The Pioneer – Senior Issue 2022

The IONEER MAINE EAST HIGH SCHOOL NEWS May 2o, 2022 Senior Issue 2022 AWARD-WINNING STUDENTS Class of 2022 Good Will Awards: (top row) Josephine Fleischel; Jada Byrd; Matthew Bonto; Daniel Cho; Lucasz Iwanowski; (bottom row) Angelica Malasig; Kathleen McGinnis; Olivia Senior Honors Night recognizes the Medina; Pallavi Raju; Idarius Walton outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments of the Class of 2022, highlighted by the Depart- ment Awards, the Good Will Awards (right) and the Maine Scholars (below). See pages 2-4 for all of the award-winning students in the Class of 2022. 2022 Maine Scholars – top 1% of graduating class: Fariya Siyadath; James Righi; Olivia Medina; Rebecca Hurwitz; Viraj Badiwala

Senior Honors Night 2022 Honoring Maine East’s best and brightest CLASS OF 2022 MAINE SCHOLARS – Top 1% of graduating class Viraj Alkesh Rebecca Faye Olivia Jovanka James Spencer Fariha Siyadath Bodiwala Kroopkin Hurwitz Medina Righi CLASS OF 2022 – TOP FIVE PERCENT 2022 Good Will Awards Good Will Awards are given to those students of the Fathuma Shimra Ahamed Hazmi senior class who have done the most, as determined Rianca Argenal Mansi Kadiwala James Righi through nomination by the faculty and election by Viraj Bodiwala Victoria Kulaga Adrian Sak the senior class and faculty, to promote good will at Daniel Cho Elizabeth Lebedev Fariha Siyadath Maine East and in Maine Township. Stevan Dabizljevic Bradley Lov Sophia Timotijevic Matthew Bonto Angelica Malasig Jada Byrd Kathleen McGinnis Katelyn Gau Kathleen McGinnis Kelly Tsogtjargal Daniel Cho Olivia Medina Dalal Hassane Olivia Medina Stella Tsogtjargal Rebecca Hurwitz Shivam Patel Clarissa Valeroso Josephine Fleischel Pallavi Raju Lukasz Iwanowski Idarius Walton Aayan Hussain Ananya Purohit Adam Valiji 2022 Department Merit Awards Each department at Maine East may grant up to three Merit Awards to individuals who have completed at least two credits of course work in the department. Recipients have demonstrated either excellent performance, unusual service, or special accomplishment in the department giving the award. The Rising Star is awarded to a student who has achieved significant growth and progress. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY FINE ARTS ENGLISH PHYSICAL EDUCATION EDUCATION Art Department Katherine Gruss Jovana Dasic Jocelyn Herrera Sasha Jackson Bradley Lov Applied Technology Ananya Purohit Michelle Piro Kavin Darji Madelyn Lee James Righi Hailey Sanchez Pallavi Raju SCIENCE Pranav Dhiman Victoria Trogub E.L.L. Mansi Kadiwala Rebecca Hurwitz Music Department Michael Lucas Lukasz Iwanowski Lubaba Ansari Olivia Medina Dave Tailor Ron Vincent Macam Remy Tobon Fariha Siyadath Business Division Vedanta Mahapatra Manthushi Wickramasinghe Denise Faith Olea Stella Tsogtjargal Grace Asien Speech Arts Department WORLD LANGUAGES SOCIAL SCIENCE Bradley Lov Katherine Gruss Sebastian Paz Pallavi Raju Maryam Khona Dalal Hassane Alex Tomy Jeremiah Rejuso MATHEMATICS Hafsa Khan Family & Consumer Sciences Hailey Sanchez Stevan Dabizljevic Noor Abushihab Olivia Medina Joaquin Nicholas Soriano Lily Majewski Adam Syukur James Righi Kelly Tsogtjargal Murti Patel Stella Tsogtjargal 2 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

2022 DEPARTMENT AWARDWINNERS The graduating senior who has excelled the most in a particular department at Maine East earns the Department Award, voted by the faculty of each department. This highly coveted honor recognizes truly exceptional accomplishment throughout several years of study and hard work.. Stamatia (Sami) Prem Shah Jessalyn Coppe Josephine Fleischel Noor Abushihab Memmos Business Education Family/Consumer Science Art ELL Applied Technology Dalal Hassane Mansi Kadiwala Matthew Bonto Daniel Cho Oscar Balderas English Mathematics Music Speech Arts Physical Education Rebecca Hurwitz Kathleen McGinnis Sabina Murati Hannah Suboni- Chris Kish Science Social Science World Languages Kaufman Athlete of the Year Athlete of the Year MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 3

College, Organization, & Community Scholarships Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2022 at Maine East, who have literally earned MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in College, Community, and Organization scholarships! D.A.R. Good Angela Foster Olympiacos USA Foundation Citizenship Award Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Dalal Hassane Jerry Balthazar Olivia Medina Scott J. Bloomberg Scholarship Jada Byrd Dhyana Purohit Helen Dobbins EA207 Anna Tsvetkova MTHS Foundation Peer Scholarship Principal’s Honorary Scholarship Tutoring Award Hailey Sanchez Isabelle Kayo Adrian Monter Katelyn Gau Sabina Murati Senior PE Leaders Scholarship Maine East Class of 1983 Scholarship Des Plaines Madison Serrano Juliany Salazar Community Foundation Sadie Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Rose Argus Scholarship Athletic Boosters Scholarships Michel Michael Amy Villegas Lukasz Iwanowski Jessalyn Coppe Fredric Bacon Memorial Zeel Mody Mahima Chokshi Artist Scholarship Hailey Sanchez Prem Shah Mason Ishii Josephine Fleischel Park Ridge Michelle Piro Panhellenic Scholarship Halabi Rimata Katelyn Gau Mansi Kadiwala Senior Service Awards Olivia Medina Lauren Iype Shivam Patel Park Ridge Rotary Scholarship Mike Sieg Katelyn Gau Memorial Scholarship Prem Shah Het Shah Charles Himel Athletic Awards Scholarship Yara Wetti Ron Heiser Athletic Achievement Award Jessica Domian Ezequiel Figueroa Marine Corp Scholastic Al Carstens Athletic Leadership Award Excellence Award Jessalyn Coppe Olivia Medina Mason Ishii James Righi Michelle Piro Glenn Reyes Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence Sam C. and Ruth E. Marzulo Achievement Awards Pranav Dhiman Rianca Argenal Grace Asien Lukasz Iwanowski 4 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

Seal of Biliteracy The Seal of Biliteracy can be earned by any senior demonstrating proficiency in another language in addition to English. Student who choose to pursue this honor must demonstrate proficiency in the domains of read- ing, writing, speaking and listening. The Seal of Biliteracy is indicated with an official seal on the District 207 diploma, and is noted on the student’s official transcript. Noor Abushihab –Arabic Lina Nitcheva – Italian / Spanish Lubaba Shafiq Ansari – Urdu Daniel Pietrzak – Polish Natalia Rojas – Spanish Alan Arteaga – Spanish Juliany Salazar – Spanish Jessica Domian – Polish Gabriel Szorc – Polish Jessica Dominguez – Spanish Allan Valle – Spanish Katherine Gruss – French Maryam Khona – Spanish Vanessa Villamil – Spanish Melanie Moreno – Spanish Simona Zlatkova – Bulgarian COLLEGE DECISION DAY 2022 MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 5

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY COLLEGE Colleges the Class of 2022 will attend, as reported by students to the Career and College Resource Center ARCADIA UNIVERSITY CLAREMONT-McKENNA EAST-WEST UNIVERSITY Glenside, PA COLLEGE Chicago, IL Tomas Acosta Anthony Ron Claremont, CA ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Pallavi Raju ELMHURST UNIVERSITY Tempe, AZ Elmhurst, IL COLUMBIA COLLEGE Irene Borja Maryam Khona Chicago, IL Natalie Dababneh AUGUSTANA COLLEGE Sasha Jackson Zeel Mody Rock Island, IL CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY EMORY UNIVERSITY Christopher Alkas Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Daniel Gluzkin Nicholas Stoyanov Jaylen Kunwar Hannah Suboni-Kaufman DAVIDSON COLLEGE FLAGLER COLLEGE AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Davidson, NC St. Augustine, FL Austin, TX Gael Alcala Sophia Timotijevic Lily Majewski BELOIT COLLEGE DEPAUL UNIVERSITY HARVARD UNIVERSITY Beloit, WI Chicago, IL Cambridge, MA Dalal Hassane Jessalyn Coppe Hannah Abraham Keya Amin HULT INSTITUTE BRADLEY UNIVERSITY Mary Badel BUSINESS SCHOOL Peoria, IL Jada Byrd Cambridge, MA Dasany Santana Terrenz Adriann Chua Oscar Balderas Emina Hanic BROWN UNIVERSITY ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF Providence, RI Aishah Hussain TECHNOLOGY Svetlana Ilic Chicago, IL Stella Tsogtjargal Louis Lozneanu Ron Vincent Macam Dave Tailor CARROLL UNIVERSITY Olivia Medina Waukesha, WI ILLINOIS STATE Ruquaiyyah Mohammed UNIVERSITY Mariya Lokhandwala Sebastian Paz Normal, IL Riya Rana Grace Asien CARTHAGE COLLEGE Kenosha, WI Jeremiah Rejuso James Lamerdin Idarius Walton Ralf Angel Rosario Priya Patel John Sliwa CHAMBERLAIN COLLEGE Hailey Sanchez OF NURSING Jeffrey Tom Downers Grove, IL Talin Usefyan Christeena Kuriakose Alishan Zaidi Denise Faith Olea DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY River Forest, IL Vasiliki Ziabaras 6 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY COLLEGE LAKE FOREST COLLEGE NORTHEASTERN ILL. UNIV. NORTHERN ILL. UNIVERSITY Lake Forest, IL Chicago, IL DeKalb, IL Azaan Adnan Khayla Roshelle Santiago Yuriy Ambrozyak Sheryn Anne Comiso Adam Patel LOYOLA UNIVERSITY Rania Sawa Chicago, IL NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Evanston, IL Linet Babu Varghese Boston, MA Daniel Cho Vyom Contractor Om Prajapati Katelyn Gau Victoria Kulaga James Righi Adam Syukur Stephen Paradiyil James Murti Patel OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Des Plaines, IL Radha Patel Aliya Ahmad Anthony Hernandez Natalia Rojas Ananya Purohit Ammar Abbasi Joyselyn Herrera Hernan Salazar Cruz Dhyana Purohit Roben Adwar Devan Hills-Faber Iris Salkic Haaziya Saiyed Taybah Ahmad Trisha Hingu Pauline Mari Samaniego Olamilekan Alowooja Fatima Hussein Indra Samano Eldar Vokic Regina Alvarez Mason Ishii Jhaydee Denise Santos Yara Wetti Hassan Alzorfy Alexander Isho John Lucas Santos Eldar Vokic Lubaba Shafiq Ansari Vanesa Jaimes Sabin Santosh Atan Antar Sandra Jaimes Hans Eldrige Selga MARANATHA BAPTIST Grace Antar Annie Jaimon Het Shah UNIVERSITY Abraham Arroyo Almira Jamal Awitar Shakro Tarab Ashraf Mehreen Javed Jaleeta Shinu Watertown, WI Julian Avila Axa Joby Sitrak Siban Breanna Potts Larson Basaka Rony Kako Carolyn Strama Elvis Basic Itty Karickal Regi Krishna Suthar MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY Jose Binu Zainab Khan Bashaar Syed Milwaukee, WI Bansari Bodiwala Sabeel Khokhar Jafar Syed Jovana Dasic Chloe Borto Vladyslav Leshchenko Adam Syukur Yanni Borto Stanly Lukose Sheba Thomas Hannah Hernandez Ghassan Bou Malhab Gouri Madhubal Victoria Torres Andrew Kong Roman Cabrales Vedanta Mahapatra Brandon Trieu Gabriel Carandang Andrew Marma Victoria-Ida Trogub Kathleen McGinnis Courtney Chun Joseph Mathen Allan Valle Matthew Cordero Michel Michael Joshua Vazquez MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY Jasmin Cruz Fabiola Mora Francisco Velazquez Decatur, IL Anthony Delos Santos Thomes Moran Sujaan Vhora Sona Kappil Mary Dounis Aidan Motha Amy Villegas Jude Edakara Mahima Mudde Eimilia Vogel MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF Arnny Augen Eskander Denis Muminovic Teahanna Wade-Hunt ENGINEERING Mutasim Fayyaz Ariunbold Munkhbaatar Mark Walczak Milwaukee, WI Lizette Flores Lina Nitcheva Danial Warda Jason Gilani Sofia Olivas Kendra Yap Mahima Chokshi Florismar Gonzalez Mehaben Patel Steeve Yokhanna Jose Gutierrez Vargas Krishn Patel Alwyn Zachariah NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY Muhammad Halari Karla Perez Hernandez Simona Zlatkova Chicago, IL Agarta Hanna Akhil Poovelil Biju Hailey Harn Sheyla Quezada Camacho Matthew Bonton Diana Levytska MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 7

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY COLLEGE OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS at CHICAGO Delaware, OH Fathuma Shimra Ahamed Hazmi Suleiman Mohammed Vanessa Villamil Noor Al-Jburi Carmen Oraha Rianca Argenal Mandar Patel ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY Fiza Bajwa Om Patel Chicago, IL Jerry Balthazar Priya Patel Sonye Bryant Sharv Patel Melanie Moreno Edward Calicoy Alexandra Peterson Evelyn Castrejon Glenn Philip Reyes SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY Pranav Dhiman Bony Roy St. Louis, MO Jessica Dominguez Alok Shah Isabela Drabik Aryan Shah Justin Decolongon Syed Irfan Ali Fariha Siyadath Gabryl Escobar Hafsa Khan Lance Aeryll Sy Ifrah Khan Alex Tomy Lukasz Iwanowski Michael Angelo Lucas Manthushi Wickramasinghe Angelica Raine Malasig UNIV. OF ILLINOIS –URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Madison Serrano Ayra Suifua Alan Arteaga Madelyn Lee Stevan Dabizljevic Bradley Lov Rachel Thomas Shivam Patel Katherine Gruss Ansh Shah SAINT NORBERT COLLEGE Mansi Kadiwala Prem Shah De Pere, Wisconsin Speridoula Katsafaros Michelle Piro UNIV. OF KANSAS UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER Lawrence, KA Logan, UT Wooster, OH Krish Patel Edly Gaspard Josephine Fleischel UNIV. OF RICHMOND VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY TRINITY INT’L UNIVERSITY Richmond, VA Valparaiso, IN Bannockburn, IL Aayan Hussain Alena Thomas David Rumpel UNIV. OF ROCHESTER VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY TRITON COLLEGE Rochester, NY Nashville, TN River Grove, IL Alysha Devitt Liznor Marie Arevalo Rebecca Hurwitz TUFTS UNIVERSITY UNIV. OF VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY Medford, MA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Blacksburg, VA Adrian Sak Sami Memmos Los Angeles, CA UNIV. OF CHICAGO Kelly Tsogtjargal WESTERN ILLINOIS Chicago, IL UNIVERSITY UNIV. OF WISCONSIN– Macomb, IL Viraj Bodiwala MILWAUKEE Yaser Alawadi Aviva Hurwitz Angelika Patyk 8 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE Chicago, IL Gail Carreon WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE Palatine, IL Arysha Akhlas Manuel Boyadjian Sarah Coronado Merna Khatu Christopher Kish Anna Tsvetkova COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY STUDENT Ammar Abbasi Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Hannah Abraham Tomas Acosta DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Azaan Adnan Roben Adwar Arcadia University Glenside, Pennsylvania Fathuma Ahamed Hazmi Aliya Ahmad Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, Illinois Taybah Ahmad Arysha Akhlas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Noor Al-Jburi Yaser Alawadi University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Gael Alcala Christopher Alkas Oakland Community College Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Olamilekan Alowooja Regina Alvarez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Hassan Alzorfy Yuriy Ambrozyak William Rainey Harper College Palatine, Illinois Keya Amin Lubaba Shafiq Ansari University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Atan Antar Grace Antar Western Illinois University Macomb, Illinois Liznor Marie Arevalo Rianca Argenal Austin Community College Austin, Texas Abraham Arroyo Alan Arteaga Augustana College (IL) Rock Island, Illinois Tarab Ashraf Grace Asien Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Julian Avila Linet Babu Varghese Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mary Badel Fiza Bajwa Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oscar Balderas Jerry Balthazar Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Illinois Larson Basaka Elvis Basic DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Jose Binu Bansari Bodiwala Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Viraj Bodiwala Matthew Bonto Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Irene Borja Chloe Borto Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois University of Rochester Rochester, New York University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Illinois State University Normal, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois DePaul University Chicago, Illinois University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Hult International Business School Cambridge, Massachusetts University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois North Park University Chicago, Illinois MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 9 Elmhurst University Elmhurst, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois

Larson Basaka Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Elvis Basic Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Jose Binu BY STUDENT COLLEGES – ALPHABETICALBansari Bodiwala Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Viraj Bodiwala University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Matthew Bonto North Park University Chicago, Illinois Irene Borja Elmhurst University Elmhurst, Illinois Chloe Borto Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Yanni Borto Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Ghassan Bou Malhab Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Manuel Boyadjian William Rainey Harper College Palatine, Illinois Sonye Bryant University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Jada Byrd DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Roman Cabrales Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Edward Calicoy University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Gabriel Carandang Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Gail Carreon Wilbur Wright College Chicago, Illinois Evelyn Castrejon University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Daniel Cho Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois Mahima Chokshi Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, Wisconsin Terrenz Adriann Chua DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Courtney Chun Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Sheryn Anne Comiso Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, Illinois Vyom Contractor Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Jessalyn Coppe Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin Matthew Cordero Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Sarah Coronado William Rainey Harper College Palatine, Illinois Jasmin Cruz Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Natalie Dababneh Elmhurst University Elmhurst, Illinois Stevan Dabizljevic University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Jovana Dasic Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin Justin Decolongon Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Anthony Delos Santos Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Alysha Devitt Triton College River Grove, Illinois Pranav Dhiman University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Jessica Dominguez University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Mary Dounis Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Isabela Drabik University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Jude Edakara Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Gabryl Escobar Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Arnny Augen Eskander Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mutasim Fayyaz Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Josephine Fleischel The College of Wooster Wooster, Ohio Lizette Flores Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Edly Gaspard Utah State University Logan, Utah Katelyn Gau Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois Jason Gilani Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Daniel Gluzkin Augustana College (IL) Rock Island, Illinois Florismar Gonzalez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Katherine Gruss University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Jose Gutierrez Vargas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Muhammad Halari Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Emina Hanic DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Agarta Hanna Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Hailey Harn Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Dalal Hassane Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts Hannah Hernandez Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin Anthony Hernandez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Joyselyn Herrera Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Devan Hills-Faber Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Trisha Hingu Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Aviva Hurwitz University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rebecca Hurwitz Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee Aishah Hussain DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Aayan Hussain University of Richmond Richmond, Virginia Des Plaines, Illinois 10F|atimTHa EHuPsIsOeiNn EER | MAYO2a0kt,o2n0C2o2mmunity College Svetlana Ilic DePaul University Chicago, Illinois

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY STUDENT Aviva Hurwitz University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rebecca Hurwitz Aishah Hussain Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee Aayan Hussain Fatima Hussein DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Svetlana Ilic Syed Irfan Ali University of Richmond Richmond, Virginia Mason Ishii Alexander Isho Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Lukasz Iwanowski Sasha Jackson DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Vanesa Jaimes Sandra Jaimes University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Annie Jaimon Almira Jamal Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mehreen Javed Axa Joby Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mansi Kadiwala Rony Kako Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Sona Kappil Itty Karickal Regi Columbia College-Chicago Chicago, Illinois Speridoula Katsafaros Zainab Khan Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Hafsa Khan Ifrah Khan Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Merna Khatu Sabeel Khokhar Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Maryam N Khona Christopher Kish Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Andrew Kong Omar Kousa Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Victoria Kulaga Jaylen Kunwar Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Christeena Kuriakose James Lamerdin University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Madelyn Lee Vladyslav Leshchenko Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Diana Levytska Mariya Lokhandwala Millikin University Decatur, Illinois Bradley Lov Louis Lozneanu Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Michael Angelo Lucas Stanly Lukose University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Ron Vincent Macam Gouri Madhubal Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Vedanta Mahapatra Lily Majewski University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Angelica Malasig Andrew Marma University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Joseph Mathen Kathleen McGinnis William Rainey Harper College Palatine, Illinois Olivia Medina Sami Memmos Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Michel Michael Zeel Mody Arizona State University-Tempe Tempe, Arizona Ruquaiyyah Mohammed Suleiman Mohammed William Rainey Harper College Palatine, Illinois Fabiola Mora Thomas Moran Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin Melanie Moreno Aidan Motha Lake Forest College Lake Forest, Illinois Mahima Mudde Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Emory University Atlanta, Georgia Chamberlain College of Nursing- Illinois Downers Grove, Illinois Illinois State University Normal, Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois North Park University Chicago, Illinois Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, Illinois University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Flagler College-St Augustine St. Augustine, Florida Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Virginia Tech University Blacksburg, Virginia Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Elmhurst University Elmhurst, Illinois DePaul University Chicago, Illinois University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Roosevelt University Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College MAY 20, 2D0e2s 2Pla|ineTs,HIllEinoPisIONEER | 11 Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois

Suleiman Mohammed University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Fabiola Mora COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY STUDENTThomasMoran Melanie Moreno Roosevelt University Chicago, Illinois Aidan Motha Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mahima Mudde Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Denis Muminovic Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Ariunbold Munkhbaatar Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Sabina Murati Lake Forest College Lake Forest, Illinois Lina Nitcheva Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Denise Faith Olea Chamberlain College of Nursing- Illinois Downers Grove, Illinois Sofia Olivas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Carmen Oraha University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Stephen Paradiyil James Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Priya Patel Illinois State University Normal, Illinois Murti Patel Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Radha Patel Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Adam Patel Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Illinois Mehaben Patel Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Krishn Patel Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mandar Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Om Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Priya Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Sharv Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Shivam Patel University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Krish Patel University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Angelika Patyk University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sebastian Paz DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Karla Perez Hernandez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Alexandra Peterson University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Michelle Piro Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin Akhil Poovelil Biju Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Breanna Potts Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin Om Prajapati Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts Ananya Purohit Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Dhyana Purohit Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois SShheeySSyllaalhhaeQeCSQSyyuhallhuaaeemezSyQQyzaSlhlauucadhedeheaQeyQazzoylCuaauCledadeQazmazQamuaCaCduedacaeazchmazmhCoCadoaadaccmamhOhCOaooCaacackmahhktmOoOaotoncananhckkCOCOohtCtooaoaonmnkmkmOtCtmComoOmanoonukuamumnCtCknoimmtoinoytmyumunCnnmCmCoiittouymlyoullenlmnCmeCgiitgtomyeouyellnCuleCeintoggoyiletelyleCDeDgCogeelesoleslDPDlgePleegalsaseiDnDiPnPeeelslasasD,iPi,nPnIeDlIleelasialenssini,Pso,noeIiIlePslalislsiiln,lna,aoIoeiIlinlinislsineen,ossoI,li,lisisInIlloilninisooisis Pallavi Raju Claremont McKenna College Claremont, California Riya Rana DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Jeremiah Rejuso DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Glenn Philip Reyes University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois James Righi Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois Natalia Rojas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Anthony Ron East-West University Chicago, Illinois Ralf Angel Rosario DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Bony Roy University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois David Rumpel Trinity International University-Illinois Bannockburn, Illinois Haaziya Saiyed Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Adrian Sak Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts Hernan Salazar Cruz Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Iris Salkic Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Pauline Mari Samaniego Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Indra Samano Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Hailey Sanchez DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Dasany Santana Bradley University Peoria, Illinois Jhaydee Santos Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois John Lucas Santos Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Sabin Santosh Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Rania Sawa Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, Illinois Hans Eldridge Selga Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Madison Serrano Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Het Shah Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Alok Shah University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Aryan Shah University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois 12 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022 Ansh Shah University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Prem Shah University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Awitar Shakro Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois

Madison Serrano Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Het Shah Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY STUDENTAlokShah University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Aryan Shah University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Ansh Shah University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Prem Shah University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Awitar Shakro Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois IMn Lemovoirnyg Des Plaines, Illinois Jaleeta Shinu Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Chicago, Illinois Sitrak Siban Oakton Community College Normal, Illinois Chicago, Illinois Fariha Siyadath University of Illinois at Chicago Des Plaines, Illinois Rock Island, Illinois John Sliwa Illinois State University Nicholas Stoyanov Concordia University-Chicago Carolyn Strama Oakton Community College Hannah Suboni Kaufman Augustana College (IL) Ayra Suifua Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Krishna Suthar Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Lucas Camilo Lance Aeryll Sy University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Bashaar Syed Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Jafar Syed Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Noriega Castillo Adam Syukur Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Dave Tailor Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, Illinois –2004 2022 Sheba Thomas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Rachel Thomas Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri Alena Thomas Valparaiso University Valparaiso, Indiana Sophia Timotijevic Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina Jeffrey Tom DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Alex Tomy University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Victoria Torres Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Brandon Trieu Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Victoria-Ida Trogub Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Stella Tsogtjargal Brown University Providence, Rhode Island Kelly Tsogtjargal University of Southern California Los Angeles, California Anna Tsvetkova William Rainey Harper College Palatine, Illinois Talin Usefyan DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Adam Valiji Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois Allan Valle Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Joshua Vazquez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Francisco Velazquez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Sujaan Vhora Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Vanessa Villamil Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, Ohio Amy Villegas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Eimilia Vogel Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Eldar Vokic Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Teahanna Wade-Hunt Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Mark Walczak Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Idarius Walton Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin Danial Warda Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Yara Wetti Loyola University Chicago Chicago, Illinois Manthushi Wickramasinghe University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois Kendra Yap Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Steeve Yokhanna Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Larsa Yousif Lake Forest College Lake Forest, Illinois Alwyn Zachariah Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois Alishan Zaidi DePaul University Chicago, Illinois Vasiliki Ziabaras Dominican University River Forest, Illinois Simona Zlatkova Oakton Community College Des Plaines, Illinois MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 13

Dear Class of 2022, Four years of high school have passed by and now, it’s our turn to walk the stage and say good- bye to Maine East. There is no doubt that we are excited to move on to bigger and better things. While the change may be scary, there are a few ways to ease the transition into our post-high school plans. Take some time to learn more about your major or other fields of study. It’s common for college students to change their major: around 80% of students change their major at least once and the average student changes their major at least three times. While it is great to have a solid plan of what you’re going to study, having a backup plan or looking at other options can be helpful in case you find yourself wanting to change majors. And who knows? Something might pique your interest and encourage you to pursue it during college. Learn more about what your department offers In many instances majors are part of a broader academic department in a university or college. Within these academic departments, there are many different opportunities for research, internships, clubs, organizations, and other events. While there is time during the school year to seek out these resources, your first year is bound to be busy with new faces and places. Having an understanding of what is being offered can be beneficial when finding activities to do to boost your resume or to just get involved. Plan ahead before the school year starts If you haven’t visited your college’s campus prior to committing, use this break to visit and get the feel of your school’s environment. Many schools require their students to attend an orientation, so that can be a great chance for you to explore your university. Preparing for the school year is also important. If you’re dorming, make a list of items and essentials that you have to bring with you. If you’re commuting, practice your route going from your home to campus, whether that may be driving or taking public transportation. Many institutions provide a plan of study for each ma- jor, which can be found on their websites. Browse through the plan to get an understanding of what classes you’re going to take and what the course load is going to be like. The best advice going into this summer While cliche, the most important part of this summer is to relax and have fun! Many of us are going to be moving within Illinois or out of state. Take advantage of this time to hang out and make memories with your friends and family. Remember to take some time for yourself by catch- ing up on shows or trying out a new hobby, like cooking. Use summer vacation as a way to recharge and enjoy yourself -- you definitely deserve it! We have come a long way, from middle school to enduring the pandemic and virtual learning, now it’s time to throw our caps in the air and part ways. No matter what you do this summer, make the most out of it, and work hard for the upcoming school year! –– Rianca Argenal, Class of 2022 14 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

Dear Class of 2023, As we end the school year and look forward to life after high school, it’s important to look back on the things that helped us throughout our final year of high school, and to pass on as much advice as we can to next year’s class of seniors. Many rising seniors will choose to go to college, and applications can seem over- whelming. My advice is to take your time and not to panic; the process is easier than you think. A good rule of thumb is to do plenty of research on many schools and programs be- forehand. Whether you’re set on one major or have a few possible ones in mind, having a plan before going into applications makes the process much less daunting. Another great tip is to apply as soon as you can; pre-planning which programs you’re applying to makes this option available to you, and applying earlier gives you more time to complete applications, bringing me to my next piece of advice–breaking down the application process. Breaking down applications into steps can make them less stressful; instead of trying to take on everything at once, you’re handling a smaller workload at a time (especially consid- ering you have to manage this on top of schoolwork). Break the workload up into one appli- cation at a time, or one essay at a time. In general, keeping a list of everything you need to complete along with its deadline can also keep you on track. Once you’ve been accepted into schools (which you will be–don’t doubt yourself!) work on financial aid! Even if you’ve already filled out the FAFSA, look into scholarships and grants specific to schools you’ve gotten into, or contact our school’s CCRC for a list of general scholarships and opportunities (which can even be done before you’ve applied to or settled on schools). While navigating the admissions process, the most important thing to keep in mind is to not let yourself get too stressed. Throughout the hectic school year, expect to feel over- whelmed and anxious, but don’t let that cloud your mind. It is likely you won’t get into every school you apply to, and maybe not your dream school, but it is not the end of the world. As long as you have a general plan, there will be backup schools. Even if you’ve done no plan- ning, there are still plenty of options and opportunities to get you where you want to be. Plans can also change in terms of schools and majors you’re interested in. There are plen- ty of people to guide you in the application process and to help you figure out what you want to get out of your post-high school plans. The CCRC is the central place for this, but many teachers, relatives, and friends who’ve completed the process or are in the middle of it can be a huge help to you as well. Good luck, and remember, you’re not alone, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help. –– Jimmy Lamerdin, Class of 2022 MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 15

Senior Photo Poll by Fernanda Barreto & Aaliya Cooper-Johnson What was your favorite memory or event at Maine East? Grace Antar Jada Byrd Dasany Santana Svetlana Ilic “Some of the best memories I have “My favorite event of senior year was “My favorite event during my “Probably one of my favorite events are traveling to different schools probably the Orchestra Concerts, senior year would have to be in was, anyways, I don't know, maybe to play tennis, and being with cause it was just like very memo- Mamma Mia the musical. It was Fine Arts events. I feel like we had a my friends and the team! A good rable and it’s been a moment that a very long time with a lot of fun time and just seeing all the per- bonding experience and you get I’ve always been wanting to do, and people involved, and a sense of formances, but then again, I mean really close with your fellow tennis especially having a kind of like my community, and so many people if I didn't say homecoming I'd be senior night at the last part of our are involved. Lots of singing, lots lying, so homecoming and like the players. I’ve made some really good concert!” of dancing, lots of acting, it was school dances, it was always a nice friends out of that experience. an amazing show and it was all atmosphere.” Also, orchestra! You grow up with fun in general.” the same group of people and you become close with them, it’s a nice experience.” Alena Thomas Glenn Phillip Reyes Gail Carreon Sona Kappil “Firelight rally, when we had the fire “My favorite memory of when “Just being able to talk to Mr. Rabens “Probably working on the last show, works, because after a year of Covid I was here at Maine East was about my personal stuff and every- Mamma Mia, with my two best and not having everyone around, definitely winning Homecom- thing. I’d just be able to talk about friends, Sasha and Hailey! I met it was a great way ot get everyone ing Royalty with my best friend, my personal stuff and he’s always Madison Serrano, and seeing all of just there to reach out and I think these two through stagecrew, and we together one last time.” my friends in the stands cheering have a lot of great memories togeth- that’s just really important.” er, as it was our last show as seniors. us on.” Our friendship grew so much.” Madison Serrano Evan Murnane Juliany Salazar Mahima Chokshi “My favorite memory was during “My favorite moments here at “My favorite memory throughout my “My favorite memory from my se- the Firenight Rally, when me and Maine East have been spending four years of high school has been being nior year was the basketball season my senior friends went down to the time with the Librarians during part of the Schuler scholar program, in because of all the friendships I've field and got announced for Home- my free and lunch periods. I had a which I had a team of coaches and men- made along the way and just over- great time meeting with them and tors and also scholars that have always coming King and Queen.” motivated me to do my personal best. all being successful together.” 16 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022 talking with them.” We also had a lot of exposures, field trips that have been really fun, in which we have learned a lot about ourselves.”

Jessalyn Cope Breanna Potts Rebecca Hurwitz Pranav Dhiman “My favorite event was probably “Definitely Spirit Week and Home- “My favorite memory was the last “Okay so the most fond memory senior year Homecoming, it was super coming – you get to be with your Reading Club competition. Espe- that I have is probably the last time fun, and just like being with everyone friends, and dance, and take SO many cially my group. We had a strong that I went to Maine football game. pictures, and just wait until your bond and although we didn't win, was like really fun! And then also senior year. I think that’s the best part we had a lot of fun. It was really nice I was in the Maine School Regi- softball. Softball is great, especially of high school. Especially friends, like to cultivate a group during my last ment, so it was a final time that this year, we've been winning a lot of keeping your friends from elementary, we played for everyone, and it was to middle school, to now high school. year at Maine East.” just fun and it's a really really great games so winning is fun!” It’s definitely fun.” time with friends.” Chloe Borto Matthew Bonto Stephanie Lim Lukasz Iwanowski “My best memory was doing the “My favorite moment has to be V- “My favorite event was hoco because “My favorite memory from Maine musical my senior year; it was very Show – I have done it all four years I was with all my junior friends for East was spirit week. I think spirit special to me because I've always week is really fun because it kinda but I feel like this year stood out the first time; it was my favorite wanted to do the musical but I especially because of the environ- event because it was their first time just brings everybody together, never had the time and I was never ment and the people and also the going. Plus, we also did a little plan- whether it's like a theme or just a confident, but being in choir really experiences I was able to produce, ning before – we went to her house celebration everybody just goes pushed me out of my comfort zone not only as a senior but just having through the same thing. It also the knowledge that this was our and had a sleepover then we got helps unifys friends and helps base and it helped me make a lot of last time performing and just get- ready for hoco the next day.” new friends, so it was very special ting to have fun one last time with relationships.” to me and is something I'll always everyone.” remember.” Alondra Flores Yaser Al-Awadi Sarah Coronado Idarius Walton “My favorite memory of all four “Senior Night during football “My favorite memory would have “My best time of all four years here years of high school was definitely season because I made memories to be from freshman year when was Friday Night Lights because maturing and reconnecting with that'll last forever with some of I scored 11 goals for the Soccer no matter the outcome of the some of my old friends because if my teammates, coaches and the team because I really worked hard game or the season everybody just I never reconnected with my old student body. It was just nice to be and actually played on all three comes and supports us.” friends then I would've not been surrounded by the whole school teams (freshman, JV, varsity) so MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 17 that was a big accomplishment for where I am today.” and its environment.” me and the environment was just amazing and so fun to be around.”

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Senior Final Fling 20 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

BEST COLLEGE-THEMED MOVIES byhaileysanchez 1 4At Middleton, by director Adam Rodg- ers, is a romantic comedy between Edith Martain (Vera Farmiga) and George Hartman (Andy Garcia) who are on a college tour with their teenage offspring. It’s an emotional film about the departure of sending your kid off to college but also comedic as these two individual parents learn something even bigger about themselves - love. It’s an incredible film to watch before or after heading to college as you get a perspective on what college life is like. It’s also a great way to understand how your parents might feel when send- ing you off. If you love comedies and romance, this film is perfect for you! The Graduate, by director Mike Nichols, is a comedy-drama with a graduating college student, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), and a married woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) 2 Pitch Perfect, by director Jason whose relationship turns into an affair. Benjamin Moore, is another romantic is confused about what to do with his life after comedy with college student college and is later sucked into a series of conflicts Beca played by Anna Kend- created between Mrs. Robinson and her daugh- rick. Beca doesn’t want to be a ter, Elaine played by Katharine Ross. It’s one of part of a clique, but that’s ex- the older films on this list but is perfect for those actly where she finds herself. movie historians out there. It gives you an inside She joins the Barden Bellas, an look into a graduating college student's life and all all-girls acapella group where the problems that arise due to Benjamin's actions. she gets out of her comfort zone by helping create these beautiful harmonies. It’s the 5 perfect film for those who are studying music and or in general enjoy the fine arts! It’s the experience of joining a club in college and creating these relationships with those on campus. 3 Legally Blonde, by Robert Luketic, involves Elle Woods (Reese With- erspoon) who is madly in love with Warner Huntington. She has it all, the money, her dog, and her soon- to-be finance, or so she thinks. Monsters University, by director Dan Scanlon, Warner loves Elle dearly, but can’t is a family comedy film where monster, Mike bring himself to propose as he thinks Wazowski (Billy Crystal) wants nothing more she's too “blonde.” Elle tries to prove than to be a scarer. He enrolls in Monsters Uni- herself to Warner by fighting her versity where he meets Sulley (John Goodman) way into Harvard to be with him a naturally born scarer. A conflict occurs kicking for good. She hopes that by doing them both out of the MU scare program, and this, she can win him back. It’s a they then have to learn how to work together romantic comedy that involves a lot to make things right. This is an amazing film to of music and twists and turns. It’s the watch with your family, and a great way to feel perfect film for those who are deter- like a child again! It's an animated film filled with mined to fight for what they believe an emotional friendship that can be created at in by proving themselves. your time in college! MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 21

Saying goodbye to Maine East Ms. Jill Sweetwood, Mathematics Department Chair I have spent my entire amazing career at Maine East! Thirty-five years ago, I began teaching here after graduating from the University of Illinois. I have taught every- thing from Algebra 1 through Calculus, including AP Computer Science. In my early years, I was also involved in coaching both girls and boys volleyball as well as the math team. In the fall of 1999, I began my journey as the Mathematics Depart- ment Chairperson. What has always made Maine East such a special place is the people. I have had wonderful colleagues both in and out of the mathematics depart- ment that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Furthermore, I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the student body. We have the most incred- ible students here at Maine East, and I will miss being a part of their experience! Ms. Karol Hanusiak Mr. Carl Brownell Physical Education teacher / Coach Social Science Department Chair I have been blessed When I started working at Evanston Town- with working with amaz- ship High School in 1989, the Internet had ing people in all of my barely been invented, there were no smart- teaching jobs. None phones, and the Cubs and White Sox hadn’t compare to the people won a World Series in decades. A lot has that I have worked with changed in 33 years. Thankfully, the joy for the last 24 years here of working with teenagers and committed at Maine East. When I educators has not. From teaching the many finished year five, I knew lessons on the history and culture of the this would be ‘home’. world to arranging field trips to the Art Institute and performances Though many changes of Hamilton, the excitement of helping students know their world have occurred over the better has always been a fantastic experience. When I came to Maine years, one thing has re- East 15 years ago, I was blessed to join this great community to mained the same: the helping first generation students find their path in the United States best P.E. department has been a wonderful, fulfilling experience. I thank you all for the around. I have taught amazing time I have had with all the adults and students. Special and coached here for 24 years. I’ve coached thanks to the Social Science colleagues who made every day a warm, freshman B volleyball, track and field, fresh- supportive, thoughtful atmosphere for students and adults. And man and sophomore girls basketball, freshman lastly, I cherish the glory of being a two-time champion of the Morn- badminton, and varsity girls basketball for nine ing Hoops 3-point Shooting Contest! years. My proudest accomplishment has been turning around the girls basketball program, Ms. Bonnie Nield having two 20-win seasons, taking the team to Speech Pathologist Florida to compete, and bringing home Maine East Girls Basketball’s first and only Conference While I was at Maine East for only six Championship. I still keep in touch with many years, I can honestly say that they were athletes that I have coached, and it makes me so the best years as a Speech Pathologist happy when I see they have gone on to be so suc- in the district. I am grateful for the cessful. In retirement, I will miss many of the community that is here at East – the people I have worked with but many will hold staff and students alike are welcoming, a special place in my heart. I am very excited open-minded, and kind. I’m going to about my ‘next chapter’. I look forward to travel- miss many things about East including ing, having lunches with friends, and just being the positive interactions, and the variety and depth of conversations able to relax and have life go by at a slower, less I’ve had with so many – staff and students alike. You have all been a stressed pace. See ya, Maine East… it’s been fun! source of daily inspiration – thank you! 22 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

Mrs. Irene Balogh – The Backbone of Maine East for Students. Although the name of “But at last, all good things must come to an end” her position has changed over the years, Ms. Balogh has always worked - Geoffery Chaucer directly with students to put on as- semblies, help run clubs, etc. By Veronica Salceda too many teachers. Her dreams were and Andrea Saji crushed, but she moved on, built a “I'm as close as I can be to family and became a stay at home working with kiddos without being Who knew an eleven word mother to raise her four children. a teacher and that's how,” she said. sentence could be so bittersweet While she loved being a mother Club and student organization and versatile. Perhaps you only have and raising her kids, she wasn't satis- sponsors have benefitted for years three days left at an amazing intern- fied and wanted to get to work. Her from Mrs. Balogh’s enthusiasm and ship, or maybe you're having a fun hopes were to work with kids, but hard work. “She works so hard for night with your friends, or maybe she knew it was too late to go back the students,” said NHS Sponsor Ms. you're Irene Balogh and you're at to school. Reitz. “Sponsoring clubs and orga- Ms. Balogh has loved working the end of the chapter called “My “When I was bursting to get to nizations would’ve been impossible here and working with kids: “I work years at Maine East'' and starting a work, I thought, ‘it's too late to go without her.” in neverland..there's always 14-18 new chapter in your life called, “The back to school, how about I work at year olds around and they bring a Retirement Years.'' a school.’ ” So she took a couple of Now, after 24 years, her days tremendous amount of energy.” When in high school, Mrs. classes in early childhood education of making her and others’ dreams Balogh was advised by her guid- and in 1998 she applied for the posi- come true are coming to an end, and Her retirement plans include ance counselor not to work in the tion she holds now: Administrative she will be retiring at the end of this buying a house, traveling, and education field because there were Assistant to the Assistant Principal school year. spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. Ms. Snjezana Salamon – a Social Studies favorite By Jaina Kunwar fellow teachers, along with the bonds Ms. Salamon’s students grab some last minute knowledge that she made with her students. For the past 29 years, Snjezana before the AP Microeconomics Exam. Salamon has been one of the most Her tenure here was chal- beloved teachers at Maine East. lenged during COVID because she these tough times. Even though she will no longer be at She always knew she wanted to be truly missed having students physi- After she retires, Ms. Salamon Maine East, her legacy will always be a teacher; even at a young age she cally present in the classroom. She is plans to spend time with her family, remembered as the impact she made always acted as the teacher when known for making deep, one-on-one travel, and write a collection of stories will forever be felt. playing school. connections with every single one of about her childhood in Croatia. her students, and not being able to One of her favorite things about even know what her students looked Maine East is how diverse our school like made things rather difficult for is and how many cultures that are her. Even though she missed out on represented here. As an immigrant these connections and technology from Croatia, being at Maine East made things rough, her students always made her feel at home. Her helped her so much. They were able childhood stories made special con- to guide her through technological nections with many students. Ms. struggles, not only making class run Salamon said she will cherish the life- more efficiently, but also allowing long friendships she made with her her to bond with her students during Ms. Conlon – lawyer-turned-popular Social Studies teacher By Eve Thomas initially started a career as a lawyer, law field, primarily advocating for focus on what truly matters, and, she later realized that a better way to housing for people with disabilities above all, be kind. As we leave behind an eventful help people would be to teach them and abused children. MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 23 school year, we will unfortunately to advocate for themselves, which have to say goodbye to some of drew her toward teaching. Mrs. Conlon will miss the stu- our favorite teachers as they enter dents. She will miss preparing them retirement. I had the privilege of It is hard for Ms. Conlon to for a world full of opportunities and interviewing one such teacher, pick a favorite memory of her teach- possibilities. One thing she won’t Mrs. Conlon, who discussed the ing career, because every day was mind about leaving Maine East, memories of her storied teaching her favorite - on gloomy days, the though, is the newfound time she career. Mrs. Conlon has always been classroom became a safe haven. On will have to catch up on sleep. dedicated to using analysis and sunny days, it was a place of energy communication skills to help resolve and optimism. Mrs. Conlon advises anyone people's problems. Though she considering a career in education If she wasn't a teacher, Ms. to remember why you started in Conlon would be working in the the first place: be open to learning,

The IONEER COMICS 24 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

Scan this QR Code or visit bit.ly/mainequadrant to see Joaquin Soriano’s Prank War Part III and a Maine Quadrant Retrospective. MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 25

Israel Defense Forces murder a Palestinian journalist – equivalent to terrorism they falsely decry While Israel calls itself the “only In many news outlets and state- 78% of Palestine, destroyed around By Dalal Hassane democracy in the Middle East”, these ments by U.S. politicians, the claim 530 villages and cities, and killed more kinds of limits would not be placed that Palestinians also use violence has than 15,000 Palestinians in more than On May 11, 2022, Palestin- on a grieving family in any other been widely accepted as justifica- 70 massacres. ian Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen democracy. It is a universal rule that tion for Israel’s heinous acts. But in a Abu Akleh, was murdered by Israeli every family has the right to mourn settler-colonial state in which the oc- The Nakba continues even today. “defense” forces. While reporting on and grieve for their loved ones on cupying forces have billions of dollars Palestinians are still denied their a house raid by IDF forces in Jenin, their own terms. of military power, it is indifferent and homeland, Israeli laws still legalize she was wearing a blue “Press” vest harmful to deny Palestinians the right ethnic cleansing, and foreign powers and a helmet. Abu Akleh was not in Abu Akleh was a U.S. citizen, yet to defend themselves. It is dangerous are still funding genocide. The Nakba the midst of any fighting, but rather, the same outcry from the U.S. govern- to conflate Palestinians with terrorist is not only what killed Shireen Abu in an area that was quieter. Despite ment whenever military personnel are groups like Hamas when Israel is an Akleh, but what made it possible taking those precautions, she was killed in imperialist wars instigated by occupying power constantly shutting for Israel and its allies to attempt to shot under her ear. This shot was in the U.S. is absent. Radio silence. The down Palestinian self-defense. In fact, conceal the truth about her death. The no doubt strategic, as her helmet and difference? Shireen Abu Akleh was the Israeli prime minister, Naftali fact of the matter is that she was never internationally-recognized vest would a Palestinian journalist reporting on Bennet, is on record saying that “there killed in “clashes” or as a result of protect her from an “unintentional” the truth. She was reporting on the is no problem with killing Arabs.” “Palestinian violence,” she was killed shot at her, especially considering she violent and oppressive nature of the because she was a living testament was not in a crossfire. Israeli apartheid occupation. Israel defines any act of Pales- to Palestinian resilience and power. tinian resistance as terrorism. For She was a trailblazer for Palestinian Although the Israeli govern- However, when Western example, in 2012, when Palestin- reporters who seek to defend the ment claimed the shot was fired by countries have the power and support ians petitioned the United Nations truth of their homeland; the truth of a Palestinian, it became clear from states like Israel, the rules of “civilized” to officially recognize Palestine as a Palestine. witness testimony, including other societies no longer apply. When they state, Israeli foreign minister Avigfor journalists that were shot by Israeli have the power, it is suddenly accept- Lieberman declared it “diplomatic The consequences of the Nakba snipers, that this was an attack by the able to villainize and oppress those liv- terrorism.” The Israeli government are still alive today, but so is Palestin- IDF. According to Palestinian journal- ing under a violent settler occupation. has also labeled Palestinian calls for ian resistance. In Palestine and in the ist Shatha Hanaysha, who witnessed a peaceful boycott (enshrined as free diaspora, Palestinians are defending Abu Akleh’s murder, Israeli soldiers Under the Biden administration, speech in U.S. courts) as “economic their homeland through many medi- did not stop firing after Abu Akleh Israel-U.S. relations have not been terrorism.” The characterization of ums, including writing, community went down. denounced, only reaffirmed despite any form of Palestinian resistance as organizing, and cultural preserva- a campaign pledge to build a foreign “terrorism” contributes to the false tion. Global Palestinian resistance is Shortly after her death, rather policy based on human rights. The narrative that those who challenge the reason that one day, we will see than send their condolences to the U.S. and other Western countries settler-colonialism have a violent and a Palestine in which children walk Abu Akleh family, as is common in continue their complacent practices destructive agenda. their land only to the sound of their the civilized world, the Israeli Police of sending billions of dollars of aid to laughter and the wind. A Palestine in summoned her brother Anton and the Israeli government and military Just four days after Abu Akleh’s which families return to their homes, re- threatened her family that it was every year. death was the 74th anniversary of build the ones that were destroyed, and forbidden to place the Palestinian the Nakba (“catastrophe” in Arabic). reunite with one another. A Palestine in flag on her coffin or anywhere near This money is integral in fund- On May 15, 1948, the state of Israel which Palestinian Muslims can freely the procession. At her funeral, Israeli ing the violent actions of the Israeli was established. Around 750,000 and peacefully worship in Al-Aqsa police forces attacked mourners, even government, namely actions like the Palestinians were expelled from their mosque and Palestinian Christians at those carrying her casket. This dem- murder of Abu Akleh. The blood of indigenous homeland. At that time, the Church of the Holy Seplulchre. We onstrates that Palestinians are even every single Palestinian martyr to Israeli forces had taken more than will see a lively and free Palestine. oppressed in death as in life. Israel’s government is on the United States’ hands. The SENIOR ISSUE STAFF The Pioneer reports on news, entertain- ment, and sports events for Maine East High IONEER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF School and the surrounding community. The Dalal Hassane Pioneer is distributed in school to students and Maine East High School staff; digital copies of each issue are available Park Ridge, Illinois EDITORS May 20, 2022 Rianca Argenal at The Pioneer website: bit.ly/ThePioneer James Lamerdin bit.ly/ThePioneer @mehspioneer REPORTERS Readers can send story suggestions, photos, letters to the editor, or comments to sponsor Jaina Kunwar Eve Thomas Matt Miller or assistant sponsor Dave Hessert Veronica Salceda Fernanda Barreto via email: mmiller@maine207.org; dhessert@maine207.org Andrea Saji Aaliyah Cooper-Johnson Scan this QR Code to read this issue in a digital, color format 26 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022

SPORTS 2021-22 STATE QUALIFYING ATHLETES Lukasz Iwanowski Amy Villegas Hannah Suboni-Kaufman Henry Morrison B. CROSS COUNTRY G. WRESTLING G. WRESTLING B. GYMNASTICS 2021-22 ATHLETES COMPETING AT NEXT LEVEL Yaser Al-Awadi (Football – Western Illinois); Jessalyn Coppe (Softball – Beloit College); Mahima Chokshi (Basketball – Milwaukee School of Engineering); Mason Ishii (Baseball – Oakton); Lukasz Iwanowski (Cross Country – St. Louis Univ.); Chris Kish (Wrestling –Harper College); Melanie Moreno (Cheer – Roosevelt Univ.); Hasan Omari (Football – North Park Univ.); Michelle Piro (Soccer – St. Norbert’s College); Hannah Suboni- Kaufman(Wrestling – Augustana College); Idarius Walton (Football – Carthage College) MAY 20, 2022 | THE PIONEER | 27

2021-22 ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES Idarius Walton Yaser Alawadi Chris Kish Chris Domian Jose Gutierrez Vargas FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL B. SOCCER B. SOCCER Lukasz Iwanowski Maddison Serrano Irene Lazanyi Reisha Argenal Lana Coralic B. CROSS COUNTRY G. VOLLEYBALL G. SWIMMING G. SWIMMING DANCE Derryl Gaddi Emina Hanic Chris Kish Edgar Estrada Ezequiel Figueroa B. BASKETBALL G. BASKETBALL B. WRESTLING B. WRESTLING B. WRESTLING Edgar Torres Megan Espinoza Amy Villegas Hannah Suboni-Kaufman Mason Ishii Henry Morrison B. WRESTLING G. GYMNASTICS G. WRESTLING G. WRESTLING BASEBALL B. GYMNASTICS NOT PICTURED: Jiro Yamat (GOLF); Melanie Moreno (CHEER) 28 | THE PIONEER | MAY 20, 2022