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W 3 DECA students win in Orlando 4 Westerner dominates in competition 6-7 hot plans for summer 10 food waste creates environmental problem 16 bus rides to crazy townwesternerAlthough still teenagers,high school students arecalled upon to determine theirpassions and make high-stakesdecisions about their futures.Is it too much, too soon?Read more in In-Depth, pages 8-9.1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018 ERIKA HAHNThe Maine West student voice for more than 50 years May 28, 2015 Volume 56, Number 9

WMay 28, 2015 A LOOK AT THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS MAKING THEIR MARK AT WESTUPandC4 SOKILLMSUSAIANWARGDS2 news1 NIGHT BY ALEXANDRA MEYER BY BHAGIRATH MEHTA reporter asst. new editor In the Web Development competition, students received a job assignment from aof SEEDS Five students from Maine West par- judge, and then spent five hours program- Seeds aren’t just for planting anymore. At Maine West, ticipated in the SkillsUSA state competi- ming and creating a website from scratch. S.E.E.D.S stands for Students Educating for Equity in a Di- tion on April 25, with Bayani Julian and verse Society. In freshman World Cultures classes, students Matthew Rychtarczyk placing second and “It was definitely worth it. Pro- chose a topic that affects the world today and prepared a Joseph Gutstadt and Michael Kuczyn- gramming helps for life. [SkillsUSA] project on that topic. Projects were shown yesterday at the ski placing third in Web Development. solidified what I knew about web SEEDS fair at in the auditorium and are available for view- development and brought out my ing today throughout the day. SkillsUSA is a series of competi- skills and weaknesses,” Julian said. tions where competitors develop skills The purpose of SEEDS is to teach students about global necessary for today’s economy, indus- Although the competition was a issues, such as child soldiers, insufficient water supply and tries and job market. Greg Reichelt is in tiring grind, Rychtarczyk was proud poverty. With the help of their teachers, students were able charge of the program at Maine West. of his team’s accomplishments. “I to practice their research skills and learn more about the “The teachers provided valuable sup- think [Maine West] dominated the world around them. port for the competition,” praised Julian. top three in web development.” World Cultures teacher Gwynne Ryan believes that 4 D A Y SOF SENIOR WEEK BY ALLISON EBY SEEDS heavily impacts the students. “It opens up their eyes reporter to the opportunities that they have when they contrast their WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3: lives with others. It sort of plants the idea that good citizen- ship is connected with action,” Ryan said. One of the many Maine West seniors’ traditions is the senior barbecue, which takes place this Wednesday after the 7th period senior finals. With construction in full motion, SEEDS helps students understand the topics affecting the barbecue will be held in the front of the school. “There will be lots of food! It’s a time the world around them. “This project was more than just for seniors to really hang out, bond, sign yearbooks, and be at school. It’s like a last little learning about and researching a topic,” sophomore Anna party for us,” senior class council officer Brooke Winiecki said. Remus said. “When these modern struggles are addressed and presented by many different people at the SEEDS fair, THURSDAY, JUNE 4: the diversity of perspectives and personal connection to the topic is almost as staggering as the issues themselves.” Marching practice will be held from 7:45-9:00a.m. in the theater. After prac- tice, seniors can pick up their caps, gowns, and cwommencement tickets in E-209. Students have the ability to dive deeper into issues that interest them. They were asked to pick a topic on their own FRFIriDdaAy Yth,e 5thJ-SUeNniEor P5ro:m which gave them a way to research more about the topics they find interesting and important. “I think that some of Both senior prom and the senior Honor’s Assembly will be on Friday, June 5th. it is what they are personally interested in, so if a student The assembly is planned to be in the football stadium at 8 am. Senior Prom is going is really interested in science, they have the opportunity to to be held at the Rosemont Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will start at 7:15 look at global water scarcity or problems in the rainforest,” with a senior video presented during dessert. The theme this year is “Don’t Wanna Ryan said. Miss A Thing.” “Senior Prom is one of the last high school memories that the senior class still has together,” senior Katelyn Church said. With graduation the following Seniors who have participated in the SEEDS fair in the day, prom gives seniors the chance to let loose and celebrate all their years of hard past said that they enjoyed the project and learned impor- work. After--prom will be at the Des Plaines park district from midnight to 4a.m. tant life lessons from it. “I learned a lot about issues outside of the United States. This project is important because you SATURDAY, JUNE 6: learn about serious issues that you might not have known about otherwise,” senior Crosley Duckmann said. Senior graduation will be held at the Rosemont Theater at 3p.m. It’ll be a time to honor the hard work and the Maine West spirit the class of 2015 has. “I’m glad SEEDS teaches students valuable skills that they can use we’re having it somewhere new, although it will be bittersweet since it’s not at Maine later in high school and in life. “Since it was one of my first West,” senior Brandon Clark said. “I’m looking forward to the life ahead that college big research projects in high school, I gained researching has to offer.” Soon we’ll say, farewell Class of 2015! Make Maine West proud. skills and how to work with a partner to create a success- ful project,” senior Suzanne Kukec said. “The SEEDS proj- ect sets freshmen up for success by teaching them valuable project skills all while enlightening them on a wide-range of topics,” Kukec said. Overall, the presentations were a success. “It was excit- ing to broaden my understanding of the world by learning about the issues that affect it the most,” freshman Zayna Hai said.

FINALFAREWELLW May28,2015 news 3 Auto Club says goodbye to Serrano with their last Auto Show With excitement and nostalgia, Auto Club held their final annual Auto BY CHRIS RIOSShow on May 13 after school. It was held on the front lawn of Maine West reporterwhere students were able to roam around the exhibit freely. Many long-timecar lovers showcased their cars to a variety of people. “Because the word is getting out that this will be the last Auto Show, students that I had 20 years ago are coming back. It’s going to be very emo- Autos teacher Greg Serrano looked for- tional,” Serrano said, prior to the event.ward to it for one unique reason. Serrano noted that every year there is someone who always brings something “What’s going to make this year’s Auto unique. In past years, someone has brought aShow special is that it’s going to be the last brand new Lamborghini or even a Caterpil-one ever because I’m retiring,” Serrano said. lar. With this being the last Auto Show, there were sure to be many surprises. Serrano explained that, in his search for “There was a wide variety of cars there,”finding a replacement, no one was willing freshman Shree Patel, who went to the show,to take the responsibility of sponsoring the said. “What surprised me the most was theAuto Show. However, he was very moved military police that were there as well as theby what the Auto Club did to make the last Humvee. It was also cool to see some fancyAuto Show the most memorable one yet. Ada Ezlakowska cars like the BMW M3.” “It’s Mr. Serrano’s last year here,” Auto Serrano would also like to thank the many people that helped with thisClub co-president senior Edin Pinjo said, year’s Auto Show. He said, “The Auto Show committee did a phenomenaland the group wanted “to make this show as big as possible, sort of as a going job this year. They knew that this was the last year and they tried to make itaway gift.” very special. It’s something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. You could see that they tried their best and I feel very fortunate for being their teacher The Auto Club pulled out all the stops trying to get big brand name and friend.”automotive companies to come to the show. There were some big car compa-nies like Honda and Mercedes. Colleges like Ohio Technical and UniversalTechnical were also able to showcase their cars.4 Place at DECA Internationals by BHAGIRATH MEHTA asst. news editorPlacing second in the international DECA competition, senior Cath- “Winning felt amazing. It was worth experiencing being in the top 20leen Cu was the top American winner in Apparel and Accessories Mar- [out of 200 teams] throughout the entire nation in our event,” Schafer saidketing. In a separate triumph, seniors Patrick Czuj, Sam Jensen and Ajay of his presentation on the Cardinal Fitness rebranding. “I could feel myThomas placed in the top 20 in Business Services Operations Research. hands sweat a little and my throat dry up a few minutes before the presenta-Nine other students from Maine West also participated in the DECA tion, but once we stepped in front of the judges, all the rehearsing and allInternational Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, from the experience led us to give a great presentation.”April 24-29. Some of the DECA winners were incredibly surprised by the results.Seniors Cholino Sanchez, Josh Schafer, and Aby Thomas, juniors Da- “At first, I could not believe that my name was announced and stoodvid Joseph, Richa Patel, and Vaidika Patel, sophomores Dara Kovacheva there in disbelief before actually walking up to receive the award,” Cu said.and Brooke Saunders, and freshman Catherine Buchaniec participated in Nationals was a great time for all involved. “It was a great experiencevarious business-related events after advancing meeting so many smart people and hear-from the DECA state tournament. Representa- ing about their projects and where they’retives from every state, the District of Columbia, from,” Richa Patel said.and five other countries participated. However, Kristin Mazanowski, one of the spon-Maine West was still able to leave a mark with sors of DECA and the teacher who intro-Cu coming in second internationally. duced DECA to Maine West, is proud ofDECA is an academic organization for stu- the development that her students havedents to increase their business acumen and gain made throughout their time in DECA.workplace experience while competing against “It is a reward seeing the seniors ma-students from other schools. Students complete ture from quiet freshmen to mentoringplenty of work outside of school. the younger kids,” Mazanowski said. She“The only way to prepare was to constantly is also happy to see the individual prog-practice,” Thomas said. ress that students make throughout theThomas’ group focused on fitness organiza- competition each year.tions after experiencing some success with them Maine West DECA members werelast year. Their task was to choose an organiza- At DECA internationals, 13 West students com- successful this year due to “the studentstion and to rebrand it to fit a specific group of peted among multiple events. Courtesy Photo and leadership of the officers,” Maza-people. nowski said. Senior DECA members volunteered a lot of time to help their“We took Cardinal Fitness and focused it around Generation Z (from younger counterparts prepare for the competition.2000 to present),” Thomas said. Next year’s topic for the DECA business services presentation is “Im-DECA officer Kovacheva and Saunders were thrilled to advance beyond proving Employee Satisfaction,” and Maine West members have alreadystate. started preparing. Mazanowski knows that many students are thinking“We got third place in state which we were super excited about. Being about next year’s projects now, so that they can be top-quality.on stage at state was really exciting, but also kind of nerve racking,” Ko- Junior David Joseph agreed.vacheva said. “I got my heel stuck but thankfully nobody noticed. Unfor- “It’s a long and difficult road ahead of us. However, with hard work,tunately, I’m bright red in all of the pictures. You make lots of memories at patience, and diligence, we will become victors,” Joseph said.DECA; most are hilarious.”

4 news WMay 28, 2015Winecstoemrnpeertsiotiaornss BY KRISTEN BURGER the reporter BY ADA EZLAKOWSKA AND EMMA DEMPSEY With a national writing and a national art assoc. chief editor news editoraward, as well as numerous regional honors,this year’s Westerner staff has created a legacy All across the nation people rallied last month Another benefit for businesses raising the mini-of success. to make their voices heard and show their support mum wage would include fewer job turnovers. Work- for raising minimum wage as a part of the Fight for ers satisfied with their pay are less likely to quit, and In their national writing, photo, and art 15 campaign. This campaign is fighting to raise the that means that the business does not have to takecompetition, Quill and Scroll Journalism national minimum wage to $15 in the belief that time to train new employees.Honor Society selected an entry by senior “higher wages means less violent crime.” According Despite the obvious benefits a higher minimumMohini Morker as their Gold Key best-in- to the organization Stand Up Chicago, “Decades of wage might have, there are also clear negative con-class winner for editorial cartooning. Senior research have demonstrated that there is a statistically sequences that could be brought about by such aJake Gertie won the Gold Key award for significant link between low wages, income inequal- change.opinion writing for his satiric commentary. ity and crime.” Diviak explained that the biggest argument Raising minimum wage has the potential to im- against raising minimum wages is that it could ac- Gertie believes that his column “addresses pact workers, employers, and the economy, in both tually create unemployment. As wages go up, morea real issue at our school that many students positive and negative ways. people will seek work, but fewer firms will be willingfeel strongly about. By addressing it in a sa- According to the Chicago Tribune, many feel that to pay that wage, and the demand for workers will gotiric way the column was fun to read, and the current $7.25 federal minimum wage and even down. Because the costs for employers go up, they willshined a light on an important topic.” Illinois’ $8.25 minimum wage is simply not enough not be able to afford as many workers. “It’s an unfor- to live off of. As for increasing wages, “the benefit to tunate and ironic situation. The intention is to help “Jake and Mohini both bring a wise and minimum wage workers is obvious: they have more impoverished people, but [raising minimum wage]wry perspective to their work, and stylistical- money in their pockets,” senior Evan Vogel said. creates competition in jobs and puts [those people]ly, they each have a distinct voice that really Raising minimum wage at a disadvantage,” Di-appeals to students and adults,” Westerner could directly benefit people viak said.adviser Laurie McGowan said. working minimum wage FROM A WESTERNER SURVEY OF 194 There are other jobs. “People need more STUDENTS: The Westerner also won numerous awards money to live. The federal ways a higher mini-last month from the Northern Illinois minimum wage doesn’t in- Would you support YES 48% mum wage could hurtSchool Press Association (NISPA). NISPA is crease based on inflation, an increase in min- NO 52% employees. Businessesan annual competition where students sub- imum wage? have to be consciousmit press pieces that fall under a variety of which is a shame,” Vogel of costs and that couldcategories. said. He explained that as Do you or someone NO lead to cuts in benefits prices increase due to infla- in your family work 17% for workers. “The out- Of the articles, cartoons, and photos that tion, it’s only natural for at a job paying mini- come almost alwayswere submitted, Maine West left the compe- people to demand higher mum wage? YES 83% isn’t the same as thetition with the top award in three differentcategories. The Blue Ribbon award, which wages because they are pay- intention. In this case,is the highest title students can receive, was ing higher prices for their they’re looking to re-awarded to Gertie and the entire editorial groceries, clothes, and other needs. duce poverty, but it could end up reducing benefitsboard for editorial writing, Morker for edito- Sophomore Sanchita Chakraborty, a COACH tu- as businesses work to cut costs,” Diviak said. With arial cartooning, and to the Westerner editors tor paid minimum wage, expressed enthusiasm over wage increase, the people benefiting “are people whofor team in-depth reporting. raising minimum wage and how it could be beneficial need it the least,” Diviak said. for her and other high school students. “Increasing According to Pew Research Center, around 50% This year the competition was steep, as our wages can help us save more for college. The more of people at or below the federal minimum wage arethe judges decided not to award any school a money we earn, the more we can save up and use for ages 16 to 24, and 24% are ages 16-19. Diviak ex-Blue Ribbon title in several categories. “Since our futures,” Chakraborty said. plained that it is high schoolers who will likely benefitthe judges chose not to award as many Blue AP Economics teacher Darren Diviak said that most because they do not have lots of costs to payRibbons this year, it made winning in three an increase in wages might encourage workers to be and do not need to worry about other benefits thatcategories even more significant,” senior edi- more productive. “If you pay people more, they’re might get cut.tor-in-chief Suzanne Kukec said. going to be better workers because they value their With an increase in minimum wage, Vogel said job,” Diviak said. He went on to explain that a higher there’s potential for even more inflation. “If mini- Other West students won an Honorable wage could be good not only for the business and its mum wage increases, then the businesses have to in-Mention, which is the only other award be- image, but also for society. Someone that encounters crease their prices in order to offset the cost.”sides the Blue Ribbon award. Junior Sevdije a happy employee and has a good experience is likely Some students agree with Vogel. “I only makePerezic won for column writing, senior to be in a better mood and be a more eager consumer. $7.75 right now, but I don’t think raising the mini-Amanda Rey won for photography, and That also means that the opposite is true; an unhappy mum wage is a good idea. If minimum wage goesMorker won for graphics. employee can put a damper on a consumer’s day and up, prices go up,” junior Janette Ortiz said. “Raising that cycle could continue in the same way with less minimum wage would be really dumb and pointless.” The members of the Westerner were veryhappy with the outcome of the competi-tion. The staff members worked very hardthroughout the year to create outstandingwork; that is why the wins in this competi-tion are so great. “It’s nice to be rewarded forall the hard work not only by Maine West,but by other professionals,” Kukec said. positive effects.

Memorable MorselsW May28,2015 features 5 The Westerner asked, what is the most memorable food you’ve ever had? Students responded by the hundreds:favorite meals bring on ents from traditional Chinese and Indian ingredients.waves of nostalgia Compared to the noodles you normally find here, the “My grandmother lives in Italy, and while we there Hakka noodles have a kick to it with just the right she made my family loads of pasta and salad BY Ben Heim amount of spice,” Patel said. and meat dishes. We sat round eating for hours, stuffing ourselves.” • “In Mexico, I ate about sevenW reporter While far-away places might yield something new pounds of steak.” • “Mac and cheese with a ith whole TV networks and huge media and exciting, slow home- cooking also has many fans. chocolate milkshake.” • “A turkey dinner at IHOP. empires dedicated to describing and cre- “My aunt’s homemade lasagna is the most comforting It tasted AMAZING.” • “Barbeque with my family ating amazing food, food has become as dish I’ve ever had in my life,” senior Disha Patel said. before we moved houses.” • “At Olive Garden, Imuch a passion as a necessity, and once in a while “She takes time to make it and puts a lot of effort into ate eggplant parmigiana, and it was FLAME.” •you’ll find an exceptional meal that you will never it. Her house is my second home, and I’ve grown up “It has to be the arancini at Sicilia Bakery on Law-forget. eating it; I have so many memories associated with rence Avenue. If I really think hard enough, I can that dish and it is something I will never forget. I still remember the taste. So good!” • “I went to Going to another state, whether on vacation or would choose to eat that lasagna over any five-star Memphis on the band trip, and at B.B. King’s Blueseven to move, can be exceedingly fun based on the restaurant any day!”new sights and people alone, but travelling can also Along with home cooked meals, there is an excite- Club we had noodles, cornbread, green beans, andgive someone the opportunity to try new food.Senior Ansebel DuToit recalls an elk burger she ment towards food from local areas, particularly food many other delicious things.” • “When my familyonce ate when she lived in Colorado. from the Maine West caf. Sophomore Corey Scott of- and I visited Tennessee, we were so far into the“Someone in my church lived on a farm and had ten eats the bacon breakfast burritos, which are sold country we just needed to stop and find a place togone hunting,” DuToit said. “One time, a few days daily in the cafeteria before school starts. “They’re eat. So, we found this small place where someoneafter he went hunting, he invited my family over for dirt cheap,” Scott said, “and with all the different de- turned their house into a restaurant. Best fish frydinner. It turns out he had killed an elk while hunt- licious ingredients alongside the generous amounts ofing, and took it back for us to eat; it was absolutely hash browns, they’re definitely a bang for your buck.” ever.” • “At Disney World, eating cotton candydelicious. It almost tasted like a mix between a regular with my brother.” • “At my grandma’s house forburger and steak, but a little sweeter. I put ketchup, Junior Joe Gudstadt also enjoys a Maine West Thanksgiving, we ate everything from pasta tolettuce, and swiss cheese on it, with fruit on the side to lunchtime meal. Throughout his time at West, the artichokes to turkey, and it was all so good.” food he enjoys the most is something he can custom-add to the sweetness. I had never tasted an elk burger ize to his tastes. “I really like when I can create myprior to that day and haven’t since, but the experience own panini,” Gudstadt said. “The options of ingre- smoothness of the mayonnaise never disappoints.”and taste that came along with it was amazing and if I dients available to put in the panini are great. I don’t Although not every meal we eat from day to dayever have the opportunity, I’ll definitely eat another.” have to have a simple panini with just cheese and to- matoes, but I can put grilled veggies or peppers in is one to remember, our senses of taste and smell are Similarly, junior Krishna Patel keeps her love for there. And they do a good job cooking it and making strongly tied to memory. “It may seem odd, but manya unique dish she tried when she traveled to India. it warm and delectable. The gooeyness of the cheese, of my favorite memories involve food. Certain foods“I love the Hakka noodles from India. They’re made the slight tang from the giardiniera peppers, and the just bring me back to a specific time and place and Iwith a twist that makes it a fusion dish with ingredi- love that,” sophomore Amy Thalackan said.Haunting the souls “I afraid of notof West By Runal Patel getting a job af- reporter ter college. You need a job to re-Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief, either ra- ally do anythingtional or irrational, that one is in danger. One’s fear factor that in life and thethey have towards a certain being, activity, or place has taught their possibility of notmind to avoid any confrontation with such things. Maine West’s getting one isstudents and staff share their own terrible terrors. terrifying.” -senior “I have a fear of parking garages. In “I have such a Kevin Meskanmovies and on T.V., that’s always where fear of heights. “My biggest fear is not being successful.murders, bombings or other suspicious It’s probably be- I don't want to have to worry, and if I'mthings happen.” - sophomore Lesley Bux. cause when I was successful, then life will be easy.” little, my dad put -junior Kevin Garett “I'm irrationally afraid of ceramic dolls me in a baby seat “I’m afraid of open water. I can’t swim andwith glass eyes and also of sewer grates, I on the back of so I can’t go into open water without dying. Ijust always have been.” his bicycle and he guess because I never learned to swim I devel- tipped over and I oped a fear in its place.” -Chemistry teacher Collin Voigt almost fell.” -sophomore Connor McGing “Sharks scare me. They’re just big, scary, in- -senior Clara Vantimidating, and have lots of teeth, I know the Driska “My biggest fear is somethingstatistics say they’re unlikely to do anything to happening to my kids. I’m their dadme but they’re still scary.” so it’s natural for me to worry about -junior Conor O’Brien them.” -math teacher Steve VennDo you have an irrational fear of some- Scan this QR code to take athing that has caused you to behave in an feusntaqbuliiszhthyaoturmtaruyejufsetarirrational way? Soffiah Decena 46.5% Y e s 53.5% No

6 entertainment WMay 28, 2015nBoigcfousnt, Park and will take place July 8-12. Wednesday and kisses, watched the parade, and met a lot of through Friday it will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. cool people,” said senior Rhys Bakulinski. People Saturday and Sunday it will be from 10 a.m. to 9 of any age can attend and pets are also allowed. p.m. Bakulinski said, “I think people should go because everybody is sweet and I’ve never gone with anyone For 55 years, the Chicago Air & Water Show who hasn’t enjoyed themselves.” has featured daredevil thrills above Lake Michigan on North Avenue Beach, performed by civilian The Chicago Pride Parade will be on June 28 and military pilots who roar above the lakefront. and the festival will be June 20 -21, 2015 and The show takes extreme safety precautions prior to will take off at Montrose Avenue and Broadway BY MIRANDA GONZALEZ and during the show. Freshman Neli Peeva recom- in Uptown and will end near the intersection of reporter mends the show to families with children because Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in LincolnSummer is coming sooner than we think and it is family friendly, although a day out at the show Park. “I would recommend people to go becausethat means lots of free time. For some people, it can requires sunscreen and lots of water. There is a lot it’s an awesome experience and you really can’t getbe hard finding something to do that’s affordable of work that goes into putting the show together it anywhere else,” said junior Serena Villardita, whoand still fun. Lucky for them, Chicago holds many which is one of the reasons why Peeva said she attended for her first time last year. “All types ofevents that can help you maintain a low budget would recommend it to other people. There is no people attend -- anyone who wants to share thewhile still having tons of fun. set schedule on who performs, but Peeva said, “Ev- pride.”The Taste of Chicago is an outdoor food festival eryone who participates is well trained and it’s clearshowcasing the variety of food served at Chicago that they put forth a lot of effort to make it the bestrestaurants. Accompanied by live bands on stage, it could possibly be.” Peeva continued to say, “The66 restaurants from across Chicagoland came to- ending is always the best, because all of their effortsgether last year to present their different styles of go towards it. Overall, I enjoyed it very much.”cooking, and this year will showcase additional new This year, the Chicago Air & Water show willoptions. “My favorite part was the diversity of the take place on Aug.15-16. It will be performedfood and how I got to experience different tastes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. The fo-and cultures,” sophomore Abby Perez said. cal point is North Avenue beach, but it can beAdmission is free, although you do have to pay viewed lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street.for any food you purchase through tickets. “Tick- The Chicago Pride Parade is also a freeets get expensive, which is a downside, but I would event that can be attended this sum-recommend going because it’s a great atmosphere, mer. The parade consists of a lotthere’s good food, and it’s a fun time,” Perez said. of walking so it would be bestThe Taste also includes themed days with different to wear comfortable shoes,musical performances. With over five dozen color- but keep a sweater for whenful food stands, there will be something new and it gets cold at night time.delicious to try. The Taste of Chicago is in Grant “I’ve gotten a lot of free hugssthecoop treat because the ice creamon the best scoops is “creamy, but not too sweet.” Everyone knows that ice cream Carrillo also explained that she is a classic. Nothing is better than loves the chessboard tables that taking a lick of your favorite flavor Oberweis has. Carrillo recom- mends the brownie sundae if you stop by this summer. Ready to try a new flavor in DesBY ANDREA CISNEROS Plaines? Then visit La Michoacana, reporter which started in Mount Prospect andon a hot summer day. The real question is, though… what’s the best recently opened a spot just a few blocksice cream place in the area? Here’s the scoop on where you can find from Maine West at 1916 Mannheimthe best scoop. Road. La Michoacana isn’t your averageCapannari Ice Cream, 10 S. Pine St. in Mount Prospect, seems ice cream place; it also sells Mexican treatsto be the favorite place among Maine West students. Capannari’s including mangonadas, which is a treatopened in June of 2001 and is a vintage two-story, wood frame ice made with mangos, orange juice, chamoycream shop with an inviting wrap-around front porch and garden sauce, and chile lime salt. The flavors at Lanext door. Within a year of opening, Capannari’s was given the title Michoacana are unique, as they don’t taste“Best Ice Cream in Chicago,” from Chicago Magazine. Junior Anne like “regular” ice cream, according to sopho-McCrea agrees with the given title as she picked Capannari’s as her more Viviana Campos. “They make their icefavorite place for ice cream. “It’s a mom and pop shop, and is really cream with real fruit and also, they have spicyjust a nice environment to enjoy time with friends or family.” While ice cream, which sounds weird at first but isCapanari’s is known for innovative flavors such as Pumpkin, Maui one of the best things they have.” It’s her favor-Road, and Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel; McCrea recommends ite place, because “it’s a unique Mexican ice creamthe black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream called Black Raspberry parlor. It’s honestly not just another regular iceChip. cream place.”Another favorite ice cream place among students is Oberweis If locally-owned ice cream places aren’t yourDairy located at 80 Northwest Hwy, Mount Prospect. Believe it or thing, you can always go to nationwide chainsnot, Oberweis started off as a milk delivery company in 1927. Ober- in the area like Cold Stone, Baskin Robbins, andweis is a family owned and operated franchise. Sophomore Ingrid even Dairy Queen, because there is always “some-Carrillo said that Oberweis is her favorite place to enjoy a delicious thing about a DQ Blizzard that just makes it… deli-

W May 28, 2015 entertainment 7 BY NATALEY GRIMMER Summer festivals bring creating their own music, arts and crafts, and much more. asst. entertainment editor Just a few of the most popular headliners for this year’s A short drive through down- Lollapalooza are Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence andtown Chicago or north to Wiscon-sin will bring students to two of fun the Machine, Sam Smith, and the Weekend. For sophomorethe hottest summer music festivals Bridget Donovan who attended North Coast Music Festival lastanywhere in the nation. Outdoor summer, she is looking forward to attending this new musicmusic festivals, such as Lollapaloo-za and Country Thunder, are loved in the festival this year. “I am excited to go to Lolla this year becauseby many for the atmosphere and ex- sun the variety of music seems to be very wide. I also am looking forward to having a fun time with my friends,” Donovan said. Donovan is most excited to see Kaskade, Alesso, Bassnectar, and Florence and the Machine.hilarating music. Senior Ethan Herrera went to Lollapalooza last year andCloser to Des Plaines, many top knows first-hand how grueling such a fun event can also be. “Iartists will be coming to Chicago’s Grant went last summer and my advice would be to definitely bring aPark for Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza is more water bottle in order to stay hydrated because you really sweat andthan just a music festival; it is a three-day cultural it tends to get hot with all the crowds.” In past years, the July weatherexperience taking place July 31-Aug. 2. Lollapalooza will also feature more has brought 100 degree or higher temperatures as well as huge downpours.than 30 different food vendors and plenty of 2015 Lollapalooza shirts that Herrera plans on returning to Lolla this year and is very excited for theyou can wear to school next year so that everyone knows what the highlight bands and the DJs. “I’m most excited to see RL Grime or What So Not.of your summer was. Lolla is a great atmosphere and you get to meet some cool strangers that haveThis is a music festival for all ages as there is not only Lollapalooza but the same interest as you,” he said.also Kidzapalooza which is a festival within a festival for parents that wantto start their children on a love for music and includes some kid-friendlymusic on a separate stage, as well as a variety of activities, includingConcerts bring hot acts to town BY KIM SELGRAD entertainment editor Summer Bash Ravinia This year B96’s Summer Bash will be held on June Ravinia is a historic, picnic-friendly 20th at Toyota Park, and will include various popular outdoor concert venue that hosts vari- ous music genres including symphonic, artists including: Usher, Nick Jonas, Flo Rida, Fifth jazz, folk, rock, opera, and more, with Harmony, and Jake Miller. Summer Bash is a fun- dozens of popular concerts that are free filled day with various stages of artists and bands or only $10 with a student ID. This sum- mer is a great time to check out this venue, giving performances of a lifetime. Field tickets run says junior Jessica Wold, who saw Maroon for about $150. There are so many talented artists in Five there in 2011. She described her experience one location on one day, this summer. Junior Jessica Zayia as amazing. She “enjoyed bringing a picnic lunch and has been attending Summer Bash for the past few years, and this year is enjoying the concert on a grassy field with my friend Rachel ecstatic to see Nick Jonas, Fifth Harmony, and Jake Miller! She’s expecting and her family.” Wold describes her experience as one that she will never forget. there to be lots of crying and screaming fans, excited to see their favorite art- She recommends dressing comfortably because “you’ll be in a grassy field for theists. She recommends to “get there early for the pre-show party which include majority of the time.” This comfortable venue will be ideal for this summer’sfree food and lots of free stuff, you don’t wanna miss out, it’s so much fun!” upcoming events which include country singer Sheryl Crow, who performs onZayia said that last year most people were wearing merchandise of their favorite June 25 with pavilion tickets selling for $38, and Tony Bennett and Lady Gagaartist or band and were dressed in shorts and T-shirts due to the warm weather. performing on June 26 with pavilion tickets selling for only $49. With yourShe’s expecting this Summer Bash to be the best one yet, and recommends that“everyone go to see it!” student ID, free lawn passes are available for high-school and college students for all Martin Theatre and Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts. WithOne Direction an ID, movie nights cost $10 and must be purchased online or in person at the box office in advance of the concerts. Ravinia is located at 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. www.ravinia.orgChicago’s own Soldier Field is host-ing the ever-so-popular English boy Taylor Swiftband, One Direction for their On TheRoad Again Tour on Aug. 23. Thisopen venue will be an experience of a Taylor Swift is coming to Soldier Field June 18-19, a great op-lifetime for One Direction lovers, such portunity for any Taylor-Lovers to go enjoy her music under theas junior Kayla Hall. She’s been to One stars at the beginning of June, before it gets too hot. Tickets areDirection Concerts in the past and she selling between $120- 300. Senior Kajal Patel is “expecting it to beis “expecting to hear all of their new songs extravagant because it’s in a huge stadium and there will be 60,000that just came out and their funny comments people there.” She went to Swift’s“Red Tour” concert, and she hadon stage as they describe how much they love a great night because she was with her best friends and she lovedcoming to Chicago.” From previous concert experi- all of her music, and is “looking forward to seeing her for a secondence, she recommends “going all out with 1D merchandise, including T-shirts, time,” as she “can’t imagine what this concert will bring.” She rec-tattoos, shorts, headbands, purses and fanny packs.” She’s expecting this concert to be “fun- ommends wearing clothes that imitate Swift, or just comfortablefilled where all fans are crying and screaming, having trouble breathing as the boys walk in.” summer clothing. She thinks this will be great for Swift lovers as wellThis concert, although quite expensive at $120, will be “so worth it, you won’t regret spend- as people new to her music, for it will “be a ton of fun being arounding your money on this life changing concert,” says Kayla Hall. so many other people sharing the same interests.”

8 in-depth Weighed downWMay28,2015Skills to succeed emerge from sports and e BY ANITA JASKINSKA fact, there are many obstacles that athletes face when trying to secure a egizing, diligence career. Emma Bryers, part of Maine West’s varsity swimming and diving cupations. SimilaA asst. in-depth editor team, said, “Money can stop a person, because equipment is expensive. land a spot in th fter spending all four years of high school pursuing their pas- Competition is definitely a big one, too. If you want to become a known involves the spo sions, students don’t like to be told that all their efforts towards athlete, you should know that it’s very hard. You’d have to give up a lot of more pragmatic preparing for the future were in vain. Although aiming high time and have the money for professional training.” a statistician, psy when choosing a career path is often encouraged, being honest Of course, that does not mean it’s impossible. “If you’re willing to put Extending cawith yourself about the possibilities may prove to be more helpful in the in all your effort, and keep going no matter what, then there is a chance drama students,long run. More often than not, a students who spend hours after school of becoming a professional athlete,” Bryers added. But that raises the in class into a wiat sport practice or extra-curricular clubs take what they are doing seri- question of what happens if you aren’t able to acquire your dream career? selling prints to bously. They put time into their passions, and many use the skills they’ve Does all that time spent in high school, building your skills, go to waste? not the end of thbuilt to go after their “dream jobs” -- but acquiring the perfect career may The skills a student may learn while aiming for one specific career classes can be usenot be as simple as it’s sometimes made out to be. often can easily be applied tion, andFor basketball players, for example, 0.03% of high school basketball to many others. Important aite said,players make it into the NBA, according to TrainToBall.com, a website skills a person may learn specific caspecializing in basketball coaching. from playing sports, such as you wantThe percentage may seem low but not surprising to some students. In team-building, quick strat- skills intoWeight of the world BY NIRVANI JARIM Al reporter MSTUDENTS ARE FACED WITH THE PRESSURE OF CHOOSING A MAJOR forw est c Going to college can be a massive strug- at a college level. It helps to see if it would be “Go tgle, but what can be an even bigger challenge something to continue in college.” excuses. Sis choosing a college major. This single deci- es and gosion can make or break a student. Is this deci- Senior Cathleen Cu noted that having a -Kevision too big for 17 and 18 year olds? wavering decision on a major can lead to cer- “You can c tain disadvantages later on. “Typically most that’s not so g Ultimately, choosing a college major college students change a major two to three to get to do this deciding a career path, and one decision times. However it is not easy to change ma- -Joel Longchange can cost a student thousands of dol- jors. It can cost thousands of dollars” for newlars and one mistake can lead to a lifetime of additional classes that one must take. ABBY MENunhappiness. Students are expected to make a long When applying for college, at many large term decision based on short term factors,universities, the student must apply for a spot putting the weight of the world on theirin a particular program -- not just a general shoulders and causing tremendous amountsplace among the freshman class. Once you’ve of stress.been accepted into a university’s particularcollege -- such as the college of business or “For some it is not overwhelming but tothe college of pharmacy -- it’s very difficult to others it can all be a big challenge,” Cu said.decide to switch to a new major. “It is all based on perspective. What needs to be changed is that people should not be While this does put a ton of pressure on pressured to choose a major or feel like a fail-students to make the right choice the first ure because they made a mistake in choosingtime, some find that choosing a major is not their major.”as difficult as it is made out by many to be. Seventeen and 18- year-old kids make “I do not think that deciding a major mistakes every day, however when the mis-is too much because choosing one demon- take concerns college, it can be costly. Ex-strates that you are more fully prepared for pecting students to make this decision withcollege and determined for what career you little to no doubt about their choice may bewant,” junior Purvi Patel said. “Students in unrealistic, but kids are still expected to do it.high school have been exposed to a wide va-riety of fields to help them explore what their Job shadowing for a day or two overinterests are.” the summer often helps students crystalize whether they could seem themselves in a par- Some students say that what is most ticular career.important in choosing a major is getting toknow yourself. The decision, however, shouldn’t be made quickly or without help. “You can talk to “Most students take the subjects in high your advisors, counselors, mentors, familyschool they are interested in to help them and friends to help you decide on your ma-prepare for college,” junior Jeffrey Lor said. jor before college. People are always willing“That is why there are AP classes and tests, so to give their opinions,” Lor said.students can get more experience in the field

n by the future BY MADDY DEVELASCO in-depth 9 AND ANITA JASINSKA editor-in-chief and asst. in-depth editorelectives No passion? No problem? e, and organization, are also valued in plenty of other oc- with what we’re meant to do on the bottom of our arly, it doesn’t mean that a basketball player who doesn’t BY JASON ADAMS foot. he NBA has to give up on trying to find a profession that reporterort. They can channel their passion for basketball into a In this era of padding college applications and re- career, such as sports marketing or athletic training or as For some people, one of the most dreaded ques- sumes, it is not rare for people to join an activity justychologist, physical therapist, or event planner. tions to be asked is “what is your passion?” What if to have something else to put on their applications. areer options isn’t reserved only for athletes. Art and you haven’t discovered your yet? What if you never But this is unwise. “Colleges, in putting together for example, can also incorporate what they’ve learned will? that well-rounded class, want to see passion and ide spectrum of careers. If becoming a Broadway star or commitment. One or two activities which you’ve be hung at galleries isn’t exactly a person’s cup of tea, it’s High-schoolers are still relatively young, and dedicated yourself to and where you’ve achieved a he road. “A lot of the skills a person learns in art-related haven’t really had a ton of time to experience dif- leadership position is far more impressive than a ed in other jobs, such as graphic design, medical illustra- ferent things and solidify their interests just yet. laundry list of activities where you’ve just dabbled,”d advertisement,” two-year art student Rugile Kasperiun- Many things that seem interesting to people at such author Valerie Straus wrote in the Washington Post. “Your passion doesn’t have to be confined into just one a young age may become boring and tedious over areer. You might not end up with the specific occupation time. Many people, however, miss opportunities while t, but you could always find a way to incorporate your they are focused on trying to force themselves intoo other careers.” “I was passionate about doing musical theater for loving something. “I tried forcing myself to like ten- a few months and then suddenly I just felt like it nis because my brother played tennis and was good wasn’t for me,” said junior Bennett Norris. “It all felt at it,” said Peyton. The problem is that the money, like a chore and it just wasn’t fun anymore. It was time, and effort it takes to force something to belumni advice really stressful.” your passion really isn’t worth it. BY MADDY DEVELASCO editor-in-chief True passions can take time to develop and even “When children can’t find their elusive passions, then, people are still looking for the next great thing. yet feel compelled to proclaim one, they grab onto Even the great Michael Jordan took a break from an interest, label it a passion, and buy the requisite basketball to see if maybe he liked baseball better. instrument or equipment. This is not a harmless Many students wonder how they can possibly charade, because fake passions crowd out real ones,”Maine West grads from a variety of classes stepped know when something is their passion. “When I was columnist Lisa Heffernan responded in the Washing-ward to offer their advice and wisdom to West’s new- in middle school, I was really interested in basketball ton Post last month.class of graduating seniors. and I thought I would go pro and everything,” said Many agree that the key to finding something Sophomore Cassandra Martinez. “But when I be- worth doing is to simply keep trying new things un-to class. Always. No “Make sure that what- came a freshman in high school it faded, and now til that passion is found. “If something looks like funStay out of bad plac- ever it is you decide to do I’m in badminton.” or sounds interesting, just do it,” said junior Katjao to class.” is something you can love Damjanic.in Delaney ‘86 long term. You don’t want Similarly, senior Austin Peyton lost interest inchoose a good life or one to be stuck with something something he was passionate about at an early age. Passions can not be taught, only learned or cre-good. You have to study you hate just because it “I was really into tennis my freshman and sopho- ated through meaningful experiences. Many of thehe jobs you desire.” makes money. Pick some- more year but started losing interest,” said Peyton. most successful people owe that success to a pivotalg ‘73 thing you love. “After my junior year I decided that tennis wasn’t for moment where they knew what they wanted to do me, even though I played varsity tennis my sopho- with their lives. The only way to live these moments -Kevin Schlacks ‘14 more and junior year.” Sadly, we’re not stamped is to go out and experience what life has to offer. IS TOO MUCH PRESSURE BEING PUT ON HIGH SCHOOL KIDS TO FIND SOMETHING THEY WANT TO TURN INTO A CAREER? “Sometimes what you “Play hard but work even 26% DO YOU THINK EVERYONE HAS TO HAVE A SET have planned isn’t what al- harder to get where you want 12% PASSION FOR WHAT THEY WANT TO DO IN ways happens and that’s to in life.” LIFE? okay! Everything works out in the end and having -Elaine Rud ‘87 20.7% 26.9% a plan won’t always work. Sometimes you just have 62% to see where life takes you.” -Sarah Brooks ‘13 “Even if you’re not 52.3% sure what you want to do Yes with your life right now, don’t stress out too much. No Just get out there and take chances. Volunteer, work, Somewhat do odd jobs, go to school. You will find your passion,” Yes -Rose Severino ‘89 NoNDOZA Not Sure From a Westerner survery of 193 students

10 features WMay 28, 2015Thinking utside the binWASTED FOOD HAS CAUSED A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM, AND STUDENTS CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION waste they try their hardest to conserve and reuse. “We prepare but we do not BY CHARMI PATEL AND VAIDIKA PATEL over-prepare. Meaning we don’t cook the food all the way so that if it is not needed it can still be used for later,” Dudzinski said.S editor-in-chief asst. features editor With the millions of tons of food tossed into the garbage every year, it seems asupersized burgers, extra large fries, Trenta sized lattes, Big Gulp fountain if the United States is a leading cause of global concerns about the environmentaldrinks. It is a part of American culture to get more than one can eat, and harm of food waste. “Everybody wastes food in this world. That is the inevitablefor restaurants to promote their “good portions.” These businesses believe result of overproduction. However, America wastes a lot more because we havemore food will attract more of the public to eat their food -- and peoplebuy into it. Despite the thrill that comes along with buying deliciously oversized such an abundant supply of everything that we don’t think twice before throwingmeals, the major problem lies in what happens to the inevitable amount that is the extras away. On the other hand, third world countries that have experienced aleft over. lot of poverty try to be more conscious about waste. Everyone wastes, but we justFood waste has become an increasingly important environmental and eco- happen to waste more,” senior Jincy Joseph said.nomical problem. With the dozens of trash cans found in the cafeteria, one can’t The irony lies in having two clashing problems become global concerns: star-help but wonder how much of that trash consists of edible food. The custodians vation and food waste. “It’s crazy to see how so many people around the worldin the cafeteria typically take out enough are starving while the amount of foodtrash a day to fill at least half a dump- being wasted is at such a high rate,”ster full. Much of this trash consists of a “There are people out there junior Kayla Hall said.large amount of food, either half-eaten who are starving. We needor untouched. “It is hard not to produce to put this issue to spotlight. The large amount of resources andthe amount of waste we do. Everybody Food Waste should not be an energy used to produce food is oftenhas something to throw out so we’re option.” ignored by consumers, includingconstantly going to fill waste contain- Maine West students. “There is the -junior Nicole Budnik farming to produce the plant, theners,” the lower B-wing custodian Dave there is the processing of the product,Kern said. and then the transportation -- andMany students feel their peers are when consumers get the food andwasting the food they buy, and as a result decide they don’t like it and throware wasting resources. In a Westerner sur- it out, they’re just hurting the environ-vey, more than a quarter of students said ment,” AP environmental science teacherfood waste is a big or very big problem. Kristi Ryken said.Almost half said it was “somewhat”of a As piles of food stack up in landfills,problem. Promoting the student body the toxins created by the decomposingto only buy what they can eat will help waste pose a great danger to the environ-prevent waste that will go on to have a ment. According to Recycle for Dorset, anegative impact on the environment. site that promotes recycling, “when foodIt is a habit to throw out what we waste is put into landfill and rots, it pro-don’t eat, but the consequences of such duces methane, a greenhouse gas muchactions are rarely brought to the spot- more harmful than carbon dioxide.”light. Maine West is just one more part Nonetheless, there are many ways toof this global issue. According to World help prevent the enormity of this issue.Food Day USA, “about 30 to 40 percent By becoming smart buyers and only tak-of food is lost and wasted in the USA.” ing what we can consume, the amountWorldwide, “one third of all food pro- we throw out will greatly decrease. Prop-duced gets lost or wasted in food pro- erly recycling the food rather than toss-duction and consumption.” ANASTASYIA DANYLKIV ing it in a trash bin will help reduce the ¨When I’m in the cafeteria, I always amount of waste going to landfills andsee people throwing out whole meals they Not a Very big reduce the environmental impact.buy from the cafeteria. What’s the point of problem problembuying the food if you know you’re not go- It is a good idea to have a compost bin ining to eat it in the first place?” junior Yuliana How big of a 6.3% Big 8.4% the back yard for leftover food, which allowsMartinez said. Problem the circulating air to decompose the food so Not a very that it can be used as a fertilizer. It also allows Quest employees at Maine West are work- 17.8% nutrients to be put back into the environ- problem do big problem ment without producing harmful greenhouse gases that can affect our livelihoods. “People you think 22% often think that their wasted food will go into a landfill and decompose there, but it won’t.ing hard to combat the waste issue by starting food waste is S omew hat4o5f .a4p%roblemright in the kitchen. “We keep production at MW?charts and cook in what is called ‘batch cook-ing’ where we cook a little bit a time. This al-lows us to see how much we should continue Landfills are anaerobic which causes decompo-making and keeps waste minimal while main- FROM A WESTERNER SURVEY OF 194 STUDENTS sition to be very slow, so the best bet is to usetaining the taste of the food,” Quest manager a compost bin,” Ryken said.Beth Dudzinski said. Food waste accumulates to huge amounts at our school itself; the amount thatThe addition of freshly prepared-before-your eyes entrees and smoothies have accumulates throughout the world is far greater than imaginable. “Food waste ishelped students understand the quality and customize the taste of that they are definitely an issue, but is it one that we can address as a school? Potentially. Weeating. “Allowing students to see the food being made in front of them creates the just have to take initiative. We would first have to learn how to separate the food,trust that the food is being made right. This way the students are more likely to prevent contamination of the compost, and maintain it so that it remains aerobic,”consume the food they buy,” Dudzinski said. Ryken concluded.In order to provide better food options, preserve the quality, and prevent food

W May 28, 2015 View from the board of student editors opinions 11editorial Policy Give us a break...please The student-produced newspaper of We live in a society driven by data and of mostly juniors should not be giving a ing summatives during the weeks of APMaine West High School, the West- test results. These tests are held in such major test the day before or after the AP testing. Teachers should take the time anderner, is dedicated to maintaining the high stature that they often determine English Language and Composition test. plan their assignments beforehand so thatvalues of truth, integrity, and cour- a student’s future. Advanced Placement All this does is add copious amounts of they do not interfere with the necessaryage in reporting. The Westerner pro- tests, while expensive, can save students stress to the shoulders of students, cause preparation time for AP tests.vides an open public forum for freeand responsible expression of student thousands of dollars in their college them to have an unnecessary amount of In many other districts, students doopinion, as well as balanced coverage careers by letting them bypass general anxiety when they are already focused on not attend school before or after their APof issues of student interest. The staff education classes based on their scores. preparing for their AP test. test. This is also a policy we should em-encourages discussion and free ex- brace as it recognizes that students needpression between all members of the Scoring well on an AP test not only Logic would indicate, too, that the mental space and energy to do theirschool and community and maintains shortens the list of mandatory classes students aren’t going to perform at their best on these taxing tests. Students shouldits responsibility to inform and edu- required for a student in college, but can best when they are having to divide theircate the student body. also determine whether a student can preparation time between class assess- not be forced to sit through other classes Unsigned editorials represent the obtain their degree without a substantial ments and AP tests. and complete various other assignmentsmajority viewpoint of the editorial financial burden. Teachers of AP and accelerated classes that will only interfere with what shouldboard. Letters to the editor, which be their main priority.are subject to editing for length and The testing dates are predetermined should be understanding and flexibleclarity, must be signed by name and by the College Board. Maine West has enough to schedule tests before or after While AP testing has been comparedmay be published upon approval from no control over when these test dates are AP testing days. There is only so much to the ACT, there are many drasticthe editorial board. Opinions in let- scheduled. In fact, these test dates are a student can prepare for; prioritizing differences. The ACT measures skillsters are not necessarily those of the planned months in advance and teachers summatives, class reading, or homework rather than knowledge and thereforeWesterner, nor should any opinion begin planning their calendars from the over the AP test is simply not an option. is not a test you can study for. You canexpressed in the Westerner be con- moment the dates are known. AP testing It is not a student’s fault that their AP work to acquire the skills to score wellstrued as the opinion or policy of the is unbelievably exhausting and takes a testing schedule does not correspond with on the ACT, however this takes time andadviser, the Westerner staff as a whole, massive toll physically and mentally on another teacher’s agenda. practice. Any AP test however, extensivelythe school staff, the school adminis-tration, or District 207 school board. the students who choose to take these Having summatives or major reading and thoroughly measures the knowledge tests. Even those not in AP must realize assignments during the days of AP testing a student has of that specific subject. ItEditorial Board: the strenuous nature of AP testing, and simply results in a student losing valuable absolutely can be studied for and studying every one can empathize with the gruel- hours of sleep. It is vital for students to is highly encouraged by all AP teachers.Editor-in-Chief: ing nature of testing that, in this case, can spend a certain amount of time preparing Students are having their priorities skewedMaddy Develasco, Charmi Patel highly benefit your future. for their AP tests. Taking away from their when teachers weave in tests of their own preparation time can mean taking away along with the already determined APAssociate Editor-in-Chief: During AP testing, it is unfair to their chance to prove they are knowledge- tests for which their students are trying toAda Ezlakowska schedule major tests or other assessments.News Editors:Ada Ezlakowska, Emma Dempsey We understand that teachers cannot able in the subject, and save money, time, study for.Features Editor: simply pause their lessons for two weeks and stress in the future. Students have been working all year because of the AP testing schedule; how- We recommend that the admin- to score well on the AP tests, so whyCharmi Patel ever, we do feel that, for example, an ac- istration establish a policy prohibiting jeopardize their opportunity to do their celerated or AP teacher instructing a class accelerated and AP teachers from assign- very best?In-Depth Editor:Maddy Develasco Bikers deserve betterSports Editors:Stefan Balaban, Maciej CzerlonkoOpinions Editor:Sevdije PerezicEntertainment Editor:Kim SelgradPhoto Editor:Erika HahnArt EditorAbby MendozaCopy Editor:Chandni ParmarAssistant Editors:Nataley Grimmer, Anita Jasin-ska, Bhagirath Mehta, DestinyOnyeise, Vaidika PatelStaff membersJason Adams, Catherine Buchaniec,Kristen Burger, Andrea Cisne- What is up with the so-called “bike racks” that have been the bike rack formation. Now I have to ride my mom’s bike toros, Mary Conneely, Anastasiya created while construction is underway by spec gym? Is this school. I think they should add more racks or arrange them in aDanylkiv, Soffiah Decena, Allison a cage into which students will be jailed when they don’t use different way,” junior Gabe Jusczczynski said.Eby, Dori Eby, Miranda Gonzalez, proper hand signals when making a right turn? Is it an avant-Ben Heim, Acacia Hernandez, garde art installation representing how even the young will never This mess can be easily fixed by simply investing in someNick Hoffmann, Melissa Holzer, solve the problem of global warming? real bike racks instead of those barrier things, which aren’t madeNirvani Jairam, San Ha Lim, Har- for bike tires or frames to fit between the bars. Baring that, itipriya Mehta, Alexander Meyer, We feel that the cyclists should receive some justice and seems someone could rearrange the currents racks so that theRunal Patel, Christopher Rios have their bike racks fixed so that they actually have a proper bikes can be placed in a humane manner. It is one thing for place to put their bikes. With this mess (pictured above) it is students to toil their way to school in all kinds of weather, but it Adviser:Laurie McGowan nearly impossible to safely and efficiently secure your bike so is another for them to waste their valuable energy trying to lock that it is not mashed by the others. “My bike broke because of their bike while being trampled by other frustrated bikers.

12 opinions WMay 28, 2015 I CAN: Write an opinion article desperately trying to glean every bit of knowledge it can be counterproductive. Students are not sup- they can, and the teachers are perfect role models posed to be churning out products, they’re sup- that never make mistakes. Everything that needs posed to be growing their minds. In a factory, this to get done happens on a controlled schedule approach might be helpful, but not in a school. BY SAN HA LIM tight AP schedules are never ruined by copious off Even in classrooms where motivated days, and students learn better when all teachers students don’t slack off, requiring the teacher to columnist use the same catch-phrases. recite the “I can” statement just wastes time. Par- Obviously, none of these are remotely ticularly in accelerated and AP classes, where ev- true. Reality is never so neat and round; these ery minute counts, this can be very detrimental. educators don’t seem to comprehend that. Instead Instead of utilizing precious time, teachers rattle of provoking actual reform, these educational “ex- off dull statements that no one actually listens to.In the pursuit of optimized classrooms and perts” waste time, pushing requirements on teach- Every second should be a drop of precious goldlearning, the students have been subject to, “I ers that benefit neither them nor the students. for each teacher to use to drive students to theircan” statements. These are often simplistic sen- They often promote the opposite of learning: a absolute limits.tences that outline what a class should look like. bland, zombie-like stumbling through curricu- I can write an opinion article. I can learn how to write an opinion article However, if I was entirely focusedby utilizing the characteristics of a good Dpuot tyhoeuir tlheainrnkinitg thaerlgpestswohnenthetebaocharedrs? on that statement, it would just be ancolumn. opinion article instead Check. of an expression of my They bleed into the classes, infecting In a Westerner survey thoughts and feelings.the environment with dreary proclama- of 263 students, they The article could betions that accomplish little. responded: technically amazing, but This is all part of an educational No 79% it would be missing themovement to better the schools and pro- key aspects that make itvide new guidelines for teachers. These Yes 11% mine, that make it moreinclude the aforementioned “I cans,” the Unsure 10% than just a skillset. Thedevaluing of homework or other formative world has no need forassessments, a ban on school activities on mindless drones; there are moreSunday, new keywords, and a host of other nui- lum with nothing to show for afterwords. than enough swirling around in a population ofsances. They swarm students and teachers alike Instead of absorbing what the teacher’s 7 billion. What the world needs are innovators,from every direction. trying to get across, students attempt to fulfill the leaders: people that can not be defined in a single The problem is, the people coming up goal exclusively, ignoring what’s actually impor- sentence. Educators, while your best intentionswith these ideas live in a fantasy world. In this tant. While goals can be useful for centralizing the are clearly visible, trust in the teachers and stu-world, students hang on to their teacher’s lips, process, in an environment where growing is vital, dents to get things done. I’m sure we can. It has come to my attention that as afemale high school student, the doubleDouble Standardsstandard of having the choice of saying“no” to a boy or having the option tomake the first move and ask them hasbeen bestowed upon us has never left ing thedespite the enormous amount of educa- thoughttion we receive about why females and males are Now as teenagers, we fear rejection especially of asking a guyin fact equal and should be treated as such. I came when we put ourselves out there, yet no matter that may be “outto this realization as prom season came and the what we do, we must have to realize that rejection of her league”.promposals were blossoming along with the flow- is a reality. It makes us who we are as people. But, Yet I think girlsers of spring. The number of acceptances and re- the worse thing any individual could do is blame do a better jobjections from both sexes and the pressure to ask the other person for making the rejection because of not startingand respond in such theatrical way is the reason everyone is entitled to their own decisions, and as gossip or rumorswhy prom attendance isn’t higher. humans, they probably don’t feel happy for caus- about a boy if ing the rejection either. she is rejected SEVDIJE PEREZIC As usual, the boys were expected to ask the because we know opinions editorgirls in a grand gesture because just hearing the This is what a lot of people don’t realize herewords “Prom?” is not enough. Girls need the at West. When a girl rejects a guy whether it is his how it would feelposter, along with the flowers, the trapeze act, and potential prom date, or girlfriend, or any date for for it to be the other way around. This is prob-possibly a monkey to be asked because if they do that matter, she is immediately judged and ridi- ably one of the biggest reasons why Girl’s Choicenot have a grand way of being asked, what will culed by everyone. No one takes into account the ended. There are just too many horror stories ofthey post on Instagram that will make everyone feelings that people possess when they know they how badly rejections could turn out to be if notelse jealous? Yet, boys do complete this task by go- don’t want to go through with something yet they handled properly.ing above and beyond of asking that one special don’t want to make the other individual feel bad I think the most important thing to take intogirl for that special night. On either side, we are as well. She may have had a legitimate reason as consideration is to never stop putting yourself outvictims of our own shallowness. The unfortunate to why she would decline such an offer: perhaps it there, but make sure you are ready to face what-aspect of it all is that sometimes, the above and may be because she already has a date or wants to ever happens when you do so and don’t blame oth-beyond way to ask a girl doesn’t always work and go with friends or just doesn’t want a date at all. ers for when things just don’t work out your way. results in the dreaded “No.” On the other hand, when a girl asks a boy, she is made to feel dumb and stupid for even possess-

I’ll do it...W May28,2015 opinions 13 ...tomorrow Would youI can honestly say that I am not a procrastinator. I kiss yourmean, I’m only writing this article an hour before it’s mother withdue when I’ve had three weeks to write it. A procrastina- that mouth?tor is defined as, “Someone who postpones work (espe-cially out of laziness or habitual carelessness),” and thatperson is definitely not me. “Hey #$%! Guess what? He #$%! Did $%^# that and $%^#”. CATHERINE BUCHANIEC When one walks in the hallways of Maine West, one is It wasn’t that I was procrastinating, it was more likethe fact that I was busy. I mean, I had to rewatch all six columnist extremely likely to encounter a conversation full of expletives.seasons of “Lost” last weekend instead of writing this, Punctuating our sentences with expletives is an exciting phenom- enon sweeping the nation.and then go play laser tag with some friends who were in town two weeks ago, and Since grade school, we have been taught to vent our frustra-then I was forced to take my little sister to the park every day after school. I can’t forgetabout the fact that my neighbors needed me to bake cupcakes for them and everyone tions in a way that is productive and does not hurt others physically,else living on my block and on planet Earth three days ago. so adolescents have turned to deal-Okay, Okay. Fine, I’ll admit it; I might procrastinate a teeny-tiny little bit.But it’s not just me, everyone knows a procrastinator. It might be your best friend, ing with frustration by swearing effusively. Despite the commonyour brother, that guy that sits next to you in English, or your cousin three times re- usage of these words, expletives domoved on your mother’s side. Weall know that person who gets the not appeal to the moral sensitivities of many adults.work done, but at the last possi- HOW BIG OF A PROBLEM IS Adults say that swearing makesble second, and is always saying, PROCRASTINATION FOR YOU? teenagers sound uneducated and“I have tons of time! Don’t worry immature;. I respectfully disagree.about it!” They’re the person whois always looking for distractions Knowing and using polysyllabicinstead of working on an impor- expletives makes everyone sound HARIPRIYA MEHTAtant task. That person might even erudite. After all, it takes deep dedica- columnistbe yourself. tion to be au courant with the newest entries in the Urban Dictionary. Swear words are amazing fillerSome people believe that pro- words, even better than the puerile “um” or “like”.crastination is a recent invention;that it’s an American thing that Expletives cover a wide range of words and while some are meaningless, others are racially or sexually charged and hurtful.is a ramification the introduc- Many adults consider that teenagers who say such phrases aretion of the internet. In reality,procrastination has been around showing their ignorance. But, the fact that we actually know In a Westerner Survey of 263 students expletives that have historical significance show that we are cog-for ages. The Greeks did it when they responded:constructing the wooden horse nizant of our history’s past. I’m pretty sure Revolutionary War Huge Problem 45.7% activist Paul Revere actually said, “The $%^# are coming! Oneto defeat the Trojans, the Ro- Somewhat of a Problem 38.3%mans did as they were building if by land. Two if by sea!” Or in the case of the British Prime Minimal Problem 12.2% Minister Winston Churchill, “We shall defend our $%^# island,Ancient Rome, the French were Not a Problem 3.7%experts at it given all their sur- whatever the $%^# cost may be, we shall fight on the $%^# beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds; we shall neverrenders, even Canadians do it on $%^# surrender!”occasion. However, high schoolstudents are especially good at it. Anything that makes us sound smarter is appreciated, even if it may hurt others’ feelings.We get assigned essays that are due at the end of the month, and some of us think, My old-school parents do not appreciate expletives, but Iwell, there are approximately 30 days in a month, so why not wait till the 29th day tostart it? After all it only takes an hour or two or eight. Have to study for that big test don’t understand why. My parents always ask, “If you can say ‘He went there’, why do you want to waste your energy and saytomorrow? Go to that midnight movie premiere and just study in the morning. We ‘He $%^# went there’?” I don’t understand what’s so complicatedare prone to making up excuses or inventing tasks that we just have to do, just to avoiddoing homework; I even cleaned my room and did my sister’s laundry instead of doing about it. Saying supposedly unnecessary expletives helps me lose more calories, it is the best exercise since chewing gum.math--it’s sad when you’ve resorted to cleaning as opposed to schoolwork. Many teachers cringe when they hear their students droppingAccording to psychologists, approximately 20 percent of people are chronic pro-crastinators. If you put that number in perspective of Maine West’s student body of f-bombs, s-bombs and who knows what other bombs, but I find they hold a double standard. In English class, we learn that anabout 2400 students, almost 500 of us are chronic procrastinators. expletive (or is it an exclamation?...I forget) is used to empha-The internet didn’t give birth to procrastination, but boy did it make it easier.Just imagine the possibilities, “Five more minutes on Instagram and then I’ll start size whatever point the author is trying to make. This rhetorical device is lauded when found in best-selling books or classics. Ithomework,” or the ever popular, “I’ll take a small break just to check Facebook”… is most likely that in the famous Shakespearean play Romeo andand then suddenly it’s 15 minutes later…1 hour later. When you take into context the500 chronic procrastinators we have at Maine West, that is a whole lot of time being Juilet, Juilet originally said, “Romeo, O $%^# Romeo, wherefore art thou $%^# Romeo??!!” creating a more interesting dialoguespent on the world wide web and social media instead of on those assignments that are amongst the starcrossed lovers. However, when we use it for theapproaching their due dates.I procrastinate, your friends procrastinate, and you probably are procrastinating same purpose, we get into serious trouble. What is popular is always right. There is nothing wrong withright now by reading this instead of catching up on the homework that was due at sounding fancy by using a $%# expletive to get your point across.the beginning of the semester. Admit it, you are one of the chosen few to be a chronicprocrastinator. As a procrastinator myself, I wish you fair tidings and good luck on thisjourney of last minute work and late night essays.

14 sports WMay 28, 2015 BY STEFAN BALABANWEST’S BEST Spring sports vie for titlessports editor hard to get to where they are now,” received an All-Conference award for Panganiban, always pushing herself varsity boys track coach Andrew Trot- finishing second place in the mile at to do more, believes that she could ter said. Not only have each of them the conference meet. Magoni was also have had a better season. “There are As selected by recorded notable times, each has de- presented with the Warrior Award last matches I lost that I knew I could havetheir coaches and our editors veloped as an outstanding leader for Wednesday. easily won, but sometimes things just the team: “They lead by example. They The Warrior Award is an award giv- don’t go your way,” Panganiban said.Wrapping up their spring seasons, don’t just tell others what to do or en out to an athlete who has demon- Panganiban also received a sportsman-the baseball, track, volleyball, tennis how to do it, but rather, they show it,” strated the most effort and held a com- ship award from the CSL coaches.and badminton teams aimed to end Trotter said. petitive mindset In boys tennis, their season featuredthe year on high notes. Robinson throughout the an epic doubles match-up againstWarrior baseball has posted a 14-13 sees a bright fu- year.“I have Maine East. In the number one dou-record thus far, with sophomore pitch- ture for himself definitely made bles slot that night, junior Jacksoner Sam Kindle leading the team. “Sam in track. “At the such significant Torkelson and senior Miguel Hernan-is a first year player who has progress since dez had a three-hour marathon matchrisen to become the ace of freshmen year. against their Blue Demon rivals, whoour staff,” varsity baseball I’m really proud had beat them earlier in the year. “Theycoach Joseph Pederson said. of what I have prevailed and got a huge momentumIn conference games, Kindle accomplished,” boost for the sectional tournament,”has posted a 4-2 record with Magoni said. boys tennis coach Derrick Swistak said.a 2.08 ERA. “Sam is fearless Vo l l e y b a l l With an overall record of 9-7, theand has a high ceiling. We player junior team swept Elmwood Park, Fenton,look forward to his devel- Lucas Metzger and Taft, but the “huge highlight foropment and he will be the has stepped up the season was coming in fourth atfoundation of our pitching for his team this all the singles spots at the conferencestaff for the next couple season, too. “I tournament,” Swistak said. Senior Pat-years,” Pederson said. Sam Kindle have many years rick Czuj, junior Henry Nguyen, and While proud of his ac- of experience of freshman Jason Elengical gave up fewer ERIKA HAHN playing volley- than 10 games total in their first roundcomplishments so far, Kin-dle still looks to improve ball. So, naturally, I have gotten better matches.for next season. “As for this Lucas Metzger over the years,” Metzger said. Metzger “Jason Elengical has come up hugeyear, I’m proud of how I pace I am leads the team in sets. at every spot I’ve put him at. He is acompeted, but I can still perform bet- at now, I believe I will be a very suc- In badminton, senior Anne Jelica freshman but has a confident but hum-ter. I really want to focus on becoming cessful track runner by senior year. The Panganiban has been a season stand- ble attitude. He will be huge for us ina better pitcher and throwing faster,” All-Conference award is great, but I do out. “Her ability to adapt her play in the next three years,” Swistak noted.Kindle said. not want to stop there,” Robinson said. an effort to outsmart her opponent “Our state qualifiers, Henry NguyenIn boys track, sophomore Marteen For girls track, junior Audrey Ma- paid big dividends for her this year. and Patrick Czuj, continued to roll onRobinson and senior Joey Vogeney goni has been a stand-out star. “She In addition, her sweet disposition with a 7-3 record at first doubles.”have had outstanding performances, has such amazing dedication to be puts her opponents at ease and thenwhich resulted in All-Conference successful and she possesses the heart her killer instinct kicks in to destroyawards for both individuals. “Both are to be a team leader,” varsity girls track them,” badminton coach Michael Mu-‘Keepers save the dayexceptional athletes who worked very coach Gregory Regalado said. Magoni rin said. BY DESTINY ONYEISE asst. sports editor The smell of fresh white paint rolled onto the up the messes kids make would be the least favorite was cleaning the pools. We were supposed to be onfield, the feel of lush blades of finely cut grass, and part of the job,” Meyer said. On the other hand, “the the down low. No one was really supposed to knowthe view of vibrant flowers in front of the school -- variety of different things to do everyday would be about us,” senior Mary Grace Nudo said.all result from the groundskeepers at Maine West. the part I enjoy most. There is so much to do behind the scenes. Like getting fields ready for playing, espe- Junior Megan Centella has an idea of how to Maintaining the landscape of Maine West is a cially when it rains.” show more appreciation. “We can involve them inyear-long task. Groundskeepers have a variety of teacher and staff appreciation. We can write letterstasks to complete within a specific timeframe. For Since everything he does happens outside of the to them like we do to teachers because they are stillinstance, at Maine West, groundskeepers have to classroom, students don’t realize the lengths Meyer important,” Centella said.remove the snow from the walkway and parking ar- goes to in order to keep the campus functioning andeas, mow the lawn, paint the lines on the fields, pull safe. “They can’t see the crazy stuff I do like climb- The groundskeepers create the first face of Maineweeds, trim the bushes, pick up leaves, and throw ing trees to bring down dead branches, or climbing West anyone sees when they arrive on campus. “Iaway litter. Some students are not taught to recog- the flagpoles to restring the string on the flagpole. I think they are really important because it is a reflec-nize those who clean up after them, or keep things don’t even think my boss knows how much I do,” tion of how Maine West and its students are,” fresh-clean, so the groundskeepers have the extraordinary Meyer said. men Christiana Kolosvary said. Appreciation for thetask of managing this for the benefit of more than work groundskeepers accomplish is more likely to be2,000 teenagers. Students can help groundskeepers like Meyer admired or valued by parents or students who stay by “cleaning up or picking up garbage, and being at Maine West longer than others. Students who fre- Groundskeeper Dave Meyer, a Maine West alum considerate. Respect the school since it is their own quently use the field and track get to see the output-himself, has worked at Maine West for nearly 35 school,” Meyer said . ted energy and effort of the groundskeepers. Parentsyears. He has continued to help keep Maine West recognize the effort “more so than the students, butbeautiful, clean, and functional. There are many pos- Groundskeepers typically do not receive the rec- certain students probably do too -- especially athletesitive yet negative aspects of being a groundskeeper ognition they deserve. “I’ve worked at Mystic Wa- because they see Maine West more than studentsat Maine West. “Picking up garbage, and cleaning ters in pool maintenance and clean-up and I was who just leave right after school,” Kolosvary said. never recognized because no one really knew who

W May 28, 2015 sports 15While some athletes put in as like badminton and tennis might be It would be nice if we had more,” said to 2014 dropped roughly aroundmuch hard work and dedication as considered easy. Badminton and ten- Swistak. Swistak thought that one 2%. John Hauenstein, who startedother athletes do, their efforts seem to nis player sophomore Viri Godinez reason more students are not present the girl’s golf team for Maine Westnever receive the recognition they feel thinks otherwise. “Badminton requires in the tennis matches is that “perhaps in 2005 and continues to be the headthat they deserve. a lot of speed, agility and strength and people don’t know the rules of tennis, coach, has noticed this change and be-Varsity water polo player and in tennis you also have to focus a lot and this could take away from the ex- lieves it correlates with the the downswimmer senior Emily Morrison be- on the angle and how hard you hit the citement while watching it,” he said. turn in the economy that happened inlieves her sport does not get as much ball, as well as footwork and getting Godinez also noted that another rea- 2009. “Since golf can be an expensiveattention as the more popular sports Valuable assets?to a spot in a short amount of time,” son the crowd for a tennis match or sport, a student might not be able todo. “Nobody hears about our games, afford it if they don’t have the money,”or talks about them. I feel like they’re said Hauenstein.not announced and nobody knows Monetary barriers are not the onlywhen we have games. You look at the problem the golf teams at Maine Westcrowd and its all parents, not a lot of BY ACACIA HERNANDEZ badminton meet might be minimal face. Because there is no golf course onstudents,” said Morrison. Morrison reporter is because of the lack of teamwork. the Maine West campus, it is less likelybelieves if people went to a water Godinez said. “People enjoy watching a team work students will drive out of their way topolo game they would be impressed Head boys tennis coach, Derrick together more than watching two in- watch a golf competition. “The big-with what the sport has to offer. “It’s Swistak, feels that tennis doesn’t fail dividuals,” gest obstacle is that Des Plaines doesextremely intense and takes a lot of to get the attention it deserves. “The According to online statistics por- not have its own full sized golf course.teamwork.” she said. administration does support us and we tal Statista, the most recent participa- Our home meets are 15 miles away,” There seems to be a mis- get a lot of parental support. We do tion survey reports that the number said Hauenstein. While the boys and conception that have around ten students come to every of golfers in high school from 2010 girls golf teams have to travel a long sports g a m e . commute to have their home In a survey of 270 students, the Westerner asked: meet, other sports can walk MOST What are the most appreciated/valued sports at West? right outside for their meet APPRECIATED What are the most under appreciated /undervalued sports at West? or walk to the gym in the next wing for their home game. 94% 53% 78% 655%5% 46%said football said boys soccer said boys MOST UNDER- said girls golf basketball APPRECIATED said badminton said fencingpercentage of students who said this was one of the percentage of students who said this was one of the top fivetop five most appreciated and valued sports at West most under-appreciated and under-valued sports at West BY MARY OPERATION: overall performance in any athletic competition. Other workouts can prevent injury by not CONNELEY Cardio and agility can also play a large role in per- overusing muscles and allowing your body to rest. reporter formance and also prevention of injury. Assigning different days for different things to work on really can help this variety. Leg day on summer Girls junior varsity soccer coach Heather Hop- Mondays, upper body on Tuesdays, and cardio on strong per believes that cardio exercise is very important. Wednesdays is an example of the focuses every day “One of our biggest issues is keeping up with the in the Strength and Conditioning class at MaineFor some, the summer is a time to re- pace of the game,” In any sport, being able to keep West. Sophomore Michael Milewski said, “The key lax and rest, but for athletes, summer up and stay with the tempo will give you an ad- to preventing injuries is using proper equipment, presents an opportunity to prevent vantage compared to those who cannot. “When technique, and just listening to your coach. Mycommon injuries from happening and to strength- your muscles aren’t developed and you’re tired, main goal is to get bigger, faster, and stronger so Ien their bodies for their upcoming seasons. you make more mistakes and you don’t move cor- will be doing a lot of long distance running and I rectly,” Hopper said. This can deter the players and will be lifting weights twice a day everyday.” Whether working out at your house, in the the team as a whole.Maine West pit, or at the local gym, stretching and Torn ACLs have occurred multiple times thisflexibility plays a large part in prevention of injury. Another common way to decrease the risk of year at Maine West. It results in (usually) surgery,By ensuring that all parts of the body are warmed- injury is working on balance and core. “When and 6-9 months of recovery. Recovery usually in-up and have full range in motion, it will improve people think of core strength, they think of “glam- cludes physical therapists and help with the athletic our muscles” or abs, assistant athletic trainer Ryan trainers here to bring students back to full activity. Melligan said. Planking can be a great universal, “They [physical trainers] always tell me to build total body exercise because it can work on the muscle, stay fit, and stretch”, sophomore Carly back and abs -- working with every muscle group Pessah said. Injuries take time to heal, and they can you have to strengthen them. Core is everything physically draining. When people follow the right combined: the abdomen, the hip flexors, and back steps back to recovery, they can be stronger than muscles. “The first and foremost thing (to prevent ever before. “If you’re going through a hard injury, injury) is to focus on core strength. Core is every- it’s not the end of the world. It may be hard now thing in one. Just by strengthening your core, you but you can fight through it and become stronger can eliminate risk of an ankle sprain,” Melligan because of it”, said Pessah. said. “We see a lot of injured athletes come into sea- Melligan has seen similar injuries for years. son looking to get conditioned, when they should “Knees and ankles are the most commonly injured already be conditioned,” Melligan said. Being con- body parts because of lack of balance and lack of ditioned and having that core strength can help core strength,” Melligan said. Improving balance you in season and help you prevent injury. could be as easy as standing on one leg and throw- ing a ball up in the air.

16 sports N WORKERS COME Bus ride, fun May 28, 2015 W BY DORIA EBY CONCESSIO UP CLUTCH ride reporter The first classrooms In Friends Connect, BY MACIEK CZERLONKO to run in the rain and out of everyone on theon each side of Lower it’s what they bus the only people with shirts on were theC-wing are not the F sports editor coaches,” O’Brien said.typical classes where rom complete jubilation before astudents sit in a seat for game to dead silence after a loss, After their win over Maine East this year,45 minutes and the teacher bus rides can determine out- the football team reveled in their ride home.talks to them from the front of comes, establish game mentali- “Everybody was going nuts and the bus driver had 107.5 FM on the radio, so it was a good ties, reinforce relationships, and build lifelong time,” Riportella said.the room. These two classes are memories. With producing hysterical and fun mo-the Life Skills classes, where studentslearn practical skills that will help them “They are like any other bus ride for a field ments, the memories of bus misery are just assucceed after graduation. There, they have the usual school trip, very talkative and noisy,” junior Nick vivid, like when the varsity boys basketball buslessons like math and reading but also life lessons from hold- Massoth said of his trips with the baseball engine stopped running while on a highwaying a job to taking care of themselves on their own. The stu- team. However, “players will often times end exit, or when the boys varsity baseball team gotdents learn the necessities for what life holds not only in the up getting much louder than your average bus dropped off at the wrong school.classroom but also at sports events by working concessions. ride because they are pumped for the game.” The boys basketball team was on their way Others take a more meditative approach to home after a tough loss against Highland ParkSelling concessions allows the students to work on avariety of skills that they can’t always get in the classroom. their bus rides, like junior football player Jake last year, and to make matters worse, the en-Through this experience, the kids “handle money from cus- Riportella. “I like to listen to music, close my gine just shut down. With a wait that lastedtomers, clean, get food for customers, organize the area, and eyes and just think about situations that I can 30 minutes right by Lake Opeka, enraged driv-greet customers,” junior Haley Wedge, who is Life Skills TA find myself in during the match or game,” Ri- ers honked their horns and went around theand Friends Connect member, said. portella said. Among athletes, that tends to be bus as quickly as they could. Then the policeFor example, in school, the students have their usual the more common theme as everyone prepares came to ask questions as to what was going on.math lessons, but they are able to expand their skills by giv- themselves for the next great sports battle. However, with a magic touch, the bus engine However, the pre-game anxiousness and turned on after several failed attempts.ing change to someone buying a candy bar at a soccer game.Once a customer gives their order, a special needs student is anxiety can all change, especially after a nail- They boys baseball team also had a similarresponsible for totaling up the cost of the items, receiving the biting outcome. “After a win it’s crazy-- all the incident by being taken to the wrong school.correct cash, and giving back the correct change. screaming, cheering, and singing,” said sopho- The baseball team was on their way to an awayBeing a concession worker isn’t always easy, but it gives more soccer player Ellie McCabe. “After a loss, game at Evanston, when their bus driver de-the special needs students the tools to “follow directions and it’s usually quiet with the coach explaining to cided to detour and take them to Niles Westmaintain similar responsibilities that they may someday have us what went wrong in game.” instead. As junior baseball player Troy Johnson However, as junior volleyball player Conor said, “We were a little confused. The team wasin other jobs,” Wedge continued. These simple skills will allow O’Brien said, “after a loss it is quiet for a little still focused in on the game even though thethe students to hold onto a job.There are more people who benefit from this experience. while but it gets more fun as the ride goes bus went to the wrong school.” When they fi-Fans and helpers can also learn a thing or two about others on.” Athletes experience this frequently after a nally arrived at Evanston, however, “we werefrom this participation. “Fans see how hardworking and de- competition or game and it becomes a regular excited to play,” Johnson said.termined the kids are. They also see that not everything comes and recurring theme win or lose. Athletes never know how a bus ride will It is a lot easier to remember the good over turn out. That’s why they pack high spirits,easy to everyone, and it’s important to work through obsta- the bad. “Last year after our game against maybe some food and drinks, and hope.cles,” freshman Sara Centineo said. Glenbrook North, everybody wasThe flip side of the whistlesoaked after we had BY MELISSA HOLZER reporterPARK DISTRICT OFFERS as if something happens to affected if a coach got angry or disagreed with a callCHANCE TO SEE WHAT IT’S them, or they’re frustrated, I made,” Galvan said.LIKE TO WEAR THE STRIPES you’re there to help.” Senior Patricia Luat is also a referee for Officials often face criticism. “The most difficult Being an umpire or referee for the basketball.“I have to get acquainted part of my job is being judged by other people. RightDes Plaines Park District is a popular job with the coaches, do safety precautions before each now I am a referee for 8th grade girls basketball andfor Maine West students. The students offici- ating and every game and of course, officiate.” if you make a call the parents don’t agree with, they’llpark district sports are helping kids learn more about There is a lot to like about officiating for the park yell at you. At first, I was scared to blow the whistlea sport that they have interest in. Just like any other district. “I enjoyed watching the games and talking and make a call but eventually I ignored the parentsjob though, officiating has its ups and downs. to the players,” Galvan said. and just worried about the game. Another difficult For Rathappillil, the power gives him a sense of part of my job is when you hesitate to make a call. Officiating a game correctly includes responsibil- satisfaction. “My favorite part of being a referee is There will be times when I should’ve made a call butities seen and unseen. Junior Joey Galvan has been wearing the black and white jersey and holding on then there will be times I would blow my whistle andan umpire for little league baseball. “First I had to to the whistle. You have full control of the game and it wasn’t really a foul.” Rathappillil said.show up early and make sure the coaches each got a kids have to listen to whatever you say. But also, mygood pre-game warm-up for their teams. Before the favorite part of my job is watching little kids play For Luat, confidence in what you call is key, “Thegame started, I had to discuss the strike zone for the basketball. It’s very interesting and entertaining on most challenging part is trusting yourself. Parentsgame and any rules that cause discrepancies amongst how they dribble and air ball all of their shots.” and coaches love to try and get in your head and askthe coaches. Then I had to be consistent with my Luat chose the job because she enjoys assisting for certain calls to be made, but you have to trustcalls and make sure I wasn’t biased,” Galvan said. children. “I’m lucky enough to be working with a that you’re already doing the best you can.” great group of referees, most of which are very good Junior Alan Rathappillil is a referee for basketball friends of mine. But, it’s a privilege to be a part of Galvan recommends being an umpire to otherat the park district, “The responsibilities of being a something that helps kids do something they love.” teens, “If someone enjoys baseball and wants to runreferee are making sure you’re there on time, have Every job has its challenges, and this job is no the game then I would recommend it.”all your equipment such as (shirt and whistle) and exception. “The most difficult thing was to not bebe able to support the kids you’re reffing for. Such “I would recommend this job to students because you only work once a week on Sunday mornings and you can watch little kids play basketball,” Rathap- pillil said.