Kaneland Krier Volume 47 Issue 2

KANELAND

KR ER

Volume 47 • Issue 2 • Kaneland High School • November 19, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

15 Feature

Centerspread

6 Advice

12

20 Sports

Letter from the Execs

As you read our second full issue in this increasingly unusual school year, we are again grateful to be able to continue to run our publication. In this issue, we focus on what inuences our attachment to materialistic items and trends and whether or not that is acceptable. We also acknowledge that, in these unprecedented times, we might need to give ourselves a break and indulge in those things that bring us happiness.

November 19, 2020

Lifestyle

ARE THE ON-BRAND ITEMS WORTH THE PRICE?

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Photos by Morgan Phillipp

t seems like wherever people go, there is always someone drinking from a colorful water bottle. The brand Hydro Flask has initiated the trend of uniquely designed water bottles. The Hydro Flask is known for its great insulation, maintenance of beverage temperatures and convenience. And owning a Hydro Flask suggests, “Not only am I smart and stylish but I’m interested in saving the world,” according to Richard Wilk, professor emeritus of anthropolgy at Indiana University Bloomington.

It has become a trend to personalize these water bottles by covering them with stickers. Hydro Flasks are also marketed to keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.

“Hydro Flask’s great temperature retention is due to TempShield technology.

Two walls of stainless steel with a vacuum condensation and heat transfer to the outside of the bottle,” CNN Underscored reporter Kai Burkhardt said.

Hyrdo Flasks cost more compared to most other water bottles, ranging from $30 to $60 per bottle. Though they are relatively expensive, the company has won numerous awards for their innovative design, such as the iF Design Award, which they have won from 2016-20.

ululemon dominates the apparel market with their quality workout clothing. The brand offers a variety of items for men and women, including leggings, shorts and joggers. However, Lululemon is more expensive when compared with other leggings, which leads to people questioning if the quality makes the cost worth it.

The company offers a variety of benefits, such as free shipping, easy exchanges, complimentary tailoring of leggings and a new pair of pants if there is any damage to the previous pair. Lululemon’s leggings are their most popular product.

The leggings can range from $89 to $168.

Though the price is high, the quality and durability of their leggings makes it reasonable.

“The brand comes in a lot of colors and styles. My Lululemon leggings have lasted me a very long time, and they also fit well and are comfortable for long hours of dance,” senior Danielle MacMillan said.

In general, Lululemon products are a good investment to make because of their fit and performance.

Although some people see the value in Lululemon leggings, the price is still hard for others to ignore. A popular brand called Fabletics offers a variety of leggings that are marketed for a better price.

“Personally, I do not own anything Lululemon so I am unsure if it is worth the money, but I believe Fabletics is the same [style and quality], and I would not spend $98 on a pair of leggings,” senior Kyra O’Neil said.

There are several competitors to Lululemon that claim to have similar quality but for a cheaper price. Fabletics provides a deal where you can get two pairs of leggings for $24. This is very appealing to people who work out and need leggings but do not want to spend $100 on Lululemon.

“I think Lululemon is overpriced. The best alternative and cheaper option is Fabletics. That is where I buy all of my leggings. If you sign up for the membership, they are even cheaper and also great quality like Lululemon. I definitely recommend Fabletics,” senior Giovanna Buenrostro said.

When comparing different brands of leggings, it is clear that each company aims to advertise their products for different needs and specific demographics.

Lululemon focuses their brand on quality and customer service, while Fabletics takes pride in having affordable options.

Whether Lululemon is worth the price or not, an important factor to consider when purchasing an item is whether or not it suits your needs.

BY BRIANNA MICHI AND MORGAN PHILLIPP Editors

Hydro Flasks come in a variety of colors and sizes.

There are several ways to customize a Hydro Flask, including buying stickers, separate lids and protective coverings.

Walmart offers less expensive water bottles compared to the Hydro Flask. The TAL water bottles are priced between $10 and $20.

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Page design by Sophia Drancik

“The Hydro Flask is good quality and keeps my drink cold for a very long time.

It is worth the price,” senior Sebastian Rios said.

However, there are multiple other water bottle brands, some of which are more cost effective then Hyrdo Flasks. Some competitors include HydraPeak, YETI and TAL water bottles.

“I believe Hydro Flasks are not worth the price. It dents very easily and never keeps my water cold. I prefer my YETI water bottle over my Hydro Flask,” junior Claudia Lehman said.

Amazon also offers cheaper alternatives, such as the Hydro Cell bottle.

According to Expert World Travel, “The Hydro Cell bottle is a high-rated Hydro Flask alternative and is also a little cheaper. It has has similar features as the Hydro Flask, including the double wall vacuum to keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.”

A water bottle’s worth depends on what the buyer is looking for. If someone is looking to be on-trend and have a sustainable bottle, try out the Hydro Flask. If a buyer is just wanting a water bottle to hold their drink, looking for more affordable options compared to the Hydro Flask would be a more logical approach.

Lululemon leggings retail for about $100 per pair. Recently, there have been more competitors on the market, as companies have released similar quality products with lower prices.

Photo by Morgan Phillipp

Photo by Brianna Michi

Fabletics is a widely known competitor to Lululemon.

Their leggings range from $40 to $60, but they have frequent deals that make them less expensive.

Lifestyle

3

Voices November 19, 2020

IF MONEY WAS NOT A FACTOR, 9

“I would splurge on clothes and jewelry because those improve the way people see or view you, and it’s nice when you’re applying for a job.”

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FRESHMAN

LAUREN ANDREWS

11

“I would invest in a really nice house somewhere and just do whatever I want, like learn to play an instrument or learn how to cook.”

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JUNIOR

CALEB HWANG

9

“I would splurge on some tropical islands because I really like to explore and do fun things like ziplining and hiking.”

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4

Voices

FRESHMAN

CORA HELLER Page design by Mia Bergman

November 19, 2020

WHAT WOULD YOU SPLURGE ON? “I would get a really nice house in the hills and a nice car. I would also love to live on a different planet because it would be cool to live somewhere other than Earth.

Not a lot of people get to do that.”

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12

SENIOR

AARON LODWIG

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“If I had all the money in the world, I would donate money to charities because I’m not a very materialistic person and I feel like there are better things to do.”

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Voices

SOPHOMORE

CAITLYN GROBE

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“Either a super nice guitar or a nice car. I’ve been playing guitar since I was six, and I’ve seen some of my grandpa’s really nice guitars and I just think they’re really cool to play and show off.”

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Page design by Mia Bergman

SENIOR

JACK TAYLOR Voices

5

Advice

November 19, 2020

HEALTHY LUNCHES FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

BY MADELEINE LITTLE

M Editor

any people treat food as if it is the enemy, when in reality food is fuel.

When we feel hungry, it’s because our bodies are lacking the nutrients needed in order to fuel our body and stay energized. Having at least three meals and snacking throughout the day are great ways to incorporate those nutrients into your body.

Chicken Avocado Sandwich

Ingredients

Sandwich:

1 grilled chicken breast 2 slices of bread 1 slice of provolone cheese 1/2 of an avocado Balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper 2 slices of lettuce Sides: 1/2 a cup of fruit 1/2 a cup of vegetables

Optional:

Because students are at school for the majority of the day, it is important to maintain energy by eating, especially during lunch. Having the option to buy lunch at school can sound very appealing, but it can be difficult when it comes to making healthy choices.

With most students following a hybrid schedule, they now have more opportu-

1.

2.

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4.

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Chips or crackers Extra seasoning 1.

Photo by Madeleine Little

Sandwiches are an easy lunch to bring to school.

There is no need to heat it and it generally lasts throughout the day, which makes it a great option.

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Advice

nities to make lunch at home. This allows for more time to make healthy lunch options and to fit in a good breakfast. For teens, a balanced lunch would be a serving of protein, a serving of fruit, a serving of vegetables and a serving of carbohydrates. Below are two healthy options that can be eaten at home or prepared as a lunch to bring to school.

Directions:

Place the slice of cheese on top of one slice of bread.

Cut the cooked chicken breast (if needed) to fit the size of one slice of bread. Then, place it on top of the cheese.

Cut the avocado in half and take the pit out. Slice or smash the avocado and put it on top of the chicken.

Drizzle some of the balsamic vinegar glaze over the avocado, and add as much salt and pepper as you’d like.

Place the other slice of bread on top, and secure the sandwich with a toothpick through the center.

Take out your favorite fruits and vegetables and/or crackers, and place or package them however you’d like.

Directions:

Take out two slices of bread of your choice.

2. Layer the cheese and meats on one slice of bread.

3. Cut the tomato into four slices, and put them on top.

4. Cut the lettuce to your preference, and place it on the sandwich.

5. Drizzle on as much light mayonnaise as you would like.

6. Place the other slice of bread on top of the lettuce, and stick a toothpick through the middle to finish off the sandwich.

7. For the caprese poppers, cut three cherry tomatoes into thirds. Then, cut three mozzarella balls in half.

8. Take out your basil leaves, and cut them to the size of the tomato and mozzarella slices.

9. Thread the sliced tomatoes, cheese and basil pieces onto toothpicks.

Repeat this for all of the poppers.

10. Once everything is complete, take out your desired sides and place or package them to preference.

Photo by Madeleine Little

Divided containers are a great way to organize balanced servings of each food group. It may be difficult to prepare lunch the morning before school, so making it the night before saves time.

Club Sandwich & Caprese Poppers

Ingredients

Sandwich:

2 slices of bread 2 slices of ham 1 slice of provolone cheese 2 pieces of bacon 4 slices of tomato Light mayonnaise 2 slices of lettuce

Caprese Poppers:

Mozzarella balls Cherry tomatoes Basil 3 toothpicks

Page design by Morgan Phillipp

November 19, 2020 Editorial

Kaneland High School 47W326 Keslinger Rd. Maple Park, IL 60151 (630) 365-5100 www.kanelandkrier.com Cartoon by Emma Schaefer

Teenagers should still find time to relax and do what they enjoy, even after having all the time to do so in quarantine. Although some students found it difficult to maintain sanity during those times, others thought of it as a good opportunity to catch up on self-care.

SEEK COMFORT IN NEW HABITS

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hen COVID-19 started spreading through America back in March, none of us could have predicted what would occur within the next five months. We were shut inside our homes and isolated from our friends, and life as we knew it was put on hold. This was hard on almost everyone, teenagers included.

To cope with this new lifestyle, many of us found ways to get by, and not all of them may be viewed as completely productive.

While some people learned to paint, started working out or eating healthy, others found comfort in activities that brought short-term happiness. It became a challenge to pass the time, to stay positive and to maintain the relationships that we held before March 13. Missing those parts of our lives was normal, and at one point almost every teenager felt this way. Now, students have acquired newfound habits that are hard to break away from, but that’s not a bad thing.

Quarantine made communication with friends harder than ever. Expecting to not see anyone in person for five months can do a lot of harm to your social life. It gets difficult to maintain a friendship when the most you can do is video chat. Even now, seeing friends can be a challenge. School days split by the alphabet have completely separated some friend groups, and having a hard time reaching out again is normal. It was easy to get into a routine of being isolated and doing your own thing in quarantine. After a whole week of school, it is okay to spend time decompressing alone. If anything, you are being more COVID-19 conscious than others. It got easy to be alone, and there is nothing wrong with still preferring it that way.

During the pandemic, non-essential stores were forced to shut down to maintain the social distancing guidelines. We found ourselves shopping online more than usual to occupy our time. Many of us developed a new style from watching TikTok creators express a new form of fashion. We wanted to

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Page design by Sophia Mullins

recreate these trends, and it became common to watch our online shopping carts fill up with unnecessary items. It is okay that this happened. On special occasions, splurging on clothing can be fulfilling. Without much else to do, it is okay that you occupied your time by expanding your closet. Shopping online was a way to get your mind off of the fact that the rest of the world was shut down, and this was a way to maintain some sense of normalcy. Switching up your closet is a great way to express your creativity, and although it may have been an expensive hobby, it is an acceptable way to cope with the changing world around us.

It became easy to pass the time by picking up new baking and cooking hobbies. Platforms like Pinterest and TikTok made it easy to find new and intriguing recipes. Although fun to make, most of these popular recipes lacked nutritional value. Spending time in the kitchen became a new way to cope with the idea that we wouldn’t be able to go out and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Finding a new skill to enjoy like baking is a good way to fill your time through the pandemic, even if not all of these recipes are healthy. Learning to balance healthy and unhealthy recipes has become even more of a challenge that people have to deal with. Continuing to use baking as a method to decompress is a great way to unwind and get your mind off of the added stressors that COVID-19 brings.

Quarantine was hard on everyone. TikTok and other social media outlets glamorized quarantine for some, but it is okay to accept that isolation was mentally taxing. Staying in your home for months on end can affect anyone’s mental health. It is acceptable to continue some habits that were developed in quarantine. As long as you are happy, don’t worry about your love for online shopping or your addiction to baking. Remind yourself that these are called unprecedented times for a reason. This is a time in history where focusing on yourself and doing what you want should be accepted and encouraged.

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Member of IJEA, Quill & Scroll, NSPA, NISPA IHSA State Finalists 2013-2019 IWPA Silver Pen 2017 NISPA Golden Eagle 2017 IJEA First Place for Krier Online 2020 IJEA Second Place for Best Hybrid Publication 2020 IJEA Second Place for Best Overall Publication 2020 Subscription rates: Five issues, three supplements School-delivered, $15; Home-delivered, $25

EXECUTIVE STAFF Ayshe Ali Sasha Clinnin Co-Editor-in-Chief of Visual Manager & Web & Ad/Business Sports/Activities Manager Manager Emma Schaefer Sophia Mullins Design Manager & Co-Editor-in-Chief of Production Manager Web & Copy Editor

Jenna Lin Editor-in-Chief of Print

EDITORIAL STAFF Lifestyle Sophia Drancik

Voices Mia Bergman

Editorial Sophia Mullins

Opinion 1 Patrick Gampfer

Feature 2 Anna Olp

Community Casey Walters

Investigative Delaney Douglas

Photos Brianna Michi

Advice Morgan Phillipp

Opinion 2 Cody Ganzon

Feature 1 Madeleine Little

Centerspread Sarah Janito

Profile Karmyn Hookham

Sports Nicholas Mitchinson

STAFF

News Gabrielle Parker

Activities Sophia Opp

Advertisements Ayshe Ali

Braden Babka, Louis Blickem, Jake Brost, Sydney Clinnin, Caitlin Cohoon, Kailey Davison, Samantha Dunne, Samuel Gagne, Adam Gerlach, Travis Johnson, Madison Kleivo, Aiden Krump, Lukas Molitor, Sarah Molitor, Kyra Motyka, Casey O’Brien, Zoey Pozen, Finley Romano, Jazper Rovinsky, Jack Scholtes, Kevin Sigrist, Audrey Smith, Elizabeth Somerlot, Mallori Stiles, Alan Tapia, Anthony Urban, Ashley Vanderhoff, Grace Volkmar, Benjamin Warford, Paige Whiteside, Tecori Willson Cartoonist Photographer Megan Stefanik Robert Luedtke

Print Production

Porter Conroy Jack Miller Aden Mumm

David Gould Cali Smith Amber Ruchaj

ADVISORS Dominic Bruno Krier advisor

Nicole Larsen Print advisor

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board and are not necessarily the opinion of Kaneland administration, staff, students or parents. The Krier Editorial Board consists of designated Advanced Journalism students: Ayshe Ali, Mia Bergman, Sasha Clinnin, Delaney Douglas, Sophia Drancik, Patrick Gampfer, Cody Ganzon, Karmyn Hookham, Sarah Janito, Jenna Lin, Madeleine Little, Brianna Michi, Nicholas Mitchinson, Sophia Mullins, Anna Olp, Sophia Opp, Gabrielle Parker, Morgan Phillipp, Emma Schaefer and Casey Walters.

Students make all publication decisions.

Letters can be sent to the address above or e-mailed to krier@kaneland.org. Letters must be signed (names may be withheld under extraordinary circumstances as deemed by the editorial staff) and must be under 300 words. The Editorial Board has the right to work with writers to edit for clarity and length. Any material that is potentially libelous, obscene or disruptive will not be published, at the discretion of the Editorial Board. All decisions to publish or not publish letters are made by executive editors. The Krier has been an open forum since 1974. As an open forum, we restrict editing to staff members only; prior review and editing are prohibited by people outside the staff.

Editorial

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Opinion

November 19, 2020

ADVANTAGES OF HAVING INVOLVED PARENTS

BY GABRIELLE PARKER

G Editor

rowing up, I had this one friend who had parents that let her do anything she wanted. Even as a sixth grader, she was allowed to go anywhere with anyone at any time. At first, I was envious of the freedom she had. I was jealous of how lenient her parents were.

But when I brought it up to her, I didn’t get the response I expected. She told me how she felt lonely and that sometimes her parents weren’t as involved in her life as she wished they were. The more I thought about it, the more it sunk in. It’s much harder for a child to feel loved and understood if their parents don’t even want to know where they are on a Saturday night.

Every day, our world changes. With each generation growing up so differently from the one before, it’s an ongoing challenge for parents to relate to and keep up with their children. Teenagers can be sneaky, and today we have all kinds of new technology to help us. As a result, parents need to be prominently involved in their children’s lives at every stage of development.

People are very quick to call out a mother or father as “overprotective” or accuse them of being “helicopter parents” without much knowledge of how or why they chose to raise their child a certain way.

According to Parents.com, parents often hover over their children because of feelings of anxiety, overcompensation, peer pressure from other parents and a fear of dire consequences. These are all completely understandable and acceptable feelings. These parents just acknowledge their fears and worries instead of ignoring or possibly neglecting their children.

Every kid is different, and there is not just one correct way to raise a child. Different techniques work for different people. A lot of children need extra attention to feel loved and supported. Parenting is one of the hardest things to do in life. Not only does it affect a child’s future, but it also impacts the kind of relationship that a child will have with their parents. Being involved is one of the most important aspects of parenthood, but for a variety of reasons parents may neglect this task, possibly harming their future relationship with their child. I, for one, would rather have my parents constantly asking me questions, even if that means they are “helicopter parents,” rather than them not talking to me at all.

What most people don’t often realize is that “helicopter parenting” has multiple benefits to kids in both the short and long

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Opinion

term. According to ParentalRights.org, children with highly involved parents feel supported, seen and known. They have a sense of community and connectedness that children with absent parents don’t.

The more parental support a child has, the more likely they are to earn higher grades, to have better social skills and to graduate and receive a higher education.

They are even more likely to have better physical health as adults.

The benefits don’t just stop there. According to VeryWellFamily.com, children with involved parents have better attendance in school, are likely to display better behavior, have improved mental health and are more equipped with social functioning skills. None of these benefits are surprises. Chances are, you can tell the difference between a child who goes home to a loving, supporting family and one whose mother and father doesn’t even know his or her favorite dinner. It’s a matter of feeling loved and cared for.

Not feeling seen or understood at home follows someone for the rest of their life, and it may even impact their own future parenting techniques.

Kaneland junior Joshua Pehl, for example, has parents who have been involved through every stage of his life. That consistent presence, though, does not inhibit his perception of his relationship with them.

“If anything, [I think our relationship] will be better than if they were [the opposite] way,” Pehl said.

Pehl also avoids things that some teenagers can be drawn to, and he has his parents to thank for his good decision-making skills.

“The way my parents raised me helped me make good decisions, like never smoking or drinking. I am happy with myself today and thankful for my parents’ help. I definitely understand why my parents let me do [and not do] certain things. They always have my best interest,” Pehl said.

According to ParentalRights.org, teens who are monitored by their parents are less likely to smoke, to drink and to use drugs when compared with teens with parents who aren’t involved. A parent should want the best for their child. This involves teaching them right from wrong and how to make wise decisions. A teenager who has a less involved parent is more likely to make bad decisions and not learn from them because they aren’t cared for enough to be given advice on the bad choices they make. It’s not hard to imagine that an unsupervised teenager tends to make worse decisions than a child who is supervised.

There is a very fine line between an overbearing parent and an involved one, but the bottom line is that involved parents, more often than not, raise good children.

Kids today need that love and support from their families, even if they don’t realize it in the moment. Statistics show it, and even teenagers support it. Parents need to be well-connected with their children, today more than ever.

Cartoon by Megan Stefanik

Parents who are more involved in their children’s lives feel more connected and helpful with their child’s development. While it can feel overbearing to some students, Jeff Nalin, an award-winning licensed clinical psychologist, believes that stricter parenting helps create well-behaved and goal-oriented kids.

Page design by Patrick Gampfer

November 19, 2020

Opinion

PARENTS SHOULD NOT BE TOO CONTROLLING

BY NICHOLAS MITCHINSON

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Editor

ast weekend, I was going to hang out with some of my friends. My parents always let me go out and never say I cannot when I ask for permission. Before I left, they told me to be safe and to make good decisions, even though they knew some of the people I was going to hang out with are not the best influences. They give me the power to make my own decisions and trust that I will make the right choices. I have never smoked or drank, and it is not because my parents control my entire life. It is because they raised me to make good decisions on my own instead of making them for me.

My generation, and more specifically the people I know, have a wide range of experiences when it comes to their parents being strict and heavy-handed or more trusting and hands-off in terms of their approach. Parents should not be too overbearing when raising their children.

When a parent is overly strict and controls most of the decisions a child makes, it is psychological control. According to Jeff Haden, contributing editor of Inc. com, University College London did a study on the effects of psychological control between parents and their children.

“We found that people whose parents showed warmth and responsiveness had higher life satisfaction and better mental wellbeing throughout early, middle and late adulthood. By contrast, psychological control was significantly associated with lower life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Examples of psychological control in-

clude not allowing children to make their own decisions, invading their privacy and fostering dependence,” lead researcher of the study Dr. Mai Stafford said.

Teenagers tend to feel like not having strict parents is better for them because it allows them to develop by themselves.

Senior Hannah Dzielawa is currently ranked second in Kaneland High School’s senior class. She does not have overbearing and strict parents, and that is a good thing for her.

“I think being more controlled would actually compel me to be rebellious. For example, my parents do not care if I get a C in a class, as long as I tried my best.

If this were the opposite, I might not have the drive I do to get A’s, so not being controlled is more beneficial,” Dzielawa said.

Having strict parents does not mean a student cannot succeed academically.

There are plenty of students with strict parents who are doing well in school too, but it is not always clear if that success is a direct result of having those types of parents. Junior Aidan Pawlak is an example of a student with strict parents who is doing well in school. But he doesn’t know whether or not his success has anything to do with his parents’ approach.

“I think it is hard to tell whether I am benefiting from [strict parents] more than kids with less strict parents. With that being said, I personally feel that with fewer regulations I could have developed the same work ethic and maintained the same grades and involvement in school and

Cartoon by Megan Stefanik

Children with stricter parents have a tendency to rebel against authority and have a higher risk of developing anxiety. According to Nathan H. Lents, a professor of molecular biology at John Jay College, “Helicopter parents that seek to shield their children from all forms of adversity are not doing them any favors.”

Page design by Cody Ganzon

learned all the same life lessons if I had less restrictions and more freedom,” Pawlak said.

When a child is growing up, it is important that they are exposed to natural consequences. Natural consequences are the results of your own actions and decisions. Some parents who are more strict do not let their children make their own decisions, which then leads to them not having to deal with their own natural consequences. While some people might say this is a good thing that parents are preventing children from making mistakes, it really is preventing them from much more.

According to VeryWellFamily.com, natural consequences teach crucial lessons to children that they will use throughout their life, and parents saving their children from the consequences is actually hurting them more. Natural consequences allow children to make the connection between their actions and the outcome of their actions. Doing this prepares children for when they are adults and have to make their own decisions. Because some parents control all of the decisions their children make, those children will struggle when they do not have someone always telling them what to do.

“When [my children] were younger, we had a lot of conversations about asking them why they were doing what they were doing and really talking about what they anticipate being a consequence if they act a certain way,” English teacher Jennifer Sayasane said.

While children should be exposed to natural consequences, there are obvious situations where a parent should step in and tell them not to do something. For example, if a child wants to do something where their safety is in danger, then they should not be allowed to do it. However, parents should not always say “no” when a child wants to do something, and kids should still be exposed to as many natural consequences as possible.

“If there is a situation where there could be some permanent harm done, where it may be a little more serious as a consequence, I might intervene in another way.

But for the most part, if I had kids who did not do their school work then they got a bad grade, they had to deal with it,” Sayasane said.

My parents typically use the natural consequence approach, and it ties back to how they let me make my own decisions.

They do not control my every action; instead, they let me make my own choices and face my own consequences.

Opinion

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News

November 19, 2020

ANTICIPATION MARKS A HISTORIC ELECTION

BY TRAVIS JOHNSON

K

Reporter

eeping in line with the abnormalities that have defined this year, the 2020 election was one without precedent in many regards. Record voter turnout, wide usage of mail-in ballots, delayed results and multiple recount demands have defined the nation’s political decision-making process this year. But after days of anticipation, we now finally have a good idea of what our country’s leadership is going to look like for the foreseeable future. Joe Biden is now the nation’s President-Elect, while the Republican Party appears to be the favorite for keeping control of the Senate and also making unexpected gains in the House of Representatives.

Biden, who served as the country’s Vice President for eight years and served in the Senate for many more, was announced by the Associated Press (AP) to be President-Elect when it became clear that he won Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes.

Though he carried this state and had similar victories in Wisconsin and Michigan, the margin of victory was narrower than polling had originally predicted, which led to a few nail-biting vote processing days as Americans awaited the key swing states to announce their mail-in results.

Biden’s campaign, which he centered around “restoring the soul of the nation,” held a drive-up event in Delaware the evening after his victory was announced.

“It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, to lower the temperature. To see each other again. To listen to each other again.

To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy,” Biden said

from the podium, according to the AP. “We are not enemies. We are Americans.”

Additionally, Biden’s running mate, California Senator Kamala Harris, made history as the first ever Black woman and the first person of South Asian heritage to hold the office of Vice President.

“Dream with ambition, lead with conviction and see yourselves in a way that others may not simply because they’ve never seen it before,” Harris said, as reported by the AP. “You chose hope and unity, decency, science and, yes, truth...you ushered in a new day for America.”

Incumbent President Donald Trump has claimed that voter fraud took place and will seek recounts in a few swing states.

In some of the swing states, Trump will be allowed to receive a recount. But it appears even if many recounts take place, a change in the presidential election’s outcome is unlikely.

According to Forbes Magazine, “Experts say recounts are highly unlikely to change the outcome of this presidential election because Biden is currently leading by at least 20,000 votes in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. A recount could theoretically alter the outcome in Georgia, but Biden does not need to win the state.”

Although Democrats have scored the most critical win they were hoping for, the presidency, their majority in the House of Representatives has slimmed and the control of the Senate remains unclear.

With the current balance of power at 4848 with two more likely Republican wins, Democrats must win two Senate seats in Georgia to shift the balance of power to

Photo by Jenna Lin

The Vaughan Athletic Center in North Aurora opened for early voting on Oct. 19. According to the U.S. Elections Project, more than 99 million Americans voted early in this year’s election, including mail-in ballots.

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News

Photo by Emma Schaefer

In Illinois, early voting took place from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2. Along with visiting polling places to vote, many chose to use mail-in ballots due to COVID-19.

50-50, where Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris would serve as a tiebreaker vote and allow for Democratic legislation to pass.

“Democrats would face long odds in winning both Senate seats in traditionally Republican-leaning Georgia, but if they do succeed and Joe Biden wins the White House, that would give Vice President Kamala Harris a 51st tie-breaking vote,” according to Reuters news.

However, if the control of the Senate does prove to favor Republicans, the country will be working with a divided government over at least the next two years. But many political analysts believe that may not be all bad news; Biden has always tried to emphasize his role as a negotiator. He and the would-be Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have been working together for years, and although McConnell has created numerous legislative roadblocks for Democrats in the past, he has recently signaled his willingness to strike centrist deals with Biden. Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, has confidence their relationship can work.

“Joe Biden is well aware that Mitch McConnell was an obstructionist who blocked most of the priorities of the Biden-Obama adminstration and who used his position to block a whole range of judicial nominees,” Coons, who occupies the seat previously held by Biden, said. “But he also knows there are certain moments when you have to try.”

Please note: All information in this story is up-to-date as of our print deadline, which was Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

Page design by Gabrielle Parker

November 19, 2020

Investigative

TEACHERS’ JOBS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

BY CASEY WALTERS

A Editor

ccording to USA Today, one in six teachers have to take on a second job in order to support themselves financially. Business Insider reports that in 2018-19, the average salary of a teacher in Illinois was $66,600, and a single person living in this state needs around $26,500 a year to support themselves with the bare minimum, according to CNBC. Between teachers having to support themselves and their families while maintaining their savings, it is no surprise that many teachers find themselves needing to take on another job. Whether some teachers at Kaneland work a second job to fill free time or for extra income, the effort and persistence that teachers put into their career - and sometimes their careers - is not something that students should look past.

English teacher Joshua Maurice works at the fast food chain Culver’s during school breaks. At Culver’s, Maurice has to do a lot of physical labor and only comes across fleeting interactions with people he might not see again. In teaching, his job involves creating meaningful relationships with his students. The dynamic interactions Maurice is able to have as a teacher makes the job more appealing and rewarding to him. Though he prefers his teaching job, Maurice finds that working the second job can be used to fill time.

“I have always been a very busybody so I need to be doing stuff frequently, and over summer break and winter break and things like that, there’s a lot of downtime where I don’t have anything to grade,”

Photo courtesy of Christina Staker

English teacher Christina Staker reads books to her children. Most of the books she reads to them come from her second job.

Page design by Delaney Douglas

Maurice said. “I have a little bit of things to plan, but it’s not a lot so it’s kind of good to keep me busy and also just get some extra income.”

Science teacher Jason Foster works as a bartender when he is not teaching in order to support his family. Although Foster does enjoy bartending, the amount of time and stress that comes with the job makes it hard for him to balance his life.

Finding time to grade can become a challenge.

“I work two nights, so basically I leave right from school and then go to my second job. I don’t end up getting home until like 10:00 or 10:30,” Foster said.

English teacher Christina Staker works as an independent consultant for Usborne Books & More. This company is an international award-winning publishing company for children’s books ranging from newborn to early high school. There are many benefits to this job for Staker, as it is flexible to her schedule and she can do it from the comfort of her own home.

Not only is Staker’s second job easy to manage between being a teacher and a parent, it also has allowed her to increase her children’s home library.

“It was kind of on a whim. I joined for fun, but I used to be the theater director here at the school and do some additional things that were extracurricular. Once I started having kids, I just couldn’t take that time load here at school anymore. So a lot of that additional income that I had coming in, I no longer had. This [other

job] allows me to kind of balance that a little bit,” Staker said.

English teacher Lori Shroka works as a real estate agent aside from being a teacher. As a teacher, the job takes up the majority of the week, and the real estate business carries into the evenings and weekends, which makes it hard to balance both. Although her schedule can become busy, her second job as a real estate agent is more flexible, which eases this struggle. Shroka is able to support herself financially without the second job, however she uses the extra income to be able to travel, something she truly enjoys doing.

For Shroka, the real estate job is fulfilling, and she hopes to continue it into her retirement from education.

“I do enjoy it because I love looking at homes, finding new decorating ideas or seeing a real bad one. I love working with space. I got my associate degree in interior architecture, so I love to think how I could make the space in some homes more efficient. I always offer my thoughts and suggestions to my clients,” Shroka said.

Most students don’t know what goes on in their teachers’ lives outside of the school setting. Students have their own definitions of busy lifestyles, and though life in high school can get stressful, teachers experience just the same. It is important to acknowledge that some teachers obtain second jobs out of necessity, so the time they dedicate to their students should be respected.

Photo by Jenna Lin

Lori Shroka teaches her English class while wearing a face shield as her personal protective equipment. Although she enjoys being a teacher, Shroka spends her time outside of the classroom as a real estate agent to fulfill her interest in interior design.

Investigative

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Centerspread

November 19, 2020

ARE STUDENTS TOO MATERIALISTIC?

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Centerspread

Page design by Sarah Janito

November 19, 2020

BY SOPHIA OPP

Centerspread

Editor

E

veryone has heard the saying “money can’t buy happiness.” As a society, we consider it moral to put other priorities before material things, and a trait like materialism is generally looked down upon. Many of us are quick to point out that this is a flaw in others, but we hesitate to admit that we ourselves value materials. While some people see more value in material items than others, different opinions on the subject are expected. Should material items be held in such high regard, or are high school students too materialistic?

Nobody understands high school students better than their peers; they are able to recognize why these objects are so desirable to teens.

“Because of social media, peer pressure and their own experiences, [high school students] have been influenced to develop a materialistic mindset. They increase their sense of materialism to accommodate for that sense of fitting in,” junior Moses Kim said.

This idea of “fitting in” has been prevalent for as long as most of us can remember, especially during high school. Social studies teacher Jessica Kelly explains that materialism exploded in the 1980s, when obtaining an abundance of material items was typical. Now in 2020, the trend persists. So why has the need for materials been so consistent over all of these years?

“I think that high school students have expectations of having certain things in their lives, like having the latest technology, phones and gaming systems,” Kelly said.

As a sociology teacher, Kelly has a deeper understanding of why we are always striving to fit in and to have these specific items.

“Sociology teaches us that people al-

ways form and feel the need to identify with groups. Having a certain water bottle or dressing a certain way allows us to be in groups and feel like we are a part of something,” Kelly said.

Sociology involves studying human behavior, so there is reasoning behind our society’s materialistic conduct.

In a poll of 286 Kaneland students, 76.6% said high school students are too materialistic, and they see examples of materialism in various aspects of life.

Between clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics and more, there are so many things to keep up with in today’s world.

“Pretty much anything trending will be focused on most. These items are usually carried on throughout the years, and you will always see them be the most important things to teens,” Kim said.

With social media’s growing influence, trends have never been able to spread so effortlessly. In the same poll, 74.8% said social media has the most influence on materialism among students. There are numerous apps with millions of users across the world, so it can be overwhelming to keep up and feel accepted.

“Social media is the culmination of peer pressure from celebrities, peers, users, fashion and the list goes on. It is the largest influence on today’s teens. I think that it is a dangerous situation because of the amount of power it gives to groups of people,” Kim said.

Kelly would agree, as she thinks that social media takes aspects of materialism and puts them into one place; that “place” is where teens spend most of their free time. Social media has been controversial for as long as it has been around, as many people fear it is a risk to this generation.

“Social media and celebrities influence [materialism] the most because peo-

ple glamorize being popular rather than forming connections with people,” sophomore Pheonix Martin said.

In other words, constantly seeing what other people have and worrying about being good enough can distort our values. Martin feels we are focusing on materials more than what we should be focused on: personal relationships. Kim believes religion should be put first. Kelly thinks there are things far more important than material goods.

“People should be pursuing their passions and what makes them happy; not so much what is going to make them rich or what’s going to bring them materials, but things that make them feel whole as a person,” Kelly said.

So is being materialistic as detrimental as some perceive it to be? Like most traits, there can be both benefits and drawbacks.

Martin explains that having materials is not harmful in itself; it is when we view them with too much importance that it begins to be a problem. Kim has similar views and acknowledges that material goods can be both important and destructive.

“I think materialism makes people stressed, distracted and presumptuous, but I wouldn’t say that it is wrong to be concerned with one’s possessions, income or what they wear,” Kim said.

It seems most would agree with the belief that high school students are overly materialistic, but still only 31.1% of the 286 Kaneland students who responded to the poll admit that they themselves value materials. Whether or not we focus too much on material objects is hard to determine. Focusing on your own personal values and what is important to you is what matters most.

The following polls are based on the voluntary responses of 286 Kaneland High School students.

No 23.4% Yes 76.6%

Cars 3.2%

Electronics 35.3%

Clothing and Shoes 59.8%

h hig ink nts h t n you ude Do ool st used o sch o foc ems? it to are aterial m

Page design by Sarah Janito

Jewelry and Accessories 1.7%

see ou o y mples d o xa ere Wh ost e ing to ial m e r b e e t s th ma een of t sed on s? u item foc

Celebrities 3.8%

Social Media 74.8% Peers 21%

Magazines / Websites 0.4%

o ed hes ences t f o nflu i ich ng Wh elieve amo t? s m b s o i l you teria the m ma ents d stu

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Feature

November 19, 2020

FAST FASHION AND ITS EFFECTS ON SOCIETY

BY SOPHIA DRANCIK AND KARMYN HOOKHAM

I

Editors

n April of 2013, an eight-story commercial building called the Rana Plaza collapsed in Bangladesh. With a death toll of about 1,100 people and approximately 2,500 injured, this tragedy is one of the deadliest garment-factory disasters in history, according to the Huffington Post. The building housed banks, clothing factories, apartments and several shops, however when structural faults were noticed by the building’s owners, all businesses were closed except for the clothing factories, according to the New York Times.

Garment workers were ordered to continue to work, and the building collapsed during the next morning’s rush hour. This building included many companies we know today, like Walmart, J.C. Penny and the Children’s Place.

Companies like H&M, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters are common stores students shop at because of their on-trend and affordable clothing. Online clothing stores have also been growing in recent years, with companies like Zaful, Shein and Fashion Nova becoming popular amongst social media influencers and teens. These clothing companies are growing in popularity because of their ability to replicate fashion trends rapidly and offer them at low costs. The idea behind these brands is to get the newest styles on the market as quickly as possible so shoppers can get them while they’re still at the height of their popularity. Though superficially it seems like a great idea that companies are offering in-style clothing at such low costs, many of these large companies are hiding issues within the production

of their products that violate labor rights and negatively affect the environment.

A clear indication that a company takes part in fast fashion is the poor labor conditions. Many major fast fashion companies outsource for labor in countries in South and Southeast Asia. Fast fashion involves employees working in an unsafe environment, being forced to work longer hours than legally permitted or getting paid less than minimum wage. A recent report by the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) revealed that factory workers are working under appalling conditions that amount to modern day slavery and the worst forms of child labor. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor found evidence of forced and child labor in the fashion industry in countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India and the Philippines. Many consumers are unaware of the unethical labor that comes with the production of the clothes they are buying, which contributes to the underlying issues that haven’t been resolved in the fast fashion industry.

Junior Nolan Allen switched from fast fashion to thrifting earlier this year during the COVID-19 quarantine after considering the negative effects of fast fashion.

He estimates that 50% of his closet is now thrifted clothing.

“I don’t like to contribute to [fast fashion] because I just don’t like to think that my clothes were made from, or that I’m contributing to, a company whose manufacturing plants are basically slave labor,” Allen said. “I watched a documentary in Human Geography about clothing brands that are made pretty cheap from labor workers whose quality of life is super low.”

Fast fashion is inexpensive enough that companies don’t lose profit when trends go out of style and turn over quickly. This system creates a fast-paced production cycle that decreases the quality of the clothing and negatively affects our environment. Fast fashion companies are notorious for using harsh chemicals and excessive amounts of water and contributing to waste when producing clothing.

Allen also recognizes how fast fashion impacts more than just the people making the clothes.

“I definitely think a lot of clothing companies are just really unethical. You see a lot of “Made in China,” which - there’s not much wrong with that - but for our economy, we’re losing money in the U.S., but I also don’t want to give money to laboring companies,” Allen said.

Fast fashion is affordable and mainstream so it can be hard to stray from, especially in a society where having trendy clothing is something many students view as important. With trends consistently changing, it’s challenging for students to create their own unique style, however Family and Consumer Science teacher Judy Fabrizius stresses that students shouldn’t be afraid of developing their own style.

“Do what you want to do. I can [wear two different pairs of earrings], and it’s not hurting anybody. But for you guys to do something different, you’re so worried about being in the fold of being with the group, so I wear these earrings to give you guys the confidence to do what you want to do, to be who you want to be,” Fabrizius said.

Forever 21 (left) offers different types of clothing and styles. However, it is an example of the rapidly growing fast fashion industry. Goodwill (right) offers a place to donate and recycle old clothes, which is a great way to decrease the environmental harm that the fast fashion industry creates.

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November 19, 2020

Feature

MANIFESTATION AND ITS MANY MEANINGS

BY ANNA OLP

W Editor

hether you have heard of it on the internet or in conversation with a friend or you are familiar with the word because of its surreal nature, manifestation is a widely recognized term. The true meaning of the word, though, is not usually as well known.

Upon hearing about manifestation, people’s reactions can vary greatly. Some are quick to be skeptical of the claims that surround the word, while others may be curious concerning the possible outcomes that manifestation suggests. Without any prior knowledge, both reactions are completely understandable. Manifestation, after all, is not cut and dry.

The general definition of the word involves a desired outcome or objective achieved through thought. Another idea associated with manifestation is the belief that if you think it, it will come. The simplicity of this definition is typically one of the misconceptions people have about manifestation.

Those who do believe in manifestation can choose to interpret it and adapt its meaning to suit their own intentions. This is how the diverse practices of manifestation arise. For some it may be as simple as following the general definition closely. A seemingly rudimentary concept like thinking positive thoughts can actually lead to more detailed and Senior Riley Podschweit writes in her manifestation journal.

Manifestation can be practiced simply by writing personal goals or self affirmations.

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action-oriented practices.

“That’s something that’s so great about manifestation is that it’s so personal, and there are so many different ways you can do it, so if you find something that works for you, I would definitely recommend it,” junior Riley Skeen said.

From person to person, it is almost impossible to collect any sort of concrete data concerning manifestation and its possible outcomes, which is part of the reason many people are wary of fully embracing the characteristics of it. Katherine Dolewski, a therapist for Safe Harbor Counseling in Sugar Grove, considers herself to be a primarily fact-oriented person.

“When working with clients, I choose to focus on evidence-based approaches that have observable outcomes. I ask my clients to not only believe in themselves and the outcomes they wish for, but to feel empowered to take action or make choices to get them where they want to go,” Dolewski said. “There are components of manifestation that are useful, like positive affirmations, for example. Maintaining positive thought is indeed important. Likewise, having life goals is critical for self growth.”

“

There has to be some sort of action that will get you closer to your goal because you have to put in some kind of effort. The universe isn’t going to make you rich and give you a house because you meditated about it.

- senior Riley Podschweit

“

When a person becomes interested in manifestation, many questions can predictably arise. In order to address any confusion, many people spend time researching before they start actively practicing. Education on different methods of manifestation is also a key to being able to successfully practice those approaches.

“I would recommend doing research about manifestation to avoid manifesting in negative ways that can have negative impacts on your life without you even realizing it. Once you have a grip and you can formulate how you’re going to do it yourself, then you’re good to go,” Skeen said.

Senior Riley Podschweit has been interested in and has practiced manifestation since first discovering it in July of 2020.

Podschweit has explored some of the more complex areas surrounding manifestation, such as using different written methods as well as incorporating other thought processes and actions into her manifestation, such as meditation and tarot card readings.

“You really have to believe in what you’re trying to manifest. You can’t let negative affirmations affect your thought process,” Podschweit said.

Written manifestation is among the most common manifestation practices. The content of written techniques can vary widely from person to person. Self affirmations, thanks and gratitudes, future intentions and personal goals are a few examples.

Following written practices, many believe that action needs to follow in order to achieve desired results.

“There has to be some sort of action that will get you closer to your goal because you have to put in some kind of effort. The universe isn’t going to make you rich and give you a house because you meditated about it,” Podschweit said.

Visit kanelandkrier.com to read the complete version of this story.

Feature

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Community November 19, 2020

THREE KANELAND STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS

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Abigail Cormier

unior Abigail Cormier does calligraphy and creates handmade products such as cards (for invitations, birthdays and more), painted records, digital photographs and prints and wood slice pieces. She sells them through her Instagram account.

“I run my business through Instagram and take orders through many means of communication. I post on the brand’s Instagram and Facebook pages along with promoting posts and stories on my personal account. By doing this it creates a relationship between myself and the customer,” Cormier said.

Cormier has been successful selling to friends, family and other customers. She

@acrylicsgarcia on Instagram

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Photo by Sandra Garcia

Junior Sandra Garcia runs an acrylic nail business out of her house. She uses a spare room for appointments and to store all her products.

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Tyler Rhodes

unior Tyler Rhodes livestreams on the gaming service Twitch. He first started streaming due to inspiration from other influencers Gary Vaynerchuk and Baylen Levine, as well as some of his friends mentioning that they livestream, too. It started as a quarantine hobby, but Rhodes now makes money from multiple sources.

“I make money through ads that get broadcasted before my livestreams, whenever a new viewer joins, through paid subscriptions, from bit donations and actual [monetary] donations,” Rhodes said.

Though Rhodes’ business does not allow for a typical pricing strategy, he

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somehow finds time to create new items, take personalized requests and promote her business all while attending school, working part time and participating in several extracurricular activities. Though she faces challenges running a small, student-run business, she makes sure she goes above and beyond people’s expectations for her.

“The hesitation to buy from me comes from me being a student. Many customers think I won’t fulfill their expectations simply because of how young I am,” Cormier said.

Despite the stress, Cormier is able to adapt to life’s many challenges, including the pandemic, school and having a job.

She stays busy in more ways than one, and running her own successful business as a high school student is just one of them.

Community

Sandra Garcia

unior Sandra Garcia has her own acrylic nail service. She works out of her home and attracts many customers through the business’s Instagram and Snapchat. Garcia first got into practicing acrylics by browsing online, then practiced on herself and family members.

Now, she has set up an entire business dedicated to customized nail art.

“Personally, Instagram and Snapchat are the best advertising places because people spend so much time on them. If I post enough, people stay engaged. Constantly looking at my work could get them interested,” Garcia said.

Garcia also uses a clever pricing strategy to attract clients, seeing as many places charge a lot more than the effort they makes money by entertaining others and being unique. He says he offers entertainment for everyone and tries to create a space where anyone can talk about whatever they choose and be comfortable in that environment.

“I play video games, talk about them and interact with people in my chat. Anyone from any background can join and talk about pretty much anything,” Rhodes said.

Usually, businesses are not as personal as Rhodes has made his. He attends to his viewers by customizing the livestreams to their requests and is open to all different games. Rhodes now has about 2.1K followers on Twitch. He has exceeded the expectations of his audience and has grown to become a young, successful streamer.

Photo by Abigail Cormier

Junior Abigail Cormier creates custom lettering prints for her clients. Her prints are mostly done digitally through Procreate on her iPad, so her workspace can travel with her wherever she goes.

put forth. She uses one general price for certain lengths and has additional charges for services such as stickers, powders, and jewels. She is not as insecure about her work and prices as she used to be but is still conscious when working on others.

“I have older clients come in who are used to getting their nails done regularly.

They’ll judge everything I do without realizing I’m still learning and can’t do everything they want. Also, the clash between school and personal problems and the expectations of work are the biggest issues, so I’m trying to balance them,” Garcia said.

Staying affordable yet intricate is Garcia’s specialty. She offers a range of services, including cuticle care, acrylic overlays and fills, pedicures and full acrylic sets with any length and shape. @evadeanon on Instagram and Twitch

Editor

@adornedletteringco on Instagram

BY SARAH JANITO

Photo by Tyler Rhodes

Junior Tyler Rhodes has a space in his room for his gaming setup. He uses this for his online gaming service, through which he earns money.

Page design by Casey Walters

Photo by Mia Bergman

Senior Kelsey Ganzon prepares for an upcoming test in AP Environmental Science.

Ganzon hopes to continue her education by studying engineering in the fall of 2021.

BY MIA BERGMAN

S

Editor

enior Kelsey Ganzon has taken rigorous courses and has been successful in her academics. Because she has taken so many Advanced Placement (AP) classes, she has enrolled in multiple college courses through Waubonsee Community College.

“I have taken almost every AP class Kaneland has to offer, so this year I was

left to take classes at Waubonsee. I am currently taking Calculus 3, Linear Algebra and General Physics Ⅱ. I have English 101 and General Physics Ⅲ next semester to get [general education classes] out of the way before I go off to college,” Ganzon said.

Ganzon takes those courses in the mornings and then arrives at Kaneland before the start of fifth period, where she takes even more classes, including multiple AP classes. Being enrolled in a community college as well as high school is not a challenge most high school students seek, but Ganzon sees it as an opportunity to get a head start on her future.

“I know I want to major in some sort of engineering, but I am not sure which specific field of engineering yet. I am looking at [the University of Illinois] and Purdue’s programs, however,” Ganzon said.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is becoming more of an emphasis in schools across the country, and women are gaining more opportunities to break into a once male dominated field. Ganzon is confident that her future lies in this career field.

“I am very good at math, so STEM is definitely the field for me. I think the women in STEM are amazing. It is empowering

November 19, 2020 Profile

to me that women are getting into STEM, especially in a male dominated field, and are so determined and ready to go. It is really cool. I am very excited to go into that field,” Ganzon said.

Like many other high school students, Ganzon is not entirely sure of her exact career just yet, but she is certain she wants to pursue further education. Many students can feel pressured to attend a four-year college or to pick a major they may be unsure of, but Ganzon feels differently.

“I know I want to go off to college and get a degree. I am not currently certain where I want to go, but I feel like that is okay. A lot of high school students feel like they need to have a plan for after high school, but I feel it is okay to not have a plan. As long as you are driven and know where you want to end up, no matter how you get there, that is okay,” Ganzon said.

With a driven mindset, Ganzon believes she can achieve one dream she has had since she was younger: traveling.

“I definitely see myself traveling the world. My first steps are to do well in school and get a degree, get a good paying job and save money. Once I settle down, I plan on traveling and exploring the world,” Ganzon said.

KHS STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THEIR FUTURES

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fter transferring to Kaneland from Aurora Central Catholic prior to her junior year, senior Elizabeth Biala is a highly accomplished student, belonging in the top 10% of her class. Throughout high school, she has maintained a 4.08 grade point average and has taken eight Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

On top of all her academic achievements, Biala is a member of Mathletes, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Key Club, and she has over 75 hours of volunteer work. Biala has been focusing on her future ever since she was in eighth grade, aspiring to become a marriage and family therapist. As she got older, Biala developed a strong passion for psychology, and she started researching colleges with top programs.

“I narrowed it down more during high school, but I knew in eighth grade roughly the schools I wanted to go to and that I wanted to major in psychology. My dream school is NYU-Steinhardt, and I want to apply to the applied psychology major.

Then I will probably get my masters, with a focus in marriage and family,” Biala said.

She specifically wants to attend New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. NYU is located in the heart of

Page design by Karmyn Hookham

New York City and has an acceptance rate of about 15%, according to PrepScholar.

“I have kept my grades up and made relationships with teachers, so it is definitely good for teacher recommendations in that way. I have been thinking about essays and topics and curating those throughout high school,” Biala said.

Biala is currently looking at other top tier schools, such as Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California.

In 10 years, she hopes to be finished with school and secure in her dream career. With lofty ambitions, Biala has worked extremely hard during high school to achieve these dreams, but so far it hasn’t come easily or without stress.

“I think it is very stressful because I feel like everything I do in high school impacts my future, and so I have to be perfect. Especially because I was new to Kaneland junior year, the switch in schools was very different because the education I received differed a lot. So that was a hard transition,” Biala said.

Many high school students feel pressure to be accepted into their dream schools, and they can be overwhelmed by their future. It can be hard for adolescents to know their precise career paths, but Bi-

Photo by Elinor Gusinde

Senior Elizabeth Biala visits her dream school, New York University, in the summer of 2019. Biala applied early to NYU and is waiting on her admission decision to be announced this December.

ala stresses the importance of not worrying too much about this.

“The best advice I could offer would be to keep on focusing, and it is okay to not know. A lot of my friends say I am so prepared, but I think it is okay to not have a plan and to go with the flow. Don’t compare yourself to others, because everyone has their own path,” Biala said.

Profile

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Photos

November 19, 2020

Of these three Fox River downtowns, downtown St. Charles is unique because of its strong emphasis on mixing rich history with urban development. It is home to many historic landmarks like the Arcada Theater and Hotel Baker, but it also incorporates modern developments like new restaurants and coffeehouses. Along the banks of the Fox River, downtown St. Charles provides shaded parks and a scenic riverwalk with a variety of activities for all ages.

With over 160 specialty shops and eateries, the streets of downtown Geneva are filled with many options to entertain residents and visitors. The Victorian homes are utilized by over 100 unique specialty shops, and the refurbished downtown storefronts make Third Street both a scenic and historic experience. This fall, the autumn leaves, pumpkins and other decorations have given downtown Geneva a welcoming feel.

Transitioning into winter, the streets will begin to be decorated in time for Christmas.

FOX RIVER PREPARE FOR

DOWNTOWN GENEVA 18

Photos by Sasha Clinnin and Delaney Douglas

Photos

Page design by Brianna Michi

November 19, 2020

DOWNTOWNS THE HOLIDAYS

DOWNTOWN ST. CHARLES

Page design by Brianna Michi

Photos

One of the best parts of the year in Batavia is the fall season. The annual Halloween House Decorating Contest brings many interesting and festive decorations that transform the Riverwalk into a picturesque autumn scene. The Batavia Boardwalk Shops are also a main attraction in downtown Batavia. Together, local volunteers helped build the shops where vendors sell one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods, desserts and even pet supplies. The small businesses that make up the Batavia Boardwalk Shops help grow the retail market in downtown Batavia.

DOWNTOWN BATAVIA Photos

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Sports

November 19, 2020

STATUS OF SPORTS AS THE SEASONS CHANGE

BY PATRICK GAMPFER

BY CODY GANZON

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Editor

irls tennis, boys and girls cross country and golf were the three sports at Kaneland that were allowed to begin their season this fall.

This was the first year the Knights had an official girls golf team. The team ended their season with a conference championship, led by All-Conference sophomores Katharine Marshall and Julia Skiba.

The boys golf team took first place in conference, Regionals and Sectionals. It was the first time in Kaneland history that they won the Sectional tournament.

“There’s not much we could do about [not having a state tournament]. It’s out of our control, but in the back of our players’ minds it was a goal going into the season,” head boys golf coach Mark Meyer said.

The Kaneland girls tennis team didn’t start their season with a full lineup due to injuries and COVID-19, but they managed to end their season with a second place finish in conference and Sectionals.

Senior Piper Schrepferman was the Sectional champion. Junior Evelyn Taylor and sophomore Anelle Dominguez finished in third place for first doubles. And after 23 years of coaching, eight at the varsity level for Kaneland, head girls varsity tennis coach Tim Larsen retired after a season like no other.

“It was difficult to get organized and keep the lineup together. But in the end, I’m glad the girls got to play and be part of the team. And we had a great finish, so it was all worth it,” Larsen said.

The returning state champion boys cross country team had projected another successful season. Despite senior Isaiah Dallal being injured with a bruised foot, the team finished with a 12-0 dual meet record, defeating Morris in the final regular season event. The boys carried their success into conference and Regionals by taking first place in both contests.

“It was one of the hardest Regionals in the state. Isaiah Dallal was All-Region, finishing 3rd overall. We had an excellent performance all the way around,” head boys cross country coach Eric Baron said.

The season ended with a 2nd place finish behind Crystal Lake South at Sectionals.

The Kaneland girls cross country team had a nearly undefeated regular season.

The team concluded their season in first place in conference and second place at Regionals. The team then finished eighth overall in Sectionals, led by senior Olivia Franklin, who had a sixth place individual finish.

20

Sports

Editor

Photo by Delaney Douglas

Senior Piper Schrepferman practices before the Sectional tournament. Schrepferman looks to continue her tennis career at the collegiate level.

Photo courtesy of Mark Meyer

Senior Jacob Nied golfs in the Ryder Cup event at Pottawatomie Golf Course. Nied has been golfing on the varsity team since his freshman year.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Franklin

Junior Christian Phillips runs at a home meet against Sycamore High School and Benet Academy. Phillips has ran cross country since his freshmen year.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Paoli

Wrestlers utilize the West Gym weight room to prepare for their season. Off-season work has been important to the wrestling program.

sually the wrestling team competes during the winter, but due to the pandemic, the beginning of this season has been moved to April 19. Head varsity wrestling coach Kenneth Paoli had to adhere to the state and local guidelines, which led to the cancellation of this past summer’s events.

“The approach to the sport has been a little bit different. We had to cancel our summer camp because we couldn’t have contact. We usually do open mats in the summer where we open up to the community. We encourage young wrestlers or maybe alumni to return and wrestle. We had to cancel that this summer,” Paoli said.

Paoli has lots of goals for the team despite the lack of practice during the summer.

“Last year, as a team, I think we were 8-13, and we had some good conference wins, so we are looking to build on that.

If we can fill a varsity lineup, which is 14 wrestlers, we can compete for the conference title,” Paoli said.

The girls and boys basketball programs saw summer events canceled. The status of the basketball season this year is complicated. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently announced that high school basketball seasons would be postponed, but that announcement was met with resistance by the Illinois High School Association. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her season, head varsity girls basketball coach Kelsey Flannagan hopes that her players will overcome the obstacles.

“We did not have our typical summer.

We were unable to hold camp or participate in any summer leagues or shootouts.

So that has been a big difference. Obviously that is the time the incoming juniors and the returning seniors start to meld together and build chemistry. So that time in the summer was definitely a letdown,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan expects all of her returning players will use their experience on and off the court to their advantage. The current juniors will also bring their talents to the team.

“We are returning a lot of players from last year’s team and have a lot of incoming juniors now coming from our sophomore team with more experience. I am excited to see the group that we have,” Flanagan said.

The boys and girls basketball programs utilized state-allowed contact days this fall and now wait to see when or if their sesaon will occur.

Page design by Nicholas Mitchinson

November 19, 2020

Activities

KHS THEATER PREMIERS FIRST WINTER PLAY

BY KEVIN SIGRIST

T

Reporter

his winter, the Kaneland theater department is premiering its first winter play. The play, which will be performed virtually, will occur from Dec. 11-13. Those interested in watching will buy a ticket on the Kaneland website.

The play, 13 Reasons Not To Be in a Play, shows several different vignettes that provide reasons for why you should not be in a play, and by the end, each story intertwines.

The winter play highlights underclassmen by giving them a chance in the spotlight. This will allow younger students to have the opportunity to participate in theater.

Considering that the theater department will have to work with an outside company to broadcast the performance, the price of the tickets is still up in the air.

To adhere to current COVID rules and regulations, the rehearsals and the play itself, will be performed via Zoom call.

With the fall production of the play Clue, those in the scene had their cameras on and were able to speak. Those not in the scene had their cameras off. With the winter play, however, everyone is in each scene most of the time. The audience will be seeing a screen-recorded video of the Zoom call.

Danielle Giles, the assistant director

Photo courtesy of Marisa Urban

Sophomore Marisa Urban rehearses her lines through Zoom for the upcoming winter play. This is Urban’s first year in a play as a cast member.

Page design by Sophie Opp

Photo by Emma Schaefer

The auditorium seats remain empty this year due to the cancellation of in-person performances. The theater program hopes to maintain an enjoyable viewing experience even though the play will be virtual.

for the fall play and the lead director for the winter play, has seen and understands the obstacles that come with directing a virtual performance.

“Doing Zoom is very strange for theater because you kind of feed off of the audience, and because you can’t see the audience through Zoom it’s really difficult.

But I think it being on Zoom for the winter play is something that is very good for our actors because a lot of them have never acted in a play before,” Giles said.

Most of the students in the winter play have either done some performances at the middle school or have been in the crew.

“The rehearsals have been really good. I even told [the students] that I am shocked at how much we have accomplished in the first three days because we had our first rehearsal on [October 13]," Giles said.

"The cast has been clicking really well together. We had breakout rooms and an activity for them to get to know each other. So not only are they doing well at getting to know who everyone is, but also the material. They’re picking up on it like crazy."

While there have been some technical issues, interruptions and setbacks, the cast has been very efficient. The general consensus around the students is quite positive.

“Most people in the cast and crew think that even though we can’t be face to face, it’s going smoothly,” freshman and Student Director Olivia Wegner said.

As the Student Director, Wegner goes to every rehearsal, and so she has seen any issues that have affected the group.

Despite any complications or setbacks, however, she is surprised at how smoothly the process has been going.

“Initially, I expected it to be very chaotic, but it has been good,” Wegner said.

While the rehearsals have gone well, for the most part, there is some worry regarding how the performance itself will go.

“There's going to be a couple of mistakes here and there, but overall I think it will be okay,” freshman actor Danielle Coyne said. “Everyone’s nervous and doesn’t fully know what they’re doing, but we think it’ll go relatively well."

Rachel Giles, the lead director of the fall play and the assistant director of the winter play, has experienced a lot of the issues that come with directing a virtual performance.

“A lot of the responsibility falls back on to the students. Normally, I’m the one troubleshooting any technology issues, but I can’t be in their house doing that with them. Wi-Fi connectivity has been a major issue," Rachel Giles said. "Sometimes, the Chromebook’s microphone and camera will turn off and won’t turn back on, so how do we face that? The issues have been almost completely technology.”

While it may seem like the plays being virtual would be chaotic, they have gone smoother than anticipated. The winter play is going to be an annual event. The community here at Kaneland has another production that they can enjoy, underclassmen have a way to become involved with the theater department and the event itself can raise some money for the program.

Activities

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