The Pioneer 10.21.2019

ioneerThe October 21, 2019 Maine East High School Park Ridge, Illinois @mehspioneer Trailblazing Maine East sophomore Dalal Hassane (right) interviews former Secretary of State and Presidential Nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton to announce the Park Ridge Historical Society’s “Trailblazing Women of Park Ridge” exhibit . See page 2 for more coverage.

Meeting and interviewing Hillary Rodham Clinton By Dalal Hassane “We went, we looked at it [the be our age. We were trying to unfortunate reality that Russia On Friday, October 11, I riots], we looked at each other, figure out what was happening could very well interfere with had the privilege of interview- and then we said ‘we have to in our country. It was a part of our next election was present ing former U.S. Secretary of leave’ because we didn’t know history we wanted to look at in many people. However, State and 2016 Democratic what was going to happen and try to understand,” stated Clinton did a great job of Presidential Nominee, Hillary next. We had to come to either Clinton. pushing for reform in Amer- Rodham Clinton, when she get hit by a rock, beaten up, or ican politics and overcoming returned to The Pickwick thrown in jail, so we decided At one point Geier asked manipulation from outside Theater for the preview of the to come home.” Secretary Clinton about what influences. Park Ridge Historical Society’s surprised her the most in upcoming exhibit, the “Trail- Clinton then discussed her 2016 candidacy. Clinton Clinton closed the inter- blazing Women of Park Ridge.” how difficult the period was stimulated much laughter and view session with advice for The event included the for many young adults like her. shock by her response. “Well, the mostly student audience. first showing of a documenta- besides Russians…” Clinton “Value your friends. Stay in ry about Clinton’s experience The same year of the DNC grinned as the audience filled touch with them when you growing up in Park Ridge. riots, both Robert F. Kennedy with middle schoolers and go off to do whatever you do “Dare to Dream” was put to- and Dr. Martin Luther King high schoolers erupted with after graduation. Because they gether by the historical society, were assassinated. A few years laughter. knew you when. You need a former District 207 students, prior, John F. Kennedy was friend like Betsy, who kept us and childhood friends of Clin- assassinated. This was a moment in all together.” ton. The event also included a which the room felt an over- tribute to Clinton’s childhood “It was a very confusing whelming vibe of unity. The best friend, Betsy Ebling, who and quite frightening time to passed away this summer. Following the documen- tary, Maine South senior Charlotte Geier and I joined Secretary Clinton for an inter- view session onstage, in which Geier and I took turns asking her questions about growing up in Park Ridge and issues facing our nation. Clinton reminisced about her father’s stern yet impactful parenting, the influence of her faith on her involvement in politics, and her experience babysitting the children of local migrant workers. More specifically, I asked Secretary Cinton about her leaving an engagement shower with her childhood best friend, Betsy, in 1968 to go to the Democratic National Convention riots and help in any way, shape, or form. “The idea that there were riots happening in Grant Park was unthinkable,” Clinton stated after expressing her love and pride for the city of Chicago. “We didn’t stay very long. It was out of control and it was so incredibly unusual; we had never seen anything like that,” Clinton continued. 2 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

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Withdrawal decision puts allies in harm’s way By Dalal Hassane Tensions have spiraled Turkey’s assault and away from government, who now have tive series of events was ulti- since the Trump adminis- guarding thousands of ISIS direct authority over the Kurds, mately commenced by the U.S. tration made the disgraceful fighters. the hope for a Kurdish nation government. Had it not been decision to pull U.S. troops out has once again began to dete- for this deceptive decision, the of northern Syria and betray An estimated 10,000 riorate. The new agreement Turkish military wouldn’t have our Kurdish allies, resulting ISIS prisoners are in camps displays the desperation of the began the calamitous attacks in heinous attacks by Turkish across northeastern Syria, Kurds, faced with the decision on Rojava. Today, President forces on innocent civilians in and approximately 1,000 have of death or submission to Syri- Trump not only has money in the region. successfully escaped from the an authority. his hands, he has the blood of camps amid the Turkish inva- innocent Kurds on his hands. The Kurds, who have been sions. These numbers continue This chaotic and destruc- in an ongoing conflict with to escalate as ongoing attacks the Turkish government for by Turkish forces threaten centuries, were allied with the Kurdish troops and fighters. U.S. to fight ISIS in northern Syria. At least they were until The Syrian Democratic early October, when Trump Forces announced that “an decided to leave the Kurds and agreement has been reached allow Turkish forces to attack with the Syrian government — the region of northern Syria, whose duty it is to protect the otherwise known as Rojava. country’s borders and preserve Syrian sovereignty — for the “You have given up on us,” Syrian Army to enter and said General Mazloum Kobani deploy along the Syrian-Turk- Abdi, commander of the ish border to help the SDF stop Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic this aggression [by Turkey].” Forces. “You are leaving us to be slaughtered.” The agreement with the Russian and Iranian-backed The choice has sparked Syrian government, although outrage in the U.S. as well. seemingly a deal beneficial Hundreds of Chicagoans from to the Kurds, has stripped all backgrounds gathered on away any hope of an indepen- the Magnificent Mile to push dent nation for the people of for action to help the Kurds Kurdistan. This Kurdish state and encourage action against has slowly been developing a the Trump Administration. great deal of independence as a They chanted, “Long live prospective nation in the past Kurdistan!” One passionate few years. However, since they protester remarked, “I am sick struck a deal with the Syrian and tired of tourists walking by and ignoring what’s happening to these innocent people.” The US government sold the Kurds for its own economic and political benefit with no regard for the dreadful impact on innocent lives in Rojava. Children are being slaughtered, ethnic cleansing is a reality, and the Kurds have lost a vital ally. America’s betrayal of the Kurds is aiding Turkey in potentially bringing ISIS’s influence back to the region. As a result of Turkey’s new attacks on Rojava, Kurdish forces are directing their atten- tion towards fighting against 4 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

House begins impeachment inquiry By Dalal Hassane Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (above) discusses the impeachment inquiry related to President Trump’s It was recently revealed that communication with Ukrain President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (below). over the past year, the Trump administration repeatedly mines the integrity is nearing, and it’s time for a and ideas are similar to those pushed for Ukranian president of our elections, the profound change in American of Trump’s, and that makes us Volodymyr Zelenskiy to inves- dignity of the office government and society. In question whether or not signif- tigate former US vice president he holds and our January, Trump will have been icant change will be brought to Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. national security.\" in office for three years, which the United States. Back in 2014, under the means that impeachment will Obama administration, Joe And thus began only be effective for a year until As Trump is being brought Biden traveled to Kiev, Ukraine the massive push for a new president is elected. We closer to the idea of impeach- to urge the Ukranian govern- Donald Trump’s im- should also keep in mind that ment, it makes us wonder ment to “reduce its depen- peachment. Nancy the next steps for impeachment which candidate to vote for in dence on Russia for supplies Pelosi immediately will include much tedious and the 2020 presidential election of natural gas.” In April of that launched an im- thorough investigation, and it in order to prevent disastrous year, Hunter Biden joined the peachment inquiry may be a while before we see occurrences like the many that Ukranian energy company, Bu- against Trump and Trump put out of office. we’ve seen under the Trump risma Holdings, on the board of according to a Wash- administration. It is time for a directors. However, Burisma’s ington Post analysis, If Trump were to be new and improved America; owner, Mykola Zlochevsky, was a total of 196 Dem- impeached, Mike Pence would one without excessive tweeting being investigated for allega- ocrats support impeachment. be his successor. His policies and questionable scandals. tions of money laundering, “No one is above the law,” states tax evasion, and corruption. Nancy Pelosi. Numerous governments, including the Obama admin- We have yet to see what istration, expressed worry that will ensue as a result of the the prosecutor general on the impeachment inquiry and the case, Viktor Shokin, was “not phone call release. This is the adequately pursuing corruption closest Congress has come to in Ukraine.” putting Trump out of office, and In 2016, Joe Biden issued with the great deal of support an ultimatum to the Ukranian for the Democrats in this case, government that $1 billion in there may be great hope for loan guarantees for military seeing Trump impeached. The aid would be withheld until real question is, however, will the removal of Shokin. This impeachment result in a signifi- sparked controversy that Biden cant change in America? issued this ultimatum to protect his son. The 2020 election date On the morning of Septem- ber 25, the transcript of a call between Trump and Ukranian president Zelenskiy, which oc- curred on July 25, was released by the White House. The transcript included Trump urging Zelenskiy to further investigate Joe and Hunter Biden. In the transcript, Trump described Robert Muel- ler’s investigation of the 2016 election as “an incompetent performance.” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi stated that the call “confirms that the President engaged in behavior that under- October 21, 2019 | THE PIONEER | 5

GretaThunberg: moral courage defies her youth By Dalal Hassane Swedish 12-year-old Greta Thunberg made world headlines when she spoke at the At sixteen, one has many United Nations Climate Action Summit in September. things to be occupied with: get- ting a driver’s license, extracur- ful message she shared at the looking forward to a bright and “You are failing us. But riculars, and maintaining solid summit. However, she has also wonderful future.” young people are starting to grades. Greta Thunberg has received much backlash and understand your betrayal. The bigger plans. insults from many individuals, Thunberg has endured eyes of all future generations The sixteen year old Swed- one example of this being Don- many other hateful, misogynis- are upon you. And if you ish activist started a movement ald Trump. tic, and ableist insults. Conser- choose to fail us, I say: we will that is changing the course of vative commentator Michael never forgive you. We will not this generation. In August of “She seems like a very Knowles called the young let you get away with this. Right 2018, Thunberg took time off happy young girl looking for- activist a “mentally ill Swedish here, right now, is where we school to focus on protesting ward to a bright and wonderful child” on Fox news. Thunberg draw the line.” and demonstrating outside the future. So nice to see!” Trump has a childhood diagnosis of Swedish Parliament in response tweeted in a repost of Thun- Asperger's Syndrome. However, As a result of Thunberg’s to inaction on climate change. berg’s speech, clearly mock- instead of seeing her autism as movement, 150 countries This small school strike quickly ing her on a public platform. a weakness, she has described participated in a global climate grew to spread all over the However, the passionate activist the diagnosis as a “superpow- strike on Friday, September 20. world. responded in a quiet yet power- er.” Despite these bigoted It has been described as one of Her new movement not ful manner. comments that Thunberg has the largest environmental pro- only demands action on climate endured, she continues to fight tests in history. The movement, change, but encourages more After the teen was mocked the stigma around her disability called Fridays For the Future, youth like Greta to take action by the president of the United and embraces it with pride. now calls for teens to strike and fulfill the duties that adults States, she changed her Twitter every Friday and take action are neglecting to prioritize. bio to “A very happy young girl “I have Asperger’s and against this immense injustice. In her speech to world that means I’m sometimes a leaders at the United Nations bit different from the norm. While we are sitting here, Climate Action Summit on And — given the right circum- immune to the issues that are Monday, September 23, Thun- stances — being different is a putting the world at stake, this berg said, “You all come to us superpower.” sixteen-year-old girl is out there young people for hope. How changing it. She is altering the dare you? You have stolen my Greta Thunberg has con- course of our global politics dreams and my childhood with tinued to spread the powerful for the better. If this seemingly your empty words, and yet I'm messages of taking action, ordinary and underestimated one of the lucky ones. People defeating negligence, and Swedish teenager was able to are suffering. People are dying. embracing one’s differences. begin an extraordinary world- Entire ecosystems are collaps- She conveys the message that wide movement. We can all ing.” this generation will be the one learn that we have the potential The teen has received a to take action against climate to do anything we desire — great deal of support from change and put a stop to the including combating climate activists, politicians, and the deadly inaction by current change. general public after the power- world leaders. 6 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

Rotary Interact Club makes a worldly difference By Carmen Oraha that many interactors enjoy kids in the Chicagoland area. order to retrieve water is very and Dalal Hassane is the Rotary Youth Leader- Rotary members take a trip to grueling and life-threatening, We live in a world in ship Awards Conference in Target early in the morning and not enough change is which human rights, or lack East Troy, Wisconsin. This is and engage in purchasing toys happening. All human beings thereof, make it immense- the event in which Rotarians to donate to WGN. deserve sustainable access to ly difficult to find hope for stay at the Edwards Camp clean and healthy water 24/7, change and a prosperous and Conference Center for This teaches Rotarians and nothing should change future. Some of us know how a weekend of engaging in teamwork skills, money that. This is why Maine East to sympathize; however, only a team-building activities, management, and reiterates Rotary Interact is hoping to minuscule portion of us knows building leadership skills, and the idea of “service above make a positive impact on the how to empathize. Maine listening to various speakers self.” Last year, we were able lives of many Haitians through East’s Rotary Interact Club is a share their experiences in to purchase and deliver over adopting a well in the nation part of that small portion. leadership and persistence. $10,000 worth of toys, and we by the summer of 2020. Founded on February 23, are hoping that this year’s toy 1905 in the Unity Building in Participants make mem- drive will be an even greater We must keep in mind Chicago, Rotary International ories that last a lifetime and success. that not everyone is able to en- has made a profound impact build skills that build success. joy the same privileges we do. on the lives of many individu- This year there will be three Other amazing opportuni- This is something that many als living in different regions of RYLA sessions; one in Novem- ties that come from Rotary are fail to recognize, and it is the world. The Rotary Interact ber, March, and April. scholarships, college recom- contributing to much chaos in Club at Maine East happens to mendations, and the chance to the world. We have the power be one of the chapters making Another Rotary highlight engage in community service to make a profound impact on that impact. of each school year is the and earn hours. the community and the world. The Rotary Interact Club WGN toy drive in December. With Rotary Interact, the pushes for members to put Rotary members participate in This year, Rotary Inter- possibilities are endless, and “service above self.” In times candy sales and the proceeds act is hoping to raise enough we are able to bring positive like these, this is a very im- go towards purchasing toys funds to partner with Haiti change throughout the world portant lesson, as many of us and delivering them to WGN Outreach and build a well in as a Maine East community. take our privileges for granted, to distribute to less fortunate Haiti. The process that some rather than using them to Haitians must endure in promote positive change and welfare in the world. Hav- ing the ability to be mindful of others and knowing how to empathize is a powerful lesson that one will learn when joining the Maine East Rotary Interact club. The Rotary club engag- es in a myriad of different activities. One notable event October 21, 2019 | THE PIONEER | 7

Fall choir and orchestra concert 8 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

UPCOMING HALLOWEEN EVENTS National Honor Society is sponsoring Haunted Hallways and Mad Maine East High School Science on October 25, 5-7PM at Maine East in the Science Park Ridge, Illinois Wing. It’s a Halloween party for our neighbors, preschoolers, and October 21, 2019 grade school students. The Mad Science Lab will blow your mind! Demon Strings will move you with their Monstrous Music. Take @mehspioneer the Trick or Treat Trail to take away science experiments and some bit.ly/ThePioneer magic tricks! Play games! Make Crafts! Have your face painted or your photo taken! Wear your costume if you dare! EDITORS Free Admission - donations covering costs are welcome. Dalal Hassane MAINE EAST BLOOD DRIVE Carmen Oraha The Pioneer reports on news, enter- WHEN: Friday, October 25 tainment, and sports events for Maine WHERE: CD Gym at Maine East East High School and the surrounding WHY: Because donating blood once can SAVE THREE LIVES! community. The Pioneer is distributed in school to students and staff; digital copies of each issue are available at The Pioneer website: bit.ly/ThePioneer Readers can send story suggestions, photos, letters to the editor, or com- ments to sponsor Matt Miller or assis- tant sponsor Dave Hessert via email: [email protected] [email protected] Scan this code with your Snapchat app to read this issue digitally in COLOR : October 21, 2019 | THE PIONEER | 9

M.East rolls out red carpet for Homecoming By Carmen Oraha the Maine East Cheerleading the Maine East Blue Regiment Homecoming week Homecoming 2019 was Squad, Poms, and Orchesis with songs from popular Pixar wouldn’t be possible without one of the most memorable team were greatly enjoyed by movies, along with our amaz- the many clubs, organizations, experiences of high school. the students and faculty. Later ing Poms dance squad. and teams that pitched in From spirit week to the actual that night was the Homecom- to help design and decorate dance, students cherished ing Football game against Elk Homecoming week came the hallways. They sacrificed every moment and picture. The Grove. Even though statements to an end with the Home- their time for our photos and spirit days included Pj Day, like “We would make history” coming Dance. From 7-10 pm amusement and the least we Fancy Day, Wacky Wednes- were not fulfilled, students and students danced their hearts can do is thank them. We can day, School Colors, and finally faculty still enjoyed the game out on the dance floor and took all agree that this homecoming Neon Day, which was later and halftime performances by pictures with hand made deco- week was unforgettable. changed to Color Wars. During rations and backdrops. the Firelight Rally and the Homecoming Football game, students and faculty watched performances from the Maine East Blue Regiment Marching Band, Orchesis, Poms, and the Maine East Cheerleading Squad. Students also enjoyed the Homecoming Dance, which took place on Saturday, September 21st. With the variety of music, dancing, and pictures, it was definitely a night to remember. Essential to the Homecom- ing experience is Spirit Week. From extravagant outfits worn on Fancy Day and ridiculous yet humorous attire worn on Wacky Wednesday, Maine East students did not disappoint in their participation in the iconic spirit week. Thursday night was Maine East’s annual Firelight Rally, with the Powderpuff game and the lighting of the big “ME.” The halftime show included performances by the Maine East Blue Regiment Marching Band with the theme song to “The Incredibles,” a dance from our Orchesis and Poms teams, and the Cheerleading Squad. The night ended with a victory for the Senior Girls. Our last day of Spirit Week was the day of the Home- coming assembly with the announcement of our Home- coming King and Queen and the singing of our National Anthem, beautifully performed by senior Juhee Dave. In addition, performances from 10 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

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2019 Blue Regiment works hard to entertain By Carmen Oraha the “M,” playing and mov- Most people see Fri- ing to Maine Pep, forming day night football games as the “East,” then closing it opportunities to hang out off with the National An- with friends and watch our them, the band moves to the football team compete with bleachers and plays stand rivals, but for the band, Fri- tunes until the end of the days are a long day instead of second quarter and then a night. opens the stage for halftime. From 4:15-9:45 pm, the Maine East Blue Regiment The Maine East Blue is outside working on drills, Regiment, they have a spe- fundamentals, playing, and cial place in this school and technique. With this year's consider one another a part theme being Pixar, you of a genuine and loving fam- can expect music from The ily. Without them, pregame/ Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, halftime shows and assem- Cars, Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, blies would not be as “hype”. and Monsters, INC. The Blue Regiment works incredibly hard to perfect halftime shows and pregame performances. With the help of new band director Mr. Andrew Beck- with, the Blue Regiment can confidently execute halftime shows and pregame perfor- mances. A typical day of practice before a game starts with a 4:15 call time outside. Band members come out with their instruments, drills/ charts, and chalk, ready to start memorizing marching patterns and locations on the field. At this time of year, the weather in mid-afternoons can be unbearably hot and humid. Marchers then go inside around 5:45 to start getting dressed in uniform and march to the stadium via center court. Our drumline has to march from the bus shelter, to the stadium, and back to center court before marching back to the sta- dium while carrying heavy drums and other percussion instruments. After Pregame, which includes the band forming 12 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

SPORTS BOYS & GIRLS GOLF Head Coach: Matt Miller OVERALL RECORD: 2-8 CONFERENCE RECORD: 1-5 KEY PERFORMERS: Adam Steckly (Sr); Emilio Kehm (Sr); Kevin Berns (Sr); Clarissa Valeroso (So); Lucas McDonough (Fr); Tom Schaefer (Fr); Tim Schaefer (Fr) SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Freshman Tom Schaefer made it through the IHSA Regionals and qualified for the IHSA Sectional Tourna- ment, the first Maine East golfer to do so in five years, and the first freshman ever to do it; Varsity and JV swept Niles North, the first M.E. Conference sweep in years; Sophomore Clarissa Valeroso and Kate Cacho competed in the IHSA Girls Regional, the first time Maine East has had two girls in the Regional. COACH’S COMMENT: The future of Demon Golf looks bright with our fabulous five freshmen, who brought their enthusiasm for the sport to every practice. Every player on the team contributed this season and improved his or her scores throughout the season. I look forward to the development these Demon golfers! October 21, 2019 | THE PIONEER | 13

SPORTS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: Rintu Philip CONFERENCE RECORD: 2-5 OVERALL RECORD: 11-17 KEY PLAYERS: SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Chris Kotsifas ( Sr) Daphne Kritikakis (Jr) Being able to compete at a high level and beating Emma Matic (Jr) Colleen Oribello (Sr) the current top conference team. Mary Kolodziejski (Sr) COACH’S COMMENT: Our motto for the year was “ Nobody works harder than East!” As the season progressed, our hard work turned into success. We have the potential to beat any team we face – it’s all about who wants it more. It’s been a learning process for us and we hope to finish strong! 14 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019

SPORTS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Chris Peters Head Coach: Scott Schultes KEY PERFORMERS: KEY PERFORMER: Erik Osorio-Cruz (Sr) Alyssa Valle (Jr) Lukasz Iwanowski (So) SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Adam Mrozek (Fr) Damian Watkins (Sr) The girls are starting to come together now as a team and performing their best as the SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: season closes. We are looking forward to the conference, regional, and sectional The team has made great strides this year. Se- meets to put together our best races yet! nior Erik Osorio-Cruz broke under 16:00 at the Peoria Invite. Both he and sophomore Lukasz COACH’S COMMENT: Iwanowski are capable of running with the top runners in the CSL and will be vying for All-Con- The girls have worked hard all season to im- ference honors. prove their times and become more compet- itive. I am excited to see just how fast they COACH’S COMMENT: can go in their last few competitions! The guys have worked really hard this year, es- pecially the younger freshman and sophomore runners. That hard work should pay off in the next week or two as the team runs at the CSL Conference Championships and IHSA Regional Meet. October 21, 2019 | THE PIONEER | 15

SPORTS BOYS SOCCER Head Coach: Jeff Bishop OVERALL RECORD: 9-5-3 CONFERENCE RECORD: 2-1-2 (2nd Place) KEY PLAYERS: Ramy Atia; Nick Ryczek; Josue Parra; Schneider Chery; Jonathan Luengas SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: We finished 2nd in conference, the best M.E. finish in at least 10 years; tied St. Pat’s – a top 3 team in the state; beat Highland Park, who won conference; tied rival Maine West, and got redemption for last year’s losses to Von Steuben, Elgin Larkin, Senn, and Notre Dame. Overall it was a very successful season with a chance to make a post season run. We play Evanston on October 22nd in the first round of regionals. COACH’S COMMENT: The chemistry this team has is special, they have come together, overcome adversity, and achieved team goals because they all bought in and worked for each other instead of them- selves. I couldn’t be more proud of this group of young men! 16 | THE PIONEER | October 21, 2019