April Issue 2012

Prepare for AP tests with tips from an editor.

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William Fremd High School 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067

NEWS

FEATURES

The 4x5 Art Show features student creativity and artistic ability.

Explore the impact of depression and suicide on teens.

A&E

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847.755.2810 www.fhs.d211.org/vikinglogue

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SPORTS

Softball gets off to fast start this season.

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Friday, April 13, 2012 Volume 46, Number 8

Paint the School Purple to fight cancer Bailey Zyer Staff Writer

As a way to promote the upcoming Relay for Life fundraiser on June 15 at Sundling Jr. High, the youth committee is holding a Paint the School Purple promotion April 12, 13 and 16 outside of the cafeteria.

New teams that sign up during this event will not be required to pay the $25 sign-up fee.

Relay for Life is a community event that celebrates cancer survivors, honors ones lost and raises money to fund research and support those battling cancer.

The event lasts from 6 p.m.-6 a.m., but teams spend all year fundraising to support the American Cancer Society. In addition to honorary ceremonies like the Luminaria service which remembers those affected by the disease, there are also many games, including an egg toss and trivia, a DJ and themed laps around the track.

On Monday, April 16, Relay for Life’s high school leaders encourage everyone to wear purple to school to raise awareness.

Sophomore youth committee member Kendall Bartecki hopes to see students showing support.

“By people wearing purple, we are supporting a cause to fight a disease that took my mom,” Bartecki said. “I’d love

Logue photo courtesy of Facebook

ILLUMINATE THE NIGHT. Relay for Life participants light Luminaria to remember those who have lost the fight against cancer. to see people raising awareness, so people don’t have to suffer through what my mom did.”

This year, Paint the School Purple aims to get more students involved. Senior Relay for Life board member Kenny Bourgon hopes to leave an impact in his final year.

“Because I’m a senior and it is my last year to work with

Relay Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Inverness (PRMI), I wanted to make sure there were a lot of high school students who would be able to take my place in the coming years,” Bourgon said. “The best way to get high schoolers involved is to hold a fundraiser in the school.”

Staff partner Rachel Schindler knows that teens play a pivotal

role in Relay.

“Through Relay for Life, I’ve seen the power that youth have to mobilize and make things happen when they join forces to accomplish a unified goal,” Schindler said.

According to the Relay for Life PRMI website, this year’s goal is to have 84 teams participate. Currently, 50 teams have signed up.

Bartecki believes that students will see and feel how families and survivors are affected by cancer if they create a Relay for Life team.

“Every year, my team has a special Luminaria service where we sit around our candles and just talk,” Bartecki said. “Words can’t describe the feeling of seeing all my teammates around me, honoring my mom and supporting me. It’s just so consoling to know that they understand what I’m going through.”

This is a historic event for Relay for Life PRMI, eclipsing the $2 million mark after 14 years of fundraising. Schindler encourages everyone to experience this special year and see how much their participation makes an impact.

“It’s amazing to hear at our opening ceremonies how local cancer survivors have benefitted from our services and see how the money they raised makes a difference in the lives of others,” Schindler said.

Those who want to be involved in Relay for Life or hope to be further involved in the youth committee should contact Kenny Bourgon at kbourgon@ comcast.net.

Those who will not be able to attend the event at school and still wish to sign up can visit relayforlife.org.

Kony 2012 movement captures public attention through social media Karen Li News Editor

With over 86 million views on YouTube, Invisible Children Inc.’s Kony 2012 documentary has gained nationwide support to arrest Joseph Kony, the Ugandan guerrilla leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Kony gained control of the LRA in 1987, committing criminal acts against children and forcing them to fight as soldiers in his rebel army.

Invisible Children is working to make Kony famous through the Internet in order to maintain U.S. aid to Africa.

Social studies teacher Shawn McCusker says the Internet is an efficient method for raising support and awareness by evoking public opinion.

“The Internet and social media are powerful tools.

Knowing how to use them is like learning how to use any tool if you know where its strengths lie and how to use it,” McCusker said. “If anything, this video is an example of how if you have a cause that you’re passionate about, people will pay attention. I think if the people who are in charge of the video truly care about it, they won’t be upset if people ask hard questions.”

Invisible Children has worked for nine years to end the armed conflict in Africa and was able to convince the government to send thousands of military advisors to Africa last year to remove the LRA from power.

If Kony is not captured by the end of the year, U.S. officials may withdraw the advisors.

On the night of April 20, campaign supporters will take part in Cover the Night, an event to raise awareness for Kony’s capture by putting up posters and billboards.

Though sophomore Helen Ye agrees with the purpose of the campaign, she believes it lacks action.

“I think Invisible Children has a really good idea going that things need to be done about Joseph Kony, but just spreading his name isn’t really the way to do it,” Ye said.

“We all know he’s doing terrible things, but if nobody actually takes action, what’s the use?”

Despite the large amount of attention, Invisible Children is being criticized for its excessive spending and for oversimplifying the situation.

Critics argue that the danger of the LRA was exaggerated by the video since it has weakened after Kony escaped to neighboring Uganda. The arrest of the Kony 2012 film director Jason Russell also sparked further criticism.

However, McCusker believes the controversy over Invisible Children should not change the way we view the situation in Uganda.

“I think it should get people asking more complex questions about the situation. The Kony video presents the situation very simplistically. Here’s the bad guy, we need to do something, but it’s not that simple,” McCusker said. “There are a lot more facets to that. Problems aren’t only good or bad. You have to see it from many different perspectives.”

Still, Kony 2012 has gained the support of celebrities and politicians.

Within just three days of the documentary’s release on YouTube, Justin Bieber and Oprah tweeted their support for Kony’s arrest on Twitter, where “#StopKony” and “Invisible Children” became worldwide trends. President Barack Obama also reaffirmed his support for the campaign to establish peace and stabilize Uganda.

Logue photo by Karen Li

COVER THE NIGHT. Several posters like this one will be put up on April 20 to support Kony 2012.

Junior Liz Bajjalieh sees the increasing awareness for the situation in Uganda as a chance for our generation to raise awareness for the many other issues around the world through the use of the Internet.

“The fact that people got behind this so quickly was awesome to me, even if some parts of it did turn out to be an uglier side of corruption. My hope is that, if this cause gets anywhere people will realize that people can work together and can get something done,” Bajjalieh said.

“Other organizations will learn to make use of the Internet to spread their cause, because though the Internet has a dark side, it can be used for good, too.”

NEWS

2

Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

fights at Chicago Golden Gloves Navy Pier hosts Mazurek Priyanka Kanal 2012 Post Prom News Editor

Priyanka Kanal and Karen Li News Editors

Prom attendees have the opportunity to experience a night of entertainment during Post Prom at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens.

Tickets will be on sale Saturday, May 19 and during lunch periods on May 21, 23, 25, 29 and 31 at the cashier’s window.

Students must bring their school I.D. when purchasing tickets. Tickets will be $25 per person, and checks should be made out to the Viking Booster Club.

Permission forms will be available on the Junior Class website, in the main office and in the media center. Forms should be turned in when purchasing tickets.

Those who choose to attend will be transported by chartered luxury motor coaches from the Renaissance Center to Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. Students can board the coaches from 10:3011:30 p.m.

After the night ends, students will board the coaches back to the Renaissance Center.

Entertainment will also be provided during Post Prom, including Dance Party DJs and celebrity B96 DJ, DJ Spin. Music will play until 2:30 a.m.

Students can indulge in a midnight snack including sliders from the hot dog carts along with other refreshments.

Booster Club would like to thank the District 211 Teachers Union for sponsoring one of the luxury motor coaches.

Booster Club is still searching for more sponsors. Those interested should contact Cathie Hutmacher at cathiehutmacher@att. net.

EVENT WATCH PSAE TESTING April 24-25

LATE START May 1

When walking into a room, confidence seems to ooze off of junior Nick Mazurek.

Despite a frame well over six feet, there is a bounce in his step, indicating he is quick on his feet.

Agility and speed were all part of his routine as he headed to the Chicago Golden Gloves novice tournament on March 21 at Gordon Tech High School.

Mazurek fought the full three rounds but suffered the second loss of his amateur career, bringing his record to 10-2.

“It was my first time doing the Golden Gloves, so it was a good experience for me,” Mazurek said. “It was a tough fight for me, one of the closest and toughest I have ever had. I gave it my all.”

English teachers Scott Klein and Josh Teschner attended the match, and Klein believes the bout was more of a brawl than a fight.

“His match was probably the most exciting of the night because of the action. Nick is very tall and lanky and has fast hands, and his opponent had to work around that,” Klein said. “Due to Nick’s size and long arms, he wanted to keep his opponent at a distance. However, the guy he was fighting would get inside of Nick and bullrush him back to the ropes. The guy kept on getting inside of him, which was rough on Nick, but he fought really hard.”

The two different fighting styles, Mazurek with a true boxing mentality and his opponent with more of a brawling style, heightened the excitement and tension of the match.

“My style is to jab and move around more, or the stick and move, while my opponent was more of a street fighter. He just comes at you,” Mazurek said. “My strengths are my speed, stamina and being aggressive. However, I could have punched a little more.”

Although Mazurek was disappointed with his loss, Klein believes that he will continue boxing to try and reach his goals.

“The boxing mentality is to never focus on a loss. Nick has the right mentality,”

Klein said. “He will have plenty of opportunities because he is so young, especially in the boxing world. The Golden Gloves tournament was a good way for Nick to establish himself as a local athlete who is going to make some ripples and waves out there. He has the right intensity and focus, and he will be able to do this. This loss is just a small stumble in the road.”

Mazurek understands that persistence and determination are important to his long-term boxing success, especially after a defeat.

“After the loss, it motivated me to do better and to do bigger things. I want to keep fighting throughout the year and keep winning. I’ve got to keep doing what I do.”

Next year, Mazurek hopes to enter the tournament again as an open candidate, which may even lead him to the national Golden Gloves competition.

After an altercation in junior high, Mazurek says that boxing altered his life and made him view the world in a better way.

“I got into a situation with some kids.

I got beat up. That’s what made me want to start fighting,” Mazurek said. “I started going, and I never stopped. I just love to box. Boxing has changed and disciplined me.”

In order to train for next year and maintain his endurance for three two-minute rounds, Mazurek has to keep an intense regimen. He trains six days a week at the Palatine World Gym, runs five to six miles a day, lifts weights at school and keeps to a strict diet.

Junior Devin Gallagher believes that Mazurek has the attitude and ability to achieve boxing fame.

“Nick’s confidence and cockiness are all part of the attitude of a champion boxer who wants nothing more than a pair of golden gloves and his name on some plaque for all to see,” Gallagher said. “Ask him who the greatest is 10 years from now, and he’ll be sure to tell you the answer’s Nicky ‘Longlegs’ Mazurek.”

Around the world in 80 seconds: Countries recognize Earth Day Spain - A two-day outdoor celebration, Fira per la Terra, or Fair for the Earth, features eco-friendly products in order to promote environmental awareness. This year, at the 14th annual fair, a Forum on Sustainable Energy will be present.

Monaco - The Monaco Earth Day Swim, an open swim in the Mediterranean, helps raise money for environmental awareness. Upon completion, participants receive an olive tree.

9:10 AM

AP EXAMS May 7- 18

Logue photo by Justin Lanier

JUST KEEP MOVING. Junior Nick Mazurek jumps rope to stay agile during his training for the Golden Gloves Chicago.

Ethiopia - Ethiopians have created a goal of a “green generation,” encouraging healthier lifestyles and more green policies in Africa’s second most populated state.

SPRING PLAY May 10-12

7 PM

MR. FREMD May 16

7 PM Thailand - In order to promote world peace on Earth Day, Buddhist monks at the World Dhammakaya Centre stress inner peace first. 100,000 monks will participate in a mass meditation on Earth Day.

PROM TICKET SALES May 19

8 AM

YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION May 24

4-6 PM

Compiled by Logue staff

Compiled by Priyanka Kanal Graphics by Nick Palcheck

NEWS

Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

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SOS, Maeve’s Foundation team up for brain cancer research Liz Amanieh Lead News Editor

Photo courtesy of Martin Zacharia

DEBATABLE. Junior Bushra Shams, senior Kevin Cassato, senior Angela DiCosola, senior William Shih and junior Johnathan Nowakowski pose with their state medals.

Debater s successful at state competition Amulia Nambiar Staff Writer

The debate team came home with five medals after the IHSA state tournament on Saturday, March 17.

In Public Forum, or two-on-two debate, senior William Shih was named to the all-state team and placed second out of 104 debaters. Junior Bushra Shams was also named to the all-state team, ranking eighth in the Lincoln-Douglas individual debate division.

Shih and partner senior Angela DiCosola advanced to the semifinals, and junior Jonathan Nowakowski and senior Kevin Cassato made it into the top 16 in Public Forum.

Coaches choose who participates in the state meet.

Each school brings up to four teams in each division.

Head coach Martin Zacharia believes that this year’s group was one of a kind.

“This is the first year I actually had to limit who could go to IHSA because we have very talented kids in Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum,” Zacharia said. “We had talented seniors who couldn’t get to state because of our numbers.”

Junior Miguel Suarez, who went to state in the Lincoln-Douglas division, believes that even though debate may seem like an individual activity, there is a lot of teamwork involved.

“The thing about debate is that although it is individual, we spent hours upon hours in the hotel looking up information, researching together and sharing facts and talking about rounds, so we could be ready to take on any attack from any of our opponents,” Suarez said.

Junior varsity and novice also had a strong run of their own in the Illinois Communication and Theatre Association (ICTA) state series. For Public Forum, sophomores Scott Theer, Jake Werling and freshmen Joanne Lee and Rebecca Beale placed in the top eight at state. Sophomore Tony Lee and DiCosola were semifinalists. As for Lincoln-Douglas, sophomore Lauren Romag took second place and junior Jeff Zhu was a semifinalist.

Zacharia believes this year’s team took positive strides.

“At the ICTA tournament, 13 debaters got an award.

This is not typical in our school’s history, or even most school’s records. This is just really impressive,” Zacharia said. “We have a larger team than what we used to have.

However, the quality hasn’t diminished in any way. We just have very bright debaters.”

Teamwork has been the driving force this year. With this work ethic, debate was not only able to succeed at the state and ICTA tournaments, but they also had a very successful season, placing in the top four at almost every tournament.

Over the last five years, the debate team has grown from 10 to about 50 students. Zacharia attributes this growth to the seniors.

“The graduating seniors have shown a unique dedication to the activity over the last three to four years and have represented the debate team well at state competitions and within the building,” Zacharia said.

Freshman Sai Ravi, who participates in Lincoln Douglas debate, believes that the team’s size and determination were a key factor that brought success.

“Overall, we did our best, put in our all and won medals and awards, and we competed against some of the best schools in the state,” Ravi said.

The Maeve McNicholas Memorial Foundation, whose mission is to help cure pediatric brain tumors, raised over $1,000 during a fundraiser that took place March 8-14 in which students donated a dollar or more toward the charity.

SOS members staffed the table in the cafeteria and encouraged students to donate and support the cause.

Senior Kelly Doherty created this charitable event to honor her cousin Maeve, who died in 2004.

“I know I have always wanted to do something for the foundation, especially because I’ve seen how much progress my aunt and uncle have made,” Doherty said. “We’ve raised over $600,000 for the foundation.”

Two-year-old Maeve McNicholas died on July 29, 2004, less than 36 hours after a significant tumor was found in her brain.

As an Executive Board member of Service Over Self (SOS), Doherty turned to the club to help sponsor the event.

The fundraiser asked for donations of a dollar or more. Students who donated received a pink and green ladybug ribbon for their lanyard.

Doherty explains the reason for choosing a ladybug.

“She was going to be a ladybug for Halloween,” Doherty said. “She had already picked out her outfit, and she was so excited to wear it.”

SOS advisor and counselor Dale Risley believes that the students impacted the outcome of the fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Doherty

LADYBUGS GIVE HOPE. Students donated money to the foundation in hopes of finding a cure for pediatric brain tumors.

“We have a community here at Fremd that really likes to get involved with helping people,” Risley said. “So if we sponsor those activities, more and more students will get involved in helping, even in a way as simple as putting a dollar toward the fundraiser. We are just so touched by people being so generous.”

In addition to the ribbon, students were able to sign a paper ladybug which was hung up along the cafeteria wall, stating, “I made a difference.”

Students who donated were automatically entered in a raffle for various gift cards.

“I was so grateful because I went around to all the places around here, and so many people were generous to make donations,” Doherty said.

“Vini’s, Subway, Great American Bagel, Wendy’s, McDonald’s and Photo’s all donated gift cards.”

Doherty was also thankful for the student body.

“I think a big part was students decorating the school because it made a lot of people aware,” Doherty said. “SOS members decorated the front of the school with streamers and signs to promote the event.”

Fellow SOS executive board member junior Samantha Galbavy describes Doherty’s influence and how it helped them surpass their goal of $500.

“I think she was so passionate about the cause and spreading the word through her Writers Week piece, which made it such a success,” Galbavy said.

Prepare for success: Tips for upcoming AP tests Elizabeth Tokarz News Editor

With AP tests less than a month away, students may be starting to pull their hair out. Relax. There is still time to prepare.

Test scores of five, four, and in some cases three, are valuable, worth up to a full year of college credit. When each class for an in-state public school is around $750$1,000, and each class for a private school costs about $2,700-$3,600, AP results are important. Cramming should not be a student’s strategy.

Knowledge of course material is vital, but here are other tips to help boost your AP score.

Several books and pre-made note cards are available if you need extra help reviewing. Some are designed to be used for an entire year, but there are also books meant for preparing in a shorter amount of time. If you have yet to purchase a book, time is running out. Grab one soon if you need extra help. Brands like Princeton Review and Barron’s AP are popular choices.

Reading through other materials or reviewing what was learned in a more interactive way, such as making a study game or taking a practice test, is a better use of time than studying out of the textbook.

Repeatedly testing yourself will train your brain to retrieve the information you will need, Purdue psychological science Professor Jeffrey Karpicke says. Explaining concepts to others helps more than re-reading them.

Write neatly in essay portions. Graders will only have a short time to skim the response. On average, an AP

grader will look over a 35-minute essay in 90 seconds.

Pace yourself. For all subjects, there are time constraints. History allows 55 minutes to answer 88 questions and 35 minutes to outline and write an essay.

Working under a time limit is something easily practiced with a timer and the practice questions that can be found online on the College Board website.

Guess if you must. The AP used to deduct points for incorrect answers on the multiple choice section, but that is no longer the case. It does not hurt to fill in every bubble. Test takers can use process of elimination to increase the chances of choosing the correct answer.

With all of the preparation leading up to the test, make sure to relax beforehand. TweenTribune.com says that stressing and losing sleep can lead to lower marks.

In a University of Chicago study, researchers found that students who were prone to test anxiety were able to increase test scores by writing about their feelings for 10 minutes before the test. Maybe writing will work for you, too.

Arrive early to the testing location if possible. The Kolze Auditorium and Harper College are the two possible testing sites, the latter of which you must take a bus to get to.

On exam day, remember to bring sharpened No. 2 pencils, black or blue pens for the essays and an approved calculator if necessary. A silent watch is allowed, but other electronics are not and could be grounds for disqualification from the test.

Most scores will be mailed by the middle of July. Best of luck to all test takers this May.

Visit www.fhs.d211.org/vikinglogue for exclusive articles on a teen’s possible cure for cancer and the Booster Club trivia night.

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1000 N. Kumquantin Road, Prunitine, IL 60067

847.755.VEGE

Rioters demand birth of royal baby Joanna Alden Features Editor

Kensington Palace, the home of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, has been mobbed for the past few weeks by angry British citizens, demanding the birth of an heir to the English throne.

The protesters are led by Benjamin Warwick, founder of the National Movement for a British Heir (NMBH).

Warwick has assembled thousands of outraged citizens to vandalize various royal institutions for the cause.

“When Kate showed no signs of pregnancy after six months of marriage, I was concerned, but now that we are approaching a full year, I am disgusted,” Warwick said. “A royal baby hasn’t been born for over 25 years, and I think that the people have waited long enough.”

The amount of protesters appears to be doubling every month, as are vicious threats directed toward the couple.

This public outcry began when William announced he would be leaving Kate to serve as a helicopter pilot for the Royal Air Force in the Falkland Islands.

“The people have been waiting almost a year for a baby, and now we have to wait months until conception is even possible?” British citizen Jane Singleton asked.

“William thinks by serving in the Air Force he is serving his country, when really what we need from him is to be in bed with his wife.”

Kate’s 30th birthday on Jan. 9 was a wake-up call to British citizens. Even Queen Elizabeth II is concerned about the fading prospect of a royal baby.

“To be honest, Kate isn’t getting any younger. I don’t know if she realizes that it is her civic, nay, her royal duty

to give her country an heir,” the queen said. “In my day, if a future queen hadn’t given birth by this point, she would be replaced without a thought.”

For now, activists have made it clear that they refuse to abandon their crusade until a baby is born.

Warwick is currently attempting to pass a law through Parliament stating that a non-royal blooded queen must conceive a baby within the first year of pregnancy or else face fatal consequences. If passed, the law would be called The Anne Boleyn Act. These protesters are hoping that the harshness of the act will finally prove to the Duke and Duchess the dire and immediate need for a child.

“Remember William and Kate, time is running out to give the people a royal baby,” Warwick said. “The world is waiting.”

Top recruit narrows shortlist Will Shih

Managing Editor

The University of Chicago is out of the race to sign hometown science prodigy Candace Noel.

TIME Magazine recruiting expert Austin Clark reported last Friday that the 5’2” 98-pound girl genius and DiscoveryChannel.com’s no. 1 ranked biochemistry major in the Class of 2016 has trimmed her list of schools to Harvard, Stanford and MIT. Noel was expected to announce at this week’s McDonald’s All-American showcase but has decided to hold off.

Noel, the daughter of Nobel Prize winning scientist Abraham Noel and acclaimed cancer specialist Michelle Parker, has been highly scouted since her first science fair project in third grade.

“Listen, I’ve never seen a girl this prepared to make the transition from high school to the next level,” an anonymous scout said. “She has all the tools and an unbelievably high ceiling. I mean, you can basically consider her the love child of Einstein, Newton and Marie Curie.”

Noel took an visit to Palo Alto last week but gave no hint of her intentions.

“It’s all been really hectic with the visits, but now that my Scholastic Bowl season is over, I’m focused on picking the right place for me,” Noel said. “I’m trying to pick the deans’ brains about how I can affect their program next year.

[Stanford] Dean [Richard] Shaw is an amazing guy, and their Bunsen burners are ridiculous, just top of the line.”

Noel also said that last year’s top recruit, Brian Yang, has been talking to her about joining him at Stanford.

“Brian’s been texting me and telling me how awesome of a place it is, and how I would fit in real well,” Noel said.

“It’s definitely really enticing that I could be there alongside Brian and all of the other great students there at Stanford.”

Noel’s recruitment has not gone without controversy. Former agent and Harvard booster Tom Boras has become something of an advisor to Noel, bringing a cloud of suspicion over the recruiting process. It seems that rumors have followed Harvard Dean of Admissions William Fitzsimmons at every stop he has been. Though Fitzsimmons has attracted top-flight talent including John Chung, the 13-year-old college graduate, and Mark Berg, the inventor of Twitter,

For the sake of YOLO Pooja Parameshwar Editor-In-Chief

Logue photo by Will Shih

SCIENCE STAR. Candace Noel plans to study biochemistry at MIT, Stanford or Harvard.

he allegedly pays students to attend his schools.

Most recently, Will Raymer, who was recruited by Fitzsimmons to Harvard before becoming discouraged by his lack of lab time and transferring to Princeton, alleged that Fitzsimmons and his staff of deans paid for thousands of dollars in research equipment, new graphing calculators and an Xbox 360.

However, investigations by the National Collegiate Academic Association (NCAA) have turned up nothing.

Noel plans to announce her decision on May 14 at the Flinn Scientific Demonstration Invitational.

New Orleans Saints personnel offered CIA positions Amir Djavid Lead Sports Editor

In a surprising twist to the ongoing New Orleans Saints “Bountygate” scandal, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has extended offers of employment to those that participated in the program.

David Petraeus, Director of the CIA, explains that the members of the Bountygate scandal will be a perfect fit.

“It is imperative that members of the CIA perform their objectives secretly and discreetly,” Petraeus said. “Without professional government training, the Saints organization was able to keep Bountygate under wraps for nearly two years. We are confident that with our training, these individuals will become some of the most effective bounty directors in the world.”

Petraeus says that Saints players and officials selected for the program will head up a new overseas bounty hunter division established for the purpose of eliminating dangerous foreign personnel. The employees will reportedly earn a bonus for every capture.

Gregg Williams, who was hired as defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, is excited for the opportunity to work for the CIA. “I was planning for a year-long vacation in the Bahamas when I got the call,” Williams said. “And just like that, I had an

offer to work in the CIA’s newly-created bounty division. I’m ecstatic. Things could not have worked out any better for me.”

Petraeus states that the effectiveness of Williams’ “Target the Head” strategy–where Saints players were told to inflict damage to opposing players’ heads to purposefully injure them– was a key reason for the hiring.

“Williams clearly already knows what he’s doing, because we here at the CIA also believe in targeting the head,” Petraeus said. “Honestly, his pep talks sounded like they could have come out of one of our handbooks. With Williams stressing his players to ‘affect the head…kill the head,’ we are certain he will do a phenomenal job as head of the new bounty program.”

However, despite the excitement of those selected by the CIA for positions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is not pleased.

“I am incredibly disappointed with Petraeus and the CIA for agreeing to hire these individuals,” Goodell said. “By offering these disgraceful people positions within our highly-esteemed government, the CIA is not only decreasing the legitimacy of one of our most respected institutions but also undermining the sanctions that the NFL has placed upon these people. The authority of NFL officials has been greatly diminished.”

The CIA is now reportedly pursuing Eagles quarterback Michael Vick for a head position within the Federal Protective Service K-9 program, where he will work to train police dogs.

Strange occurrences took place last Saturday in downtown Chicago, when massive crowds of teenagers flooded the streets. Officials on the scene were perplexed, and the only explanation for this behavior was the acronym scribbled on the picket signs and banners littering the streets of Chicago­—YOLO. Chicago officials arrested 76 participants for disorderly conduct and trespassing, which has created widespread controversy.

Chicago Police Commission Tyson Samuels explains the oddity of what happened Saturday.

“Imagine driving to work one morning and having your car pelted by marshmallows, being forced to tango with the clown sitting outside the police department and countless other absolutely ridiculous things,” Samuels said. “The other officers and I were offered no explanation from the participants whom we arrested except for the acronym YOLO.” Due to these recent events, YOLO has become Google’s most searched term and the object of America’s interest.

Singer Drake’s popular song “The Motto” featuring Lil’ Wayne has brought the term YOLO to the forefront of social networking sites like Twitter and Tumblr. YOLO, standing for You Only Live Once, acts as a sort of allowance or justification for doing or saying things otherwise not socially acceptable.

Harvard psychiatrist Phil Stanley just recently published “I wrote this because YOLO,” a dissertation on the origin, use and movement that has come to epitomize YOLO. “After months of research on YOLO, I have come to this conclusion,” Stanley said. “Although you may have second thoughts about saying this or doing that, you may never get this chance again, so take the opportunity. Carpe diem. YOLO.” Senior Henry Allen believes that the recent Chicagoland events should be tolerated because YOLO. “I strongly believe that teenagers should be allowed to YOLO in a public place,” Allen said. “The latest arrests are an outrage. In a democratic nation, one should be allowed to do ridiculous things if they want to. People who don’t understand this just haven’t experienced the pure magic of YOLO, and I feel sorry for them.”

Samuels worries for the future of this country if the YOLO epidemic spreads.

“I don’t think it ends here,” Samuels said.

“YOLO is spreading at a rapid rate, and we may have to get the 56th Airborne and SWAT teams involved.”

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FORUM

Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

- Editorial Parking lot recklessness puts students in danger

Editorial Cartoon

George Zimmerman took the shot, but society’s on trial His name was Trayvon Martin.

If you haven’t heard the story, Trayvon Martin was a 17-year-old visiting his dad in Sanford, FL, a suburb of Orlando.

Returning from the grocery store, he was followed by a man named George Zimmerman, a member of the neighborhood watch. When police arrived at the scene, Martin was dead, shot by Zimmerman, who claimed it was in selfdefense. In his pockets, Martin had only the Skittles and iced tea he bought at the store.

After a brief interrogation, Zimmerman was released by police and has yet to be formally charged.

There is, however, another major detail to the story. Martin was black, and in the aftermath of the incident, it’s been widely suggested that Martin’s race was what caused Zimmerman’s suspicion.

The race issue has deeply divided the country, with 76 percent of blacks and Hispanics saying race played a major role in the shooting as opposed to 36 percent of whites.

Many who are convinced of Zimmerman’s guilt have called for his arrest.

I share their outrage. I am deeply disturbed by the circumstances of Trayvon Martin’s murder. If I had been walking in Trayvon’s place that day, George Zimmerman wouldn’t have taken a second glance, much less followed me and shot me. But we need to stop talking about

THE VIKING VOICE Where is your dream vacation spot?

Will Shih

George Zimmerman.

The spotlight shouldn’t be on a man who none of us know, a man whose side of the story we haven’t really heard and a man who should be innocent until proven guilty.

The real focus should be on us, on society, and especially on suburban, predominantly white communities like the one Trayvon was shot in and the one we live in.

Let’s be honest. We live in a culture that has ingrained these stereotypes within us and taught us to fear young black men.

After news of the case broke, many used the hashtag #wearetrayvonmartin to show their support. Perhaps it’s time we take a good hard look in the mirror and see that maybe we are just as prone to racial profiling, that #weareGeorgeZimmerman.

The most ridiculous part of the recent media coverage is that they are acting as though Zimmerman is some rogue

Freshman Shawn Sharkui

Sophomore Claire Latourette

person, as though he’s the only one who’s ever associated young black teens with dangerous behavior.

The media has squandered a real opportunity for a national conversation about the state of race relations in our society, choosing instead to focus on a George Zimmerman witch hunt.

The truth is that young black teenagers are shot all the time, minutes away from us in the streets of Chicago. But we are desensitized to those deaths. When we hear the story of yet another shooting on the news, we wait for the second sentence—the one that tells us the victim was in a gang or dealing drugs, which somehow makes it a little less of a tragedy. But we always assume that there’s a second sentence.

It’s telling that in the immediate aftermath of the Trayvon Martin story, another story broke that Martin had been suspended from school for marijuana possession, as though that was supposed to make it somehow less outrageous that he died.

In the past few years, many have used the election of Barack Obama as evidence that we live in a post-racial society. Though it’s sad that it took a black teen being killed in a white neighborhood to bring this issue to light, the case of Trayvon Martin reminds of us of our shortcomings and how far we still have to go.

Junior Nick Sardowski

Senior Ashabari Muhkerjee

When senior Jordan Marotta was hit by a car on Feb. 23 in the school parking lot, she was hospitalized with a left arm sprain, bruised chin, right leg laceration and continues to attend rehabilitation today for her shoulders and neck. The event drew attention to a dangerous problem at our school—student driving on campus.

The parking lot isn’t the safest place to be around 2:50 p.m. Thousands of students walk carelessly through the lot talking excitedly with their friends, while eager drivers blast their favorite songs and desperately try to get out as soon as they can to avoid traffic. Irresponsible drivers are speeding, texting, driving the wrong way down the aisles and cutting through empty parking spots.

As a result, the parking lot is a recipe for disaster. Near accidents happen on an almost daily basis, and the sound of tires screeching to a sudden halt can be heard from across the lot. What students don’t realize is that, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, parking lot accidents account for over 20 percent of automobile crash claims, and that’s not including accidents with pedestrians like the one involving Marotta.

Over the past few years, Operation Click! has done an admirable job promoting seat belt usage among students and reinforcing the statistic that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by up to 50 percent.

However, some students have not heeded the message and continue to refrain from using their seat belts, evidenced by those who lean out of car windows and sunroofs to talk to their friends as they leave each day.

Students are advised to help prevent accidents by using their turn signals, refraining from speeding and sudden acceleration, keeping a look out for pedestrians, never driving diagonally through parking spaces, and, most importantly, focusing completely on driving.

While in the school parking lot, students should regard the safety of their fellow peers while driving because the next innocent student to fall victim to a careless driver may not be as lucky as Jordan Marotta.

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Editors-in-Chief Pooja Parameshwar* Joyce Park* Managing Editor Will Shih* Lead News Editor Liz Amanieh News Editors Priyanka Kanal Elizabeth Tokarz Karen Li

Hawaii

What is your favorite candy?

Mr. Goodbar

What is the most attractive feature on the opposite sex?

Personality

Italy

Russia

Italy

M&M’s

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Gummy Worms

Smile

Hair

Sense of humor

Lead Features Editors Tori Boldt Rachel Tenuta Features Editors Joanna Alden Venus Fan

Lead A&E Editor Carina Luk

Internet Editor Priya Mehta

A&E Editors Aliya Ahsan Susan Szuch

Copy Editors Jacob Rowden Lexi Schnurr Neha Thomas

Lead Sports Editors Amir Djavid Jackson Mitzner Sports Editors Jim Hermetet Claire Mitzner Photo Editor Justin Lanier Viking Voice Editor Arjun Thakkar

Graphics Editor Nick Palcheck Distribution Editor Danny Wilson Adviser Russell Anderson Assistant Advisers Grant Dawson Andrew Braverman *Executive Editorial Staff

The Viking Logue is published at William Fremd High School, 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067-7099 (847-755-2810).

The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the Logue’s Editorial Board and do not necessarily reflect those of the District 211 administration. The Logue accepts no advertising. However, letters to the editor and other outside contributions are welcome.

Letters or contributions will only be considered for publication if they are accompanied by a signature and a phone number. These contributions can be deposited in the Logue office, room 120-S, or e-mailed to VikingLogue@gmail.com. The Viking Logue reserves the right to edit all letters.

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Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

A closer look at teen depression Venus Fan and Kristen Lobo Features Editor and Staff Writer Teenage depression has been a prevalent issue at school this year, with two student deaths as well as the many students who spoke about their struggles at Writers Week. Through different outlets, more students are beginning to open up about their own experiences with depression and suicide.

According to pbs.org, suicide is the third leading cause of death in teenagers, and depression is projected to be the second most common health problem in the world eight years from now.

Counselor Tony Tosh realizes the importance of talking about depression, although it is a difficult subject to approach.

“It’s tough when you think about suicide and depression, and some people think they’re uncomfortable topics, but we’re better off talking about them than not,” Tosh said.

The causes of depression are diverse, ranging from genetics and chemical imbalances to stress.

Signs of depression are not always apparent, as many teenagers feel pressured to keep their emotions hidden.

“It’s not always written on their face,” Tosh said. “I had a person, who I see lot recently, a pretty depressed young lady, who out there looks highly functional. I don’t think anybody would get how sad she is underneath.”

However, with help from the school administration, understanding these issues is increasing.

Students Services Director Tracy Bafia acknowledges that the administration is doing what it can to make students aware of available resources.

“I don’t think we’ve sugar-coated anything, and we’ve probably done a better job of making sure that students know where to come for help,” Bafia said. “We’ve done some of that through VAMP. At the beginning of the year, the school, psychologists and the social workers went with the kids to the auditorium and said, ‘Here’s what we’re here for, here’s what we can do for you.’”

Fremd is developing means to provide emotional support to all of its students.

Tosh believes that participation in clubs can be beneficial, as it is a way for students to connect with people they can talk to.

“Any club, any activity helps a kid get connected with other people in the building, and that’s always a good thing, so they’re not feeling so isolated and alone,” Tosh said.

In addition, support groups are available for students in different circumstances. Counselors run these meetings once a week. “[The issues] change from year to year. It’s based on need, so at any point in the year, there can be different kinds of groups

running. We, as counselors, have more of an internal awareness of our students and what we might be offering,”Tosh said.

Groups vary from anger management to kids with divorced parents to students who have recently lost a loved one.

Along with everyday student support, the administration takes different measures during times of crisis.

“Usually what we have is we have a crisis team which is made up of the principal, myself, counselor Tom Cole, who is our department chair, and our school psychologists and social workers,” Bafia said.

However, by making resources available and raising awareness of depression and suicide, the administration hopes to avoid crises.

“The counselors are trying to attack these issues that kids are facing from a more proactive standpoint than a reactive one because we’re starting to see different challenges in teenagers’ lives,” Bafia said.

Senior Elias Waddington believes that the school can do more to make students aware of these resources.

“It’s important to make sure the means by which someone can get help are readily available and known,” Waddington said. “Students should be more willing to use school resources, and the administration should be more willing to break down barriers.”

Currently, students seeking help need a recommendation from a teacher to see the social workers. Waddington believes students should have the ability to stop by whenever they feel like they need help.

“Right now, the teacher has to take the first step rather than allowing the student to take the initiative,” Waddington said.

Depression is not untreatable. Eighty percent of people with depression who desire help find relief. However, most people with depression do not receive treatment. In many cases, people are afraid to ask for help.

To encourage those with depression to seek treatment, junior Anna Feldmann, along with sophomore Jeannie Whitfield, decided to start a blog on Tumblr.

Feldmann started the blog after seeing a need in the community for greater awareness. The blog shares resources about depression and suicide.

“The purpose of my blog is to spread awareness to show people what it’s like and help people with depression,” Feldmann said.

The blog, called Hold On, Pain Ends, is gaining popularity with over 400 followers. It provides online resources as well as encouragement for people with depression. Feldmann also directs people to find facts about depression from reliable websites and organizations.

A message box on the site provides a place to ask questions.

Feldmann responds with personal advice as well as other websites with more information.

“If anyone asks me a question I don’t know, I go online and get them sites for it,” Feldmann said. “Everything on our site has sources and other websites. It’s not just me spouting information.”

Feldmann hopes that raising awareness will help students with depression.

“The stigma around depression keeps people from getting help. People with depression already feel alone enough,” Feldmann said. “If the stigma is gone, it’s more likely they’ll seek help.”

The quest for awareness seems to be producing results already. One by one, students are opening up, through forums such as Writers Week.

“There have been so many Writers Week pieces about suicide and depression. I think it’s really opened up a lot of people’s eyes,” Feldmann said.

As a result, Tosh says the tragedies of this past year allow more students to talk about the issues around suicide as well as how to treat people better.

“We’ve talked to more and more kids this year than ever about suicide or depression,” Tosh said. “Hopefully, some of what has happened will help to normalize that it’s okay not to be perfect.”

Still, Waddington thinks there should be a better overall understanding of depression.

“Has awareness increased? Not to the point which I believe is beneficial. Right now, it is superficial,” Waddington said.

However, he suggests that displays such as posters around school can make students more aware of the resources available to them. Although it may not have a huge impact, Waddington does believe it is a starting point.

“It’s not going to be an all-encompassing solution, but it can help,” Waddington said.

Feldmann believes it is important to raise understanding before tragedies occur.

“Very often people are only aware of suicide after it happens,” Feldmann said.

Students can use Feldmann’s blog, http://h0ld0npain3nds. tumblr.com/ to get a better understanding of depression and its causes. They can also join support groups such as To Write Love on Her Arms and the Trevor Project, which are nonprofit organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide.

Feldmann is also selling T-shirts for Mental Health Awareness month in May. “People forget about it. They don’t really think depression occurs that much, and then someone commits suicide, and it’s really sad because they’re gone,” Feldmann said.

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Suicide is the 6th leading cause of death in people aged 6-14.

There are four male suicides for every female suicide

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.

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Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in people aged 15-24.

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FEATURES

Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

7

“Normal is nothing but a e” in h c a m g in h s a w a setting on th is,

doesn’t it? The tru s your attention, he tc up ca d or w e Th e actions that lead Suicide. ’s attention. It’s th ne e can yo on er no ev e s us he ca tc suicide ca people die be y an M . ed tic or no , un as suicide they to suicide that go permanent thing a ch su g in do who have been ever think of them e of those people on I’m it. ve lie be g with that, I was just don’t want to icide before. Alon su hed pt m te at e gative coping met overlooked. I’v because of the ne ar n ye sio is es th pr ice de l tw of clinica hospitalized th with my diagnosis be al isa de El to as w ed I r, us e rio ods that I’v t on the exte Bu . er rd so n, di ai pt ty r ca anxie mentor, a JV chee and generalized l advisor, a VAMP cia ttle of an bo a fin l ith sfu w d es cc be ries and a su lying on my , to as ra w I bo e La er tt th t bo ye and er of a VP at Ab consider suicide, Azzarello, daught st person to ever la e th s, oe d known. I have an sh o ething if they ha m in the other. naive, goodie tw so is es ne tiv da do se ve of ha p ew that I was in th and a cu ho would int that no one kn s for yone out there w wine in one hand po ce an e oi th ve ch to ha n r ’t lia ow dn y di od m I le to make as such a go w ab I But it’s not like , g in as w be g d

in an th th e ce Th penden or any of e mily and friends! s or self-injuring I value is my inde pt at m th te gs at in de amazing set of fa th e ici su on one of the luckiany of my e of the number an excuse. But I’m found out about ith w ne eo up horrible place. On m e so m t co en d I coul that the mom ld be gone before myself, and I knew ld my freedom wou d, di I at yourself you wou th gs in u may have told yo . ions ed not-so-smart th ns ot liv tio I e ac em e d us es an ca th ht now, be u. The values uck with all st yo e ge u’r an Yo ch e. n lif ca ur , est people alive rig at the only ke over yo ast in my case come so numb th ssive thoughts ta be se u Depression, at le ob yo g, d, ba cin

y ra el e; ey ivation to take ts extrem in the blink of an often when it ge . Finding the mot or ep , sle of to rid l t ck never do happen ge ba to go le head to drugs and alcoho can be impossib covers over your ctions like using e ra th st ll Di pu . and feelings that to dy ob is bo pr do ur off yo m your el like you can 0 pound weight running away fro movement you fe you. It’s a form of trying to lift a 1,00 e ed. lm lik liz he is ita w d er sp be ov ho of t at e when I was d feelings th m an to that first step ou ns an ed io en ot pp em e ha is what more stressful th dressing th e hospitalization to bite you, which th keep you from ad ck e ne, ba ad eo e m m m so ch r co hi ll te w af it’ , ally ty disorder u’re chasing xie yo an n an he lems, but eventu w ve s ha m ea so ed s I stat to those dr pression, I al ter how many fact compare it to are at d m ul Along with my de co No I . g in em th th h ly never catc yone was telling agine. The on scream, you can seemed like ever u it e yo you could ever im m ud to lo , w ne ho go l was w fast you run or bbed the contro I but no matter ho I screamed, or so if r ore.” te ym at m an r no te ared me to death. , at ns m io ion doesn’t rfection in me sc in pe on op back up my opin rs im ur pe ge yo st hu so ke is w, ea th t was e the w u’re crazy no made me feel lik out what I though ds ab t en me, “Elisabeth yo es ou fri pr d se d fin clo oo ld le bl ou w up co or lo eone w scussing it with a pared to asthma The idea that som lems, and even di esses can be com ob illn pr hers don’t, and l y ot ta m at en of m th t n ed os ai m M was so asha icals in my br s. So what? es em illn ch l e who has in ta rta en ce m a ve I have ssed about. No on y mind. I ha rra m ba ts ec em aff be in the world. But it , to g dy in th id! My of affecting my bo surgery. I have no inion, really stup sure, but instead in a week or with at least in my op fix is, st s ju se t es n’ . ca illn I at l at th ta th pted t men that’s something me and I’ve acce a out there abou es, and the stigm ey’re still a part of th do t s ouldn’t have ever es w bu I g, illn at l yin th ta l no en ita m an sp a d ho an e l th fu ss in re le st e in the first any peop xiety are ess. I’ve met so m ctured myself ther depression and an pi illn r l ve ta e ne en I m e a us r fo ca type r me be ne. It’s relative. Th There is no stereo a washing machi en more surreal fo ev on n as ca ng w tti it ne se d yo a an t er e, ther that ev thing bu aren’t something thought would be truth, normal is no ith e w th al e de ow th r kn to fo d to gs t ha in wan any th ard and place! If you really perspective on m things that I’ve he e it changed my been in and the us e ca I’v be at d th di I ns at tio situa glad th ere, I learned a perienced, but I’m with outside of th t ou say that they’ve ex ng hu ve ha ally experience ould never , but until you re at many people I w th better. ar so he ith ly w l nt ita ta sp We cons the ho ean at all that they Because I was in book by its cover. in way, doesn’t m a e rta dg ce a ju t s n’ ok lo Do . on a pers message es, and we don’t really important k in. Just because ese separate cliqu sin th l ly al tru e t se n’ ly es te do ia u, it immed ey’re like? it happening to yo knowing what th our cafeteria and ly to in tru k t al ou w e ith W w . on pe ty roughout our rize a pers fit into that stereo the hospital all th we really catego in n ca ds w en fri ho t y m bu , of any ople take a second look thered me and m the first place—pe in the hospital in something that bo e is er n w tio e es w qu hy w at Th reason y of us, it was the mattherapy. For man we weren’t. ng hi et ople can say. No m so e wer that very little pe ng ar, hi ye et telling us that we is m th so is ed , which happen I know who I am et anything that gr re t n’ of do I d e, ea m st in says to , and ter what anyone ake me who I am d. These events m ba e th . d re an tu fu od y the go focus on m y past, I choose to obsessing over m

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80% of people who seek help for depression are treated successfully.

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Information from www.afsp.org/files/ College Film/factsheets.pdf

A&E

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Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

4x5 Art Show paints picture of creativity Sarah Przybyla Contributing Writer

Young artists are always searching for opportunities to display their artwork, and the 4x5 Art Show allows select students that chance.

Fremd will host the show on Wednesday, May 2 at 7 p.m., and following the show, student work will hang in the display cases throughout the main hallway and in the media center.

The pieces entered were divided into nine different categories and judged by each school and then by a larger panel with student artwork from other schools.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three works of each category.

Art teacher Lew Hubbard carefully examines each of the submissions for overall structure and the students’ use of their medium.

“I look for composition, but I also look for skill while considering compositions,” Hubbard said. “I always look for someone who can absolutely nail the skill with which it’s done.”

Sophomore Hallie Cohen is submitting a colored pencil piece of a pile of pastel sticks.

“In my 4x5 piece, I used blending to make my drawing look more life-like,” Cohen said. “It makes the drawing look more like an actual photograph.”

Blending is a technique where the artist colors very lightly over an area and keeps adding layers until it has the desired effect. Cohen also focuses on the details of

her pieces.

“I try to make little parts of my work different than others,” Cohen said. “On one shading project, I used squiggly lines rather than cross-hatching like everyone else.”

Cohen also enjoys drawing with graphite pencils, like on her full-body portrait that was displayed in the main hallway earlier this year.

Sophomore Maddie Lopez’s print was by a picture of a stairwell in an abandoned building.

“Our assignment was to do a print inspired by urban landscapes,” Lopez said.

“The picture I found just really stuck out to me.”

In a process called printmaking, Lopez puts ink on a plate and runs it with paper through a printing press.

“My piece was very detailed,” Lopez said. “It took a lot of time to cut out so many small stickers and to put them in just the right places.”

While this is her second year taking an art class, this will be the first time Lopez is turning in a piece to the show.

Junior Samantha Bartolai is submitting a colored pencil portrait of a young man.

Using the different skills she learned in her drawing class was important to her while completing her 4x5 artwork.

“Blending was probably the main technique I used while making the piece.

I used it to create depth and shadows, which helped make the piece look more realistic,” Bartolai said.

As much as she enjoys using colored

Logue photos by Aliya Ahsan

ART IMITATES LIFE (From top left, clockwise) Artwork was submitted by various students for the 4x5 art show including sophomore Hallie Cohen, sophomore Maddie Lopez, junior Samantha Bartolai and senior Lyuda Andrionova. Fremd will host the show on May 2. pencils as her medium, Bartolai prefers using oil pastels.

“I love to use oil pastels in my art because they’re very easy to blend, and they come in a lot of vibrant colors,” Bartolai said.

Senior Lyuda Andrianova will be submitting a detailed acrylic painting of a monkey’s face.

Andrianova’s assignment for her class was to create a 4x5 painting, and while flipping through various magazines, that particular image of the primate made an impression on her immediately.

“When I found the picture, I thought it was a little creepy,” Andrianova said.

“But it was such a good photo, and it really popped.”

Andrianova chose this photo because it was original.

“I thought that this image would stand out the most,” said Andrianova. “I just felt like it was really unique.”

With all of her other works, Andrianova always tries to make her pieces stand apart from the others by finding interesting subjects.

“I’ll ask other people I know about their topics, and then I’ll try to pick a topic that’s very different from theirs,” said Andrianova.

These are only a few of the artists in the 4x5 Art Show. Check out the other notable artwork by students and teachers showcased in the main hallway and in the library on Wednesday, May 2.

Local cinema events offer variety rk yce Pa ic by Jo Graph

Jenna Chin Staff Writer

April is the month for movie fanatics around the Chicago area. Showcasing diverse styles throughout the spring season, each film festival allows viewers to get a glimpse of the production process. Those interested can check out these exhibitions.

A&E ONLINE ARTICLES SPRING PLAY Get an inside look at the play “Our Town,” running from May 10-12 in the auditorium.

MOVIE REVIEW Acting and misuse of comedians in the new film “Friends With Kids.”

GIRLS ON THE TOWN Yearly shopping event highlights various businesses in Palatine during April 20-21.

Chicago Fear Fest This weekend, horror fans can scare up some fun at Chicago’s Fear Fest, a two-day event exclusively showcasing independent horror films. Each piece will be judged in three categories: Best Feature, Best Short and Audience Favorite.

It will take place at the Muvico Theaters Rosemont 18 and screen a variety of short and feature movies.

In addition, the Fear Fest will host panel discussions and allow attendees the chance to meet producers Adam Green, Joe Lynch and Sarah Elbert.

Weekend passes range from $4060 while single-day range from $2025. Both passes can be ordered by phone or online.

More information is available at chicagofearfest.com.

Latino Film Festival Celebrating its 28th year, the Chicago Latino Film Festival commemorates the representation of Latino heritage in art. The festival will take place from April 13-26 at the Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to spreading awareness of Latino culture through art and other creative mediums. Although the deadline for submission has already passed, all are encouraged to attend the festival and enjoy the highlights of Latino filmmaking from around the world.

General admissions tickets are $11 per screening or $100 for 12 screenings.

For details on the event, visit chicagolatinofilmfestival.org.

Architecture and Design Film Festival The Architecture and Design Film Festival takes place in Chicago at the Music Box Theater April 12-16.

There will be 31 short movies spanning from under five minutes to over an hour. The festival also features discussions with filmmakers and designers exploring the creative process involved in the architecture found in the pieces featured at the

festival. General admission tickets are $11 per program. Discounts are offered to American Institute of Architects members and students as well as those purchasing multiple tickets.

Specifics regarding the festival can be found at adfilmfest.com.

Reely Teeny Weeny Film Spectacular In an effort to get students interested in cinematography, the Chicago International Film Festival’s Junior Board is hosting The Reely Teeny Weeny Film Spectacular. Fifteen submissions, each consisting of a 60-second re-creation of a specific film or famous scene, will be screened during the Junior Board’s Spring Fundraiser at the Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel and Spa on April 30.

Tickets to the event cost $25.

The audience favorite will be screened during the Junior Board Night at the 48th Chicago International Film Festival, held from Oct. 11-25.

Learn more about this and other events, including the CineYouth Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival, at chicagofilmfestival. com.

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Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

9

Prom fashion show debuts fairy-tale couture 1. Sophomore Katelyn Rogers poses like royalty with her tiara and mermaid-styled gown.

2. Senior Ben Perkins and freshman Madeline Fear walk out ready to rock the stage.

3. Seniors James Dunn and Teagen Reid show off their prom-ready attire from Men’s Wearhouse and A L’Amour.

4. Sophomore Kelly Dudar and senior Ryan Woodman have some fun by bumping hips.

5. Sophomore Celeste Montenegro flaunts her printed dress.

6. Senior Brianna Martin hits center stage with a look fit for a fairy.

7. Junior Dana Murray showcases her handmade dress with senior Rodney Tye. 8. Senior Melissa Moscinski sparkles in her eye-catching gown.

9. Senior Stephen Kaidantsis holds junior Kelsey Kobler in a spin.

Graphics by Nick Palcheck

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Logue photos by Scott Wagoner

Concerto Aria soloists: from adagio to allegro Elissa Cray and Neha Thomas Staff Writer and Copy Editor

Accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra, junior pianist Sara Choi, senior hornist Veronica Finegan, senior cellist Ilhwan Hwang and senior flautist Sarah Koike shared their musical prowess last night at the Concerto Aria Concert. This concert commemorates the talent and dedication of an elite selection of students who are playing at a collegiate level.

A video clip of the concert can be found at fremdmusic.org/videos.php.

Logue photos by Neha Thomas

MASTERFUL MUSICIANS. (From top to bottom) Junior Sara Choi, seniors Veronica Finegan, Ilhwan Hwang and Sarah Koike’s dedication paid off in last night’s showcase.

Sara Choi Junior Sara Choi began playing piano at age four. From there, she has gone on to be an accompanist and play in her church’s ensembles. She chose to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 Rondo Movement.

Choi started rehearsing in May 2011, practicing throughout the summer and school year to have it memorized it by December.

She wanted to be part of Concerto Aria and supported by an orchestra.

“Usually pianists accompany other instrumentalists, but now I am the one who gets to be accompanied,” Choi said.

Choi realizes that much more goes into the final performance.

“I think it’s a really fun process to just prepare the music,” Choi said. “It was a lot of work, but I was honored to be a soloist.”

Veronica Finegan Senior Veronica Finegan, a member of Wind Symphony, has played horn at IMEA All State and for the D211 Honors Orchestra.

Finegan chose to play the first movement of Gliere’s Horn Concerto in D flat major. She practiced her piece for two hours a day for the last two years.

“During sophomore year, I didn’t want to audition for Concerto Aria unless I found a piece I really liked, so my older sister searched the Internet for recordings,” Finegan said. “I listened to one of them, the Gliere, and I started working on it from then on.”

The most challenging aspect of Finegan’s piece was not mastering notes or technicalities but rather evoking a musical feeling.

“Trying to shape the piece musically was the most difficult,” Finegan said. “Making it heart wrenchingly beautiful and conveying that beauty to the audience was my goal.”

Ilhwan Hwang Senior Ilhwan Hwang has been involved in music since he began taking piano lessons at age four and cello lessons a year later.

His high school music career includes Symphony Orchestra, IMEA All State and D211 Honors Orchestra.

It was not until high school that playing the cello struck the right chord, and he began to appreciate the instrument itself.

“At first, I didn’t like playing cello, but now

I think it is a perfect fit for me,” Hwang said.

“The cello’s ability is very versatile with a range of high and low notes.”

Hwang decided to play Boccherini’s Cello Concerto in B flat major because the piece matched his style.

“The mood and melody inspired me to play it,” Hwang said. “Typically, cello concertos are very dark and sad, while the Boccherini is lighthearted and spirited.”

Sarah Koike Senior Sarah Koike is a flautist in Wind Symphony and Midwest Young Artists, which is one of the biggest and most reputable youth orchestras in the midwest. She chose to perform Romberg’s Flute Concerto in B minor.

Koike practiced her piece about two hours a day for the past year and a half.

“I had to be picky about everything,” Koike said. “Sometimes I worked on five measures for an hour, so it was slow, but it turned out well in the end.”

Koike worked on phrasing and shaping the piece musically by creating an emotional connection with the piece.

“Usually, I make up a story for every piece I play because it helps me play it better and more musically,” Koike said. “For this piece, I pictured a fallen warrior. A warrior experiences some defeat in war but then sees some hope, and that’s the lyrical section of my piece.”

SPORTS

10

The road to recovery Zografos returns to school after serious head injury Jim Hermetet Sports Editor

Those who know sophomore Michael Zografos would describe him in one word—fighter. That fighting spirit helped save his life, just as he was on the brink of losing it.

On Dec. 13, during a game of “one ball” in his sophomore weights class, Zografos dove for a loose ball and was hit in the temple by a classmate’s knee.

“I saw the two kids collide in the middle of the wrestling room,” said Bob Hanson, Michael’s P.E. teacher. “When I went over and saw Michael, I thought he had a really bad concussion, but then it started to worsen.”

Michael was rushed to Northwest Community Hospital and then transferred to Lutheran General Hospital’s level-three trauma unit where he was diagnosed with a skull fracture, facial fractures, bleeding between his brain and skull, brain swelling and an epidural hematoma.

Later that afternoon, Michael slipped into a coma and was kept there medically for eight days.

Michael’s mother, Penny, said seeing her son that close to death was a sight she could never imagine.

“Do you know how many times I’ve wished I could take this away from him and wished that it could be me lying there?“ Penny said. “It’s your baby.

It’s your child, and I couldn’t bear the thought of how we could go on.”

On Dec. 20, Michael regained consciousness. It was a special day for the Zografos family.

“I remember being in the waiting room with Mr. Hanson who came to visit, and then I see my husband running down the hallway saying, ‘Michael’s coming out of it. He’s talking.’ It was an incredible day,” Penny said.

Michael began rehab on Christmas Eve. For most patients, it would take two to three weeks to return to normalcy after this type of injury, but after only four days, Michael was discharged from

Photo courtesy of the Zografos Family

THE COMEBACK KID. Sophomore Michael Zografos poses with P.E. teacher Bob Hanson during his recovery from head and brain trauma at Lutheran General Hospital.

the hospital.

After returning home, Michael started intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at the Rehab Institute of Chicago to relearn everyday functions.

“Even though at times I didn’t want to, I put forth all the effort I could to make it the fastest recovery possible,” Michael said. “I gave it my all in therapy. I sweated every drop I had to improve myself to the way I was before my injury.”

However, even with all the progress, Michael is still struggling to adjust to his normal life.

“Getting back into school has been extremely difficult for me,” Michael said.

“I have to come in early before school, miss my gym class, or stay late after school to meet my teachers for help, or to take a quiz or test. There hasn’t been one full week where I didn’t have to do any of that.”

Next season, Michael hopes to get back to the sports he loves—lacrosse and basketball.

“When I am allowed to, I am going out for both teams next year,” Michael said.

“I want to improve my game in every aspect in each sport and hopefully be the best athlete that I can possibly be.”

Michael realizes how close to death he was and has a new perspective on life.

“I’m very glad and thankful to not be in a coffin, and it makes me realize that you have to cherish everything you have in life because it can change in a heartbeat like mine did,” Michael said.

Hanson believes that people can learn from Michael’s perseverance.

“Michael is really a tough kid, and I think with his work ethic, he is going to get back to doing things he did before his injury,” Hanson said. “He’s definitely one special kid.”

For Penny, seeing her son fight to regain his life goes almost beyond words for her and her family.

“Everybody, from neurosurgeons to doctors, nurses, therapists and priests, believes that Michael’s recovery is a true miracle,” Penny said. “To come that close to death and get through it and excel in every aspect of his recovery is a true miracle, and we’re incredibly proud.”

Boys LAX struggles to find rhythm in loss to Grayslake North Claire Mitzner and Lexi Schnurr Sports Editor and Copy Editor

The boys lacrosse team (2-2) traveled to Grayslake North on Saturday, April 7 and fell to the Knights 18-3.

Despite first half goals by seniors Sean Montgomery and Nate Serviss, the Vikings trailed 6-2 at halftime.

Senior Ben Dworkin thinks that after the second quarter, the Vikings’ game started to slow down.

“It started to get out of hand once we started throwing away passes on offense,” Dworkin said. “We could have had a much slower game and possibly won if we had a better game, but we didn’t.”

Montgomery scored another goal in the third quarter, but the game was out of reach by the fourth with the Vikes trailing by seven.

Senior Tom Delany believes there is a lot to learn from the Grayslake North game.

“The game Saturday made it apparent that we need to work on team defense. Not our physical ability but our communication,” Delany said.

Head coach Tony Medina says the lack of cohesiveness contributed to their loss to the Knights.

“At the beginning of the year, you’re still trying to figure out your team, and that is where we’re at,” Medina said.

“Once we come together, we know we can win.”

Dworkin has confidence in his team’s ability to rebound.

Logue photo by Drew Farrahar

GETTIN’ THE SCOOP. Senior Ben Dworkin battles for a grounder against a Grayslake North attack on April 7.

“The main thing that gets us over a hard loss is how we’re such a tight-knit crew,” Dworkin said. “We know each other well, which helps us help our teammates after any rough loss.”

Prior to the Grayslake North game, the Vikings hosted a round robin tournament on Saturday, March 31, beating Maine South 16-0 and losing in a scrimmage to Eden Prairie (MN) 12-4.

Against Maine South, seniors Jon Bryk and Serviss led the Vikings with three goals each.

The team will host Schaumburg on April 17.

Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

New MLB playoffs: A swing and a miss Baseball has always stood out Jacob Rowden as America’s most unique sport for one reason: only the best of the best make it to the postseason. With just eight out of 30 teams advancing, the MLB had a lower percentage of teams in the playoffs than the other major sports—NHL, NBA or NFL. The NFL featured the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks in the 2010 playoffs. In the NBA, the Detroit Pistons went 39-43 in 1982 and played in the postseason. In countless years of MLB seasons, a team with a losing record has never made the playoffs.

These circumstances changed on Nov. 22 when MLB announced that beginning this season, there will be two additional wild-card teams that make the playoffs. The two wild-card teams from each league will face off in a one-game series to determine who will advance to the divisional series.

Last year, this would have opened the door for teams like the Boston Red Sox, who amidst tough competition in the AL East failed to make the playoffs despite a 90-72 record. And don’t forget the Atlanta Braves, who were having a dominant season until they lost their last five games and finished with an 89-73 record, one game behind the World Series champion Cardinals in the wild-card race.

Although I have been hoping for an extension of the MLB playoffs for years, this is not what I wanted. The way I see it, the four wild-card teams aren’t really making the postseason at all unless they win the one-game series. There have been many great teams that have failed to make the postseason over the years and very well could have won the World Series.

This new system could help give them a chance, but not much of one.

A one-game playoff doesn’t decide which team is better, especially in the game of baseball. My favorite aspect of the game is that anyone can win on any given night. The worst teams in MLB still win over 60 games per season. The new system treats the wild-card teams like a tiebreaker.

When two teams tie for a division lead, a one-game playoff is great and quickly determines a winner so that the real postseason can begin. If the four wildcard teams are going to be considered playoff teams, they deserve more than one game to prove their talent.

Undoubtedly, the new system has many flaws. With a one-game series deciding the winner, the team with the best starting pitcher will have a strong advantage. One team may have a great ace and a subpar remainder of the rotation, but in that one game, only that one pitcher will matter, and for that reason the inferior teams may advance.

A five-game series is the solution. Give each team a chance to go through its starting rotation and see who the better team really is. This will also help to ensure that one bad night will not ruin a team’s hopes for postseason glory.

Overall, it’s great that Major League Baseball took a shot at the issue, but their attempts came up empty. Great teams will still be shorted of the chance that they deserve, and until a new system is devised, this will continue to be the case.

11

SPORTS

Viking Logue Friday, April 13, 2012

Third-ranked girls water polo downs Conant in 15-5 rout Claire Mitzner Sports Editor

The girls water polo team, ranked third in the state according to illpolo.com, added another win to their record after defeating Conant 15-5 on Tuesday, April 10.

The win brought the team’s season record to 15-2.

Senior Julie Conrath thinks the team’s determination to win contributed to the decisive victory.

“I thought we had a lot of confidence coming into the game,” Conrath said.

“Conant was on a winning streak, and we wanted to kick that in the dirt and not let them win again.”

Fremd started off strong with a goal by senior Sam Del Prado in the first minute of the game. Before the end of the first period, Del Prado added another goal to the Vikings’ score, along with seniors Amy McEllen and Lauren Zambelli each scoring for the team.

Conant was allowed only one shot during each of the first two periods and scored during their lone opportunity in the first. Head coach Raymond Roth believes the team’s strong defense led to their effective offense.

Logue photo by Justin Lanier

FIRE AWAY. Senior Taylor Spoonholtz rises out of the water and aims her shot past the goalie against Conant last Tuesday, April 10.

“The intensity we get on offense comes from defense,” Roth said. “When we play good defense, it feeds right into the offense, so that’s when we like to counter attack. We had a lot of fast breaks, and those become easy goals.”

Del Prado had another two goals before the end of the half, and junior Bre Anderson scored with two minutes remaining, giving the Vikings a 7-1 lead.

Fremd began the third period with a goal in the first minute by senior Sarah

Stark.

The Vikings scored three more times in the third period with one goal to senior Carly Gessert and two to freshman Emma Hoffman.

Although the Vikings scored four times in the period, they allowed three Conant goals, winning the period by one.

Fremd continued on their scoring streak in the final period, with Zambelli scoring two and junior Tori Boldt and senior Emily McCarthy each scoring one.

With nine girls contributing to the team’s score, Zambelli believes the strength of the entire team gives them an advantage.

“We have a really deep bench,” Zambelli said. “We work to try and get everyone involved and give everyone the opportunity.”

Although the team has started the season with success, Del Prado knows what the team needs to focus on before the state tournament.

“We need to improve on passes,” Del Prado said. “The other top teams are really good at countering, and they have good plays so we need to learn to defend those.”

Fremd will look for another win tonight as they host Carl Sandburg at 6:30 p.m.

Girls soccer struggles early, drops five games 1-0 Jackson Mitzner Lead Sports Editor

On April 9, the girls soccer team hosted the Conant Cougars in an MSL West conference game. Despite multiple scoring chances, the Vikes were unable to find the back of the net and ended up losing 1-0, falling to 2-5 on the year.

“Tonight we took a step forward in terms of creating chances, which we haven’t done as well in the past,” head coach Steve Keller said. “Against a team like Conant, that’s a very good step to take.”

After trading shots throughout the game, the only breakthrough came for the Cougars in the 19th minute on a throw in. The goal was the eventual game winner.

“It was a mistake on defense,” senior captain Emily Basten said. “We had two people go to the same ball, and neither of them was able to clear it out.”

Throughout the remainder of the game, both teams were able to create multiple goal-scoring opportunities.

Three key saves by senior Shannon Norris late in the game helped keep the contest in reach for the Vikings, but the offense could not convert any of their chances, and the Conant goalie was never forced to make a difficult save.

“We had our opportunities. We played better offense

Badminton After finishing last season with a disappointing 10th place result at state, the ladies are a perfect 18-0 to start the season. On Tuesday, they continued on their path to the state tournament with a 15-0 win against Conant.

Head coach Bob Hanson feels that the team’s competitive edge has benefitted them thus far.

“I think we come to play every day, and every day in practice they compete against each other,which is great preparation for meets,” Hanson said. “They take a lot of pride in being Fremd badminton players.”

Junior Kelly Owens says that the team’s chemistry this year is one of the biggest factors of their perfect season.

“Every day we work hard at practice, and we do a great job cheering each other on,” Owens said. “We do a really good job of supporting each other and helping each other out through the tough meets.”

After last year’s 10th place finish, senior Ji Young Seo is looking for an inspired effort from the team to regain the top spot in the state.

“Last year, we didn’t do as well as we wanted to do,” Seo said. “After state, we made a pact on the bus that we would win this year, so we are all working hard to get there.”

-Jim Hermetet

today than we have in the past few games,” Keller said.

“It’s just a matter of time. We’re knocking on the doorstep, and if we continue to play the way that we did tonight, we’ll get there.”

The defeat was the fifth time this season that the team has lost 1-0, as the girls continue to search for someone to fill the shoes vacated by Butler freshman Elise Kotsakis, who scored 37 goals for the Vikings last season.

On a positive note for the Vikes, the girls have improved greatly over the last few games. Although they did not score, they were close several times, most notably when a shot from Fremd barely missed the net in the 63rd minute against Conant.

“We can look at all of the things that we have improved on since the start of the season, so that makes it better,” junior Bri Frys said. “We just need to keep calm on the field and not get upset with each other.”

As the team moves forward, the biggest question will be whether or not they can put points on the board. If Monday night is any indication, the Vikings are moving in the right direction.

“I honestly think we’ll get there soon. Building up to the final third is great, but I think we get over-anxious once we get there,” Basten said. “If we can calm down and take our shots, the results will be different at the end of the game.”

JOCKEYING FOR POSITION. Senior Kelsey Beschta fights off a Pirate player last Wednesday, April 4.

Girls Track and Field

Girls Lacrosse

The girls track team traveled to Conant High School on April 10 for the Conant Invite, taking first place out of three teams and winning nine of the 18 total events.

Head coach Hali Yoshimura believes that the team performed well, especially considering the cold climate.

“The girls were able to step it up and compete at their best level as the weather would allow,” Yoshimura said.

Senior Kathryn Kendzior, who, along with senior Stephanie Hurwitz, junior Leah Ferguson and sophomore Anne Mahoney won the 400-m relay, was pleased with her team’s improvement after placing third at the Buffalo Grove Invite on April 7.

“I think that our 400-m relay has been getting stronger every race,” Kendzior said. “We had a personal record on Saturday, which we were all very happy about.”

At the Buffalo Grove Invite, where the Vikings took second out of nine teams, Kendzior placed second in the 300m low hurdles.

Also helping the Vikes was senior Stephanie Uhrich who finished first in the high jump. Junior Kelly Breen and senior Laura Plager took second in the two mile run and 400-m dash, respectively, and the 1600-m relay team also took second.

-Amir Djavid and Bailey Zyer

Logue photo by Gina Hurlburt

On April 9, the girls lacrosse team traveled to Elmhurst to face the York Dukes. Fremd (3-3) and York traded goals throughout the contest, and the Vikes escaped with a 15-14 victory.

Tied 13-13 the end of regulation, junior Katie Mullen took a penalty shot with a minute and half left in sudden death to finalize the victory.

“It was definitely the most exciting game I have ever been a part of,” head coach Jake Hughes said. “It was a seesaw battle the whole way. When Katie Mullen drilled one home, it was pretty exciting, and the team was stoked about the win.”

Junior Patty Miller was pleased with the team’s fight.

“All around, we played well. It wasn’t an individual effort, but everybody chipped in a different way and we were able to finish strong,” Miller said.

Hughes believes that to compete with the best teams in the state, they have to get back to basics.

“We are getting better each week. If we clean up passing and catching, we will be able to compete with the elite teams in the state,” Hughes said.

Fremd will travel to Deerfield tomorrow to take on the Warriors at 2 p.m.

-Jim Hermetet

IN THIS MONTH’S SPORTS SECTION...

Copy Editor Jacob Rowden is disenchanted with the new MLB playoff system.

Girls soccer goes 2-5 to start the season, losing all five games by one goal.

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VIKING LOGUE

12

William Fremd High School Friday, April 13, 2012

After hot start, softball keeps rolling Amir Djavid

Lead Sports Editor

After an 8-0 victory against the Mundelein Mustangs on Tuesday, the softball team improved its season record to 11-2 with a 1-0 conference mark.

Coming off her first loss of the season against St. Charles East on April 7, junior Ashlynne Schwantz rebounded and earned the victory.

Despite facing gusting winds on the coldest day of the season, she delivered a two-hit shutout to keep the Mustangs at bay.

“You have to keep focus in the cold, and you can’t let it bother you,” Schwantz said. “It’s harder to pitch and to play when your fingers are numb, but you just have to work through it and keep a tough mental attitude.”

Head coach Jim Weaver was impressed with Schwantz’s performance.

“She pitched great,” Weaver said. “The difference with her today from Saturday is that she located and mixed, and she did a good job with both of those things. When she does that and hits her spots, she’s tough to beat.”

Fremd defeated the Mustangs 4-3 in last year’s state playoff series to win the regional crown. Weaver says that although the teams sport slightly different rosters this year, the Vikings emerged victorious by outplaying Mundelein each inning.

“Both teams are a bit different this year,” Weaver said. “We have two or three different starters in different positions, while they have three or four different players.

Playing them on our field may have been a part of the victory, but we’re just trying

Logue photo by Justin Lanier

LAYING DOWN THE LAW. Junior Ashlynne Schwantz attempts to advance the runners against the Mundelein Mustangs on April 10. to focus on winning each inning, and we won each inning where we scored and they didn’t.”

Shortstop Leigh Farina, the lone sophomore on the team, finished 4-4 with a double and 3 RBI, a feat which reaffirms Weaver’s confidence in the young player.

“She’s an excellent player, and she’s fit right in,” Weaver said. “She’s done everything that we’ve asked her to do. Offensively, she got off to a bit of a slow start,

but she’s really turned it around lately, and defensively we knew she’d be solid. She’s played well.”

Just one day before the victory against Mundelein, the Vikings triumphed 11-0 over the Wheeling Wildcats on an even windier day.

Senior Rachel Doering pitched a three-hit shutout to seal the game after the Vikings raced out to five quick runs in the first inning.

Senior second baseman Megan Hubbard believes that the team’s positive mentality and confidence in their skills enabled them to play so well.

“The victory was due to a lot of focus, especially considering the dirt and the gusts of wind,” Hubbard said. “We just had to trust our preparation and that we would know where the ball was going when it was hit, and what we had to do with the ball despite the wind and the dirt flying everywhere.”

Despite the doubleheader loss to St. Charles East last Saturday, the Vikings have maintained an impressive record, which Weaver largely attributes to good all-around play.

“We’ve pitched very well, and our defense has been excellent,” Weaver said.

“Offensively, we’ve also hit the ball really well. Other than Saturday, we’ve gotten off to a really good start.”

Hubbard also explains that effective offseason work has contributed to the Vikings’ play so far.

“Our success is really related to what we had accomplished in the offseason,” Hubbard said. “We put a lot of work into preparing ourselves for the season so that we would be able to come out strong like we did.”

Schwantz agrees and adds that to remain focused, the team is taking each game one step at a time.

“We’ve been keeping our goals in mind,” Schwantz said. “We’re not underestimating teams that we’ve beaten in the past, and we’re attacking everything that comes our way.”

The team hosts MSL conference rival Hersey tonight at 4:30 p.m.

Baseball falls prey to Hoffman Hawks, drops three straight Jacob Rowden Copy Editor

In the first game of MSL play on April 9, the boys baseball team fell to Hoffman Estates 5-3, extending their losing streak to three games, and dropping their record to 7-5.

The game was close throughout, but poor defense in the late innings gave the Hawks the opportunity to overtake the lead and seal the victory.

The defense struggled to cope with gale-force winds, which caused crucial defensive lapses. Head coach Chris Piggott said the elements were one of his concerns going into the game.

“It was a tough day to play with the wind,” Piggott said. “We talked about throwing a lot of strikes, playing good defense and taking care of the ball.”

Senior Jack Andersen started the game for the Vikings and took his first loss of the season, going 4.2 innings and allowing five runs (four earned). This outing came on the heels of a no-hitter that he threw against Glenbard North on April 4. Through the first inning, Andersen appeared to have maintained the momentum from his gem, but he started to slip as the game continued.

“I just wanted to keep the same thing going, the same mentality,” Andersen said. “But I got away from my fundamentals a little bit and started walking guys.”

The teams traded leads throughout the first four innings, but in the bottom of the fifth, with the score tied 2-2, the Hawks rallied to score three runs, all with two outs.

The offense managed seven hits, three by senior Keith

Browning and two by University of Illinois-bound senior Zach Kolakowski. Browning also drove in two runs, and was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. He has been hot of late, accounting for half of the team’s hits over the past two games.

Browning attributes his streak at the plate to his mental approach.

“I have been thinking positively and seeing the ball very well lately, and it has been paying off,” Browning said.

Kolakowski feels that overall the loss is just a small setback in what figures to be a strong season for the Vikings.

“We’re always optimistic. You’ve got to be,” Kolakowski explained. “We’re a tough team, and we had a tough loss, but we’re not going to take it to heart, and we’re going to bounce back.”

Prior to the game against Hoffman, the Vikings fell to Maine South by a score of 5-3 on April 7.

Senior Jason English took the loss, giving up four runs over as many innings.

Despite Kolakowski and Browning coming up big, going 2-2 and 3-4 respectively, the Vikings failed to get production from the bottom of the order.

The Viking defense did no favors, making five errors, one of which led to a run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

In the top of the seventh, Fremd had a late rally that brought them within two, but the Hawks’ closer was able to shut down the rally and seal the Vikings’ fate.

Piggott believes that the team will begin play up to their potential in the coming months.

Logue photo by Justin Lanier

ON THE BUMP. Senior Jack Andersen fires a strike against Hoffman Estates on April 9.

“We have a very good lineup, we have good pitching, and we have solid defense,” Piggott said. “So we’ll be alright. We’ll turn it around.”

The Vikings will face off against Hersey at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon at home.