the Word commercials on the announcements.

Commercials with WHS students in it make a larger impact than strangers.

editorial

College cost serves as a ‘catch 22’, forces alternatives With the cost of education rising, Spokesman asks, is the price truly worth it? Students sacrifice their childhood in order to get into a top university: they lose sleep, stay inside on their computers writing essays and struggle with the anxiety and pressure placed upon them.

Once they attend college, they repeat this cycle over again, only to graduate into an economy with very few jobs to offer.

There is a “catch-22” with our education system today: If students choose not to go to college because they do not want to incur debt, they are judged as being lazy and receive severe pressure on how they will encounter problems finding a job. If they instead choose to go to a small community college, they are deemed “not smart enough to get into a good

university.” But when they choose to graduates is much lower than those attend a four-year university, gain a with just a high school diploma. diploma in a field they are interested According to the Economic Policy in and find themselves in more than Institute, the unemployment rate $50,000 of debt, they are seen as for college graduates between the foolish for going to a college they ages of 21 and 24 was 9.4 percent, knew they could not afford. whereas high school graduates’ Nationally, the total student unemployment rate stands at loan debt now exceeds $1 31.1 percent. trillion. A study last year by Recently, juniors 7 out of 7 the Pew Research Center members of all across the state found that a majority (57 completed their ACT percent) of Americans feel the editorial tests on April 24, seniors board that higher education fails plan to confirm the agree. to provide students with college they wish to attend good value for the money on May 1, and freshmen spent, and 75 percent say college is and sophomores are beginning too expensive for most Americans to to look at the multitudes of career afford. paths WHS has to offer.

Although having a college WHS has changed greatly, and degree doesn’t guarantee a job, Spokesman can only hope that the the unemployment rate for college next principal to take over, after

Spokesman Staff 2012-2013

Editor-in-Chief

Focus Editor

Asst. Web Editor

Asst. Sports Editor Kelly McKewin

Web Editor

La Voz Editor

Asst. News Editor

Associate Editor

Forum Editor

Asst. A&E Editor

Asst. Advertising Manager Erik Hernandez

News Editor

Sports Editor

Asst. Feature Editor

A&E Editor

Photo Editor

Feature Editor

Advertising Manager

*Megan Jones

*Rosalie Chan *Solinna Chong Rosalie Chan

*Robert Perales *Frida Valdés

Solinna Chong *Perla Jimenez Megan Jones Megan Jones

*Kristina Piamonte

Megan Jones

Kelly McKewin

Erik Hernandez Chris Nush

Paige McCoy

Asst. Focus Editor Megan Provost

Asst. La Voz Editor Rossy Peralta

*Staff members with asteriks are on the editorial board.

Staff Reporters Aide Hernandez Annalisa Baranowski Antonia Arismendis Erika Pogorzelska Jacquelin Camacho Jean Pabon Katia Bryhadyr Patrick Ryan

Dr. Lazaro Lopez ,will continue the progress that Dr. Lopez has made in recognizing that not everyone has a four year university in their path. He has granted the students so many opportunities: internships, certifications and career programs.

We do not have the answer to whether or not college is worth the cost yet, but we certainly know that the higher education system in America needs a reality check to match the new economy we see today. We need to reevaluate the expectations we are given and alter them to match the countries current needs.

Read pages 6-7 for more information on the “Greater Expectations” teens face today.

Graphic Designers This is the official student Solinna Chong newspaper of Wheeling High Henry Gonzalez School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Alex Galvez Wheeling, Ill. 60090. Written, edited and distributed 8 times Staff Artist a year by advanced journalism Keira Skenandore classes, independent studies and other interested and qualified Adviser students. Produced by using John Uhrik 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.

Thumbs Down...

To WHS’s automatic recording for calling our homes at 10 p.m., only to tell us that we still have school.

Rolled out of bed, only to get hopes crushed again.

CorrectionsWe apologize to our readership for our overlook in last month’s issue. We realize this was an error and regret our mistake.

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spokesman

April 26, 2013

Younger members Girls soccer lead boys tennis continues to fight Kelly McKewin

freshmen and sophomores asst. sports editor who are still learning and who moved up, and we Jean Pabon need more people,” Yeluri staff reporter said.

Lee believes one of the The boys tennis team best parts about being has begun the season with on the tennis team is a record of 1-5. Despite the the chance to “play with record, the team hopes that different people, since you with the upcoming MSL make new friends.”

Conference on Thursday, Alex Gleyzer, junior, May 9, hosted at WHS, said the only thing he they can “try their best and wants out of this season hopefully win,” Justin Lee, is to “improve in every freshman, said. game, and with enough According to Rich improvement, we’ll start Guitierez, varsity tennis winning.” coach, he hopes the team “We have relatively will have a 3-2 record in young players, so we’ve the East Division after had to train harder to Conference matches. get the most out of the Jonathan Victor and younger players,” Gleyzer Aleksey Razin, juniors, are said. currently leading the team Like many other in doubles wins. Jayaram sports, tennis has had a Yeluri, sophomore, rough start with the rain. recently won the Wheeling Four games have been f re s h m e n / s op h o m ore rescheduled, and the team invite and is leading the has not had the chance to team in singles wins. practice as much as they “We are improving a lot would like. this season,” Lee said.

“We’ve had some Lee has played doubles difficult times practicing on varsity this season with the weather. We and went 2-2 in a doubles haven’t had continuous tournament with his practice, which is teammate Jay Chaisri, hurting our constant senior, on Saturday, April improvement,” Coach 20.

Guitierez said.

“We have a lot of

sports

despite losses

Kristina Piamonte Kevin Lennon, asstistant varsity girls soccer coach, advises Conchis Blancas, senior, and Patricia Makris, junior, during practice on Tuesday, April 16. “As a team we have goals to meet, but it’s not the same for every game. It’s not always to win, but ‘What can we do better?’” Blancas said.

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Erik Hernandez asst. news editor The girls soccer season has been hit with injuries and losses; however, the girls hope that soon they will bring home a win.

The team is diverse this year by having younger girls. The flip side is that the team therefore has less of a competitive advantage.

“We’re not experienced, and we’re outmatched,” Darren Llewellyn, varsity girls soccer coach, said. “We’re not giving up and hopefully will win some upcoming games I call ‘Target Games.’”

These games include Larkin and Streamwood High Schools.

“It’s been fun and neutral,” Magaly Martinez, junior, said. “We’re gaining teamwork and communication skills.”

There are many improvements the girls know could be made. However, the team’s best skill is having relentless effort.

“We keep trying even when tired,” Ariana Armenta, sophomore, said. “No games have been won, and we know what we need to improve on.”

There are four starters battling injuries currently on the team, so they have to rely on their newly added young players.

“We have to work on winning the ball,” Cecilia Estrada, senior, said. “The more experience for the young team, the better and better they’ll get.”

According to Mr. Llewellyn, the fact that the girls accept their losses yet still work hard throughout the game teaches him a lot about adversity.

“It’s a real characteristic that brings out the best in someone,” Coach Llewellyn said. “They teach me a lot about honor and dealing with adversity.”

Certain girls had to pick between soccer and other activities, which also acts as a factor holding the team back.

“It was pretty difficult going from one hour of the musical to going to cardios in soccer,” Maritza Carvajal, senior, said. “I eventually couldn’t go to soccer because of how much time the musical took out of me.”

However, Carvajal returned after the musical in hopes of fighting through the rest of the season.

sports Volume 49 Issue 7

April 26, 2013

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Badminton overtakes competition with individual wins Patrick Ryan

staff reporter

Jean Pabon After the first match, Rachel Godlewski and Cailey Markiewicz, seniors and doubles partners, talk to Carrie Mattingly, varsity girls badminton coach, for advice on their next match. “The girls have fun as a group and work really well together, but they’re often too hard on themselves,” Coach Mattingly said.

According to Carrie Mattingly, varsity badminton coach, the badminton players have improved from last year’s season due to more experience playing and increased overall athleticism.

“Last year was focused on fundamentals, but this year the girls are much more athletic and understand the game better,” Coach Mattingly said.

No one knows this better than 4-year member Rachel Godlewski, senior, who took third place at the Schaumburg Invitational.

“We’ve been working on our footwork and getting people to move. Our amount of wins doesn’t show how hard we’ve worked,” Godlewski said.

Anchored by Godlewski, varsity badminton has 11 girls with 10 spots to play.

“Compared to last year, our movements have been good,” Aline Bardak, senior,

said. “We don’t let easy shots go.”

The girls ended the season with a win against Maine East on Monday, April 22, bringing their record to 1-11.

“I wish that the season could go better,” Claudia Ochoa, senior, said. “Even though the team might not be doing so well, I personally try to concentrate and take it seriously. I try to be as positive as I can.”

The girls have done well individually but not as well as a team. Even though their record may not show it, they have been improving all year, according to Coach Mattingly.

“The key is to keep positive, because the sport of badminton is really half mental,” Coach Mattingly said.

Badminton will play in the MSL Conference at 4:30 p.m. today and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday at Buffalo Grove High School.

Sectionals will take place on May 4.

Baseball, softball stats show drastic change Varsity sophomore hits cycle

Kristina Piamonte Kaitlyn Debusk, senior, warms up before her softball game against Prospect High School.

‘No longer the underdog’ Kelly McKewin asst. sports editor The girls softball team holds a current record of 5-6, which shows a huge improvement from last year’s record of 3-8. Katie Quagliano, junior and starting pitcher, believes that even aside from the team’s record, major improvements have been made all around, partly in thanks to the new assistant coach, Kelli Urban.

“It’s definitely been a really strong start and we have more confidence,” Emily Walker, senior, said.

“We’re in during every game. It’s been a lot better than past years.”

According to Walker, Coach Urban has successfully worked to help the team improve this year.

“We did a lot of pre-season training. We now have really efficient practices, and she’s successfully changed our mindset,” Walker said.

Mike Carringela, head varsity coach, believes Coach Urban has had a positive impact on the team.

“She played in high school, so the girls can relate to her. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge to the team,” Coach Carringela said.

Nikki Mikosz, sophomore and starting catcher, said that the team prepared during the off-season, and she and Quagliano came in extra days to practice pitching with Coach Urban.

“It’s made us so much better,” Mikosz said. “It’s a lot more fun being able to actually win. We go into

games expecting to win.”

Quagliano hopes that the team can do well in conference this year, and she hopes to beat every team at least once.

“We’re not really looked at as an underdog anymore,” Quagliano said. “We’re respected more by the other teams.”

The team is still working on various aspects of the game in order to improve.

“We’re working on our consistency of doing good in the field and hitting strong,” Karlie Orlando, sophomore said.

Orlando believes the team’s chemistry is better this year due to Coach Urban helping with the team.

“She’s helped us become a close team and encourages us,” Orlando said.

Kristina Piamonte Brenden Spillane, sophomore, warms up on Monday, April 22 before a game against Hersey High School.

Jean Pabon staff reporter “Brenden Spillane (sophomore) has been our offensive hero; once against Lake Forest Academy, he hit for the cycle, which is really impressive and doesn’t happen often,” Jason Wieder, head baseball coach, said.

“Hitting for the cycle” is when a batter hits a single, double, triple and home run in one game.

Only 294 cycles have ever occurred in Major League Baseball to date.

“Hitting a cycle is something once in a lifetime,” Spillane said. “I’m happy that I was able to do it.”

Spillane adds that “no task or feat is impossible if you have the willpower to accomplish it.”

“Brenden’s an awesome teammate; he

has a bright future in baseball,” David Shapiro, senior, said.

The statistics are in, highlighting the baseball team’s improvement from last year; changes implemented by Coach Wieder seem to have paid off.

According to Coach Wieder, the team is hitting 0.69 points higher, standing at 0.270 this year versus 0.201 last year.

Their team earned run average (ERA) is 3.61 versus 7.28 last year, a 3.67 decrease.

Additionally, the team fielding percentage is 0.937 versus last year’s 0.889, a 0.48 increase.

“Last year we only won one game, so with three wins, we’ve definitely improved,” Shapiro said.

The team has faced challenges due to the weather postponing their games and forcing the team to practice indoors.

“It’s been a hassle trying to deal with the weather,” Eric Kaplan, junior, said.

While indoors, the team has practiced with hitting, and players have also trained individually. The team also aims to build confidence through their training.

“The biggest thing we try to do is to get them more confident in themselves and each other,” Coach Wieder said. “What’s important is a fundamental approach, believing and confidence.”

Recently, the team bought a new surrond system to play music and “get players hyped.”

Spillane believes that Coach Wieder’s idea of bringing in music helps the team and made them “relaxed, but still focused.”

Walking near the baseball fields before a game starts, a fan can hear songs on the surround system. These songs share the same message: ‘You can be the best’, as “Hall of Fame” by The Script played on a speaker during practice before a game.

Recently, they won against Lake Forest Academy with a score of 15-5, Maine East High School, 12-1, and Maine West High School, 6-4.

“We’re getting better everyday, so we’re going to be a team to watch out for at playoffs,” Spillane said.