November 2019

THE GLEN BARD

November 2019 gwhsnews.org

‘Pioneers of coding’ at West start up new computer programming William Hohe ’21 Co-Editor-in-Chief Every new year, it seems that Glenbard West adds an assortment of new clubs to its repertoire of extracurriculars. The rapport of this school itself is ingrained in involvement, whether it be a sport or club of one’s choosing.

Jessica Gbor, founder and President of Computer Programming Club, describes the group as “a computer technology and coding club that will eventually start entering competitions.”

Mr. Wicyk, the sponsor of the club and business teacher, spoke about the beginning stages of the club and his thoughts on the group as a whole. Mr. Wicyk discussed that “this is a new club this year” and although “this is [his] first year here,” he wanted to get involved with West in any way he could.

Gbor drew her inspiration to begin the club from this past summer’s endeavours and talked to Mr. Wicyk as soon as school commenced. She spoke of notable camps and classes she attended, such as one called “Girls Who Code” in the city. This

sparked interest for her to continue her passion for coding and extend her knowledge, as she noted that “there wasn’t a coding club at West.”

As the “pioneers of coding at Glenbard West,” Gbor and those involved with the club hope to gain prestige and a reputation so that others can catch on to the excitement and dedication involved with computer programming.

Even more so, Mr. Wicyk feels that this club is “providing a place for kids to just come in and express their creativity with programming.” With over hundreds of languages of coding out there, he feels that his club will allow “anybody in [to the club] who is really experienced with programming or who just [wants to] see what it is about.”

Gbor, along with Mr. Wicyk, enlisted the help of other friends and potential members of the club to be mentors and collaborators through spreading the club’s message on social media and throughout the halls at West.

Although still in its start-up year, Gbor offered some advice to those who would also like to start a club

According to Mr. Wicyk, Computer Programming Club adviser, this club is “providing a place for kids to just come in and express their creativity with programming.” Photo by William Hohe ’21. themselves: “You have to be passionate about it and it needs to be relevant.”

Likewise, Mr. Wicyk saw this club as a call to action, and said, “There are more people that like programming than you think, [and] by showing up you can see that you are not just one by yourself and that there’s a lot of kids that like programming that

West junior releases single ‘Million Songs’

By Amy Wozniak ’21 Editor

After a long wait, junior Brye Sebring is releasing her first single, “Million Songs.”

The single was released on October 4th, and is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Last May, Brye set her sights on releasing an EP, or extended play, bearing the same name as her soon-to-be-released single. The EP contained three songs.

Unfortunately, all progress on the collection of songs was lost when Brye’s producer’s laptop was stolen. “There was nothing backed up, so we lost everything,” said Brye. The entire album was set back by four months. This is because the process of recording and producing music is “a lot of trial and error” and “repeating the same thing over and over again until you get it right.” However, this allows room for “a lot of creative freedom.”

Despite the setbacks, Brye and her team have plans to release other singles and an album in the next few years. “We already have a song recorded…finished and planned for December,” she explained. “All the proceeds are going to go to Make-a-Wish.”

The singer-songwriter’s music does not fit into a single category. “It honestly depends,” she said, “two years ago, the music I was writing was all on guitar, and very quiet and timid.” But she believes her music has “blossomed into something more positive [...] descriptive, and fun.”

She draws inspiration from English singer and author Dodie Clark. “I love her style [...] the way she writes and the language she tends to use.” Brye admires how descriptive Dodie is, and sees similarities in their writing and music styles.

After overcoming obstacles, Brye is ready to share her music on October 4th. The world awaits to hear her next single and another ‘million songs’ in the coming years.

To follow Brye’s story and to listen to “Million Songs,” follow her Instagram page, @ bryenoelle.

The album art for “Million Songs.” Photo by William Hohe ’21.

can come and talk to those who enjoy it too.”

Whether it be service or science, art related or something else, Glenbard West holds true in its promise to bring diversity in all different aspects of student life, especially regarding extracurriculars, now including computer programming. If you or someone you know wants to get in-

volved in Glenbard West’s new Computer Programming Club, make sure to be on the lookout for upcoming events, meetings, and announcements throughout the halls and on Schoology. After having their first meeting on October 11th, there will definitely be more programming-related festivities in the future for Glenbard West’s new Computer Programming Club.

New column to provide friendly advice, tips

By Mr. Neberz School Counselor

We do know, however, Who do you go to when you have a that they question or a problem or need some ad- are a vice? I often ask this question to students n e c e s and the answer is almost always “my sary evil. friends.”

So, what Although friends can be trustworthy do we and reliable, they’re sometimes too close do about (to you or the situation) to give a frank, them? honest answer. In the end, we know that First, we need someone to be straight with us, k n o w even though it might hurt to hear the truth. that they are not the only important factor This column is going to try and help in the college admissions process. What with that - give you, the students of Glen- you do in school every day is equally, if bard West, a voice and an ear - someone not more important. to help you chew on life’s quandaries.

Second...What do we do when we’re Our team, made up of me (school coun- anxious or nervous about something imselor), innovative students, and experts in portant? fields from all over the world (or Glen ElPREPARE! lyn), will dig down deep to help you find Now that does NOT mean you have your answers, but they also hope to make to go spend a bunch of money for a prep you laugh, cry, think, and feel. class or program, but it does mean you Real interaction is what we seek. should practice! Sit down at the kitchen The missing link...is YOU. We need table on a rainy Saturday, time yourself, your questions, viewpoints, and the most and take an exam. You can easily find current debated topics to knead through them online - ACT and SAT both have like the best of Barone’s pizza dough. pdf versions available and Khan AcadYou can submit your questions directly emy has online exams. or anonymously to The Glen Bard or by Just remember that you have plenty of emailing Mr. Neberz or one of the Co- opportunities to take (practice) standardEditors-in-Chief Michelle Bishka or Wil- ized tests in and out of school, so going liam Hohe. into test day well-rested and ‘ready to go’ Looking for direction? Have anxiety are all you really need. If an exam doesn’t about the future? Have a debate to solve? work out as planned, talk to your teachers In an argument that needs vetting? Need about areas in the test where you strughelp with school, a friend, or even a par- gled for some practical tips on where to ent? THIS is your place. It’s time to get focus. feedback from “Your Friends.”

If you still have issues, speak with your Look for “Your Friends’ Advice” in fu- counselor about how to approach the colture issues of The Glen Bard and online. lege admissions process with the scores This month, a student asked Mr. Ne- you received. There are plenty of colleges berz generally about standardized testing that are test-optional or holistic in their (ACT & SAT) and how to approach tak- review, where a deficit in testing might ing exams? The following is his response. not be as detrimental as one thinks.

Can I be honest here? I’m not a fan I hope that helps! of the standardized test and I personally Send in some questions following the never did well when I had to take them above directions...we’d love to know (approximately 137 years ago). what’s on YOUR mind!

670 Crescent Blvd Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

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West welcomes nine new staff members this year

New staff members pictured in order mentioned in the article. Photo courtesy of Glenbard West Twitter.

By Michelle Bishka 21’ Co-Editor-In-Chief Genevieve Ick 21’ Assistant Editor-In-Chief This year West was lucky to introduce nine new staff members to our school! You may have one of the newcomers as a teacher or simply just noticed them around school and want to find out a little more about them. Read the interviews below to do so.

West welcomes these new staff members and wishes them a great first year!

Wilyna Frankel is a social work intern here at West. Prior to arriving at West for the internship, Ms. Frankel was the head of human resources for a financial institution for a long period of time. After having her children, Ms. Frankel took a bit of a break from work and decided to go back to school to get a master’s degree in social work.

Having double majored in undergraduate political science and organizational communication at Concordia University, Ms. Frankel enjoys the overlap in her undergraduate and graduate majors as they “help [her] understand the systematic ways in which [individuals] are influenced.”

In high school, Ms. Frankel’s favorite subject was English and really liked her teacher who “prepared [her] for college in really good ways” and, though it sounds “cliché, prepared [her] for life.” She also participated in debate and Model United Nations in high school and is willing to help these clubs at West. As a social work intern, Ms. Frankel fulfills similar tasks as the other staff members in Student Services and is happy to have “learned a lot from them” in such a short amount of time here.

Jennifer Panici is a special education teacher here at West. She currently teaches English with juniors and seniors in the special education department. In addition to working here at West in her seventh year of teaching, Ms. Panici has also taught variations of English in Arizona and another school in Illinois. Ms. Panici went to Illinois State University for her bachelor’s degree in English education, later went back to school and got an endorsement in special education, and recently got her masters in reading.

Ms. Panici always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Growing up in a family of teachers, starting in the sixth grade, she “went to work with [her] mom and, ever since then, knew she wanted to become a teacher.” Although in the beginning of high school, Ms. Panici thought about becoming a math teacher, she was deterred away from that subject and was drawn more to English because she enjoyed reading. She has always liked her English classes and thought that the path would have been a better fit.

She also credits her mom for directing her into special education, loving the department because the “differentiation makes you think in different, creative ways.” Here at West, Ms. Panici volunteers with Best Buddies and hopes to get further involved in the club or “wherever [she] fit[s] in the little niche of West.”

Michael Langhurst is a special education teacher here at West. He teaches a wide range of subjects including English, science, history, and math. In his past teaching endeavors, Mr. Langhurst has also taught English and science in Oswego on top of also teaching functional organization.

Mr. Langhurst went to college at Aurora University, majoring in political science.

He later returned to Aurora University for his master’s degree in special education.

Before getting his master’s degree, however, Mr. Langhurst had planned on becoming a lawyer. Taking a different turn, prior to leaving for law school, Mr. Langhurst ended up running into his college football coach who was working at the Aurora Special Education Center. He inspired Mr. Langhurst to explore special education who “just loved it.” In addition to teaching, Mr. Langhurst hopes to get involved in extracurriculars at West his second year, wanting to coach football and track.

Theresa Kim is a new math teacher here at West, teaching ELL Algebra and Algebra I. In addition to teaching at West, she also teaches Algebra II at Glenbard South.

Before teaching in Glen Ellyn, Ms. Kim taught Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry at Chicago Public Schools and Lake Park High School. She majored in math education at Western Governors University and received a master’s degree in English Language Learning. Prior to majoring in math education, she started off as a chemistry major, hoping to go into healthcare. However, teaching “was always in the back of [her] mind.” If she ever taught, she thought she would teach a language or a science class. Ultimately, she ended up liking teaching math better as “it is very applicable in a lot of subjects.”

Ms. Kim particularly enjoys her ELL class because “math is universal, the same in every country” and she “could [teach] a wide range of things with more real-life application.” In high school, Ms. Kim always loved math, but chemistry was ultimately her favorite subject. She soon realized that she preferred learning chemistry to teaching it; she felt that it was “more fulfilling to go the math route” of teaching. Ms. Kim hopes to get further involved at West next year by coaching volleyball. She finds it important to get involved because “that is what [she] often did when [she] was in school.”

Philip Wicyk is a new teacher here at West, teaching AP Computer Science A, Computer Discoveries 1, and Consumer Management. He really enjoys his AP Computer Science class because he finds its Java-specific nature interesting and thinks it is exciting to see his students grasp that subject. In addition to teaching at Glenbard West, he also is sponsoring a new programming club here while coaching the Glenbard South’s boys’ soccer team. In the spring, however, he will be coaching West’s girls’ soccer team. Prior to working in Glen Ellyn, Mr. Wicyk also worked for 8 years at Romeoville High School as a “jack of all trades.” He was the yearbook adviser, accounting teacher, graphic design teacher,

computer science teacher, web page design teacher, and entrepreneur design teacher.

He also coached the girls’ soccer team at Romeoville, as the head coach for seven years, and the boys’ soccer team, as the assistant coach for eight years.

Mr. Wicyk majored in accounting for his undergraduate degree at the University of St. Francis and got his master’s degree at the University of Benedictine. Although he originally wanted to be an accountant, he turned pages and wanted to become a teacher because of his college professors who had a great impact on him: “outside of an education figure, they were there for any type of help.”

Miles Ritchie is the new staff member running the AP support cafe, which is open to students periods 4 to 7, as well as a physics teacher. He “loves teaching physics because it is so visual” and a very hands-on class where students can experience the content directly through the labs. This is his sixth year teaching, as he spent the first five years “in the Omaha, Nebraska area” where he taught various science classes and just moved to Illinois this year.

Mr. Ritchie attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he started off majoring in exercise sciences but switched to secondary education. While he did not “originally think [he] would be in a school setting, [he] has always been involved in different educational or youth-oriented activities.” In high school, he enjoyed all of his science classes but also “took Latin for four years which was a very enjoyable class with a great teacher.” In addition to teaching here at West, Mr. Ritchie is also the head coach of the West and South co-op girls’ swim team.

Ronald Brock is new to West, teaching business, specifically consumer ed and business law. He also teaches at Glenbard North in the mornings and switches over to West in the afternoon. Mr. Brock has been teaching for ten years, previously teaching “business education and special education” at all levels from elementary to college. He loves teaching business classes because all of the materials are “100% real-world applicable” to students; specifically, the budgeting unit is one of his favorites as managing money is something that is important for everyone to know. It makes sense that Mr. Brock’s favorite classes when he was in high school were all his business classes, and he “took almost every single business class” offered.

Mr. Brock has wanted to become a teacher since he had an accounting teacher his sophomore year who “was a big part of [his] high school life” and was the reason he wanted to help other kids and “teaching was the best way [he] could do that.” Mr. Brock attended Illinois State for undergrad majoring in business education, then received a master’s degree from Aurora University in educational technology, as well as earning a special education certification. He is a coach for the Glenbard South football team and is “hoping to pick up a sport [at West] either in the winter or in the spring” and be involved in as many events

as possible when not coaching.

Brenda Czabaj is the newest German teacher, teaching German I in the mornings at West. Mrs. Czabaj previously taught at Glencrest Middle School for twelve and a half years and taught as a substitute for three years in Barrington before coming to West. She attended college at Simpson College earning her bachelor’s in elementary education, secondary education, and German, then attended National Louis University in Evanston earning her masters as a reading specialist.

Mrs. Czabaj “always planned on teaching”; since she was a kid she “loved being around children” and “took lots of classes [in high school] to learn how to be a teacher [such as] childcare classes.” She loves teaching German because she “absolutely loves Germany and the German people.”

She has traveled there many times and admires the culture as well as the language.

She also loves teaching a language because it can “incorporate all the other curricular areas” such as arts and music. German class was also Mrs. Czabajs favorite class when she was in high school, so her love for the language has not diminished at all.

Marissa Mersch is a new special education teacher. This is her first year teaching and she “co-teachers three sections of English 1, one [...] section of SE English 1, and [a] study methods” class. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for her undergraduate, majoring in communication sciences and disorders which could have “gone two routes, the speech pathology route or the audiology route.” She always knew she wanted to be in a “helping profession” but did not decide she wanted to be a special ed teacher until she had an opportunity to work as a teaching assistant and was amazed by the resilience and positivity she saw in the students.

Ms. Mersch is coaching girls freshman basketball here at West and is looking forward to coaching softball in the spring.

She does not have a favorite class that she teaches as they are all unique and fun in their own way.

Devon Dickson is one of the psychology interns at West. As a psychology intern, she is here to help with “anything that is holding a student back from succeeding in school.” She helps run the Students for Students club and so far has enjoyed “building connections and knowing students” so far at West. Ms. Dickson has spent the past two years in Chicago Public Schools, but this is her first internship and the “first time [she is] working full time [...] as a school psychologist.” She went to North Central College for undergrad, studying psychology, and is attending the Chicago School of Professional Psychology for grad school.

Ms. Dickson knew she wanted to work in a school setting, but it wasn’t until she started grad school that she decided she wanted to be a school psychologist to get to “work with kids, teachers and parents,” and “counseling students has been a really great experience for [her]” so far at West.

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David Grann discusses research process, writing, history behind ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Michelle Bishka ’21 Co-Editor-in-Chief Commemorating the twentyninth anniversary of the District 87 Glenbard Parent Series, best-selling author David Grann hosted the book talk on his novel, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” on September 5th.

The Glenbard Parent Series is an event held by District 87 that is open to the local community and requires no registration: “This is for everyone,” as the founder of the parent series, Gilda Ross, mentions.

Kicking off the yearlong series, Grann explored the basis of “Killers of the Flower Moon” and provided insight on the extensive research and preparation that was required to write such a novel.

Not only did David Grann produce electrifying stories, he immersed himself in them. As soon as the discussion began, it was clear that Grann was able to captivate his audience from the start.

Grann, when speaking about his text, dissected his work; he set up the context, premise, and plot.

Although it has been less than a century after the Osage killings, it seemed that the intentional erasure of this part of history has led

to little memory of the tragedies.

Grann further showed, through his piece, that the systematic murders of the wealthy, oil-rich Osage, were not caused by the rogue deeds of a singular villain, but rather a culture.

In the early 1900s, the Osage and the United States government had negotiated a contract in which the Osage Tribe worked in a clause that all resources, from oil to minerals, on their land was reserved by them. More than a decade later, the tribe members became hugely wealthy as did their headrights, who had been able to receive profits derived from their estates. The conditions soon worsened when Congress began to require white guardians -- some of whom were willing to do anything to get their hands on fortunes -- to manage the tribe’s wealth.

Grann, through his writing, wanted to uncover the history that had and still continues to be masked and hidden; he wanted to explore the voices that were suppressed for decades and he wanted people to “learn this history.”

Although he acknowledged that it was “far too late to bring justice,” he also noted that during his multi-year research process that “more voices are being heard”

and, thus, “more stories are being told.” The multiple perspectives he heard “show the elliptical qualities of history” that he tried to mimic in his book.

In his book, Grann retells the Osage murders in three different perspectives. The first part of the novel explores the world of Osage Nation, particularly the Burkhart family. Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman, is married to a white man named Ernest Burkhart. Her sisters are also married to white men. When her sister, Minnie, passed away un- David Grann during his book talk on Killers of the Flower Moon. expectedly due to an unknown Photo courtesy of Dorothy Le, Glenbard North student. “illness,” her other sister Anna is found dead in a ravine soon af- stories that pull you along,” espe- normally told, there is “no Godter. The Osage are slowly disap- cially “when you tell someone a like narrator” and the individuals pearing, including Mollie’s entire difficult part of history.” He elab- in his work “do not pretend to be family and she has a feeling that orated that he preferred to format omniscient.” she may be next. The second part his novel to carry out this effect.

Fans of Grann’s captivating of the novel tackles the point of The intrigue of the novel “was an plots will be eager to find out that view of the federal investigators organic mystery” as it happened “Killers of the Flower Moon” who start exploring these chains naturally when “the story was is currently being made into a of death, including William Hale, told” and the way it unfolded. It feature film directed by Martin J. Edgar Hoover, and Tom White. helps the reader understand the Scorsese. Grann is excited for the In the third part of the novel, real people who were affected film as “the book can only reach Grann makes a series of trips by those tragedies and those who so many people and [his] hope is between 2012 and 2015, diving caused it: “you are feeling it as that the movie can reach so many in-depth into the researching and they felt it,” Grann says, because more.” Stay tuned for the film and interviewing process that helped “they do not have the powers of any of his upcoming work. Thank him write such a novel. hindsight.” This does not only you to David Grann for being In an interview after the discus- pull readers in, “but lets [readers] able to come to Glenbard West sion of his book, Grann revealed experience how the mystery truly for the Parent Series! he is a “big believer in telling unfolds.” Unlike how history is

West Varsity Sports in Action Photos by Annie Cleaver ’20

(From left to right) Varsity Girls Tennis players Sienna Lopez (senior), Emma Chirila (junior), Ashley Samuta (senior), Sophia Hanna (senior), Norah Chirila (freshman), and Lauren Debs (junior) pose for a photo after their match against Downers Grove North High School.

Trevor DuVair (sophomore) applies pressure to an opposing player in their season opener against Plainfield North High School. The boys won the game 8-2.

Setter Caroline Casey (senior) jumps in the air to celebrate winning the point in their match against Downers Grove North High School.

In their first game of the year, midfielder Kate Shaw (sophomore) sprints toward the ball to advance down the field. West defeated Deerfield High School 2-0.

Did you know two movies based on David Grann’s writing are currently in production?

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Travel Guide: 5 underrated countries you should visit

By Shruti Yamala ’22 and Aditi Vinay ’22 Contributing Writers

#1. Albania Description: A relatively small, incredibly mountainous country full of castles, architecture, and archeology located on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula. Albania is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, inside the Mediterranean Sea. Attractions: Albanian Riviera: Spanning from the Cape of Rodon to Sarande in the capital city Tirana, it is filled with sandy beaches with beautiful blue waters, admirable small towns filled with flowers, and churches with intricate artwork.

Castle of Gjirokastër: This is a castle that represents both beauty and history. It overlooks the city on a hill that is approximately 1100 feet tall. Its name is dedicated to the princess, Argjiro, who leap from a great height so that the Ottomans couldn’t capture her. It also served as a shelter for residents of the city during World War l and ll.

Theth National Park: This is a national park located in northern Albania, centered among the Albanian Alps, and is made up of mainly two sectors: Jezerca and the Accursed Mountains. One of its rivers, called the Black River, is known as “The Blue Eye of Theth,” due to its extravagant, almost magical, blue color surrounded by bright nature.

Best Time To Go: Spring and summer: Best for swimming and hiking May: Great for sightseeing archeological and historical sights, and hiking in the mountains. Temperature: 60.7°F Fall and winter: Indoor sightseeing (museums) and winter activities February: Great for skiing. Temperature: 35.6°F #2. Slovenia Description: A country located in Central Europe, Slovenia is small but filled with four different landscapes of Europe: European Alps, Dinaric Alps, Pannonian and Danubian hills, and the Mediterranean Coast. In the north, it is bordered by Austria and Hungary, and to the east and south, it shares a border with Croatia.

Attractions: Predjama Castle: Located in the village of Predjama, and filled with an entertaining history, this castle was the house of a knight named Erazem Lueger. Interesting fact: This castle was built out of a cave. It’s filled with secret tunnels where Erazem would set out on his journeys. Many tours are available to further learn about this structure’s ancient history.

Lake Bled: The combination of beautiful waters of the lake along with the island it encompasses is a great reason to travel to Slovenia, and specifically Lake Bled. It’s located in a region in Northwestern Slovenia. It’s a great place to wind down and relax or get exercise on a hike, jog, or even a bike ride. It’s recommended to take a pletna, or a traditional boat in Slovenia, to the Bled Island.

Postojna Cave: These caves were “carved” by the Pivka River and filled with cave formations called karsts. This magnificent cave allows you to gaze at the bright, white-colored stalagmite known as “Brilliant,” which serves as a symbol to the Postojna cave, hear about the legend of baby dragons ACTUALLY existing, and take a train ride through the walls of this mysteriously beautiful cave.

Best Time To Go: June-August: It’s the summer season of Slovenia! It’s the best temperature to wear shorts and a shirt, go sightseeing outside, and try out some adventure sports or hiking. Temperature: ranges from 53°F - 75°F January: Best for winter activities, but you’ll need to bundle up! Temperature: 29°F #3. Sri Lanka Description: Sri Lanka is an island country

located in South Asia. It’s in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, and southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It’s full of beaches, national parks, wildlife, train routes, and tea plantations.

Attractions: Ravana Falls: These falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. These falls are great for hot summer months. During the journey, there are lots of caves to stop by and take a look at. In trees nearby, you can even see some adorable monkeys or on the road eating some fruit.

Nuwara Eliya: This is a city in the tea country hills of Sri Lanka. If you’re looking for a cleanse or escape from reality, then you should definitely visit Nuwara Eliya. Full of gardens, bungalows, and hills, this city proves to be very rejuvenating and relaxing, as well as scenic and aesthetic. Nuwara Eliya also hosts golf courses, temples, and train tours.

Best Time To Go: April-September: Best weather on East Coast December-March: Best weather on West and South Coast #4. The Philippines Description: The Philippines is a group of islands in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it’s home to about 103 million inhabitants and consists of over seven thousand islands. This country is best known for being tropical, rich in biodiversity, and having tranquil nature scenery.

Attractions: Banaue Rice Terraces: The Banaue Rice Terraces are terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines over 2,000 years ago by the forefathers of the native people. Being very beautiful and scenic, it’s occasionally called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Boracay: Despite being a tiny island, Boracay is known for being very fun, yet relaxing. Although it’s most famous for its beaches and resorts, it also consists of restaurants, bars, boat tours, volcanic caves, scuba diving, and so much more. In fact, Boracay was named the best island in the world in 2012 by the travel magazine “Travel + Leisure.”

Palawan: If you are only in The Philippines for a short amount of time, Palawan should be at the top of your list. This province is simple yet extravagant and has a numerous amount of activities and attractions within itself. It contains caves, beaches, lakes, and parks, as well as delicious authentic food like rice, seafood, and stew. From its white sandy beaches to its clear blue waters, Palawan is definitely one of the best places to visit in The Philippines.

Best Time To Go: November-April: The most popular time to go and when tourism is highest.

The country and its attractions are all fully available at this time March-April: The hottest time of the year at around 90°F. It’s best to go later on when it cools down, unless you like hot weather and lots of sun December-February: Cooler temperatures and a better time to go because the weather is warm but not extremely hot at around 70°F.

On the private island of Belize. Photo by Aditi Vinay ’22. tiful cave in Belize that was actually voted as the most sacred cave in the world by “National Geographic.” Although this cave tour can get a little pricey, it’s worth it because you’ll get your own professional tour guide and a thorough tour of the cave. In addition, there are many other natural landmarks and tours to check out in Belize.

Private Island: During my visit to Belize, we went to a private island where we snorkeled, swam, and relaxed. This was the highlight of my trip and I would highly recommend going to a private island, or any remote island, in Belize. As well as the excursions

offered at the island, there was also a bar and restaurant, and overall, the island was peaceful and relaxing.

Best Time To Go: Late November to mid-April: The dry season in Belize, and therefore the best time to go. Overall, however, the country’s temperatures only range from 70°F to 90°F so you could essentially visit Belize any time of year.

Want to learn more? Visit our website gwhsnews.org

#5. Belize Description: Despite being both safe and beautiful, Belize is actually the least visited country in Central America. However, this is better for tourists because it’s like other popular tropical countries, but more peaceful and relaxing. I have actually visited Belize before and it’s definitely one of the most naturally beautiful, authentic, and memorable places I have ever been to.

Attractions: Actun Tunichil Muknal: This is a beau-

Did you know that the oldest lake in Europe is in Albania?