Issue 1 2015-16

THE

PROSPECTOR

801 WEST KENSINGTON ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056

taekwondo guru

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

connecting to heritage

Senior Marisa Romanelli defies stereotypes and earns her black belt in taekwondo.

Junior Emilia Wojcik stays connected to her Polish roots

by Polish folk dancing at her church.

@PROSPECTORNOW

VOLUME 55, ISSUE 1

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Movies and high school stereotypes

dedication unrelated to playing time

Students discuss whether movies impacted their view of high school.

For athletes, playing time isn’t everything when it comes to being on a team.

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Page 8-9

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Love is Love photo illustration by Cassidy Selep

BY GRACE BERRY Associate Editor-in-Chief *Name changed for confidentiality

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ssistant Principal for Student Services Luke Pavone was out in the city with one of his friends from an old job. They went out to lunch while they were getting pedicures Pavone found out the Supreme Court has legalized gay marriage across the U.S. “It was awesome,” Pavone said.

“It was a great feeling, and everyone was just so happy. We met up with a bunch of friends and just

celebrated because [gay marriage being legalized in the U.S.] is historic. It’s huge.”

On June 26, gay marriage was legalized across the U.S. in a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing the majority vote. While same sex marriage was already legal in 37 states, including Illinois, gay couples in the remaining 13 states had civil unions instead.

“It’s pretty awesome now that [same sex marriage] is legal across the U.S.,” Pavone said. “It’s pretty powerful. I never thought I would see it in my lifetime.”

Pavone and his husband had a civil union on May 11, 2013. Samesex marriage was legalized in Illinois by law in Nov. 2013 and went into act on June 13, 2014. Pavone and his husband got their marriage license a couple days after it became legal. ”I guess what I realized was the magnitude of [marriage],” Pavone said. “You have a lot more legal rights when you’re an actual married couple opposed to a civil union.”

These rights include right to your estate, tax benefits and making medical decisions for one’s

spouse when he or she can’t.

Junior Riley De Luca’s biological mom is lesbian, and she had a civil union in August of 2011.

De Luca’s moms then got their marriage license in 2013 when gay marriage was legalized.

According to De Luca, his moms thought being legally married was special. However, they’ve always said their marriage is just like anyone else’s, so it didn’t make a huge difference aside from the benefits of being legally married.

De Luca explained his moms kept their civil union ceremony small and invited only close family

and friends.

“I liked how we didn’t make it such a big deal because we can love whoever we want,” De Luca said.

“We don’t have to make it a huge event because it shouldn’t be. Who cares who you’re with?”

Pavone, on the other hand, had a bigger celebration, and after their civil union in 2013, Pavone posted his wedding video online.

“We just posted it because we were happy about it. It was great, and it was a great memento of our day,” Pavone said. “Every time we See HISTORIC, page 3

Calendar changes proposed for 2017-18 school year

BY KRZYS CHWALA & SHREYA THAKKAR Editors-in-Chief Possible school calendar changes for the 2017-18 school year were discussed at a joint district Board of Education meeting with feeder elementary school districts and Harper College on Sept. 15. It is the first time that the district has seriously considered the topic, and according to Board of Education President Alva Kreutzer, this was just the first discussion of many to come.

“I’ve sat 21 years on the Board of Education, and now it’s time to start a conversation,” Kreutzer said.

“Start a conversation with us and then bring it out to the outer community so we can get everyone’s thoughts. What’s possible? What’s impossible?”

Kreutzer would like the board to come to a decision within a year and a half.

“It’s still up in the air,” Kreutzer said. “It will have an end date, but we don’t have it right now.”

Potential calendars include the current calendar with finals after winter break, a calendar in which school starts and ends earlier, allowing finals to occur before break, and a variety of year-round calendar options (see “Year-round calendar options” on page three).

The district is also considering different start and end times of the school day. According to a statement published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) last year, school start times should be 8:30 a.m.

or later in order to combat teen sleep deprivation.

With everything on the table, there is a lot that goes into the decision making.

Although a calendar with final exams before break is students’ popular choice (see “Student Standpoints” for Prospect students’ initial opinions), this would eliminate the possibility of some winter concerts and activities because the week of finals and the week before must be set aside so students can study, according to district superintendent David Schuler.

When it comes to start and end times, Schuler doesn’t believe that starting later will ensure students would get more sleep, but he thinks it’s a conversation that needs to be had: one that will also consider available daylight for spring athletics.

“President Kreutzer has a lot of power, and even she can’t change when the sun sets,” Schuler said. “So what do you do if you start later? … But, on the other side of that, do you let athletics define your academic schedule?”

Regardless, all district schools will not have the same start times because of transportation scheduling. According to Kreutzer, the district saves about $500,000 in transportation costs by staggering start times.

When weighing the various options, Schuler wants to be sure to include the community in the decision process.

See CHANGE, page 2

10% yearround calendar

27% current calendar

Student Standpoints on school calendar According to a survey of 176 students, adopting a school year calendar with finals before winter break is the overwhelming majority.

In response, Board of Education President Alva Kreutzer said “Wow. That’s something to think about absolutely. I would think it would take the pressure off of students knowing they can relax over winter break.”

67% finals before winter break

2

News

ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

State still uncertain about SAT, ACT

BY RILEY LANGEFELD Executive News Editor

F

or the past 12 years, the state of Illinois has been in a contract with the ACT to give the exam to every high school junior at the state’s expense, but the contract only ran through the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

State legislators have not yet signed a contract with any testing company, leaving students and educators unsure of how to prepare for testing this spring. The major choices available to lawmakers are the ACT and the SAT. If the ACT is chosen, state-sponsored testing will continue as it has for the past twelve years. If the state chooses the College Board’s SAT, then some changes will come to Illinois high schools.

The SAT would be administered in place of previous years’ ACT, which was usually given in March. There is still uncertainty about what test sophomores will be taking at this time, as they were previously given the Institutional ACT (IACT).

But the possibility of the SAT coming to Prospect brings up some questions about the new conditions. The SAT has just been completely redesigned for the new year, and this year’s juniors will be the first students to take the new test.

The content of the test has been reformatted and edited to be more like the ACT. For example, the SAT previously had a section

TESTING PATIENCE: Juniors sit in Prospect’s PSAT prep class (see textbook on left). The state board of education hasn’t made a decision on whether to fund the SAT or the ACT for high school juniors. (Photos by Riley Langefeld) dedicated to vocabulary words that were materials in its curriculum.

“I’m actually pretty excited about the considered by many students, such as senior changes to it because it makes the test a lot Billy Doherty, to be irrelevant. The new test more relevant,” Associate has removed that section Scott McDermott and redesigned the reading I think [the new SAT] is Principal said. section, adding more visuals better than any test Even if the SAT is chosen and giving students more evby the state, Prospect will reidence-based questions. material I’ve seen so a national site for ACT Additionally, the test far. It’s a lot easier to main testing. no longer carries a penalty understand. It’s really “There are multiple ways for wrong answers. In past for kids to choose to go to years, students would be straightforward. I like college. We wouldn’t abandocked a quarter of a point that. don either of those ways,” for any incorrect answers, McDermott said. “The SAT which led to many students Ethan Rodriguez, junior isn’t the state-sponsored leaving blank spaces when test, but we still offer it here. they were unsure.

We would continue to do the “I think this is better than any test material I’ve seen so far,” ju- same thing with ACT.” Regardless of what test is chosen by the nior Ethan Rodriguez said. “It’s a lot easier to understand, it’s really straightforward. I state board of education, Illinois school districts may confront another potential problike that.”

To accompany the changes to the test, the lem. Facing a major budget hole after paying College Board partnered with Khan Acade- for other mandatory tests such as last year’s PARCC, the state may not foot the bill for the my, a non-for-profit website that offers educational videos on a wide range of topics. chosen college entrance exam. This scenario The organization has created new SAT and would leave local districts forced to pay out of pocket for the exams, which could mean PSAT test prep content that is available to all tens of thousands of dollars taken from disusers at no cost. Prospect’s PSAT prep class trict funds. has incorporated the use of Khan Academy’s

Goodbye, Vocab!

The newly revised SAT has removed the vocabulary section, known by students for its long, difficult words. Here are a few examples from previous SATs. • engender • abasement • harangue • labyrinthine • lachrymose • plaudit • abstemious • ephemeral • epicure

• acquiesce • conflagration • dalliance • fastidious • prosaic • pragmatism • treacly • sedulous • vacillated

Despite these obstacles, McDermott says that the district remains open to the possibility.

“The SAT is a very popular test [nationwide],” McDermott said. “If they made this change, it certainly would not put our kids at a disadvantage in any way.”

CALENDAR: Potential changes create discussion (continued from front page) “The goal is to have a purposeful, strategic, transparent conversation that moves as fast as the conversation should,” Schuler said.

To aid in the process, the board is forming councils of staff, student representatives from each school and Teacher-Parent Council (TPC) presidents. They also plan on sending out surveys and arranging listening sessions where community members can voice their opinions, similar to the sessions held last year regarding extra construction money. The district decided to build a pool at Prospect because of those sessions.

It’s also a priority to consider how changes to the District 214 calendar would affect feeder districts

and Harper College.

Feeder elementary school districts typically set their calendars in accordance to the high school districts, mostly because families often have children both in high school and middle or elementary school. According to Kreutzer, the board values coordination with feeder districts.

However, feeder districts don’t always follow the high school districts’ example. District 211 changed its calendar for the next school year to have finals before winter break, but District 54, one of their feeder districts with 20 schools, did not sign off on the same calendar. According to Kreutzer, District 211’s outcome will be taken into consideration next year,

Year-Round Calendar Options According to District Superintendent David Schuler, the Board of Education is considering is a year-round calendar.

“The concept of year-round schools has been around for decades probably,” Kreutzer said. “It’s not a new concept, although it would definitely be a new concept for district 214.”

Here are some year-round calendar ideas that will be considered: • Three of four weeks off around the Fourth of July and only four days of school each week for the rest of the year • Having nine weeks of school and then two weeks off in a cycle

as the board values coordination with feeder districts.

As for Harper College and other summer camps, if the district goes with a year-round calendar, students’ summer opportunities may be limited. If a calendar with an earlier end date is chosen, many summer programs would have to be rescheduled.

However Schuler is optimistic for a change, as the current calendar doesn’t match modern needs.

“It’s time for us to explore something other than a calendar based on agrarian needs — having the kids off in the summer to farm.

That’s not a priority for us,” Schuler said.

While Schuler’s previous school district in Wisconsin where students had “bring-your-tractorto-school days” and needed the summer off to farm, he wants to adopt a calendar that would be ac-

Check out my Soundcloud soundcloud.com/ hamzah-zulqadar

DAY BY DAY: Board members meet to discuss possibly calendar changes for the 2017-2018 school year. Changes could include the placement of first semester finals before spring break. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Delgado) ademically beneficial as possible.

“We’re not going to rush to get something done. We’re not going to force anything through,” Schuler said. “I’m a 12-month employee, so

it doesn’t matter to me. Whatever is going to be in the best interest of students and families is what I think we need to look at.”

ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

News

3

New art class combines with tech Why do you like the new graphic design class?

“It’s really awesome that we get to use computers. [because] art is usually considered something you do on pen and paper.”

Luke Finder, junior

“It’s really fun and you get to use your creativity with a bunch of different programs.”

Annabelle Norton, sophomore

“It’s a lot of fun [because] we get to use the technology to be creative” Teddy Eckhardt, senior

BY AMBER ALERTA News Editor

T

he wait, at least for Assistant Principal Jovan Lazarevic, is over.

After six years of waiting for funding, equipment and support, Lazarevic’s wish for a graphic arts program to come to Prospect has come true.

This year, a graphic arts design class, taught by Andre Poisson, was added to the Career and Technical Education curriculum.

Because Stevenson High School decided to stop their graphic arts program, the plan to bring the program was implemented three years earlier than expected after Prospect received large amounts of equipment from Stevenson.

According to Poisson, while some equipment was given to other schools in the district who already had graphic arts programs such as Hersey and Buffalo Grove, Prospect was given most of the core pieces of technology such as the screen press, so the class would be able to do large scale projects like printing designs on T-shirts.

“We were able to hit [the ground] full-running this year,” Poisson said. “We just totally lucked out. Our program wasn’t going to be this large to begin with, but now students are going to be able to do everything all the other schools can do.”

Lazarevic is looking forward to seeing what students can create with the new equipment. Students have already created street signs and cartoon characters using Adobe Illustrator.

“I think students will be able to really gain something out of [this class],” Lazarevic said. “Even students who aren’t [very] artistic in their nature can now see, ‘I don’t have to do it on a canvas. I can do it this way, or I can still do it on a canvas with screen-printing.’”

While there is only an introductory class in the graphic arts program, Lazarevic and Poisson are excited to see it grow. With over 90 students signed up for Graphic Arts Design, they see a promising future for the new graphic arts department.

“I’m really into art,” senior Mercedes Walter said. “My mom works with Photo-

shop, and so I thought it would be cool to learn.”

After students take the class, students will have the opportunity to take Advanced Graphic Arts Design, a dual-credit course with Harper College. With this class, students will take classes at Prospect, but receive college credit at Harper.

“Once students see the value of the class and see how they can use this class in many different aspects of their lives, I think students will flock to it.” Lazarevic said.

CREATIVITY: These are graphics made by students in graphic arts design. They were created using Adobe Illustrator, a program for creating vector images. Graphics by top (Mercedes Walter), middle (Mitchell Tapia), bottom (Danielle McCarthy)

HISTORIC: Gay marriage legal, discrimination lingers CONTINUED from front page see it, we cry.”

The Huffington Post and other news sites found the video and posted it with a short story on their websites. It was viewed by over 300,000 people in about 50 different countries, and Pavone hopes that video, while a special memento from his and his husband’s day, helps people understand his marriage is just like anyone else’s.

“If we just affected one person’s opinion [through the video] about what marriage really is — it’s not about being gay or straight; it’s just about being able to love the person you want to love and just having that equality — then I think it’s awesome,” Pavone said.

“I think social media has definitely helped out.”

Junior Derek Jones* is gay and agrees that social media can make a positive impact, but he also thinks sometimes people spread negativity revolving topics like gay marriage by arguing online. “[Social media] has helped, but there has also been a lot of bashing and Twitter fights,” Jones said. “But I definitely think the exposure over social media will help the acceptance of it.”

De Luca found out that gay marriage was legalized across the U.S. from checking social media. He was really excited about FAMILY PHOTO: Junior Riley De Luca smiles for a photo with his moms. De Luca exthe news and thought it was awesome how plained he hopes in the future people don’t have to explain being gay. “You shouldn’t have quickly the story spread. to talk about [being gay] or explain it,” De Luca said. “It just is.”

“It’s so cool how it’s getting so much momentum and thinks it’s moving in the marriage. coverage because [it’s] so important [that] right direction.

Pavone also explained that the Supreme people can [legally] love whoever they want “I’m glad [same sex marriage being legalCourt’s 5-4 vote is a tell-tale sign that there now,” De Luca said. ized] is kind of [not an] issue anymore, and is still more work to do in fighting for rights Although gay marriage is legal, there and not discriminating against gays. He we can move on to a little more important are people who still don’t agree with it. In a believes same sex marriage being legalized things,” Pavone said.

Public Religion Research Institute poll, 54 Jones agrees and thinks there is still across the U.S. has given the issue forward percent of respondents said they support gay

“I hate the term gay marriage because it’s just marriage. Just because it is a same sex couple getting married, it’s not different,” Jones said. “I just think the terms that we use are so stupid. I think it should just be marriage. It’s just two people legally binding their relationship.”

Derek Jones, anonymous junior progress that needs to be made in accepting gays. He dislikes how some people act artifical around him because he’s gay.

“Being gay in a high school community, there are people who are going to just be awkward about it and pretend to be OK with it,” Jones said.

Jones thinks the next step in further supporting gays is treating them like everyone else.

“I hate the term gay marriage because it’s just marriage. Just because it is a same sex couple getting married, it’s not different,” Jones said. “I just think the terms that we use are so stupid. I think it should just be marriage. It’s just two people legally binding their relationship.”

De Luca agrees and hopes in the future our society can get to a point where people don’t have to explain being gay.

“You shouldn’t have to talk about [being gay] or explain it,” De Luca said. “It just is.”

4

News

September 25, 2015

ProspectorNow.com

Heart rate monitors beat into P.E.

BY JORDAN DUSHANE News Editor

W

hile sophomore Anna Cooper was in lifestyle fitness, she was given a heart rate monitor as part of a new fitness program at Prospect established through a partnership with Polar, a company that makes fitness tracking equipment.

Prospect purchased a new heart rate monitor for every student enrolled in a gym class. The bands were $13 each and will be put into use as teachers become more familiar with the technology.

Physical education teacher Carrie Black believes most classes will use them every day because they are easy to use.

Once the heart rate monitors are attached, teachers can see students’ data on their iPads and TV screens.

The heart rate monitors have two pieces: the sensor and the band. Students will store the bands in their gym lockers and will be responsible for them.

However, the sensor that goes in them will be kept with teachers.

The band goes under a student’s shirt and snaps closed. There are a few size options that are adjustable.

When students get to class, they snap a sensor, provided by their teacher, into the band, and it records the data.

According to Assistant Principal Jovan Lazarevic, teachers will control when and how they use the monitors.

Teachers were given the monitors last school year after three years of considering the decision.

Hersey High School has used heart rate monitors since 2014, and they have grown in popularity with personal trainers and local gyms like Orangetheory.

Prospect first got the idea to use heart rate monitors as a solution to physical education teachers trying to figure out a way to grade objec-

RACING THE CLOCK: Freshman Aryana Horton wears a heart rate monitor underneath her shirt while using a bike in the fitness center. This year Prospect bought a heart rate monitor for each student enrolled in a physical education class. “I think it [the heart rate monitors] motivate some students and actually give them cognitive learning in our [gym] classes,” physical education teacher Carrie Black said.

“They’ll actually learn how their body reacts, and how they can make themselves better to get [a] better heart rate.” (photo by Cassidy Selep) tively instead of subjectively.

Teachers learned about the bands last year while they went through a training seminar taught

by Polar.

Throughout last year, teachers held meetings to plan how they would incorporate the bands into the classroom.

“I think it will motivate some students and actually give them cognitive learning in our [gym] classes,” Black said. “They’ll ac-

tually learn how their body reacts, and how they can make themselves better to get [a] better heart rate.”

According to physical education teacher Aaron Marnstein, this is important to students because they will compare their heart rate from the beginning of the year to the end to see their improvement.

Senior Johnny Rodriguez does not think they will change how he works in gym.

“I feel like they are just a waste

of time and money for the school,” Rodriguez said. “They’re wasting money on people who don’t actually exercise.”

According to Marnstein, these heart rate monitors will take gym class from a group activity to a personal activity.

Students will have access to real-time data gathered from their workout on a web-based program.

The data will show how many calories they burned and how many

minutes they were in their target heart rate zone.

According to Black, it is important to know how long students workout in their target heart rate zone because it helps individualize students’ workouts. For example, students can work at their own pace by getting their heart rate up to their target zone, and then back down to their resting rate before repeating the process.

At Prospect, the bands will be collected at the end of the year to go through a process of cleaning before being used the following year.

Heart rate monitors aren’t the only technology being used in classes.

According to Marnstein, physical education teachers have used iPads and cellphones in class over the past few years. They are trying to use more technology in class because it gives students feedback and enhances their learning.

“It is really difficult to use technology because of the price,” Marnstein said. “These individual pieces are expensive, so if we don’t have them, it’s kind of hard to get them.”

Marnstein thinks media is helpful in classes. For example, he has used Youtube to show concepts that he is teaching in class.

Marnstein has used a motion analysis app with his students. He would have one student film the other doing an exercise, so they could go back and watch it for motion patterns.

“I think it integrates everything that’s going on in the rest of the building and as well as in society,” Lazarevic said. “Today people are walking around with Fitbits, and they’re learning how to count their steps, and what that means for calories and things like that, so I think again, physical education has its objectives they need to teach, but I think they also need to be a part of education in the whole and teach you how to use those things.”

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ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

5

Opinion

Online course skips standards Staff Editorial

*Name changed for oonfidentiality

A

t the end of last school year, about five juniors earned a D or an F in 80’s precalculus and needed to take summer school.

Since the district doesn’t offer a precalculus summer school course, students were given two options: either take a course through an online program called Brigham Young University (BYU) for $144 or take a course at Harper College.

The students’ grades are then replaced on their transcript, although it is indicated that the course was retaken.

Most of the students decided to take the BYU course, consisting of seven lessons, each with an opennote, 25-question multiple choice quiz called a “speedback” assignment. The speedback assignments make up 56 percent of a student’s final grade, and the other 44 percent

Ultimately, students can fabricate comes from a school-proctored, 56 percent of their grade with ease. closed-book final exam taken at the According to Math Science Diviend of the course. sion Head Keith Bellof, he was preHowever, the BYU course fails viously unaware to reach the caliabout the option ber of a Prospect to pay to retake class. The openspeedback assignnote speedback ments. assignments have no time limWe, the Prosit, and students pector, understand can pause the second chances are quiz and work on vital in creating a it later. Because healthy learning of the class’s flexenvironment, but ible nature, stuthe BYU course dents can easily Voting results of the Pros- is counterproducenter questions tive. The ease of pector staff in regards to onto mathway. grade manipulathis editorial. com, easycalculation crosses lines of tion.com, or the countless other morality and does not foster learnsolution websites that spit out aning; the course should have been swers instantly. replaced years ago. Admittedly, But the most unethical aspect of fewer than ten kids take the course the online course is the option to reeach year, but it’s not just about take speedback assignments, with those few kids, it’s about what Prosthe exact same questions, for $10. pect students represent. Prospect’s

22

For

1

Against

standards are high and should be kept high across the board.

The most apparent breach of those standards is the ability to pay for, ultimately, a higher grade.

“I paid $20 to change two of my [speedback assignment] grades,” senior Zoe Lee* said. “From an ethical standpoint, it shouldn’t be like this, but due to the circumstances, I had to do what I had to do.”

Lee’s D in 80’s precalculus has been changed to an A because of the BYU class, and it has even helped boost her GPA. Because of the loopholes, the BYU course does not encourage genuine learning. According to Bellof, the district is exploring multiple second-chance learning opportunities and may find a replacement for the BYU course.

For over the past decade, the district has irresponsibly offered a course that they didn’t look at closely enough, and it’s time for that to stop.

Making it modern versus keeping it classic Recent physical changes have taken away a once traditional aesthetic, and left behind white walls There is no denying my adoration for things that are old and eclectic. I frequently sport high top Chuck-Taylor’s and wear my thick glasses with pride.

BY BRIDGETTE JASINSKI My passion for the Rolling Stones is Exec-Opinion Editor probably unhealthy.

I have a growing record collection, and it would be a sin to say the ‘67 Chevy Impala isn’t hotter than the WHITE CASTLE, WHITE WALLS: Recent changes, including the removal of the ath2015. letic achievement pictures in the P.E. hallway, have been replaced by white paint. These However, change is unavoidable. It is going to happen, and it is often not a bad thing. changes eradicated a once had classic appeal. (cartoon by Veronica Holloway) Change offers a chance to improve and develop things for the better. However, it is a wall”; it was an added incentive to work hallway near the boys’ locker room. Though fallacy to believe that change is always su- hard all season long. Parents, teachers and this is still technically a “temporary” perior. Things that are “old” and unchanged siblings were on the walls. It was something change, it is something that students will are considered classic. It is something of a that symbolized the promise of what lies be- have to get used to as it correlates to contimeless quality. Things that are classic are yond the now plain walls of Prospect. struction of the pool. Frankly, the hall reunique; they have personality and a story.

This loss of tradition can be attested to by sembles the alleyway where Bruce Wayne’s Prospect seems to have a lack of appreci- long-time Italian teacher, Lyn Scolaro, who parents got shot. The perpetual stale odor ation for such things and instead has a ten- has taught at Prospect for 24 years. Scolaro only compliments the pre-existing lingering dency to evoke change without considering agrees that it was indeed a rather disappoint- smells coming from the locker room, but I student opinion. The recent physical chang- ing decision to remove the pictures. suppose it is a sacrifice that must be made es to the school are not only With with plans of color, for the beloved, costly pool. bland in their “modern” and decor, as well as the adThis stale hall reflects the effects that Top 5 plain wall stylings, but the lack of vimonition of an interior de- restraints on student-based creativity hold. coverage ideas brancy takes away from the sign consultant remain in- Students have been ill-informed as to what previous “lived in, learned authentic without the use of the changes are truly going to encompass.

1. Gather all the AP Art stuin” atmosphere. dents and have them go at it. student-wide input. Planned There has been a significant lack of inquiWhat exemplifies this out decor, and falsification ry towards the student body regarding perfectly is the recent reof youth creativity lacks changes, nor was there any warning per2. Blue senior handprints moval of the pictures that meaning. taining the removal of the pictures that with signatures. lined the P.E. halls, as well Though Minter prompts once lined the halls. It is undeniable that as the actual hallways. This students to rest assured, the change is inevitable, however it is insensi3. Fish Tanks tore down something that plain walls are only tempo- tive to presume that students don’t want to gave Prospect interesting rary. There is promise of be informed on changes to a place that they character and personality.

Prospect returning to its spend a majority of their time.

4. Have each club create a The pictures that lined the former high-school appearThere was no student input regarding banner & hang them down walls were like the Rayance. According to Minter, the removal of the pictures in the halls, and the hall Ban glasses on a once claswith plans of redecorating, though they are being replaced by somesic looking hallway. The there shall thankfully come thing “modern” and “advanced” it has 5. Paint them blue, or any classic appeal was instead the use of student input. taken away a unique appeal that gave the color that isn’t blindingly replaced by, you guessed it, Although temporary, school character and spunk. It was a claswhite paint. the drab brick walls with sic look, and it was decided best to instead white.

Associate Principal, their Edward Cullen-pale paint it white. The Rolling Stones would be Greg Minter contends to the shade of white come across ashamed. fact that the decision to remove the pictures as unappealing and prison-like, but if I recall For the time being the white walls of the was solely administrative. correctly “Orange is the New Black” even white castle are something that must be tolReplacing the photos that no longer line portrayed it as permissible for the prisoners erated. The changes that have been done are the walls will be two, 55-inch touch-screens to decorate on special occasions. However, irreversible, but just because the old is gone that display these photos. One screen will be due to the newly refurbished, fresh paint- does not mean that we cannot appreciate the placed outside the theatre, and the other in ed walls; hanging posters and decor in the appeal it once had. the field-house foyer. Though this modern commons may not be permitted for clubs The halls of pictures are like The Beatles; twist holds some benefits (and holds more like Student Council, JAMM, or for hanging the white paint is One Direction. Though images), the photos being digitalized takes birthday posters. What’s left to look at are what was old and classic is superior, we away from a unique, traditional aesthetic. plain walls, and dingy lockers. must learn to accept the unavoidable change Athletes strived to earn a place on “the Dingy can also describe the unfinished that time has brought along.

staff Editors-in-Chief Krzys Chwala Shreya Thakkar Copy Editors Diana Leane Mike Stanford Associate Editors-in-Chief Grace Berry Marci Kiszkiel Online Editor-in-Chief Caroline Binley Online Managing Editors Lauren Miller Molly Mueller Online Sports Editor Ryan Molini Online A&E Editor Anna Indelli Broadcast Editors Alyssa Duetsch Erin Schultz News Editors Riley Langefeld Amber Alerta Jordan Dushane Jack Gabriel Opinion Editors Bridgette Jasinski James Estrella III Features Editors Flynn Geraghty Jess Darcy Caley Griebenow In-Depth Editors Jack Ryan Kelsey Philippe Entertainment Editors Isabelle Rogers Cassidy Delahunty Garrett Strother Sports Editors Devin Prasad Ben Dojutrek Jack Ankony Visuals Editor Cassidy Selep Adviser Jason Block Mission Statement The primary purpose of the Prospect High School Prospector is to report news as well as explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We, the Prospector, hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions.

The Prospector is published by students in Journalistic Writing courses. Some material is courtesy of MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Advertising For ad rates, call (847) 718-5376 (ask for Krzys Chwala or Shreya Thakkar), fax (847) 718-5306 e-mail or write the Prospector, 801 West Kensington Rd., Mount Prospect, IL 60056, prospectornow@gmail.com.

Letters to the Editor Drop off letters to the Prospector in the box in the library, in Rm. 216 or email letters to prospectornow@gmail.com. All letters must be signed. Limit letters to 400 words. The Prospector reserves the right to edit letters for style and length.

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Opinion

September 25, 2015

ProspectorNow.com

Small mistakes, big problems W

of said admission officers found things that hether you’re a freshman or had a negative effect on the applicant. a senior, you’re likely aware Because, as we all know, you should that a perfect track record is most definitely be held accountable for the required for the honored privilege of givmistakes you made as a teenager for the ing away your life savings to the school of rest of your life. It might have been nice to your dreams. To those who have managed put down Yale on a future job to keep their flaws hidden from resumé, but that huge argument the blessing and curse that is soon Facebook from 4 years ago cial media, good luck at college! is coming back to haunt you.

To those who found themselves Should have known better; you tagged in party photos, it must were 14 after all. be hard seeing everyone in their It’s no secret that teenagers college T-shirts. aren’t usually allowed to be, well, With social media in its teenagers, and social media has prime, it makes sense that colBY MARCI KISZKIEL made it far easier for colleges to leges would be looking at student Associate dig up teens’ dark pasts. accounts for quick background Editor-in-Chief However, teenagers shouldn’t checks. It also makes sense that have to live in fear of an admiscolleges would reject possible sions officer stumbling onto a students due to less than favorless than flattering post. able posts found on said accounts.

Rather than judging teens based on According to the New York Times, A whether they were well-rounded adults 2013 questionnaire revealed that 31 percent from the second they entered high school, it of 381 college admissions officers said they’d makes more sense to observe how someone visited applying students’ Facebook or other has grown throughout those crucial four social media accounts to learn more about years. Be that through interviews or essays, them. More concerning is that 30 percent getting to know someone through social media does not paint a complete picture.

Your Albums

Night on the town ;)

It’s understandable that colleges want the best and brightest, but even the greatest students stumble every now and then. It doesn’t mean they’re bad people or that their accomplishments are any less impressive; it just means they’re human.

Let’s be real. Teenagers are going to make tons of dumb mistakes. Nobody is perfect.

We shouldn’t undermine the importance of self growth; some people have it all figured out from the start, and others need time to figure out what is important to them.

Likewise, just because one student didn’t have their mishaps shared with others doesn’t mean they’re any better than someone who did.

We should deal with our consequences for our actions, but when colleges look at your social media account, they’re doing it in order to get to know you better. A wild guess says that you aren’t exactly the same person at 14 as you are when you begin applying to colleges.

Sweet 16 !!! <3

\ Getting to know all about you According to usnews.com, a 2011 survey revealed that 24 percent of 359 colleges use Facebook and other social media sites in order to check out applicants. 12 percent of respondents to the Kaplan Test Prep survey said things they’d found on applicants’ social media accounts, such as vulgar language or illegal activities (including drinking) in photos, had negative impacts on said applicants.

Freshman year at Harvard!

Graphic by Marci Kiszkiel

Gosh darn it!

Swearing shows a lack of manners in today’s teens

show bad manners for our generation and is disrespectful for those around the swearer.

With swears being used more, less and less of a reaction occurs.

People simply do not care about I recall little-me back in fifth hearing cuss words. grade when I was just understandThe American culture has being swears. Hearing one was about come tolerant of swears. For examas common as seeing someone use ple, right now one of a white crayon, which the top songs is “The was never. No one reHills” by WEEKND. ally swore. If one was It is placed at nummentioned, the reacber five on billboard. tion others showed com’s top 100s chart. was as if someone just This song drops 15 confessed to murder. f-bombs.

Skipping ahead to Only 0.7 percent seventh grade, hear- BY JAMES ESTRELLA III of everyday laning swears became a Opinion Editor guage is a swear as regular occurrence. It stated on psychocould occasionally get logicalscience.org. That’s hardly a turn of the head, but not frequentanything, Phhsss. Thinking about ly. Even when watching movies, a it though, that is almost the same swear would only make your eyes number of times pronouns are widen just a little bit. said. We address people as much According to the United States as we swear. Sometimes both at Movie Rating Association, one the same time! swear results in a PG-13 rating.

The American race is known as Two swears is all it takes for a a mean one. I wonder if it is parmovie to earn an R rating. tially due to our vocab. Our entire If the U.S. Movie Rating Associuse of swears is just plain rude! ation viewed the day of a student, it This raises a question: how would be rated R. Walking through come people swear? the the hallways, hearing swears “It just feels more natural,” is quite abundant. Swearing is as senior Peter Hong said. “Like if common as saying the word “like” something is a piece of s***, … it for some people. Swears have lost feels like it is a piece of s***.” their impact on society.

According to a study by slate.

With swears becoming common com, swears are caused by emovocab for people, the use of them tions. When angry, swears tend to makes them sound vulgar and unpop out 85 percent of the time. educated. The use of curse words

HOLY COW: With swears becoming part of common speech, people are less inclined to see them as rude mannerisms and people accept it as the norm. (Cartoon by Veronica Holloway) Swears are not the only words needed to express feelings. Shoot and darn are alternatives, but these are less common.

Even though alternatives are less common, they can still help get points across. Spongebob never swore, yet he still expressed himself when things went bad. He said.

“Barnacles,” or “Tartar sauce.”

Yes, it is a kid’s show, so he would

not swear in front of children, and neither should you.

Also, people do not swear to their bosses or elders. It is seen as a lack of respect. Friends should be given the same respect as higher-ups and not have to hear a barrage of filthy words.

Instead of using curses, we can use other words. People do not sound “cool” saying swears. They

sound stupid. It is seen as a lack of education and is unneeded.

Swears are going to fall out. It is just something that will happen.

One thing that could be changed is the frequency of said swear. As a culture and as people, we can mature and pass the point of using vulgar language when communicating with peers.

ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

Features

Scholar shows both brains and brawn

Through hard work, Romanelli beats the odds, excels in taekwondo

BY FLYNN GERAGHTY Executive Features Editor

I

f people were to describe Marisa Romanelli, they would probably say “smart” or “scholarly.” But, what they may not think to say is “black belt”.

A participant in Science Olympiad, KLC Tutoring, Women in STEM and Orchestra, Romanelli is a familiar face around Prospect. But even with all of her accolades, Romanelli would consider her most outstanding achievement receiving her black belt in taekwondo because it did not come easy to her.

The fact that Romanelli is in taekwondo may surprise some people, and it actually surprises Romanelli herself.

“I don’t [even think] I expected to do taekwondo,” Romanelli said. “It just sort of happened.”

The summer of 2008, was uneventful for Romanelli. Her father then suggested she take “I used to be this shy, wimpy a taekwondo class since person, [but] now I feel more her older half-brother, confident after learning Patrick, had enjoyed it.

So Romanelli, bored out taekwondo, after trying of mind, took him up on something out of my comfort zone. the offer. ... I had to work at [this] and it’s Her first class was a confusing blur. She had made me more determined and, no idea what was going yeah, even a little bit stronger.” on. However, this did not stop her from trying.

Marisa Romanelli, senior “[I wanted to] keep improving myself [and]

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for our new weekly regular feature called “Goals of the Week.” Here’s a sampling of what you have missed so far:

get better at something,” Romanelli said. “I’m not naturally good at taekwondo, and I had to work to do well at it, and that commitment, that need to put in the work, keeps me coming back.”

Starting with simple blocks and forms, Romanelli kept moving forward in the sport. A year after she started, her younger sister, Angie, saw how much fun her sister was having and joined her in the Dojang.

“It’s nice having her there, but sometimes I feel like she’s better than me,” Romanelli said. “But I still outrank her, and [I] will never [let her] forget that!”

A few years after starting the class, the then 14-yearold Romanelli prepared herself to earn her black belt.

Romanelli had a long list of tasks to perform. She had to show off every form and self defense technique she’d ever learned in addition to some basic fight moves. She also had to perform a demonstration in front of her class and fight two black belts at once, which Romanelli says is “terrifying and immensely difficult.”

After completing all of these tasks, Romanelli’s black belt was put on by her teacher, Grand Master Wood. Her fellow black belts lined up and she shook each of their hands. In that one moment, Romanelli truly felt like a black belt.

“It felt like I was one of them,” Romanelli said.

“I belonged with these people who I’d respected for so long. [Becoming a black belt] was like growing up. It was the first moment in my life where I stopped feeling like a kid.”

Romanelli’s mother, Amy, was equally proud of her daughter for achieving this feat.

“Getting her black belt was a real challenge for her, but she just kept working and working and working,” Amy said. “It was really neat to see her finally get it.”

Even though it was difficult, Marisa is grateful that her father offered her the chance to take taekwondo all those years ago.

“I used to be this shy, wimpy person, [but] now I feel more confident after learning taekwondo, after trying something out of my comfort zone,” Marisa said. “Normally you try things you’re good at, and you stick with them because you’re good at them. I had to work at [this] and it’s made me more determined and, yeah, even a little bit stronger.”

Goal: For his band to get some work done in the recording studio.

Senior Dylan Cessna Week of Sept. 2

KICKIN’ IT: Senior Marisa Romanelli shows off some of her taekwondo moves. Romanelli considers earning her black belt in the sport to be one of her biggest accomplishments.

“Becoming a black belt was like growing up,” Romanelli said. “It was the first moment in my life when I stopped feeling like a kid.” (photos

by Cassidy Selep)

Goal: To cram for the PSAT coming up and to fit in practice time for Mixed Company.

Nothing offsets studying like dancing!

Junior Brendan McGovern Week of Sept. 9

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8

In-Depth

September 25, 2015

Diversity, more than t Polish princess prevails

BY JACK RYAN EXECTUVIE IN-DEPTH EDITOR

Junior Emilia Wojciak wore her traditional red, white and black Polish dress, while she rode a bus to the city. She was heading to a church event that has been engraved in her life ever since she could dance.

Wojciak walked into the church of Basilica St. Hyacinth in Chicago on Christmas Eve, with traditional dress on, and dance shoes ready so she can perform in front of elderly people at her church.

As the years have passed for Wojciak, she has realized that she needs to embrace her Polish heritage.

“I feel like Poland is my home, and [that] it is important to continue the culture has [for] hundreds of years been a part of my family,” Wojciak said.

When Wojciak was growing up, she did not realize she needs to appreciate where she came from. As she has grown up, Wojciak realizes that she needs to keep her Polish heritage alive and appreciate what makes her special.

Whenever Poland would come up in her AP World History class, Wojciak would be the first one to raise her hand and share her knowledge about Poland.

Not only is Wojciak proud to be Polish, she wants others to be proud of their culture and ethnicity. She wants other people to be who they are and show that they are proud to be their heritage.

Wojciak encountered a Polish student last year in her AP World class who was insulting Polish people and their culture by saying that the only good thing Poland offers to the world is their alcohol.

When Wojciak heard this, she went up to the student and confronted him about why he was saying those things. She told that student and her class that Poland has so many other goods things to offer besides alcohol.

“I’m really patriotic [about being Polish,] so when someone was criticizing or making fun of [Poland,] I get really defensive [about it],” Wojciak said.

Wojciak hopes to pass on her Polish pride along to her younger siblings and eventually to her children, so they understand the importance of being Polish. According to her the importance of being Polish is for her to show people who she is, and what she is all about.

She plans to do that by talking to her younger siblings and her children about where their ancestors came from and what Polish culture is all about as her parents taught her.

“Whenever I fly to Poland, I really try make sure to take care [my heritage because] this is who I am, and this is my culture,” Wojciak said. “I have younger siblings now, and I try really hard to enforce on them that this is your culture, and to speak Polish, learn Polish and to be Polish.”

All around the world with Ali

Although 77.2 percent of students at and ethnically diverse, contrary to co than just skin color. Diversity is wha has lived, who they have met, what la much more contribute to diversi

BY KELSEY PHILIPPE IN-DEPTH EDITOR

Senior Ali Jehn may seem like she doesn’t have much experience with diversity at first sight, but once you get to know her and hear about the places she’s been and lived, you’ll realize that her diversity stems from the the cultures she has experienced from traveling across the world.

Q: Favorite place you’ve ever been?

A: “I’m sort of biased because I lived in New Zealand, but I loved New Zealand. They have the ocean. They have mountains. It was just absolutely beautiful. The weather is temperate, [and whether it’s the] rainy season or dry season, the temperatures stays the same.”

Q: Favorite specific location in New Zealand?

A: “I used to live in Auckland, and there’s this beach called Muriwai Beach. When I was little we used to go there every Sunday to watch the sunset, sit on the beach [and] eat fish and chips. I went back last Thanksgiving break and did that again [for]the first time in 8 years. It was really beautiful, you don’t realize how much you should’ve appreciated something until you get to go back and see how much you really had.”

Q: What’s the biggest cultural difference you’ve noticed between locations?

A: “It’s not a completely different culture because most of the world is so westernized. [What] I’ve learned from traveling is: everywhere isn’t really, that major of a difference. From New Zealand to America, [it] is a completely different atmosphere because the people everywhere you go are a bit different. However, the way people make eye contact for having conversation or the greetings in each country [are different]. In Europe the greetings are very touchy, and same in New Zealand. There’s a strong community feeling there. You could say hi to anyone, but you don’t really do that here. That’s one of my favorite things about Italy, everyone is treated like family, and I definitely really miss that experience.”

Q: Do you like that feeling of finally coming back home?

A: “I’d like to keep traveling. I always tell everyone airports are my home. I recognize them as much as I do my house, especially O’Hare [because] I’ve been in and out of there for 10 years. I could easily get off one plane and get back on another one.”

Born: Baltimore, Maryland Lived: Arlington, Virginia Kumeu, New Zealand (2 years) Melbourne, Australia (3 years) Greenhithe, New Zealand (2 years) Arlington Heights, Illinois (10 years)

September25, 2015

In-Depth

the color of your skin Moving with Mackenzie

BY KELSEY PHILIPPE IN-DEPTH EDITOR

Senior Mackenzie Bach was interviewed for the diversity spread due to him moving around a lot as a child and experiencing new people in new towns. Bach is diverse not in the matter that he has a different skin color, but he has lived and grown up in multiple cultures. In each place he has lived, Bach has learned from his surroundings and brings this experience to the halls of Prospect.

Q: What is the biggest difference between Virginia and here, and which do you like better?

A: “Virginia has a ton of back roads, [and] there’s also a lot more land back there. I would have to say I like it better here because of family, and the city, Chicago, is pretty great as well. The sports teams are pretty good around here, and I like the same teams as you guys do here. The fans are great here, and I’m a big sports guy. I love it [downtown]; walking around and taking it all in is very cool experience.”

Q: What’s the hardest part of moving?

A: “The packing and eventually having to get settled back in again. It’s a process -- having to pack up all your stuff and not having it with you. At some points, you’re living out of a suitcase with the essentials.”

Q: Is it odd switching back from one area to another?

A: “It is odd, but I’ve lived in both places, and when I moved back to Virginia, we moved back into the same house by coincidence. It’s like I’ve only lived in two places. It seems like I’ve only really ever moved twice.

I’ve been in this area a portion of my life, and I’ve lived in Virginia in the exact house for a portion. It’s like half and half; it’s not bad.”

Born: Schaumburg, Illinois Moved: 3rd grade- Stafford, Virginia 5th grade- Hoffman Estates 7th grade- Stafford, Virginia Senior Year- Mt. Prospect

t Prospect are white, Prospect is culturally ommon belief. Diversity encompasses more at makes people unique. Where someone angauge they speak, their ethnictiy and so ity. These stories are just four of 2,245.

Dancing to the truth

BY JACK RYAN EXECTUVIE IN-DEPTH EDITOR

“9/11 is happening again, 9/11 is happening again!” These are the words sophomore Ashna Alex recalls hearing from her classmates as she would run around playing tag with her friends in second and third grade.

Her classmates at the time said these comments to her due to them seeing her as Middle Eastern instead of Indian.

She had no idea how much those words would affect her later. Since Alex moved from Saudi Arabia to the United States in first grade, she didn’t understand why the comments were offensive.

Now in high school, she understands the significance of those words, and she sees those students as bullies. Alex is not angry at them, though, since she knows they probably did not fully understand the topic as well.

Although she no longer hears these comments, she still faces judgment for being Indian, but she believes comments like those shouldn’t bring her down.

“I am very proud of showing I’m an Indian, and I won’t try to hide [it],” Alex said.

One way that Alex shows her pride is not caring when people stare at her when her Indian accent comes out. Another source of pride is the dances she does to connect back to her culture.

In sixth grade Alex stopped practicing Bharata Natyam, which is a classical Indian dance, due the restrictions it had on how she moved.

Instead she learned synthetic dance, which allowed her to move more freely and express who she is.

“I am very proud to show my dance routines to my friends. I show them my dance and what I wear,” Alex said. “I never shy away from telling people that I am Indian.”

It bothers Alex when people don’t see past stereotypes or when people make false assumptions about international cultures.

“It annoys me to the max [when people think] that all Indians are taxi drivers and have an accent,” Alex said.

Q: What was it like moving here your senior year?

A: “I’ve been told it’s very cliché, moving here and being the new kid your senior year when you’re supposed to already know everything. So far I’ve enjoyed it, but I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve gotten to meet so many new people, and everyone has been so welcoming here at Prospect.

But for now, to be honest, I’m just going along for the ride.”

Q: What’s your advice to someone who moves frequently?

A: “I would suggest to stay open minded but to stick with what you know. It’s best to get involved early to meet new people. If you do sports, you should stick to [them]. [Teams] the easiest way to get to know new people, and actually settle into a new place.”

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Features

September 25, 2015

Motivation Summer is fading, but your motivaton doesn’t have to. How will you make this year great?

ProspectorNow.com

Freshman advice

Cubs trivia

Good vs vegan

10 freshmen get uncommon high school questions answered by teachers and seniors alike.

This is where a short description of the topic and story will go. Be concise and to the point.

Watch meat-lover James Estrella face vegan Isabelle Rogers in a monthly cookoff.

Head to ProspectorNow.Com for breaking news, videos, contests and more!

Young aunts, uncles embrace responsibilities

BY CALEY GRIEBENOW Features Editor

T

K

wo years ago, junior Sammy Gonzalez’s older sister Jessica had big news. Gonzalez assumed it was an engagement since her sister had been with her boyfriend for many years. Instead, her sister handed Gonzalez an

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ultrasound.

“I was extremely happy for her because she has been with [Alina’s dad] since sophomore year of high school,” Gonzalez said.

“He’s like a brother to me.”

Gonzalez was 14 when Jessica gave birth to her niece Alina. Since her birth, Gonzalez has felt the need to step up and become a role model.

According to psychologist Erin Curry, being an aunt or an uncle at a young age can be daunting because it forces more responsibility and uncertainty while they try to navigate how to fill an important role in a child’s life.

“For kids who are still trying to figure out who they are and where they belong, that’s hard enough, but now throwing in this extra role of having a part in raising a child can be overwhelming,” Curry said. “I think most kids would want to step up to the plate and be a good role model, especially when they’re with [their niece or nephew].”

Gonzalez does her best to strengthen her relationship with her niece who lives in Chicago by visiting her several times a month. They go to baseball games, the zoo and pumpkin patches. By doing this, she hopes to become someone for her niece to look up to.

B e i n g present for a big milestone in her niece’s life was special for Gonzalez.

She was there when her niece learned to walk.

Alina would toddle between furniture, and Gonzalez would stand her back up if she fell.

Since Gonzalez is so close with her niece, she misses Alina quite easily.

Gonzalez last saw her niece a couple weeks ago after a concert, and now, she feels as if she’s having ‘with-

Junior Sarah Ellstrand

FAMILY MATTERS: Junior Sammy Gonzalez sits with her niece Alina before last year’s homecoming dance. Gonzalez makes an effort to spend a couple days a month with her niece to build a stong relationship with her. (Lower left ) Gonzalez celebrates her 16th birthday with her niece. (Lower right) Gonzalez, her mother and Alina enjoy a day at a Sox baseball game over the summer. (photo courtsey of Sammy Gonzalez) drawal’ from her niece.

While Gonzalez sees her niece often, sophomore Ryan Howe sees his nephew, Jay, only a couple times a year since Howe’s sister and Jay live in Minnesota. However, he still feels responsible for setting a good example for his nephew. “[Being an uncle] makes me feel like I should be more mature,” said Howe.

When Howe sees his nephew, they often go to dinner or a park, and then Howe will often read his nephew a book before he goes to sleep. Howe says he has never felt any pressure from his family to be close to his nephew; he does it by choice.

“I think it just comes naturally,” Howe said. “I have to become a figure in his life.”

Just as becoming an aunt or uncle has brought change to Howe’s and Gonzalez’s lives, it also brought change to the way the function of the family.

“We definitely became closer as a family,” Gonzalez said. “Now that my sister has a baby, we do so much more together. [Alina]

8.5

Sushi

The Best Friend

Moulin Rouge

Nordstrom

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Junior Delaney Halloran

Shoe Size?

Favorite food?

Favorite Movie?

The Subject

7.5

Mashed Potatoes

Moulin Rouge

7

Chocolate

Junior Tim Krause The Boyfriend

brought us close together.”

Howe also respects and admires his sister more as she has matured as a mother.

Now that Jay and Alina are both two years old, Howe and Gonzalez feel fortunate to see a child grow up before their very eyes.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of her life,” Gonzalez said. “My older sisters got to watch me grow up, and for me to be able to see Alina grow up and go through life is so special.”

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Favorite Personal clothing Best in Golf? store?

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ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

Features

Eagle Scouts fly to great heights

11

Hard work, leadership define top Boy Scouts

fulfill the necessary requirements and reach the rank of Eagle.

For Brooks, becoming an Eagle Scout was one of his goals from the time he started Scouting. However, he was originally motiBY MIKE STANFORD vated to become an Eagle Scout because he Copy Editor liked birds, and “eagles are the best birds.”

As the years went on, his motivation enior Andrew Brooks stood amongst four of his peers at the First United changed, and he instead admired the leadMethodist Church as they waited ership capabilities that Eagle Scouts possess. Gradually, Brooks transformed into to be officially declared an Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank. He sat as the leader he wanted to be as he advanced through the ranks. Brooks believes the most he listened to Assistant Scout Master Erik crucial step in this process was the Eagle Sealand speak about his journey.

Scout Service Project.

“This is the voice of the Eagle, the Eagle Brooks’ project was creating an outside whose heights you have struggled hard to eating area and garden behind the reach,” Sealand said. “We remember gyms at South Middle School. well when you first came to the Brooks started his project base of the cliff and how you by submitting his proposlooked up with ambition al to District 25, and the and determination.” district directed him to From here Sealand South principal Jake talked about each step Chung who was soon in Brooks’ trek that replaced by Piper Bosstarted as a mere Scout ton. and ended at the pinnaBrooks then worked cle of Scouting. with South for eight Sealand concluded months in 2014 to coordithe speech by recogniznate his project. He created ing the perseverance and s en leadership skills Brooks deok landscape designs, secured ior o r A discounted tools and plants veloped en route to becoming n d re w B from Pesche’s Garden Center and an Eagle Scout. Shortly thereafter, recruited friends and family in preparation Brooks was presented with his Eagle Scout for the early August work date. badge.

When the day came to implement his In receiving this badge, Brooks joined an exclusive club (see “From the White House plans, Brooks and 35 volunteers worked from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in what he considers a to the moon”). According to scouting.org, while almost one million people national- difficult but rewarding experience.

According to Boston, the picnic area is ly start the journey as Boy Scouts during middle school, only four percent manage to utilized daily during lunch hours. Lunch

S

S

HELPING HANDS: Senior Andrew Brooks poses with volunteers while working on his Eagle Scout Service Project at South Middle School (before and after above). Brooks spent eight months gathering volunteers to create an outdoor eating area and garden for his alma mater en route to becoming an Eagle Scout. (photos courtesy of Andrew Brooks)

Before After

room monitors hold a drawing to decide Schwingbeck was impressed by applicants who had spent time in Boy Scouts. which students eat outside. “[Scouts] are young men who have Boston enjoys working with Eagle Scouts tackled goals, [and] like Brooks because they’ve been very their projects offer From the White House to hardworking [and] ways to enrich the persistent,” Schwingschool in ways the the moon beck said. “They go afbudget usually would ter a goal and accomnot allow.

Since the first person became an plish it. That’s a good “We always feel Eagle Scout in 1912, countless trait. I always look for like [Eagle Scout SerAmerican leaders have fulfilled that when I’m trying vice Projects are] a the requirements to achieve Boy to hire somebody.” gift,” Boston said.

Scouts’ highest rank, From these hires, In addition to beincluding: Schwingbeck has ing a way to give back seen the virtues to the community, of Boy Scouts becoming an Eagle Former President allow employScouts pays off as Gerald Ford ees thrive Scouts become years removed older and enMarriott International from their Scoutter the workPresident ing days. force, accordJ.W. Marriott, Jr. “There was a ing to Eagle very hard goal Scout and adult to attain, and Scout Leader Tom Director these [men] Schwingbeck.

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Entertainment

September 25, 2015

ProspectorNow.com

New choir teacher takes over Company

BY ISABELLE ROGERS

said, it happened a little sooner than I thought.”

Because Shellard leaving was unforeseen, some of the Company itting down on her bed, girls, did not know what to do. just as she returned home “It was so unexpected and so from work and expecting to leave for another shift in an sudden,” Gonyon said. “[Shellard] hour, senior Laura Gonyon got a had only been working here for two years. I thought there was no call from a fellow Company memway he could be ber telling her to serious.” check her email.

The district The message “[The best thing immediately sitting in her instarted looking box was from thenabout Prospect] is the for somebody to choir teacher and enthusiasm the students fill Shellard’s poCompany director have. I don’t know who sition.

Robert Shellard.

Kevin BurThe email was is more excited to be row was hired sent three weeks here: me or them.” earlier this sebefore school mester and will started, and it be teaching stated that ShelKevin Burrow, choir freshman choir lard would not be teacher and directing returning to ProsCompany. The pect for the 2015-16 Company girls school year due to receiving the full-time choral posi- set a time to meet up the same day they received the email, not letting tion at Barrington High School.

“There are not many choral a minute go to waste.

While they lacked a director for positions in this area opening up the time being, the girls had bondanytime soon,” choir teacher Jennifer Troiano said. “It was just so ing activities and learned the choexciting because that meant [Shel- reography instead of the music.

Voice teachers and previous lard] would be in my life for a long Prospect students worked with time. But then I was like, ‘Oh no!

Company to keep them busy.

That means your are not coming In the meantime, through back to Prospect.’ I always knew he was going to find another job emails between English and Fine because he is amazing. That being Arts Division Head Adam Levin-

Executive Entertainment Editor

S

son and Shellard, they decided that Shellard will continue to give Company input on their performances and work with Burrow on his visions for the show.

“Usually this late in the game you cannot find somebody [for the job],” Troiano said. “Especially somebody who would be able to handle show choir because it is extremely stressful, and it is not just a job. It’s a life. You’re constantly thinking about the show and you’re constantly building it. You don’t stop thinking about it.”

Along with Burrow’s job at Prospect, he has a full time job as a church music minister in Glen Ellen.

Though Burrow has never directed Show Choir, he has experience with girls’ musical groups from previous jobs in Wisconsin and at New Trier High School. “[The best thing about Prospect] is the enthusiasm the students have,” Burrow said. “I don’t know who is more excited to be here: me or them.”

Just as Burrow is excited to be a part of the choir department, Troiano and the Company members are very excited to work with “such an experienced musician [and look forward to the] positivity he sheds.”

“He is an organist, a pianist,” Troiano said, “and he is a dream come true.”

PIANO MAN: Choir teacher Kevin Burrow shows his skills on the piano in the choir room. He uses his experience to play warm ups and choral pieces for students. (photo by Cassidy Selep)

Renovations to theater program present challenges

BY GARRETT STROTHER Entertainment Editor

theater as they deal with the way the construction.

In addition, the crew will have When it came time to say goodbye to the theater at the end of last to get used to utilities such as all of year, director Jeremy Morton took the new LED lights.

Junior Katie Haseley has some a lot of pictures. However, it wasn’t mixed feelings about the new all sad goodbyes. space.

“We spent the entire last month “[The new changes] will take and a half putting [the theater away],” Morton said. “So at the some getting used to,” Haseley said. “But hopefully plays and musame time, it was very easy for me sicals will run smoother with the to say, ‘I’m ready to move on.’ At the same time I have some really new renovations in place.”

M e a n great memWatching all the pieces come while, senior ories in that Robbie Baldspace … and together has been a very ino, who has that emochallenging [experience], but it acted in the tionally was difficult, but will be a very rewarding [one].” m u s i c a l s , isn’t as conphysically I cerned about was ready to the renovamove on into Jeremy Morton, Fine Arts tions. a new space, “I don’t a space that coordinator think [the would hoperenovation] fully allow us really has to to do a little do with [the performances],” Baldbit more.” ino said, “I think it has to do with According to Morton, the renovations to the theater will allow the how the audience gets to watch it and experience it, and I do think them to do a lot more. it will improve the audience’s exOn top of being under acoustical perience.” improvement so the audience can However, Prospect audiences hear the shows better, the theater will not be able to experience the has a slew of new gadgets and fearenovations until “Prospect’s Got tures (see THEATER ADDITIONS) Talent” takes the stage after the for actors and the crew to utilize. fall play.

The transition to the new space The fall play, “The Dream of will include everything from lights the Burning Boy,” will be held to costumes to props around the

Theater additions The following additons were made to the theater this past summer: - Movable orchestra pit - Seats - Acoustics - Sound booth - Air conditioning - Sound board - Speakers - LED lights the weekend of September 24th.

Due to the change in date, the renovations, including the new acoustics, will not be ready, and, therefore, the performances will take place in the community room.

According to Morton, the change in date was to accommodate marching band students who still wanted to be involved with the

BREAK A LEG (AND A WALLET): The theater program will go over several changes this year, including the new seats. “ When you walk in, you know that something has changed, and it’s very exciting, watching all the pieces coming together. (photo by Cassidy Selep) show.

In addition to the changes to the fall lineup there will also be a spring play.

The spring play will be an abbreviated retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” called, “R and J,” and is geared toward freshman audiences who, starting this year, read it as part of their curriculum.

“Now that [Romeo and Juliet] is back, I wanted to provide this theatrical interpretation for all the freshman,” Morton said. “It’s one of those wacky, really funny, engaging experiences because we do it in the round and we involve the audience very much.”

There will be mostly daytime performances for freshman English classes, although there will be one evening performance also.

Morton says the winter play and spring musical will be largely unaffected by the changes, which will allow people to be involved with as many productions as they want.

However, he says the biggest impacts on the shows are the orchestra pit for the musical and the audience comfort level for every show.

While Morton is excited for what the changes to the space and the year will bring, not everything is quite ready yet.

“We’re not done,” Morton said. “[Our props and gear are] heavy and big, and until things are entirely finished, we can’t unpack.

We’re still in our boxes. Once we get out of our boxes, I’m very excited about using the space. Watching all the pieces come together has been a very challenging [experience], but it will be a very rewarding [one].”

ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

Entertainment

‘You see us as you want to see us’ Teen movie stereotypes prove false regarding students, activities

BY CASSIDY DELAHUNTY Entertainment Editor

W

hen junior Chelsea Maldonado was in seventh grade, her friends asked her to join cheerleading with them. For Maldonado, saying yes was not a hard decision. She had seen the movie “Bring it On” and wanted to have fun like the cheerleaders in the movies.

Now having been on varsity cheerleading for three years, Maldonado knows that not everyone sees cheerleaders in such a positive light.

“It’s definitely a very unwelcoming vibe [that cheerleaders] get from movies,” Maldonado said. “There’s a lot of negativity and people who don’t support us. Even though we don’t kick a ball around or score any goals or touchdowns, we’re still athletes. ... There’s a lot that goes on at practices that [isn’t] displayed on the mat or in performances. ... All the sweat, all the injuries, all the dedication and work we put [in]. Everyone just thinks it’s the glitter and the makeup and the tight uniforms.”

Stereotypes such as the ones Maldonado

Bop to the top Top 10 highest grossing movies about high school 1. 21 Jump Street: $138,447,667 2. Superbad: $121,463,226 3. Porky’s: $111,289,673 4. American Pie: $102,561,004 5. Mean Girls: $86,058,055 6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: $70,136,369 7. Bring it On: $68,379,000 8. Risky Buisness: $63,541,777 9.She’s All That: $63,366,989 10. Easy A: $58,401,464

13

“There’s a lot that goes on at practices that [isn’t] displayed on the mat or in performances. We condition. We run. We lift. We tumble. We spend all our time doing all this work. All the sweat, all the injuries, all the dedication we put [in]. Everyone just thinks it’s the glitter and the makeup and the tight uniforms.”

Chelsea Maldonado, junior experiences are largely based off the archetypes originating in movies such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueler’s Day Off.” Stereotypes such as “jock” or “nerd”, found their beginnings in movies.

While cheerleaders are very heavily stereotyped, they aren’t the only aspect of high school that suffers from false assumptions based on movies.

Freshman Andrew Backus and junior Josh Damasky thought bullying would be more rampant once they entered high school, an assumption which they credit to movies.

Damasky thought he would be shoved into a locker.

However, when Backus got to high school, he was pleasantly surprised when he didn’t see any bullying. He thinks that the attitude high schoolers have for each other might contribute to the lack of bullying.

“Everyone looks out for each other in high school,” Backus said.

Senior Luke Wrede, a member of the varsity football team, says that as a freshman, he was afraid of the players on the football team because they all seemed so big and intimidating.

“There’s not just one kind of football player,” Wrede said. “We’re all just people.”

Wrede wasn’t alone in how he perceived different groups and activities.

Unlike Wrede, Damasky said that movies had no effect on him when it came to choosing what activities he wanted to participate in.

However, Damasky still thinks that movies have a negative impact on what freshmen expect, as they provide them with untrue stereotypes that can skew how they feel about high school.

Despite what preconceived ideas people might have about a group, Maldonado thinks that people doing what they love to do is the most important thing.

“We [cheer] for ourselves,” Maldonado said. “We don’t really do it for all the people who don’t really respect us. Proving everyone wrong and having that good feeling for yourself, that’s the best feeling.”

BETWEEN A LOCKER AND A HARD PLACE: (Top) Sophomore Theresa Schafer demonstrates a common fear among freshmen. Many freshmen are afraid of being bullied due to stereotypes from movies about high school.

“It’s definitely a very unwelcoming vibe we get from movies,” junior Chelsea Maldonado said. (Bottom) Cheerleaders pose in a demonstration of a common stereotype that cheerleaders are intimidating and aggressive. Although these rumors can be harmful, cheerleader Chelsea Maldonado says that comments saying cheerleaders are not athletes have the most negative effect. (photos by Cassidy Selep)

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14

Sports

September 25, 2015

ProspectorNow.com

Players remain loyal on sidelines

BY DIANA LEANE Copy Editor

G

oing into the baseball season his junior year, current senior Luke Wrede aspired to make varsity.

When he made JV instead, he coped with his disappointment and continued to work hard.

Heading into his senior year, he made the varsity summer team, but he found himself on the bench more than he had hoped. As a three-sport athlete who focuses on football, Wrede doesn’t have time to play baseball outside of the spring season, which, in turn, gives him less opportunity to improve and keeps him on the bench.

Though making varsity took longer than he planned and he doesn’t play much, he remains attached to the team through the many friendships that formed through baseball and his love for the sport.

Wrede is among many students in situations like these. Athletes who grew up playing a sport yet don’t receive significant playing time face the choice between abandoning the sport or staying on as a team player.

Many players, such as Wrede, continue with their teams because of the community environment.

Senior varsity soccer player Mitchell Tapia has played soccer for nine years, but he only plays off the bench.

“I don’t get very much playing time, [but] I still am tied to the team just for practices,” Tapia said. “I think right now it’s a matter of just enjoying the game.”

Girls’ varsity soccer head coach Tom Froats understands players’ frustrations with insufficient playing time, and placing players on various level teams requires a lot of thought.

“I recognize we want to win the game, but I also recognize the hard work and commitment players put into the team and into the program,” Froats said. “I try and expand the number of players that get in more than

some other coaches.”

Due to this mindset, Froats puts as many players on the varsity team that he can. According to Froats, committed players should experience the varsity level.

Once the players are placed into their teams, Froats is faced with another coaching dilemma: whether to give playing time to the player with raw talent but lacking a work ethic or to the less-skilled but more industrious player.

“A more talented player might not get the time just based alone on their talent,” Froats said. “If they’re the last person to come to practice, they’re the first person to leave and they don’t work hard during practice, then it gets very difficult from a teammate’s perspective.”

Tapia has seen this situation on his team from the hardworking player’s perspective.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Tapia said. “I do wish that I got more playing time, but at the same time I also understand that it’s ultimately the coach’s decision, and I’m always going to be a little biased towards myself.”

Froats’ main goal as a coach is to create a challenging environment, and in order to do this he has to do what is best for the team.

“Sometimes the team focus versus an individual focus, for the individual it may not fall in their favor, but that’s not why I’m making the decision,” Froats said. “[The decision isn’t] for one; I’m making the decision for all.”

Tapia knew he wanted to stick with the soccer team despite not playing the ideal amount, but in different scenarios he believes that may not make sense.

“If you feel like you’re really not progressing anywhere, and there’s no chance of being able to make it to where you want, then obviously there’s other activities you can do,” Tapia said. “But I think as long as you keep your mindset positive and keep playing for yourself and for your teammates, it’s nice to have a sport to drive you.”

BENCHED: A player watches from the sidelines as her teammate spikes the ball.

Many players play less than they desire, but they continue to dedicate time to their teams for the team environment. (photo by Cassidy Selep)

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ProspectorNow.com

September 25, 2015

Sports

New course welcomes boys’ golf

said.

After taking first place at this meet, the Knights have continued s junior Nick Tenuta their season with a record of 8-2 in stepped onto the eighth the MSL as of Sept. 17. According tee box, he was looking to head coach Tom Martindale, the to continue his so far successful team is looking forward to the MSL round, keeping himself around conference tournament Sept. 29. par. Working against the hot He believes that in this match, the and humid weather, Tenuta was high level of competition creates searching for a way to add energy an opportunity to be successful. to his round.

A meet special to Martindale After his first shot on the par was when varsity and JV combined 4, Tenuta was within striking dis- to win the Elk Grove invite, sometance of the hole. As Tenuta apthing not common in high school proached the golf. According ball, he tried to Martindale, Changes made to to put it close the format for Mount Prospect to the hole. the event was The 55 yard one JV player Golf Course wedge shot flew paired with a through the air varsity player looking like it for all of the • The size, shape, might veer to schools. This is amount of slope, and the right, aca new event run hole placement was cording to Teby Elk Grove. nuta, but after The schools changed on each green. the ball took its involved all first bounce, it felt good that a • The course’s par was looked true to younger player the hole and fell would be paired changed from 71 to 70. in. with a varsity “It was a player.

• A new 350 yard drivgreat confiOne thing dence builder that differs ing range is in place, as and something from last year’s well as larger putting good to build team is havgreens. off of,” Tenuta ing their home said. course back.

According The Mount • A few hundred trees to Tenuta, this Prospect Golf were removed to create shot at Rolling Course went Green Country under renovaspace.

Club on Aug. tions that made 17. was one of the course unhis favorite moments in his golf playable all of last year, and left career. Even though the round was the Knights with no home course. cancelled later due to rain, Tenuta Changes to all 18 greens were said it did not change his attitude made, which included changing towards the shot. the size and shape of them as well “It was still a great shot even as giving them more slope. Holes though it never counted,” Tenuta 10, 11, 12 and 13 all have a complete-

BY JACK ANKONY Sports Editor

A

ly new design, and 10 was changed to a par 3.

According to Tenuta, the wider fairways are easier to hit, and junior Robert Garmoe thinks the greens have become a bit more challenging because of the increased slope.

“It’s really nice having a closer place to go,” Garmoe said. “The greens provide a bit more of a challenge, but I like the challenge.”

Martindale explains that having the course back is a big bonus because there is more practice and range space. The old short driving range is gone, and a new 350 yard range is in place. The new putting green is much larger than small green the course previously had.

“It’s always so welcoming there, so it’s really nice to have that feeling back,” Martindale said.

A change presented to the Knights was finding new leadership amongst their young team.

With nine juniors and five seniors, Martindale says the leadership is different than in years past, traditionally having older teams.

Co-captains Garmoe and Tenuta have provided the team with what Martindale describes as great energy and good work ethic.

Garmoe explains that the team is less experienced compared to last year, but the team set a goal to improve their games day-byday. Between the third and fourth weeks of the season, Martindale noticed great improvement from the team by scoring better in meets and overall skills improving.

Team improvement was shown by reaching an accomplishment they had been striving for all season long. At Poplar Creek, they shot a 151 as a team through nine holes for the first time. This is the team’s best score of the season so far.

15

GOING GREEN: Senior Jon Branch crouches over the ball as he reads the green at Mount Prospect Golf Course. At Poplar Creek, the team shot a 151 as a team, their best score so far. The boys’ golf team is 8-2 in the MSL. To see the renevations to the Mt. Prospect Golf Course, use the Aurasma app (photo by Lauren Miller) Building off of this score, Garmoe hopes to make it back to the state playoffs. Last year as a sophomore, Garmoe shot a 171 in two rounds placing 101st out of 110, but he hopes to improve on his score this year.

“I know it will be hard to make it back, but I am willing to put in all the hard work,” Garmoe said.

Garmoe competed in many Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA) golf tournaments over the summer to gain good tournament experience and practice for his goal, the state playoff.

Tenuta also participated in tournaments such as Palatine Hills, The Den at Fox Creek, Black Stone, The Illinois Junior and more. According to Martindale, tournaments and working on their individual games were some of the ways the team improved over the offseason.

“Trying to get better every day and pursuing excellence usually leads you into good things beyond,” Martindale said. “If you’re doing that, good things will probably happen.”

Girls’ golf bounces back from early adversity

BY BEN DOJUTREK Sports Editor

TAYLORMADE: Junior Sabrina Accardi swings at the newly renovated Mount Prospect Golf Course. Although the golf team has struggled early on, Accardi believes that they just have to get better. “We’re definetly motivated to get our scores lower,” Accardi said. The Knights are 6-4 in conference. (photo by Cassidy Selep)

Girls’ Golf Scores

The silence is striking on the Mt. ProsInvites pect golf course. Players who are playing take their time golfing, talking or looking Conant Invite: 4th place, 346 around their surroundings. If one looks around the course, they can see the varsity Prospect Invite: 4th place, 340 girls’ golf team working hard to make this season another successful one.

“We’re definitely motivated this year Rockford Invite: 5th place, 345 [to] get our scores lower,” junior Sabrina Accardi said.

This season has been one of learning, Meets as this is one of Prospect’s youngest teams.

At Hersey: 2nd place, 179 The main roster has two seniors on it. While it’s a young team, head coach Jim Hamman is not concerned.

At Barrington: 2nd place 179 “What we do is a process; it takes a lot strokes of work to improve,” Hamman said. “The girls just have to trust their coaches and the process.”

At Wheeling: 1st place, 167 The process includes long practices to strokes learn the course, improve their skills and learn how to be a good teammate.

Few sports can be called a dynasty, yet girls’ golf can be considered one of them.

Like any good dynasty, they had important wins in the past.

These wins included having two state seven years. championships, one second place finish and “We did our best, but we all knew we a fourth and fifth place finish. could’ve done better,” Accardi said. “We These important wins all came in the could’ve done more. I know that I could’ve span of five years. A streak that can put pres- hit better, [and] we could’ve hit more shots.” sure on players.

After losing to Barrington, the team won “Trying to keep that reputwo of their last three games tation that girls’ golf has had and placed second in the “What we do is a is hard, but we’re trying to Buffalo Grove invitational. process; it takes a lot keep it,’” Accardi said.

Although the season While having a team this started rough, the girls are of work to improve,” young is no problem, having working to do better. a new course can be. Last Accardi has helped reyear the Mt. Prospect Golf gain that reputation by -Coach Jim Hamman Course was unavailable as it consistently being one of underwent construction.

Prospect’s leading scorers, While some holes are the always coming close to the same, others have become hillier and some lowest. Accardi has had a score of 43, 40 and have lost a stroke for par.

85 in her last three rounds.

“These changes might seem small, howCoach Hamman has noticed how good ever in golf they can make things a lot hard- his team is of picking themselves up to come er. that it’s nice to have our home course back stronger next time while maintaining a back,” Accardi said. “It’s different now, but cool attitude. that’s what makes the course challenging “It’s not how they want to be competiand fun to be back.” tive and keep Prospect successful,” Haaman This year girls’ golf has had some trousaid. “They are always positive and treat bles to start the season. For example, the each other like queens.” team lost to Barrington for the first time in

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL Missed a home football game? Watch each game online and hear students’ commentary on the game as well as exclusive interviews with players and coaches.

ProspectorNow.com

Senior Matt Cozine and junior Brooke Wilson (right) were able to set course records in the first dual meet of the year on Sept. 10 against Hersey.

ProspectorNow.com

Soccer succeeds under leadership, coach CHASING SUCCESS: Senior forward Ross LaCamera races after the ball in a game against Downers Grove North on Aug. 27. LaCamera is one of 14 leaders on the team who has helped not only the younger players but also the new coach. (photo by Cassidy Selep)

BY DEVIN PRASAD Executive Sports Editor

I

t is said that lighting does not strike the same place twice, but for the Cooney family this nearly happened. In the first game of the soccer season, Chris Cooney had four goals, with his first 14 seconds in. The fourth goal of the game tied Cooney with six other people including his older brother Bill on the single game record.

Just a few years ago, Bill had a chance to break the record, but Bill’s fifth goal opportunity hit the crossbar and missed the goal.

When Chris’ opportunity for his fifth goal came, his shot also hit the post.

“Hitting the post was like a mini heart attack because I was like, ‘No, not again,’” Chris said.

However, Chris got a chance that his brother never did.

The ball bounced back to him, and he buried it to set the record. And to secure the record, according to Chris, he buried a sixth in the second half.

Though it could have been a chance for Chris to bask in the glory, he turned the praise to his teammates for getting him the ball and playing a good overall game in their first win of the season. The team’s current record sits at 3-5.

“I think it’s more about getting wins than getting records,” Chris said.

Chris is one of 14 seniors on the team, which could be a problem when it comes to leadership; however, Chris feels the leadership role is divided well among the team.

Each player is stepping up and is able to find an area of the game in which they can excel and lead.

For Chris, that role comes as a goal-scorer. Senior Nick Jozefowski agrees, and feels his role on the team is to help first year varsity players in their transition to the varsity level. Aside from helping players transition,

Soccer thrives despite few returning players (listed below) Sr. Defensemen Patrick Walsh (right) Sr. Goalie Nick Jozefowski Sr. Forward Chris Cooney Sr. Midfielder Eryk Soltys Sr. Forward Ross LaCamera Sr. Midfielder Celso Soto Jr. Defensemen Grant Whitebloom

the leaders are also helping their coach do the same.

In his first year as head coach, Elkins realized that good leaders are important to his transition into the position.

He felt coming in to the season that the six returning varsity players knew how to compete and were able to become leaders.

According to Jozefowski, Elkins gave the older players a lot of freedom in controlling the team and each game. Elkins knew coming in that the older players have what it takes to compete.

“Coming in there were kids I knew were already committed, and I could trust to lead this group,” Elkins said.

Although this is Elkins’ first year coach-

Athlete: Bobby Jarosz Year: Senior Sport: Football Position: Running Back

Q. A.

What has the season been like so far?

The season right now is mostly just our run game because we have a good [offensive] line, and we’re just going to power through. Most of my season has been pretty successful so far, but I think we just need to finish our drives more so we can become a way better team.

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

ing the varsity boys’ team, he coached JV1 last year and continues to be the girls’ head coach at Niles North. He was also a soccer player at Glenbrook South and then Northwestern University.

According to Elkins, his main goal is to commit players to the program both in and out of season.

He would like to see them buy into the team concept while also seeing them play “simple, strong and smart.” He allows the team to “control [their] own destiny,” according to Jozefowski.

In order to achieve this, Cooney has seen Elkins use straightforward drills that are based directly on gameplay, which allows each player to experience things that actually occur during games.

One drill they do is have forwards pressure defensemen in the defensive zone. This

What has football at Prospect taught you?

So much. Respect, Pride, how to deal with adversity, how to be a part of something bigger than just yourself, leadership, teamwork. Honestly so many things. It’s changed me into a better person. I can’t describe how it’s changed my life.

Are there any other players that you model your game after?

Walter Payton, Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson until he hit his child. That’s who I look up to. I like the way they run.

What are your personal and team goals for the rest of the season?

Individually I want to be all state for a running back, and team-wise I want to change the program to become what Prospect football used to be, which is always a playoff contender and hopefully move on from there.

drill allows the defensemen to practice moving the ball up the field.

It also helps the forwards practice stealing the ball from the other team’s defense near the goal.

He then works through that to help the players find out what they can improve upon.

Elkins also likes to see players be full of energy and defend and attack the whole length of the field. “[The players] have the talent, and they have the character to be successful,” Elkins said. “If they can apply themselves a little bit more, we can take the next step and be a little bit more successful.”

With the right application, Chris sees this as being a year where special things could happen. Many players have played with each other before, so there is a lot of chemistry on the team. Chris is confident that this team is capable of anything, even a state title.

“We want to go as far as we can in the tournament,” Jozefowski said. “We want to be unified as a team [and] be on the same page. We want to progress instead of regress every single game from now on.”