Bear Facts Student Media March 2017

bear facts READ BETWEEN THE LINES

media impacts everyone’s lives, from news to television to advertising PAGE 11

Follow

Subscribe

!

Keep up with us @LZBearFacts

Bear Facts

Bear Facts Student Media

LZBearFacts.com

BEAR FACTS STUDENT MEDIA LAKE ZURICH HIGH SCHOOL 300 CHURCH ST. LAKE ZURICH, IL VOL. 29 ISSUE 4

11

7

8

21

NEWS

LZ LIFE

4 News in Brief 6 5 Around the Area 7 8 9

LZ Student Rocks Caffeine Craze

Behind the Lights Taking the Field 10 Medical Science Club

COVER

SPORTS

Fake 12 Fighting 18 State Coverage News of 20 Right on Target 14 Influence Media New 21 Clearing Teach Media Heights 16 Literacy

NEWS in brief written by

Emma Brumage-Kilcourse staff writer Meghan Warner staff writer

Photo by: commons.wikimedia.org Photo taken by Emma Brumage-Kilcourse

IL teen unemployment remains high According to 2015 statistics, only 16 percent of Chicagoans ages 16-19 have jobs, down from about 20 percent before the recession. While some of this change can be attributed to positive developments, like plunging dropout rates meaning fewer teenagers working full-time, many experts believe that because of the economic downturn, adults are applying for the entry-level jobs generally taken by teenagers, these adults are also retiring later. This has long-term consequences, as studies have shown that adolescents who work generally have higher incomes and better careers when they grow up. Things like job training programs sponsored by the Chicago city government and smaller-scale efforts like the LZHS job fair are working to remedy this problem by bringing many local businesses interested in hiring teenagers in one place.

Anti-Semitic threats strike the nation

Over 140 threats in 27 states have been made against Jewish daycares and community centers, as well as at least two instances of vandalism on Jewish cemeteries, as of March 9. A threat recently hit home in Lake Zurich. JCC Apachi Day Camp received a bomb threat, and is now taking many security measures to ensure everyone remains safe. Sergeant Christopher Covelli, from the LZPD, said this attack targeted the students and staff at the center. Once the students and staff were evacuated, Lake County officials and police dogs searched the premises but found nothing. According to Covelli, federal authorities are working to trace the call that made the threat and establish a penalty. Jewish leaders have a term for these phone calls: telephone terrorism. According to the JCC Association of America, in light of the threatening phone calls, many JCC centers are instituting security protocols and will be operating on normal hours with heightened security. No explosives have been found at any of the threatened locations.

Photo Mission to the OSCE Photo from from US commons.wikimedia.org

For-profit colleges thrive under President Trump While the Obama administration used a policy called “gainful employment” to strip 800 for-profit colleges of federal funding in January of this year because students were not getting quality jobs in their fields, President Trump promises to renew interest in these schools. Since the election, stocks in the DeVry education group jumped over 40 percent and Grand Canyon Education stocks rose 28 percent, according to the New York Times. Trump’s Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, whose platform advocates for school choice, is a proponent of diverting federal funds to for-profit schools and has, according to critics, disregarded their actual quality. Many

4 News• march 2017

believe she will eliminate the Obama administration’s protections and regulations. This, according to many student associations and Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, who questioned DeVos during her hearing about whether she intended to keep current regulations from the Obama administration, has the potential to be dangerous, because many schools are said to use predatory recruiting techniques. For example, according to the Washington Post, DeVry was recently sued for $100 million Corinthian Colleges recently settled another lawsuit with past students to the tune of $500 million.

around the AREA

Photo by: commons.wikimedia,org

LONG GROVE

1

Chocolate lovers, unite! At the Long Grove Chocolate Festival, on May 19, presented by Long Grove Confectionery, visitors can enjoy all sorts of chocolate treats provided by vendors from all over Chicagoland while listening to local live bands. New features this year include a revamped historical theme, more meal vendors than ever, and a chocolate demo tent that’s sure to bring out your sweet tooth. They also have a Kid’s Zone with games and activities like pieeating contests and dancing. The 2017 edition of the annual Chocolate Festival promises a fun, old-fashioned sugar high for the whole family that’s sure to leave you bouncing off the walls and walking out with tasty treats in hand.

Baconfest Chicago

CHICAGO

2

Baconfest Chicago is an annual festival dedicated to showing off the best spins local chefs can put on bacon. They have cooking presentations all weekend for a locally-loved experience that’s sure to sizzle your senses. Additionally, Baconfest gives a portion of their ticket sale revenue to end hunger. Last year, they donated over $300,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

No Foolin’ 5K

LOCKPORT

3

Can’t think of any great pranks but still want to get into the April Fools’ spirit?

Check out the No Foolin’ 5K run on April 1. The run promises hilarious surprises along the course, perfect for beginners. Area food trucks will be along the course post-race for runners and spectators to purchase some delicious food There’s even a mile run for the little ones. Registration is $35.

Photo Photos usedfrom withcommons.wikimedia.org permission of Jody Grimaldi

Antique Flea Market GRAYSLAKE

4

Love knick-knacks, rare collectibles, and digging for vintage gold? Then check out the Grayslake Illinois Antique and Vintage Flea Market on April 8 and 9. Shop the many local vendors showing off antique clothing, furniture, art, jewelry, toys, and even vintage comics at this vibrant and fun afternoon weekend market located at the Lake County Fairground. Admission costs $7.

Shamrock Shuffle CHICAGO

5

Perfect for more experienced runners, this 8K (4.97 mile) Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is one of Chicago’s most popular spring races. With a scenic course winding through downtown, a new, relaxed lakefront two mile course for walkers, and aid stations throughout the course, this city race is a great option for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and get fit.

News•march 2017 5

L Z L I F E

Passion for the Pit Student rocks & rolls in world of music Madi Klein staff writer

When passing senior Shane Fella in the hallway, one might never guess that despite the image his clean cut appearance and wheelchair might give off, he is constantly planning out the details to his next metal concert.

After seeing his first concert with his father at age six, Fella’s passion for music has only grown. Over the years, Fella and his dad have grown closer through their connections to music and even agree that they could probably make it to varsity for head-banging. “[Going to concerts] has strengthened our relationship and made us a lot closer,” Fella said. “We just have a good time. We’re a bunch of goofballs. We’re nuts when we go to concerts.”

Fella’s passion for music has done more than just create a special bond between father and son. After spending his childhood feeling like he was left on the outside due to the restrictions that cerebral palsy placed on him, Fella found a new outlet in metal music.

“There are a lot of things that he can’t do because of having a disability, like playing outside with friends,”

6 LZ Life•march 2017

Shane’s mother, Dawn, said. “He didn’t really enjoy attending his sister’s band concerts through school. He can’t play an instrument like he would love to, so we decided it was important for him to attend the metal concerts he likes.”

Instead of allowing his disability to also dictate his concert experiences, Fella learned how to take initiative and come out of his shell. Instead of being as shy and reserved as he used to be, Fella says that since upgrading his wheelchair to one that can stand up, his concert experience as well as his personal confidence have improved.

“I could see better and it was like I was more like the people. It felt great because I felt like I was on the same level as everyone else,” Fella said. “Before I could stand I felt disappointed because I couldn’t really see and I couldn’t interact with people as well, but I kept going for the love of music” The first concert with the new wheelchair served as a milestone. Fella was able to put himself out there more and make new friendships, even with strangers in crowded venues.

“I feel like a lot of people in my position would not be willing to do what I do,” Fella said. “I think [other people with disabilities] would be scared to meet new people and talk to them like normal people, but that’s how I roll.”

Even though his dad is always right next to him in the crowded venues they frequent together, Fella has taken more and more of the planning into his own hands, from buying tickets and meet and greet passes to securing the best handicapped seating for himself.

“I think he’s a really passionate guy,” Fella’s friend Anthony Powles, senior said. “I hardly talk to people I don’t know in public so the fact that he calls ahead and makes connections like he does is really impressive.”

Twelve years of devoutly seeing his favorite artists resulted in a passion in Fella that allows him to leave his stresses behind and zone out to the booming noise of lead singers and bass guitars.

With his dad at his side and his favorite bands on stage, the feeling of being at a concert is one that Fella says could never be replaced.

Shane Fella, senior, poses with Chester Bennington, singer of Linkin Park at a meet and greet. Despite being limited to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, Fella follows his passion for metal to concerts near and far. photo permission by Dawn Fella

Caffeine Craze

Teens don’t tolerate it, they depend on coffee Rachel Brauer staff writer

energy. The “caffeine crash” which follows School necessities include a backpack, after a consistant amount of coffee consome pencils and for 56 percent of a small sumption can effect their natural chemical balance in a their brain. This can cause their sample of LZHS students, a cup of coffee.

About 90 percent of average Ameri- sleep patterns to sometimes be thrown off cans intake caffeine everyday, making it and can cause a bad night’s sleep.

America’s most popular drug, according “A lot of people use coffee or some type to villanova.edu. Sales for coffee shops like of caffeinated drink in order to avoid having Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts are at the to sleep and even go a night without sleep, but the body absolutely requires sleep,” highest they have ever been.

“I drink coffee everyday, twice a day,” Eckert said. “There’s something that the Rachel Moore, a sophomore and avid cof- brain requires from sleep every single day fee drinker, said. “I started drinking coffee and when a person is depriving themselves in middle school once a day and just recent- from that sleep, they’re not going to be able ly have felt the need to drink two cups a day to perform without having some problems.”

About 16 percent of a small sample of in order to keep my energy up.”

Moore feels she is dependent on coffee 70 students who responded to the survey and the caffeine within it, which has caused report they drink one coffee a day or more her to develop a tolerance . Overtime, this to feel awake and focused. This will lead has caused her to increase the amount of to a tolerance similar to more severe ones like alcoholism, Eckert said. coffee she consumes every day.

“In the long term, the person will even- “The tolerance that people detually develop a tolerance or even craving veloped for alcohol is very similar for more of the substance: some days want- to the way a person would deing twice as much, some days not requiring velop a tolerance for caffeine,” that much,” Lily Eckert, health teacher, said. Eckert said. “In “Their daily habit[s] will keep rising gradually until they are using more than they can safely take without negative effects.”

The majority of teenagers drink coffee because it either energizes them or it helps them focus, Eckert said.

“I feel energized and awake after my morning coffee,” Casey Majewski, junior and avid coffee drinker, said. “I sometimes have a second coffee from Starbucks later in the afternoon if I feel like I need it. It depends on how awake I am that day and how well I slept the previous night.”

Contrary to Majewski’s The not so sweet truth: thoughts, health officials from A teenager should drink only about 100 mg of caffeine per sleepfoundation.org warn that caf- day. This is considered a healthy feine does not replace quality sleep. amount, according to Psychology Today, The average teenager needs 10-12 yet the average caffeine for Dunkin Donuts hours of sleep even though caffeine or Starbucks can easily exceed the daily can provide, on average, six hours of allowance.

most cases, you can gain a tolerance or dependency on caffeine in a couple of weeks to the point where you will have withdrawal effects if you stop using it.”

Even though Moore has experienced these withdrawal effects when she does not have her cups of coffee, she says she strongly believes she is not addicted. However, she also thinks that, in moderation, coffee is not bad for someone’s health.

“I think [if it is] in moderation, coffee is okay to have,” Majewski said “I do think that teenagers drink a lot of coffee in substitution for sleep some days, [but] as long as it’s not on a consistent basis, I don’t think it effects students that much.”

LZ Life•march 2017 7

Lindsey Lasiewicz, junior, uses the light board to control the colors of the stage lights to manipulate the mood during plays. The colors can evoke emotions, such as in the Childrens’ theater show. photos by Madi Klein

Behind the Lights

Dominique Gertie lz life editor

If she is not there, you will notice her.

If her job is done right, you will not notice her, but she will become the spotlight of the show. Lindsey Lasiewicz, junior in lighting crew, learned about this first hand and has become the lady in the lights. “[Lighting] definitely adds [many] different moods to the scene that sometimes the acting, singing, and dancing, can’t portray exactly,” Lasiewicz said. “Then there are different ways to position the lights so that there are different shadows on your face, so it’s very detailed.”

According to Lasiewicz, the artistic aspect and ability to get creative with the lights is the reason she chose to learn more about it and pursue lighting.

“After [taking] two lighting workshops, I realized that I really liked it and that it was interesting,” Lasiewicz said. “After that, I worked my butt off [in rehearsal] to get to where I am now.”

It is not easy to learn the mechanics of the stage lights, Lasiewicz explained, but she had the help of friends and mentors who seemed like experts in the art. “[A lot of ] my friends are in tech [crew], so this year I really dedicated more of my time to it than in the past,” Lasiewicz said. “[My friends] knew a lot about lighting,

8 LZ Life•march 2017

and they really took me under their wing when they [found out] that I was interested in [lighting] and they have been helping me and teaching me a lot.”

In learning how to control the lights, Lasiewicz also learned the different jobs associated with the lighting.

“I think lighting is important, and not only because it’s what I enjoy doing. Look around, [with everything you see], lighting has a part in it. [In your house, on buildings, sports, concerts], in my case, theater, lighting makes a show a show,” Kyle Bajor, senior in lighting crew, said. “It adds another dimension [to the scene], it drives the audience’s focus to where it’s supposed to be, it can mimic magic, it can evoke emotion, and it brings all the pieces together.”

Bajor has worked as both the lighting designer and an electrician, in addition to helping Lasiewicz learn the ins and outs of working with the lights.

“There’s a crew of electricians who hang [and focus] the lights, there’s a lighting designer, and an assistant lighting designer,” Lasiewicz said. “The electrician’s job is basically that after the shows, [they] help the lighting designer do electrical work.”

Although all of the electricians have different jobs, Lasiewicz said, they spend

lots of time working together to make the show the best that it can be.

“It’s a really long process, a lot of hard work and long hours go into it,” Lasiewicz said. “In the beginning of the process, [we meet] two to three times a week. Then it’s everyday, plus Saturdays.”

According to Lasiewicz, the entire crew dedicates their time and effort to perfecting all the pieces of the performance, and lighting is no exception.

“When things go wrong, we rehearse it so many times that we know what to do to fix it as quick as possible,” Lasiewicz said.

While rehearsals can be long, and require a lot of work, seeing the show come together makes all their hard work worth it, according to Lasiewicz. However, according to Bajor, Lasiewicz does not give herself enough credit.

“Lindsey has been awesome. It’s her dedication, personality, curiosity, and leadership skills. There’s never a dull moment around her, but once there’s work to be done, she’s asking questions, trying to learn as much as possible, and retaining it,” Bajor said. “Having her on the team is a great resource. I know I can trust her with a task and know that she will get it done, or ask around until she can get it done.”

Taking over the Field Student Council replaces dance, plans for field day Ria Talukder staff writer

Behind every successful homecoming dance, every foot stomping pep-rally, and every countless other school event that runs perfectly, there lies a team of students working hard at creating a well-oiled machine.

Student Council, with members from every year of the school, is that group.

“A lot of the events at this school are planned and perfected by Student Council,” Emma Wenckowski, senior and Student Council president, said. “We work behind the scenes on so much, like Charity Bash, for the student body to enjoy.”

Planning school-wide occasions does not come without its obstacles. Currently, Student Council faces the challenge of finding a new event to replace last year’s Blacklight dance, according to Christopher Bennett, teacher and Student Council sponsor. With the dance out of the calendar, the club’s spring slot is open for something new to excite the student body.

“We make decisions based on the responses [that] members get from their friends and peers,” Nathan Holbrook, junior member, said. “With Blacklight, we felt that the majority of people wouldn’t come again, so we decided to try something new.”

The opinion of the peo-

ple is the most important factor in Student Council’s decision on what their events will be, according to Wenckowski. Since Blacklight struggled to make a profit, members must consider what will appeal to the student body and be effective in terms of cost.

“Sometimes we get inspiration for new events from discussing and bouncing [ideas] off of each other or from past events we’ve done that have had great turnouts,” Wenckowski said. “And sometimes, we get inspiration from what we’ve noticed is successful at other schools.”

While nothing is official, Student Council’s newest idea is an activity resembling a field day. Student Council was inspired by Stevenson’s ‘Spring Fling,’ an event kicked off with an all school assembly before a day full of outdoor games: such as tug of war and volleyball, according to Wenckowski.

“The best thing about the field day, if we can pull it off, is that anyone can participate,” Wenckowski said. “It doesn’t matter if you play sports or if you are a varsity athlete.

You just need your enthusiasm and a couple of friends to have a good time.”

Bringing this idea to life is not a quick task. The possible field day must be planned and approved by administration before it’s made official. According to Holbrook, members must do all of this amidst club

elections and their own compacted schedules. Wenckowski agrees and says,“it’s definitely a time commitment.”

“Whether it’s weekly meetings, or a [Panera run] for officers to chat, a lot of responsibility is required.”

Student Council’s role spreads far and wide. Despite having a sponsor, it’s the students that meet every Wednesday to plan many of the major student events and activities. Officers meet outside of school to help pull off their events.

“I’m in charge of helping [the officers] with administrative things and letting them know what can and cannot work,” Bennett said. “[However] the majority of these events are student run. All major decisions are usually up to them.”

It’s this student leadership and freedom that makes the club a true representation of the school. Showcasing all parts of the school regardless of what clubs or sports you’re in is what Student Council is really all about, according to Holbrook.

“Looking at our club, you’ll see faces from every part of school,” Holbrook said.

“In the end, all of our Wednesday meetings are just about finding what can be exciting and fun for every single person in the student body.”

Photo Taken By: Ria Talukder

LZ Life•march 2017 97

More than Medicine Club provides medical field experience Chloe Faris

Whether it was for a broken bone or a yearly checkup, everyone has gone to the doctors once in their life. The people who tend to your flu shots and fill your cavities are all a part of the health science field. These adults have the same driving passion, and for some, it all began when they were students.

Medical Science club is open to all students who have an interest in learning about the human body, or students who want to pursue an occupation in the medical field. The club encompasses occupations from biomedical engineers to dentists, not just physicians or surgeons, according to Sharon Price, club sponsor.

“This club is so unique. I don’t think many other clubs can do what we do,” Michael Pardun, senior, said. “Members are just dedicated and motivated to deepen their interest levels in becoming a doctor and the community outreach is definitely important as well. That’s what separates us from other clubs, it is just the fun aspect that people like.”

While this club encompasses students who are passionate about the medical field, a big part of the fun aspect is the community outreach and helping out in the school, Pardun said.

“We volunteer at different events that promote community help and even just promoting community help at our school serves a benefit for the students,” Daniel Kraversky, senior club member, said. “Other clubs that do volunteering just volunteer to help other people out, whereas when we volunteer we actually volunteer to bring awareness of different health conditions and help the community be healthy in general.”

staff writer

While focusing on helping the community through 5K runs for Breast Cancer Awareness or volunteering at Feed my Starving Children, members of the club are also given the opportunity to experience the medical field early on. “[The club] gives students real world experiences outside of the classroom because they will never be able to experience it without applying for an internship or going to the doctors,” Brian Gorke, senior vice president, said. “People can explore what they want to do now, so they are not just going in blind.”

Providing experience for students is not the only thing that the club offers. Every month, a guest speaker comes to talk with students about their jobs. The club’s goal is to bring medical topics into the hands of students, according to the mission statement. “[The speakers] give us tips and guidelines for students to grow in the medical field and school,” Andrew Rifkin, senior president, said. “[We learned] language is a really big quality to have when interacting with patients. Having compassion is also a big part that we talk about, by being able to understand what patients are going through.”

Medical Science club allows the many students invested in the field to grow in their interests, but the club is also a way for any student to learn more about themselves, Price said.

“I really think students should join whether or not they are interested in something that is medical or health career based.” Price said. “If you go to the doctors, you better understand what they are saying so you can ask the proper questions and make the right choices for yourself.”

Experiencing the real world Daniel Kraversky, senior, was able to volunteer at a MDA camp.

“I had to do everything for my camper, Kraversky said. “I had to change him, and help him go to the bathroom. It doesn’t make you take life lightly.”

Helping to raise awareness “Last Mother’s Day, we volunteered for the 5k for Breast Cancer Awareness in Barrington,” Brian Gorke, senior vice president, said.

“We helped check people in and make sure the event was running smoothly.

Overall it was a very fulfilling experience, knowing you were helping out for a great cause!”

Testing to save lives “For the EKG [testing] we work with the charity who runs it, as well as the school,” Brian Gorke, senior vice president, said. “I felt it was worth the time we committed to the event, as someone I know had a heart murmur, and with this screening his life was saved before it got out of control.”

C O V E R

Learning to be MEDIA LITERATE “Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media.

Media literate youth and adults are better able to understand the complex messages we receive from television, radio, Internet, newspapers, magazines, books, [...] and all other forms of media.�

-Media Literacy Project

11

FIGHTING FAKE NEWS

Fake news may be taking over the internet, but there is a way to curb its presence Meggie Furlong social media manager

Did you hear that Miley Cyrus’ car broke down in Lake Zurich? That President Trump will release secret technology to the public? That China wants to start World War III? The questions posed are lies to attract readers to fake news stories, or articles that are based on falsehoods. These stories can even pass off inaccuracies as facts to the public, as if they were articles from the mainstream media.

“Our generation is taking that [fabricated] news at face value and believing it,” Megan Groeller, senior, said. “That is not ok because when you have news sources that are not reputable, you are undermining the power of the news and the news is such a powerful thing that you want to be in the right hands.”

When the news is not in the right hands, people fall prey to believing falsehoods, according to Groeller.

“A lot of it is financial. There’s a story

12 Cover•march 2017

about these two teen boys in Macedonia who fabricate all [this] political stuff and they get paid for how many clicks they get,” Julie Smith, media literacy professor at Webster University and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, said.

“These kids have no political dog in the fight. They don’t care who wins our election, but the more outlandish material they create, the more money they make. A lot of it’s clickbait, where sites will [publish] anything to get clicks, regardless of whether or not it’s true.”

Even when many stories seem farfetched, people will still share them, Groeller said. Many times, Smith said, people believe these fabricated stories because they want them to be true.

“Most of my college students last semester, for example, were very, very liberal and pro-Hillary Clinton and anti-Donald Trump. So, whenever I would show an example that made Donald Trump look

bad, and had been fabricated, my students would say things like, ‘well, I know this was probably fake, but I really want it to be true’,” Smith said. “I think that plays in so much to what we believe. If it affirms what we feel, and we agree with it, we’re less likely to check for authenticity.”

If people do not check for authenticity of a story, Smith warns, fake news will continue to dominate the internet. However, Smith points out how to decrease the presence of fake news.

“There should be media literacy implemented into your English class and your social studies class and your psychology class and your physics class and history. It is cross-curricular, meaning it really does fit everywhere,” Smith said.

“That’s a feature and a bug at the same time because it does fit everywhere, but because of that, typically schools don’t have a set aside media literacy course.

Teachers need training on how to do it

“I see [that people] call anything they don’t like ‘fake news’. Are we using it to describe sources we don’t like?

Are we using it to describe news we don’t like?

Are we using it to describe false information that is submitted just for clickbait? I think now it is a term people are throwing around. I wonder if it’s losing its power because we use it so much now.”

-Julie Smith, media literacy professor

and they just need ideas and resources.”

This cross-curricular practice is implemented into some classes at Lake Zurich, according to Eric Hamilton, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. “[Media literacy is taught] in almost any social studies class, in which you’re looking a political cartoon, or talking about any source document,” Hamilton said. “It really is a matter in any class that is using outside sources, we constantly, as teachers, work on making sure that we have vetted the source for reliability and that’s something we teach [students] too: to see if it’s a reliable source and to see if there’s a bias in it.”

Outside of battling fake news through teaching media literacy, the prevalence of fake news on social media can also be combatted.

On social media platforms, ‘there has to be some sort of filtration system to what is being posted,” said Groelller.

This idea of filtering the lies from the truth is something that Mark Zuckerberg, Founder

and CEO of Facebook, has been working on.

He outlined his plan to battle fake news on Facebook in a November 18 post. Some of these ideas include: stronger detection, third party verification, warnings, and the disruption of fake news economics.

However, Smith adds that the only real way to battle fake news is to teach readers to have ‘healthy skepticism.’ Smith also suggests that readers obtain their news from a variety of diverse sources and mediums.

“It’s kind of like, how in your friendship group, you know when somebody is telling you a story when they are embellishing?

You want to have that same perception about news,” Smith said. “Like that source, well I know that they’re really overdramatic, or they tend to exaggerate. You want to have that same filter for all the places you get news.”

Obtaining facts from a variety of sources and understanding how those sources will project the news is an idea that Lake Zurich teachers stress, according to Hamilton.

“[Students] need to know that every news outlet has bias. For us to fully educate [them], [they] need to make sure that [they] are aware that there are multiple lenses to which any event can be processed,” Hamilton said.

“For [students] to be educated, [they]need to be able to see the different lenses. If [they] look at one story presented by different news outlets, it will look entirely different. To be an educated person in society, [students] have to discern what [they] believe is factual.”

To find what is factual and what is fictional, Smith stresses the importance of educating readers through teaching students how to be media literate.

“Let everything be legal, but make sure we understand that the responsibility to figure out what’s true, valid, and meaningful, and real. It’s our job,” Smith said. “My description of media literacy is that we can’t change the message and we can’t change the sender, but we can educate the receiver. It’s our only option.”

Cover•march 2017 13

The Age of Influence: how media affects perception

Megan Monoson cover editor

“I think everyone, as a citizen of the world, should learn how to recognize what’s behind something,” said Joe Buzzelli, 2008 graduate and manager of brand content at a media agency called Mediavest Spark.

“I feel like, especially in the world where technology is advanced so much there’s just so much out there in terms of mass communication that you have to learn to make your own conclusions. It’s part of being a responsible human being.”

Being a “responsible human being,” however, is challenging if media users do not agree on media’s influence. In a recent Bear Facts survey about media literacy, 6.8 percent of respondents said media do not influence them at all, while 19.5 percent believe media influences them a lot. This comprehension gap may be due to students’ lack of understanding on the impact of media. According to a government website, Too Smart to Start, “by mid-adolescence, teens have watched many thousands of

14 Cover•march 2017

hours of television -- more time than they spend with teachers in school.”

One student, whose career revolves around media, says she has learned the purpose of media within society from the ways media have affected her. “[When] I did a photoshoot and the photographer sent out my pictures, I [ended up having] a meeting with Ford Modeling Agency because they wanted to talk to me,” Kendall Kearnan, sophomore model, said. “They said they liked my look and everything, but I was too tall. Even the agency I’m with now says I’m too tall.”

Kearnan says she has to lie about her height to get past media’s perception that models have to fit a certain “look.”

“I think that there should be a variety of different looks and different weights and heights because that’s not what [clothes are] going to look like on everyone,” Kearnan said. “If you do have the perfect body and everything [though], I guess it’s just normal for society to think ‘they’re perfect,’

but I do think that there should be more of a variety in media.”

Some companies are hearing consumers’ feedback about the desire for diversity and are altering their approaches of advertisement. Darren Rothermel, business education teacher, says not all companies are changing their approaches, but the ones changing are altering media overall..

“I think really smart companies are starting to realize that you can show people in realistic situations and get just as good of an outcome. It’s a much more diverse audience of everyone in commercials, in print media, and in everything [now],” Rothermel said. “I think the needle is starting to shift to where normal people can be just as important in advertising and marketing as your Kim Kardashians.”

Though there has been a shift to more realism in advertising and marketing, Rothermel still believes “known brands” are always going to be influential.

“There are so many different things

that marketing does to try and get people to purchase a product, and a lot of that has to do with having a known brand. There’s no doubt that advertising and marketing influence people’s perceptions,” Rothermel said.

“I kind of look at it from even a LZHS perspective. Ten or twelve years ago you would never see people wearing Converse shoes.

Now, Converse shoes are the shoe to wear if you’re a high school girl.”

On the contrary, Buzzelli believes younger generations, like those in high school, have also grown to question reliability before influenced to buy products solely because they are a “known brand.”

“Today’s consumer is more media literate, educated, and informed than any other generation,” Buzzelli said. “With the rise of technology, people have become smarter and entertainment and advertising reacted.

Obviously, with the advancement of technology, people have all the information in their pockets all the time so representations are becoming more inclusive.”

But, Buzzelli also says that diversity is not necessary and that companies just need to focus on their intent and approaching situations in responsible, authentic ways.

“A lot of times it makes sense for a [company] to give a relatable approach and put a spotlight on ‘regular’ people and showcase them; however, there are other times where it makes sense to put out messaging that is more aspirational: something people want to see to look up to,” Buzzelli said. “It all depends on what you’re trying to do.”

And if selling a product -- or an image -- is the goal of a company, some brands seem to have a specific look they want to continue to maintain.

“Brands like [Victoria’s Secret] purposely have skinny, tall models because it makes their clothes look the best and it makes their brand look the best,” Kearnan said. “The media has more of a variety now, though, so I think having plus-size models and more curvy models in for Victoria’s Secret would be cool: not just having stick

models for everything they advertise.”

But Kearnan says that some may never alter their approaches to their portrayal, even after seeing other similar companies change. According to Kearnan,this perspective is why she is still told she must to meet the unrealistic requirements to continue her passion for modeling.

“They said I need to get my measurements down: waist, bust, and hips. When I first signed, they said if I get too skinny they’ll let me go, but you look at the models with the agency and they’re so skinny,” Kearnan said. “So they try to tell people that they don’t want anorexic models, but when you look at the models they’re all so skinny.”

Kearnan’s perspective shows how a person surrounded by aspects of media knows how to be a “responsible human being,” as Buzzelli says. However, with continuous advances in technology that are causing more examples or mass communication, and a shift towards diversity, people will have even more possibilities for influence.

Cover•march 2017 15

Teach Media Literacy in School

Schools must work to improve media literacy amongst students.

Students must be able to determine trustworthy sources, and schools are perfectly situated to provide this education.

The Bear Facts Staff believes...

Everywhere people look, there are websites, news, TV shows, movies, books, and more, all trying to sell ideas. It is more necessary than ever for students to know how to understand all the messages in the world around them, and schools have a responsibility to help students become media literate.

In a recent Bear Facts survey of 300 people about media literacy, 51 percent of respondents reported that school has only somewhat prepared them for finding reliable information. Another 18 percent of students said they felt school had prepared them very little and 14 percent felt not at all prepared. Students spend nearly seven hours per day in a classroom setting, and these classes must start to include lessons in media literacy so students do feel prepared.

An easy way to teach media literacy is in English classes with research projects. Teachers should not focus so much on finding reliable sources because the other side of the issue, how to spot unreliable sources,

“How would you integrate media literacy into the classroom?”

16 Cover•march 2017

needs as much attention. Teachers heavily emphasize on databases, but once students leave high school, they will likely not have access to databases, let alone the patience to actually use them, so focus instead on how to find a good source just from a search engine.

Once students lose the access to school-provided databases, they are left to the vast expanses of Google.

If schools only teach about databases and no other information-finding tehcniques, they have wasted a valuable chance to teach students how to realistically find reliable sources and how to spot a site specifically made to fool. Once students are out beyond the high school sphere, they currently do not have the proper training to be informed consumers.

Media literacy can also be taught in History classes, such as how to be media literate and why, historically, it is important. The recent rise of clickbait and fake news mimics the past’s yellow journalism.

Science classes can integrate it in terms of “Is this study legitimate?”, which teaches valuing fact checks and critical reading of things that seem naturally un-

Andy Gatza, freshman

“In my opinion, schools already have ways of teaching it, they just don’t emphasize it enough. They already have the databases, and all you need to do is teach students to properly take advantage of what’s available to them.”

Aralia Pawlick, sophomore

“It’s important to start learning [early] because the internet is something everyone interacts with.

Integration in elementary schools should [include] examples of good vs. bad sources and ways to tell if something is trustworthy.”

BEAR FACTS STAFF PRINT EDITOR-INCHIEF

madison hart

DIGITAL EDITOR-INCHIEF

danna tabachnik

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

meggie furlong

SPORTS EDITOR

jemma kim

LZ LIFE EDITOR

dominique gertie

COVER EDITOR

biased. Studies can seem objective when they are not.

Everything can be slanted, even statistics, through careful selection or misrepresentation.

“To examine statistics more carefully and critically, we need to evaluate how and why the study is being reported,” according to Julie Dobrow from the Center for Media Literacy, on medialit.org. “We also need to learn more about how a study was conducted and who conducted it. Understanding these elements will enable us to evaluate what we can — and can’t — learn from the numbers we so often hear cited.”

When students place too much trust in the certainty of statistics, the school system has done them a disservice. In the Bear Facts survey, 50 percent of respondents said they rarely or never fact-check statistics. If a figure looks legitimate, people will take it at face value rather than taking the time to make sure the source is a quality study.

Instead, students should take time to examine studies and sources. Studies from obviously biased sources are untrustworthy, as they obviously have

motives. It is important for students to have classroom instruction how to examine studies, as well as how statistics can be manipulated to serve a purpose.

One simple practice is to look at the original study and deciding if the research methods are responsible.

Media literacy is important, not just in finding accurate, objective news, but also in helping young people establish their viewpoints and develop opinions. Having the facts and seeing convincing, fair arguments about topics can help students figure out what they believe, as well as giving them the skills they need to argue those beliefs in a passionate, yet evidence-supported way. Schools are a perfect place to teach such skills.

Today’s political and social climate is very polarized. Armed with proper tools, students can combat the false narratives they find to be informed consumers. It is too easy to lie on the internet, and people will easily believe things that sound legitimate. Schools can prevent students from going out into the world completely vulnerable to internet swindlers.

megan monoson SECRETARY

brianne saab

STAFF WRITERS

rachel brauer emma brumage-kilcourse chloe faris ian iacullo madi klein valerie multra ria talukder meghan warner jim weimer ADVISER

carolyn wagner BEAR FACTS STUDENT MEDIA

Lake Zurich High School 300 Church Street Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 540-4642

AMERICAN LITHO PRINTING

530 North 22nd St. Milwaukee, WI 53233

Ronan Kennedy, junior

“It’s kind of hard to teach.

When you’re [searching indpendently], it’s hard because any source pops up when you google things. Teachers can help generate a list of reliable sources or have us use the databases more often.”

Sara Panczyk, senior

“I know media can be dramatized, so we have to know how to separate facts from opinions. That can be integrated by watching different newscasts, looking at satire, or any other types of biased and unbiased things to analyze.”

Ian Silverman, English teacher

“The purpose of media is to sell you something, so you have to approach it as a consumer [and] understand the means by which you’re being sold to. You start seeing commonalities, and that makes you an educated consumer.”

Issue 3 Clarifications: On page 2, Anagha Rajagopalan’s name was misspelled.

On page 6, Morgan Coirier’s name was misspelled.

Cover•march 2017 17

S P O STATE R COVERAGE T S

This month, we celebrate those sports who, as of March 9, qualified for State Finals.

1.

Photo used with permission of Teagan Jones

1. POMS The varsity dance team finished their season with a 6th place finish at Conference and Sectionals. They finished 10th at State competing against all styles of dance and finished 9th at Nationals competing against hip hop teams. “It was a great year,” Sarah Gaughan, senior, said. “Our team is closer than we’ve ever been before, so that’s really awesome to see this year.”

2. SWIMMING Sophia Goushchina, sophomore, qualified for the 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle. Goushchina placed 26th in the backstroke with a time of 58.85 seconds and 21st in the freestyle with a time of 53.07 seconds. “My favorite part [of the season] is the pasta party with everyone. I love to sit down, eat some good pasta, and laugh with everybody,” Goushchina said.

3. GIRLS BOWLING The team earned 2nd in Conference and Regionals, and 4th at Sectionals, qualifying them for State. Amanda Tarlos (third from left), senior, went on to the second day of State and is now recognized as the 46th best bowler in Illinois. At State, the team came in 19th place. “I think what has helped us the most is being very close and comfortable with each other,” Tarlos said.

18 Sports•march 2017

2. Photos used with permission of Sophia Goushchina 3.

Photo used with permission of Amanda Tarlos

4.

Photo used with permission of Rachael Fischer

5.

Photos used with permission of Juliana Hood and Kyle Fleming

6.

4. CHEERLEADING The team finished 2nd at Conference, 3rd at Sectionals, and 7th at State. “[Cheerleading] taught me leadership skills and how to work well with people,” Ali Szady, senior, said. “The best thing about State was how we pushed through and were still able to hit a good routine.”

5. WRESTLING Josh Dyer and Kyle Fleming, seniors, were the only individual competitors to qualify to State. Wrestling went to the State Finals with an 18-5 season record and 4-3 in Conference, tying the school record for dual meet wins at 18. The largest win in the school’s history was against Farragut, where they were undefeated 84-0. “It was a nice ending, going out on the big stage, working all year to get there,” Dyer said. “Getting down [to state] with the best of the best, it is the way you want to go out.”

6. BOYS CROSS COUNTRY The team won Conference, Regionals, Sectionals, and finished 3rd at State with a total of 186 points.

This is the 9th year in a row the team has qualified to State. All State medalists were seniors Brian Griffith and Matt Pereira, who finished 5th and 6th, respectively. “Overall, the experience has been great,” Brian Griffith, senior, said. “[I’m] definitely going to miss the team, coaches, and memories of all the State meets.”

Photo used with permission of Brian McNair

Sports•march 2017 19

!

Photos by Bear Facts Staff, Melissa Weiner, and Bernard Melus

bearfacts Before Graduation look for the

next issue of