The Pioneer – March 2023

The IONEER MAINE EAST HIGH SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 2023 Student-Faculty Basketball Battle Charity hoops game draws a big crowd and earns over $1k for a local charity. see page 9

Russia-Ukraine conflict continues into year two By Matteo Nobile over 30 countries donating not be tomorrow. Russia still please. How far the Russians As the war rages on in everything from ammunition, remains a global superpower want to take this war will ulti- Ukraine, the destruction and vehicles, helicopters, military and they have the power to end mately be up to Vladimir Putin displacement of citizens has left training, tanks, to the powerful this war tomorrow if they so and him alone. the country in turmoil. Ever artillery rocket system known since the Russian invasion, as HIMARS, Ukraine has been non-stop attacks have forced able to survive. This is also Ukrainians to take up arms and not to mention the financial defend their homeland. Since aid support totaling over $50 then, Ukraine has managed billion dollars. to repel the majority of the invasion and retake areas once So far, there has been occupied by Russian troops no end in sight. In the early with the notable recaptures of days of the war, negotiations Kherson & Kharkiv Oblast. began between Russian and Even though Ukraine has Ukrainian delegates in Belarus, had enormous success so far, but they were inconclusive. Russia’s president Vladimir Russia stated that in order for Putin has pledged victory in the war to end, Ukraine must Ukraine. The latest fear is that recognize the regions Russia he will launch a new offen- annexed, something Ukraine sive with over 300,000 newly refuses to do. However, last conscripted soldiers. Ukraine’s January, Putin's spokesperson president, Volodymyr Zelen- Dmitry Peskov stated “there sky, has also pledged victory is currently no prospect for in Ukraine with a potential diplomatic means … around summer offensive into occu- Ukraine.” Given this statement pied territory. and Ukraine’s commitment to At the time this article sovereignty & territorial rights, was written, Russia had been it seems as though this war relentlessly throwing troops will be determined militarily into the city of Bakhmut, instead of diplomatically. stoking fears the town would be fully encircled and captured. There is no telling what In Bakhmut, Russia has been will happen next in this war. using the private military force Even though people may be Wagner which has proven suc- celebrating now, they might cessful on the battlefield. There are fears that if Bakhmut falls, Russia will have an open road to capture significant cities in Donetsk Oblast, an administra- tive region that Russia annexed in September of 2022. There are many uncer- tainties and casualties on both sides of the conflict. The Russian estimate ranges from 40,000 to 160,000 killed and wounded in action. The Ukrainian estimate is generally accepted as around 120,000 killed and wounded, however, the Ukrainian government claims the casualties are much lower. Western aid to Ukraine has been a game-changer. With 2 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023

U.S. government considers banning Tik-Tok By Dania Achmar country. “TikTok is a national in the U.S. The U.S. government Americans are TikTok’s security threat,” Repre- This has stirred up much is threatening TikTok with sentative Michael McCaul, a potential ban nationwide largest audience by far, Republican chair of the controversy amongst Ameri- due to concerns regarding which explains why America committee who sponsored cans, some believing the ban the Chinese government’s is pressuring the Chinese the TikTok ban bill, told a is necessary while others be- sending out propaganda and government to sell the app Reuters reporter. “It is time lieve the ban would be vio- collecting user data. and/or shares. By doing this, to act.” lating the First Amendment: TikTok is an app owned China would no longer be the right to free speech. by the Chinese government, able to access its user data If the app is sold to America’s rival, and is used nor would it be able to push different owners, TikTok Since TikTok is used as by many Americans. The propaganda or misinforma- can possibly avoid the ban; a source for many to express app allows access to the tion, which is the reason it is otherwise, it is more than their thoughts and views, user’s data, such as one’s facing a potential ban. likely going to be prohibited many see the ban of TikTok location and browsing his- as a threat to free speech, tory, which worries the US as the government would government. be controlling where their This means that the citizens may communicate. Chinese also have the ability They argue that the previous to push propaganda and president, Donald Trump, misinformation toward also tried to ban TikTok but Americans, which can then did not succeed. have a negative impact on the way they view their own On the other side of the spectrum, people believe that national security con- cerns outweigh the freedom of speech arguments. Debate team is challenging but rewarding By Dezyre Fernandez in time to prepare with my skills. In a debate tournament to look at colleges, job oppor- Debate can be hard, but teammate for an upcoming you have to be organized with tunities and internships, it is it teaches you a lot of lessons tournament. When we are your paperwork, your speech- important for me to have these such as time management, getting ready for a tournament, es, and your time to make sure life skills and I think other reading skills, new life skills, it is really important to have that you and your partner are students would benefit from as well as meeting new people everything ready, therefore on the same page in order for building on these skills as well. and having fun. having good time management things to run smoothly during I can honestly say if I did not Yes, debate is hard, but skills is really important. the tournament. have debate I would still be the fact that it is hard means struggling with these skills. that it is also challenging you My final challenge with I use these life skills on a in many ways. Debate chal- debate has been organizational daily basis. As a junior starting While you are facing these lenged my reading skills, time challenges, you are going management, and organization through them with a great skills, all important skills in group of fellow peers and school and later in life. Debate leaders. In debate, you will not challenges my reading skills only work alongside fellow because in a tournament/ Maine Estonians, but you will round you have to read ex- also have the opportunity to tremely fast. Not only has my network and collaborate with reading speed improved but debaters from other schools. also my pronunciation and my use of words. “It is fun debating and Debate also teaches time meeting people across the US,” management. Not only have said new debaters Emmett I had to fit debate into my Christ and Andrew Greene. schedule but have had to fit Both recently went to a tourna- ment called Dowling, located see DEBATE, next page MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 3

Maine East musicians perform in concerts and state competition By Kylah Smallwood one by an African American Illinois Regional gional Orchestra Consortium composer as a tribute to Black Orchestra Consortium (IROC). The Fine Arts Orchestra History Month. The unison ensembles performed numer- of bowings and dynamics was A mix of extraordinary The time spent prepar- ous beautiful and whimsical outstanding. players, noteworthy for their ing for this experience wasn’t pieces last week at the Spring dedication to their ensembles easy, but those students' strove Orchestra Concert. The next concert for these and instruments was hand- to be the best they could be talented and hard-working picked by their teacher, Mrs. and succeeded at the event at Each string group played musicians will be on April 24th Ruiz, to attend the Illinois Re- Addison Trail High School on two selections including at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. March 11th. DEBATE, from previous page in Des Moines, Iowa that hosted people from all over the United States. Both of the de- baters were able to meet people that they would have never met had it not been for debate. Debate builds friendships, as well. While you are pre- paring for a tournament you tend to spend a lot of time together and eventually grow good friendships. Many former debaters report that debate has created lifelong friendships for them. Debate is a place where you have to work hard but you do so alongside fellow peers who eventually become like a second family. 4 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023

The Little Mermaid puts audience under spell Maine East,’’ said social science achieve the underwater swim- product created opportuni- By Vlad Dvolitko teacher Mr. Z. “And I have seen ming effect,” said sophomore ties for students to bond. ‘’I many musicals here.” James Fleischel. “It was hard think having the opportunity The 2023 Maine East pro- to learn how to balance and to participate in a Maine East duction of The Little Mermaid A particular challenge for glide, but it was worth the work Musical enlightened me on put audiences under a spell. the cast and crew was pre- when our audience saw us the close theater community The hard work of the cast, crew, senting the many underwater and it looked like we were fish here, and will definitely leave a and the musicians paid off and scenes that take place in the swimming.” lasting impact on my life,’’ said left the audience satisfied. story. senior Anna Shelkova, who As always, working so played one of the Mersisters. ’’It was one of the best “We worked really hard hard towards a successful final musicals I've ever seen at to master our ‘heely shoes’ to MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 5

Scream VI: bloated franchise or slasher revival? By Ashley Sanchez iconic horror slasher ‘whodunit’ aspect of the franchise has obtained a Once the new Scream VI is the series that has solidi- film is a staple in every strict R rating for 17+--- Ghostface solidifies fied itself as a serious scream movie, egging and rightfully so. Scream themself as a threat to sixth film of the Scream competitor in not only on the viewers for their VI is arguably the blood- not only New York City franchise which was first the horror but the ac- bets until the masked iest of them all and not but the Carpenter sis- created in 1996. Since tion, mystery and even killer is finally revealed. for the faint hearted, so ters, it's up to them and then it has become an comedy genres. The The newest film of the if you get dizzy from the their friends, old and sight of blood, this film new, to get to the bottom is probably not for you. of the killings before it's The same goes if you’re too late. Every person under 17, theaters re- is a suspect, and this is quire a photo ID before emphasized by the dra- entering showings of the matic cinematography film. of the film with flashing lights, shadows and high The film begins tension movements that with a new setting, keep you on the edge of New York City, which your seat. is a stark contrast to the little California town One of the greatest of Woodsboro that has scenes of the movie is held consistent in the when characters are other franchise films. forced to climb a ladder The two main charac- placed between the ters from Scream V, windows of two facing Sam Carpenter, played apartments, hovering by Melissa Barrera and over a high drop of an Tara Carpenter played alleyway. The ending of by Jenna Ortega, now that scene may or may reside in New York City not surprise you, but hoping to leave the con- will most definitely force troversy and kills from your hands over your the last movie in the eyes. past. Barrera and Ortega are certainly the heart Iconic characters of the film as their sister and actors return such dynamic, one of both as Courney Cox as Gale conflict and endear- Weathers and Hayden ment, fuels the stakes. Panettiere as Kriby Reed, however, it's impossible The opening of the to ignore the fact that movie is an eerie fake Neve Campbell, one of out that emulates typical the most iconic final Scream movie open- girls out of any horror ings yet brings new and entertaining elements to see SCREAM, the table. next page 6 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023

M.E. Broadcasting to compete at MMEA Festival By Jonathan Mathew Prometheus Bound, Qball Eats, WMTH Sports, and many more hits are back in the spotlight once again. The Maine East Broadcasting program is sub- mitting all its best productions to the Midwest Media Educators Association Fest (MMEA). MMEA is an association for high school compe- titions across all schools in the Midwest to celebrate and recognize all forms of media produced and edited to the highest level. From dramatic narratives to news segments to even a social media category, the association recognizes it all. All year long students in the broadcasting pro- gram have been working towards creating the best videos they can possibly make. Led by Broadcasting teacher Mr. Ash, the students have submitted over fifteen submissions across ten categories, the most submissions this school has made in the past decade. Maine East has won first place for the last two years in a row. Their segment on the 2021 V-Show and a promotional video of last year's musical, Mam- ma Mia!, both took top honors. This year they are hoping to continue the streak. “MMEA gives students an opportunity to show- case their talents to all audiences across the Chicago- land area.” said broadcasting teacher Mr. Ash. “And we are hopeful we will take home some hardware come the end of April!” With three narrative videos (comedic and dramatic), two music videos, two commercials, One movie trailer, two News packages, a school pro- motion video, a talk show, and many other videos submitted, the WMTH team stands a good chance to bring home that hardware. “I hope that the awards will inspire and encour- age students to continue pursuing their passion for media education and filmmaking,” said student film director Andre Larios. You can see all submis- sions to this competition on the MMEA Website (scan the QR code to the right) and the results of the competition will be announced at the award ceremony at Nequa Valley High School on April 29th. SCREAM, from isn’t Scream without her, at the end of the day it's its core elements yet corny and cheesy lines previous page and her absence in this a film franchise build- experimented with its but also acknowledging movie, Sidney, is miss- film is felt all the more. ing itself off of a teen characters. Do I think the ridiculousness of all ing. Campbell stated that slasher from the 90’s, So it's a revolution? No, slasher film elements. It's she was getting under The film at times of course it's corny! The but it doesn't have to entertaining on its own, offered for her role and doesn't seem very movie is also very self be. It wasn't aiming to despite its flaws, and for decided to literally not practical or realistic and aware which isn't new be a pretentious noir that I give it a rating of sell herself short. Can often falls into the trite for the franchise. film, it stuck to its roots you blame her? Scream overplayed territory with of teen-young adult 7.5 out of 10 stars. corny lines and unnec- Overall, it’s a fun thriller with dashes of essary tropes, however, movie that stuck to MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 7

Maine East Events: All-school Badminton Tournament 8 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023

Student-Faculty basketball game generates over $1k Maine East Cares organized and sponsored a charity Students vs. Faculty basketball game on February 24, complete with referees, announcers, and cheerleaders. In an exciting battle that wasn’t decided until the final seconds, the stu- dent team prevailed, 44-41. But the real winner at the event was the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the charity chosen by M.E. Cares to receive over $1,000 generated at the popular event. Way to go Maine East! MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 9

International Celebration Week By Palak Patel The main focus for Inter- music during the lunch peri- This week was a great way Maine East celebrated national Week was to increase ods. The South Asian Club also for students to interact with International Week during understanding, acceptance sold samosas and offered free different cultures and bring lunch periods March 13th- and respect for many different henna drawings for students. awareness to the different 20th. Maine East is known for cultures. During this week backgrounds of Maine East its diversity and acceptance of students were exposed to what The Balkans Club sold students. The Assyrian Club, different cultures and back- music different cultures listen many different snacks and Cricket Club, and the Black grounds. to and which foods they eat. performed a traditional Bo- Student Union also had inter- sina folk dance which many active performances during the The Filipino club sold egg students at Maine East learned week. rolls and noodles and played and took part in. Favorite part of I.C. Week? Hamine Arifi, Gabriella Miller, President of Black Student Union President of Balkan Club “Getting to see all of the different clubs celebrate different parts of “Being able to represent my the culture and seeing so many people appreciating their culture and club and the countries within helping out the clubs.” my club. We bring unity with our countries despite histo- ry and politics. We enjoyed selling Balkan snacks and playing music. I had the most fun when I wore my traditional clothing (dimijes) because I got to show people how unique my culture is.” Rita Dawood President of Assyrian Club “The way that everybody of different cultures all got along and learned new things about each other. Hearing different cultures’ music,tasting their foods, and seeing people learn different dances. It really defines Maine East on how diverse we really are” Jaina Kunwar, Elvina Rizvanovic President of SASA Club President of Balkan Club “My favorite thing about international “The way that everybody of day was seeing many people from various different cultures all got along backgrounds come together to celebrate and and learned new things about learn about different cultures that were rep- each other. Hearing different resented. I loved seeing many people willing cultures’ music, tasting their to try samosas (an Indian snack) and take foods, and seeing people the time to try to embrace different parts of learn different dances. Inter- South Asian Culture.” national Celebration shows how diverse we really are at 10 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023 Maine East.”

Talented student artists shine at the Maine EastArt Show By Sandy Aliaqodah Every year the Fine Arts Department at Maine East puts on an Art show to display the students' art work in several categories. This year marks the 28th annual Art exhibition and here are the winners and some of their art works: Drawing: 1st - CJ Walker 2nd - Lucy Planica 3rd - Emma Cortes Painting: 1st - Mar Drozd 2nd - Jessica De La Rosa 3rd - Aliyah Adriani Photography: 1st - Blessin Biju 2nd - Ashley Gaba 3rd - Evelyn Bandera 2D Design/Digital: 1st - Sarah Faraj 2nd - Miya Islas 3rd - Alyssa Gonzalez Mixed Media: 1st - Laith Al Husseny 2nd - Jannette Avila 3rd - Mirela Kadic MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 11

By Jonathan Mathew seeded Virginia losing to 13th high-seeded teams found their when the final buzzer sound- It is March and the seeded Furman, almost 40% of way to the Round of 32. The ed history was made. For the Madness has already begun. people’s brackets were busted. craziness began and that was second time ever in tournament March Madness, the road to As the day went on the number only day one of the first round history, the 16th seed knocked the NCAA Division 1 Men’s of “eligible perfect brackets” of the tournament. Day two of off the first seed. This was also Basketball title started on started to dwindle. The next the Round of 64 showed that the third year in a row that Pur- March 16th with 64 of the best biggest upset came within only the Madness was just getting due has been eliminated by a colleges competing. Along with hours of the Virginia-Furman started Double-digit seed. That was the the tournament comes the most game. Second seeded Arizona knockout punch to anyone who fun challenge of all, predicting was predicted by most to make The only first seed left to had hoped to have a perfect who wins each and every game. it to the Final Four, but they play was Purdue; they had been bracket. As for the rest of day No one has ever correctly pre- had some trouble getting out of in 20% of brackets to make it to two, things went pretty normal dicted the way the tournament the first round. Fifteenth seeded the Final Four. Sixteenth seeded as all the higher-seeded teams will play out. This year over Princeton did the unthinkable FDU decided they wouldn’t moved on to the Round of 32. 20 million brackets filled out and blew Arizona right out of make it easy for the Boiler- online and even more filled out the tournament, becoming the makers. They hung in their Saturday and Sunday the on paper, but not one person eleventh team ever to knock trading basket after basket and Round of 32 started off as will have a perfect bracket, ei- out the number two seed as expected with San Diego St. ther. This is mainly due to what the fifteenth seed. By the end ending Furman’s Cinderella happened on day one of the of that game, the number of run, Tennessee taking care of tournament, within the first two perfect brackets remaining the Duke Blue Devils, and first games, only 10% of brackets went from 10% all the way to seeded Houston eliminated and were still left “perfect”. 0.12%. Meanwhile, first seeded sending ninth seeded Auburn On day one, with fourth Alabama, Houston, and Kansas packing. Then all eyes were on took care of business and other the defending NCAA Champi- ons, the Kansas Jayhawks. Most considered them to go back to back. Only thing standing between them was the eighth seeded Arkansas Razorbacks. Most were surprised that the Razorbacks were within 1 or 2 points all game. When the final buzzer rang the Razorbacks cel- ebrated on the floor as they sent the defending champions home. The game following was the fif- teenth seeded Princeton Tigers going against seventh seeded Missouri. No one expected a see NCAA, page 14 12 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023

Maine East athletes compete in IHSA State Competitions Miriam Lupu (below) qualified for the IHSA State Tournament in Girls Wrestling and Megan Espinoza (at right) qualified for the IHSA State competition in Gymnastics. Congratulations to these two Blue Demon athletic stars on their outstanding 2023 seasons! Water polo team flooding the win column this season By Krishna Vyas play smart, we will win quite a The Maine East boys water few games,” said senior Rudh- polo team is currently on a va Patel. five match winning streak, and things are looking brighter On Saturday, March 11th, than ever for the squad. the boys placed first at the The team has not had a tournament in Highland Park. season like this in the past five They played against many years, and it seems that the schools including Von Steu- team's hard work and dedi- ben, Wheeling, and of course, cation are finally paying off. Highland Park. The Blue They have won every match Demons defeated Wheeling by they played so far. 11 points. The team's success can be attributed to a number of The most recent game at factors, including a renewed Maine West was very close, focus on teamwork and a 11–9. The Blue Demons won rigorous training regimen. their match and are currently The wins have been a major going 7-0! morale boost for the players, who have been working hard The next few games after to improve their skills and spring break will be at High- strategies. “If we continue to land Park, Vernon Hills, and show up to practice, and we Riverside Brookfield. Be sure to come and support the Boy's Water Polo team at their next games. Go Blue Demons! MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 13

NCAA, from Texas tries to shake off #3 Gonzaga to not only Mx. Demon Show page 12 number three Xavier to make it to the Final Four coming April 6th keep their chances alive. but be crowned cham- blowout win by Prince- Then the big Cinderella pions at the end of the Mx. Demon is an annual comedy ton, and the Princeton game: number fifteen Tournament show contest. This year the con- Tigers moved on to the Princeton will take on testants are Emma Vasquez, Joseph Sweet Sixteen, continu- number six, Creighton, You can catch all Boyd, Serenity Flores, Viri Sierra, ing their Cinderella as Princeton looks to the action of the Sweet Jackson Horwath, LaShonna Mor- story. Sunday saw Mar- make history once again, Sixteen on CBS and TBS ris, Rishi Shah, and Keaton Watkins. quette losing to number having a chance to be the on Thursday and Friday, seven Michigan St. and first-ever fifteenth seed then the Elite Eight will Tickets cost $5 and the proceeds number six Creighton to make it to the Elite begin the following day from the show go to Wings and beating number three Eight. With almost 55% to determine the Final Fill a Heart 4 Kids, two local char- Baylor as they advanced of people choosing a #1 Four. The dance con- ities. Tickets can be purchased at to the Sweet 16. Out of seed to win it all, i on the tinues and the Madness the door, or before the show from the 64 teams that started other hand will be taking doesn’t look like it's the contestants or Junior Lyceum the tournament, only 16 ending anytime soon. members. Come for a good time remain after four days. and a great opportunity to benefit local charities and see who will be Thursday, March 23 crowned Mx. Demon 2023! will be the start of the Sweet 16, as teams travel to either Las Vegas, New York, Louisville, or Kan- sas City. Number three Kansas State will take on number 7 Michigan State. Eighth seeded Arkansas will go against number three UCo- nn. Ninth seeded FAU will face number four Tennessee. Rounding out Thursday's matchups will be number 2 UCLA and number 3 Gon- zaga, a rematch of the Miraculous 2021 Final Four game that ended in a halfcourt buzzer-beater in overtime. Friday will see number one Ala- bama take on number five San Diego State and number one Houston take on number five Mi- ami, while number two New online M.E. swag shop open for business shirts, hoodies, hats, activities like dances, Lastly, they also go to- article to shop now, By Faith Stachon blankets, and so much events, and meals, and wards many clubs and and support the Blue Spring is coming! more. Currently, on go towards funding student organizations Demons! the website, you can initiatives for creating at Maine East. Enhance your ward- choose from more a school community robe by also showcas- than 61 designs, all for and a sense of belong- The materials of ing your school pride. affordable prices. ing, like the Demon these clothing items Maine East has just Depot R-code store, are stylish and com- introduced a brand- All funds collected Homecoming activ- fortable, all at afford- new Maine East Swag by the Maine East Swag ities, Fireworks, etc. able prices. Scan the Shop, with things from Shop support student QR at the end of this 14 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023

Photo Poll: during What are you going to do Spring Break? By Daniyal Siban Kevin Martinez Ramila Yaro Matt Idichandy Lion Waleed Senior Junior Senior Junior “I will work and go to “Hang out with my friends, go “Stay home, work, and go “Watch TV and play the gym.” to work, and go shopping.” to the gym.” basketball.” Mr. Sergio Muro Ali Mohammed Meree Yokhanna Basketball Coach Junior Sophomore “Relax and enjoy time off “Practice wrestling, work, “I’m going to California with the hope of visiting and go to the gym.” to visity my family.” my friends in Jamaica.” The PIONEER STAFF The Pioneer reports on news, enter- Scan this QR tainment, and sports events for Maine code to read IONEER Dania Achmar East High School and the surrounding this issue IN Sandy Aliaqodah community. The Pioneer is distributed COLOR on THE PIONEER in school to students and staff; digital your personal NEWSPAPER Bella Cabrales copies of each issue are available at The electronic Maine East High School Vlad Dvolitko Pioneer website: bit.ly/ThePioneer Park Ridge, Illinois Dezyre Fernandez device: March 2023 Jonathan Mathew Readers can send story suggestions, Elena Metinidis photos, letters to the editor, or com- Twitter: @mehspioneer Matteo Nobile ments to sponsor Matt Miller or assis- Website: bit.ly/ThePioneer tant sponsor Dave Hessert via email: Palak Patel Ashley Sanchez [email protected] Daniyal Siban [email protected] Kylah Smallwood Faith Stachon Krishna Vyas MARCH 2023 | THE PIONEER | 15

SPORTS M.E. Demon Squad earns State Championship By Elena Metinidis Squad’s beaming smiles, high skill.” The team’s dedication, season. They were able to add The Maine East Demon kicks, and fierce energy made competence, and teamwork new, unique tricks to their rep- Squad concluded their re- a lasting impression on the earned them a season unlike ertoire, and discovered a new markable 2022-23 season judging panel. any other. The squad and their kind of movement they had with a bang, by earning a state coaches are looking forward to never unlocked before. championship title! Last month, The team was beyond taking another kick routine title the team took their talent to the proud to bring home a fourth in the 2023-24 season. While this team consists of IDTA State Finals, claiming the state title to the program, the eleven different dancers, they title of AAA Kick State Cham- second within five years. “Go- However, this team’s all know how to come together pions. Their “kick routine,” a ing into the season, choosing talent is not limited to just one and move as one on the floor. vibrant combination of intricate kick to spotlight this team’s routine; they also placed fifth in Their skillset is not the only dance moves and dynamic strengths was a no-brainer,” the state in the contemporary thing that brings success, it is kicklines to the song “Run- said head coach, Sue Kawecki. category. This season was the a combination of both their away” by Bon Jovi, received “Their flexibility and endurance squad’s first time debuting a skill and their close-knit bond. praise throughout the entire is unmatched, [so] it was defi- “contemporary routine,” and Unity on the floor first comes season and swept the floor at nitely the right choice. From the like always, their hard work from unity in the heart, and this the state level. Hundreds of first time we took it to the floor secured them a ride to the top. team is connected like no other. Illinois’ best dance teams show- at camp [in July] to the state Going down this new road The Demon Squad is more than cased their routines during the competition in Springfield [in was a little intimidating in the thrilled with how their season competition, but the Demon February], the judges have time beginning, but the team was played out this year and are and time again recognized the able to grow tremendously as eager to start preparing for the team for their excellence and they progressed through the season to come. M.E. softball team swings big or steals home ing to match or even surpass This year's captains are (first basemen) hit a first-in- By Bella Cabrales last year’s second place in the senior Natasha Czajkowski ning grand slam to provide The Maine East softball Conference. The team has high (center fielder) and junior offense and Coppe provided team started its season with a hopes for the season. The bad Jayden Coppe (pitcher). excellent pitching to defeat win and a loss in its first week weather during the first two Depaul Prep, 11-1. of games. weeks of the official season With the weather finally Head Coach Labonar and has not stopped the team from improving, the team opened its Senior Captain Czajkowski assistant coach Mcbride are in getting better every day with season by winning one game she said she has high hopes their second year of leading five practices a week. and losing another this week. for this season. “I am looking the Varsity team. The JV head The team played hard against forward to creating a strong coach this year is Coach Block, Players have also been East Leyden on Monday, but bond with the team, especially also coaching for her second creating chemistry with each came up short on the score- this team because everyone is year. This year the varsity team other, like at a recent team board. But the Blue Demons so outgoing.” She also hopes has some big shoes to fill, hop- breakfast where they sat, talked rebounded in their next game, this team can reach its goal of and joked around. when sophomore Emma Asien first place in conference. 16 | THE PIONEER | MARCH 2023