May Issue

the student newspaper of Kaneland High School

[

[the krier

MAY 22, 2012

Addictions,

VOLUME 38

obsessions

ISSUE 10

the

MAY

MUSIC’S BENEFIT TO HEALTH p. 7

and

fallback of a

social media

overload

DETERMINING SUCCESS p 8

SOCIAL NETWORK’S NEGATIVE INFLUENCE p. 10

BOYS TRACK TAKES COUNTY TITLE p. 19

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Senior events planned to wish graduates farewell

BY MORGAN BUERKE, Editor

Photos by Morgan Buerke

Robin Urich and daughters senior Amber and freshman Rachel pick out bowls for the charity dinner on May 4.

Empty Bowls

BY MORGAN BUERKE, Editor A delicious aroma filled the air in the cafeteria as teachers, parents and students alike gathered to share stories and eat soup.

On May 4 from 5-7 p.m., art students from Emily VanDelinderBirchfield’s Ceramics II class hosted a dinner for charity.

The class’s work on ceramic bowls for the dinner was mandatory, and each person that attended got to pick their own bowl to take home.

“I think [the bowls] are all very clever, very creative, and I think it’s a great idea that they had to raise money for the food pantry,” Robin Urich, who attended the dinner, said.

Payment for the dinner came in donations: each attendee was asked to pay $8 or more per bowl of soup, but VanDelinder said that the actual price varied depending on what everyone could pay.

“We’re asking for a donation so whatever you can pay,” she said. “All the money goes to charity, so we

take what we can get.”

Some art club members also participated in Kaneland Empty Bowls 2012, which also has a Facebook group. This group, mentioned on posters located throughout the school, detailed the dinner with times, dates and other information.

According to senior Allisan Tate, a student in VanDelinder’s Ceramics II class, each student was asked to make 20 ceramic bowls.

“It was fun, but it was a lot of work,” she said. “All the money goes to charity to help the people that need help.”

The bowls were made for the Between Friends food pantry in Sugar Grove.

“It was really cool to see the bowls all stacked up on the shelves when everyone was done,” Tate said.

Graduation will take place on June 2, starting off with a rehearsal at 9 a.m. and then bussing to the NIU Convocation Center for the 11 a.m. ceremony.

This is the second year with NIU as a venue, which was originally switched from the high school gym due to capacity and heat problems.

“The plus is that we don’t have air conditioning in the gym, but NIU has air conditioning,” said Cynthia Violett, counselor and organizer of graduation.

The morning’s events include an opening speech from Principal Chip Hickman, a speech from senior class president Ashlyn Slamans, the honoring of Knights of Distinction, speeches made by the salutatorian and valedictorian, the handing out of diplomas, performances by the senior choir and Madrigals and a final closing speech made by class vice-president Carolina Tovar.

Some students are excited for graduation and leaving for bigger and better things. “[I’m looking forward to] walking up on stage, seeing all my friends from high school for the last time,” senior Will Teevans said.

Senior Trever Heinle said he’s excited for “being done with high school and starting a new chapter in my life.”

However, graduation’s freedom is often bittersweet. “[Graduation is important] for people to go onto college and move on, to try something new,” senior Kelly Evers said. “I’m going to miss my younger friends, but other than that, I’m excited to leave.”

Seniors ordered their cap and gown in the fall and should have picked them up the week of April 15. Girls will be in white and boys in black.

“Commencement is the end to a new beginning,” Violett said. “It’s to close up their high school years and start a new beginning in honor of their hard work.”

End-of-the-year Dates that every senior should be aware of MAY 21

MAY 22

Locker clean-out from 9:19-9:34 a.m.

MAY 24

Senior class picture 9:40 a.m.

MAY 25

Music awards

MAY 29

Perfect attendance breakfast during 1st block

MAY 30

Senior athletic awards 6:30 p.m.

MAY 23

Senior cookout Baccalaureate 7 p.m.

JUNE 2

Senior awards night 7 p.m.

Senior cruise All day Senior exams 3rd and 4th block Senior exams 1st and 2nd block Graduation rehearsal 9 a.m.

Graduation 11 a.m.

Compiled by Heather Shelton

Have a great summer break!

2

News / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

Custodians receive new contracts for next year

BY DELANEY STRYCZECK, Editor Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher were honored at the 14th annual Kaneland Academic Awards and Kaneland Hall of Fame Induction on May 7.

“It’s to honor students who work hard and maintain their high grades,” Counselor Cynthia Violett said.

Students in the sophomore year or above who have a high GPA were mailed a letter from the school inviting them to participate.

The letter was sent out to each student’s home to notify them and

their parents of their accomplishment.

The awards night was combined with the Hall of Fame awards, and students were brought up by class and then by name. The sophomores were awarded a smaller K letter for academics, juniors were awarded a larger one and seniors were awarded a plaque. At the end of the awards night, punch and cookies were served.

Junior Aly Harner said that her parents were proud of her receiving the award.

“They like to see that I’m doing the best I can in school,” Harner said.

Individual students maintain their high GPAs in different ways.

“I make sure I stay on task and make sure I get good grades on tests,” sophomore Madison Hester said.

The academic award can also help a student applying to college, as it is something students can put on their college applications.

“The award will look good when colleges are looking at what I’m involved in,” Harner said.

Violett says that if students keep working hard on their academic grades, she hopes that these awards will inspire others to keep working hard and succeed.

-Matt Wahlgren and Brianne Strobel, editors

Tell us your thoughts today!

Students honored for high GPAs

KRIER

Photo courtesy Margaret Heinzer

Social studies teacher Joe Thorgesen, who retired last year, introduced one of the Hall of Hame members at the Academic Award and Hall of Fame Induction on May 7.

Kaneland renewed its contract with GCA Services group, the company that provides custodians to Kaneland, this month.

GCA’s will run out this year, and limits required a rebid from various companies at that time.

The school board opted to review the contract with GCA despite receiving several other bids, based on its prior service and the fact that it offers health care to its employees.

Proposals were submitted by three companies. Potential candidates included FBG Service Corporation, GCA Services Group and Perfect Cleaning Service, Inc. Several analysts including Dr. JulieAnn Fuchs, Asst. Superintendent of Business, looked over the proposals.

The board may roll the GCA contract over for two additional years, if decided upon at that time.

At the school board meeting on April 9, Fuchs said that the country is moving in the direction where more employers are providing health insurance, and hiring a company that doesn’t would be a step backward.

With higher staff turnover caused by people who might quit to find a job with health insurance, more time would be spent constantly training new custodians and familiarizing them with Kaneland High School.

News / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

3

Future soldiers plan for graduation

BY SARA LAURIE, Editor Senior Eduardo Celaya ships out for basic training the day after graduation. Celaya joined the Marines this year. “I want to do something in my life,” Celaya said. “It’s a once-ina-lifetime experience.”

This year four KHS seniors will be joining the Marines: Cesar Lazcano, Ivan Melendez and Celaya. Zachary Bingham and Brian Schnaitman are joining the Air Force, and Haley Peterson is joining the National Guard.

Social Studies teacher Javier Martinez, a former Marine, said enlisting is not a decision to be taken lightly. “It’s not all like the movies or a video game. Becoming a Marine is hard work. Boot Camp and Officers Candidate School is meant to be the most difficult thing a young

The ups and downs of military service

man or woman has experienced up to that point in their life. You will be expected to take on a great deal of responsibility and live up to a very high standard,” Martinez said.

Celaya said he is expecting hard times ahead and his parents disagreed with his decision to join the Marines.

“They don’t want me to leave,” he said. “They want me to change my mind about joining.”

Martinez said it’s important to discuss enlistment with parents since it’s a big decision.

Requirements to enlist in the military include a high school diploma, a medical exam, proof of legal residency and basic training.

“We Marines have a saying that if everyone could be a Marine, then we wouldn’t be the Marines,” Martinez said.

Sgt. Hawk, Marine recruiter, talks to students about joining the Armed Forces.

1 Military recruitment has gone up as un- 2 One in five veterans of Iraq and Afemployment has increased, with the waiting list longer than it has been in years.

“Our economy has something to do with this, but not everything,” Col. David Lapan, deputy assistant secretary of defense for media operations, said. Free college tuition for veterans is a major incentive.

ghanistan has a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, and one commits suicide every 80 minutes.

A study from the Brain Injury Research Institute said the reason is chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caused by exposure to repeated explosions.

Photo by Sara Laurie

3 An elite Navy SEAL team raided the com-

pound where Osama bin Laden, was hiding in Pakistan and killed him. “We should all be proud. That handful of courageous men, of strong will and character, have changed the course of history,” Rear Adm. Edward Winters of the Naval Special Warfare Command wrote.

–Sara Laurie, editor

Don’t forget to visit our website! www.kaneland.org/krier

4

Real World / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

OURVIEW

We’re constantly learning Everything changact kind of oppores, and that’s just the tunity that should way life is. Especially take place during in high school. Peohigh school. ple get taller, voices This change will get deeper, and prompt students to cliques are formed take control and and destroyed. provide guidance, Some of us have something that adjusted by now, otherwise wouldn’t some of us aren’t sure happen. how, and some of us It’s constantly don’t know any other a shuffle, but we way because our lives can never get too change so often. In comfortable. That’s high school, change what makes change is inevitable. harder to accept Change is uncomand adjust to. fortable and upset“Change is a ting, but sometimes, normal part of life it’s for the better. that at times can But it has to hapbring us challenges. pen, and we have to Challenges make us learn that not everystronger,” Melissa thing is our choice.

Maloney, governIt’s how we deal with Art by Rachael Clinton ment teacher, said. it that matters.

The four years students’ experience may be the This year, several things changed. As a student best or may be a nightmare, but it’s nowhere near the body we were introduced to several new teachers and end. staff members.

The content of these halls teach the adolescent At the beginning of the year, we felt the change mind more than just algebraic equations. More than right away. An example is the infamous parking lot about a covalent bond, more than about just past parpolicy: we’re now accustomed to ticiples. it and it has proven to be more “Teens have a strong attachEDITORIAL BOARD VOTE efficient. ment to certain identities, what While not all students reyou know is a part of your identity.

AGREE DISAGREE sist change, it’s safe to say not Who you are without this is a big all change is done willingly. But reason people stay in something more changes are rapidly apunhealthy,” Patrick Trapp, social proaching: all students next year worker, said. are going to be switching to the eight-period day, one Right now, while our lives are as simple as they’re of the biggest transitions during their high school cagoing to get, we need to familiarize ourselves with reers, and seniors are heading off into the real world. what change is like.

Some goodbyes are temporary, but for some students Switching classes is a refreshing feeling after the who enlisted in the military, leave is as early as June 3. months we spent with the same people. As much as So, while we’re here and while things are changing, we want to imagine that life is unicorns and rainbows, we might as well cope the best we can. it’s not going to get easier.

Students should be taking change as an opportuWe’re all adjusting to the changes that were made nity to learn what the real world is going to be like. this year, and we’ll learn to adjust when the 8-period “Change is always hard in the beginning, and peoday is fully implemented. ple always aren’t open to it, but they will eventually But we have a tremendous amount of people at get accustomed to it and become more optimistic,” our disposal to help.

Carissa Miller, sophomore, said.

Although the counselors are supposed to only deal As a staff, we are losing our adviser of four years, with our schedules, they do much, much more than Cheryl Borrowdale. Borrowdale is a guru when it that. They have the ability to alter our classes and ofcomes to anything. And we mean anything. She’s a fer priceless advice. The counselors offer a tremenwizard with InDesign and an insanely wise mentor. dous amount of guidance and are an amazing resource Between the shorter periods and the change in for students to use. advisers, there will be major changes on Krier. Most “For teens it’s helpful to have an older wiser menof what we do as a staff involves deadlines, intense detor, to normalize change, or have a friend who can bates and brainstorming; doing it on a shorter schedrelate. Don’t internalize what you’re feeling about ule and with a new adviser will be an adjustment. change, talk about it,” Trapp said.

Yet we can approach it as a learning opportunity Change is just a part of growing up. Whether it’s instead of as a doom-and-gloom scenario. It’s the exgood or bad, we’ll get through it.

27

0

KRIER

Kaneland’s Student Newsmagazine

Kaneland High School 47W326 Keslinger Rd. Maple Park, IL 60151 (630) 365-5100 ext. 236 www.kaneland.org/krier/ Member ISHSPA, Quill & Scroll, NSPA, NISPA NSPA First Place 2010 Quill and Scroll Gallup Award 2011 NISPA Golden Eagle 2012 IWPA Silver Pen 2012 Subscription rates: Nine monthly issues, two supplements School-delivered, $15; Home-delivered, $28

EXECUTIVE STAFF Kylie Siebert Editor-in-Chief Circulation Back Page

Diana Nuno Print Production Visual and Design Editorial

Rachael Clinton Digital Production Cover Design

Julia Angelotti Advertising & Business Head Copyeditor

PRINT EDITORIAL STAFF News Morgan Buerke Kaprice Sanchez

Real World Matt Wahlgren

Opinion Courtney Reiss Kylie Siebert

Features Lexi Roach Delaney Stryczek

Lifestyle & How-To McKinzie Mangers

Sports Feature Brandon Bishop

Centerspread Emily Gulanczyk Alex Vickery Pulse Ryan Noel Kaleb Schuppner

Depth Lanie Callaghan Casey Jacobson Sports Photography Shane Fergus Heather Shelton Jacob Razo

Asst. Copyeditor & Flex Page Brianne Strobel

DIGITAL EDITORIAL STAFF News Sara Laurie

Features Gina Jarvis

Photography Tyler Keenum

Sports Nick Philips

Krier Assistant Rhys Childs

GENERAL STAFF

Nicholas Boose, Melyssa Cordero, Courtney Diddell, Sarah Dratnol, Madeline Hoskinson, Jacob Jordan, Broderick Kuhar, Marissa Mulligan, Alexia Orosco, Samantha Schrepferman, Felicia Steik, Elizabeth Such

ADVISERS Cheryl Borrowdale Krier adviser

Nicole Larsen Graphics adviser

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: Julia Angelotti, Rachael Clinton, Diana Nuno, Kylie Siebert, Brandon Bishop, Morgan Buerke, Lanie Callaghan, Shane Fergus, Emily Gulanczyk, Gina Jarvis, Casey Jacobson, Tyler Keenum, Sara Laurie, McKinzie Mangers, Ryan Noel, Nick Philips, Jake Razo, Courtney Reiss, Lexi Roach, Kaprice Sanchez, Kaleb Schuppner, Heather Shelton, Brianne Strobel, Delaney Stryczek, Alex Vickery, and Matt Wahlgren. 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 edit letters for clarity and length. Any material that is potentially libelous, obscene or disruptive will not be published, at the discretion of the editorial board. 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 / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

5

MYVIEW

Virginia’s forced ultrasound law is an abomination

CASEY JACOBSON Editor

When picturing any ultrasound for an expecting mother, I see a particularly happy pregnant woman getting ready to view the results of her growing belly. In a nutshell, all that is required is a little dab of cool jelly and a remotelike machine to move over the stomach area, right?

Apparently, I was wrong-instead, the state of Virginia plans to order doctors to perform a different process on women who are seeking an abortion. Their experience with an ultrasound is rather unpleasant. “Unpleasant” meaning equivalent to rape.

Rape is generally described as forced and nonconsensual sexual contact. This sounds a lot like the bill Bob McDonnell, governor of Virginia and potential Republican vice presidential candidate, just passed for women who want to have a constitutional abortion. Did I miss the amendment that said sexual assault was legal?

The bill’s details consist of requiring all women going through the process of abortion, without their permission, to first get a transvaginal ultrasound. Not only are these women put through an already agonizing situation, they are very generously offered to view the images of their fetus. Even if their physician does not advise this procedure, women in Virginia do not have a choice.

Although transvaginal ultrasounds are usually used to further discover if a patient has serious health risks, such as tumors or menstrual problems, Virginia’s government insists that the process is necessary in each and every instance, no matter what the health of the woman seeking treatment is.

The issue of abortion is one of the most welldebated topics that rages among today’s politics.

I’m not saying that abortion is the right or wrong thing to do, but no other person should ever be able to make that judgement for someone else, let alone use a needless and bitter method along with it. Nowhere in this bill does it mention a special treatment for an impregnated rape victim. Did McDonnell ever think to consider that these victims may be further traumatized by this procedure?

To have state government pass a law that knowingly violates the female body in such a personally physical way, regardless of medical necessity, is absolutely unheard of.

“I believe [this law] is a complete infringement to a woman’s privacy. They have a right to their own body, and I personally think it’s a disgusting law that takes a huge step backwards,”

6

sophomore Ethan Witt said. “Everyone deserves rights, especially to themselves. Women shouldn’t have to be put through such invasion just to express that right.”

The ultrasound law places women who live within 100 miles of the clinic to undergo the ultrasound and wait 24 hours after the procedure is done in order to further go through with the abortion.

Not only are women forced into the ultrasound, they also have to travel up to 100 miles and are required to wait another day, which may be more traumatic.

“We are deeply disappointed the Governor has signed a bill inserting the government between women and their physicians in one of the most personal, private medical decisions anyone can make,” said Katherine Greenier, Director of the Patricia M. Arnold Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. “This is just another point in a dangerous trend in which politicians have ignored accepted medical advice to control women’s access to health care.”

Different reactions towards the bill have spilled over the news, making the issue of mandatory ultrasounds in the spotlight. Because abortion is one of the most controversial topics in modern politics, varied views come with it.

Sophomore Kayla Hedgren explains that it’s shocking that doctors would make a woman go through such steps, but that it makes the mother face what she is about to do.

“When a woman gets an abortion, they are destroying a life based on their own immature decisions. I feel like before they make such a serious choice, they need to see the reality of what’s growing inside them,” Hedgren said.

“This will be positive because mothers have to face the consequences and make them think twice about abortion. I believe it will really make them evaluate their choice.”

Governor McDonnell still stands by his bill which he argues will help provide more information and “can help the mother make a fully informed decision” about their abortion.

First of all, I can hardly imagine an unneeded transvaginal ultrasound should ever be a synonym to “help.” Did McDonnell come by a faulty thesaurus? I believe the word he was looking for is abuse.

Let me get this straight: the

government is allowed to enforce a law that violates women just to try to question her moral stableness? I personally believe the most bizarre part of this bill is the fact that the procedure completely medically useless.

“It is particularly troubling that the law has nothing to do with health care and everything to do with politics,” Greenier said.

So, basically, what McDonnell means is that women can make their own choice in the end, but the government must step in by giving them a transvaginal ultrasound provided with a 24 hour wait of shame. The only thing that the invasive ultrasound will “inform” these women of is that their personal decision isn’t being accepted.

“A woman’s right to choose is more important than what someone believes she should do,” Witt said. “Human rights is the most important issue facing our society. People have to have a right to their own body because if they do not own themselves, who does?”

This law opens up an alarming direction of opportunities for politicians to abuse their power. People have every right to judge others and believe what they want to believe about political issues, but that should never give free reign to strip away another’s rights.

With something as sensitive and personal as abortion, how can politicians possibly say that know what is best for these women?

This issue reminded me of the wise words Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. who famously said that “the right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins.”

E s s e n t i a l l y, Holms means that your rights end when somebody else’s rights begin, something Gov. McDonnell ought to r e m e m b e r.

He has no authority to metaphorically punch t h e s e women in the face.

Opinion / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

Artwork

s

ney Reis

by Court

Music improves exercise benefits

BY RICHARD WILLIAMS, Reporter People have probably heard many times that music is beneficial to a person’s mental and emotional health. Does it help a person’s physical health as well?

Possibly, researchers say. Studies show that music can affect a person’s physical performance in athletic activities. Music may not be able to directly improve their physical health, but it can make a difference when paired with exercise.

“It helps get you going,” junior Alex Lyons said.

Research conducted at Brunel University confirms that listening to music increases endurance by 15 percent. Primarily, music boosts motivation. This may not seem like something that would have a major effect, but studies show it can do more than most people think.

“There’s a lot of research that shows listening to music that motivates you can lead to a better performance,” Physical Education teacher Jill Carpenter said.

Music helps relieve pressure during sports and other physical activities. This can be useful during free throws in basketball or when running a marathon. By tuning out distractions, athletics can focus purely on what they’re doing. However, there are downsides to this, as school psychologist John Markovich points out.

“One drawback could be that it could distract you from your thoughts,” Markovich said. “It seems

during exercise you can think more clearly.”

While using music to drown out distractions can be helpful, people should also be careful not to let it become a distraction itself.

“Music can stop being effective when you’re focusing more on the music than the task at hand,” Carpenter said.

When working out, the beat of the song has a direct effect on a person’s performance.

The body’s reaction to the tempo may result in enhanced efficiency. In 2008, a study showed that cyclists who rode in time to the music playing used seven percent less oxygen at the same pace as those who didn’t.

“Subconsciously, your body will try to match the speed of the song,” Markovich said.

Music does have its limits.

The more the body works, the less of an effect the music will have. Therefore people may not be able to rely too much on music.

Music’s effects can vary based on the activity being performed.

For example, if a person is performing at a quicker pace it could be a distraction, and if someone was trying to run at a distance, music may be helpful.

“What kind of workout you’re doing can impact what kind of music you’d like to listen to,” Carpenter said.

Photo illustration by Gina Jarvis

A study on cardiac rehabilitation patients provided evidence that exercising with music can boost a person’s cognitive performance.

Perception of music affects performance

1

2

Researchers proved that how athletes perceive music matters.

In an experiment, group one was told the music would enhance performance, group two was told the same music would hinder their performance, and group three was simply told there would be music.

Group one performed the best; group two performed the worst.

Stimulating music aids in muscle contraction in individuals who are working out, studies show—and those who can’t focus with stimulating music are better off working out without any music.

Sedative music causes muscles to relax, which reduces performance for most individuals. Relaxing music can be beneficial in yoga.

Compiled by Richard Williams

Enjoy writing?

Taking photos? Or even drawing?

Stop by room B109 to become part of our general staff today!

Feature / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

7

5

Personality Traits that may dictate students’ school success.

Neuroticism

Extraversion

Having anxiety, obsessive thoughts or compulsive acts

Being concerned with the external environment

harms GPA and grades

or

harms GPA and grades Could help with class participation

WHAT DETERM A new study reveals that the Big Five personality traits link to academic achievement.

BY HEATHER SHELTON AND MORGAN BUERKE, Editors Senior Kaylee McPhee knows what it feels like to have school success.

She is a National Honor Society member and a National Merit Semifinalist, and she has been recognized by the school board for high PSAE scores and for her leadership.

McPhee, unlike many, has figured out what she needs to do in order to be successful in school and in order to gain her successes.

“I attribute my school success to good teachers who encouraged me to challenge myself,” McPhee said. “I’m going to be able to handle college classes on my own now.”

The Road to Success Every year Kaneland works toward its mission: to graduate all students college, career and community ready. It includes being successful not just in school, but in the real world of work.

This is what brings teachers and students to the golden question: what makes some students successful and others not?

It’s an issue psychologists continuously dig deeper into. A recent study performed by the University of Minnesota drew conclusions about specific personality traits and how they lead to success.

Inside the Study

8

Focus / May 24, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

University of Minnesota’s study investigated which traits contribute to learning and performance in medical schools. It consisted of students who had been instructed to take a personality test at the beginning of the study, and their success was measured in terms of school performance grades over a seven-year time period.

One of these personality traits is conscientiousness, Conscientiousness is something researchers define as a fundamental personality trait that influences whether people set and Photo Illustration by Casey Jacobson and Morgan Buerke

Openness to Experience

Agreeableness

Conscientiousness

The willingness to try new things and ideas

The ability to be pleasant and the willingness to accommodate with others

The ability to make careful choices according to the conscience

helps GPA & grades

helps GPA & grades

helps GPA & grades

INES SUCCESS? keep long-range goals, deliberate over choices or behave impulsively, and take seriously obligations to others. It is related to high grades, but other personality traits can contribute to this, according to the study. Extraverted people were also found to have received high grades in later years, as did people who were more agreeable.

University of Minnesota psychology professor Deniz Ones, co-author of the study, said that psychologists who have been doing research for years are thinking about incorporating personality tests into the medical admissions process in order to predict which candidates will succeed.

“They know how personality tests work and which measures are supported by scientific evidence. But more importantly, they also know how personality measurements can be best incorporated with other test data to create optimally useful admissions systems,” she said.

The Big Five According to another study done by Melissa C. O’Connor and Sampo V. Paunone from the University of Western Ontario, the five personality traits that correlate the most with success are conscientiousness, the openness to experience, neuroticism, agreeableness and extraversion.

Conscientiousness The first personality trait is conscientiousness, which has a consistent connection to academic success.

Organization skills carry on after high school into college and life. Organization is key because not only does it help students stay on track, but it also allows them to take on multiple tasks and complete each one accordingly.

Biology teacher Jennifer O’Hara said that she saw a link between organization and success in her classes. “[Organization] drastically helps students with study skills and helps them find the stuff they need when they need it,” she said.

According to a survey conducted of 100 randomly-selected Kaneland students, a hardworking student is a student who does their homework everyday, constantly gets good grades, studies a lot, does all their homework, visits their teachers during STEP and contributes a sufficient amount of work to not only individual

projects, but also group projects.

“A student who comes to class with that ‘willing to learn’ attitude is the student who believes they can do it,” business teacher Tammie Conn said.

Counselor Cynthia Violett says that it’s very important to take the time to study.

“I feel like students don’t take the time to study,” she said. “If they don’t study the information, it’s hard to retain it, and it will affect them in future courses.”

Conn said that being an achievement-oriented student depends on a couple factors.

“I think that comes from values at home or ones they have grown up with,” she said.

Openness to Experience Openness to experience has helped predict GPA, overall grades and class participation grades. It mainly refers to students that are willing to try new things.

McPhee believes that being open-minded is crucial to learning because it make students more likely to ask questions.

O’Connor and Paunone found that Openness to experience is mostly correlated positively with final grades and other items.

Their study explained that this was correlated toward the intelligence of people who were more open to experiences. The study also specifically states that there may be more unknown variables that explain the correlation further.

Neuroticism On the contrary, neuroticism has been found to harm students’ GPA. According to O’Hara, to be neurotic means to be overly focused on something or negatively focused on certain parts of a person’s life.

“It doesn’t allow them to focus on a variety of things,” O’Hara said.

Neurotic people were found to be less emotionally stable and therefore perform worse academically than those that are more emotionally stable.

O’Connor and Paunone’s study explain this conclusion was mostly due to anxiety.

Their study states that “under academic evaluation conditions, neurotic individuals are thought to experience anxiety and stress, impairing their performance.”

However, their study also suggested that

the correlation was small stating that, because their results were small in range, “Neuroticism may not be a strong determinant of individual differences in scholastic achievement in general.”

Agreeableness O’Hara said that many things contribute to being agreeable including a pleasant personality and ability to be hard-working and their willingness to go out on a limb.

“It allows them to build new relationships and develop new connections,” she said.

O’Connor and Paunone’s study found that Agreeableness was positively correlated with GPA and final course grades but it produced mixed results.

Overall, the study took on the stance that agreeableness was the least predictable and the least legitimate factor in determining school success.

Extraversion Extraversion can either harm or help with a student’s overall school success. O’Connor and Paunone found extraversion to harm GPA and grades on psychology and statistics tests because introverts spending more time studying while extraverts spend more time socializing.

Yet it was also positively associated with classroom participation and therefore helped academic success.

“Early on it seems [to be viewed as] hyperactivity rather than later, when it’s seen as a skill in the business world,” said O’Hara.

McPhee, however, thinks there are other reasons for the correlation.

“In school, an extrovert will pay less attention to their studies and struggle. In the real world, an extrovert will be popular, ‘well-adjusted’ and experience success,” she said. “The general public has placed a taboo on introversion and has a significant distaste for intellectualism.

The general population has made it impossible for ‘nerds’ to be well-regarded, even though ‘nerds’ often become hugely successful in their less flashy way.”

Violett said that success depends on the person and the peer group. “I’ve had students who’ve had friends who motivated them, and I’ve had students in a peer group that isn’t motivating,” she said.

Focus / May 24, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

9

What is technology doing to teens?

SOCIAL MED Sophomore Michael Williams is one of the few at Kaneland who doesn’t have a Facebook account. He says people use social media sites like Facebook more than they should. “Usually, all I hear in school is what people did last

BY COURTNEY REISS, GINA JARVIS, KAPRICE SANCHEZ, AND NICK PHILIPS, Editors night on Facebook,” Williams said.

Media is not way Williams prefers to be social. “[I would rather speak someone face-to-face] so they don’t take my tone out of context. As an example, people Facebook comment and they think sarcasm is included when it’s really not,” Williams said.

Social media has become a dominant force in American teens’ lives, but is it affecting them in ways that they would have never thought?

Using social media too much?

Facebook, the world’s most popular website, has surpassed even Google as the most-visited destination online, with the site nearing one trillion hits per month.

Freshman Julia Golbeck said that its prevalence can affect relationships.

“We need to learn how to socialize with people, not just over technology,” Golbeck said.

Dependency on technology can be a concern when used too often.

“I think there are some people who use it too much,” business teacher Andrew Igras said.

Technology use creeps into daily lives and affects the way we feel. According to Pew, a research organization, 71 percent of teenagers ages 14-17 have felt good about themselves after an interaction on a social network site.

But is so much social media time good for teens? Some research is beginning to say no.

Relationships and addiction With Facebook and texting available with the touch of a finger, communication is faster than ever, but because of this, many experts say that

people are more lonely and isolated than ever.

People who are addicted to Internet usage and social networking have the illusion that they are very connected, when in reality they are anything but.

“These days, we are insecure in our relationships and anxious about intimacy. We look to technology for ways to be in relationships and protect ourselves from them at the same time,” Sherry Turkle, a professor of computer culture at MIT, said.

Application of technology teacher Tom Hanlon does not believe that teenagers are addicted to technology, but rather “addicted to entertaining themselves, and they use technology to do so.”

On the other hand, social worker Patrick Trapp says teenagers can, in fact, be addicted to technology.

“You can classify it as a ‘soft addiction,’ which is an addiction when we become obsessed with something and it has unhealthy consequences or is too much a part of the way we connect with the world,” Trapp said.

However, the negative effects tend to be overlooked. Not only does it affect our everyday lives in many ways, but it can have a significant impact on teenagers’ relationships with others. The obsession with technology can change how teenage relationships function, whether it’s with family or friends.

According to the study “Who Uses Facebook?” there are two types of loneliness, “social loneliness” and “family loneliness.” Facebook users had slightly lower levels of social loneliness,

which is not feeling bonded with friends, but had significantly higher levels of family loneliness, which is not feeling bonded with family.

Trapp said that teenagers hide behind technology and use it as a false identity in order to avoid confrontation, which can cause them not to learn how to express themselves properly or efficiently in a face-to-face manner.

“You don’t have to be as accountable for the things you say, and you can hide behind the distance that technology brings. The best example of that is you can be aggressive without having to face the hurt that somebody might feel from that aggression,” Trapp said.

Another downside of technology is that often when people are together, they’re not focusing on the people in front of them, they’re focusing on the people that are away.

Senior Katie Tolan believes that teens are so preoccupied with social networking and technology because “everybody is so obsessed with other people’s lives; they want to know everything about everyone.”

Tolan is one of the many teenagers who depend on her phone in her everyday lifef.

“I have to be checking my phone constantly if I’m not doing anything. When my phone dies, I freak out and need to find a charger,” she said.

Loneliness Sophomore Alexa Certa is one of many who spends most of her free time on Facebook. Certa said she spends more than 5-6 hours on social media websites, mainly Facebook, each day.

are you addicted?

Signs of an Internet addiction:

You lose track of time online

You suffer from anxiety or depression

You have trouble completing tasks at work or home

You are less mobile or socially active than you once were You have other addictions You’re an unhappy teenager or are stressed

You isolate yourself from family and friends You feel a sense of euphoria while involved in Internet activites 10

The risk for Internet addiction is increased if:

Centerspread / May 17, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

You lack social support Source: helpguide.org

DIA BLUES

Seniors Sam Hansen, Anna Olson and Kaitlyn Kolzow check their Facebook profiles during lunch.

“It’s almost natural to be on Facebook for me.

The first thing I do when I open up my phone is go straight to Facebook,” she said.

Certa dismisses the claims of experts that Facebook and other social media are distancing people from friends and family, as they stare at a screen rather than interact in real life.

“There’s no disconnection,” Certa said. “I mainly use Facebook only to see what’s new.”

While many students, like Certa, said that there is no effect of social media on their relationships, some of the experts suggest otherwise. The effects can be both positive and negative.

“Social networking has had incredible impacts on business and personal life. It also allows people to communicate and share ideas more freely than ever, and it allows people to connect with others that they may not have in the absence of social

networking,” social science teacher Mark Meyer said.

But although many find that social media makes connecting with others easier, researchers have begun suggesting that those connections may not be the same as real-life ones and may actually make people lonelier.

The perils and the positives Being connected with people all the time creates the impression of being well-known, but the effect is the opposite of what many people think. Being in contact all the time can make people more detached or lonelier. Yet social media doesn’t affect everyone equally. At sophomore Tyler Hill’s house, he said that being on Facebook does not affect his family.

“There’s not really a negative effect. If we are

Photo by Kaprice Sanchez

on Facebook, then we just use Facebook to talk,” Hill said.

Certain personality traits can determine the usage of Facebook and how Facebook affects users.

Extroverted people usually have more Facebook friends and may belong to more more groups than those who are shy and introverted, according to the study “Who uses Facebook?”

People who are introverted tend to be Facebook friends with just the people who are close with them. They have less social interaction with people on Facebook and use it more for playing games, according to the study.

“I don’t necessarily believe that technology itself can impact an individual’s personality. What they decide to view with this technology, or how they decide to use the technology, is already a Centerspread / May 17, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

11

Send seniors off with delicious treats

Graduation will only happen once. Here are some ideas to

BY BRIANNE STROBEL, Editor make the party memorable, tasty and classy. ation Gradu ps Lollipo

Photos by Brianne Strobel

The Menu

Especially if the party is outdoors, food will be more convenient if it doesn’t need to be kept hot or cold. Include snacks and dessert-type foods. If the guests have food allergies, either avoid that food or alert them of its presence to keep the party fun and enjoyable.

Candy served in many decorative dishes Chips of many varieties The favorite food of the person graduating Fruit like strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, etc.

Mini sandwiches (see recipe) Personalized graduation M&M’s, available at mms.com Tray of vegetables

MATERIALS NEEDED: Ghirardelli or other proportionately square chocolate squares, Reese’s cups (make sure there are many more cups than squares in case the chocolate comes off when they’re opened), enough lollipop sticks for the cups and squares, a small amount of melting chocolate and a bag of Twizzlers.

Gather all of the ingredients in a craft-friendly place. Carefully unwrap the Reese’s cups and set them on a plate.

This will be easier if they are frozen about 15 minutes beforehand.

Let the cups thaw while cutting thin, three-quarter inch strips of Twizzlers.

This is easier with a very sharp cutting tool because a dull knife won’t handle the consistency of the Twizzlers.

Using a toothpick or spoon, draw a thin strip of melted chocolate from the center of a Ghirardelli square to the edge. The thinner the strip is, the better, so use just enough to apply the Twizzler.

Attach a Twizzler strip on top of the melting chocolate and let it hang off in any preferred direction. Be careful not to smudge the chocolate while doing this, or it may look sloppy.

Coat the smaller end of the cups in melted chocolate and attach them, centered, to the chocolate squares.

Push the lollipop sticks about halfway into the larger end of the Reese’s cups, making sure not to break them in half.

Mini iches Sandw

Mini sandwiches are a delicious food choice when there is a need for snack-sized food. Variety gives guests a chance to have the amount of sandwiches they prefer.

Buy slices of canapé (mini) bread, available at local grocery stores like Jewel Decide what kind of meats, vegetables or spreads (like PB&J or mayonnaise) to use Put on the meat, vegetables and spreads as desired Since the sandwiches are mini, not as much can be stacked between the slices Arrange them in a visually pleasing way on a plate Decorative toothpicks can be stuck in the sandwiches to add style Serve on a decorative platter Mini sandwiches are a good way to let people have a perfect portion of what they want.

12

Flex / May 22 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

Wrestlers volunteer to raise funds

BY JULIA ANGELOTTI, Executive Editor Since April, varsity wrestler junior David Barnhart has spent his Saturdays giving back to the community, along with 27 other wrestlers.

“We usually spend around eight to nine hours cleaning around the community,” Barnhart said.

The KHS wrestling team is giving back to the community, and they are well aware that most clubs and teams sell items for fundraising.

“It seems like every sport is selling a certain item and we have in the past as well. This time we wanted to do something different,” Coach Mike Thorgesen said. “We are earning donations from people and in return are helping in any way we can with over 200 hours of community service.”

The team has volunteered at the NIU food bank, Delnor Community Hospital, the KHS Fine Arts Festival, John Shields Elementary School and Conley Farm; they’ve also done spring clean-ups in local senior citizens’ yards.

“It’s important to do things like this because it’s an experience that most of us don’t get. It’s a win-win situation. We raise money for the team while we help those in need,” junior Luke Kreiter said.

The team hopes to raise enough funds to attend the Malecek Wrestling Camp in the Wisconsin Dells from Jun. 25-27.

Out of the 28 wrestlers who volunteer, only

Junior Nick Sharp and other wrestlers pack food for the hungry at the NIU Food Bank.

18 will actually attend the camp, Assistant Coach Bob McCaffery said.

“That is teamwork, having boys who won’t be attending the camp still helping out their teammates and community,” McCaffery said.

The team will have to raise $6,500 to have the camp be free or nearly free for the whole team.

If the team does not reach their goal, all of the money will be refunded to those who donated, Thorgeson said.

“It’s good to wrestle different guys from different areas, and this camp will allow us to do that with over 50 teams there. It’s always beneficial to

Courtesy photo

get mat time in the off-season,” junior Dan Goress said.

Teams at the camp are from high schools around the Midwest, with one from as far away as California.

The wrestlers will compete against at least eight other teams in team dual meets and they will also compete in an individual tournament.

They will also receive world-class instruction from college coaches and older wrestlers with international wrestling experience.

“It’s better to give back to the community rather than to sell cookies,” Barnhart said.

Sports Feature / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

13

May Future Farmers of America hosted a petting zoo outside the cafeteria.

“We were trying to teach more agriculture to Kaneland,” sophomore Matheu Poust said.

2 Photos by Heather Shelton

1. Junior Meagan Holloman and Erin Woodill took interest in the smaller animals. “We were holding a silky,” Holloman said.

2. Seniors Trever Heinle, Frankie Furco and junior Brittany Bartholet look at the birds. “Trevor and I were prospecting the chickens,” Furco said.

3. Poust, an FFA member, taught students about agriculture. “I was showing everyone the ducklings,” he said.

4. Senior Nicholette LeBlanc and junior Brianna Naden hold some of the smaller animals.

14

3

Photo / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

GOODBYE& GOODLUCK JULIA ANGELOTTI

Advertising & Business Head Copyeditor

RACHAEL CLINTON

Digital Production Cover Design

Julia Angelotti—or Jules as we fondly call you—you are an expert at ad sales! You always had everything in order and made sure our customers were happy. You are always on top of your work and make sure you give your all on every assignment, which we admire about you. You are nice to everyone and always willing to help anyone in need.You are an awesome executive and Krier will miss you tons. Good luck with senior year!

Rachael, your bubbly personality really made you fun to be around. You are always chipper and upbeat about everything. You were always willing to help us and resolve any unanswered questions. You’re fantastic at taking pictures and designing the cover. Thanks for always being someone to turn to. Although you are not graduating, your presence will be missed greatly in class.

Come visit us next year!

We hope next year is great!

MCKINZIE MANGERS

Lifestyle & How-To

DIANA NUNO

Print Production Visual & Design Editorial

Nothing can light up a room as much as your smile can! With your two years on the staff and great dedication, your writing and layout was always outstanding. You always knew how to jazz up an issue, making it almost as eye-catching as you. Without your amazing stories, photos, page designs and graphics, the Krier would have not been the same. We thank you for all your hard work! Best of luck at the University of Indianapolis!

Diana, you are one of the hardest working people on staff. What sets you apart from everyone else is your ability to speak exactly what’s on your mind. Your personality is unforgettable and encouraged us all to work harder. We knew we could count on you to write the editorials with all of our input. You have such cute style and are such a sweet girl. We’re going to miss you so much but we know that you are a fantastic writer and will do great at DePaul University.

COURTNEY REISS

Opinion

Although you joined Krier halfway through the semester, you fit right in.

You were a huge help during first semester and we are so lucky to have you! You have the sweetest personality and are always willing to help anyone on staff out.

You rubbed off on us through this semester with your wonderful attitude and enthusiasm. Your page always looked flawless! U of I is going to be lucky to have you. You’re going to be an amazing journalism major!

CHERYL BORROWDALE

Adviser

You have mentored everyone in the class since they were in the very first journalism course, and we can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us. You’re strict with deadlines, and you’ve taught us everything that we know. Absolutely everything that we’ve produced is thanks to you and your mentoring.

We wish you luck as you go into the world of parenting! Congratulations and thank you so much!

SHANE FERGUS

Boys’ Sports

RYAN NOEL

Pulse Page

JACOB RAZO

Girls’ Sports

Whenever someone burst into laughter, the whole class automatically looked to you. Your quiet comical comments always seemed to keep a light mood in the classroom. Despite your always-present humor, you genuinely care about other pepole. Your swimming ability is incredible, and you will be a stellar athlete and student at Lewis. The Krier will miss your laid-back attitude and sports knowledge.

Your witty humor was needed to get through stressful points of the Krier. We’re going to miss your amazing column pieces and wonderful reviews. Congrats on the column writing award! Your reviews went above and beyond the generic reviews and you respected your half of the PP page. You were always open to give your advice at any time.

Your positive presence will be dearly missed by us. Good luck playing college football at St. Joe’s!

Jacob, you are just one of those kids that everyone loves.

Your approachability and kind heart makes everyone feel welcome and accepted. You were always sure to make everyone content and we all know that you will do fantastic in college in whatever sport you choose to play. Your future is very bright and you are quite the diverse kidas a student and athlete. Kaneland will dearly miss your sweet personality and good-natured attitude.

KYLIE SIEBERT

Editor-in-Chief Circulation Back Page Opinion

You are one of the hardest-working students in school. As an executive, you helped everyone with numerous stories and layouts.

Your leadership really helped us as a staff this year. Without you and the other executives, there would be no Krier. You’re also such a sweet girl who’s always a joy to be around, which is the kind of person anyone would like and get along well with. We’re going to miss your bubbly personality. Good luck at Augustana!

Lifestyle / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

15

PULSE

Slick folk pro, “The Tallest Man on Earth,” set to release in June

BY KALEB SCHUPPNER, Editor Swedish folk pro and lyrical whiz Kristian Matsson, better known for his stage name, “The Tallest Man on Earth,” has announced that he will release a new album in June. When asked about the new album, Brad Cook of Dead Oceans says it’s him exchanging his “sense of urgency for a more confidently relaxed approach.”

The Tallest Man gained recognition in North America for his brilliant lyrics and acoustic guitar-playing rooted deeply in folk while touring with Bon Iver. His charismatic stage presence and distinct, Dylanesque voice make him difficult to forget.

After his sophomore album, “The Wild Hunt,” racked up sales and popularity, Matsson left fans begging for more. The poet’s jumbled

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Lamb

thoughts make up the ten songs on the album, plus a bonus track, “Like the Wheel.” “The Wild Hunt” was selected by Sputnikmusic as the top album of 2010, beating out respectable records like Kanye West’s, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”

The album starts off with the album’s title track, “The Wild Hunt,” a song accompanied by lively guitar playing and an almost addictive chorus.

If the album were to have a climax, it would

most definitely be “The King of Spain.” The tune is a spellbinding sound and the intriguing howling of Matsson paints a picture in which people are huddled around a bonfire, intently listening to every word.

“The Tallest Man on Earth” has spent his winter months working diligently from his home in Dalarna, Sweden on his new album, “There’s No Leaving Now.” Expect Matsson’s distinguished signature style: captivating lyrics and crafty instrumentals, in this ten-hit folk album.

Eager artists seeking fame and veteran artists improving game

Smashing Pumpkins Expect Billy Corgan’s unique voice to convey emotional lyrics in Smashing Pumpkins ninth album, “Oceania.” The softer album, set to be released in mid-June, is a follow up “album within an album” to “Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.”

Bassist Nicole Fiorentino pointed out that the four member band will naturally produce a different vibe than past Smashing Pumpkins bands; however, she feels Corgan did the old music justice while still putting a modern twist on things.

Internal fighting and diminishing record sales caused the 90s Smashing Pumpkins to break up in 2000; nonetheless, the future looks quite promising for the band that has been described by more than one critic as “Billy Corgan’s Nightmare Land.”

16

—Kaleb Schuppner, editor

Pulse / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

Usher On June 12, Usher will be dropping his new album, “Looking for Myself,” a followup to his previous album, “Raymond vs. Raymond.” This highly anticipated album features a star-studded crew of Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Max Martin, Salaam Remi and Diplo, who are all producers of Billboard top-100 songs.

The single from this album, “Climax,” was a hit, and if this song is anything like the rest of the album, “Looking for Myself ” is sure to be a hit among listeners. Usher is going to have to perform nearly flawlessly to outshine his previous album, “Raymond vs. Raymond,” which sold 1.3 million copies since its March 2010 release.

—Emily Gulanczyk, editor

Edward Sharpe A band with a rare 1960s feel, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros unveiled their release date for their sophomore album, “Here.” The album can arguably be labeled multiple genres and will be out around the end of the month.

The combination of over ten members display their freewheeling creativity through hippie-like ideals and fascinating instrumentals that include an accordion, trumpet and tenor ukulele. Their hit single, “Home” reached its peak in 2010 when it was Number 27 in the Netherlands. The talented band has not yet received the recognition they deserve, but they are quickly astounding the indie music scene.

—Kaleb Schuppner, editor

Waka Flocka Flame Gangster-style rapper Waka Flocka Flame is coming out with his new album, “Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family.” After smash hits like “Hard in the Paint” and “No Hands,” Waka has to bring it to top those two songs.

The single from the album that features Drake, “Round of Applause,” carries a catchy chorus as well as a non-percussion dominated beat.

One confirmed song is a collaboration with Trey Songz called “I Don’t Care.” With guest appearances from Drake, Tyler, the Creator, BSM, Tyga and B.o.B, the album won’t disappoint avid fans.

Originally, the album was supposed to come out before the end of 2011, but Waka wanted to put his all into this album.

—Emily Gulanczyk, editor

Summer cuisine:great food, great views Jimmys’ outdoor seating earns the first place nod

BY RYAN NOEL, Editor Jimmy’s Grill might offer the best patio seating in the area.

Located at 245 S. Washington Ave. in Naperville, Jimmy’s is a frequent stop for out-of-towners and for people looking for a place to hangout.

The atmosphere is what makes Jimmy’s such a hit—the food is good, but the experience is second-to-none. While the interior may seem to be a typical grill-style restaurant, it has a slightly upscale feel with modernized tables and its plain-yet-sophisticated walls.

But it’s the outdoor patio seating that really makes Jimmy’s a catch. Although spacing is inadequate, the patio makes it seem as if a neighborhood barbeque is taking place, not a sit down lunch or dinner. Situated on a busy street, the patio can get noisy at times, but conversations can still carry on with a slightly raised voice.

The food at Jimmy’s isn’t anything to die for, but it still fills up an empty stomach. With an American-style menu, some of the dishes include rib ($14 for a half slab), Poblano Jack burger ($11) and pork belly tacos ($12).

The ribs come out drenched in barbeque sauce and are accompanied by French fries, coleslaw and baked beans. The French fries may be a little bland, but that’s nothing a little salt and ketchup can’t help; baked beans complement

2

Photo by Ryan Noel

Jimmy’s patio atmosphere can be cramped during the summer but is still in high demand.

the ribs very well.

The ribs were the obvious highlight of the platter. The meat pretty much falls off the bone, and the sauce is rich and has a little tangy kick; of course, wet nap were needed because the ribs are messy.

Another great selection is the Poblano Jack burger, which brings a different twist to the burger world with grilled Poblano peppers and Pepper Jack cheese. The burger is something any spicy food lover would enjoy. It isn’t huge, but along with a side of fries, the plate fills up almost any hungry person. Mine was slightly over-cooked—I ordered medium well and it was more well-—but it didn’t hamper the taste.

Then there’s the pork belly tacos. The name made me a little suspicious as to what would be on the plate before me. Usually when try-

3

ing something new, scanning the menu takes a while, but I saw the pork belly tacos and that was it—I didn’t see that it came with apples on it. The apples, however, made the tacos even better. It gives a sweet aftertaste to the tacos and made them even more desirable.

Along with the apples, the near-perfection pork was tender and juicy, and the tomatillo sauce topped everything off. The pork belly tacos went from being my wild-card pick to my favorite dish, a definite must-try for first time diners at Jimmy’s.

Patio atmosphere aside, Jimmy’s is still a quality restaurant: good food, good service and good pricing. Throw in its unmatched outdoor patio seating and the downtown Naperville prestige, and it becomes a highly desirable food joint.

4

“POTTER’S PLACE”

“TRIBELLA BAR AND GRILL”

“BIEN TRUCHA”

29 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville

1900 Mill St., Batavia

410 W. State St., Geneva

Yet another downtown Naperville gem, Potter’s Place is a nice restaurant to take friends to hangout and grab a bite to eat.

The patio seating is a close second to Jimmy’s, but it’s the food that ultimately places Potter’s behind Jimmy’s in our outdoor-seating comparison.

Featuring a Mexican-themed menu, none of the food is excellent, but it’s still above average.

Potter’s staple is its Christmas Tree Burrito ($12.95). Named for its red (tomatoes), green (guacamole) and white (sour cream) colors, it’s one of their most-ordered items.

The burrito is above-average, but for meatlovers it can be a disappointment because the vegetables and other fillers dominate the meat.

Dessert at Potter’s isn’t too shabby either, with favorites such as fried ice cream and their Potter’s crispers (both $4.99).

Potter’s Place is a great runner-up for an outdoor eating experience and should be on any summer to-do list.

A great place to have a nice, sit-down Italian dinner on a warm, summer night is Tribella Bar and Grill.

This Batavia restaurant offers all the Italian classics, such as lightly breaded chicken parmesan ($16), Tuscan rib eye marinated in garlic ($27) and linguini alfredo topped with aged parmesan ($13). The dessert is a must-have also. They offer items like tiramisu and turtle cheesecake.

The indoor décor is upscale, but still homey, with accents such as wood panelling and dim lighting. There are many seating options indoors, but prime seating is the patio. Eating dinner outside in the screened-in patio is ideal for summer nights.

Compared to most restaurants, Tribella offers a decent-sized outdoor seating area. The environment feels like eating out on the patio at home, but since it’s screened in, there are no bugs, which is a huge plus.

When going out with the family this summer, try Tribella and ask for outdoor seating to ensure an Italian dinner in comfort. -Alex Vickery, editor

Downtown Geneva is a popular destination in the summer, and Bien Trucha is the perfect Mexican restaurant to try.

It’s a small place to find, but the food is phenomenal. Their specialty is tacos, and they have a variety to choose from, such as pescado (beer-battered tilapia), arrachera (grilled steak), pollo (shredded chicken) and even pescadillas (shark). An order of four tacos runs $9.95-10.95.

Bien Trucha hand makes their own soft-taco shells that come to the table fresh and warm, and the menu includes appetizers, soups and salads.

One of Bien Trucha’s best assets is their outdoor seating; however, the downside is that there are only a couple of tables. The indoor seating is already cramped and in-demand, so be sure get there early if planning to sit outside. Another downside is that the tables aren’t capable of seating many people, but the food is so delicious that no one will be disappointed.

If no outside tables are available, still experience Bien Trucha, as it is one of Geneva’s finest -Alex Vickery, editor Mexican restaurants.

-Ryan Noel, editor

Pulse / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

17

SPORTS

Girls’ track strives to keep team healthy for conference

Senior Sarah Kitz attempts to bunt to bring in sophomore Lanie Callaghan during the match against Morris.

Photo by Mckinze Mangers

Softball hitting stays strong

BY LEXI ROACH, Editor Varsity softball stormed through the first round of conference undefeated and is heading into regionals with a perfect league record.

“We had a tough road to start with, starting with [a game against] the state champs from last year, but we really buckled down in practice and fixed what needed fixing and have been on fire since,” senior pitcher Alexis Villarreal said.

After a rocky start losing three games in a row, the team corrected their mistakes and have done the job since, with a record of 24-5 at press dead, one of the best records in recent school history.

“The team has been working really hard this year, and it shows on the field with our record,” Coach Brian Willis said.

This year’s team has cleaned up

the defense and have an 17-game winning streak as of May 9.

“A positive attitude brings a positive outcome, and that’s exactly what we have been doing so far this season,” Villarreal said.

Key players include freshman Paige Kuefler and junior Allyson O’Herron, who has been on varsity since her freshman year. Willis said both girls bring a solid offensive game to the table. Kuefler, the only freshman on the team, has performed “great” in the three-spot and scores key runs in pressure situations, he said.

“Our offense has been a little bit stronger than defense, but it is pretty even between the two,” Willis said.

Some of the sweetest victories came when the Knights broke losing streaks. The team hadn’t beaten Yorkville in three years, but defeat-

ed them 8-1 on May 10.

For two years in a row, Sycamore knocked Kaneland out of regionals, but the team beat them twice this year, including a convincing 10-1 victory on May 3, with Villarreal’s tight pitching ending the game in just five innings.

On May 8, the Lady Knights beat the Rochelle Hubs 12-1 to clinch the conference title, and the team remains unbeaten in the NIB12 East Division.

Willis said the players are really gelling as a team.

“We have stayed focused in practice and especially games, but we do have fun and make our jokes when the time is right,” Willis said.

Regionals this year will be tough with opponents Yorkville, Sandwich, IMSA and Rosary; all regional games will be held at the IMSA softball fields.

Kaneland’s girls track team placed second in their indoor conference track meet, and in their two outdoor invitationals, the Holmes and Ottawa Invitationals. “[The season] has been going well,” Coach Doug Ecker said.

While the team was waiting for these girls to fully recover so they can rejoin their team, people who have stood out during this season are sophomore Sydney Strang and junior Abby Dodis. “[Sydney] is already running state qualifying times in the mile and 800,” Ecker said. She has been running a time of 5:21 in the mile and a 2:21 in the 800 meter run.

The long distance runners have made an impact on the girls’ wins this season, with runners that came in strong like senior Jenn Howland, who ran a time of 5:38.34 in the 1600-meter run during the Ottawa meet, and junior Amanda Lesak, who ran a split time of 2:35 in the 4x800 meter relay.

The team has had several injuries since the beginning of this season, with sophomore stand-out Lauren Zick out from a strained hip flexor, abductor and adductor.

Freshman Madie Keith was out due to an injured knee.

“I have been starting to run,” Zick said.

Her first meet back was the County Meet on April 27. Zick ran in the 4x400 meter relay with a split time of 60.9.

“I thought I did well [in this meet] considering I just got back,” Zick said. “It felt good running without pain.”

A goal that the track team has set is to place in the top three of conference this year. “[We hope to] continue to improve,” Ecker said. “[The greatest competition this season] will be Genesco and DeKalb.”

-Lanie Callaghan, editor

Visit the Krier website! www.kaneland.org/krier

18

Girls’ Sports / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

Baseball ranks first in conference, heads for regionals

Junior Marshall Farthing set a personal best in the high jump at Peterson Prep Invitational on Apr 21, jumping 6 feet, 3 inches and placing third.

Courtesy photo

Track wins first county title since 1975

BY SHANE FERGUS, Editor

BY BRANDON BISHOP

The Knights’ track and field team won their first county title since 1975, where they tied for first with Geneva, scoring 74 points.

Individual first place finishes for the team included sophomore Dylan Nauert in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, sophomore Nate Dyer finished first in shot put with a throw of 50 feet, and sophomore Shane Jorgenson took second in shot put with a throw of 48 feet 10.5 inches.

The county performance is

an improvement over last year’s fourth-place finish, and it’s just one of several big victories the Knights have racked up this season.

The team took second at the Crystal Lake Invitational to Belividere North, which scored 115 points while the Knights scored 99 points.

The Knights captured the title at the Peterson Prep Invitational, which was hosted by Kaneland.

“With the team that we have this year, we expect us as a team to win or place second at every meet this year,” Nauert said.

The Knights are coming off three straight sectional titles and a

16th place finish at the state meet last year.

“We expect to take first in conference, with our fourth consecutive sectional title and a bunch of state qualifiers,” senior Clayton Brundige said.

At the Northern Illinois Conference meet, the Knights took second to Dixon, scoring 97 points to the Dukes’ 98. Individual champions included Nauert in the 300-meter hurdles, and Dyer in the discus, the 4x100 and 4x200-meter relays.

Sectionals were on May 17.

Contributions by Jacob Razo and Brandon Bishop

Best Summer Song?

Favorite pick up line?

Favorite TV Show?

Chartoon Character?

“‘Country Boy Can Survive,’ by Hank Williams Jr.”

“Are you tired?

Because you have been running through my mind all day.”

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

“Spongebob.

He’s got it all going for him.”

“‘Springsteen,’ by Eric Church.”

“I don’t use them.”

“The Gilmore Girls.”

“Minnie Mouse, because she is cute.”

“‘Red Neck Yacht Club,’ by Craig Morgan.”

“Are you from Tennessee, because you’re the only ten that I see.”

“Keeping up with the Kardashians.”

“Johnny Bravo, because he is jacked.”

Alex Snyder

Know Your Knights

Sophomore,Track and Field

Maggie Brundige

Junior, Track and Field

Connor Fedderly

Freshman, Baseball

Knights’ baseball is the frontrunner to win conference this season, with a 20-8 overall record and a 13-2 conference record.

The team swept Sycamore 10-0 in six innings on May 4 and defeated rival Morris 4-2 on May 9 and then again 3-2 on May 10.

Great performances from junior Matt Limbrunner and senior Bryan Van Bogaert helped lift the Knights in game three to win the conference outright for the first time in school history.

“Speed, defense and pitching have been our strengths this season,” Coach Brian Aversa said.

The Knights strengths this year have been pitching and defense. Key pitchers for the Knights have been senior Trevor Storck, junior John Hopkins, Van Bogaert and Limbrunner.

“I’m just seeing the ball better.

There wasn’t much I could do in the off-season due to dislocating my elbow, but after basketball ended I had to work extra hard to catch up with everyone,” senior Tyler Heinle said.

Before the postseason comes around, the Knights will have to get through the conference schedule. The team swept Rochelle, Sycamore and Morris and won two out of three against DeKalb and Yorkville.

“Hard work, dedication, passion and pride will help us win a conference championship,” junior John Hopkins said.

Past conference, the Knights will be faced with a tough regional that includes Marmion, St. Francis, DeKalb and IMSA, but the Knights will have home field advantage because Kaneland is hosting the regional.

“Our regional is very tough. In our regional, we have the returning state champs [Kaneland], St. Francis, which is a top eight team, and Marmion, which made it to the sectional championship last year,” Aversa said.

Overall the Knights are not looking towards the post season yet as they are still trying to finish out the conference season and capture their third straight conference championship.

“We just have to keep each other calm. The guys that have been up there have to step up,” Heinle said.

-Brandon Bishop, Jacob Razo and Shane Fergus, editors

Boys’ Sports / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER

19

SENIOR SEND OFF Wednesday, May 23 at 7pm The senior class, along with family and friends, will spend the evening reminscing about the past years and the exciting next stage.

The ceremony will be located in the KHS’ auditorium.

The Baccalaureate is sponsored by Lord of Life Church in Village Bible Church.

Senior slideshow Music by a senior

Moving speeches by Fellow Seniors Mr. Gregory Fantozzi’s Movtivating Challenge

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Attention seniors-- Arrive at 6:30pm in the cafeteria with your cap and gowns.

20

Back Page / May 22, 2012 / KANELAND KRIER