The Pioneer – Senior Issue 2019

ioneerThe May 17, 2019 Maine East High School Park Ridge, Illinois @mehspioneer Senior Issue 2019

Senior Honors Night 2019 Honoring Maine East’s best and brightest CLASS OF 2019 MAINE SCHOLARS – Top 1% of graduating class Jaytiben Arora Abigail Flood Gisselle Garcia Nicole Kasperek Richa Shah TOP FIVE PERCENT OF THE 2019 Good Will Awards CLASS OF 2019 Good Will Awards are given to those students of the Jessica Alba Karl Anthony Hidalgo Raj Patel senior classwhohavedonethemost, asdetermined Jaytiben Arora Angela Ilic Sagar Patel through nomination by the faculty and election by Allison Baek Jay Kaila Abigail Roman the senior class and faculty, to promote good will William Cashen Richa Shah at Maine East and in Maine Township. Abigail Flood Mariam Kane Martin Skrzypek Gisselle Garcia Nicole Kasperek Danny Tenezaca Abigail Flood Christian Andrews-Stewart Nicholas Maczuga Gerald Edeson Vallo Suzan Elizabeth Georges Sagar Patel Rida Ghani Svetozar Milchev Abigail Roman Jun Jon Sergey Marcin Nieradka Richa Shah Danny Tenezaca Thushara Thomas Ged Vallo 2019 Department Merit Awards / Rising Stars 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 Abigail Flood Abigail Flood Amina Murati Jisha Jacob Malorie Ishii Applied Technology Jainil Modi Nicole Lach William Cashen Josh Portillo R. Star: Kayla Baldwin Brandon Rogerio R. Star: Tory Bonds Nicholas Lamerdin R. Star: Brianna Ho E.L.L. SCIENCE Viktorial Lucek Music Department Shreyaben Shah R. Star: Noor Dawood Nicole Kasperek R.Star: Yuriy Martyniuk Angela Ilic WORLD LANGUAGES Marcin Nieradka Business Division Josh Portillo Christian Andrews-Stewart Alvina Mercen Mayah Rotter Lazaro Cisneros-Quintanilla Richa Shah Jiral Modi R. Star: Elyza Pagan R. Star: Margot Mattenson Nicholas Williams Speech Arts Department Richa Shah Suzan Elizabeth Georges R. Star: Manav Patel SOCIAL SCIENCE R. Star: Daniel Herrera Annalise Lasky Allison Baek Family & Consumer Sciences Danny Tenezaca MATHEMATICS Abigail Flood R. Star: Jasmine Moraga Jaytiben Arora Richa Shah Elieni Omiridais Gisselle Garcia Raj Patel R. Star: Luke Shane Lopez Jainil Modi Josephine Vachachira R. Star: Nohara Kazzo R. Star: Jill Patel 2 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

2019 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. Cassidy Hicks Nicole Lach Jennifer Zia Nicole Kasperek Wintana Zewde Applied Technology Business Education Family & Consumer English ELL Science Navya Poothara James Mastalerz Karl Anthony Hidalgo Allison Baek Marcin Nieradka World Languages Art Music Speech Arts Mathematics Jun Jon Sergey Kunj Patel Krystian Kuprowski Suzan Elizabeth Marcin Nieradka Physical Education Science Social Science Male Georges Athlete of the Year Female Athlete of the Year May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 3

College, Organization, & Community Scholarships Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2019 at Maine East, who have earned over 6.7 MILLION DOLLARS in College, Community, and Organization scholarships! Jessica Alba Abigail Flood Nicole Kasperek Merjem Murati Joselyn Reynoso Caralina Apostolou Gisselle Garcia Muhammad Khan Aaron Ngo Mayah Rotter Suzan Elizabeth Georges Peter Kolodziejski Julianna Rublev Cody Autry Nicholas Korsak Marcin Nieradka Riya Shah Allison Baek Rida Ghani Yaman Obaid Amara Siler Minna Behnan Aarti Gohel Kellie Kortas Eleni Omiriadis Brenda Berrum Jigar Gohel Nicole Lach Elyza Pagan Martin Skrzypek Sylwia Bezara Jigisha Gohel Rida Laliwala Lily Speer Trisha Bonto Edwin Gutierrez Annalise Lasky Shijil Palakkattu Angelica Kristine Canong Alana Harris Tucker Matthew Lauterbach Ami Patel Mansoor Syed Novena Christal Vasilios Hasapis Steven Leyvi Dhara Patel Danny Tenezaca Lazaro Cisneros Quinta- Hailey Hawkins Hernan Lima Vasquez Marilyn Theccanat Karl Anthony Hidalgo Erica Lindquist Jaynish Patel Thushara Thomas nilla Brianna Ho Alvina Mercen Jill Patel Kyanna Thompson Arthur Czyzewski Natally Jawhar Khush Mistry Elizabeth Urban Lenece De Salle Alena Joseph Dikshi Modi Krusha Patel Josephine Vachachira Jainil Modi Parth Patel Lillian Verzosa Anna Edat Jay Kaila Lily Przewoznik Yousef Elshafe Gabriella Quintero Sandra Rankic D.A.R. Good Citizenship Award Semper Fidelis Award for Athletic Boosters Scholarships Senior Service Awards Abigail Flood Musical Excellence Abigail Flood Christian Andrews-Stewart Marcin Nieradka Matthew Miceli SJB Scholarship Jenny Iype Jun Jon Sergey Abigal Roman Desiree Mondragon Richa Shah Angela Foster Elizabeth Urban Kyanna Thompson Memorial Scholarship Danny Tenezaca Maine Township District 207 Lenece De Salle Seal of Biliteracy Educational Foundation COACH Scholarship Park Ridge Rotary The Seal of Biliteracy can be earned by any senior demonstrating Jaytiban Arora Scholarship proficiency in another language in addition to English. Student who Abigail Flood Abigail Flood Nicole Lach choose to pursue this honor must demonstrate proficiency in the M.E. Class of 1983 domains of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The Seal of Bil- Scholarship Danny Tenezaca iteracy is indicated with an official seal on the District 207 diploma, Sandra Rankic Park Ridge and is noted on the student’s official transcript. Robert O. Grottola Panhellenic Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Angie Brito (Spanish) Christian Andrews-Stewart Jessica Alba Jaytiben Arora Daniel Mitev (Bulgarian) Marine Corps Abigail Flood Distinguished Athlete Award Rosalia Muro Joselyn Reynoso (Spanish) Divyaben Patel Jiral Modi Marcin Nieradka Mike Sieg Athletic Awards Memorial Scholarship Fredric Bacon Memorial Ron Heiser Athletic Achievement Award Artist Scholarship Nohara Kazzo Elizabeth Urban Josh Portillo Noah Kim Helen Dobbins MTA Charles Himel Scholarship Scholarship Al Carstens Athletic Leadership Award Wadad Elaly Jenny Iype Kyanna Thompson Marine Corp Scholastic Ashton Schwab Excellence Award Senior PE Leaders Scholarship Nicholas Maczuga Abigail Flood Richa Shah Olympiacos Chicago Soccer Sam C. and Ruth E. Marzulo Club Scholarship Achievement Awards Abigail Flood Suzan Elizabeth Georges Nick Maczuga 4 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY COLLEGE Colleges the Class of 2019 will attend, as reported by students to the College Resource Center and The Pioneer BATES COLLEGE CARROL UNIVERSITY Wasma Hussain Lewiston, ME Waukesha, WI Peter Kolodziejski Mariam Kane Yousef Elshafe Joshua Mathai Alvina Mercen BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Jun Jon Sergey Khush Mistry Waco, TX Jiral Modi CHAMBERLAIN COLLEGE Aaron Ngo of NURSING Jaynish Patel BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY Addison, IL Lily Przewoznik Lisle, IL Chaitanya Rathod Eldin Delalovic Christopher Stoyanov Yumnah Khan Christopher Wais COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS Mateusz Wilk BRADLEY UNIVERSITY Worcester, MA Peoria, IL Minna Behnan EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Billy Hasapis Thushara Thomas Ypsilanti, MI Natally Jawhar Sagar Patel Alena Joseph Alanna Harris Tucker Erica Lindquist COLUMBIA COLLEGE Stephanie Poggas Chicago, IL ELMHURST COLLEGE Elmhurst, IL Lily Speer Julija Jovanovic Nominerdene Uuganbayar Eleni Omiriadis Brenda Berrum LeNece De Salle Angelica Kristing Canong Marina Malku BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY DEPAUL UNIVERSITY EMORY UNIVERSITY Waltham, MA Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Jigar Gohel Don Carreon Abigail Roman CARLETON COLLEGE Jigisha Gohel Northfield, MN Hailey Hawkins GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY Jayti Arora Daniel Herrera Atlanta, GA Emily Hurtarte Amees Hussain Ashley Terrell May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 5

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY COLLEGE HAROLD WASHINGTON COLLEGE LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS Chicago, IL Chicago, IL UNIVERSITY Chicago, IL Simona Akinsanya Sylwia Bezara Rida Ghani Melania Anton HARPER COLLEGE Malorie Ishii Palatine, IL Nicole Kasperek Amina Murati Nohara Kazzo Sohaira Malik Dikshi Modi Kruti Soni Krusha Patel Merna Yokhanna ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Raj Patel NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Chicago, IL Sandra Rankic Evanston, IL Steven Leyvi Riya A. Shah Richa Shah Parth Patel Martin Skrzypek Mansoor Syed Amara Siler-Orchard OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY Bourbonnais, IL ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY Novena Christal Normal, IL Milwaukee, WI Abigail Flood Victor Martinez Elyza Pagan Kayla Baldwin Desiree Mondragon MIAMI UNIVERSITY Elijah Pierson MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY Matthew Miceli East Lansing, MI Palm Beach, IL Alexandra Surowka Gegee Chinbat Kyanna Thompson Gabriella Quintero Elizabeth Urban MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE ITHACA COLLEGE Decatur, IL OF ART AND DESIGN Ithaca, NY Denver, CO Christian Andrews-Stewart Brianna Ho Annalise Lasky Arturo Sanchez Hernan Lima Vasquez MILWAUKEE SCHOOL RUTGERS UNIVERSITY LAKE FOREST COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Rutgers, NJ Lake Forest, IL Milwaukee, WI Claudia Poptile Denise Martinez Arthur Czyzewski Merjem Murati MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY Bao Tram Nguyen Chicago, IL St. Louis, MO Dhara Patel LEWIS UNIVERSITY Daniel Irizarry Jill Patel Romeoville, IL NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY Marilyn Theccanat Abdulkaderkhan Jalwani Chicago, IL Josephine Vachachira LORAS COLLEGE Angelina Azzo Ged Vallo Dubuque, IA Trisha Bonto Alice Werynski Ryan George Karl Anthony Hidalgo Samantha Lawando UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Divya Patel Raul Vargas Mayah Rotter Marianne Youkhana UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Stalin Raju 6 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY COLLEGE UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Santa Cruz, CA Rida Laliwala Des Plaines, IL UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS – Victoria Barrera Lazaro Cisneros Rosalia Muro URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Dariana Carrasco Nadine Daniel Mark Nowak Champaign, IL Michael Decolongon Matthew Polak Anna Edat Miguel Cave Wadad Elaly Itahi Ramirez Nicole Lach Alex Cruz Joshua Ethakattu Karen Reyes Victoria Lucek Maheen Halari Yaneysa Rodriguez Nick Maczuga Brian Ferrer Rayvon Jackson Judith Rosas Jainil Modi Bryanna Grizales Alan Jeemon Alondra Salazar Jasmine Moraga Heidy Jimenez Jose Salcedo Marcin Nieradka Nirmal John Muhammad Kasiri Jeremiah Salhay Ami Patel Alby Joseph Nicholas Korsak Ella Shmoel Jill Patel Birana Khoshaba Kellie Kortas Bishesh Shrestha Sahaj Patel Antonio Morales Libin Kuruvilla Kim Suarez Danny Tenezaca Saleema Muradi Nick Lamerdin Nithin Thomas Katrina Guilas Hector Lopez Ans Thomas UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME Raymond Noffz Jacob Torres South Bend, IN Djordje Petricevic Steve Lopez Cassandra Tuch Gisselle Garcia Leena Saadeh Emily Markowski Mallerly Velazquez Muniba Abbasi Lillian Verzosa UNIVERSITY OF Almin Ajkic Andy Marquez SOUTH CAROLINA Sophia Arias Joshua Martyniuk Yanna Wu Maanav Bosamia David Youmaran Columbia, SC Caitlin Bujdei Edis Masic Julie Rublev Juan Cabrales Razeena Matani Lucas Youna Emmanuel Carson Izeth Montesinos Amina Zafer Melissa Castro Filip Mrozek UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO CALIFORNIA Toronto, ON Angela Ilic Los Angeles, CA Allison Baek UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS – CHICAGO UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN Madison, WI Chicago, IL Evan Weiss Ricardo Morales Luke Lopez UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY Divya Patel James Mastalerz Fayette, IA Abdul Abdul Qadeer Jose Mejia Caralina Apostolou Jessica Alba Jorge Mercado Victoria Alba Aiyesha Moeen WEBSTER UNIVERSITY Yaman Obaid Webster Groves, MO Umama Ambarin Shijil Palakkattu Cody Autry Vishwa Patel Suzan Elizabeth Georges Jenish Bulsara Deep Patel WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Mansi Darji Mirella Rivera Macomb, IL Shreya Shah Merin Babu George Kayla Gregorio Aarti Gohel Riya Shah Nick Williams May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 7 Maheen Halari Trish Heramis Atif Khan Margot Hernandez Matthew Lauterbach Jisha Jacob Reema Mody Khadeeja Khan Joselyn Reynoso Danka Kovacevic Cindy Zulewsk Patryk Kucharski Sarena Liew

Kayla Gregorio Western Illinois University Macomb, IL Bryanna Grizales Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Katrina Guilas Des Plaines, IL Maheen Halari Des Plaines, IL Chicago, IL COLLEGES – ALPHABETICAL BY STUDENTMaheen Halari Oakton Community College Oakton Community College University of Illinois at Chicago Billy Hasapis Bradley University Peoria, IL Muniba Abbasi Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Hailey Hawkins DePaul University Chicago, IL Abdul Abdul Qadeer University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Trish Heramis University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Almin Ajkic Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Margot Hernandez University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Simona Akinsanya Harold Washington College Chicago, IL Daniel Herrera DePaul University Chicago, IL Jessica Alba University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Karl Anthony Hidalgo North Park University Chicago, IL Victoria Alba University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Brianna Ho Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design Denver, Colorado Umama Ambarin University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Brianna Ho School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL Christian Andrews-StewarMt illikin University Decatur, IL Emily Hurtarte DePaul University Chicago, IL Melania Anton Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Amees Hussain DePaul University Chicago, IL Caralina Apostolpou Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA Wasma Hussain DePaul University Chicago, IL Sophia Arias Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Angela Ilic University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada Jayti Arora Carleton College Northfield, MN Daniel Irizarry Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL Cody Autry University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Malorie Ishii Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Angelina Azzo North Park University Chicago, IL Rayvon Jackson Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Allison Baek University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Jisha Jacob University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Kayla Baldwin Illinois State University Normal, IL Abdulkaderkhan Jalwani Lewis University Romeoville, IL Victoria Barrera Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Bradley University Peoria, IL Minna Behnan College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA Natally Jawhar Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Brenda Berrum Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL Alan Jeemon Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Sylwia Bezara Loyola University Chicago, IL Heidy Jimenez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Trisha Bonto North Park University Chicago, IL Bradley University Peoria, IL Maanav Bosamia Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Nirmal John Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Caitlin Bujdei Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Alena Joseph Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Jenish Bulsara University Of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL DePaul University Chicago, IL Juan Cabrales Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Alby Joseph DePaul University Chicago, IL Angelica Kristine Canong Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL Julija Jovanovic Bates College Lewiston, ME Dariana Carrasco Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL DePaul University Chicago, IL Jay Kaila Loyola University Chicago, IL Don Carreon Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Jay Kaila Loyola University Chicago, IL Emmanuel Carson Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Mariam Kane Loyola University Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Muhammad Kasiri Benedictine University Lisle, IL Melissa Castro Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Nicole Kasperek Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL Miguel Cave University of Illinios at Chicago Chicago, IL Nohara Kazzo University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Gegee Chinbat Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL Nohara Kazzo University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Gegee Chinbat Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Yumnah Khan Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Novena Christal Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Muhammad Khan Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Lazaro Cisneros Lake Forest College Lake Forest, IL Khadeeja Khan DePaul University Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Atif Khan DePaul University Chicago, IL Alex Cruz University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Birana Khoshaba Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Arthur Czyzewski David Kim Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Nadine Daniel Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Peter Kolodziejski University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Mansi Darji Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Peter Kolodziejski University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Chamberlain College of Nursing Addison, IL Nicholas Korsak Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL LeNece De Salle University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Kellie Kortas University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Champaign, IL Michael Decolongon Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Danka Kovacevic University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Patryk Kucharski University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Eldin Delalovic Carroll University Waukesha, WI Libin Kuruvilla Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Anna Edat Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Nicole Lach Ithaca College Ithaca, NY Wadad Elaly Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Nicole Lach University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Nasim Eliahi Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL Rida Laliwala North Park University Chicago, IL Yousef Elshafe University of Notre Dame South Bend, IN Nick Lamerdin Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL Joshua Ethakattu Loras College Dubuque, IA Annalise Lasky University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Brian Ferrer University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Matthew Lauterbach Bradley University Peoria, IL Abigail Flood Webster University Webster Groves, MO Samantha Lawando Gisselle Garcia Loyola University Chicago, IL Steven Leyvi Ryan george Sarena Liew Merin Babu George Erica Lindquist Suzan Elizabeth Georges Rida Ghani Jigar Gohel Brandeis University Waltham, MA steve lopez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Jigisha Gohel DePaul University Chicago, IL Luke Lopez University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Aarti Gohel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Hector Lopez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Aarti Gohel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Viktoria Lucek University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Kayla Gregorio Western Illinois University Macomb, IL Alanis Macedo Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Bryanna Grizales Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Nick Maczuga University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Katrina Guilas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Sohaira Malik Harper College Palatine, IL Maheen Halari Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Marina Malku Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL Maheen Halari University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Emily Markowski Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Billy Hasapis Bradley University Peoria, IL Andy Marquez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL 8 | THEHTariiPlsehyIOHHNeawraEkmiEnissR | MDUaneyiPvaeu1r8sl ,iUtyn2i0ovfe18rIlsliintyois at Chicago Chicago, IL Victor Martinez Marquette University Milwaukee, WI Chicago, IL Denise Martinez Rutgers University Rutgers, NJ Margot Hernandez University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Joshua Martyniouk Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL

Nick Maczuga University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Claudia Poptile Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI Sohaira Malik Harper College Palatine, IL Lily Przewoznik DePaul University Chicago, IL Marina Malku University of Illinois at Chicago COLLEGES – ALPHABETICALEmily Markowski BY STUDENTOakton Community College Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL Abdul Abdul Qadeer Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Lazaro Cisneros Quintanilla Des Plaines, IL Andy Marquez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Gabriella Quintero Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach, FL Victor Martinez Marquette University Milwaukee, WI Stalin Raju United States Marine Corps Denise Martinez Rutgers University Rutgers, NJ Itahi Ramirez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Joshua Martyniouk Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Sandra Rankic Loyola University Chicago, IL Yuriy Martyniuk Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Chaitanya Rathod DePaul University Chicago, IL Edis Masic Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Karen Reyes James Mastalerz University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Razeena Matani Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Joselyn Reynoso Joshua Mathai Carroll University Waukesha, WI Mirella Rivera University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Jose Mejia University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Yaneysa Rodriguez Jorge Mercado University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Abigail Roman University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Alvina Mercen DePaul University Chicago, IL Judith Rosas Matthew Miceli Illinois State University Normal, IL Mayah Rotter Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Khush Mistry DePaul University Chicago, IL Jiral Modi Baylor University Waco, TX Julie Rublev Emory University Atlanta, GA Dikshi Modi Loyola University Chicago, IL Leena Saadeh Jainil Modi University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Alondra Salazar Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Reema Mody University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Jose Salcedo Aiyesha Moeen University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Jeremiah Salhay North Park University Chicago, IL Desiree Mondragon Illinois State University Normal, IL Arturo Sanchez Izeth Montesinos Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Jun Jon Sergey University of South Carolina Colombia, SC Jasmine Moraga University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Riya A. Shah Antonio Morales Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Shreya Shah Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Ricardo Morales University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Filip Mrozek Oakton Community college Des Plaines, IL Riya Shah Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Saleema Muradi Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Ella Shmoel Merjem Murati Lake Forest College Lake Forest, IL Bishesh Shrestha Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Amina Murati Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Amara Siler-Orchard Rosalia Muro Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Martin Skrzypek Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Aaron Ngo DePaul University Chicago, IL Kruti Soni Bao Tram Nguyen Lake Forest College Lake Forest, IL Lily Speer Millikin University Decatur, IL Marcin Nieradka University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Christopher Stoyanov Raymond Noffz Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Kim Suarez Carroll University Waukesha, WI Alexandra Surowka Mansoor Syed Loyola University Chicago, IL Danny Tenezaca Ashley Terrell University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Loyola University Chicago, IL Loyola University Chicago, IL Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Bradley University Peoria, IL Depaul University Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Illinois State University Normal, IL Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Champaign, IL Georgia State University Atlanta, GA Mark Nowak Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Marilyn Theccanat Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Yaman Obaid University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Thushara Thomas College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA Eleni Omiriadis Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Nithin Thomas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Elyza Pagan Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL Ans Thomas Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Shijil Palakkattu University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Kyanna Thompson Illinois State University Normal, IL Sagar Patel College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA Jacob Torres Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Jaynish PATEL DePaul University Chicago, IL Cassandra Tuch Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Jaynish Patel DePaul University Chicago, IL Alana Harris Tucker Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI Parth Patel Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL Elizabeth Urban Illinois State University Normal, IL Krusha Patel Loyola University Chicago, IL Nominerdene Uuganbayar Bradley University Peoria, IL Raj Patel Loyola University Chicago, IL Josephine Vachachira Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Divya Patel North Park University Chicago, IL Ged Vallo Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Dhara Patel Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Raul Vargas U.S Air Force Jill Patel Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Hernan Lima Vasquez Ithaca College Ithaca, NY Dhara Patel Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Madeline Vasquez Miami University Oxford, OH Divya Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Mallerly Velazquez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Vishwa Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Lillian Verzosa Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Deep Patel University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Christopher Wais DePaul University Chicago, IL Sahaj Patel University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Champaign, IL Evan Weiss University of Wisconsin—Madison Madison, WI Ami Patel University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Alice Werynski University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Mateusz Wilk Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO Deep Patel University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Nick Williams Sahaj Patel University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Yanna Wu DePaul University Chicago, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Merna Yokhanna Jill Patel Illinois State University Normal, IL Marianne Youkhana University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Djordje Petricevic Bradley University Peoria, IL David Youmaran Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Lucas Youna Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Elijah Pierson Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI Amina Zafer Stephanie Poggas DePaul University Chicago, IL Cindy Zulewski Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Matthew Polak North Park University Chicago, IL Claudia Poptile Lily Przewoznik Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Abdul Abdul Qadeer University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Lazaro Cisneros Quintanilla Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL Gabriella Quintero Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach, FL Stalin Raju United States Marine Corps Itahi Ramirez Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER |9 Sandra Rankic Loyola University Chicago, IL Chaitanya Rathod DePaul University Chicago, IL

Senior Superlatives SENIOR BREAKFAST SUPERLATIVES:  Superlative  Girl  Boy  Jacob Carrion  Most Likely to Win a Grammy  Jazmine Moraga  Dylan Kraft  David Kim  Best Glow­Up  Jill Patel  Jay Kaila  Vasilios “Billy” Hasapis  Best Dressed  Lily Prezwoznik  Mansoor Syed  Aaron Ngo  Best Smile  Thushara Thomas  Brandon Rogerio  Sagar Patel  Most Likely to Brighten Your Day  Angela Ilic  Josh Portillo  Ali Sabet  Most Likely to Work for Google  Claudia Poptile   Amees Hussain  Amees Hussain  Best Dancer  Marilyn Theccanat  Steven Vu  Alby Joseph  Most Adventurous  Trish Heramis  Jaynish Patel  Most Likely to Become President  Nicole Lach  Antwon Cobbins  Evan Weiss  Most Artistic  Samantha Lawando  Cody Autry  Anthony Odicho  Most Athletic  Caya Apostolou  Danny Tenezaca  Raul Vargas  Most Contagious Laugh  Elyza Pagan  Stalin Raju  Two Peas in a Pod  Ali Sabet  Most Likely to be Late to His/Her Own Wedding  Wasma Hussain  Most Likely to Come Back and Teach at Maine  Erica Lindquist  East  Most Likely to Become a CEO  Nicole Lach  Most Likely to Star in their Own Reality Show  Hailey Hawkins  Most Likely to Quietly Take Over the World  Trisha Bonton  Best Hair  Yumnah Khan  Worst Case of Senioritis  Yumnah Khan  Most School Spirit  Annalise Lasky  Most Likely to Get the Teacher Off Topic  Jenny Iype  Most Likely to Join the Peace Corps  Abigail Flood    10 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

SENIOR POLL: Where are you going to be next year? Dikshi Modi College: Loyola University Sagar Patel Major: Marketing and College: College Public Relations of the Holy Cross I am looking forward to Major: History spending time with my and Pre-Med family and friends. When I’m also excited about this August comes around, I coming July, as I’ll be vol- will be attending Loyola unteering and conducting University in Chicago. research at Yellowstone National Park. Around August, I’ll be As of now, my declared attending College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachu- major is Marketing and setts, where I plan on majoring in History and taking part in Public Relations. a pre-med program. I’m really excited for my next four years and look forward to making new friends, taking interesting classes, and having amazing experiences. Amina Murati Richa Shah College: Northeastern College: Northwestern University University Major: English Majors: Psychology and I plan on majoring in Eng- Neurology lish for now. My dream is to My current plans are to write books for people with attend Northwestern disabilities one day. I hope University in Evanston, with my writing that I can Illinois. make the lives of people I plan to pursue a psychol- a little bit better. When I ogy and neurology double am not in school, I enjoying major with a minor in flying to Kosovo to see my Spanish on the pre-med family and spend as much track. Hopefully, this solid time with them as I can.” foundation will help me enter medical school with confidence. Ultimately, I am most excited to branch out and meet new people as well as make my own decisions as an independent adult. Sahaj Patel College: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Major: Architecture I will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in architecture for the next 4-6 years. I’ve been waiting to leave for college since sophomore year; to meet new people, make new experiences, learn more about architecture, and travel to study abroad to learn more about what the world has to offer. There is just so much out there for us to learn, and I want to take advantage of the opportunities I have. May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 11

12 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

~ SAYING GOODBYE TO MAINE EAST ~ Retirees in their own words DAVID CLIFFORD JOSEPHINE AL-NAEMY Maine East has been a big Seventeen years ago I came to part of my life, and I am Maine East for an interview with grateful for the many great Mr. Harrison and with Mr. Barker. experiences I have had and Even though I was very nervous I many great people I have met was hired and I was really happy over the past 30+ years as a because Maine East High School Blue Demon. My role is now is the perfect place to work. I changing, but I look forward have so many memories working to the new challenges I face: at Maine East and I will always grilling, hanging out with have a very special place in my family and friends, training a heart for all my co-workers. new puppy, and NOT attending Margie Fantuccio was the first staff person who made me teacher meetings. Thank you all for great memories of teaching feel welcome and was there for me, as well as all the safety and coaching. Next year I hope to make more new memories as monitors – we all created a very special bond. I would like to the official grill-master for the maine East Math Department! acknowledge the Special Education department, I call them the unsung heroes of Maine East; the love and care when they SUSAN HAMILTON work with the students melts all of our hearts. I will also miss I feel truly lucky to have landed at Maine East High School. I the amazing teachers who with all the changes and class knew from a very earl age that I wanted to teach and of course sizes do amazing jobs. Thank you for sixteen amazing years. I by the time I reached high school, I realized that was where I will keep in touch. wanted to teach. When I was looking for what to study in a masters program, I took a job as a teacher’s assistant in a mid- EMILIANO HERNANDEZ dle school, learning all about the disabilities program. I came I have been a part of the Maine East Community since my home with a bad headache every day, wondering what I had freshman year in 1975. During this time, I have been proud of gotten myself into. Suddenly, a light bulb went on: I thought, the achievements I earned as a Blue Demon student, teacher “If I could get this student a word bank, and that student had and coach; especially the great successes I share with the a graphic organizer, sentence stems…” I decided then to learn wrestling, gymnastics, and softball programs. It will not be how to best support my students to help them be successful in easy to say goodbye, but I wish my students, my friends, and school. They were so discouraged trying to do well in a school my teams great success and happiness in the future. I will system that is set up for them and advocate for them, to help be cheering you on in spirit, if not in person. Thanks for many them learn and be successful since learning is our goal. And great memories! sure enough, this is the path that led me here to Maine East. I worked at Lutheran General Hospital for ten years when my kids JACQUELYN PAULY were little. I would walk or ride my bike past Maine East and I I am going to miss all of my students and the great staff here would think, “What a beautiful building – I’d love to work there!” at Maine East. My career here Dreams can come true, since I am still not able to think of a has been very rewarding – both better place. The students are wonderful, the staff is so inter- personally and professionally. esting and dynamic. We are a bunch of great teachers working My plans are uncertain at this with a bunch of great kids. I have learned so much, shed many point but I know I will need tears at graduations while bursting with pride. Maine East is a to keep busy outside of the very exciting place to work, never a dull moment. home! I would like to continue working with teenagers – you ERASMO GARCIA guys are very special people! I I first came to Maine East as a senior in high school. Since know that I will spend more then I have spent 37 years at Maine East. Needless to say, I time reading and exercising. am so very grateful, and that I have enjoyed the people here at My family has a lake house East very much. Everyone at Maine East is awesome! in Indiana and I plan on seeing more beautiful sunsets in the future. May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 13

Chicago elects black, female, gay mayor By Dalal Hassane and Laquan McDonald, protesters recommendation that the officer cally marginalized communities Rianca Argenal began to call for Chicago mayor, should be fired. And I made heard, and will represent them Rahm Emanuel’s removal from a referral and pushed the U.S. with much capability to improve On April 2, 2019, Lori office. Subsequently, Emanuel attorney’s office to bring civil them and promote equality. Lightfoot was elected mayor called upon Lightfoot to chair rights charges against the officer. of Chicago, becoming the first the police oversight committee, … There was no provocation for The election of Lori Light- black female and first openly gay a panel that produced a report, the use of deadly force.” foot proved that the people of leader of the city. Chicago will accusing the Chicago Police Chicago want to see reform. We now be the largest municipality Department of systematic racism Lightfoot has continuously have elected an individual who in United States history to have and losing the trust of residents advocated for the civil rights deeply cares about not only our an openly LGBTQ leader and to by failing to foster a sense of of minorities and underprivi- society, but our world. Light- be led by a woman of color. safety. leged people, an attribute that is foot is an individual who does extinct in many political leaders. not hesitate and wait around Lightfoot was considered In December of 2015, as She will prove to play a vital role for change; she is the one who an underdog at the beginning of a result of these occurrences, in making the voices of histori- brings the change. the Chicago mayoral campaign. Lightfoot led one of Emanuel’s Since she never held elective first major efforts; the Police office, a majority of people were Accountability Task Force. This skeptical about her decision to elevated Lightfoot’s role in lead- run. Lightfoot held outsider ing advocacy movements aiming status and competed against to put an end to police brutality many prominent names in the and lack of accountability in Chicago political scene. Howev- police officers. er, she rose to the top and gained much support from Chicagoans Another situation in which throughout the election process. Lightfoot has shown an im- mense amount of engagement Once she is inducted into and advocacy was on March office in May, Lightfoot has 23rd in the 95th Street Red Line many plans to target the most CTA station, when Officer Alvin prevalent issues in Chicago. Her Weems fatally shot unarmed major plans include: countering Michael Pleasance in the head. political corruption, investing in neighborhoods and their Lightfoot passionately schools, decreasing the number recalls the situation, “There was of homicides in the city, expand- a shooting that happened at 95th ing affordable housing, support- and the Dan Ryan that I thought ing small businesses, supporting was cold-blooded murder and LGBTQ+ citizens, defending im- I called it that, and made a migrants, and making marijuana legal. She will also need to find a way to attack the city’s fiscal problems, as a pension crisis is on the horizon. Chicago has been plagued with political corruption for many years, which has made citizens feel cynicism towards the government. Her plan to enforce mayoral term limits, pre- vent city employees and elected officials from gaining money off of public service, holding budget town halls, among many other guidelines, instilled hope that Lightfoot would be able to break Chicago’s cycle of corruption. In 2014, when Jason Van Dyke, a Chicago police offi- cer, fatally shot black teenager, 14 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

ScBiLeAnCtKisHtOLcErAeRaTtIeCLsE algorithm to capture pic of a black hole By Dalal Hassane, Carmen discovery and clarified that an backlash Bouman faced, she re- in research since high school Oreha and Rianca Argenal entire team was needed to help mained humble and respectful. and put in the intense work to develop this finding. This remarkable discovery is complete her goal, will prove The field of astronomy not the only thing that will go to be an inspiration to many was drastically altered by an Bouman also began to down in history. The fact that a others for years to come. extraordinary discovery that face misogynistic backlash by female scientist, who persisted shocked billions around the trolls throughout social media. May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 15 world. On Wednesday, April Many times in history, women 10, Katie Bouman, a member have often been overlooked or of the Event Horizon Tele- looked down upon for their scope team, helped develop the scientific achievements. With algorithm that captured the this breakthrough, right-wing first-ever black hole picture. trolls seemed to feel threatened This miraculous discovery and spread memes on Twitter changed the course of astrono- and Reddit comparing Bou- my. Of course, this finding did man with her white, male col- not come easy, both in terms of league, Andrew Chael. These science and the lack of female images claimed that Chael was representation in the STEM responsible for doing all the field. work in the algorithm, which he disputed in a Twitter thread. As defined by NASA, a black hole is “an extremely “While I appreciate the dense object from which no congratulations on a result light can escape.” So, the pic- that I worked hard on for ture isn’t actually of the black years, if you are congratulating hole itself; it’s an image of a me because you have a sexist swirl of gas, dust, stars, and vendetta against Katie, please light, circling the black hole, go away and reconsider your until it’s sucked in it, never to priorities in life,” he tweeted. be seen again. In addition, Chael is an openly gay scientist, a part of yet This advancement in another underrepresented astrophysics was made pos- community in the field. sible with the use of telescopes around the world, including From the hard work and Hawaii,Mexico, Arizona, Spain, intense hours put into this Chile, and Antarctica. It took finding to the misogynistic over 200 researchers, who were divided up into teams to gather data and generate images from that data. Data was collected on a half ton of flash drives and they were flown out to a Har- vard lab, where all the images were combined. After the black hole image was released to the public, another image circulated--a picture of a young female sci- entist in joyous disbelief, with the black hole image in front of her on her computer. In a matter of hours, this woman, Katie Bouman, became the face of the black hole project and female representation in the STEM field. Bouman was quick to point out that she wasn’t fully responsible for the

Area art students display their work at CSL Show By Aviva Hurwitz The CSL Art Show took place at the Art Center in Highland Park from April 11 to April 20. In the show, students from schools all over the area showcased their art. Schools that attended in- cluded Maine South, Niles North, Glenbrook South, and Maine East. Entering, we were met by a large room with wood floors, white walls, and the smell of paper mixed with paint. The walls were lined with artwork. The space also held a few small tables loaded with clay structures and several benches. There is another room to the left with the same design, in which, two cellists were playing. One piece that stood out amidst the artwork was a stop sign with postage stamps covering it. Another was a digitally created piece based off the book Fahren- heit 451, by Ray Bradbury. A third, a painting, depicted a camera spewing color. There were also photos of sunsets, and one of a car bumper. Overall, the show and the artwork were impressive. Maine East was represented by several students. There was one piece from a Maine East student up in the lobby of the space, and more in the the building. 16 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

Students participate in leadership camp, awards By Ayse Unhu Rotary Youth Leadership amazing speakers at the camp who to establish a change. A prime really awesome people, which is Awards (RYLA), is an educational had demonstrated it. It inspired example? Joshua's Heart Founda- something I’ve never experienced. three day camp with goals such as me to be a better leader and a bet- tion. A 5-year old boy named Also the speeches were very em- learning and incorporating new ter person. Joshua gave his birthday money powering and it made me realize concepts of leadership and giving ($20) to a homeless person; he that I did have potential to be a students opportunities to express Freshman Katelyn Gau de- then talked his parents into start- leader.” their ideas. Participants explore scribed RYLA as “a life-changing ing a foundation that helps those their own style and strengths as experience surrounded by a in need. Today that foundation Darci Retherford, a junior well as interact with adult role breathtaking environment. High distributes 2.2 million pounds of concurred: “RYLA was super fun! models who are active in their school students from all around food through twenty-five thousand It was amazing to meet so many professions and community. Guest the world, including Brazil, Tai- volunteers globally. incredible people. It really showed speakers present at the March 2019 wan, and France, come together to me how to be a better person to session included Rick Metzger, improve their leadership skills.” Junior Anna Webber said my peers. We learned so many Chris Norton, Tom Carroll, and “going to RYLA allowed me to step valuable lessons and had such a Joshua Williams. Sean Nelson is Gau learned that each day out of my comfort zone and meet fun time! the Volunteer RYLA Conference should begin with a positive mind- Chairman. He has been a member set in order to push motivation, of Rotary International for 22 and that it merely takes one person years. Since RYLA has first started, it has nearly doubled in participa- tion. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards taught me so much over the course of three days. Dur- ing the guest speaker sessions, I learned many important key factors to make me into the leader I was longing to be. I learned what type of personality I had, what type of people I worked best with, and my strengths and weaknesses. “RYLA was an amazing experience,” agreed freshman Kelly Tsogtjargal. “I've heard things like “take risks\" and \"do good\" my en- tire life, but RYLA actually showed the importance of leadership abilities like this because of the May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 17

Students can reduce their high school stresses by using the Community Resource Guide By Juan Escobedo just “sad.” Here at Maine East, munity Resource Book, located (847)-249-4450. In an extreme High school can be a tough our counselors are always here at the Student Based Health emergency where self harm time for a lot of people, and whenever you need a serious Center and on the Maine East may be committed, call the 24- it's even harder when you keep talk. website, can make contacting Hour Crisis hotline at (888)- your emotions to yourself. the right people easier. 802-8890. Just remember, Sometimes school and social At times, you may believe you’re not in this alone. Com- life can make you more than you’re the only one struggling For example, if you or a munity Resource Guide PDF: and you may be too afraid to friend is a victim of domestic bit.ly/mehsstudentresources look for help. But our Com- abuse, call “A Safe Place” at SUMMER READING 2019 This summer’s reading list focuses on the teen-nominated Abe Lincoln List. It is our desire that students read this summer, and join a local public library reading club. For the Abe Lincoln list, books were chosen by a panel of teach- ers, librarians and students to determine the final list of 20 titles. You can find these books any local public library or use our e-book/audiobook service OverDrive. The purpose of Maine East Summer Reading is to get students to read this summer and learn to love it! Visit the LRC website or use the QR codes below. Use Snapchat or a QR scanner to scan this code for the Maine East Summer Reading website, for reviews and detailed information about all the recommended books SENIOR ISSUE STAFF Read this issue IN COLOR on your mobile device: Dalal Hassane Rianca Argenal Aviva Hurwitz The Pioneer Ayse Unlu Carmen Areja Maine East High School Juan Escobedo Park Ridge, Illinois The Pioneer reports on news, entertainment, and sports events for Maine East High School and the surrounding community. The Pioneer is distributed in school to students and staff; digital May 17, 2019 copies of each issue are available at The Pioneer website: bit.ly/ThePioneer bit.ly/ThePioneer Readers can send story suggestions, photos, letters to the editor, or comments to sponsor Matt Mill- @mehspioneer er or assistant sponsor Dave Hessert via email: [email protected]; [email protected] 18 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

M.E. SPORTS GIRLS SOCCER (11–7–4 overall, 0–5–1 in Conference) HEAD COACH: Byron DeLeon TOP ATHLETES SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Cristina Anguiano (Sr) ME/MW Cup 1-1, Waukegan Invite. 3-1 record. Suzan Georges (Sr) COACH’S QUOTE: Tina Wardanejad (Sr) “Love for the game, respect for each other, and commitment to achieve our team Angelina Tamez (Jr) goals from the girls has delivered our best overall season in 2019. ” Michelle Piro (Fr) May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 19

M.E. SPORTS BOYS VOLLEYBALL (13-16 overall, 2-6 in Conference) HEAD COACH: Jon Kulesza TOP ATHLETES SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Nick Maczuga is a senior mid- We won the Maine East Invite at the beginning of the season by beating a highly ranked dle hitter who leads team in Niles West team. In addition, we took 3rd place at the York Invitational by knocking off kill % and blocks. Brandon Niles North. We host State Regional playoffs on May 20th through the 22nd. We are Brucal is a senior defensive the 12th seed out of 29 teams and are excited to host the regional tourney with hopes specialist who leads team in of playing for the regional title on May 22nd. digs and aces. David Bobila is a junior setter who has had COACH’S QUOTE: a solid season running our of- “We have experienced some amazing moments and some trying times. However, fense and is the team leader the guys have turned the tide and are playing at a high level as we move into re- in assists. gional play. Much thanks goes to the seniors and best of luck to them as they move on to a new chapter in their lives!” 20 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

BOYS WATER POLO (14–4 overall; 3–2 Conference) HEAD COACH: Peter Przekota TOP ATHLETES SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: COACH’S QUOTE: Marcin Nieradka (Sr) Finishing 2nd in Maine East Invite “I want to thank all of our seniors for their commitment and finishing 3rd in Conference. to our program. They have done a great job paving the Noah Kim (Sr) Dylan Kraft (Sr) way for our underclassmen.” Yaman Obaid (Sr) BADMINTON (2-10; 0-4 Conference) HEAD COACH: Dave Howley TOP PLAYERS SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Aisha Patel Divya Patel came within Divya Patel winning one match of earn- ing a trip to the state meet. COACH’S QUOTE: “The 2019 Badminton Team was a plea- sure to work with. They all worked hard at both learning the skills of the game as well as how to coach their teammates to improve.”

BOYS TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH: Chris Peters TOP ATHLETES SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: COACH’S QUOTE: Tuwayne Gunn - Jr 3:23.17 4x400 meter relay win at “It has been an exciting season for the boys track & field the Prospect Wanner Knight Invite team. The 4x400 meter relay team ranks in the top 4 in Josue Parra - Jr Tuwayne Gunn’s 49.87 400 meter the state. Juniors Tuwayne Gunn, Oneil Isaac, Josue Parra, Oneil Isaac - Jr win at the Prospect Wanner Knight and Schneider Chery have really come into their own and Schneider Chery - Jr Invite are competing at a high level. It has been fun to watch Hector Lopez - Sr them grow and compete this year.” 22 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018

GIRLS WATER POLO (18-9 overall; 4-1 Conference) HEAD COACH: Natalia Bialecka TOP PLAYERS SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Chrisavgi Kotsifas (Sr) Defeating Maine West in Sectional Quarter finals (13-8) to advance to Semi-finals for Sophia Learnahan (Sr) the first time since 2014. Jordan Oslowski (Jr) Girls went into overtime against Evanston #2 seed, losing 16-13; going in as the #6 seed, no one expected the game to be so close. Having the second best overall win-loss record since 2014. Placing 3rd overall in the Jones College Prep Tournament (lost to Loyola 11-10 in a shootout). COACH’S QUOTE: “This season there was so much growth overall for all of the varsity athletes. A lot of girls stepped up when needed during challenging games. Chrisavgi Kotsifas scored 11 goals against Maine West in the sectional quarter- final game, putting her 3rd for most goals in a game in the state and 2nd in school history. ” May 18, 2018 | THE PIONEER | 23

2018-19 ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES fall season all-conference (Listed by sport) Boys Soccer: Ramy Atia, Josue Parra; Football: Matt Miceli; Girls Volleyball: Chri- savgi Kotsifas; Boys Cross Country: Erik Osorio-Cruz winter season all-conference (Listed by sport) Girls Basketball: Caya Apostoulou; Boys Basketball: Ali Sabet; Girls Gymnastics: Afroditi Baltsas, Giselle Mendoza; Wrestling: Angel Villegas; Cheerleading: Joey Dadivas, Jessica Alba 24 | THE PIONEER | May 18, 2018