The Pioneer – March 2022

The IONEER MAINE EAST HIGH SCHOOL NEWS MARCh 2022 WMhaamtmaaSMhoiwa!! See page 2

Maine East performers shine in Mamma Mia! By James Lamerdin and the wedding dresses and the life for better or worse: Who is real emotions. Some standout Dalal Hassane shimmering jumpsuits show- her father? numbers from the musical cased during the three girls’ were “Dancing Queen,” per- This year's musical performance at the taverna. The musical was expertly formed by Natalie Dababneh, truly excelled in its aesthetic executed, both in the acting Lizzy Arevalo, and Micaelene appearance. The set design, Mamma Mia is about a and singing. The actors gave Marchetta; Dababneh’s duet a caricature of Greek tourist woman named Donna who believable, vibrant perfor- with Chloe Borto, “Slipping islands, was fitting and helped lives on an unnamed island mances with never a dull mo- Through My Fingers;” and of to tell the story, as did the cos- in Greece with her daugh- ment or a weak character. The course, Dababneh’s show stop- tumes, which were excellently ter, Sophie. The day before singing, however, was truly ping solo, “The Winner Takes picked and easily brought the Sophie’s wedding, three men the star of the show; everyone It All.” The strong dancing audience into the feeling of a from Donna’s past arrive on involved brought a strong from the company rounded Mediterranean summer. The the island, courtesy of So- performance to each scene, out the bill, making this year’s not-so-casual costumes were phie’s invitations. The musical whether it was an uptempo musical one of the best in also just as well selected, and follows stories of Donna’s past group number, or a heart- Maine East history. really aided the story, such as and Sophie’s desire to answer a breaking solo, the vocals were question that could change her always on point and struck 2 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

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Putin’s invasion plans were never a secret from world By Naba Imran The Russian invasion of West. Ten days later, on De- Ukraine, which began with cember 17, Russia made precise explosives in the capital Kyiv security demands to the West, and other places before sunrise including that NATO end Thursday, February 24th, all military action in eastern was months in the making. Europe and Ukraine and never Russia's intention, according admit Ukraine or any former to Ukraine's health minis- Soviet republics as members. ter, is to destroy Ukraine, a Westward-looking democracy Biden promised President seeking to break free from Zelenskyy in January that if Moscow's grasp. 137 Ukrainian Russia invaded Ukraine, the military and civilians were US would \"act firmly.\" The killed in the initial attack, ac- two men talked on the phone cording to Ukrainian President about getting ready for a series Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and hundreds more were injured. see INVASION, page 7 Russian President Vladi- mir Putin warned other coun- tries that interfering with the Russian army would result in \"consequences you have never seen in history\" in a televised address as the attack began. Tensions over Russia and Ukraine had been building for months. As far back as Novem- ber of 2021, satellites showed a Russian buildup of 100,000 troops, including tanks and other military hardware on the border with Ukraine. On December 7, 2021, President Joe Biden warned Russia that if it invaded Ukraine, it would face broad economic penalties from the 4 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

Western powers show hypocrisy when labeling countries ‘uncivilized’ By Dalal Hassane culture or history. through imperialistic pursuits “The Ukrainian border Last week, while reporting This is one of the big- are the ones that are uncivi- guards were not letting us on the war in Ukraine, CBS lized. through,” said 24-year-old News senior foreign corre- gest reasons we see so many Nigerian doctor, Chineye spondent Charlie D’Agata stat- people only now realizing Even in Ukraine, Black Mbagqu. “They were beating ed that Ukraine “isn’t a place, that imperialism and war Ukranians have been physi- people up with sticks.” She with all due respect, like Iraq are horrors that can destroy cally stopped from leaving the also added that “they would or Afghanistan, that has seen people’s homelands; because country, with white Ukranians conflict raging for decades. it is happening in a Europe- facing far less difficulties at see CIVILITY, page 8 This is a relatively civilized, an country, a predominantly border crossings. relatively European – I have to white country. choose those words careful- ly, too – city, one where you If being a Kurd from wouldn’t expect that, or hope Iraq-occupied Kurdistan and that it’s going to happen.” an Arab from Syria make me In making this statement, “uncivilized,” I love being D’Agata reaffirmed the false uncivilized. and orientalist narrative about SWANA that has poisoned Western media and poli- Western rhetoric for years: ticians call us uncivilized, yet that we are an uncivilized, we are the cradle of civiliza- war-torn monolith with no tion. We are vessels of culture and history. Our homelands are rich with resources and historic treasures, the very powers that destroy us Despite previous tolerances, India at high risk for genocide By Pallavi Raju caste, consided one of the erupted in the country against rights, completely disregard- Experts at Amnesty Inter- lowest castes in India’s complex three farm laws that essentially ing the fact that farmers of all national and Genocide Watch hierarchy, was raped, killed, allowed private markets to dic- religions were being targeted. have declared India at a high and forcibly cremated by a tate the prices of produce being Many activists were arrested risk for a genocide as of Janu- group of four Hindu men. It sold by farmers, eliminating and even beaten, a lot of which ary 2022. Shockingly, a nation has been over a year, and the the minimum support price. were Sikh, Dalit, and generally with 1.4 billion people—79.8% family has not yet received Many farmers—mostly from not Hindu. Hindus, 14.2% Muslims, and justice. Former director-gener- the states of Punjab, Haryana, the remaining 6% being Sikh, al of police, Prithiviraj Singh, and Uttar Pradesh, home to Just a month after the end Jain, Christian, and Buddhist— expressed his views on policing Sikhs and Dalits—marched of the Kisan Andolan, a gather- that has been traditionally in the country: “The system has the streets of Delhi, fighting ing of nationalists in Haridwar religiously tolerant, India now been turned to serve the rich to repeal the bills. More than openly urged Hindus to incite inches toward a genocide. As and powerful.” A year later, 600 deaths were reported at violence against Indian Mus- the country heads into Naren- there was another nine year the end of the protest in 2021, lims. The UP Chief Minister dra Modi’s eighth year as Prime old Dalit victim that endured including eight people that outright said, “We take an oath Minister, this begs the question similar violence. And yet again, were killed during violence and make a resolution that till of what set of decisions have a year after that, international that broke out after a group of our last breath, we shall fight, led to this outcome? Although news featured a twenty year old cars ran over demonstrating die for and if need be, kill, to the PM promised a united and Sikh girl, who also fell victim farmers. According to local make this country a Hindu economically prosperous India, to nationalism; she was raped reports, the cars were linked to Rashtra.” Modi has not re- his divisive political speeches, and paraded in the streets. the federal minister’s son, who sponded to these hate speeches, nationalistic behavior, and denied accusations. The An- in spite of promising a unified poorly implemented economic Heinous crimes against dolan is a prime example of the nation. Two months later, the policies have done the exact lower castes are not uncom- country’s marginalized people southern state of Karnataka— opposite. mon among Indians, but being sacrificed for the profit of ruled by Modi’s Bhartiya Janta Modi’s nationalistic behav- unfortunately, the Kisan wealthy corporations and the Party (BJP)—banned hijabs for ior has encouraged an alarming Andolan, the 2020 farm pro- PM doing little to provide sup- Muslim school girls. An Indian rise in violence against certain tests against Modi’s economic port to his people. Instead, this court told students to refrain groups. In 2020, a nineteen policies provided the erratic situation was played off as a from wearing the religious year old girl from the Dalit environment that allowed such religious battleground, as many violent crimes to be committed argued over Hindu and Sikh see GENOCIDE, and forgotten. The protests page 8 MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 5

Olympic athletes competed amidst political tensions in Beijing By Rianca Argenal For 16 days, 109 portation picked up and events, and 2,871 partic- dropped off athletes ipants, there was always participating in alpine something happening skiing and sliding at during the 2022 WInter Yanqing and freestyle Olympics in Beijing. skiing and snowboard- ing at Zhangjiakou, in Norway topped the Hebei province. the medal board with Russian figure skater 16 gold medals and 37 Kamila Valieva’s positive medals in total. Events drug test was highly such as big air freestyle publicized as well. skiing (Eileen Gu from China and Birk Ruud Athletes used these from Norway were the Games as an opportunity gold medalists in their to raise the standards for respective events) and their sport. Nils van der women’s monobob Poel of Sweden broke (Kaillie Humphries the world record for the from the U.S. won the 10,000 meter speed skat- gold medal) made their ing competition, with a debut. time of 12:30.74. Countries like Haiti Alongside his gold and Saudi Arabia also medal in the 10,000 brought their athletes meter event, he also to the Winter Olympic got a gold for the 5,000 stage for the first time. meter event. In the And of course, the con- women’s short track, troversy and concerns 1,000 meters, Suzanne surrounding the Games. Schulting of the Neth- erlands achieved a time At times it seemed of 1:26.514, breaking there was more press the world record. She coverage about issues brought home four surrounding the games Olympic medals: two than the games them- golds in the 1000 meter selves. The United States (among other countries) see OLYMPICS, announced a diplomatic next page boycott of the Games, citing human rights offenses, such as the Chinese genocide of Uyghur Muslims. A diplomatic boycott meant that government officials did not attend the Games, although athletes from those countries could still compete. In the midst of the pandemic, athletes were confined to an “Olympic bub- ble.” Athletes and other visitors were not able to interact with the rest of the city or its citizens. Designated trans- 6 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

INVASION, advisor, said U.S. data not be possible. Students from page 4 indicated a Russian in- On February 12, can now of planned diplomatic vasion might start with- take mental talks to deal with the in days of the Beijing Biden and Putin talked health days problem. Putin then Olympics, which ended via video call. The U.S. in Illinois denied any plans for an on February 20. president stated that invasion and accused a Russian invasion of By take up to 5 per aca- the United States of To reassure U.S. Ukraine would result James Lamerdin demic year, and any neglecting his country's allies, the Pentagon in \"widespread human missing schoolwork security concerns: \"It is ordered an additional suffering,\" and that the With many and/or homework already evident that core 3,000 US troops to be West was dedicated to students returning to must be made up Russian concerns were dispatched to Poland. negotiation to resolve in-person learning from classes being overlooked,\" said Putin. The action did not calm the problem, but was this school year, the missed. But by February, the situation, as a num- also \"equally prepared pressures of this edu- invasion seemed im- ber of countries urged for other possibilities.\" cational environment What does this minent. Jake Sullivan, their citizens to flee Once again, these talks are back, and, for mean for Maine Biden's national security Ukraine, some warning and action failed to many, more severe. East students? As that in the case of war, a prevent the invasion of Returning to schools described above, all military evacuation will Ukraine. has its benefits, but Maine East students many students may can take 5 mental OLYMPICS, first Black woman to the world record with a find themselves health days per from page 6 medal in speed skating, score of 84.41. France’s overwhelmed, and school year, with- and 3000 meter relays, winning gold in the 500 Gabriella Papadakis and possibly facing dif- out a doctor’s note, a silver in the 500 meter meter event, with a time Guillaume Cizeron got a ficult mental health similar to calling out race, and a bronze medal of 37.04. Chloe Kim of score of 90.83, the high- situations as we read- sick. Students can in the 1500 meter race. the U.S. became the first est score in history for just back to being in communicate with Eileen Gu of China woman to win back-to- the rhythmic program school. teachers to plan for won gold in big air and back gold medals for in ice dancing. Multiple make-up work and halfpipe,w giving her snowboarding in the Olympic records in the Luckily, the other assignments the title of the young- halfpipe, after she scored disciplines of speed skat- answer to many stu- missed, and most est Olympic champion a 94.00. ing and short track were dents’ hopes has ar- importantly, this act in freestyle skiing. An set as well. rived. In September, puts emphasis on the additional silver medal Nathen Chen of the Illinois Governor well being of Maine in slopestyle helped U.S. achieved a score of The Games made Pritzker signed a bill East students! her become the first 113.97 in the men’s in- headlines for the 16 days allowing Illinois pub- freestyle skier to win dividual short program, that the Olympic Flame lic school students Mental health three medals at a Winter setting a world record in burned. Now, aspiring the ability to take is a very important Olympics. Erin Jackson that event. In the pairs athletes will train hard mental health days. aspect of the overall of the U.S. became the short program, the duo for the next Winter These days consist of health and per- of Sui Wenjing and Han Olympics at Milano being excused from formance of every Cong of China broke Cortina, Italy in 2026. classes without hav- student, and these ing a doctor’s note mental health days or letting schools are a crucial step know far in advance. in investing into This system, while students’ mental being a much needed well-being. The act resource for students, went into effect in has its conditions. January 2022, just Students may only in time for the new semester! MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 7

GENOCIDE, from page 5 the introduction of GST (goods poverty have been masked as stories of the people that head covering until they can and services tax) in 2017 as a rather prosperous gain and have suffered under the PM’s further rule on it. Educators successful approaches to battle strategic move to consolidate leadership—or lack thereof, in in the state have turned away corruption and poverty in the the Indian population; faith in reality—it is unfortunately safe students who show up to class country. These changes, which Modi continues to grow, de- to say India slips further down wearing the hijab, fueling the the public was told were made spite his failure to execute new the list of successful democ- push for protests. Muslim in good faith, have instead re- economic policies. The new racies the longer Narendra students have faced groups of sulted in a loss of jobs for more economic policies could have Modi grips his seat. The rise of Hindu boys wearing saffron than 25 million Indians; a third possibly had a more positive nationalism brings the country scarves, chanting “Hail Lord of the country’s strong middle effect if they were executed closer to an illegitimate theoc- Ram,” a Hindu deity. This class has plunged back into correctly. Instead, they have racy, as government officials direct attack on religious poverty. The high GDP of 8% done little to provide relief to parade saffron scarves and freedom in the world’s largest in 2014 has fallen to its lowest lower income households and condemn Islam and Sikhi. In democracy perfectly exhibits in over a decade: 3%. Because have rather resulted in a greater addition to religious intol- the rise in religious division of the abrupt ban of the 500 wealth inequality between the erance, silencing protestors and nationalism in India. In and 1000 rupee bills, the coun- upper and lower classes. Under and provoking violence based the eight years under Modi, the try’s farmers and self-employed the current government, the on caste and religion actively country has seen an increase industrialists suffered the most, people suffering are not only infringes on the democratic in hateful speech and violence along with poor and illiterate poor, but also the nation’s rights to assembly, religion, against its minorities. Now, the people who don’t have access minorities. Granted that these and speech. India mirrors the country is in an international to credit cards and online policies have been hardship on horrors the US faces under rac- spotlight, accelerating toward banking. Similarly, the increase many Indians despite religion ism and police brutality; while mass violence. in share of indirect taxes has and caste, it is still very evident Americans battle each other led to a bigger burden on the that BJP’s nationalistic attitude based on the color of their Supporters of the PM marginalized people of India, has spurred religion and caste skin, Indians endure the pain continue to blindly believe his as they pay more in taxes than based tensions. of religious differences, both unfulfilled promises, highlight- most of the weathiler citizens. shamefully heading toward a ing the 2016 currency ban and These attacks on the people in After analyzing the facts path of futile democracies. and taking into account the CIVILITY, from page 5 world where they are merely our rich cultures. wrongs of colonialism. We will known as Kurdistan in all its We will not wait to be let the world finally see that slap them, beat them and push beauty. A world where my Western powers -- the powers them to the end of the queue. father’s family in Syria doesn’t deemed “civilized;” our that have instigated violence It was awful.” wake up to the sound of civilizations still stand in the and division in our lands -- bombs on their doorstep. We face of imperialism and war. are the ones lacking civility. If people consider the will be known for our winding We will stitch together the Ukranian government and souqs, our vast nature, and once-polarized “borders” of systems in place “civilized” our homelands and undo the compared to SWANA coun- tries, we must evaluate this double-standard. Because preventative measures against Black Ukranians seeking ref- uge is the epitome of uncivi- lized. When we see the constant panic surrounding Ukraine in all forms of media, discus- sions, and political speeches, SWANA people are not upset because we disagree that the invasion is bad. We are upset because we have yet to be seen for who we are. For our reality. I long to see a world of liberation, a world where Iraq-occupied Kurdistan and Syria-occupied Kurdistan are not separated by an arbitrary border drawn by the West; a 8 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

The IONEERCOMICS The Maine Quadrant by Joaquin Soriano MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 9

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By Alonzo and Andre Larios Now in its 94th year, the Oscars will be held on March 27th, meaning that there is a limited time to catch up on this year’s nominations. However, after a year where theaters have been virtually inaccessible to a mass amount of people, or the films themselves are locked behind different stream- ing services’ paywalls, it’s become so much harder to keep up with the heaviest hitters at these awards ceremonies. To help you keep track, we present the nominees in the major categories accompanied by our prediction and our choice for each category. BEST PICTURE BEST ACTRESS Jessica Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye Olivia Colman Belfast King Richard in The Lost Daughter CODA Licorice Pizza Penelope Cruz in Parallel Mothers Don’t Look Up Nightmare Alley Nicole Kidman in Being the Ricardos Drive My Car The Power Of The Dog Kristen Stewart in Spencer Dune West Side Story Our Prediction: Kristen Stewart Most of these films haven’t been nominated for other Our Prediction: The Power Of The Dog awards this year, making a choice not so clear. Kristen The Power Of The Dog has been nominated for 12 categories Stewart delivered an outstanding performance that has and has strong chances of winning in several categories; it feels garnered traction, making her and Jessica Chastain the like this is a sure winner for Best Picture. frontrunners in this category. Our Choice: Jessica Chastain Our Choice: Licorice Pizza A jaw-dropping performance, debatably her best perfor- A very oddball film, but Licorice Pizza has to be our choice for mance yet, something we can’t say about the other nom- Best Picture due to Paul Thomas Anderson’s return to cinema inees, though still highly respected in their own right. A and the debut of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son, Cooper. Truly win for Chastain would also best show an appreciation for a biased choice, the movie feels almost overlooked due to its all of the work she’s offered us to date. controversial nature. BEST ACTOR BEST DIRECTOR Javier Bardam in Being The Ricardos Belfast – Kenneth Branagh Benedict Cumberbatch in The Power Of The Dog Drive My Car – Ryusuke Hamaguchi Andrew Garfield in Tick, Tick…Boom! Licorice Pizza – Paul Thomas Anderson Will Smith in King Richard The Power of The Dog – Jane Campion Denzel Washington in The Tragedy of Macbeth West Side Story – Steven Spielberg Our Prediction: Benedict Cumberbatch Our Prediction: Jane Campion for The Power of the Dog There is no one clear winner in this category. Cumber- This film is essentially an acting reel for its lead role; the batch does hold the advantage of being an actor who hasn’t loosely-held-together screenplay plays to the director's favor. It received or been nominated for Best Actor while also being demonstrates her capability of engaging an audience through- a highly respected figure in the industry. out the runtime by relying purely on the filmmaking and not Our Choice: Benedict Cumberbatch the plot. Despite playing an unlikeable character, Cumberbatch Our Choice: Paul Thomas Anderson for Licorice Pizza keeps his audience wanting to unravel more of his char- Paul Thomas Anderson is one of our favorite directors of all acter as the film progresses forward. Thanks in part to the time, and we believe it a necessity that the man gets his Oscar chapter structure of the movie that reveals bits of char- gold by now, as he’s deserved it for every installment of his acterization a little at a time, Cumberbatch makes each work. revelation work. 12 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER Jessie Buckley in The Lost Daughter Dune – Greig Fraser Ariana Debose in West Side Story Nightmare Alley – Dan Laustsen Judi Dench in Belfast The Power of The Dog – Ari Wegner Kirsten Dunst in The Power of The Dog The Tragedy of Macbeth – Bruno Delbonnel Aunjanue Ellis in King Richard West Side Story – Janusz Kaminski Our Prediction: Ariana Debose Many have already decided this award will Our Prediction: Janusz Kaminski for West Side Story quickly go to Ariana Debose, playing a Tasked with encapsulating the moves of dozens of character that required so much emotion. professional dancers, the cinematography of this movie Debose gave it her all, which plays in her called for a free-flowing camera that needed to put its favor. Her nomination is also surrounded by audience at the center of the action, but still show off more minor roles in their respective films. the talent of every performer on set. West Side Story Our Choice: Ariana Debose accomplishes this goal by giving every shot proper Indeed a film on most people’s minds. She color and depth. certainly delivered a magnetic performance; anyone could watch and agree she most Our Choice: Greig Fraser for Dune definitely deserved her nomination. Taking a page from the every-shot-a-photo form of cinematography, it feels as if any second of the movie's BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR runtime could be immortalized as wallpaper for one's Ciaran Hinds in Belfast phone, thanks to the almost minimalistic approach in Troy Kotsur in CODA its shots, which ends up making the film feel more akin Jesse Plemons in The Power of The Dog to the book. J.K. Simmons in Being The Ricardos Kodi Smit-Mcphee in The Power of The Dog BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Our Prediction: Kodi Smit-McPhee Encanto This role has the advantage of having a large Flee portion of the screenplay dedicated to this Luca character. This enormous amount of perfor- The Mitchells V. The Machines mance time gives Smit-McPhee more time to Raya and The Last Dragon portray his character, allowing for him to be more easily chosen. Our Prediction: Encanto Our Choice: Kodi Smit-McPhee Encanto is the only animated feature film nominated This character felt like a well-written vessel for other categories, which strengthens its chances. for the audience to experience the story, and Disney films tend to steal this award each year, but En- since the character is one of the few likable canto’s win also comes down to the film being released people in this world of unlikable people, it is towards the end of the year, which seems to be an only natural that I found the character, and advantage in the Oscars. by extension the actor, so appealing to watch. Our Choice: The Mitchells V. The Machines Producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller have proven themselves to be masters of their craft in the realm of animation. Being the most heartfelt and creative animated feature film makes The Mitchells Vs. The Machines as our pick for this category. The film’s strik- ing and original style separates it from the rest of the competition. MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 13

‘Diversity’ and The THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER ‘Equity’ should be Maine East High School Park Ridge, Illinois more than just March 2022 buzzwords at M.E. diversity and inclusion were put Twitter: @mehspioneer up outside the school, many students like myself felt proud IONEERWebsite: bit.ly/ThePioneer and affirmed. The banners were EDITOR-IN-CHIEF supposed to be symbols of inclusivity, but right now they Dalal Hassane come off as performative efforts which don’t reflect what’s hap- EDITORS REPORTERS pening inside our school. Rianca Argenal Naba Imran One area in which we can James Lamerdin Alonzo Larios see this is our restorative justice Andre Larios By Dalal Hassane practices. Restorative justice Pallavi Raju Editor-in-Chief is a national movement which Joaquin Soriano “Diversity” and “equity:” entails communicative efforts two words that have been between the perpetrator(s) and The Pioneer reports on news, entertain- ingrained into our minds by the victim(s) in order to better ment, and sports events for Maine East website headings, pamphlets, understand the perspectives High School and the surrounding commu- school emails, and other of everyone involved and try nity. The Pioneer is distributed in school to media. At a school with a large to create more equitable and students and staff; digital copies of each population of people of color, peaceful solutions. While these issue are available at The Pioneer website: we’ve heard administrators are very necessary practices, it’s discuss the concepts of “equita- important to note that restor- bit.ly/ThePioneer ble practices” and “restorative ative justice should be a prior- justice,” procedures intended ity in combating the national Readers can send story suggestions, pho- to foster a safe space for people problem of the school to prison tos, letters to the editor, or comments to of marginalized backgrounds. pipeline and protecting students sponsor Matt Miller or assistant sponsor However, if these claims are not of color, not offering white Dave Hessert via email: followed through with actions, students an “easy out” without they become mere buzzwords acknowledging the significant [email protected] and excuses for the struggles harms of racism and bigotry. [email protected] of students inside school walls; they lose meaning. In many situations con- Scan this QR code It’s important to consider cerning white students inflict- to read this issue that there have been several ing harm upon people of color on your personal steps the administration has at Maine East, administration electronic device: taken that have bettered the has prioritized using restorative school and made it a safer space justice practices to attain better for marginalized students and outcomes. faculty. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of Last year, for example, taking larger leaps toward an when a white student posted equitable future for all members a picture of themselves posing of the Maine East community. with the middle finger in front In 2020, when the two of the banners (among other banners with statements about forms of hate speech), they were not punished with the severity one might expect given the impact of their actions. They see BUZZWORDS, next page 14 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

BUZZWORDS, situations should be no secret to that fuel this diversity. The new do so because we barely made from previous page students and faculty. tardy and phone procedures of it. Because we are tired of seeing were allowed in spaces like second semester, for example, the odds stacked against us. We the National Honor Society If the administration prac- do not take into consideration should not assume things, or and clubs with marginalized tices restorative justice, it must the complex backgrounds punish the students who prior- students. They were given plat- be practiced with the under- from which we all come. Not itize family over school, living forms to speak to large groups standing that there is no excuse everyone has someone to call over starving; because their suc- of students just weeks after or justification for bigotry. The the attendance office every day. cess is no different from ours. the incidents. When students outcome must not be the pro- Not every student has the priv- like myself expressed concern, tection of the white student, but ilege to shut their phone down White teachers should also administrators told us that they the support and safety of the without fear of emergency. Not set the tone for equity in the wanted to use restorative prac- marginalized student. every student can prioritize classroom through creating tices and lectured us about our academics over family. safe spaces and uplifting voices tone/behavior. Many students like myself of marginalized students. In However, in incidents like have expressed concerns about Dr. Pressler responded to response to a question about the many fights that happened this double standard to the a question about the impact how the administration ensures earlier in the school year, we administration. For students of of the tardy procedures on that faculty is representative did not see the administration color especially, it is infuriating students from various socioeco- of the banners in actions and taking restorative or equitable to see white people who have nomic backgrounds by un- practices, Dr. Pressler empha- actions. Rather, students were caused harm continue to oc- derscoring that the problem is sized that it is not appropriate suspended and even pressured cupy spaces that benefit them, students who choose not to be for faculty to express “political to transfer to Frost Academy. their white privilege ensuring on time. “We’ve got a whole lot views” as many of the banners’ We saw security guards stop- they are not removed from of students who don’t have any statements have been “politi- ping students in nearly every these spaces. issues and are choosing not to cized.” Although it is true that part of the school, making be on time to class,” Dr. Pressler the banners have been politi- everyone stay in the cafeteria However, when we express said in response to a question cized, this is because the lives without allowing them to move these concerns to administra- about the tardy procedures. He of people of color have been to other parts of the building, tors, we are lectured about our concluded that there are many politicized by systemic racism and unfairly penalizing students tone and are told that it is im- students who “persevere and do and a centuries-long history of involved in such incidents. portant to protect the oppres- amazing things” and are “work- settler-colonialism and white Suspension, pressure to transfer, sor. While tone may be an issue ing with significant struggles.” supremacy. and expulsion are not at all to some, it should not be the restorative, but contributors to subject of conversation when Although it is important By affirming that racism the school to prison pipeline. white supremacy continues to recognize low-income and and bigoted opinions (polit- Regarding the use of to harm every aspect of every marginalized students for our ical or not) are not tolerated, restorative justice in protecting institution. academic strengths, it seems teachers create a safe space students of color, Dr. Pressler to be the only thing we are for marginalized students. If a said that the goal is to move Dr. Pressler acknowledged praised for. As long as we make white faculty member is to re- ahead in a productive manner that the administration cannot school attendance records and main complacent in harm that that honors the background always respond quickly to academic statistics look good, is being inflicted on students of and experiences of the person student or faculty criticism: we are no longer a “problem.” color for the sake of remaining of color in a way that also values “Sometimes, it takes a little However, we never see the “apolitical,” they have failed the the white individual. more time to unpack it because administration praise students marginalized student. While physical altercations it will be a criticism without, who work hard to help feed must be taken seriously, acts of necessarily, a constructive or their families, students who It is “see something, say racism and hatred leave a much realistic solution.” He followed take care of siblings, who work something” until the person more detrimental impact on this by saying that there could through struggles much more we see is white. It is “restorative marginalized students. Just be- be “unintended consequences” important than a math test or justice” as long as the person is cause something isn’t physically if the administration is too being in their seat at 8:30. To white. It is “hate has no home violent, this does not mean it quick to act on a request. How- assume that students with unex- here” until hate finds a home in isn’t violent. ever, in a world where the real- cused absences and tardies are the wallets of white men. Emotional violence can ity is institutionalized racism, merely choosing to be late feeds take a much larger toll on stu- any solution that points to a into classism and is counterpro- When our identities are dents, especially if it is inflict- tangible feeling of equity seems ductive to restorative justice. no longer objects of tokenism, ed in an oppressive manner. like it’s “unrealistic.” At a school our lived experiences no longer This double standard between like Maine East, challenging Low-income students and silenced, our needs placed over students who are bigoted and the status quo could pave the students of color do not achieve reputation, the school will fi- students who need guidance way for much needed change in the administration’s definition nally live up to the banners our in handling anger-provoking educational institutions across of “academic success” because administrators love so much. the country. we are “more responsible,” but When our potential to become because we were lucky enough catalysts for systemic change is Administrators continue to to overcome the obstacles of an finally recognized, we will see a pride the school on its diversity, American capitalist system. We future of “diversity, equity, and yet the procedures they imple- inclusion.” ment actively harm the students MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 15

SPORTS GIRLS WRESTLING Head Coach: Austin Bautista TEAM HEADLINE: Hannah Suboni-Kaufman takes 3rd Place and Amy Villegas takes 6th Place at the first ever IHSA Girls State Wrestling Championship! KEY PERFORMERS: Hannah Suboni-Kaufman (Sr.) Amy Villegas (Sr.) Jessica Domian (Sr.) Guadalupe Montesinos (So.) Elyssa Guleng (So.) COACH’S COMMENT: “One match at a time and enjoy every second.” –Coach Torres SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: History has been made! Hannah Sub- oni-Kaufman places 3rd and Amy Ville- gas 6th at the inaugural 2022 IHSA Girls State Championship. They represented our school and wrestling program with toughness, perseverance, and pride. Both are the embodiment of hard work and dedication. This was a truly inspir- ing experience that will continue to pave the way for many more girls, just like the girls before them. Valiant efforts by Jessica Domian, Guadalupe Monte- sinos, Elyssa Guleng, and Katie Cortez. Great job ladies and thank you everyone for all of your support this season! 16 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

SPORTS GIRLS BASKETBALL Head Coach: Nicole Rinaldi TEAM HEADLINE: Emina Hanic and Mahima Chokshi join the 1000-Point Club and shatter many records as they lead a senior-laden squad to an amazing season! SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: We have a lot of things to celebrate during this amazing season! We were in the championship game of our Thanksgiving Tour- nament and finished with 2nd place, finished 1st place in our holiday tournament at Elmwood Park and finished 2nd place in our MLK tournament at Round Lake. We also had the opportunity to play on a college court at North Central for the Grow The Game Shootout in December, an event sponsored just for female coaches and female officials. COACH’S COMMENT: We had 2 players that broke some school records: Emina “Queen” Hanic finished her basketball career with 870 rebounds and 121 blocks. The previous school record in rebounds was 626 and 89 blocks! She scored 499 points this season which is the most points scored in a single season at Maine East. She finished with a total of 1,290 points. She was 79 points short of breaking the school record of most points ever scored. She and Mahima Chokshi are both members of the 1,000 point club! Mahima broke the school record in assists: she finished with 241 assists and the previous record was 233! Mahima finished with a total of 1,039 points. I believe we surprised a lot of people and gained even more respect as a program, and we will continue to grow and get better! And a special shutout to our 5 incredible seniors: Keya Amin, Mahima Chokshi, Rimata Halabi, Emina “Queen” Hanic, & Michelle Piro. Think back on your four years and be grateful to have been part of this program. Don’t be sad because it’s ending, but appreciate that you had this opportunity in the first place. Make the extra effort to stay in touch with your teammates AND coaches; no matter where you go you will always share this experience. Take all that you have learned from the game and apply it to your future. We will miss you! MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 17

SPORTS DANCE / POMS Head Coach: Sue Kawicki KEY PERFORMERS: SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: The team was led by captains With only one veteran competitive dancer taking the floor, Josie Fleischel (Sr.) and two-time the young and talented team comprised of two freshmen (Lili CSL All-Conference Dancer Lana Czajkowski and Naiya Ortiz) and four sophomores ( Elena Me- tinidis, Cassy Adorable, Kathleen Werynski, and Nicole Olasek) Coralic (Jr.). along with junior Lana Coralic, placed fourth at the ILLINOIS DRILL TEAM ASSOCIATION STATE FINALS in the 3A Jazz Cate- COACH’S COMMENT: gory. The team did incredibly well the entire season, chalking up We have always been blessed with several first and second place trophies. Sophomore Nicole great dancers and even better Olasek was highlighted as a 2022 Rising Star by the IDTA judg- teammates, but this particular team ing panel. On the IHSA front, amongst the numerous dancers is the team to watch! Their talent honored as Scholar Athletes, Captain Lana Coralic is once is highlighted by incredible flexibility again honored as a CSL ALL-Conference Dancer and sophomore and fierce energy, but more impor- Elena Metinidis is chosen to represent Maine East on the tantly they have an unmatched drive first-ever CSL Dance Sportsmanship Team. The young team and an incredible sense of team. We has years ahead of them to continue honing their craft and our coaches are thrilled to see what the excitement for what to come is palpable. next few years have in store for our We are hosting our tryouts for the upcoming season in late young dancers and we couldn’t be April and we welcome anyone with a stellar work ethic and the more proud! desire to learn! 18 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022

BOYS WRESTLING Head Coach: Austin Bautista KEY PERFORMERS: COACH’S COMMENT: Chris Kish (Sr.) If there was one thing our wrestlers learned from this Ezequiel Figueroa (Sr.) season is bouncing back from setbacks and adversity. Roman Knitter (Jr.) That’s the true test of a person’s character. Edgar Estrada (Jr.) Edgar Torres (So.) SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Captain and team MVP Chris Kish won four tourna- ments this season (the most in school history) and earned a record of 32-6. He was one match short of qualifying for state. Chris is planning on continuing his wrestling career in college. Team captain Ezequiel Figueroa qualified for sec- tionals and finished with a record of 20-9. He was recognized as the team’s “Most Improved” wrestler. Junior Roman Knitter also qualified for sectionals and completed the season with a record of 12-6. He was recognized as the “Comeback Wrestler” of the season. Junior Edgar Estrada was honorably mentioned in the state but his season was cut short due to an injury. Both Juniors are looking to return stronger. They plan to put in the work this offseason. Overall, the dual team rallied together and finished in 2nd place in the CSL North. BOYS BASKETBALL Head Coach: Dave Genis TEAM HEADLINE: Big Wins at home against Maine West, Highland Park and Addison Trail despite injury and Covid challenges all season COACH’S COMMENT: Unfortunately, we suffered through injuries and Covid protocols this season. We were never able to put a completely healthy team on the floor at all this season and as a result never got to realize this group’s full potential. Junior Derryl Gaddi had some great individ- ual performances which led to being our representative on the Central Suburban League North All-Conference Team. MARCH 2022 | THE PIONEER | 19

SPORTS GIRLS GYMNASTICS Head Coach: Dan Nguyen KEY PERFORMERS: SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Megan Espinoza (Jr.) We were able to gain a lot of new skills at each level this Ariel Aguilera (Sr.) season, and everyone scored new PRs on their respective Tiffany Tonsul (Sr.) events as well. While we were not able to achieve our team goal score of 120, we were close at 118. COACH’S COMMENT: I’m proud of the how the team supported each other, and that they were not afraid to throw new skills when it mattered. 20 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2022