Issue 3

THE

PROSPECTOR

801 WEST KENSINGTON ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

VOLUME 58, ISSUE 3

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Youth energize political climate AYSE ELDES

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unior Ben Sell was walking door to door under the August heat. He had one objective: to ask each person what their biggest concern was for the state of Illinois. After knocking on the first door, a teenage boy, like in many instances, mentioned it wasn’t a good time and sent Sell on his way.

He moved on to the next house and faced the same response. He explained that he was an intern on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign, surveying residents, but he was again turned away. Sell made his way down the street when he heard someone call out from the first house he had knocked. It wasn’t a bad time after all, and the boy’s father wanted to take Sell’s survey.

The father was a state worker and hadn’t seen a raise in his salary since starting his career. He was having problems with his union and no longer found it affordable to live in Illinois. When Sell asked what political policy the father was most concerned with, he responded that this wasn’t about a particular policy –– it was about giving value to the people of Illinois.

Sell marked the answer on his survey and knocked on the next door on his list. He continued until two hours later when the heat got the best of him, but the conversation with the man kept running through his head.

It reminded Sell of his discussions with his father, when they would sit down in front of the TV during the 2012 elections and talk about why everything mattered.

Taxes, gun rights, abortion, the economy –– Sell and his father began to talk regularly about these issues.

“I’ve always kind of [liked] thinking ahead to the future, what do I want for myself in the future and what do I want for others,” Sell said. “Building that future starts right now. If you ignore all of the important issues ... eventually it’ll be too late to change them.”

Sell may be an outlier when it comes to traditional trends of political activity for others his age. In 2006, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 27 percent of 12th graders were proficient in civics and govern-

Voter turnout by age group

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TURNOUT: Senior Mitchell Rutledge and junior Ben Sell try to push their age-group’s voting statistics up for the upcoming midterms.

According to a Harvard group’s study, 51 percent of voters aged 18-29 are reported as saying they will “definitely vote” in the midterms, a number not matched in approximately the last 50 years. (graphic illustration by Ayse Eldes) *information courtesy of the Washington Post, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Elections Project, FairVote and Harvard Institute of Politics ment knowledge. When federal funding for civics education was eliminated in 2011, only nine states continued testing students on civic knowledge as a prerequisite for a high school diploma.

This year, U.S. News reported that only 8 percent of high school students were able to display basic civic knowledge, such as slavery being the central cause of the Civil War. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 39 percent of eligible voters aged 18-24 voted during the 2016 election. Historically, voter participation for this age group is lower than any other.

However, the upcoming genera-

“Building that future starts now. If you ignore all of the important issues right now,eventually it’ll be too late to change them.” -Ben Sell, junior

tion of young voters is expected to turn these trends around. This demographic, meaning Sell and his peers around the nation, is projected to increase voter turnout dramatically. A study done by Harvard Institute of Politics (IOP) found that 51 percent of voters under 30 reported that they will “definitely vote” in this month’s midterm elections, compared to 23 percent in 2014 and 31 percent in 2010. In fact, more than 100,000 residents under 18 have pre-registered to vote in California.

Explaining the spike AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher Tim Beishir observes a unique energy among upcoming voters. He asks an important question: what has changed?

Those like Sell are becoming more common, and the reason, according to Beishir, is the increase of political involvement in young people’s lives. He highlights that unless someone made a point to watch cable TV when he was younger, politics was easily avoidable for his age group. Now, the expansion of digital media and the internet have allowed political discussion to pervade environments frequented by young people.

And on those platforms, the issues being discussed are not only impactful, but divisive. The prime example that both Beishir and Sell give is gun control. In March, tens of thousands of students across the U.S. walked out during the school day to protest the deaths of 17 people at Stoneman Douglas High

TAKING ACTION: Junior Ben Sell poses for a picture with Gov. Bruce Rauner and other campaign interns. Sell has been on the governor’s reelection campaign since April. “I thought to myself that I could do something, work on a campaign or write to my congressman and congresswoman,” Sell said. (photo courtesy of Ben Sell) School in Florida. At Prospect, the number of students who joined the walkout was over 300.

“A big spark for me last year was the March for Our Lives movement,” Sell said. “That really put a focus on gun issues that I really hadn’t [seen] before. It made me want to be involved and change things that [were] important to me and my peers –– you know, to come to school and feel safe.”

Senior Mitchell Rutledge, who identifies as a liberal, was one of the students who planned the walkout at Prospect. He believes that the event showed how this was a national issue affecting each student directly, spiking the rate of participation.

“Students were dying, and be-

WHAT’S INSIDE?

04 The recent death of a Saudi journalist made international headlines.

The threat to journalism, according to our opinion editor, is nothing new.

2018

07 What does it take to repair a car? Check out our story on the Autos class to learn more.

12 Girls’ cross country made history on Oct. 27 after winning sectionals for the second time in team history.

cause students were dying, it really hit home,” Rutledge said. “That was Florida, [but] we didn’t just walk out for that one. That was the one that started that huge movement.”

Sell participated in the walkout with his friends from Conservative Club.

“It’s stereotypically conservative to be against gun control. I think it’s time for that to change,” Sell said. “I think the problem with that was that it became really political; people were holding signs that were very political. It was a positive thing because it made students think, but it’s also important to think about what you want the

SEE YOUTH, page 2

2 NEWS

prospectornow.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

District continues security measures RYAN KUPPERMAN Copy Editor

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enior Olivia Cole was running late one day in late September, when the school first started scanning IDs. Cole got to school around 8:10 a.m., but, by the time she got through the line, the warning bell had just rung. Cole says her first period teacher is very strict with tardies, so she was trying her best not to be late. She sprinted down the commons hallway and up the stairs to AP Chemistry. Cole estimates that she slipped into her classroom about five to 10 seconds after the final bell rang, without anyone noticing.

According to Dean of Students Mark Taylor, at the start of the 2018-19 school year, the District 214 administration told each school in the district to start scanning students’ IDs when entering the building. Although this is currently only in the mornings, the district will implement these scanning policies during lunch periods starting second semester.

Taylor says that scanning IDs, as a security measure, makes it obvious to anyone who is not supposed to be in the building that getting in will not be easy. However, Taylor, along with the rest of the administration, acknowledges the need for a balance between security and convenience.

“We try our best to keep the students, the staff and the visitors here at Prospect safe, while giving them as much freedom as we can,” Taylor said.

According to Superintendent Dr. David Schuler, scanning is different in every school because of their individual layouts

and access to technology. For example, Schuler says Buffalo Grove doesn’t scan in the mornings because their scanners would take too long –– a little over two seconds per student –– to get students efficiently into the building.

During lunch periods, Schuler says that students district-wide will not be allowed to have an open campus lunch if they have a GPA below 2.8. Schuler specifies that the 2.8 requirement is not random, as district research shows that it indicates readiness for basic level college classes.

Schuler says that, currently, deans are trying to figure out how to show a student’s GPA when their ID is scanned on the computer, and eventually, create a pop-up indication that reads whether or not a student is able to go out for lunch.

Schuler emphasizes that any changes made will not be rash. Administration can observe and alter protocol in order to effectively improve student safety. Taking more time on the process also allows the district to address any unexpected problem or technological need.

As a way of maximizing efficiency, the district is planning on setting up scanning stations with school iPads, where students can scan their IDs on designated iPads as they walk into the building.

Although Cole thinks the scanning process has gotten more efficient, she does hope that, as the weather gets colder, the school finds a way to limit the amount of time students have to wait outside.

Taylor believes, as it pertains to Door 6, that sometimes two to three buses come in at the same time and the key to getting students inside faster is utilizing multiple doors

BEEP! As of the 2018-19 school year, District 214 requires that students scan their IDs upon entering the building. The scanning of IDs is only the most recent of a wave of new security measures implemented by the district. (photo by Mara Nicolaie) at one entrance. He points out that there are multiple sets of doors at each entrance that students can enter from outside, before going through the inner-set of doors into the commons, shielding them from the weather. He also notes that lines will only start to form when students funnel through one set of doors.

Taylor also stresses that the scanning process should take as long as students can walk through the doors, as each student is supposed to have their ID ready before getting to the scanner.

If a student loses or does not have their ID ready, they can step to the side where a security guard will manually input their ID number.

According to Prospect security guard Joan Shaffer, when a student forgets their ID, she records it and checks to see if that student has been consistently marked for

not having it. After a few times, the student is charged $5 and given a new ID. Shaffer, who sets up the computer and the scanner at Door 6 every morning, makes sure that each student gets scanned.

As an extra security measure, Shaffer notes that, although the ID numbers stay the same throughout everyone’s four years, the physical appearance of the IDs changes every year so security can easily pick out non-current IDs. Although Cole believes that most students feel inconvenienced by having to scan their ID, she understands the school’s reasoning behind it.

“It does provide a sense of security in the sense that everyone entering the building is accounted for,” Cole said. “If it makes students and staff feel more safe, then a little extra time and waiting in the morning isn’t that big of a deal.”

YOUTH: Projections expect high turnout CONTINUED from front page

Although the Harvard Institute

are high, Harvard IOP reported that there of Politics projects a rise of youth is usually a notable discrepancy between vote in the upcoming midterms, young people who say they will vote and it warns that this may not be the those who actually turn up at the polls. The r case. Historically there has been a e displayed activism, Beishir said, needs to d un discrepancy between those who transfer to the polls. Even if a student e s o cannot vote, they can influence the say they will vote and those who y h ” f t the ote vote. actually do. Below, the difference o v d nt ai ill “Now how many times can between these two numbers is e ce ho s ly w r s o there be a big galvanizing Pe w ite illustrated from election years of h t 30 efin event like Florida withof ho 2006 to 2016. d “ out our government nt 0 w ted e 3 c o r r acting, [leading] to Pe de lly v cynicism?” Beishir un ctua a said. “I do know apathy and cynicism are not going to change the laws.

Sometimes it’s a long game.”

Sell agrees.

He sees social media posts sharing criticism of political developments, but he -Tim Beishir, encourages his social science teacher peers to think outside the box. *graphic illustration by Ayse Eldes and “I think a lot Ryan Kupperman of it comes from anger; you’re angry at the other side for something you disagree with,” Sell said. “Posting on a finsta or an Instagram about how upset you are is not going to do anything. At least sending a letter or making a call has a better chance of ... bringing the idea into somebody else’s mind.”

Sell wrote a letter to the governor in March during the national walkouts. He urged the governor to seek cooperative acronment tion against this national issue and received even if an automated response from his office. Prior students cannot vote. to that, he called the office of U.S. Rep. Jan “It’s critical. If you’re just living and Schakowsky D-Arlington Heights to advodon’t know what’s happening in your govcate for net neutrality. Sell is too young to ernment, that’s dangerous,” Rutledge said. vote; he will when he can, but he doesn’t “Though you can’t vote, you still have a see it as a barrier to get politically involved voice and you have the right [to] freedom of right now. speech. ... You can still influence the vote, In order to encourage productive political inspiring others who can, informing those conversations among students, Rutledge and who can … work on a campaign, volunteer.

Sell emphasize the need to regularly read the There’s so many things besides voting. If news and stay informed on the political enviyou wait until 18, it’s too late.”

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solution to be. Think about what you can do to change it. If you’re just like ‘this sucks,’ that won’t change anything.”

Issues spark interest Gun control, however, is one of several issues that have proven extremely polarizing in American politics. While such problems can cause division between those who take different sides on the issue, Beishir feels that it yields the positive effect of more people engaging in government.

“I think engagement is never a bad thing because more people are involved,” Beishir said. “Now, if you’re getting engaged and define your political engagement as red team versus blue team, then I think it’s less than optimal. I’m hopeful that your initial engagement can lead you to learn more information.”

Beishir feels that the current presidential administration also contributes to an atmosphere of hostility and disagreement. Specifically, he describes President Donald J. Trump as a “line in the sand” because those who can vote are usually either extremely supportive or extremely critical of him.

According to Beishir, this trickles down to form defined opinions among youth, too.

“President Trump has been the rejection of norms in a president, so it’s striking,” Beishir said. “I think that creates more awareness. … People are drawn to that unfortunately more than the nuts and bolts policy discussion. … More engagement is better, not best but better.”

In his classes this year, Beishir can visually see that engagement. During his midterm elections class discussion, he didn’t have to contribute or guide the discussion like he usually does.

“People were interested this time,” Beishir said. “I barely had to raise my hand at all. To go and question and express themselves; interest and engagement. A couple people came and showed me early voting stickers.”

Rutledge points to distinguishing political developments during the upcoming youth group’s lifetime as causes of a unique sense of political awareness among this group. For example, he names hot-button topics such as the first African-American president, the rise of Islamophobia and the legalization of gay marriage as being defin-

ing characteristics of younger people’s intro to political problems.

A political awakening Beishir labels this phenomenon as a generation’s “political awakening,” and highlights that the issues that contributed to his generation’s awareness of politics are much different than the upcoming voter group’s.

He identifies 9/11 and the Bush era as being the factors of his age-group’s political awakening.

“External adversity brings unity. It was at the time people who were social liberals or economic liberals were sort of galvanizing in support of President Bush,” Beishir said. “Initially for sure. Now I think 20 years later, it’s more divisive because now the discussions are around our country’s response to that. But then it certainly was [unifying].”

An important difference from the previous generation that Beishir feels shapes this group’s political attitude is that most current high-schoolers have never lived outside an era of war. For 17 years, U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, according to Beishir, has caused a feeling of cynicism against government among youth.

“I think the political awakening of this group is happening with incredibly divisive, unavoidable information,” Beishir said. “I think the political set of circumstances and climate of when people become aware of politics shape their initial and long-term view of what’s going on.”

John Magnuson, the Arlington Heights Field Office Manager for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign, has been working with many young people during the election season.

While most of his interns are high school students during the summer, he has more college students once the school year begins.

Magnuson, who has students from Wheeling High School, Prospect High School and Buffalo Grove High School, doesn’t think youth voter rates will increase just because of a hot political climate. He points to the 2016 elections as the prime example, where the two top candidates were particularly divisive individuals. The voter participation of youth would have to spike so high that popular political agendas change to become relevant to young people.

But will it last Beishir hopes that youth political engagement will not turn into cynicism once this group realizes the effect it can have.

While the projected numbers for midterms

But will you?

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prospectornow.com

staff EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Ayse Eldes Amanda Stickels

COPY EDITORS Grace Givan Ryan Kupperman Danny Ryerson ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kate Hyland ASSOCIATE ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wyatt Dojutrek NEWS EDITORS Blanca Estrada Grace Baldino Hannah Connelly OPINION EDITOR Anthony Romanelli ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Jenna Koch Angelina Jasinski FEATURES EDITORS Mackenzie Noelle Manisha Panthee Elizabeth Keane SPORTS EDITORS Anthony Santangelo Rick Lytle VISUALS EDITORS Erik Velazquez Mara Nicolaie Maddy Lee ADVISER Jason Block MISSION STATEMENT The primary purpose of the Prospect High School Prospector is to report news and explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We, the Prospector, hope to inform, entertain and provide an 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 Ayse Eldes or Amanda Stickels), fax (847) 718 5306, email 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 room 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 for style and length.

Who let the therapy dogs out?

View Educational Center, following his handler. Now, there are no plans to get a new therapy dog, according to Principal Greg Minter.

We, the Prospector, believe therapy dogs played an imperative role in the welfare of students’ mental As a freshman during the 2016-17 health. According to a survey of 147 Prospect students, 84.3 percent of school year, junior Madeleine Flanagan reminded herself to calm down, despite students believe their mental health would improve if the school had a her inability to breathe or think in the therapy dog. As Junie and Ringo’s midst of a panic attack.

Opening the door to enter the Student absence has been felt among many, a new therapy dog is crucial to imServices Office, Flanagan hoped to find prove students’ experiences at school the support she needed. However, Flanaand their mental health. gan was not looking for her counselor; According to school psychologist Dr. she was looking for the only thing she thought could help her in the moment: Jay Kyp-Johnson, dogs activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which aids Junie, the school’s therapy dog at the in calming the body after a fight-or-flight time. situation –– much like The moment Flanathat of panic attacks. gan laid eyes on Junie Kyp-Johnson explains and her calm demeanthat, when activated, or, she immediately the parasympathetic felt grounded and nervous system lowers knew everything was blood pressure, slows going to be OK. the heart rate and re“She was trained plenishes the body’s to be a calming presresources. ence. She’s not freakIn fact, Flanagan ing out; she never is,” speculates that Junie Flanagan said. “And Voting results of the shortened the duraeven sometimes [with] Prospector staff in tion of her panic atprofessionally trained regards to this editorial. tacks by around 30 counselors and social minutes, and, in some workers, you can feel cases, prevented them from happening that they’re worried and that they want to help, but they’re a little stressed out, altogether. According to the aforementioned survey, 84.1 percent of students too.”

Although Flanagan feels that her that suffer from panic attacks believe a mental health has improved since then, therapy dog would reduce the intensity of those attacks. According to the AnxiJunie’s retirement at the end of last year left Flanagan with difficulties in reliev- ety and Depression Association of Amering her stress and getting through rough ica, therapy animals aid in alleviating stress, anxiety, depression and feelings days. of loneliness and social isolation.

After Junie’s retirement, Prospect According to Edutopia, a foundation prepared for a new therapy dog named dedicated to improving K-12 education, Ringo, who, before beccoming a full-time not only do dogs activate the parasympatherapy dog at Prospect, moved to Forest thetic nervous system, but they increase

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the body’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, thus, allowing for a more positive mood.

All of the benefits of a therapy dog left the school when Junie and Ringo did.

While there are no financial constraints preventing the school from getting a new therapy dog, Minter explained that his concerns lie in the logistics. According to Minter, managing the dog during the day can interfere with both its caretaker’s and other staff members’ jobs, despite the existence of staff members willing to be a caretaker. Minter says that taking care of a dog is an extra responsibility that does not easily fit into the daily schedule of staff members.

Nonetheless, the need for a dog surpasses the inconveniences of taking care of it. A smooth system of handling the dog can be achieved through increased communication and thorough planning among staff. Yet, according to Minter, there has been no discussion this year of how the building would handle a new dog, thus rendering it impossible to create a dependable system.

As a part of this dependable system, keeping the dog on certain floors and out of hallways during passing periods can prevent its interaction with the 11.6 percent, according to the aforementioned survey, of Prospect students afraid of or allergic to dogs, which was also one of Minter’s concerns.

Behind any new adjustments to a preexisting system, logistical difficulties are likely to arise. Yet, that should not prevent students from benefiting from a therapy dog and utilizing a unique opportunity for improving their mental health. “[Junie] was, not just for me, but for the school, a calming presence,” Flanagan said. “Even when she was walking down the hallway, [people] would smile [at her]. She made the high school environment easier and more positive because high school can be pretty nasty and depressing.”

Staff Editorial

ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Connor Graver

OPINION 3

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Remembering Lauren cess, whether it was a short text to a friend, a story I would tell on Instagram or this very column.

From the beginning, I haven’t hidden my emotions or experiences when dealing with her cancer. It has allowed me to mature greatly and given me a betou probably know the story. You’ve heard ter understanding of life. Communication was a way I could the news, you’ve seen what I’ve said. From the moment take my anger, my fear, my pain, my little sister Lauren was diag- my confusion and everything in nosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, between and let it out. Whether I’ve been open about it. I’ve been I would scream or whisper, every time I talked about Lauren’s open with her struggles, my struggles, her pain, my pain, her cancer it felt like a weight being taken off my shoulders. story and my story.

Talking to individuals But if you don’t know, my sister Lauren was diagnosed with helped, but I needed more. I pediatric cancer in July of 2015 needed more people to hear my story. I needed my at the age of seven, audience to be bigger. two months before I After all, this is why I began my freshman take journalism. The year in high school. feeling of telling a She fought her diagstory to an audience nosis throughout my is indescribable to me career at Prospect. and something I chase After beating caneach and every day. cer in the summer I decided to take a of 2016, it came back risk and tell a story on worse that SeptemCONNOR my Instagram. I found ber. It slowly built a picture of Lauren up, spreading and GRAVER and began to write. My moving faster, unAssociate heart and soul poured til she passed away in December of 2017 Editor-in-Chief out onto the screen. I wrote an open letter – two days before to Lauren and described how I Christmas of my junior year. broke down while buying her Losing Lauren is the hardest medicine. I wrote how her posthing I’ve had to experience in my life. I watched slowly as my itivity and passion amazed and best friend slipped further and inspired me to keep fighting. I further away over the course took the risk of showing true of two and a half years. I had to feelings and emotions on a sensibalance this with the stresses of tive topic through social media, high school. At times, it became and the result was incredible.

Hundreds of likes and dozens too much. of comments came pouring in.

The stress of home and school boiled over, and eventually I People told me my writing was couldn’t take it. The only thing incredible and moving. The rethat kept me going was talking. sponse motivated me to want to Communication is what has got- tell more stories and share more.

I began to regularly write ten me through this entire pro-

Editor copes with sister’s loss via writing

Y

about my experiences with Lauren’s fight. The more stories I told, the more my confidence grew. I began telling more intense stories, showing more emotion and adding more insight. The deeper I went, the better the responses in return.

I realized that the best way to show my emotions — my pain, my sadness, my anger or my confusion — was to get my audience to feel those emotions.

If I made you cry while reading my work, then I was doing something right. With the audience feeling my emotions, they could understand them.

During my junior year, Lauren’s cancer spread too quickly for us to combat. Before she passed, I tried to prepare myself.

To put it in perspective, I’ll use our favorite sport: Hockey. I was a forward skating through the middle. I saw a 250-pound defenseman coming right at me and all I could do was plant my feet and get ready to take the hit. As much as I could’ve prepared, I was still blindsided.

I felt lost. I still feel lost.

It’s been over ten months since we had our last conversation and I still feel nearly as lost as I was the day after. After she passed, my writing took a step down. I continued to write about my experiences, but I wasn’t myself.

I couldn’t focus on a main point, I didn’t have my usual voice, I couldn’t take control and effectively convey my message. I felt off with my work and decided to take a step back. Without realizing, Lauren had been the driving force behind my success in writing.

Her positivity and attitude pushed me to be better. She could spend hours having poison pumped through her veins,

MEMORIES: Senior Connor Graver stands with his sister Lauren Graver in their backyard. Since Lauren’s passing last year, Connor finds solace in writing about his experience dealing with her cancer and her death. (photo courtsey of Connor Graver) and come home with the biggest smile on her face. That’s the person she was. Without seeing her every day, I lost my focus.

However, things have begun to change. My life is moving forward and I am beginning to heal. This story is one of the first steps. Four months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to write this. Not even close.

Slowly but surely, I’m beginning to understand the answers to questions I’ve always had. As I continue to heal, my writing is coming back. Piece by piece, I’m returning to that person who I once was. This time I’m coming back stronger and better with more powerful stories to tell.

This is a long and difficult process, but I’m slowly taking those steps. This story is one of those. This story is for Lauren.

This strory is for you.

4 OPINION

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

prospectornow.com

Journalists remembered for sacrifice F

ifteen men and a bone saw walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on Oct. 2. Later that evening, Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who tried obtaining a marriage license in order to marry his Turkish fiancée, was pronounced missing and later murdered. A respected columnist for the Washington Post, Khashoggi left behind a life in the Muslim Brotherhood for a pro-democracy, secular outlook.

Khashoggi’s last column concerned the need for a free press in the Islamic world. The murder suspects were not “tourists” as Saudi sources initially claimed. Tourists cannot sneak into a foreign government’s facility, torture and kill a man, cut him into pieces and leave without a trace. Turkey’s government has blamed Saudi Arabia for the murder.

These accusations are not baseless. Turkish police, reportedly, have audio of Khashoggi’s torture as well as photo evidence of suspicious paintings over of the consulate walls. The Saudis are clearly involved in either the killing, the cover up or likely both. Republicans and Democrats alike have reacted with shock and disgust, but anyone who thinks this murder is unprecedented is simply ignorant.

Journalistic freedom is a right we enjoy in the United States, but in many parts of the world, this right is a luxury reserved for the government. Freedom of speech is DARK JOURNALISM: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely believed to have ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, makes not the norm in much of the world. a deal with Republicans and Democrats as a new body is added to the grave of free speech. Many oppressive regimes around the world With Khashoggi’s murder, the United States has finally seen the regularly attack and blacklist journalists, and recent anti-media hostility in the United States is disturbingly similar. (cartoon by Mara Nicolaie) ugly side of freedom, and what it no way surprising. It would bareFor reference, Eritrea has ranked Khashoggi, President Donald J. which seems to warp and change means to defend it. ly make the news cycle, mostly one space lower on the index than Trump attended a campaign rally by the hour. They fail to underThe Committee to Protect Jourbecause those reporting the news North Korea for at least the past in Montana hosted by Rep. Greg stand that the Second Amendment nalists records the names of jourend up dead. decade.

Gianforte (R-Montana). During was created to defend the First, nalists worldwide who have been Khashoggi’s death has caused How does Eritrea compare to a special election campaign last and that the First was created to killed or captured while doing Republicans and Democrats alike America? For starters, its presiyear, Gianforte physically assaultprotect us from people like Trump, their jobs. Khashoggi’s death made to join forces in pushing sancdent, Isaias Afwerki, has been in ed reporter Ben Jacobs, slamming Afwerki and the Saudi royalty. headlines, but 30 other journalists tions on Saudi Arabia, yet in the power for 26 years– despite promhim into the ground and breaking These men would have us hahave been deliberately murdered kingdom itself, far more brutal ising to step down for elections to his glasses. Gianforte pled guilty to rassed and intimidated into serviin 2018 alone. In January, executions happen take place in 1993. Not a single free the assault. He ended up paying a tude, and the easiest way to do so Brazilian radio reporter in public on a nearly reporter currently lives in Eritrea, $300 fine and took mandatory anis to attack journalists. JournalJefferson Lopes was murmonthly basis. Not with most information on the ger management classes, among ists are the eyes of the people, the dered in his home after only are journalists country coming from anonymous other penalties. watchdogs who force government receiving death threats executed, but of anysources speaking to opposition At the rally on Oct. 19, Trump to be accountable for their actions. from local politicians. In one who dares speak groups who operate outside the praised Gianforte as “my kind of Every statistic, every exposé and April, nine journalists out against the govnation. guy” for his attack, and stated that every daily news segment you have were killed and 25 injured ernment. How odd, What does all of this have to do beating a journalist was “nothing ever seen was made possible by when an Islamic State then, that Ameriwith a dead Saudi journalist? Jourto be ashamed of.” Trump panfreedom of the press. Without it, we suicide bomber attacked cans are shocked nalists are our first and best line of tomimed a body-slam while the would be like the Eritreans: shut a news station in Kabul. at Khashoggi’s exedefense against misinformation. crowd laughed and jeered. Asked off from the world and silenced for In September, Mexican cution, when Saudi Misinformation breeds fear, and the next day if he wished to retract out of line. Trump has set ANTHONY Arabia is ranked third fear can be easily weaponized by his comments, Trump stood by the stepping journalist Mario Gómez a precedent of violence against the was killed in a drive-by ROMANELLI globally in total num- people like Afwerki. Days after ac- remarks. press and that call for violence can shooting of his home by ber of executions, knowledging the murder of This crowd was laughing at easily expand to any other group suspected drug traffickExecutive after only China a journalist who was attacked. he deems “un-American”. ers. and Iran. In fact, Trump, who had previously reViolent overthrow is not the Opinion Editor These attacks are the top five in orferred to the free press as the “enanswer, it never is. Those “leftcommon in both free der were China, emy of the people”, a “stain on wing mobs” you’ve heard about and censored countries. Freedom Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq America” and referred to all negon Fox News are in the minority, House is a pro-democracy site that and Pakistan. Of those, ative coverage of him as “fake”, a pack of brain-dead Communist determines a “freedom ranking” the last three are is now dehumanizing journalists cowards who hide behind masks based on several factors, freedom U.S. military aleven further by portraying them and think they can overthrow the of speech being the most importlies and China is as less than human. It’s OK government with baseball bats. ant. In the ranking for 2018, only 45 the U.S.’s top trade to Trump to beat up a True change is neither violent nor percent of countries can be considpartner. journalist–to threaten partisan. ered “free”, while the other 55 perPerhaps the and intimidate reThe only true change can be cent are either only partially free best way to showporters– because accomplished by a bipartisan, unior completely oppressed. About case a world they’re all “fake lateral call for justice and demand a third of the world’s population without freedom news” anyway. for our Constitutional rights. For lives in “not free” countries. Brazil is by comparing America is no dictatorship. any real progress to occur, people is considered free, Mexico partly America and the It is flawed, but anyone calling from all walks of life must resist free and Afghanistan not free, yet least free country Trump a dictator is overrethese attacks on our freedoms. It all have had journalists murdered in the world, as acting. After these events, can happen, and it has happened this year. Clearly, it is not an issue of 2018. Freedom has Trump not taken a before. Martin Luther King Jr. was of authoritarianism or politics.

House gives counpage from the book joined by white men, women and The reality of violence against tries numbered of every dictachildren in his march on Washthose who would uncover the truth scores reflecting tor worldwide? ington. Mohandas Gandhi united is universal. how oppressed they T h e head of state, a Hindus and Muslims against the Turkey, the country currently are, one being the man whose party controls all three British government that had so bitaccusing the Saudis of oppression, most oppressive and branches of government and the terly divided them. needs to pull the plank out of its 100 the least. Currently, military, has just officially conTrump, Afwerki and Erdogan: own eye, as 68 journalists are curthe least free country is doned violence against his critics. they all claim the media wages rently imprisoned by the Turkish Syria at negative one, folNo free country in the world would war on the people. I want to tell government and over 100 more lowed by South Sudan at allow their leader to advocate vioMr. Trump that with his latest are on trial. In fact, since Turkey’s two. However, both of those lence against the free press, so no comment, he has gotten the war Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Ercountries have been shattered longer can we call America a free he wanted. Except, I’m not fighting dogan took power, Freedom Watch by civil war and large parts of country. against the people, I’m fighting for has seen Turkey’s rating decline so their territory are in anarchy. The Ironically, many in Trump’s them. For their right to know the steeply that it broke a record, gonext country on the list is Eritrea. base feel like their First and Sectruth. My weapons are my pen, my ing from free to not free in the span Eritrea is an East African nation ond Amendment rights were being Constitution and my people. I’ll see of one year. Unfortunately, for the north of Ethiopia that has been delimited by Obama and “political you on the battlefield, Mr. Presithird of the world living under opscribed as “Africa’s North Korea”. correctness”, the definition of dent. pressive governments, this is in

prospectornow.com

FEATURES 5

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

finding balance Teachers weigh in on the difficulty Collins Family of balancing class and maternity leave

prospect families

BLANCA ESTRADA Executive News Editor

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Brock, Lauren, and Robert (12 weeks).

Fonsino Family

Michelle, Leo (3.5 years), Bianca (15 months), and Frankie (5 years).

Rathe Family

stitute. According to D214 Administrative Assistant of Human Resources Amy North, staff members work with their division heads to find a long-term substitute.

On certain occasions, there are substitutes already working in the district that are asked to do an extended assignment, but D214 staff frequently post jobs on the district’s website to find a qualified substitute. Despite this, North admits that counselors generally don’t have substitutes.

D214 follows the guidelines of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when determining how an employee (female or male) can use time for the birth and care of a newborn child. The act is a federal law that provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons.

Teachers’ maternity leave is broken

hen senior Gisselle Garcia started her college applications in August, she decided to visit her counselor Lauren Collins to talk about the process. Garcia plans on being a nurse and wanted Collins’ perspective on how to approach college essays. However, when she walked into Collins’ office, she was surprised to see someone completely different.

Nicole Bacigalupo was Collins’ maternity leave substitute from Aug. 15 to Oct. 19.

She recently finished her master’s degree this past spring, and although she providFamily and Medical ed useful information about college essays, Leave Act (FMLA) Garcia felt out of place with the change. allows teachers to...

“She doesn’t know me or what I want to become,” Garcia said. “I don’t know Collins Care for an either, but she would at least have an idea of injured service what I wanted. … [Bacigalupo] only knows member in the so much.” family.

Whenever a teacher goes on maternity leave, they’re eager to spend time with their newborn. For some teachers, however, that eagerCare for a new ness turns into worry when they’re To recover from child, whether leaving their classroom or office in a worker’s own for the birth, the the hands of someone else. A few female teachers feel a responsibility serious illness adoption, or to stay in class until the last day in placement into order to be with their students. foster care Collins went on maternity leave when her first son Robert Roosevelt Collins was born on Aug. 13. *Information courtesy of Wikipedia Although she was anxious to spend time with her newborn, Collins’ biggest up into two parts: recovery and bonding. concern was that students would not know who their new counselor was. Nevertheless, The recovery part of the process is paid, she was confident that Bacigalupo would but they use their sick and personal days to do so. Bonding begins when recovery handle all schedule requests, student isends, and it’s an unpaid leave. The length sues, college applications and other tasks.

“Many women educators feel stress of the recovery is determined by the type of about leaving their job to take care of a delivery and the directive of the teacher’s baby, and they should not feel this way,” doctor.

AP Human Geography teacher Michelle Bacigalupo said. “When a teacher is on maternity leave, her main priority is being Fonsino has gone on maternity leave three a mother to a newborn baby. New moms times, and each time, she has prepared extensively. should not feel guilty about taking a leave When her first son Frankie was born on when it is their right.”

Bacigalupo believes that Collins’ leave June 25, 2013, Fonsino took her maternity leave from the first day of school to the end impacted many of her students. She’s aware of first quarter. Before she left, she typed that it’s challenging to meet a new counselor after developing a bond with another, but out daily instructions for the substitute.

“It was my first time being gone and she believes that it was right for Collins to leaving my class in the hands of someone go on maternity leave.

Before Collins left, the school went else,” Fonsino said. “I wanted to be over prepared.” through an extensive search to find a sub-

Fonsino did the same thing when her daughter Bianca was born on July 17, 2017.

She made calendars for each unit that the students were supposed to cover while she was gone. Additionally, she made a day-byday plan for the substitute and copies of the students’ homework.

Social Studies teacher and defensive coordinator Brock Collins was impacted both on the field and in the classroom when his wife Lauren gave birth to their first son.

Brock took three sick days in the beginning of the school year in order to spend time with his newborn. Despite the fact that nothing big generally occurs during the first week of school, Brock was having the ‘get to know you’ talk on his fourth day.

Furthermore, Brock took three sick days in August when the football team was practicing. He decided not to take an extended leave because if he did, he wouldn’t have been allowed to coach football. Despite his absence, the other football coaches ran defense practice, and he’s sure that they didn’t miss a step. However, junior Adam Mekky felt that the absence had a minor impact on the team.

“He did a good job in catching up his assistant coaches and making sure everyone knows what is going on when he left,” Mekky said.

During the time Brock was gone, assistant coaches Dan Keller, Jeff Collier and Jim Argentine volunteered to coach linebackers. Senior Michael Shafis also helped Mekky with formations and opponents’ plays.

As Lauren is shifting back into counselor mode, she and Brock have talked about the changes that need to be made. They knew their schedules were going to be completely different from four months ago, so they decided to have a dry run a week before her return.

Brock is aware of the new role Lauren is taking on, and the couple is preparing for the year by sharing responsibilities between work and parenting.

“She now has to be a mom and a counselor,” Brock said. “When you’re in a relationship, you have to be able to take on that role. I’m a dad now, and I’ve got to be a dad for a while.”

Lauren will start coaching competitive cheerleading season soon, and once she starts, Brock will be the one picking up their baby from the babysitter.

“You want to make sure you’re putting your students in a position to succeed and doing the best for them,” Brock said. “But it’s hard to do that when you are not there. … At the same time, you want to do what’s best for your family.”

Kendall, Harrison (3.5 years), Bradford, George (10 months), and Winston.

Senior Michael McGovern The Boyfriend

AP Bio

Roses

P

P

Senior Katelyn Branch

Favorite class?

The Subject

AP Bio

Roses, Dandelions or Tulips?

K

o h W ows n

B

e tYto u er?

Senior Ashley Welk The Best Friend

English

Door County The Sandlot

P Favorite vacation spot?

Favorite Movie?

Roses

North Carolina

The Sandlot

Roses

Los Angeles

The Sandlot

P

Panera

P

W I N N E R

Favorite fast food restaurant?

McDonald’s

El Famous Burrito

X

6 FEATURES

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

prospectornow.com

Female students challenge dress code ELIZABETH KEANE

Caught in the code

Features Editor

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oticing some of her shyer, quieter friends being dress coded for wearing bralettes, junior Natalie McPherson decided to wear one herself and see what would happen. With the dress code to back her up, McPherson objected when approached by a security guard.

“I felt sexualized, and it was especially difficult hearing that from another woman,” McPherson said. “Typically, dress codes are put in place so girls’ bodies are not a distraction, specifically to males. Shoulders are only sexualized in school buildings by the administration, not the students.”

In the official D214 dress code, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap tops, etc. are prohibited, but there is no mention of bralettes.

McPherson has also heard of multiple cases in which her friends were reprimanded for going braless during the school day, being told that “we wear bras here.”

Senior Kailee Pirsch is another girl who COVER UP! A girl wears an outfit that is prohibited by the school dress code and has run into issues with the dress code during her high school career — five times, feels imprisoned. “It’s important [to have a dress code] so everything is covered,” sein fact. Most of the time, she is reprimanded nior Kailee Pirsch said. “At the same time, it shouldn’t be restricting to what basically because she wears a tank top through which only girls wear.” (Illustration by Maddy Lee) the side of her sports bra is visible. cleanliness. up instead of teaching boys not to stare.”

Pirsch estimates that about 20 of her feMinter also believes that the rule proAccording to Galloway, with the amount male friends have also been dress coded, hibiting hats or hoods dates back to when of rape and other sexual crimes being disnoticing that it is most often because of bra it was considered rude and disrespectful to cussed in the media today, girls are often straps or crop tops. wear hats inside. The rule forbidding outblamed for what happens to them. Galloway After Pirsch kept seeing this happen to erwear is a security and safety precaution. believes that one of the first stages of this her and her female friends, she grew an(See “Dress code commandments” for more kind of victim-blaming is seen in the dress noyed with the dress code and proposed a peinformation) code, where girls are blamed for distracting tition to the administration to change it. Her “While the school isn’t necessarily a a boy instead of blaming the boy for choosinitial idea with the petition was to have the work environment, we also don’t want it to ing to be distracted. dress code include less body-shaming rules be a beach environment,” Minter Galloway believes that the teacher dispointed at girls. said. “We try to find a sort of midtracts the class more than her outfit by call“It’s important [to have dle ground where people can ing her out in front of everyone, most often a dress code] so everybe comfortable while still acfor the tank top or crop top she is wearing. thing is covered,” knowledging that there might “There was one male teacher I had who Pirsch said. “At be a different style of dress would give you a very pointed look that althe same time, it necessary [at school] most said ‘put on a jacket or I’m going to tell shouldn’t be rethan at home.” everyone’ if you came in wearing a tank top. stricting what baAccording to Minter, sically only girls Prospect staff does not wear. The guys go out of their way to don’t get dress catch students who are coded when they violating the dress code. wear their frisbee However, if a teacher jerseys, and you can see finds an issue presthe entire side of their ent, they can address body.” it themselves or send With around 170 an email to the dean to anonymous signatures speak with that student. from Prospect students, Security guard Joan Pirsch scheduled a meetShaffer strongly being with the dean on lieves in enforcing Sept. 20 of this year. The - Natalie McPherson, junior the dress code and meeting never happened finds herself doing and was set to be reschedit most in hot weather, estimating a dozen uled, but Pirsch has yet to hear anything or more girls per day and no boys. Shaffer else on the subject. finds it important for all students to dress Both deans were contacted for this story, properly in school, not distracting the but neither was available for comment. classroom or campus environment.

According to Principal Greg Minter, The dress code violations that are most there is always room for conversation reapparent, according to Shaffer, are short garding the dress code as styles among stushorts, tank tops, backless tops and off-the dents change. Minter acknowledges that -shoulder tops. When she does speak to a some of the dress code rules such as requirboy regarding dress code, it is only ever ing “good grooming” may be outdated, but about a hat or a hood being worn. Shaffer he assumes that these rules exist in order tries to keep most of her dress code violafor students to maintain good hygiene and tions as a one on one conversation with that student and does not make a scene out of it.

“It’s frustrating because the girls don’t seem Dress code commandments to care and just wear what they want,” Shaffer said.

Shaffer estimates that The District 214 handbook prohibits the folabout half of her dress lowing clothing items/accessories in school: code violations are met with a student who refus• Coats and garments designed as coldes to change or cover up, weather outerwear at which point they can be • Clothing such as halter tops, tube tops, referred to the dean. sleeveless undershirts, strapless tops, Being dress coded an spaghetti strap tops, low cut tops, racer-back average of twice a year tops, backless tops, tops with one shoulder, since being a freshman, bare midriff tops, crochet tops senior Claire Galloway • Swimwear, short shorts, short skirts, underhas been called out for wear worn as outerwear, low riding pants what she was wearing on multiple occasions by displaying boxers or sweatpants a teacher in front of her • Sunglasses class.

“Freshman year, beFor the full dress code, go to the D214 ing dress coded just made handbook located on student iPads me quiet,” Galloway said.

“As I matured, I started to realize that the school was teaching me to cover

I felt sexualized, and it was especially difficult hearing that from another woman. “

The amount of female students that have been dress coded *information courtesy of a Prospector survey of 101 female students

It felt almost like a threat, as if you didn’t want to embarrass yourself,” Galloway said.

Galloway finds herself limited by the dress code considering that she likes and feels comfortable in crop tops.

“Being told that I can’t wear what I want to makes me feel guilty for showing my body and not proud of myself.” Galloway said.

Galloway wears what she wants outside of school, but acknowledges that the dress code has stopped her from purchasing short shorts, as she knows she won’t be able to wear them on campus.

According to Galloway, there is a boy in one of her classes who wears a hoodie with a beer can on it. There is another boy in her class who has depictions of rifles on many of his shirts.

“Those are things that are actually killing people and can be shown in school but my shoulders can’t,” Galloway said. “Last time I checked, my shoulders haven’t killed anyone.”

prospectornow.com

FEATURES 7

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Class In the fast lane

GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD: Autos teacher Tim Schaap helps students in the autoshop. (photos by Erik Velazquez and Amanda Stickels)

Students learn life skills in auto class AMANDA STICKELS Editor-in-Chief

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very day during sixth period, the advanced autos class is different. Students work on various different projects each day, depending on what needs to be done. The class

runs like an auto shop, so teachers bring in their cars for different jobs ranging from an oil change to a brake job. If a task requires an extra part, the teacher can pay for it while CTE teacher Tim Schaap gets it from NAPA Auto Parts.

Some schools in the district charge for labor, but Prospect does not.

“I don’t charge anything,” Schaap said. “I’m not in it to make money. We’re [a] non-for-profit. The students are learning, and the staff is happy.”

Students can even bring in their own cars to work on. For example, senior Jus-

tin Sherrick brought in a go-cart that he was fixing up. To senior Shawn Wagner, this is a testament to the students in the class.

“We’re kind of like a family, to the point where we trust each other to work on each other’s cars,” Wagner said.

However, Autos is still a high school course, so students read from a textbook and take tests and quizzes. Schaap also has a curriculum to follow.

During the diagnostics unit, he will set up a problem in a car and have students diagnose it.

BURN RUBBER: Schaap helps senior Adam Wroblewski find the right tools.

SWITCHING GEARS: Senior Genaro Mateos Coronado works on an engine.

Looking into the future

HIT THE ROAD, JACK: Seniors Eden Markham, Kevin Verschoor and James Williams work together on an engine.

By taking this class, students can also earn college credit through Triton College in River Grove, Illinois.

At the end of the year, students take a junior Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Test, a shorter and easier version of ASE Certification Tests, each of which focuses on different systems in a car. If students pass the junior ASE test, they can earn the college credit. According to Schaap, most students in the class plan on making this into a career, so many will take one or more of the ASE Certification Tests.

Wagner is one of these students. When he was young, he became interested in cars when he and his cousins would work on them together. After taking the class his sophomore year, Wagner knew he wanted to become a mechanic.

“When I saw that I actually understand what’s going on with cars, I was like, ‘This clicks. This is easy for me,’” Wagner said. “I enjoy doing it, so from then

on I decided I wanted to do this when I grow up.”

He even got a job at AutoZone, where he works stock, finds parts, diagnoses problems and more. To get better at his job and to take one step closer towards his professional career, he took and passed the ASE Parts Specialist test. In preparation, Wagner studied for three months prior.

“It helps others know that I know what I’m doing and that they can trust me and my judgement,” Wagner said.

Schaap helps many students find jobs or internships at different automotive shops, dealerships and garages. For example, he found an internship for one of his students at a Ford dealership, and they now want to hire him full time.

“It’s part of my job,” Schaap said. “I want to find them jobs, so I know all the local places and tell them to give me a call when they’re looking for some help. …

It’s not hard to do. I have a feeling that if I didn’t do it, students wouldn’t.”

PEDAL TO THE METAL: Senior Shawn Wagner works on the Porsche.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Senior Matt Kuleszynski works on a Porsche that Schaap bought for the class.

Students have been working on it for a year and a half, and it is supposed to be able to run in the next couple

ROAD TRIP: A car gets ready to leave the autoshop after being repaired.

Schaap provides fun opportunities for students Schaap also provides unique projects for the students to work on. About a year and a half ago, he bought a 1987 Porsche 944S for $1000 that Wagner and other students have been working on. He even found a shop that specialized in European cars and asked the owner to come by to help students put it back together. The Porsche was in very bad shape when Schaap bought it, but the students have put the engine back together and done more work on the interior, and it’s almost ready to run.

Whether he’s working on the Porsche or another project, Wagner says that he always looks forward to sixth period.

“It’s kind of like a recess to me. You enjoy something you’re doing, and it takes you out of the stress of everything else … and lets you relax and enjoy yourself,” Wagner said.

8 IN-DEPTH

prospectornow.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Lunch

Crazy cafeteria: lack of eating areas harmful

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bout a year ago, I’d just gotten my schedule for sophomore year. I had almost all of my classes with one of my best friends — almost. Unfortunately, we didn’t have lunch together, so I ended up sitting in the library’s secluded studying cubbies during lunch.

Overall, I was pretty content. I finished my homework fast and had an entire period to be alone. However, it was my lunch, which implies I’d be eating during that period, but I’d gotten enough scoldings from the librarians to realize that that would not be happening.

So instead I became a master of stealth eating. During every period except the one I was supposed to, you could expect to find me munching on something. I’d sneak apple slices during chemistry lectures, goldfish before gym, and sometimes, when I felt like being annoying, I’d crunch on some chips during tests. Yeah, I was that kid.

I had acquaintances I tried sitting with during lunch, but the lunchroom kind of sucks. It’s loud, crowded, dirty and complete hell for someone with anxiety, especially since I was sitting with people I didn’t really know. I’d end up putting in my earbuds the entire period and FOOD FRIGHT: An anxious student stands in the cafeteria. Rules reading, which is a bit hard when the about where students are allowed to eat negatively impacts stufreshmen two tables down wouldn’t stop dents with anxiety. (cartoon by Jenna Koch) screaming about “Fortnite.”

So I either ate during lunch, miserable, worsen mental health, especially social or lunchroom was enough for me to feel overor I’d snack all day, annoying my classmates. general anxiety problems. It’s a big issue whelmed and nauseous.

In past years students have been allowed to that the lunchroom is just inevitably a part According to the Anxiety and Depression snack in the commons, but, nowadays, rules of.

Association of America (ADAA), 18.1 perabout food have felt stricter than For me, it was a large reason cent of Americans suffer from an anxiety ever. why school could feel so intoleradisorder. While each anxiety disorder and There’s an all-you-can-eat bufble. Lunch was supposed to be the the way it affects different people varies, I’m fet of reasons students might not one period where I got to relax, definitely not alone in this. want to eat in the lunchroom, but the cafeteria is anything but 6.8 percent of people have social anxiety, from just preferring to eat elserelaxing. according to the ADAA, so eating in class or where to getting anxiety from Being in there even caused elsewhere may not be an option. The ADAA sitting there. The administration sensory overload a few times. Acdefines social anxiety as an “intense anxiety shouldn’t be so harsh on students cording to Understood, a website or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated for wanting to enjoy their one free for people with learning and ator rejected in a social or performance situperiod. tention issues, sensory overload ation.”

While students shouldn’t be Students may be afraid of being judged by JENNA KOCH is caused by too much informaable to eat just anywhere, anxition trying to be processed in the others for eating in class or being called out Executive ety has been an issue for me ever brain. on it by teachers. since freshman year, and school in Entertainment For me, there were too many Of course, there’s no way to simply know general isn’t the best atmosphere people talking near me, too loud if someone has an anxiety disorder, and Editor to help it. Sure, we’ve got counselof a roar coming from a couple some may be afraid of talking to their counors, we used to have therapy dogs hundred teenagers trying to talk selors about getting some sort of pass for and we’ve got great programs that over each other and the various eating outside the lunchroom, and, on top raise awareness about mental illness. smells, both good and bad, that were emaof that, they could be anxious about being But what the school often fails to notice nating from my peers’ food were too strong. judged for eating in places no one else can. is that the campus’s atmosphere alone can To top it all off, the amount of people in the It’s just this vicious cycle of anxiousness

that can’t be settled.

I know it sounds stupid to get so stressed about eating a granola bar in the library, but anxiety doesn’t care how trivial a matter is.

While this problem may not affect the majority of students, Prospect needs to realize that while certain rules benefit their staff, it simultaneously hurts already anxious students. There needs to be a compromise that lets all students feel comfortable during what is supposed to be the best time of the day.

It would be great if mice and inconsiderate students didn’t exist, but unfortunately they do, which is why eating is restricted in the first place.

I’d like to acknowledge that teenagers, generally, are pretty disgusting. As I type this, I’m sitting next to a plate that’s been sitting in my room for a week. My backpack has granola bar chunks at the bottom of it, but, frankly, I’m too lazy to clean it out.

So I understand why the administration might not be too keen on students leaving half eaten food and wrappers everywhere.

According to security guard Kyle Perkins, students aren’t allowed to eat in the commons because of the carpets and couches, which are difficult to clean.

The custodians already have to clean up the lunchroom. I wouldn’t blame them for not wanting to clean our messes elsewhere.

“99 percent of the students out here are clean and respectful,” Perkins said. “So it hasn’t been a big deal.”

So why should 99 percent of us have to suffer the consequences of the one percent of idiots at this school?

I believe it would be more fair to allow students to eat snacks, such as fruit or chips, in the library and commons.

This way we can prevent students from making a huge mess in those areas, while also allowing other students the opportunity to eat somewhere they feel comfortable.

I’ve already felt the wrath of lunch supervisors when I tried to sneak a bit of a cookie.

They’re really stepping up their game, so it shouldn’t be a big deal to punish students eating full meals or making a mess during lunch periods.

The truth is most students eat in both areas anyways, and if we don’t, it’s during class, usually at the expense of our classmates’ patience.

Students who don’t care about getting in trouble will still eat where they’re not supposed to, but students with anxiety issues just starve, I guess.

Student consumers support local businesses MACKENZIE NOELLE

Executive Features Editor Ever since senior Sarah Predovich moved to Mt. Prospect from Grayslake when she was five years old, she’s wanted to work at family-owned restaurant Submarine Express. About four months ago, that life-long dream came true.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Predovich said. “Now I get to see behind the scenes and make the food I used to eat.”

Tom Zoumaras, Submarine Express’s owner and manager, has been with the restaurant since it first opened in 1981.

For 37 years, Zoumaras has witnessed kids grow up and come back married with children, just like Predovich’s dad.

“It’s good to see them go to school and watch their lives progress,” Zoumaras said.

“After college and what they’re now doing — it’s gratifying, and I appreciate that they still come in.”

In 1990, Submarine Express started selling grill items, such as hamburgers and french fries, so they could compete with a large influx of other sub shops in the area.

Before restaurants started opening in Randhurst five years ago, Zoumaras clearly saw how impactful it was for the business to be so close to a high school. Predovich can also see this now, with a lot of high schoolers, middle schoolers and teachers coming in either after school or a practice, whether that be on a weekday or weekend.

“I think this affects [the business] because you have new people coming now, too, with the usual customers,” Predovich said. “It’s fun because now you get to know even more people.”

For freshman at American University and 2018 Prospect graduate Zach Miller, he enjoys meeting new people when he and his band, Panda Diplomacy, perform venues at local events and at neighborhood pub Mrs. P & Me. “It’s really nice [playing there] because of the proximity to all of our friends and the fact that they allow us to make our shows [for] all ages,” Miller said. “I think the fact that they are so supportive of the community is a huge draw [for high school students].”

First named Mrs. P & Me in 1977, the historic restaurant celebrates any kind of special occasions from baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, live venues and more. Mrs. P & Me also helps with supporting local festivals and events and plays a supportive role for Panda Diplomacy.

“It’s just always nice to have somewhere that we know we can work with,” Miller said. “Mrs. P & Me supports a lot more than local hunger; they support local art, local students and are an integral part of the local community.”

Daisy Ortiz, a two-year employee at Chipotle, sees how impactful it is for the company to be in such a close proximity to a high school. With students frequently coming during lunch breaks and over the summer, Chipotle gives back to the

students by fundraising different activities during sports seasons like cross country teams and different events to help support any organizations Prospect is supporting.

Ortiz says helping out in the community makes the business feel like it’s part of the Mt. Prospect family.

Tortorice’s Pizza has the family-friendly environment, too, with a majority of their sales coming from families, school functions and students after football games. Although Salvatore Anzalone, the manager of Tortorice’s Pizza, understands that the restaurant is more of a FAR FROM SUBPAR: Two people talk dinner place, he is always delighted when people come inside Submarine Express. As a local business, in for dinner, lunch or any Submarine Express serves many Prospect stuother time.

“I enjoy [high school stu- dents and staff. (photo by Erik Velaquez) dents] coming in,” Anzalone said. “They’re very good He even used to have food for Prospect’s people and very polite.” athletic teams.

Across the tracks from Mrs. P & Me on “A lot of my price points are for the stuthe other side of Prospect, Zoumaras enjoys dents,” Zoumaras said. “I try to work it off all of the kids coming in to Submarine Ex[of them] ... they’re fun to serve and they’re press and gives back to the community as the future.” much as he can with discounts for certain charities, grab-bag events and coupons.

prospectornow.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

IN-DEPTH 9

Lowdown

RESTAURANT POWER RANKINGS

Chipotle

Chick-fil-a

Costco

The power rankings below were compiled by the Prospector sports staff. They rank the top 10 places Prospect students go to eat lunch. For the below categories, the multipliers were decided based on their ranking in an online survey of 420 Prospect students.

First place in any category is worth 10 points, second place is worth 9 points, third place is worth 8 points, and so on. However, each category is weighted differently based on importance, so the points are multiplied by a different number depending on the category. For example, the “Student Vote” category is the most important, so the points from that category are multiplied by 5. So first place would get 10 points combined with the multiplier of 5 to get 50 points towards the final score.

The taste rankings are from a vote by the sports staff. The price rankings are from an “average meal” price at the restaurant.

Location is the distance from Prospect to the restaurant. Student vote is from a survey of 420 Prospect students.

Executive Entertainment Editor

A

fake velvet sweatshirt, a 99-cent Game Boy and a bird sweater –– these seemingly mundane items were someone else’s cast-off possessions but are now being used and cherished by students who purchased them from thrift stores.

“I think it’s weird and cool,” senior Dee Langefeld said about her bird sweater. “[I know that] someone else had it before, I know it might’ve had a story, and the fact that it has birds on it kind of gives it some personality.”

Like most millennial trends, thrifting has trickled down to Generation Z, along with avocado toast and that one specific shade of pink. However, for most teenagers, thrifting isn’t merely a hipster trend.

Many students thrift, not because it’s trendy, but because they were introduced to it before it became popular.

Both Langefeld and senior Cooper Schauer were introduced to thrifting by family members.

Langefeld started thrifting because her mom and cousins did, and she sometimes still goes with them.

Schauer says he goes with his mom sometimes because “she knows [his] style.”

However, seniors Joe Ferraro and Matt Donzelli originally just went to thrift stores to find clothes for spirit days like color day.

“We just found some nice clothes for a cheap price and said, ‘We’ve gotta do this more often,’” Ferraro said.

Langefeld agrees, noting that a few weeks ago, she was able to get four sweaters, a pair of boots and a piece of jewelry for $30.

She likes that she’s able to spend the same amount of money that she would at a regular store, but get four or five items compared to one nice shirt or pair of pants.

Many retail stores such as Forever 21 or Old Navy put out clothes cheaper both in price and quality, according to Langefeld. This strategy of retail is called fast fashion –– something Langefeld tries to avoid.

ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE: A pair of “Harambe the Gorilla” socks are placed next to Timberland boots. Both of these items were found at a thrift store. Thrift stores can be a great place to find unique items. Some students also prefer shopping there to find low prices on quality clothing. (photo by Jenna Koch) She prefers thrifting because pensive items are put. she can find items that will last According to Schauer, a shopher a long time but won’t break per can ask to save an item in the the bank. Thriftglass case but The “Rand Road Run” doesn’t have to ing is also more eco-friendly, commit to buyand other tips Langefeld being it. The store lieves, as it’s the will still save it Top tips from veteran thrifters: clothing equivafor a bit until lent of recycling. they’ve made The sweater - There are four solid thrift stores their decision on section is Lange- all on Rand Road: Salvation Army, whether or not feld’s go-to for Goodwill, Wings Resale and Comthey’re buying it. thrifting.

She munity Threads.

While all stuappreciates how - Thrifting is hit or miss. Be patient, dents thrift a many of them and don’t worry if you don’t get it bit differently, are more unique on the first try. there’s one thing than retail - Go with friends! An extra set of they can agree sweaters, and eyes can help spot deals. on: thrifting she often builds is always a hit entire outfits around one. or miss experience. Ferraro and Ferraro and Donzelli mostly go Schauer express that it can be devfor the shirts and sweatshirts as astating when they find nothing on well. a thrifting trip.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gotten However, Langefeld encourages pants. I take that back. My jorts. prospective students to try thriftI made jorts. I bought some jeans ing, even if the first time is a total one time and cut them into jorts,” bust.

Donzelli said.

“Just keep going, keep perseIn contrast, Schauer tends to vering, and you’ll find something.” peruse the glass cases at the front Langefeld said. of thrift stores where the more ex-

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The issue is when the cart comes before the horse and franchises are made solely for the purpose of selling merch.

Every “Star Wars” film combined has grossed about $9.2 billion globally, according to Box Office Mojo. Star Wars-licensed merch, on the other hand, has earned over One of the most popular brands $262 billion since the rein nerd merchandise lease of “A New Hope” today is the legendary in 1977, according to VaFunko Pop!. Pop!s are riety Magazine. vinyl figurines–– desk The power of the toys, essentially–– that Star Wars brand is are branded by anystrong, even without thing from South Park considering sales. to Batman to Ed SheerHow many Star Wars an. As of today, there T-shirts, bumper stickare over 13,000 differers and other knickent Pop!s, according knacks do you encounto online hobbyist dater on a daily basis? I’ve DANNY tabase hobbyDB, most seen at least four pieces RYERSON of which are modeled of Star Wars branding after video games, comtoday alone.

Copy Editor ic characters or movie This effect of merch characters. is most pronounced among nerds, Originally, Funko started the kind of people who love “Rick out as a bobblehead company. It and Morty,” “Game of Thrones” wasn’t until the early 2000s that and “Star Trek ––” fans of the they branched out deeper corners of into the vinyl pop culture, essenfigurine scene, tially. an underground Nerds are inmovement of credibly easy to artists painting market to due and designing to how closedoriginal figuoff geeky comrines as a form munities are. of post-modern They want to sculpture. make sure they Instead of can recognize that, what Funother members ko did was license of their “tribe,” so as many brands they buy up piles of as they possibly MARKETING MADNESS: merch from their could, quickly favorite movAn example of a Funko turning the viies, games and Pop!.

Its empty eyes and nyl figurine shows. squat, deformed body really scene from The tribal an art form make you want to purchase attachment to into soulless, it, right? Maybe spend media also makes dead-eyed merselling other mersome hard-earned cash? chandise.

It’s ch trivially simple. just a template for You can’t wear a whatever flavorFunko Pop!, but, in my experience, of-the-month character is popular people seem to react the same upon today. Funko is the largest vinyl seeing a Pop! from a favored franfigurine company left standing, chise as meeting a person with the free to hawk its garbage to anyone same interest in that franchise. who will buy it.

This is a big part of the reason It isn’t just Pop!s that are the why I can’t stand merch: it’s the reproblem, however. It’s all meral-world version of making a referchandise. Merch preys on the deence to a movie mid-conversation. sire of fans to rep what they like, It’s lazy and generally not funny or whether that’s a movie, sports interesting. team or book. It dilutes media by There’s an old concept in anturning them into enterprises thropology called a “shibboleth.” whose sole motivating purpose is A shibboleth is, according to the the almighty dollar.

Oxford Dictionary, “any custom Merch also taps into people’s deor tradition, particularly a speech sire to be a part of an ingroup and pattern, that distinguishes one sucks as much money out of it as it group of people (an ingroup) from can, consequences for movies and others (outgroups).” Merch is just media be damned. Without merch, a physical shibboleth, a way of “Attack of the Clones” might have showing people that you get the been watchable, and Funko might reference and are in the ingroup. not have killed an art form.

If a Star Wars fan sees a Darth What exactly is merch, though?

Vader keychain, they know that The word mostly brings to mind the person with that keychain is a simple things like T-shirts and Star Wars fan. What else is the keyposters, but nearly anything can chain for? Nothing. be sold for a premium as merch, as long as it’s branded correctly. A Selling “Star Wars” silk “Black Panther” necktie off of Marvel’s online store will set you Box office gross profit for each “Star back $54.95, but a regular old silk Wars” theatrical release: tie off of Amazon is less than $10.

“A New Hope” .........................$775M Granted, merch isn’t necessari“The Empire Strikes Back” ... $538M ly all bad. It’s a great way for small “Return of the Jedi” ............... $572M content creators, such as artists, “The Phantom Menace” .......$1.02B cartoonists, animators and indie game developers, to make extra “Attack of the Clones” ........... $649M money on the side. For example, “Revenge of the Sith” ............ $848M popular Internet cartoon series “The Clone Wars” ..................... $68M “Homestar Runner” has managed “The Force Awakens” ............ $2.06B to sustain itself entirely via merch “Rogue One” ........................... $1.05B since 2009 with zero on-site adver“The Last Jedi” ........................ $1.33B tising needed.

“Solo” ......................................... $392M It isn’t necessarily restricted to nerdier consumers, either. If BOX OFFICE TOTAL - ~$9.3B you’ve bought a Cubs baseball cap, vs. a pair of Odd Future socks or a MERCH SALES TOTAL - $262B Dunder Mifflin coffee mug, you’ve been part of the merchandising (info courtesy of Box Office Mojo) machine.

JENNA KOCH

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From sculpting to film, the toxic hand of merch is everywhere

Retail rage? Try resale

Fa

Merch destroys art, integrity and more

prospectornow.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Har v

10 ENTERTAINMENT

IT'S More than just a song: A review of khalid's new album, "American dream" A murder for your viewing pleasure: NEW play premiering at metropolis GREEN THumb, green bag: senior creates environmentalism starter kits 2020's upcoming lunch rules: sophomores stuck on campus

Mt. Prospect out in force to recruit voters as deadline looms

ACT PREP CONTINUES: WHich TEST IS BEST?

prospectornow.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT 11

12 SPORTS

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Schwake decides on DePaul Senior continues dream of playing collegiate soccer CONNOR GRAVER Associate Editor-In-Chief

S

enior Brian Schwake was like any other kid growing up. He had a love for sports, running, and jumping around everywhere. At the age of three, soccer gave him the opportunity to run and jump around as much as he wanted. He began playing goalie with the Mount Prospect Park District while his love for the sport grew exponentially.

Flash forward to today, Schwake is a senior, months away from graduating, except his soccer career isn’t quite finished. Next year Schwake will attend the University of DePaul on a scholarship to play for the men’s soccer team: a goal he’s had all of his life.

“I’ve wanted to keep playing. I’ve never BOOT: Senior Brian Schwake punts a ball in a game for Sockers FC. He joined the wanted to stop,” Schwake said. “I just want club in eighth grade to elevate his skills. Since then, his talent has grown considerto play for as long as I can.” ably. (photo courtesy of Brian Schwake) Schwake had to put in a lot of work to get to DePaul and it started as a child. After his cause of practice.

Blue Demons’ soccer time at the Mount Prospect Park District, he “Everyone is really determined to make then moved on to Green White Soccer Club. it as far as they can, and it’s great because DePaul men’s soccer season is underway.

After Green White he transitioned to Chicaeveryone grows off of that,” Schwake said.

Beneath is a schedule of their conference go Fire Juniors but still needed to elevate his With this culture Sockers has created, results so far and matches to come. game. In came Sockers. players like Schwake have grown immense“I wanted to achieve more,” Schwake ly. said. “I felt like Sockers was a better enviBig East Conference (2-4-2) “He’s come a long way from the first time ronment to be he hit the pitch,” W 2-1 vs. Providence Sept. 14 in.” said Sockers OTL 2-1 vs. Georgetown Sept. 21 Schwake curGoalkeeper L 1-0 vs. Villanova Sept. 29 rently plays for Coach Ivan T 1-1 vs. Seton Hall Oct. 6 the U16-17 team Heredia. “He’s L 3-1 vs. Butler Oct. 13 for Sockers. matured, and T 2-2 vs. St. Johns Oct. 20 He is a part he underW 1-0 vs. Xavier Oct. 24 of the larger stands his reL 2-1 vs. Creighton Oct. 27 club that was sponsibilities.

DePaul vs. Marquette* Oct. 31 founded in He’s coach1986. Accordable, and he *DePaul vs Marquette results not available ing to their understands website, Sockat time of press the meaning ers FC’s misof why we do sion statement things and noted that he loved the feeling of the campus is to provide the why we say being close to downtown Chicago. best environthe things we During Schwake’s recruitment process, ment for young do.”

- Brian Schwake, senior DePaul wasn’t the only suitor. Multiple colsoccer players to The club leges were interested in his talent. Schwake reach their maxtries to prepare their players to reach their added that he was excited to talk to colleges. imum potential. maximum potential, which is usually colleHe felt proud that colleges were interested Sockers FC is a strong program playing giate soccer. Collegiate soccer is a very fast and wanted him to play for them. Schwake’s in the U.S. Development Academy. They paced game, and Sockers does their best to excitement carried over to his coaches too. are currently 5-2 on the season. Sockers is prepare its athletes for this.

“You feel proud you’re able to get somea member of the Mid-American Division, “I think that the style change will be imone to look as good as they do,” Heredia said. and their rivals include Chicago Fire Soccer portant,” Schwake said. “College is a lot fast“When you get that phone call from a coach Academy, who Sockers beat 6-1 in a friendly er, and it’ll be good for me and getting shots saying, ‘Hey I want to talk to you about this on Oct. 13. at a different level and improve my game.” player, that’s a really satisfying feeling.”

The club has an intense program that Schwake was recruited by Northwestern DePaul will give Schwake a faster pace only has players that are willing to go the University and DePaul University, but Degame against higher level athletes. DePaul extra mile. Schwake described the environPaul was a step above. He fell in love with currently plays in the Big East conference. ment as soccer oriented. Players are willing DePaul after meeting coaches and teamThe 2018 squad is 5-8-3 with a 2-4-2 record in to miss time with friends or social events bemates and getting a tour of the facilities. He conference. Their biggest wins come off a 1-0 victory over Xavier and a 2-1 win over Providence.

Sockers has helped Schwake prepare, but his time on the U.S Soccer Development team has helped immensely too.

In 2017, Schwake was invited to fly to Florida to compete in the 2017 U.S. Soccer Boys Development Academy Winter Showcase.

The camp is dedicated to elite teams playing from around the country that wouldn’t normally play each other. Schwake added his excitement to represent his country at the camp.

Schwake sees DePaul and the U.S. Development team as stepping stones, he doesn’t plan on stopping once he graduates from DePaul.

“I want to keep playing after [DePaul], whether or not that opportunity will present itself I don’t know, but I hope so and I’ll keep working to make that a possibility.”

Since joining Sockers in eighth grade, Schwake has grown close with his teammates, who he’s spent nearly every day. It will be a bittersweet parting once he leaves for DePaul.

“It’s sad but also exciting,” Schwake said.

“On one end, it’s my last year with a whole bunch of guys that I’ve seen mature and hung out with every day, but on the other end it’s a whole new door. All new relationTEAMWORK: Senior Brian Schwake (top left) poses with his teamamtes on Sockers ships and people to get close with and hang FC. The team is currently 4-2 in U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s Mid-American out with. Its sad but it’s really exciting.”

On one end, it’s my last year with a whole bunch of guys ... but on the other end, it’s a whole new door. It’s sad, but it’s really exciting.”

Division.(photo courtesy of Brian Schwake)

prospectornow.com

Overtime?

I’m over it If there’s one thing I hate more than the Green Bay Packers, it’s ties. Ties are the messiest and most frustrating statistic in the sport of football. Even worse? One of the four teams with a tie this year: The Packers.

Along with the Packers, the Vikings, Steelers and Browns all have at least one win, one loss and one tie. Ties really don’t have a benefit in sports. Unless we’re talking postseason overtime, but that’s a story for another time. The fundamental point of a game is to beat your opponent. Teams in the NFL spend days scheming in every possible way to beat their opponent that week. Players dedicate their lives to winning games, and fans spend millions to watch their team win, not tie.

Ties are merely participation awards.

Hey players! You know how you just risked your lives and gave everything you had? Coaches! You know how you spent hours planning and preparing for every CONNOR aspect of this game?

GRAVER Well, you both did a super job, but thanks Associate to a missed field goal Editor-in-Chief and overtime rules designed for elementary school recess, you get a win and a loss!

Again, great job but good luck next week!

That needs to change. Currently, the NFL overtime lasts 10 minutes and is essentially decided before it begins. The coin toss has major implications because if the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown, the game is over. The defense doesn’t have a chance to retaliate because the argument is that giving up a touchdown is the same as not scoring.

This format doesn’t give teams enough time to play effectively since there are only 10 minutes on the clock. The overtime was shortened from 15 minutes in 2017 and ties have increased since. This shortened quarter and the chance to end the game on the opening drive are the two biggest problems with overtime in the NFL. However, it’s not all hopeless. While I will always choose to watch the NFL over anything else, when it comes to overtime, I’m drawn to the IHSA’s and NCAA’s overtime like a Packers fan is drawn to a block of cheese.

College football’s overtime feels like it was designed by a fan who was focused on fun, which is a refreshing change from the NFL’s current standard. There’s no time on the clock. That’s right, no time. Each team starts at the opposing 25 yardline with a 1st and 10. They have one drive to try and score.

No matter what happens, score or no score, the other team will get the ball on the opposing 25 yardline.

If one team scores, and the other doesn’t, the game is over in a fair and honorable way.

If both teams score a touchdown, field goal, or nothing, they move to a double overtime.

If the score is the same, they go to triple overtime and beyond. It’s a beautiful thing.

The perfect example can be seen in a SEC matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Kentucky Wildcats in 2003. Arkansas won the game 71-63 in septuple overtime.

SEVEN OVERTIMES. The longest game in Division One history settled in the fairest and most exciting possible way.

IHSA runs a nearly identical form of overtime. The only difference being that each team starts from the opposing 10 yardline, not the 25. On Oct. 12, we all saw this first hand. Prospect’s game against Wheeling went to overtime knotted at 30. After a strong defensive stop, Prospect held Wheeling to a field goal. Down by three, senior Jimmy Martin snapped the ball and cut to his left, senior Michael Shafis ran a sweep to the left side scoring on a walk-off touchdown play.

The excitement couldn’t be contained in George Gattas because it was an incredible moment. This is exactly what overtime is meant to be: the most exciting moment in an already intense game. The only way this can be achieved is with a fair, timely and equal format. So, Roger Goodell, here we are again listen to the kids and fix this rule to get one step closer to making the league we all know and love just a little better.

prospectornow.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

SPORTS 13

Girls’ XC makes history after sectional win ANTHONY SANTANGELO Sports Editor

G

irls’ cross country has had a long-standing dynasty of championship season success. The team has not fallen short of their legacy this year, taking first place at their conference meet on Oct. 13, regional meet on Oct. 20 and sectional meet on Oct. 27. This is the first time in school history that the girls won all three championship meets leading up to state. Not to mention that during regionals, two of the team’s top runners, senior Julia O’Grady and sophomore Reese Lettow, were sidelined because of sickness and injury, respectively.

“We have a very, very strong senior group,” varsity head coach Pete Wintermute said. “Four years ago, [the seniors] came in as very ambitious young freshmen that really challenged some of our older kids. ... Over the past three years, they have grown and learned just a ton about themselves.”

Seniors Marissa Valentini, Jenna Baltes, Cori Drew and O’Grady all ran on varsity when they were freshmen. Wintermute believes that the seniors are the ones who set the tone for the program, especially during high-pressure situations like their performance at conference.

At conference, the team’s individual goals were to have 18 all-conference runners within the program and to place top two at every level.

Prospect achieved both goals, having 20 all-conference runners and placing first at the varsity and JV levels, as well as second at the frosh-soph level.

Drew and sophomore Hope Wasowicz were the first place finishers in the JV and frosh-soph races, respectively. Drew ran a time that would have put her in the top 20 of the varsity race, and Wasowicz beat the second place winner of the frosh-soph race by a whopping 32 seconds. The seniors left Melas Park with their third Mid Suburban League (MSL) conference title in the last four years.

“When I finished, I was kind of in shock because I was thinking ‘oh I am not having a good race,’” Valentini said after placing 15th at conference. “It was cool to see everyone finish in front of me. My specific place wasn’t that good, but just seeing how we all worked together and pushed each other throughout the entire race is what made it special. The emotions I experienced after the

Prospect Girls’ XC history since 2009 Mid Suburban League East Division Champs 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 Mid Suburban League Conference Champs 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018 IHSA Regional Champs 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018 IHSA Sectional Champs 2011, 2018 IHSA State Meet Finishes 2009- 6th, 2010- 5th, 2011- 5th, 2012- 12th, 2017- 18th

FINISH LINE: Seniors Julia O’Grady (right) and Jenna Baltes (left) lead the Prospect runners at the sectional race on Oct. 27.

The girls set a record by winning conference, regionals and sectionals for the first time in school history. The last time the girls won sectionals was back in 2011, after which they lost to Schamburg at the conference meet. (photo by Anthony Santangelo) race are indescribable, and after all the hard work that we have put in over the past four years, it was awesome to get another chance to win conference.”

One of the main contributions to the team’s success this season was their trip to Colorado this past summer. Over the past few summers, the team has gone to Wisconsin and Montana to escape the distractions of home and focus on building closer relationships, according to Wintermute.

Wintermute also believes that a lot of their experiences on the trip helped them through tough moments during the season. “[On] one of our last full days in Colorado, we went to Manitou Incline, which is this huge mountain that we ran up,” O’Grady said. “It was very, very hard, and being in the moment, pushing through the pain of running up the actual mountain, brought us closer together. [We realized] that we could overcome something together as a team and with each other. I feel like [those experiences] also carried through [to] the season.”

One of the main accomplishments that

make this team elite is their split time. Split time is the time between the first runner and the fifth runner when they both cross the finish line. At conference, the team had a 22 second split time, which is one of the best times they ran all season.

During the conference meet, many of the chants were “Go Prospect” rather than cheering an individual name because many of the girls were clumped together during the race, according to O’Grady.

The team shattered their conference time at sectionals, running an eight-second split. This is almost unheard of, according to Drew. Split time is helpful to know because it shows a team if they are running together or separated, and if their pace needs to change accordingly.

The girls have continued to try to improve their times through their various workouts, but for O’Grady, shaving down the seconds wasn’t the only thing she hoped to achieve.

“I have improved the most [with] confidence in myself,” O’Grady said. “Freshman year I had a really good season. Sophomore

year I think my confidence took a hit because I was comparing myself to the year before, to my teammates and to other schools. I wasn’t as confident in myself. I think junior year I really clicked with myself and [said], ‘You know what, whatever happens, happens,’ and I just believed in myself a little bit more and my teammates. I started not running for myself, but for my teammates and Prospect.”

O’Grady’s confidence and the continued dedication of the whole program has put this team in a great position to place well as they head down south to compete in the IHSA state competition in Peoria on Nov. 3.

“There was definitely a lot of hard work that went into [winning conference],” Wintermute said. “The reality is that when you get ready for the next week, it doesn’t matter what you did the week before. It is about regrouping, refocusing and really getting back to work, as there are bigger goals ahead that we would like to achieve, ... and recognizing that what happened in the past was the past and we need to move forward.”

Despite injuries, boys’ XC continues to stay the course RICK LYTLE Sports Editor

GRINDING: Junior Erik Snell runs during the sectional meet, where he placed 18th on Oct. 27. (photo by Connor Graver)

Boys’ cross country has had one of the unluckiest seasons since head coach Mike Stokes can remember.

Three of their top five runners, senior Andy Reimann, junior Tom Walter and sophomore Jack de Choudens, have been injured at some point during the year.

“It’s just been one of those seasons that we haven’t had since I’ve been here. We really couldn’t afford these injuries and usually we don’t have a lot,” Stokes said.

De Choudens came into the season looking to break the sophomore record of 13:15 for the 2.5 mile course, but a combination of bad weather and his injury held him back.

He didn’t develop the injury, a tendon sprain, until the middle of the season. However, many of the meets were cancelled at the beginning of the season, so he didn’t even get the opportunity to run then. De Choudens was one of the best varsity runners coming into the season, something he says he wouldn’t have expected even a year ago.

“The reason I joined cross country wasn’t to get accolades or praise; I just wanted to be a part of a team, and no matter what I’m still going to have that,” de Choudens said.

He says that in middle school, he barely took cross country seriously.

It wasn’t until the end of his freshman year when the cross country coaches had him do track to keep training during the offseason that he realized his potential.

Stokes thinks that the team not being able to run in the morning may be contributing to an increase in injuries.

A new district policy prevents teams from practicing before school, unless given special permission.

Even those who are given permission can’t practice again after school. In previous years, boys’ cross country sometimes had

recovery runs in the morning, which Stokes notes “gets the garbage out of your legs.”

Even though varsity has been unlucky with injuries, Prospect still has one of the best cross country programs in the conference, and that title doesn’t come without hard work.

The team has finished top two in the conference for four straight years, finishing seventh this season.

Junior Erik Snell finished sixth in the conference meet with a time of 15:31. He then went on to top that time at sectionals, running 15:08.

Even though Prospect didn’t qualify for state by placing top five at sectionals, the Knights are only graduating two of their top seven runners.

What Stokes calls the “silver lining” to all the injuries is that many underclassmen have had an opportunity to run on varsity, along with the frosh-soph team finishing fourth in conference. Next season, there will be many runners with varsity-level experience.

Senior Paul Khairallah has been one of the seniors who has had to mentor the large amount of underclassmen and wants to be able to contribute to the program’s success in the future.

“The biggest thing is what you do on a day to day basis. Leading by example shows them how do to it,” Khairallah said, “and just small things like going up to them and just saying, ‘Hey how’s it going?’”

The injuries highlight how thin the cross country roster was this season, something that has been a recent trend.

This year, only one freshman runner from South Middle School joined the cross country program, something very odd coming from

a school which finished top ten in the state in boys’ and girls’ divisions, both of whom will come to Prospect as a part of the Class of 2022.

With hard work and maintained health, de Choudens believes Prospect can bounce back with a lot of returning runners next year.

“I’d like the team to go to state [next year] and really be able to contribute to that,” de Choudens said.

14

Currently on prospectornow.com ...

Ultimate frisbee club’s 15th season ended on Friday, Oct. 26. Head over to prospectornow.com to read stories on the final regular season games and coverage of the playoffs by staff writers Matt Washco and Tommy Carrico.

SPORTS NOVEMBER 2, 2018

One shining moment ... each ANTHONY SANTANGELO CONNOR GRAVER RICK LYTLE Prospector Sports Staff

GIRLS’ SWIM AND DIVE

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

S

ports is a celebrated pastime at Prospect High School. The day of the week doesn’t matter; as long as there’s a game being played, sports are huge part of our culture.

As November begins, the fall sports season comes to a close. To give it a proper send off, the Prospector sports staff wanted to find the best moments from each team’s season.

From football making the playoffs for the first time since 2012, to girls’ cross country winning regionals, conference and sectionals for the first time in school history, these moments are some of Prospect’s proudest.

At the end of the NCAA basketball tournament, the NCAA releases a video titled “One Shining Moment.” The video shows highlights and memorable moments from the tournament, set to the tune of “One Shining Moment” by David Barrett. Our sports staff has put together Prospect’s version, with one shining moment … each.

Pictured Athletes

Girls’ Swim and Dive: Sr. Madison Malone Girls’ Cross Country: Sr. Marissa Valentini (left), Jr. Emily Hubbard (middle), So. Annika Erickson (right) Boys’ Soccer: Sr. Jacob Keil Boys’ Cross Country: So. Kevin Slawacki Football: Sr. Michael Shafis (left) and Jimmy Martin (right) Girls’ Volleyball: Jr. Sarah Skaggs Boys’ Golf: Sr Charlie Busch Girls’ Golf: Sr. Emily Flemming Girls’ Tennis: Fr. Nikki Zakrzewski

Winter sports preview The fall sports season ending doesn’t mean its over. Winter sports teams will begin tryouts and practice in the first weeks of November with games starting later in the month. Here is each team’s opener: Bowling: Dual Match vs. Conant, Nov. 26 Boys Basketball: St. Viator Tourney, Nov. 19 Girls Basketball: vs. Barrington, Nov. 27 Boys Gymnastics: TBD Girls Gymnastics: vs. Fremd, Nov. 27 Competitive Cheer: Rolling Meadows Tournament, Dec. 15 Boys Swim and Dive: vs. Hoffman Estates, Nov. 30 Orchesis: Fremd Tournament, Nov. 18 Wrestling: @ Conant, Nov. 29

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

Girls’ Volleyball upset 7th seeded Niles West in two sets in the regional semifinal (25-17, 25-18).

Aggressive serving was a key factor in the win, with Emma Cogan contributing 4 aces. “It was nice to beat someone who was ranked higher, it was great,” head coach Laura Gerber said.

The girls team had another strong season captained by a strong senior class.

The seniors will look to succeed in their sectional meet on Nov. 10 at Stevenson High School.

“They’ve worked hard since the beginning,” said diving head coach Antonino Bondi. “They’ve really invested in the program.”

It was also the first time in history that the team won conference, regionals and sectionals in the same year. The girls look to continue their success as they head to Peoria to compete in state on Nov. 3. For a full story, see page 13.

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

BOYS’ SOCCER

Any competition against Barrington is a tough fight for Prospect considering the school is their own district, but the boys’ soccer team defeated the Broncos 2-0 in one of their best moments according to coach Mike Andrews.

“That was a game that really gave us a boost of confidence that we could really take on anybody,” Andrews said. “They are always a top team in the conference. We got a really decisive win. We played fantastic soccer.”

Senior Tengis Tulga’s goal from nearly 50 yards out, according to Andrews, was a momentum changer for the whole team and allowed the Knights to rally past Barrington for a homecoming victory.

BOYS’ GOLF Senior captains Charlie Busch and Jack Knott have been on the varsity squad since they were freshman, and hold the two most outstanding moments from this season according to boys’ golf coach Tom Martindale. Knott led the Knights to a second place sectional finish shooting 78 to place first in the tournament on a windy day at Fox Run in Elk Grove. Busch on the other hand is one of only three players in boys’ golf history to qualify for state sophomore, junior and senior year. Busch got 31st in state and has earned a medal in every meet besides two. According to Martindale, he is the most decorated golfer of the team.

Boys’ cross country placed 4th at the Hoffman Estates Regional. Erik Snell placed 5th overall, running a time of 15:32. It was an impressive finish for the team considering that six of the seven runners weren’t seniors.

Coach Mike Stokes said that the reaction was “pride and accomplishment in a season full of adversity.”

FOOTBALL

In a tweet on Dec. 31, senior quarterback Jimmy Martin promised he would “bring back Prospect football.” Martin, alongside the rest of the team, returned Prospect to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The team finished with a winning record and the 31st seed in the class 7A state playoffs.

“It was a really big step for our program,” head coach Dan DeBoeuf said.

“It’s a really great time to be a Knight.”

DeBoeuf was hired last year and brought exciting offense and a rejuvenated feeling to the team.

“The momentum of playing in a playoff game, we’re going to use that and the guys are dying to get back in the weight room and get to work,” DeBoeuf said.

GIRLS’ GOLF

Girls’ Golf had multiple moments in a great season. Their biggest accomplishments were beating defending state champion New Trier in a dual meet. The win against New Trier added to their already bold dual record of 15-1 on the season. The dream season was capped off with an MSL East Championship.

“The goal is to be one of the better teams in the state,” said varsity head coach Jim Hamann. “We felt like we were the favorites in the East, we rose to the challenge, and we got it done.”

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Girls’ Tennis dominated Buffalo Grove 6-1 in their conference matchup, essentially clinching the East. Buffalo Grove had won the last 14 years in a row, but lost that streak this year to the Knights. A combination of three standout freshmen and many experienced, returning players led Prospect to win the MSL East.