Issue #5 WHS Spokesman 2009-2010

www.wheelingspokesman.com Sports Spotlight Ryan Griesmeyer, sports editor will feature a different athlete each week. Updated every Friday!

Asst. News Editor The District 21 Board of Education addressed budget cuts at its monthly board meeting on Jan. 21.

Among the eight proposed solutions were cutting fine arts and athletic programs as well as increasing class sizes.

The board discussed raising target class sizes from 25 students to 30 students.

Parents of students in District 21 complained that by raising class sizes, students would not be able to have one on one time with the teacher.

Another hot topic for the night was the option to make grade centers, an option not originally on the agenda.

For the grade centers, instead of having all schools in the district offer all grade levels, each school would focus on only two or three grade levels.

The board has scheduled a special “workshop meeting”

for Feb. 11. No decisions will be made until the regularly scheduled February or March meetings.

“Nobody wants to cut anything, but we have to discuss it,” Pam Dean, board member, said.

According to Bill Harrison, president of the board of education, there is a 90 percent chance that there will be some level of teacher reduction.

They are looking at multiple areas, including fine art teachers, as to see where the cutting of the teachers will take place.

During the first part of the meeting, the board discussed the general ideas for potential budget cutbacks.

“We have not discussed specific cuts to any program, least of all music,” Arlan Gould, board member, said.

In the second half, members from the audience were able to voice their opinions.

Joe Seymour, Wheeling resident, proposed that the

superintendent, assistant superintendent and directors take pay cuts to save the district more money.

Kate Schrider, District 21 student, and Stephanie Allen, District 21 parent, commented on how the GATE and NSSEO programs helped students advance in school. The GATE program provides a challenge for gifted students, while the NSSEO programs help students with learning disabilities.

Members from the audience came and discussed the idea of cutting the fine arts, athletic and other extracurricular programs.

“If we take out all our extracurriculars, then kids are going to go to the streets,” Lisa Blakeman, nurse and District 21 resident, said. “If we take programs away, we need to find a place to put the kids.”

Aside from the workshop meeting, the board of education meets next on Feb. 18.

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possible sources of spending cutbacks

1. Increase class sizes to 30-32 students ($1.7 million estimated savings) 2. Reduce administrative staff ($250,000) 3. Adjusting special education programs ($400,000) 4. Ending student teaching program ($100,000) 5. Extracurricular/fine arts cutbacks ($700,000) 6. Professional development reductions ($150,000) 7. Staff supervision stipend reduction ($300,000) 8. Change in staff health insurance plans ($400,000) *Total savings if all cuts are made: $4 million

Middle School students attend “A Day with WHS Choirs” workshop Right: Zach Kreul, senior, leads the show choir workshop on Saturday Jan. 16. Kreul and Samantha Victor, senior, came up with the choreography for High School Musical’s, “We’re All In This Together.” Members of New Dawns helped with this workshop. “It was nice for the middle school kids to get a feel of New Dawns, Vocal Jazz and the other choirs.

They saw what we need to go through to learn songs and learn choreography. It was nice for them to get that chance,” Kreul said.

Below: Jordyn Fishman, junior, and Sam Hoffman, eighth grader at MacArthur Middle School, participate in the show choir workshop. The middle school students were able to showcase what they learned at a 7:30 p.m. performance opened to their parents that evening in the Robert E. Sang Theater.

Oscar Najera Editor-in-Chief

whs

In order to bridge the gap between middle school and high school and to increase the number of choir students at WHS, the school hosted its first choir workshop on Saturday, Jan. 16.

Kirstin Snelten, choir director, felt that the workshop was a nice way to meet incoming freshmen.

Eleven middle school students attended the workshop.

“We’re hoping to get as many people involved in the (choir) program. The more people, the stronger our

program is,” Ms. Snelten said.

Members of the eight WHS choirs ran the workshops. Participants split into two groups: one group worked with New Dawns to learn the song and dance for High School Musical’s “We’re All in This Together.” The other group participated in a cappella singing, where they learned Smokey Robinson’s “My Girl.”

Sara Duncan, seventh grader at St. Alphonsus School plans to be part of New Dawns and Concert Choir.

“I wanted to be in New Dawns before the workshop, but the workshop made me

Ortiz commits to running p 4

want to be in it even more,” Duncan said.

Duncan heard about the workshop from her cousins, Christina Danno and Michelle Yacu, seniors and members of New Dawns and choir.

“She (has) told me a few times that she wants to be in New Dawns because Michelle and I are in it. Plus, she’s a ballet dancer, and she does her school musicals, so we thought it would be fun for her to take part in a group that dances and sings at the same time,” Danno said.

The workshop ended with a performance held at 7:30 that same evening.

Teens reveal obsessions p 6/7

Slam Poetry competes p 9

Girls Bowling strives for state p 12

INSIDE

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Wheeling High School 900 S. Elmhurst Road Wheeling, IL 60090 <www.wheelingspokesman.com>

POKESMAN

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On the Web

District 21 plans to reduce spending

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January 29, 2010 Volume 46 Issue 5

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News

January 29, 2009

Scholastic Bowl begins season 1-1 Daniel Brount Focus Editor The official season for Scholastic Bowl began with a win against Elk Grove and a loss against Buffalo Grove for both junior varsity and varsity in the meet held at 4 p.m. on Jan. 14 at home.

“They (Scholastic Bowl team) did a very good job. They guessed logically in questions they didn’t know and they had fun and they had very good sportsmanship,” Cynthia Carro, English teacher and junior varsity coach, said.

Previously, both teams had a preseason meet on Jan. 9. During both the preseason meet and the first meet, the teams faced questions that they had trouble with, involving opera and Canadian history.

“Opera questions (are the most difficult) because no one knows it even when we study and there are so many singers and writers,” Mike Atkins, senior and member of the varsity

team, said.

Dr. Carrie Jackson, head librarian and varsity coach, passes out study guides to help students study the topics that they have difficulty with.

Individual team members have their own strengths, which also helps the team answer questions.

“We have a really bright outlook on the season. Every person on our team has different strengths, so we are really compatible, and I’m looking forward to what the results will be,” Christina Lorey, sophomore and member of the junior varsity team, said.

The rest of the season will consist of a meet every Thursday.

At each meet, the junior varsity and varsity teams will each go against two schools in two separate matches. Scholastic Bowl meets for practices every Monday.

“Typically during practices after school half of the time is devoted to one subject like science or math, and the rest is free play,” Atkins said.

While they practice for the competitive season, both teams also focus on having fun and giving everyone a chance to play.

“We want to have a good time and we have a philosophy that everyone gets to play so we don’t always put in our best players,” Dr. Jackson said.

Earlier in the year, Ms. Carro left on maternity leave. During her absence, Ann Wyatt, English teacher, worked with the junior varsity team.

“I enjoy Scholastic Bowl because the students who participate are really enthusiastic about it and really want to be there and be part of the team,” Ms. Wyatt said.

By helping out with the junior varsity team, Ms. Wyatt decided that she would like to continue working with the team.

“I would love to stay involved in any way that I can since this season has been so enjoyable,” Ms. Wyatt said.

Due to Dr. Jackson’s retirement at the end of the year, Ms. Wyatt would be able to apply for the open coaching position.

Upcoming Scholastic Bowl Meets Feb. 4

@

Hersey

Feb. 11

@

Elk Grove

Feb. 18 @ Buffalo

Grove MSL Championship Feb. 25 @ Rolling

Meadows IHSA Regionals March 8 @ TBA

Infographic by Krista Sanford

Reality Check gains AP human geography students adapt to class more student members Staff Reporter Starting this year, WHS began offering advanced placement (AP) human geography to freshmen.

There are now 60 students enrolled in the course.

Starting high school is a new experience for students according to Anne Martin, AP human geography and sociology teacher, especially those willing to start the experience in advanced classes.

According to AP human geography students, the hardest part about the class are the tests.

“They ask obscure questions that don’t matter or are not the things that you would think you would need to study. The test mainly consists of the minor details that the students do not focus on,” Darby Dammeier, freshman, said.

The students are given a pacing guide every term with a list of homework they will receive each day.

Ms. Martin said the freshmen struggle with a wide variety of things, such as having organizational skills.

“The freshmen are retaining more information

then they would in a normal class. The hardest expectation of the class is to be able to read the textbook because it is at a college level.

We go over the vocabulary during class to make it easier for them,”Ms. Martin said.

“At the beginning of the year, I thought that it was Ms. Martin’s teaching that was horrible and made the class worse. The further I go the more I realize it’s not the teaching that is bad, it is the high expectations and textbook that make the class hard,” Gretchen Shelby, freshman, said.

Mallorie Bromer Asst. Feature Editor Since its formation, Reality Check’s numbers have doubled.

“When I started, I was looking at five people. Now there’s about 10 to 15 people coming in. It feels more filled with companionship and everyone seems to get along,” Marco Saldivar, senior, said.

Although the supervisor is Derek Swierczek, math teacher, Reality Check is student run.

“I don’t do anything. It is totally student run. It’s not endorsed by the district,” Mr. Swierczek said.

Reality Check meets every their faith with other Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to students in the school, for 7:15 a.m. to pray, read and companionship and learning discuss their faith. Despite about the Bible. the fact that only those of “I joined because it is the Christian faith belong so especially important to have far, Reality fellowship C h e c k other When we see each with welcomes believers and people of all to help me other in the hallreligions to grow in my ways, we know share. faith,” Eddie there are other “It’s kind Williams, of simple. junior, said. believers and We read and Some of it helps us stay discuss. The the students discussions would like strong. are always to arrange nice and for guest helpful,” Tyler Cochrane, speakers to attend some of the senior, said. meetings, though they haven’t Many join to share been able to get one yet.

Eddie Williams, junior

Megan Jones

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Bety Camino

Bears fan club members voice opinion on billboard

Stevi Anderson Feature Editor “To the McCaskey family.

Do the right thing, hire an entirely new coaching staff and GM. Sincerely, Bears Fans.”

This message now resides on a billboard on Hintz and Schoenbeck Roads provided by the 5th Phase Fan Club of <www.Bearfansunited.org.> The 5th Phase Fan Club began with posting message boards to voice their passionate opinions about the Bears football team.

Since then they have started a Twitter page, a Facebook page, a web site and used the billboard to raise awareness.

“One of the guys suggested

that we get some new stuff together, like the billboard or newspaper ads and David Becker (titled on the website “Billboard guy/Bears fan”) owns the auto shop where the billboard is so he willingly let us use the space,” Andrew Gasser, treasurer of <www.

Bearfansunited.org>, said.

Mr. Gasser created the web site and also set up a PayPal system for fans to make donations. Currently, the group has closed donations after raising $6,812.12. Of that money, $3,043.92 was used to pay for the billboard.

The leftover money, about $3,769, is being donated between the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Great Lakes American Liver Foundation.

“The problem is that buying billboard space in

the city would have cost us $45,000 for a month of use,” Mr. Gasser said. “Dave volunteered his billboard space (for a better price), which I think achieved its purpose because everyone knew about it and it definitely raised the awareness.”

While posting this billboard got the attention of people in the community, both the billboard and the web site have been getting various responses.

“I don’t think that it’s a good idea (to post your opinion publicly) because people’s opinions are changing all the time with whatever is happening to the Bears at the moment, and no one’s opinion is exactly the same,” Weston Ross, senior, said.

Forum

Editors-in-Chief Dan Malsom Oscar Najera

Dave’s Doodles AP classes stress students

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Jamie Livingston

David Kajmowicz

2009-2010 Spokesman Staff

January 29, 2009

Staff Reporter

Web Editor Katie Kalmes Asst. Web Editor Brianna Bitout News Editor Luke Sokolowski Asst. News Editor Krista Sanford Forum Editor Jon Tracey Feature Editor Stevi Anderson Asst. Feature Editor Mallorie Bromer Focus Editor Daniel Brount La Voz Editor Gaby Najera A&E/Photo Editors Jennie Alcantar Bety Camino Sports Editor Ryan Griesmeyer Graphics Reporter Jocelyn Torres Staff Reporters Rosalie Chan Megan Jones Jami Kahn Jamie Livingston Jes Martinez Jess Musto Karen Rodriguez Staff Artist David Kajmowicz

I grabbed my note card and looked to the overhead to see what I was supposed to write. My jaw dropped as I my teacher put up almost an entire book to copy down.

My head hurt, I couldn’t write fast enough before she put up the next word and definition. My hands instinctively went to my face and rubbed my eyes.

AP classes can cause a lot of stress on the students.

The homework for these classes can be challenging and hard to understand due to the fact that the books for the courses are written in a higher vocabulary than some are used to.

If younger students such as freshman take these courses, the division head should choose a book that is at a lower level.

These students are smart, but that does not mean they are going to understand everything in that book. Not understanding what they’re reading is only going to make the class harder on the student.

That’s when students start to get frustrated.

Aside from the hard to understand text, what really stresses out the students is the pressure to do well.

Some parents don’t understand that AP classes are harder than regular classes.

If their child gets a low score on a test, the parents flip out. Kids don’t want to be lashed out on so they stress even more.

Avoiding these problems could be easy.

Parents could try helping their child with their studies if they are that worried about it. It’s understandable that the parents do have to work, and they may not have the time, but there is always something that they can do.

Tutors are also available for the students.

Working with someone else could help a struggling student better understand the material, especially if the tutor is older and already took the class. Study groups also help. There is always something that can be done.

Advertising- For information call (847) 718-7114 MondayFriday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

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 not print any errors knowingly. Editors will print corrections of printed errors here in the issue following our gaining knowledge of the error.

Corrections- Chris Johnson’s, junior, and Eddie Scanlon’s, sophomore, classes were misidentified on page 12.

Teacher Kirsten Snelten’s name was misspelled on page 9.

Zachary Kreul’s name was misspelled on page 5.

Amy Burke, senior, won three out of thefour events at the Dec. 3 meet against Palatine on page 11.

Harper College was misspelled on page 8.

Rita Runyard’s P.E. teacher, title was misidentified on page 10.

District 21 should make cuts across the board The District 21 Board of Education will have three meetings over the next two months in which they have to make some very tough fiscal decisions.

These decisions will affect Cooper, Holmes and London middle schools along with the nine other elementary schools and one childhood education center in the district.

Unable to pass another referendum to raise taxes and increase funding, the board outlined a total of 10 possible sources of spending reduction or elimination at a Jan. 21 meeting.

On the top right corner of our front page this issue, you can find an outline of the eight items that the board discussed in depth.

In a time when the economy does not provide any leeway for luxuries in school spending, the board has no option but to cut back on many of its reputable programs.

Failing to do so would put the district in a deficit that would only make problems worse within a year or two.

Spokesman advises that the board remember its duty to serve all students when deciding which programs to curtail.

With this idea in mind, the item numbers concerning the reduction in administrative staff, the cessation of the student teaching program and the health insurance plan adjustment seem the least detrimental to students. These three items, however, produce a potential financial relief of only $750,000 per year.

The remainder of budget reduction should be spread across the other items on the list. An increase in class sizes (item one) throughout the district will save nearly as much money as every other proposed item combined.

Students choose not to stand for pledge in class

Adviser Karen Barrett, MJE This is the official student newspaper of Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, Ill. 60090.

Written, edited and distributed 9 times a year by advanced journalism classes, independent studies and other interested and qualified students. Produced by using desktop publishing and is printed by Son’s Enterprises, Inc., Skokie Ill. Mailed subscription $15 per year.

Editorial

Daniel Brount Focus Editor

While a movie plays in the theater, the movie always states something along the lines of “please don’t add your own soundtrack” before the movie starts. Unfortunately, people do not apply this statement to more important things, like the Pledge of Allegiance.

During the less than 30 seconds that students and teachers stand for the pledge, plenty of others stay seated.

Many of those students participate in conversation or other activities.

Some days third period classes may start hectically with a quiz once the announcements end or a paper that needs to be turned in at the beginning of class.

Students rush trying to turn in the paper and study at the same time. This leads to disrespect to those saying the pledge.

Arriving at class earlier or doing it the night before

would remove any need to do it during the pledge. It only takes around fifteen seconds of time, and if a fifteen second break prevents people from finishing, they probably would not have finished it anyway.

Every so often, students feel the need to have an in depth conversation during the pledge, drawing other students into it while a select few attempt to stay focused on saying “I pledge allegiance...”

Yet while this conversation occurs, teachers do not ask them to stop. Instead, they just say the pledge themselves, or worse, do their own work and have their own conversation.

Not only do they disrespect students while doing this, but they also set a bad example for students.

Everyone has the right to their own beliefs so people can feel free to stay seated if they do not approve of the phrase “under God” or simply do not want to pledge to the country. No one is required to stand, nor should they. Even if they stand, they do not have to say anything.

All the same, those students and even teachers who choose not to participate in the pledge need to respect those who do. Students

saying the pledge are not disrespecting anyone else, so others should not disrespect them. Give them the chance to say what they feel about their country. To do that, just stay quiet for that short time interval.

Since elementary school and even before then, adults preach of respect. It should not be too difficult to exemplify a trait that adults have tried so hard to instill in students.

Of course, people disrespect others quite often. Yet when it comes to something that some people have passion for and something that means a lot to them, these people deserve respect. If a patriotic person has no other way to express their pride for their country besides saying the pledge, then they should not lose that opportunity for something as petty as another person’s conversation.

Respect the students who want to show their pride for their country and what it has given them. If people can avoid adding their own soundtrack to an hour and a half long movie, they should be able to do the same for the fifteen second Pledge of Allegiance.

Increasing target class sizes by five students as the plan proposes seems very extreme. An increase of two students per class instead could still save the district between $500,000 and $1 million each year.

The item numbers regarding the NSSEO (North Suburban Special Education Organization) reductions in spending on professional development and adjustments to staff supervision stipends also must help alleviate some of the district’s fiscal stress. If the district cut half of the funding for these programs, for example, it could save an estimated $425,000.

We urge caution as the board reviews item five, which pertains to the reduction or elimination of extracurricular activities. These activities keep certain students that do not find much interest in the school day motivated to attend school and to shy away from harmful behaviors. As a partially extracurricular newspaper, Spokesman staff can attest to the benefits that such programs provide.

As the board said at its last meeting, transportation costs account for a large portion of district spending. If, instead of using school busses, students in extracurricular activities were to carpool, the district could save some money without having to sacrifice any of its extracurricular programs.

There will be little positive that comes out of these necessary budget cuts. But as long as District 21 remembers that their students depend on everything that schools offer before, during and after school hours, the 12 district schools will still be able to provide quality education that will prepare students for the years to come.

Do you recite the pledge of allegiance during the announcements?

Pledge Meter

All the time: 34

Sometimes: 6

Never: 21 Total Surveyed: 61

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Infographic by Katie Kalmes

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January 29, 2010

Feature

Ortiz prepares for track season by running 40 miles per week

Bety Camino

Luke Sokolowski

Jose Ortiz, sophomore, prepares for his daily after school run by stretching in the field house.

Ortiz spends about 10 to 15 minutes every day stretching. According to Ortiz, besides running to get in shape for cross country and track, overall he sees many benefits of running. “I just like running overall, it helps clear my mind and it relaxes me. It is a good way to relieve stress,” Ortiz said. He said that he likes running even in the winter, despite the bad weather.

News Editor As the 2:50 p.m. bell rings and students go home, Jose Ortiz, sophomore, walks to the locker room to change and get ready to do his daily after school run.

According to Ortiz, he runs about six to eight miles every day after school to get in shape for the spring track season.

“It (running in the winter) is just like running in the summer but with more clothes and it’s a little colder outside. I don’t like running inside, so I try to get outside as much as possible,” Ortiz said.

Tom Polak, boys cross country and track and field head coach, gave the team’s runners a chart to keep track of how often and how far they run.

“In the past, all the runners knew that they had to condition in the winter. Recently, it has been a struggle to get guys to make that commitment to running every day during the worst part of the year. Jose has made that commitment,” Coach Polak said.

According to Ortiz, several runners run with him, so that they can condition for track.

Due to other after school commitments, these runners only join Ortiz a few times a week. Even when running with friends, Ortiz runs at least two more miles than his friends, continuing after his friends have finished.

“I run a lot to raise my endurance. I will probably be running the two mile for track so I need more endurance than anyone else,” Ortiz said.

According to Victor Gonzalez, senior who runs with Ortiz, Ortiz has a goal to get better and puts forth a lot of effort to reach that goal.

Ortiz starts running at about 3:15 p.m. every day after school. After running, Ortiz goes to lift weights in the weight room.

According to Coach Polak, Ortiz tries his best to practice outside but if the weather

conditions are poor, he finds an alternative way to still get his running done.

“Winter is a hard time to practice. It gets darker earlier than normal. Breathing cold air won’t hurt you. You just have to be properly dressed for the weather. He (Ortiz) is trying to average between 30 and 40 miles a week.

If the weather is really bad, he uses a bike or treadmill,” Coach Polak said.

Coach Polak said that running so much will help Ortiz a lot in the long run.

“Running so much teaches him discipline and focus. That helps a lot in track because you are basically just going in circles, so there are a lot of distractions. It will raise his confidence with what he is able to do. The best part is that he is a sophomore and shows so much commitment,” Coach Polak said.

Gonzalez said that Ortiz has changed a lot since last season and displays the qualities of a leader.

“I remember last year when Jose was just a quiet kid who ran, but this year he is encouraging others to do their best and stay with the group. He is acting more like a captain,” Gonzalez said.

Ortiz has a personal goal that he focuses on to motivate him during running.

“My goal is to make it to State (in cross country and track). Running and lifting weights after school will help my muscles get used to running a lot and that will help me get better,” Ortiz said.

Coach Polak has a similar goal that he said he feels Ortiz will achieve by the end of the season.

“His (Ortiz) best two mile time was 11 minutes. My goal for him is to drop to 10 minutes and 15 seconds by the end of the season. This is a realistic goal for him that if he is able to accomplish, it will probably make him one of the top frosh/soph runners in our conference. He missed (the cross country) all conference at the frosh/ soph level by one place this season,” Coach Polak said.

1960s graduates award scholarships

Ryan Griesmeyer Sports Editor Doug Glaser, Bomber member, donated time to help the Bombers organization that gives scholarships to WHS students.

Glaser graduated in the first class of WHS in 1966. The official Bombers consisted of 12 WHS students and friends that later graduated in 1969.

“The original group that graduated in 1969 was a group of troublemakers,” Glaser said. “They were the kind of guys you wouldn't want to invite to a party.”

According to their web site <www.whs69. com/bombers/history.html>, some of the activities the group members participated in consisted of egging houses, smashing pumpkins and squirting pedestrians with fire extinguishers filled with urine. The group members were athletes, and they looked up to Hell's Angels, Clint Eastwood and Jim Morrison.

According to Glaser, once the group graduated, they turned their lives around by becoming successful. After this, they decided they wanted to give back to their school by starting a scholarship for particular students,

two each year.

“This scholarship isn't like other scholarships where you have to have a GPA over a certain number. This scholarship is unique, not for students with high grade averages. We look for kids who have made accomplishments whether sports or maybe just correcting their life,” Glaser said.

Each year the scholarships become more and more competitive. Last year, Bridgette Gray and James Kurtz, ‘09 graduates, won the scholarship. Gray became the first female to ever win the scholarship.

“When I found out I received the scholarship I was excited because I knew it was going to help me with college,”Kurtz said.

The scholarship money started out as $1,000. After the scholarships became more popular, more people gave money and attended fund-raising events. Scholarships can now be awarded in mounts of up to $30,000 apiece. Kurtz received a scholarship worth $2,500.

“I think this scholarship is really good,” Samie Spinabella, senior, said. “I wouldn't be able to apply for it because of my grades (being too high), but I think it's great because it can help kids get back on track and they might need the help to do so.”

The Original Bombers ‘68

‘67

Coe Meyer “Woody” Jim Frushour “Frush” Mike Henry (deceased) Ed Pecora “Prince Ruby” John Ribando “The Preacher” Dave Wachholz “The Wac” Jerry Westhouse “The House” Stewart Oakley “The Professor” Michael Allen “Sweed” Jerry Rhinehart “Rhino” Dennis Sramek (deceased) Infographic by Mallorie Bromer

‘69

Feature Biel overcomes disease with support of family

Joya finds system to complete homework Jami Kahn

Karen Rodriguez Staff Reporter Night came around and Austin Biel, freshman, woke up at 4 a.m. with the urge to puke. When his mom got home from work, they immediately took him to Northwestern Hospital because that was a sign of a concussion. They didn’t know, however, that after walking out of the hospital they would be “scared and fearful,” for the next two years.

Biel was diagnosed with Medullo-blastoma on Aug. 8, 2008.

Medullo-blastoma, a malignant brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum, is most common in boys ages 2 to 13. It grew rapidly and in four months it began affecting Biel’s vision as well as his hearing.

It was necessary for Biel to go to the doctor for radiation two weeks, five times a week.

Radiation has side effects that include making the IQ slower and forgetting information.

In November 2008, Biel had to undergo surgery to make a hole in his chest where a tube fed him. It was called Total Protein Nutrition(TPN).

He couldn’t eat for a year and the tube was only there at night.

In the morning, Patricia Biel,

Dilsia Miranda

Staff Reporter A. Biel’s mother, would take it out.

“I’m sick of cancer. It’s not that fun,” A. Biel said.

The Biel family made sure that Biel knew they would be there for him at any time of the day.

“They just want me to be better,” Biel said.

Biels’ friends at Holmes Middle School gave him their support, fund-raising for him so that the family could pay off their hospital bills.

Biel is now cancer free.

Still, he is in remission; therefore, he must go for head scans once a month.

“You know there’s a God when you hear his cancer is gone,” Ms. Biel said.

Now Biel has some advice for other cancer patients.

“Good luck. It’s very hard, time passes, but you’ll make it through... to the end,” A. Biel said.

A. Biel wishes to be able to go back to riding his bike and playing football when he gets better, but he has to learn how to swim again.

In being cured, A. Biel has changed “spiritually, physically and intellectually.”

“Austin is more compassionate with people that are sick, he’s more sensitive,” Ms. Biel, said. “He has a different outlook and appreciates the things he has more.”

Austin Biel, freshman, laughs at an old memory that Logan Bartholomew, little brother of Hilary Bartholomew, Biel’s best friend, told about the baseball games they had with their families. Having cancer made it hard for Biel to remember certain things. “The radiation had some side effects, and unfortunately Austin forgets a lot more then he used to,” Katie Wisdom, Biel’s aunt, said.

Senior leaders take on leadership after taking junior leader class

A look inside Joya’s Homework schedule 1. Geometry--problems 2. AP Human Geography---Cornell notes 3. Literature--Grammar phrases worksheet 4. Literature--”Lord of the Flies” quiz

“an italian dinner”

Elda Robbins, P.E. Teacher

Bety Camino Bety Camino

geometry problems, he checks over his answers, reworking problems he remains unsure about. After he is sure that his answers are correct, he pulls out his AP human geography book and Cornell note sheet.

He first reads all the questions on the sheet, reads the passage in the book and then goes back and answers the questions. He restates the questions in his answers, using complete sentences and paraphrasing to help himself understand the material.

If Joya doesn’t understand a part of his homework, he puts it to the side and moves on, so he doesn’t spend all of his time working on one problem.

“I find that it helps if I can just put it down and work on something else for a little bit so I don’t fry my brain working on that one part when I have so much else to do,” Joya said.

Joya moves on to his literature homework, a worksheet about grammatical phrases, and he then prepares for a speech he will make the next day. He then completes a quiz to lead into “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, the next unit his class will be studying. Once all his homework is completed, Joya checks his assignment notebook to make sure he has nothing else due the next day.

“Homework can definitely be a pain, but I can see why we need to do it, so I figure there’s no reason not to try my best at it,” Joya said.

**Five problems left--finish this after Lit. Grammar sheet

U

CE AI A IAN

NA

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T L

A

FEBRUARY 12, 2010 in the WHS CAFETERIA @ 6 p.m.

KIDS - $5 STUDENTS - $7 ADULTS - $10

UNA NOTTE ROMANTICA

“a night of romance”

the junior leaders class.

“We had to learn to take control,” Garrila said. She Asst. News Editor described the junior leaders While Elda Robbins, class as “a regular P.E. class, physical education teacher, but with a lot of running.” has her freshmen swim the Senior leaders help width of the pool, Cristina Ms. Robbins with regular Garrila and Alex Przekurat, freshman P.E. classes. But seniors, can if a teacher be found “I look for kids na ssei s tae ndc es, teaching Ms. who are reRobbins’ the senior n o n might sponsible, have leader swimmers help out in how to swim. reshman inner strength, fstrength Garrila and a n d kids willing to conditioning Przekurat classes. work hard, and are two of 19 “ I f seniors who anybody is be a mentor.” are senior thinking leaders. about going Garrila into teaching a n d (be a senior Przekurat leader), went through the junior they (senior leaders) are leaders class in order to responsible for a group and become a senior leader. it is groundbreaking,” Ms. “I bring them (senior Robbins said. leaders) through the According to Ms. Robbins, freshman curriculum. I teach senior leaders are very helpful them a good stretch. (There’s) because “these kids (senior a lot of practice and a lot of leaders) are closer to their observing,” Ms. Robbins said. (freshmen’s) age”.

According to Ms. Garrila and Przekurat Robbins, in order to take the agree that they learned to junior leaders class, you need take leadership and “don’t let a teacher recommendation. freshman be stupid”.

Then the juniors set up an According to Ms. interview with Ms. Robbins. Robbins, she tries to find as After the juniors are signed many sophomores to join for up, Ms. Robbins receives a the next year. list of everyone interested “In the spring, I have kids in taking the class. The class start asking questions,” Ms. period with the highest Robbins said. amount of juniors becomes

At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Omar Joya, freshman, sits in the foyer, gets comfortable on the bluecarpeted bench and unzips his backpack.

The foyer is quiet; most students have either gone home or are in their after school activities.

First, Joya takes out his geometry book, calculator, notebook and pencil. The book balances on his lap with the notebook on top. His face pinches as he studies the problems, and he writes his answers slowly and carefully, so as not to make a mistake.

According to USA Weekend magazine, the average high school student spends 10 to 15 hours weekly on homework. With more than seven hours in school five days a week, not to mention after school activities, students use different systems in order to complete their work in time.

Joya is currently taking intro to engineering and design, accelerated honors advanced geometry (90s), honors literature and AP human geography for his first semester. He uses his personal system in order to find time for his homework among everything else each day.

“I like to start with my hardest homework first, to get it out of the way, and not have to deal with it later,” Joya said.

As he completes his

Krista Sanford

Top: Judy Lee, senior, looks over a freshman P.E. student’s schedule. Lee enrolled in the junior leaders class for her first semester of this year and was then assigned to lead Peter Gajzler’s freshman P.E. class for her second semester.

Bottom: Cristina Garrila, senior, talks to a few freshmen students in the gymnasium before class on the first day of the new semester. This starts Garrila’s second semester as a senior leader.

5

January 29, 2010

6

Fo

January 29, 2010

King obsessed with cheese since age 4 Jes Martinez Music, hollywood stars, movies -- these are all the things that most teenagers obssess over.

However, Alexys King, sophomore, obsesses over cheese.

King first became obsessed with cheese at age 4, when she had her first piece of cheese and couldn't get over how good it was. Now, King has cheese every day, with almost every meal she eats.

"Cheese goes on a lot of different stuff.

That's why it's awesome," King said.

Since King doesn't eat meat, she has to get her protein from other foods. King's favorite food to have with cheese are nachos, but said she doesn't like "liquidy" cheese. She said that she likes the cheese to be sprinkled on top of the nachos.

King's favorite types of cheese are Chihuahua cheese, a cheese named after a town in Mexico, and Saganaki which is basically hot Greek cheese.

“Every piece of cheese has its story, it’s own history. Some are from Germany, some from Mexico,” King said.

For King's birthday, Brittany Racky, sophomore, will take her to the Mars Cheese Factory.

Photo courtesy of Alexys King

Staff Reporter

A 7-year-old Alexys King, sophomore, eats mozzarella cheese in her backyard during a barbecue. “There’s a lot of variety of cheese,” King said.

"Alexys isn't what you would call a normal person," Racky said.

Vanessa Valencia, sophomore, thinks that King's obsession is weird.

"Not a lot of people are obsessed with cheese," Valencia said.

King said she that people need to get out more and understand that cheese is "like a gateway to heaven."

"Screw vampires, it's all about the cheese," King said, commenting on the Twilight obsession that many girls have.

Driven

Obse

Teens go to extreme leng ‘Twilight’ fans focus on actors instead of story

Bety Camino

Miller’s movie collection expands as he watches films daily

Nathan Miller, senior, looks for a movie through his VHS wall of videos. Miller watches one movie a day and continues to add movies to watch to his list as he researches directors and actors after seeing each new film. “More than the movies, I like directors and writing,” Miller said. “It’s like having a favorite band and not just a song.”

Jami Kahn Staff Reporter

Move over, Cubs and Sox fans. Democrats and Republicans, your time in the spotlight is over. Creationists and Darwinians? Please.

There’s a new debate that’s sweeping society off its feet. The big question is, who’s on Team Edward, and who’s on Team Jacob?

The “Twilight Saga” phenomenon has turned into a ridiculous obsession. Everywhere I go, I see werewolf sweatshirts with dog ears on the hoods, prop replica jewelry from New Moon, Team Edward wallets, “Bella and the Cullens” lunchbox and Thermos packs and Edward umbrellas.

I’ll easily admit that I’m an avid reader and was quickly enchanted by the love story set in Forks, Wash. I was intrigued by the vampires and werewolves and by the sacrifices Edward was willing to make for his one and only. I don’t need to be asked twice to point out that Stephenie Meyer is a talented writer and brings her characters to life.

It was clear that the craze didn’t start with the books, though, when the first movie came out featuring Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattison. As far as I’m concerned, many of the teenage girls that are blood-thirsty for Twilight are really only interested in the actors.

I often hear fans complain that they are totally devastated because they have to wait until the next movie is released in order to find out what happens next. This makes my insides cringe. It takes all the strength I have not to walk up to these “fans” and tell them that if they really did care about what happened next in the series, they could simply read the books.

An ultimatum has formed: either one loves Twilight and all its werewolf-vs-vampire goodness, or Robert Pattinson’s face completely annoys and disgusts them. But there are those, like me, who love the books and are now just annoyed with Twilight overall because of what the obsession has become.

It is no longer about the story, or the books, but about the actors. I’ve talked to too many girls that have told me their favorite part of New Moon (the movie) was when Taylor Lautner took off his shirt.

In teenage girls’ rooms, I’ve seen tons of posters of Robert Pattinson standing arrogantly in all of his too-cool-for-hygiene glory.

I understand obsessions. I really do. If someone asks me anything about Harry Potter (the books, of course), I will most likely be able to come up with an answer. There is a difference, though, between an obsession with a series and an obsession with the actors in the movie version of that series.

It seems a bit ridiculous that it isn’t really the plot that is taking teenage girls by storm, but a bad-boy Brit and the goody two shoes hottie that just so happened to have dated Taylor Swift.

These girls aren’t on Team Edward or Team Jacob, but Team Pattinson and Team Lautner.

People shouldn’t let them call themselves Twilight fans.

Survey exposes students’ openness about obsession Survey by Dan Malsom and Jess Musto

What do you obsess most over in general?

Video Books Games TV and movies

11

6 36

11

People

Music

18 29 22

Food

25

Sports

Things you can buy

What is your biggest obsession, if any?

Six most common answers Boys or girls: 11 people Facebook: 9 people Call of Duty or Modern Warfare 2: 7 people Shoes: 6 people Texting: 6 people Do you think your obsession is one that many people have?

Yes: 84%

No: 10%

No obsession: 6%

200 200

202 people surveyed; numbers do not add to 202 because some people did not have obsessions

Are you willing to admit your obsession to _____?

6 32

150 150

26

Yes

182 154

159

100 100

50 50

00

Your friends?

No

Your parents?

Your boyfriend or girlfriend?

7

ocus

n to

ession

Photo Opinion What is your biggest obsession and how did you discover it?

gths to satisfy their obsessions

Johnny Depp - “When I saw ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ and saw that he was beautiful.”

Road Trip Mission:

Carrie Underwood

Faith Pharr, freshman July 7, 2006: Green Bay, Wis. July 3, 2006: San Diego Country Fair

Aug. 20, 2006: Illinois State Fair

Nov. 3, 2009: New York City

Oct. 2, 2008: Champaign, Ill.

Football - “When I started playing outside with my brothers, I really liked it.”

June 3, 2008 and June 9 to June 11, 2009: Nashville, Tenn.

Jimmy Williams, sophomore

Infographic by Jocelyn Torres Photos courtesy of Nicole Merchut

Underwood fan travels throughout country Oscar Najera Editor-in-Chief “There is always that one song playing on the radio that catches your attention and you can’t help but throw your focus directly at it...’So Small,’ by Carrie Underwood (country singer and American Idol winner in 2005) is one that I hold incredibly dear to my heart and listen to whenever I have a complication. It has changed my life around tremendously and has made me so much more aware of the beautiful moments life brings.”

Nicole Merchut, senior, knew she would base her “Muse” essay on Underwood after she received her Expository Writing 2 assignment.

“She is my biggest inspiration. I got an A on this paper,” Merchut said as she printed an extra copy. “Her music has helped me through the toughest moments in my life. She has also helped

me regain my faith (in Christianity).”

Chanelle Martin, senior, accompanies her during fifth period as they both sit in the back of the Learning Center.

Merchut’s eyes open as she recalls the first time she saw Underwood in concert during the American Idols Live! tour on Aug. 8, 2005.

“I still have the tickets stubs, I keep all of them,” Merchut said.

Merchut has seen Underwood in concert 20 times, and she has met her 10 of those times.

Merchut first met Underwood in San Diego.

According to Merchut, she still remembers exactly how she reacted when she first met Underwood.

She took a picture with Underwood and said that it looked like she was “just whacked in the face” from crying so hard.

“I couldn’t believe I was meeting my idol. She saw me crying. She was legit worried about me. I felt bad

and embarassed. I couldn’t say anything because I was starstruck,” Merchut said.

Merchut’s mom had to talk for her for the remaining time with Underwood.

Martin decides to add a part to her story which Merchut did not include.

“She has a T-shirt from there too,” Martin said.

“That I bought at her concert. Everyone does that... it’s not weird,” Merchut replied.

Merchut continued to talk about the 10 times she has met Underwood. She knows the exact date of each meeting and cites each one from memory.

One of Merchut’s favorite memories is when she saw Underwood participate in the 19th annual City of Hope Celebrity softball game.

Merchut also participated in an event during an intermission. She was tied to another contestant with a bungee cord. Each contestant had to grab several red rubber balls located on opposite

ends of the area and put them into a designated garbage can. Merchut spent most of the one-minute game on her knees, crawling towards the garbage cans and having the mascot drag her across.

Her win garnered her the prize of being recognized in Nashville for a day.

“I was recognized in the streets of Nashville. I was in the news,” Merchut said.

Merchut continues to see Underwood as her role model, despite negative comments she hears from people at school.

“She’s my inspiration-my role model. Everyone has someone that they look up to...A lot of people in this school think I’m weird because I’m like obsessed with Carrie, but whatever,” Merchut said. “I’ve had these amazing experiences in my life...I am grateful for everything...it’s all thanks to Carrie. I’ve had the chance to travel to some incredible places. I’ve met some of my best friends because of her.”

Jersey Shore - “My girlfriend told me that it was a really funny show.

I fell in love with the stupidity of it.”

Peter Durbin, junior

Hot Cheetos - “My old best friend made me try them...It was the most disgusting thing but the most delicious thing ever.”

Amber Wentzloff, senior Photo Opinion by Dan Malsom

La Voz

29 de enero, 2010

Comparando a México, dos ambientes diferentes traen sentimientos iguales Jennie Alcantar A&E Editor

Jocelyn Torres

Jennie Alcantar

Graphics Reporter

Arriba: En el área del campo rural, una figura de autoridad monta su caballo, patrullando las calles. Otras figuras de autoridad como él, paseaban por las calles igualmente. Ellos montan todo el día por parte de su trabajo.

Abajo: En el área de la ciudad, en un tianguis, la mujer vende panqueques, 6 por 23 centavos. Alrededor, la gente se amontanaba para probar a los panqueques. La mujer trabaja sola sin tomar un descanso.

Jocelyn Torres

8

‘Sueños latinos’ ofrece oportunidades para participantes Krista Sanford Asst. News Editor Club Latino se prepara para acoger su primer concurso de talentos, llamado ‘Sueños Latinos.’ En años anteriores, el club celebró una obra de teatro latina.

“Los chicos sólo querían algo diferente”, Bertha Sánchez, defensor de los estudiantes y patrocinadora del club latino, dijo.

Según Rebecca Castro, profesora de español y patrocinadora del club latino, los estudiantes pueden hacer lo que quieran en el concurso de talentos. Los ejemplos incluyen un baile, una parodia, un poema y una obra de teatro.

“Tú (concursantes) puedes hacer cualquier cosa, pero con un giro latino,” Ms. Sanchez dijo.

Jessica Arellano, sophomore, entró en el concurso y estará tocando su guitarra y cantando en la función.

“Estoy un poco nerviosa

porque nunca e tocado en una audiencia grande,” Arellano dijo.

Según Ms. Castro, el nombre de Sueños Latinos vino de una función popular llamada, “Bailando por un Sueño”. En Bailando por un Sueño, personas concursan en una competición de cantar para un premio.

Según la Sra. Castro es como “American Idol, pero en lugar de la fama, reciben becas.”

Al igual que el programa de televisión, la Sra. Castro y la Sra. Sánchez tendran la oportunidad de tomar el dinero que recogen, y dar una beca.

“Creo que (la beca) es una idea muy buena porque, en lugar de utilizar el dinero que realmente no necesitan, podemos usar el dinero para ayudar a la gente,” Arellano dijo.

La función de talentos se llevará a cabo a las 7:30 p.m. del 6 de febrero en el teatro de Robert E. Sang. La admisión es $5 con identificación y $7 sin identificación.

El Campo Rural- Jennie

Son las 2:15 p.m. y finalmente llegamos.

Mi papá sigue manejando hacia el puente y un oficial se nos acerca y nos saluda.

Nos dice que sigamos hacia el edificio donde sacan el permiso para nuestro carro.

Seguimos ahí por unos veinte minutos, y finalmente estamos oficialmente en México.

Me siento entusiasmada que ya estoy en el lugar que vio crecer a mi familia que desciende de Michoacán y Tamaulipas, México.

Ya íbamos en ruta a Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas cuando la manguera de gasolina se abrió e iba tirando todo el petróleo.

Normalmente duramos unas cuarto a seis horas en llegar, pero gracias a esa manguera estuvimos parando en cualquier lugar para cerrarlo con un trapo.

Finalmente llegamos a la casa de mis familiares. Siempre es el mismo saludo. Un abrazo fuerte y un beso en el cachete. Hay veces que me extraña tanto que la gente se salude así.

Aquí estamos tan acostumbrados a saludar con un simple saludo de mano y un “hola.”

Al llegar con mis abuelos, me atrae memorias de años pasados. Nadando en el canal atrás de su casa, cortando: naranjas, cocos, limones; caminando alrededor del centro en la noche para comprar barquillos.

Aunque todo sea tierra y es menos avanzado, en realidad me gusta ir. El clima es agradable comparado aquí. Ahí mismo todos se conocen y es en realidad una comunidad cercana.

La Ciudad- Jocelyn

Desde que he sido un feto dentro del vientre de mi mamá, he visitado un pueblito al lado de Guadalajara llamado Ameca. Allí no se puede describir como un ranchito, es más como una mini ciudad.

Es un lugar donde a pesar de que conoces a una persona una vez, cuando las ves, dices hola a ellos como si fueran viejos amigos. Creo que haces más amigos en dos semanas en Ameca que puedes hacer en los Estado Unidos. El ambiente es bien relajado.

El centro es donde puedes encontrar la mayoría de la gente, especialmente en el tiempo de fiesta como la navidad y el año nuevo. Hay puestos en cada esquina y siempre hay personas comprando.

En la noche es cuando se llena más con puestos de “popis” que son salchichas envueltas en tortillas y luego doradas. Hay nieves, perros calientes, elotes y tacos por todos lados. El lugar en que se reunen muchos estudiantes de la prepa es en “el cafe.” Allí, usualmente, es para tomar un cafe y platicar con tus amigos aunque sean las tres de la mañana.

Lo más importante de las vacaciones de México es pasar tiempo con la familia. Tengo aproximadamente treinta primos y todos menores de veinte años. Somos una familia muy ruidosa pero eso es lo que me gusta más.

Todas las inquietudes desaparecen y lo único que importa en ese momento es mi familia.

Cada día es una aventura con que vayamos a la playa o vayamos a la tienda de la esquina aprovechamos de que estámos juntos. Esas dos semanas con mi familia en México son apreciadas más que el resto del año que no los veo.

Latinos tienen que tratar de cambiar esteriotipos Gaby Najera La Voz Editor

Cuando caminaba por los pasillos y pasaba a otros latinos, agachaba la mirada. ¿Porque?

En verdad, no sabría decirles, pero no es algo que me alegra. Al contrario, me hizo sentir averguenzada que ni podía dar una simple sonrisa.

Como una latina orgullosa, sentí que debería hacer un esfuerzo más grande para poder llegar a los demás latinos que veo día a día.

Es muy doloroso escuchar a la demás gente referirse a los latinos como “solo otro mexicano” cuando ven una pelea o discuten el embarazo de los adolescentes, sean mexicanos o no.

Acabando con estos estereotipos no tiene que tratarse de demostrarle a la demás gente que si podemos lograr algo, debería ser de demostarlo a nosotros mismos.

Se me ha dado la imagen que varios latinos se han conformado con estos estereotipos.

Me hace enojar cuando veo que latinos con potencial academico echan a perder su talento nomás para quedarse bien con sus amigos.

Estos estudiantes deben abrir sus ojos y ver que cuando se acabé su carrara academica se van a quedar donde empezaron, sin idea que hacer con su vida.

Tenemos que volvernos más ambiciosos y luchar para lograr algo para nosotros mismos.

Para que valga la pena lo que nuestros padres han sacrificado por nosotros y nuestra educación y buen estar.

Con solo cambiar la manera en que nosotros interactuamos con nosotros mismos, un cambio se podra ver.

Cuando hablé con otros latinos sobre sus

interacciones con otros latinos, unos dicen que si hablan con ellos, pero otros solo hablan con esos en sus clases.

Me pongo a pensar sobre los latinos con que yo hablo, y he notado que solo hablo con latinos en mis clases, que no son muchos.

Se que hablar con nueva gente no es tan fácil, pero nosotros como latinos, que tenemos a la gente diciendo cosas negativas sobre nosotros, deberíamos hacer un esfuerzo.

Tenemos que tratar de reparar la imagen negativa que hemos estado cargando por la mayor parte de nuestra vida.

Con solo escuchar a otros latinos hablar de lo que les preocupa, nosotros podemos hacer el intento de ayudar a nosotros mismos cambiar de camino.

Una manera en cual nosotros podríamos acercarnos a la comunidad latina es por involucrarnos en el club latino.

Un lugar en cual yo e aprendido mas sobre las experencias que otros latinos pasan por.

Pero todavía no me siento más cercana a la comunidad latina.

Cuando voy a las juntas cada miércoles, todavía me encuentro hablando con la misma gente. ¿Qué no el punto de clubs conocer a nueva gente? ¿Por qué entonces no podemos tratar de ser más amigables?

Nunca entenderé esta línea que divide a muchos latinos. Pero si se, que no podemos dar el otro cachete en cuando viene a resolver nuestros estereotipos.

Aunque sintamos que no es nuestra culpa, o que no sintamos que tenemos la responsabilidad, se que todos conocemos a alguien que podríamos ayudar para que salgan adelante.

No podemos juzgar a esos que andan por un mal camino. Y mucho menos no podemos tratarlos como si fueran un nivel menos que nosotros.

La próxima vez que vean a alguien juzgado a alguien mas, denle entender que no pueden hacer eso, pues al final, ¿Quiénes son ellos para juzgar?

Tenemos que salirnos de nuestros propios zapatos, y intentar de ver los diferentes aspectos de la situación.

A &E House of Slam prepares for

Bety Camino

When the clock strikes 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, six of the seven members of the House of Slam poetry team gather around a table in Room 118.

On Jan. 12, members of the House of Slam poetry club auditioned to compete in the citywide slam poetry competition, “Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB).”

Each member had to write an original three-minute poem, which according to Alison Dodson, House of Slam coach, “had to tell a story and just had to be clean.”

“My piece is called Space and Time Love. It took me about a week to write, and I practice about twice a week, outside of club practice,” Jeremy Ber, senior, said.

Of the 11 club members that auditioned, Genesis Juarez, Ber, Ricardo Alcantar, Marco Salvidar, Hector Aranda and Ivan Ibarra, seniors, and Mario Huerta, sophomore, were chosen as the competing team.

As Laura Wagner, House

and will be his second time attending LTAB. Preliminary rounds for this citywide competition begin on Feb. 22.

WHS House of Slam attended the suburban slam poetry competition on Dec. 16, 2009 at Maine East High School.

The suburban slam was called, “Louder Than a Lawnmower.”

All members of the club were allowed to attend and read their poetry.

According to Ms. Dodson, Louder than a Bomb presents a more formal atmosphere than Louder than a Lawnmower and also gives a different variety of poems because both city students and suburban students come to share their poetry.

Louder Than A Bomb will include many competing teams from Louder Than A Lawnmower, along with at least 50 additional schools from all over the city.

“Louder Than a Bomb is probably one of my favorite things to do,” Ms. Dodson said. “The energy level there and the stories you hear are amazing; I usually cry.”

Genesis Juarez, senior, interacts with her teammates on Jan. 22. Seven of the 11 members that audtioned were selected to be on the official House of Slam team to compete at Louder Than A Bomb, a citywide slam poetry competition.

Large number of roles allows new actors to come forth Because of the large cast, “Go Ask Alice” provided a broader opportunity for new actors.

John Kirby, junior playing Alice’s boyfriend, Forum Editor also has never acted before.

Orin Xavier, English teacher and fine “(I tried out) because it sounded fun,” arts director, quietly watches the stage where Kirby said. “I’m thinking of possibly doing the students rehearse the winter play. He holds his musical.” notebook in his hand and casually writes notes The main theme of “Go Ask Alice” revolves for cast members in pen. around drug use.

This year’s winter play entitled “Go Ask Ken Sabol, senior and light designer, Alice” features over 20 cast members. and Nick Samata, junior and light designer, “It’s not the most I’ve ever had,” Mr. Xavier received help from Mr. Xavier to produce said. “But it’s up there.” lights to simulate a drug “trip.”

Most of the performers do “With the new lights and “It took her not mind the large cast. lighting board we got last (Carolina “It’s different from year, it allowed us to be more previous shows,” Sean Carillo, junior) creative this year,” Samata Kolodziej, junior playing said. a few days to Alice’s father Doug, said.

An example of creative come out of her lighting appears within “It’s nice having new people around to see what they can shell. But once swirling red spirals on stage bring to the show.” stage left. she got used to rightTheandmain One of the new people to theme of drugs the theater program, Carolina her stage pres- posed a challenge to some Carillo, junior, will perform as ence, she bloms- actors. the title character Alice.

“I don’t know anything somed.”

“I figured I’d give it a try,” about drugs,” Kirby said Carrillo said. “I’ve never done about attempting to act like anything like this before.” he used drugs during the play. “So it’s hard to Other cast members, like Harlan Rosen, act that way.” freshman playing Alice’s little brother Tim, Mr. Xavier chose the play specifically for noticed Carillo’s presence on stage as rehersals the main theme. progressed.

“I think the issue of drugs transcends “It took her (Carillo) a few days to come generations,” Mr. Xavier said. out of her shell,” Rosen said. “But once she got The winter play will be held on Jan. 28 used to her stage presence, she blossomed.” through Jan. 30 in the Rober E. Sang Theater.

Harlan Rosen, freshman

Jon Tracey

Bety Camino

Feature Editor

of Slam coach, supervises the meeting, the team members brainstorm and share ideas as they begin to decide on a topic for their group poem for the competition.

Once they have a topic, they come up with different ways that they can turn that topic into a three-minute poem.

The team meets every Tuesday in Room 118, from 3 to 4.

Practices will become more frequent closer to the competition.

LTAB was created in 1985 and founded by Kevin Coval, slam poet.

The competition brings together schools from all over Chicago to share their stories through poetry.

Many suburban schools from the Chicagoland area have also begun attending LTAB. “My favorite part (of LTAB) is the different styles and creativity that the poets bring to the stand, and then getting to actually meet them and talk to them too,” Alcantar said.

This is Alcantar’s second year in the House of Slam

9

Male, female a capella groups ‘start small’

citywide poetry competition Stevi Anderson

January 29, 2010

Samantha Victor and Andrea Lapsys, seniors, sing along to their music sheets for the girls pop a capella group. “Most groups have people who are upperclassmen. This group has more diversity. It’s open to everyone: freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors,” Victor said.

Rosalie Chan Staff Reporter Two pop a capella groups that any WHS student can join started last November. The pop a capella group sings pop and rock songs a capella, or without instruments. Along with singing, the group members use their voices to sound like instruments by using different syllables, manipulating sounds and using vocal percussion.

Members have different singing parts, which are soprano 1, soprano 2, alto 1, alto 2 and vocal percussion for the female group and tenor 1, tenor 2, bass 1, bass 2 and vocal percussion for the male group.

“We focus on working on pieces of music to make them the best we want them

to be,” Sean Koldziej, junior, said. “When all the parts are put together, you can hear it better.”

Kirstin Snelten, choir director, surveyed students at the beginning of the year to see if they had interest in starting this group. She then started the male and female pop a capella groups last November. Freshmen can join these groups, unlike other singing groups.

The male group works on “Insomniac” by Billy Pilgrim. They plan to work on “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith and songs by Coldplay. The female group currently works on the songs “Bad” by Michael Jackson and “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews.

“We do more rock and pop songs. There’s more variety of genres,” Andrea

Lapsys, senior, said.

During practice, members listen to the music they plan to sing to see how their parts fit in the song.

Then students work on their separate parts during class.

“A capella singing is a great way to sing what they (members) like while improving musical skills,” Ms. Snelten said. “It’s a great way to learn listening skills.”

A capella competitions usually require groups to have been established for a year or two before they can compete. A capella groups first sing in regional competitions, and if they qualify, they can compete in State.

“We perform at concerts, and we’re looking to see if we can perform outside of school and at gigs. We’re starting small,” Lapsys said.

10

A& E

January 29, 2010

Dan Black succeeds in blending old with new in first solo album Mallorie Bromer Asst. Feature Editor

In Dan Black’s newest album “UN”, he brings a swooning choir and flawlessly mixes a modern techno with pop beats and effects to create an album that acts both unique and classic.

Black originally started his career as a member of the rock band “The Servant.” After the band’s breakup in 2007, Black signed with Polydor Records to release his first solo album.

On first impression, Black’s album seems like something that would be played at a nightclub or school dance, but as one listens to the songs in depth, one will notice the complex beats and melodies tied in the vocals and instruments that inspire awe and appreciation for the music from the listener. iTunes chose the first two songs “Symphonies” and “U + Me” as Singles of the Week in 2009: “Symphonies” in the United States and “U + Me” in the United Kingdom.

Both definitely deserve the Single of the Week

title.

“Symphonies” has a very angelic choral opening, but then comes together with a strong beat of cymbals that somehow fits very well together. Adding the melodic string part into the chorus really emphasizes the title and contrasts with the straight melody.

In “U + Me,” Black almost has a comedic feel to the song because of the computerized “yeah” that occurs throughout the song. The deep, low string part in the chorus also gives a contrast to the lighter verses.

On the other hand, the third track on the album disappoints after the strong opening.

“Ecstasy” doesn’t have a set theme to the song.

It tries to pose itself as a slow song, but fails because of the harsh beats.

The best song on the album, “Life Slash Dreams,” starts out with a building intro, and melodic vocals that bring the life and dream aspect to the song. The string section between the chorus and verses plays beautifully and are accompanied with lyrics which haunt and amaze as they talk about the fine line between reality and dreams. Overall the song breaks away from the pattern, breaking up the album nicely with its mellow harmonies and a calm tempo.

Currently, iTunes has been the only one to release “UN”. It can be bought as a digital copy on iTunes for $7.99 and will be released as a hard copy in the spring.

“The Lovely Bones” Released Jan. 15, 2010

To view or not to view?

$

save your $

$1 theaterworthy

friday nightworthy

Peter Jackson proves that a terrible movie can at least be entertaining with his latest film “The Lovely Bones,” a movie comprised of superfluous dreamy montages which barely help to sustain a plot already on life support.

Relying on beatifically hypnotizing special effects, the film easily charms but obviously uses the serene landscapes as a crutch. Based off of the 2002 fictional book by Alice Sebold, “The Lovely Bones” follows the narrated life of a murdered 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon. In the book the progression of time and the effects the mysterious murder has on her close relations defines each page.

Unfortunately, these intricate relationships translate terribly on screen. These minute details would’ve showcased the key events that explained why the relationships ended on the notes they did.

Aside from the classic “the movie wasn’t like the book at all” concept, I can’t help but wonder how the writers could have finished the screenplay fully pleased with their work.

The book worked because the author focused on people and how they deal and grow from pain. The movie barely brushes the surface, resulting in awkward conclusions and

Screen

see it twice!

test

Bety Camino Photo Editor

missing links.

Book aside, the film’s majestic quality easily enchants, which might work for some of Jackson’s previous big budget beauties such as “King Kong” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies but not with a book based around the thoughts of a forever young teenage girl.

Even the soundtrack fails to add to the mystic film.

The acting alone gives the film hope for wider appeal. Veterans such as Susan Sarandon, Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz each bring a glimmer of depth and character development. Even Saoirse Ronan, the young Irish actress who plays Susie, proves to be a talent by breaking through the constraints of weak dialogue. Nevertheless, the bursts of talented acting cannot make up for the overall failure of the film.

As a film, “The Lovely Bones” can barely stand on its own. Big names and big bucks hardly make up for the strange and fragmented storylines, a barely noticeable soundtrack and dense dialogue. While the film proved to be entertaining at the moment, I probably won’t remember seeing it come next month.

Three musicians make IMEA All-State Asst. Web Editor After weeks of practicing scales, etudes (a short piece for a solo instrument) and excerpts for auditions, three WHS music students surpassed the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) district level, making IMEA All-State.

Samantha Bell-Brown and Billy Kort, juniors, and Emma Leland, senior, each made the State level of the competition.

The three of them travelled to Peoria on Jan. 27 to perform with other high school allstate members.

The actual final concert will not take place until Jan. 30.

“I was thrilled for Billy and Emma, but not surprised.

I was pleasantly surprised for Samantha because there are many good clarinet players,” Brian Logan, band director, said.

Leland has made IMEA All-State all three years that

she was eligible, but Kort has great musicianship,” Leland not attended IMEA State said. before.

After the players travelled “It’s an honor because its to Peoria, they auditioned recognizing I’m at that level,” again to see where they Kort said. would be sitting in the This was the orchestra. Judges first year that “ I’ve helped d e t e r m i n e d Bell-Brown appropriate a bit, but the the auditioned for seating by their overwhelm- individual playing IMEA, practicing five hours each ing majority level. Seating week leading arranged by is done with isplacing up to auditions. higher According to private teach- level players in her, Bell-Brown lower chair ers and camps the did not believe it numbers. over the sum- B e l l - B r o w n when Mr. Logan told her she made said the audition mer.”

IMEA All-State. will be nerve“I thought Mr. Logan was racking because, according to joking, and I was thinking her she “sucks at auditions,” ‘That’s a really mean joke,’” however, according to Kort Bell-Brown said. and Leland, they have no Unlike Bell-Brown, who worries about having to said she did not feel confident audition again although with her audition, Leland and Leland said she will need to Kort said they thought the work hard leading up to the audition went very well. festival.

“The teacher monitoring “We’re doing all modern the room said I did an music,” Leland said. “It’s more excellent job and that I had difficult than classical.”

YouTopia Tetris God

IMEAQUALIFIERS q e q ALL-STATE EMMA LELAND, SENIOR Third Year All-State Instrument - Violin

Dan Malsom

Jon Tracey

Editor-In-Chief Forum Editor

h

“I was really anxious to find out because I made it my sophomore and junior year so I wanted to end strong. Once I found out I made it I was so relieved.“

Brian Logan, band director

Brianna Bitout

BILLY KORT, JUNIOR

First Year All-State Instrument - Trumpet

“It was an honor because that meant I was recognized at a state level. When I go down to Peoria I want to be able to better myself as a musician by playing with others.”

SAMANTHA BELL-BROWN, JUNIOR

First Year All-State Instrument - Clarinet

“I thought my audition went terrible, and when I found out I really thought Mr. Logan was joking. I was very surprised, but I plan to practice more on sight reading and scales now.”

Photos and design by Bety Camino

Information by Brianna Bitout

Runners Up The Matrix vs. Benny Hill (yakety sax)

Four Hands Guitar

Best Flying Machine

This awesome fight scene may not be British, but Benny Hill doesn’t care. Just speed it up, and voila! Classic senseless British humor.

An impressive display of musicianship from not one man with two hands, but two men with four hands! These guys either have trained for years or have a lot of time (and callouses) on their hands.

At first it seems bodacious, with windsurfers circling in the water and leaping into the air. Then one lucky surfer gets the chance to redefine windsurfing with the help of some winged divine intervention.

Top Pick Finally, this video provides an explanation for the cruel nature of the game of Tetris.

Tetris God follows the path of an ordinary Tetris player from a somewhat different perspective. It just goes to show that when life gives you line pieces, you have already filled the gap with an “L-piece.”

Sports

According to Lou Wool, head coach, the majority of the boys basketball team consists of inexperienced players. After several losses, Coach Wool remains happy to see that the team continues to maintain a positive attitude without giving up.

“I knew we were young and inexperienced, but we managed to pull through...

They (the team) are working hard while gaining more confidence,” Coach Wool said.

Ricky Schwind, junior and forward, thinks that to get better, everyone needs to put in more effort at practice.

“It’s not like our games are complete blowouts. We are close in the games, we just can’t finish strong...” Schwind said.

According to James Miles, senior and guard, the players

Girls basketball beat Missouri State champions at tournament Jon Tracey Forum Editor Although girls basketball lost three games, they have won 20, including a tournament in Missouri.

The team defeated Missouri state champions, along with Kickapoo High School in the championship game .

“It was awesome,” Stephanie Kuzmanic, senior guard, said. “It was cool to play teams we haven’t seen.”

Kelsey Maczko, junior guard, and Kuzmanic agree that the team must work together.

“If we play together,” Kuzmanic said. “I think we can make it to State.”

On Friday, Jan. 22, the Cats came from

behind to beat Hersey, a team which delivered the Cats one of their three losses.

“We got down early and just fought hard,” Janelle Cannon, senior guard, said. “We never gave up and played hard.”

The team fell behind 31-20 at the half to end up winning 49-48.

A two-pointer from Leah Malsom, sophomore, forward put the Cats within one point while Cannon delivered the winning shot.

“She (Cannon) kept saying ‘We still have this, keep going,’” Shelly Weigel, head coach, said. “They never got too down on one play.”

A member of the team who has stood out more than expected this year is Larissa Aguero, senior post.

Varsity cheerleaders set goals in hopes of placing at State competition Ryan Griesmeyer Sports Editor On Saturday, Jan. 30, the varsity cheerleading team competes at Grayslake North High School for its Sectionals.

This year, the team competed at two competitions. At the MSL Conference this year, the team placed fourth and lost third by two points. At the teams’ Grayslake competition, the team took sixth out of 13 teams.

Jordan Gusterine, senior and varsity cheerleader, set the personal goal of trying something new and keeping an open mind because it was her first year on the varsity team.

“Our (varsity team) main goal this year is to make it to State, and we haven’t made it that far yet,” Gusterine said. “However, we are working so hard at every aspect of the routine to make it nearly perfect.”

According to Gusterine and Ethan Gonzalez, senior and varsity cheerleader, the Wildcats’ biggest competition comes from Barrington High School, Palatine High School and Elk Grove High School.

“Elk Grove is definitely one of our biggest competitors because they have placed higher than us in every competition,” Gusterine said.

Gonzalez, first year member of the team, joined because he thought it would be a great experience and lots of fun.

“I think people need to know that it’s not just for girls, guys can do it and have fun,” Gonzalez said.

At Conference two weeks ago, twins Cody and Alex Przekurat, seniors and varsity cheerleading members, placed first place in the mascot competition.

“People need to realize the cheerleading is in fact a sport. You’re pretty much lifting weights every day and it is such hard work, especially preparing for competitions,” Gusterine said.

Brianna Bitout

As the varsity wrestling team nears postseason play, Luke Smith, Mike Smith and Chris Johnson, juniors, emerged as three leaders to guide WHS to another appearance at State on Feb. 19.

L. Smith finished third in State last year, and according to Neal Weiner, head coach, he’s shown more growth as a wrestler this season.

“He has really turned a corner this year,” Coach Weiner said. “He is more mature.

He understands what it takes in complex wrestling situations (that other wrestlers put him in).”

College wrestling programs have shown interest in L. Smith, who finished the regular season with a 31-0 record. His participation on the team since freshman year has given him an opportunity to help coach the six wrestlers new to varsity.

“Luke thinks sometimes that he is the coach, and I have to tell him he’s not,” Coach Weiner said. “But in his defense, he knows the sport really well and has a lot of experience.”

L. Smith wrestles on the team with his cousin M. Smith, who began wrestling when he was 4 years old. Both families share an interest in wrestling.

“We are pretty much like brothers, almost,” M. Smith said.

Robert Desio, senior, wrestled with the team for four years, and said he noticed the Smith cousins stepping up to fill the spots of teammates that graduated last year.

“They’re maniacs,” Desio said. “I wrestle with them every day. They work harder than anyone on the team, and it shows on the mat.”

Johnson also found success earlier in the year, winning first place in both WHS and Glenbrook South wrestling tournaments.

“I’ve had a much more successful year this year,” Johnson said. “Overall I have gotten a lot better at wrestling, mentally and physically.”

News Editor

Clockwise: James Miles, senior guard, holds the ball, keeping it from the Knights defender while looking for someone to pass to. Miles said that one reason they lost was because they had to play catch up for most of the game. Nick Boyd, junior, drives around a defender to the basket.

Jimmy Barrera, senior, plays offense at a home game.

Tyler Shapiro, junior, dribbles down court passing a defender to the net.. The boys next game is tonight against Elk Grove .

share one common factor.

“The main thing that makes this team work together is the common lack of experience. There is no superstar on our team, so everyone’s ego is grounded.

We all understand that the only way to succeed is to work together....,” Miles said.

According to Miles, working together helped the team get to know each other and play better.

“I think our basketball season so far has been filled with a lot of heartbreaks and disappointments. We fight hard in every game, just come up short most times. I think now that we’re in the second half of our season, we have more experience and chemistry under our belt and we’ve proven we can compete with the best of them. So now we just need to put it together. I truly believe there will be loss of upsets,” Miles said.

Brianna Bitout

Editor-in-Chief

Luke Sokolowski

Brianna Bitout

Dan Malsom

11

Boys basketball strives to succeed this season

Brianna Bitout

Junior wrestlers lead varsity team to State

January 29, 2010

Gymnastics 6 p.m., today Schaumburg Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m., today Elk Grove

Top: Dana Nast, senior, poses on the beam at senior night. Bottom Left: Angela Reinhart, freshman is the first to perform her floor routine.

To kick off the night Reinhart sang the “National Anthem” with Lizzie Jassin, freshman. Left: Tori Menelle, senior, saves her landing off the vault. This is Menelle’s first year on the team.

Bowlers’ consistency helps improve game

Wildcat ‘fearless’ divers set sight to place at Conference

Ryan Griesmeyer Sports Editor

Clark Jensen, junior and varsity diver, executes a back dive with a half twist at a home meet against Barrington High School.

“Diving is really a mental sport, you have to be mentally strong and fearless,” Jensen said.

whs

“‘Party in the U.S.A.’ because we always play it and put our hands up.”

‘“Chongalicious’ because it brings back memories from Missouri (tournament).”

Tom Chrusciel, senior wrestler

Question

Leah Malsom, sophomore basketball

Beth Anderson, varsity coach for the past six years, set the team goal this year of finishing top five at Conference and wants to qualify at least one girl to State.

According to Coach Anderson, Jenny Schmitt, senior, varsity player and bowler since five years old, has a good chance of making that goal come true.

The bowling team hasn’t sent a girl to State since Kim Chalkian, ‘05 alumnus, qualified.

“My goal this year is to make State. I really hope I do, I’ve missed it by five pins (in a game) and nine pins (in a game),” Schmitt said.

The girls’ scores on the team range from the 200s to 130s.

“The biggest challenge is when some girls do bad, they tend to shut down. When one of them shuts down, the rest do too,” Coach Anderson said. “The girls are really in tune with one another.”

Schmitt agreed with Coach Anderson that keeping a positive attitude adds difficulty to the game.

“To get to State, I just practice, a lot, right before the meet and make sure I know what I have to do,” Schmitt said. “I have to make sure

I don’t get down on myself too bad so it doesn’t affect my game.”

When getting ready for a meet, Schmitt listens to music , stretches and gets in the zone.

“Probably the hardest thing to do in bowling is being consistent. Bowling is a lot harder than people think,” Schmitt said.

Jim Meyer, first year JV coach, describes the team as a lot of fun.

“I don’t think people realize just how good they’re bowling. The top girls are performing 10 or 20 pins under professionals. They have games up in the 200s and that’s with no bumpers,” Coach Meyer said.

The team focuses on throwing a strikeball (knocking down all 10 pins) and working on picking up a spare (knocking down all pins in two tries) so at least they have a multiple for a really good game.

“In order to do well, you have to be able to focus for the whole time and put the ball exactly where you want it to go,” Coach Anderson said.

There are 16 girls on the bowling team this year, five on junior varsity, six on frosh/ soph, and five on varsity. The team practices at Arlington Lanes from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or at Rolling Meadows AMF. Currently, the team is ranked fifth in Conference.

What would your teams’ song be?

S

POR TS

Girls Basketball 7:30 p.m., Saturday Trinity

Wrapping up its 2009-2010 season, the varsity girls gymnastics team prepares for its conference meet on Jan. 29 at Schaumburg High School. The team currently holds a record of 4-11.

With Conference near, Amy Burke, senior, hopes to place at State.

“Last year I missed going to state by .205 points on vault. It was very upsetting and emotional for me. At the beginning of the season, my goal was to make it to State. Over the season, I realized I’ve grown more than I thought. Now my goal is to make it to finals and see if I can place or not,” Burke said.

This season was cut short for Kristen Witek, senior, who was injured in November.

“I doubt it (getting back in the season).

It’s disappointing, I really enjoy gymnastics. I hope to go back after high school,” Witek said.

Now that Witek can’t participate, Shannen Chechang, senior, replaced her on the floor routines. Witek sees Chechang as a leader for other team members.

Other team members, like Colleen CreechWoolcott, sophomore, see Burke as a leader.

“She’s the most experienced and always has good advice to give us and helps improve on our skills,” Creech-Woolcott said.

Burke’s advice to the younger members gets shown through her performance.

“I try to place myself in their shoes, so I can understand them since I’ve been in that place before. I try to help them, give advice on how they can improve as a freshman. I’m not verbal-I don’t scream at them. Hopefully, they see what the upperclassmen do, and be like ‘that’s what they did, so that’s what I should do,’” Burke said.

Bridget Erickson, varsity coach, sees all of the team’s seniors as leaders and believes the team has done better than expected.

Closing the season, Coach Erickson believes the goal is to just for the girls to try their best.

“Our goal for the rest of the season is to practice hard and compete our best at the conference meet,” Coach Erickson said through an e-mail interview.

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Senior gymnasts lead team into Conference

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January 29, 2010 Volume 46 Issue 5