Issue 4

THE

PROSPECTOR

801 WEST KENSINGTON ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056

Passion for fashion

en garde

Prospect students continue to involve themselves in fashion despite the school lack a program.

Senior Sammie Doro, previously an international athlete, made a comeback to fencing following a year and a half break.

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

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great horsepower, great responsibility Students explain the relationships between students and their cars.

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@PROSPECTORNOW VOLUME 55, ISSUE 4 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

Eye of the tiger Students who box share their experiences and passion for the sport.

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French terror attacks inspire unity

BY GRACE BERRY AND RILEY LANGEFELD

this, you do have some sort of right to feel pened.”

She has been in close contact with scared,” Zulqadar said. “But I hope that However, Maria strongly believes her friends in France to learn more what happens doesn’t affect the people that that the exchange is a positive expeabout the attacks and how they’re feelI love and the people that I interact with. I rience, and she confidently supports ing. Wilkens watched reports and dishope they understand that Islam isn’t that Eryk’s excitement for the experience. cussed the events with all of her French t was supposed to be an ordinary socbad and [my friends] don’t preach [negative “As far as the student exchange, I classes in the week following the atcer match. generalizations about Muslims] because don’t have an issue with that,” Maria tacks.

Senior Eryk Soltys’s French exthey know a Muslim person so well.” said. “I’m pretty sure everything “I had one French friend say, change student Driss Lonqueux was rejoicWilkens is going to be ‘You had September 11th. This is ing with his father at a soccer game at Stade Timeline of attacks believes this OK. My son is our September 11th, [but] we will de, France on Nov. 13. France won the game When Where Casualties separation is going there for win, and we will get through this,’” with a score of 2-0 against Germany, 2014’s 9:20 p.m. Stade de France one killed happening in sure.”

Wilkens said.

FIFA World Cup champions. As he made France because In light of the 9:25 p.m.

Due to the seriousness of the athis way out of the arena, the people around Restaurants 15 killed the Muslim imattacks, many tacks, Wilkens has been in contact him suddenly began to panic and run to the migrants don’t people are lash- 9:30 p.m. Stade de France none killed with Prospect administration and exits. feel a part of ing out at the 9:32 p.m. their colleagues in France. Currently, “This was the scariest part,” Lonqueux Restaurant five killed the French culMuslim commuthey are still moving forward with the said in an email interview. “[There was] Restaurant 19 killed ture. nity. Lonqueux 9:36 p.m. plans for the exchange, but they are running and anxiety yet ignorance of what “There are recognizes that waiting to see how things unfold in was happening. I saw people getting pushed 9:40 p.m.

Restaurant none killed too many culIslam doesn’t the next couple of weeks before makover, stepped on [and] children crying from tural differencConcert hall 89 killed promote ter- 9:40 p.m. ing a final decision. having lost their parents. It was very emoes,” Wilkens rorism and Despite the danger presented tionally difficult at that moment.”

9:53 p.m. Stade de France none killed said. “There’s believes it’s by the attacks, Soltys still wants to Lonqueux fled the stadium and headed *information courtesy of The New York Times just a lack of wrong to make the trip. for the metro, trying to get home. At the integration of these immigrants. It’s so inblame Islam for the terrorist at“I think we train station, he saw solteresting to compare the U.S. from France tacks. should hold off on diers standing around the because here we say, ‘Oh, there’s racism “It is clear that the whole world worrying about any stop. He began to receive based on skin color,’ but in France, the diis uniting against ISIS and these delays or any cantexts from his friends and vision is not too much skin color. It really monsters who kill in the name cellations of the the Prospect exchange is religion.” of a religion that only promotes trip for right now,” group asking if he was OK. Despite recognizing these differences, peace,” Lonqueux said.

Soltys said. “Then He realized that something Wilkens hopes that people will come togethJunior Syed Zulqadar is Muswe should just terrible had happened. er after these attacks. lim, but he hasn’t felt that people take it day by day, There was a series of ter“The people who talk about unity and the have treated him differently at and not worry rorist attacks happening in need for unity between people with different Prospect because of his religion. about anything.”

Paris at that moment. His religions – I do agree [with] that. Since the He attributes this to the fact Eryk’s mothworries grew as he rushed attacks, the far right is definitely capitalizthat the people he talks and iner, Maria Soltys, to find out more about what ing on that,” Wilkens said. “I do hope that teracts with understand Islam also expressed happened in the chaos that [the] general public isn’t swayed [in thinkisn’t dangerous because they her concern for followed. ing that] because of these attacks, we need to know what kind of person he the exchange On Friday, Nov. 13, there lash out at the Muslim community.” is. students’ safewere six coordinated terrorWhile Wilkens thinks there is a need for Zulqadar has heard comty. ist attacks in Paris. Leaving unity between people with different reliments and generalizations “It’s really 130 dead and 368 injured.

– Driss Lonqeux, gions, she has seen a new wave of patriotism about Muslims outside of This was the deadliest atexchange student scary, what’s in France. school. It only bothers happening, tack in France in over 70 “As Americans, we’re very quick to say him when people make because we never know years. ISIS claimed responsibility for the the French are so nationalistic, and they say these kinds of claims, right now who is a attacks several days after the event. the same thing about us. The French – they and they know about good person and who This led to French military forces carryhave a lot of pride in their country, but they Islam and that all is not,” Maria said. ing out airstrikes in Syria. While the hordon’t show it the same way,” Wilkens said.

Muslims aren’t really “My son is going there, rific attack was far away, it has had lasting “So suddenly to see just this new patriotism, dangerous. However, [so] of course I am impacts on people at Prospect. this new appreciation for their way of life Zulqadar explained kind of worried even Soltys was fearful for his exchange and to be so vocal about it, that’s something when people are though [a terrorist partner’s safety as he found out about the that’s quite new.” ignorant about Isattack] could hapattacks and heard Lonqueux was at the These effects have been evident not only lam, it is hard for pen [anywhere]. center of all of it. He was relieved to find through worldwide connections, but within him to be angry However, it’s out that Lonqueux was safe and thought it France as well. Lonqueux believes that the because they particularly was eye-opening to be able to hear so much country has come together following the atdon’t know because he’s about the attacks through someone who extacks. any better. going exactperienced them firsthand.

“What I must say, though, is that in the “After a ly to a place “It just seems crazy how I actually know USA, you might not realize that in France, big attack where it has people that were involved in the attacks, there is not the same patriotism as in Amerl i k e hapand that I know these individuals that, ica, but this has progressively changed since thanks to the exchange, I would be able to the attacks,” Lonqueux said. “It’s absolutely get a primary source of what’s going on in beautiful. I believe that the reaction is symFrance,” Soltys said. bolically beautiful, as we responded the best French teacher Kathryn Wilkens is sadway possible. Indeed, the aim of the attacks dened by the attacks that took place in Par[was] to separate us, but it only resulted in is, as she has many friends that live there uniting France even more. It has made us and is attached to the country. stronger.”

Wilkens has lived in France on and off From what Wilkens has learned talking for four years, and she’s known some of her her friends, she’s gotten a better idea of how friends in France for 10 years. She got a masParisians are feeling in the aftermath of ter’s degree in French Studies in Paris. All the attacks. of her friends were OK, but the attacks “There is a vulnerability [in Paris], left an impact on her as well as on her photos courtesy of but there’s also just a sense of togethfriends living in Paris.

Kit Fitzgerald and Tribune erness, of strength in number and “My heart just dropped [when News Service knowing that what we’re standI heard about the attacks], and ing for is something that is so it’s just crazy,” Wilkens said. very worthwhile,” Wilkens “You imagine the worst first said. “It’s freedom. It’s free of all, and it did seem as the expression. It’s peace.” details came in that it was a worst-case scenario.”

Associate Editor-in-Chief and Executive News Editor

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The aim

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ttacks

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eparate us, but it only resulted in

uniting France even more.

I t has made us

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stronger.

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News

December 11, 2015

prospectornow.com

graphic by Mike Stanford

Controversies define election debate Political involvement

BY JACK GABRIEL News Editor With the election just under a year away, the stakes are rising as candidates continue to fight for voters’ support. Even though only a small amount of students will be able to vote in the upcoming election, AP Government teacher Tim Beishir thinks that it is important for students, even those who are too young to vote, to

pay attention to the election.

According to Beishir, it is important for students to realize that there is a world outside of Mt. Prospect and Arlington Heights because elected officials, particularly local ones, have real influence over a student’s life. Even though students generally are not informed on politics, Beishir thinks that there are some students who try to stay involved.

Some of these students are junior Bren-

dan Quinn and senior Adam Nadler, who have been staying informed on the election by watching the debates and reading up on the candidates.

Because many students do not pay attention to politics, Nadler created Conservative Club to try and bring politics into the lives of more students. After every Republican and Democratic debate, Conservative Club meets and talks about their reactions. Nadler thinks that a lot of students

don’t pay attention to politics because they don’t think it affects them, which, according to Beishir, is a leading problem in American politics.

“My credo is that the biggest problem in American democracy is an uninformed American electorate,” Beishir said. “I think that the answer is education. If you want to influence [the political process] beyond [through] just complaining, then you have to educate yourself.”

Who would you vote for if the election were today?

I would vote for Bernie Sanders because he is the most progressive, and would be the best [for America].

I would vote for Ben Carson because when I watched the debate, I agreed with what he said.

Luke Wrede, senior Immigration

Katherine Robinson, junior Trump Effect

In the wake of the Paris attacks, the election underwent a paradigm shift. According to a Reuters poll, before the Paris attacks, eight percent of voters ranked terrorism as the most important problem facing the country. After the attacks, that number increased to 27 percent of voters. This fear of terrorism has caused the Syrian refugee crisis to be put in the hot seat.

After claims that some of the Paris attackers disguised themselves as Syrian refugees, more than half of the state governors came out against accepting refugees.

According to the New York Times, the solution for this crisis has been split down party lines with the Democratic candidates supporting the entrance Syrian refugees into the U.S. According to Quinn, people are looking at the crisis all wrong.

“People are looking at [the Syrian refugee crisis] as, ‘We’re Americans, and they’re Syrians,’ but we need to look at it deeper than that,” Quinn said. “We are human beings, and there are people just like me in Syria who used to go out to lunch with their friends at school, but now they are in camps. In my opinion, we have to help them out by either sending aid or bringing them in.”

One aspect that has made this election different is the presence of candidates with little to no political experience. According to Beishir, there has been a big outsider theme in recent elections, which stems from people being fed up with corrupt politics.

This outsider theme appears to be working for Donald Trump, who is currently leading the Republican polls, and Ben Carson, who is currently in second.

Nadler thinks that they will continue to do well because people want outsiders who will be able to break the gridlock that congress has been in. Quinn, on the other hand, doesn’t think that it makes sense for people who have never been elected to a political position to run for president.

“In my opinion, it makes no sense that a guy who built his life from getting money from his dad and building buildings, a neurosurgeon and a CEO are running to be president and believe they can make a change when they have absolutely no idea how it works,” Quinn said. “It doesn’t make sense to me that people would vote for that.”

While Trump may be leading the polls, Beishir thinks that his support is reaching its maximum capacity.

“Trump is winning because the candidate field is very large, but if there were fewer candidates, his support would go up a little compared to the other candidates,” Beishir said. “He is a protest candidate, and people like his brash style, but there are only 30-35 percent of people who support that style.”

College applications cause seniors wintertime stress

BY AMBER ALERTA News Editor For senior Alex DiChristofano, going to school and doing his homework are simply just things to get out of the way so he can work on his 10 college applications.

While DiChristofano, who spends an average of 10 hours on each essay, says his applications take up a great deal of his time, he says he is fortunate because most of the schools he’s applying to are Common Application schools. The Common Application is an online college application intended to create efficiency in the application process.

This is done by asking standard questions that would have been asked by a majority of colleges.

Using this resource has cut down the time Dichristofano has to spend on some applications. Even with the Common Application, Dichristofano has to fill out the applications for the colleges that are not Common Application schools and write 18 total additional essays.

Because of how time-consuming applications are, college counselor Diane Bourn recommends that students start their appli-

“I’m happy with whatever happens, and I want to go to a place that’s good for me, and if the person I am isn’t what a college is looking for, then I’m not looking for that college either.”

Alex DiChristofano, senior cations near the end of their junior year. “[Starting college applications] used to be a senior year thing,” Bourn said. “But we’re finding that if you come back to school in the fall and you’re not ready to hit the ground running, you’re going to be behind.”

According to Bourn, students who start their college applications senior year can find themselves pressed for time, especially when it comes to writing essays. Because of this problem, teachers have opted to implement a college essay writing unit in junior English classes.

During this unit, students write a graded practice essay that shows them what writing

I would vote for Jeb Bush because he is the best option, and all of the other candidates are idiots.

Mason Lucas, freshman Moving forward As the election goes on, Beishir is looking forward to seeing how Trump does in the early primaries and how long he is able to last. As the Republican field decreases, Beishir thinks that Trump will have a harder time because he will have to answer more direct policy questions. Beishir also thinks that the other Republican candidates are going to hold on for as long as they can until Trump leaves.

“There is going to be a reordering of things when [Trump] is eventually gone, so a lot of [candidates] want to see where they actually stand in the field without Trump,” Beishir said.

According to Beishir, even if Trump didn’t receive the Republican nomination, he still might make an appearance in the election, and it will be interesting to see if either Trump or Sanders will run as a third candidate if they don’t receive their party’s nomination.

He sees candidates close to each other on the political spectrum creating a potential problem by splitting votes and allowing the other candidate to win. With the election a little under a year away, a lot is still up in the air.

“Donald Trump does not seem to be subject to the laws of political gravity,” Beishir said. He has insulted several large demographic groups, and he is still winning. Typically, outsider candidates do not win presidential elections, but we’ll see what happens.”

a college essay is like. This is in hopes that hours into one school’s [application], and students will hone their writing skills and then it’s just submitted. Then you just wait. realize they must start their essays early.

Sometimes I wish there would be a little poof Despite carefully planning out a schedule of magic after I submit an application or just for when he’d work on spesomething nice like that.” cific college applications, In the end, when all DiChristofano still feels the applications are subThere’s an app the stress of writing the mitted and the essays are for that essays. After countless written, it is important Last year, Prospect hours of tediously editing to keep things into peressays day after day, he spective, according to Distudents went off to 114 finds it easy to go crazy Christofano. Even after colleges, and these were over them. pouring hours into perthe schools that received “[Writing essays] gets fecting the object that is to be a lot, and honestly, supposed to represent the most applications. too much,” DiChristofahim as a perHarper no said. “You read son, it is im123 students [the essay] so many perative to times that you just DiChristofano U of I get sick of your that he remem99 students own work, and bers not eveven though you’re ery college Illinois State writing about stuff will be 82 students that means a lot right for to you, you never him.

Marquette want to read it “ I ’ m 74 students ever again.” happy with However, even whatever happens, Iowa though college and I want to go to 58 students applications get overa place that’s good whelming for DiChristofafor me,” DiChristono, he finds some peace of fano said. “And if the mind when he finishes an application. person I am isn’t what a college is looking “It’s almost anti-climactic,” DiChristofor, then I’m not looking for that college fano said. “You work and put in a good 10 either.”

prospectornow.com

December 11, 2015

News

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Schaffeld recognized by psych committee

BY JORDAN DUSHANE News Editor

S

ocial science teacher Daria Schaffeld teaches over 100 students a day, one being senior Sam Kupitz, who considers Schaffeld a “super mom.” Kupitz sees Schaffeld as a role model, although her first impression of Schaffeld was that she was intimidating.

Last year, Schaffeld was asked to be on the American Psychological Association’s Steering Committee by the co-chairs. The Steering Committee’s purpose is to plan the National Summit on High School Psychology that will take place in the summer of 2017 at Weber State University in Utah. The summit’s purpose is to bring together psychology teachers and practitioners in order to mold standards for teaching psychology. “[Being a part of the committee] is an honor, certainly. It means that what has [been] happening in room 103 for 20 years is branching out, so that’s exciting,” Schaffeld said.

The committee consists of 10 people who range from high school teachers to college professors from across the country.

The committee will be fundraising to bring high school psychology teachers to the summit.

“We’ve never brought 100 high school [psychology] teachers together to try to develop a path for the science,” Schaffeld said. “It’s groundbreaking.”

Joining the Steering Committee was not the first time Schaffeld has been a part of a nationwide team.

Schaffeld has been working on the national level for the past 11 years as the chairman for the National Council for the Social Studies. The council organizes a conference each year for teachers.

As the chairman, she plans the national conference and runs the Facebook and Twitter accounts.

According to Schaffeld, the social

GET PSYCHED: AP Psychology teacher Daria Schaffeld sits next to her sticker-covered cabinet in room 103, where she teaches her classes. Schaffeld was recently selected to serve on a committee for the American Psychology Association. (photo by Cassidy Selep) media accounts allow psychology teachers to access materials they need to teach. Also, teachers can chat with each other about teaching psychology.

In addition, she writes three newsletters throughout the year, keeping psychology teachers up to date with what’s happening in the field. Schaffeld has three other colleagues that help.

Schaffeld knows that her leadership as the chairman of the council was the reason she was selected for the Steering Committee.

Once she was selected, Schaffeld was flown to Washington, D.C. to meet with committee members for a long weekend last summer, and she will fly out again this summer.

According to Schaffeld, there is a lot to plan for the summit. The

members found this out after wanting to host the summit last summer but not having enough time to plan it.

Since committee members cannot meet in person often, they have conference calls once a month.

During these calls, members talk about fundraising for the summit and what the teachers will do in work groups they are placed in during the summit.

One of the work groups that the summit will have is based off of the national standards that the American Psychological Association set.

The standards are a guide to what psychology teachers should be teaching.

Teachers will work together to re-write the standards and discuss how these standards can become more well-known and used among

psychology teachers. According to Schaffeld, many teachers use the standards how they are intended to be used, as a guide for what the teachers should be teaching. But, other teachers don’t know they exist.

According to Schaffeld, a lot of psychology teachers don’t have the resources or degrees to teach psychology.

“I’ve noticed that a lot of teachers don’t get the support that they need [to teach psych]. They don’t have degrees in psychology. I have an undergrad [degree in Science in education], a minor in psych,” Schaffeld said. “It has become very apparent to me that teachers don’t have the [necessary] knowledge and the resources.”

Schaffeld has been working to get high school psychology teach-

ers the resources they need by increasing the number of sessions teachers can go to at the National Social Studies conference. One of the groups may work together to find a way to let more teachers know what the standards are. “[Psychology is] a course that I love so much. I think it’s inspiring and motivating to be part of this [Steering Committee] — to make sure teachers get what they need or at least know how to access [knowledge and resources] if [the resources are] not being handed to them,” Schaffeld said. “[And], therefore, students will get a better, well-rounded psych class.”

According to Social Science Division Head Gary Judson, Schaffeld has connections with psychology teachers around the nation, and those connections bring more strategies and ideas to Prospect for teaching. “[Schaffeld is] dedicated. She works hard to bring good opportunities for our students. We are lucky to have her,” Judson said.

Schaffeld believes current and past Prospect principals along with Judson have helped her be successful during her career so far.

“They have always supported my quest to go get better, and I have never stopped learning. They supported that both intellectually and financially,” Schaffeld said.

“This building and this district certainly [have] nourished me and [have] enabled me to expand my horizons.”

Not only has Schaffeld expanded her knowledge, but according to Judson, she has built the Prospect psych program with her mentee, social science teacher Jay Heilman. According to Judson, Prospect currently has a thriving program.

“She has always been a teacher who engages the students and doesn’t just want to sit there and give information to them. She wants the kids to be involved and doing things,” Judson said.

4

Opinion

December 11, 2015

prospectornow.com

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

We, the Prospector, hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions.

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

Advertising For ad rates, call (847) 7185376 (ask for Krzys Chwala or Shreya Thakkar), fax (847) 718-5306 e-mail or write the Prospector, 801 West Kensington Rd., Mount Prospect, IL 60056, prospectornow@gmail.com.

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

Racial protests delay progress F

ootball players at the Uniness for their cause, but, like at versity of Missouri (MizMizzou, some protesters only hurt zou) made national news in their cause with malicious tactics, early November for boycotting team notably at Smith College in Massaactivities, joining other students chusetts and Harvard University. protesting in reaction to perceived At Smith, demonstrators planned racism on campus. a sit-in in solidarity with Mizzou Following incidents between stustudents, and they invited the media dents that involved racial slurs and to cover the event. However, there what some students considered a was a catch; journalists were only lack of response by administration, allowed to attend if they promised student activists demanded Mizzou to report the event favorably for the President Tim Wolfe hand in his resprotesters. ignation and issue a formal apology Their hypocrisy is self-evident; in addition to allowing students to while utilizing their First Amendbe involved in the hiring of his sucment right to assemble, protesters cessor. were trying to restrict another cruThese demands were unreasoncial part of the amendment: freedom able at best. Racism’s roots in North of the press. Their credibility was America date back four centuries, instantly destroyed, and their cause and one man cannot be expected to became an afterthought. be able to eliminate bigotry.

Harvard faced a different dilemNot only were they unrealistic, ma. Someone had placed tape over but the protesters were also blowing the portraits of black professors at the problem out of proportion. At a Harvard Law School. Understandschool with over 35,000 students, the ably, outrage ensued, and accusaracial slurs in question were spoken tions of institutional racism folby a handful of students. While conlowed. demnable, these actions hardly repHowever, professor Randall Kenresent the institution. nedy, one of the victims of the tape In fact, the oppoincident, had a difsite appears to be ferent response true. Five of the to the event than nine members of most. the executive cabIn an op-ed inet of the Missoufor the New York ri Students AssoTimes, Kenneciation, Mizzou’s dy reveals that student governhe was confused ment, are black. rather than enClearly, black raged by the tape students have the incident. He aropportunity to be gues a single inheard at Mizzou. cident does not Voting results of the ProsWhile the idea mean Harvard pector staff in regards to of equality is Law is a racist this editorial. certainly worth institution and fighting for, some “reformers harm methods of protest crossed the line themselves by nurturing an inflated and did more harm than good. sense of victimization” in the proNevertheless, the events at Miz- tests of the previous weeks. zou sparked protests at college camKennedy accurately captures the puses nationwide in response to problem at the heart of the recent what they considered institutional anti-racism movement on college racism. Many of these demonstracampuses. While advocating their tions succeeded in raising awarecause, some protesters hinder prog-

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For

MAKING A STAND: Protests have been held at college campuses nationwide. Questions have arisen as to what constitutes a worthy cause. (cartoon by Veronica Holloway) ress through their harsh tactics.

While Kennedy’s column specifically discusses race protests on college campuses earlier this year, his message applies to all social movements.

Colleges are breeding grounds for social activism. While current Prospect students are not involved in today’s protests, they will certainly be confronted with similar situations in the future.

We, the Prospector, believe that as students leave Prospect and enter college, they must be sure to support worthy causes, and in doing so they be realistic in their demands and respect others’ liberties.

Although many protesters have succeeded in their goal of increasing tolerance, the current protests have

been characterized by unreasonable demands. This reputation tarnishes the credibility of the movement.

Protesting can certainly be part of the solution, but instead of making tyrannical demands, activists must hold a goal of fostering discussions about racism. Only through understanding can true equality be reached.

Hostile methods will not solve any problem, especially one as deeply rooted as racism. Protesters must find success not through intimidation but by promoting their principles.

Until activists can unify behind this ideal, they are infringing upon others, and this is no different than the actions they are supposed to be fighting against.

Student Council defends current election system TO THE EDITOR: We, the members of the Executive Board of Student Council, are writing you this letter as a response to the article in the Nov. 6, 2015 edition of The Prospector: “Stuco Unrepresentative of Students.” We were dejected to see this published, as the negative tone of this article was truly a denunciation of our consistent hard work. The published article has put an invalid negative spin on Student Council. Though the article itself was an opinion piece, we found ourselves questioning the validity in argumentation that seemed to entirely neglect fairly addressing the opposition.

While Mr. Strother did interview the adviser, Ms. Scolaro, he failed to interview any current Student Council members, including members of the Executive Board. As one of his primary sources, Mr. Strother instead chose a former member who we know to hold some discontent with Student Council. This student has every right to voice their opinion; however, it would have more sufficiently represented Student Council if multiple sources that addressed all viewpoints had been utilized.

Additionally, our distaste for this article was not merely derived from a lack of suitable sources. Mr. Strother’s article was missing a key element: an explanation as to why Student Council runs the way it does. There is an entire evolution that occurred over time that led to the eventual current election system that Student Council and other schools in District 214 utilize to run the way they do.

Ms. Scolaro has been overseeing Student Council for 25 years. After much time of the election system being held with student-wide elections, she found that it truly left her with unreliable board members who won because of their popularity and who simply wanted the title.

After testing out the current election system and seeing how largely the level of work accomplished improved, and after much discussion with the administration, the decision was made that it would be most suitable to reform the elec-

tion system.

Any member can run for an executive position, and then the rest of the Student Council members vote from there. It is truly a fallacy to believe that this system of voting serves as a “popularity contest.” Members running for an executive position range in grade levels, and in order to run, one must first do an interview with the advisers (Lyn Scolaro, Kristen Ray and Christie Sylvester). Once it is deemed permissible for them to run, they must compose and present a speech or presentation for the members of Student Council to deduce if this person would be fitting for the position. Then, based on the speeches, members vote on who they deem as best-fit for each position. Additionally, after a year of working together at weekly meetings, there is clarity regarding who the diligent workers are, and who would thusly be best-fit for an executive role when it comes time to vote.

We, the Student Council Board, must also express distaste for the lack of highly basic research on Mr. Strother’s part. Besides failing to address current members, Mr. Strother did not attend a meeting and consequently failed to approach us with any inquiries he might have had.

We also find the work Student Council is responsible for was discounted outside of Homecoming week when Mr. Strother said “[StuCo] seems to be forgotten the rest of the year.” Student Council is also responsible for Haunted High School, Winter Week, Hot Cocoa Fridays, Spring Fling, Tinkle Tales and other events with the community like Dr. Suess’ Birthday Celebration.

If the connotation Mr. Strother carries for Student Council is one that believes us to be “elitist” and “unrepresentative,” he can attend a meeting and elaborate as to why he holds these beliefs, and we would gladly do what we can to compromise and improve, as we have already begun after the publish of this article.

The Executive Board, along with our Administrators, have held multiple discussions on how to improve student-wide incorporation. We have

also discussed ways to more strongly expose who the Executive Board members are and how to contact us with any ideas or suggestions for improvements. As of now, it has been brainstorming, but the article did not go unread, nor were the thoughts in it denounced. There are plans for change.

We recognize that there is no perfect system, and that includes Student Council. However, we consistently make efforts to improve our organization for the benefit of the student body. We would like to conclude this letter with a thank you to Mr. Strother and the Prospector for allowing his thoughts to be clearly voiced. It allowed us to see a viewpoint on our organization that had not been brought to us formerly. If any students have further inquiry or ideas, we welcome them to please take Mr. Strother’s example and address them. We welcome all students to meetings, and additionally feel free to email (prospectstuco@ gmail.com) or approach any of us members.

Thank you again.

Sincerely, Heather Dao, Student Council President Annie Boarini, Student Council Vice President Bridgette Jasinski, Student Council Secretary Joyce Serrano, Student Council Chairman Riley Goldberg, Student Council Chairman

prospectornow.com

December 11, 2015

Freedom from want With shopping holding precedence, holidays have lost meaning

A

Opinion

5

The lack of gratitude for such basic goods goes completely unseen with the blinding fog of consumerism that we have grown so accustomed to today. This fog has grown so blindingly dense that it is all we can see.

nnually I look forward to embracing the many wonderful things that commence during the holiday season. The glittering snow, peppermint scents and cozy beverages are all quite for shelter and sustenance. According to divine.

Hoffman, these people arrive underdressed However, there for the freezing conditions, starving and exis one thing that hausted. fills me up with Seeing these people in need humbles more warmth than Hoffman. It grants her the opportunity to any mug of ginnot only help those in need (which is highly gerbread tea ever fulfilling), but it also provides her with an could: the sense of opportunity to evaluate what she is thankful admiration I have to have in her own life.

BY BRIDGETTE JASINSKI for the volunteers There are basic necessities that people who stand outside Executive Opinion Editor tend to take for granted that she has grown of buildings and gracious to have; things as simple as a winshops everywhere ter jacket and boots to wear, food on the tayou go, shivering in the biting cold, ringing ble, hot water at the flick of a faucet, her own a red bell and collecting donations for the cozy bed and a comfortably heated home reSalvation Army. mind her how lucky she is.

Matters such as these are what hold The lack of gratitude for such basic goods meaning during the holiday season. Unforgoes completely unseen with the blinding tunately, people have grown to neglect this fog of consumerism that we have grown so true intent of the holidays. Instead, people accustomed to today. This fog has grown so concern themselves with the latest technoloblindingly dense that it is all gy and the most we can see. fabulous toys. It As the years have gone is miserable to Salvation Army by, materialism and consee the annual This “Red Kettle” tradition sumerism have only further disregard for began in 1891 and has continengulfed our society. Media the familial and and technology have allowed charitable purued serving the needy during for more exposure to adverpose that was the Holiday’s. Since its intising and material wants. once prominent ception, bell ringers with red Black Friday and Cyber during the holiaprons have become a fixture Monday have become the day season. at grocery stores nationwide. holiday, leaving ThanksgivHowever, In 2014 alone, the “Red Kettle” ing as a side note. there are still garnered over $144 million, Corporate competition the few who has resulted in stores annukeep true to the and nearly another $25 million ally opening earlier in atactual spirit of from online donors, tempts to draw in the holidays. allowing them more mindless As opposed to to serve needy zombie-shopspending her families on a pers. WoodThanksgiving global scale. field opened at Woodfield promptly at Mall sprinting midnight, and from store to some stores simstore, senior ply remained open Marlee Hoffman spends her holidays dothrough Thanksing service work and helping others. giving.

Hoffman volunteers every Friday, inWith people lining cluding Black Friday at PADS (Providing up for the best deals on the latest Advocacy, Dignity and Shelter). She assists and greatest presents, there is no chance to with setting up rooms, showers and meals relax and enjoy a meal with your family. for the homeless.

Even if you don’t like spending time with There have been a few instances where your family, eating some pie and sitting Hoffman has met the people who come in

EMPTY TABLE: Materialism is consuming even Thanksgiving dinner. It overshadows the traditional, selfless values of the holiday season and loses its true purpose in the process. (cartoon by Bridgette Jasinski) quietly in the corner like a wallflower can at least open up the chance to contemplate what you already have and what you should be thankful for.

Everyone has things they want, which is obviously not unnatural. It is good to relish in the fruits of your labor.

After a tough week at school, lunch at Chipotle on Friday is a lovely thing. Going out and buying the new Cage the Elephant album is fantastic. Getting a Chanel perfume and splurging on the newest Xbox game shouldn’t cause guilt.

It’s OK to have nice things, and we are not all disgusting monsters for wanting these nice things. The issue lies between being totally reliant on consumerist tendencies, which exemplify greed, and being a normal

human in modern-day society who purchases things as needed and harbors no shame in treating themselves occasionally.

The troubles arise when people are getting trampled to death over things that in a year or so will likely be in a landfill. That is the opposite of what the holiday spirit is meant to instill.

In fact that is the opposite of what being a human with sanity, morals and ethics is.

Wanting things is not the brunt of the problem, it is the obsession with objects that leave people salivating that is wrong.

The notion that you “need” “Fallout 4” or “need” a pair of UGGs is preposterous. You need love, you need sustenance, you need loved ones, you need hygiene and you need laughter. Those are things you need.

McDonald’s organic burger fails to improve health But in the same way that labelMcDonald’s has been in the ing a McChicken “artisan” doesn’t news a lot lately, and for the first make it magically edible (or chicktime in their history it’s not been), labeling a burger cause their food is lit“organic” doesn’t make eral cancer in an edible it any healthier. form.

A recent Mayo ClinThe fast food emic study examined the pire recently anpast 50 years of sciennounced that they will tific articles about the be testing a 100 percent nutrient content of ororganic burger in Gerganic and conventionmany. They promised al foods. The research to produce a “modern, BY ANDREW PITTMAN Guest Columnist concluded that no progressive burger.” significant difference Huh, I didn’t know existed between the nutritional that a burger could be forward values of organic and non-organic thinking, let alone think, but apfoods. parently McDonald’s has found a Quiz time: Which McDonald’s way. burger will give you more heart All jokes aside, this change will disease: the “Big Mac” or the new be great for McDonald’s public organic “McB?” Answer: They’ll image. Dubbed the “McB” — B for both kill you! Woo! Everybody losbad, I presume –— is advertised as es! a healthier option because of its orAt this point you may be sayganic status. ing, “But Andrew, conventional As set by USDA regulations, a foods contain a dangerous amount product can only be labeled organof deadly pesticides!” or, “Hey idic if it is made of at least 95 percent iot! What is this Mayo Clinic!? A naturally occurring ingredients. hospital for mayonnaise is not a It must also be free of all synthetreliable source!” ic pesticides, genetically modified While I can’t help you will the organisms and a myriad of other latter, for the pesticide point I have supposedly “evil” substances.

a response.

Besides the false perception of a healthier product, 34 percent of organic shoppers buy organically to avoid the consumption of chemical pesticides, according to a Thomas Reuters Poll.

Unfortunately for those 34 percent, there are a number of misconceptions that go along with pesticide use in organic vs. conventional farming.

First, an organic label doesn’t necessarily mean pesticide-free.

All an organic label means is that producers can only use pesticides that are naturally occurring.

Because these natural pesticides are less effective, organic farmers often use more to achieve the same effect as the synthetic equivalent.

Also, both organic and conventional foods are legally required to have a pesticide content within what the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed healthy for humans.

Basically, it doesn’t matter

which uses more pesticides because both sides aren’t at dangerous levels in the first place.

However, organic farming does have some upsides. For example, it’s better for the environment.

AP Environmental Science teacher Kurt Trenkle explains that organic food is made without the use of many chemicals that impact the environment in many ways when exposed to the surface water.

However, in the aforementioned poll, only 17 percent of organic shoppers did so for environmental reasons.

The question then becomes: Are those benefits worth paying, according to consumerreports.org, about 50 percent more for your food? It’s fine if your answer is yes.

However, if you’re just doing it because some food blogger told you it causes cancer, you’re wasting your money.

If you still decide that organic food is worth the price, you are not alone. According to gallup.com,

McDonald’s decision to hop on [the organic] bandwagon makes perfect sense. They have, with the help of a single word, introduced their business to an entire generation of new customers who previously wanted nothing to do with them. over half of people ages 18 to 29 actively try to include organic food into their diet.

Given these figures, McDonald’s decision to hop on this bandwagon makes perfect sense. They have, with the help of a single word, introduced their business to an entire generation of new customers who previously wanted nothing to do with them.

In the end, McDonald’s new “McB” isn’t going to change the world. This is because the company and its newfound supporters don’t realize one simple fact: the solution to a healthy life is not to eat organic; it’s to not eat at McDonald’s.

6

Features

December 11, 2015

Hanukkah has unique traditions

BY MIKE STANFORD Copy Editor

K

Like many young children, athletic trainer Aaron Marnstein’s son started asking his parents about Santa Claus. This is often a touchy subject for parents, but the circumstances were even more awkward for Marnstein, who is Jewish.

Marnstein faced a dilemma. He had to make sure he explained Kris Kringle as a part of something their family does not celebrate while ensuring the preschooler did not ruin the magic for his classmates.

As Jews in an area dominated by Christians, these experiences are unavoidable for Marnstein and the rest of the 2.9 percent of the Chicagoland population that practices Judaism. As the majority of their peers prepare for Christmas, Jews will be celebrating Hanukkah from Dec. 6-14.

Another result of being a minority in December for Marnstein is that he often has awkward brushes with people who assume he celebrates Christmas.

“I’ll be in the store, and some people will [say], ‘Merry Christmas,’ and I’m like, ‘Happy Hanukkah to you, too,’” Marnstein said. “Then they give me that weird look like, ‘Uh, uh, oh.’”

Another part of the holiday Marnstein believes people do not always understand is the relative importance of Hanukkah. Since the holiday occurs around Christmastime every year, Marnstein finds that people often assume Hanukkah carries the same importance to Judaism that Christmas does for Christianity. In reality, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are much more important for Jews.

As a child, Marnstein’s classmates would often completely misinterpret the gift-giving surrounding the holiday.

“All my Christian friends growing up were like, ‘Oh, I so want to be Jewish. You get eight days of presents!’”

Marnstein said.

While Jews do receive gifts over the course of eight days, the presents are distributed throughout the holiday, so Jewish children receive as many gifts as their Christian counterparts.

However, Marnstein does not believe these encounters stem from a lack of respect for his faith.

“People just assume everybody they come in contact with celebrates Christmas, and the difficult part ends up being there might not be some consideration that other people do different things,” Marnstein said. “It’s never out of a sense of not understanding. It’s been out of a sense of not knowing.”

Regardless of how the outside world views Hanukkah, the holiday is still a joyous occasion for Jews.

Although Hanukkah is not intense religiously, it is an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company.

Senior Eitan Chitman, who is Jewish, and his immediate and extended family celebrate Hanukkah with a large party at his aunt’s house. The event is punctuated by a large group of him and his cousins exchanging gifts.

When Christmas rolls around and Hanukkah is over, Jews face the dilemma of how to spend a day when almost all businesses are closed, although an increasing number of chains are keeping their doors open on Dec. 25. However, two types of businesses remain open: movie theaters and Chinese restaurants.

According to the National Association of Theater Owners, the influx of Jews into the movie theaters on Christmas Day helps make it the second busiest day at the box office all year.

Senior Molly Goldman, who is Jewish, and her family take full advantage of Chinese restaurants being open on Christmas day, even going to Chinatown in what she considers “the stereotypical Jew thing to do.”

Although they often spend Christmas surrounded by popcorn and chopsticks, Jews still partake in one aspect of the holiday: Christmas movies. Despite not celebrating Christmas, Marnstein still enjoys watching them on TV each year. “[Holiday TV specials] were entertaining,” Marnstein said. “I always knew I didn’t celebrate these things, but it’s fun to get in that holiday spirit.”

Goldman agrees and says that while many parts of popular culture are not geared toward Judaism, the message of the season transcends religious boundaries.

“It’s the spirit of the holidays. That’s what really matters,” Goldman said. “I like the idea of Christmas. I just don’t celebrate it.”

o h Wws no

prospectornow.com

Passion for Fashion

BY FLYNN GERAGHTY Executive Features Editor

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onsumer science teacher Lisa Curtin developed an interest in fashion at Prospect. Here, she was able to branch out and explore the world of fashion by doing things like going to Tailor’s Row with her fashion teacher, Aeli Combs, and picking out fabric to make a suit for her father.

Even outside of the class, Curtin was making everything from skirts to lingerie.

The fashion class she took throughout her senior year at Prospect inspired her to continue in fashion. After returning to Prospect as a teacher, she taught it herself until the program was shut down. “[When Prospect got rid of the fashion department], a part of me was gone,” Curtin said. “I developed my passion here, so I knew that future students wouldn’t be able to gain that passion because we don’t have a program to inspire them.”

Even though the fashion program has been removed, Prospect still has many students who are passionate about the topic, and they have found other ways to involve themselves with it.

Despite not having these classes right around the corner, according to senior Katie Penner, she becomes more interested in fashion every day.

During her junior year, Penner took Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising at Rolling Meadows. She has also taken classes in fashion design and fashion illustration at the Art Institute of Chicago. In these classes, Penner learned the basics of the fashion industry and the different career options available to her.

Penner found that out of all the classes she took, her favorite was fashion merchandising because when she was

designing a display, she got to “make it her own.”

The display she made for fashion merchandising is still on display at Rolling Meadows, which Penner considers a big accomplishment.

Penner believes that taking these classes has helped since she thinks being surrounded with fashion is a key factor for getting ahead in the industry.

“As much as you might think you know about fashion, there’s always something to learn,” Penner said.

“It’s a very competitive industry, so the more experience, the better.”

Since Penner puts a lot of hard work into studying fashion, whether it be through classes, FCCLA or internships, she feels one of the biggest compliments she can get is people

RUNWAY READY: Since senior Katie Penner plans to go into fashion, she spends a lot of her time taking classes and learning everything she can. “As much as you might think you know about fashion, there’s always something to learn,” Penner said. “It’s a very competitive industry, so the more experience, the better.” (photo by Cassidy Selep)

Junior Grace Peisker’s sketchbook

Senior Travis Gates The Boyfriend

Senior Ellen Paczko

Favorite color?

Blue

Height?

5’6”

B

Sophomore Mary Paczko The Sister

Favorite vacation?

Upper peninsula Michigan

Favorite food?

Favorite restaurant?

Pizza

Portillo’s

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P

Purple

5’6”

Upper peninsula Michigan

Pizza

Portillo’s

Purple

5’6”

Upper peninsula Michigan

Chips and Salsa

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telling her they like her clothes. “[My outfits are] the one thing I really take pride in and spend a lot of time [on] — actually, pretty much all of my time is just surrounded by fashion, getting experience in the industry [and] working on my portfolio for college — so it’s really rewarding to see that people are impressed with what I can do,” Penner said.

Junior Grace Peisker has also surrounded herself with fashion, and her interest sparked when she was 8 years old. Nowadays, she sees getting even the simplest of compliments on her outfits as a big reward.

“I see fashion as art, and you can express a lot through art,” Peisker said.

“And that’s what I try to do with what I wear and what I create.”

Peisker plans to major in fashion at the Fashion Institute of Design in Chicago. She wants to make clothes that are edgy and unique.

“It would be a dream come true if anyone wore my clothes,” Peisker said. “I think I would scream.”

Both Peisker and Penner hope to go into fashion in order to promote different styles and self-confidence.

“No matter who you are, you can express yourself through fashion,” P e n n e r said. “You can make yourself look professional, [or] you can make yourself look super nice. [Fashion] is something that can portray your personality and your emotions.”

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December 11, 2015

prospectornow.com

Features

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n i d e c en

e Doro, i m m a S r Senio ational n r e t n i s u previo o fencing t s n r u t e r athlete, th break n o m 8 1 r afte

BY KRZYS CHWALA Editor-in-Chief

Sammie didn’t anticipate this mental component until she played a 70-year-old player during the first few ight seconds changed senior months at her club. She lost 15-0.

Sammie Doro’s future.

“I got on the strip and got my butt As a fifth grader at Wind- handed to me,” Sammie said. “I just sor Elementary School, classes were sat down, got some water and was like, put on hold because a former athlete ‘OK, that just happened, and I don’t from the Special Olympics came for a know how it happened.’” presentation, full with videos including According to Sammie, the mental a clip of wheelchair fencing that caught aspect became even more pervasive as Doro’s eye. she started to compete locally and then She was familiar with sports like advanced to national and then internafootball and soccer and played on a travtional competitions because the sport el softball team, but fencing was foreign was taken more seriously. to her. Immediately when she got home, According to Denise, this was when she told her mom, Denise Doro, that they truly committed to the sport beshe wanted to play a sport with wheelcause of the expenses of competing. chairs, blades and masks, despite not They needed to buy equipment rangbeing in a wheelchair herself. ing from blades, masks, jackets, pants, According to Denise, she was sur- gloves and shoes, which typically prised because she didn’t hear much amounts to about $200, in addition to about fencing in the area. However, the travel expenses. after some research online, she found These expenses only the Illinois Fencing Club increased as she started in Mount Prospect and competing nationally, signed Sammie up. Samwhen they started travelmie remembers immeling to California, Virgindiately going to the inia, New York and a handstructor and saying she ful of other states. wanted “to do the one in At national competithe wheelchair” because tions, the atmosphere is she wanted to be just like still laid back because the Olympians she saw in they occur eight times a the video. year, so there are more Five years later as a opportunities to do well. sophomore, she was nearHowever, more compely at the Olympic level. tition is introduced beShe trained with Andrey cause the athletes are Geva, one of the Olympic ranked prior to the comcoaches, and was one of Use Aurasma on this picture petition. four to represent Team “My highest moments to see Sammie Doro fence!

USA at the Klagenfurt were when I was ranked Cadet European Cup in last, and I came in and Austria, where the team screaming at her. She realized that in kicked everyone’s [butt],” placed fifth. However, imother countries, sports carried much Sammie said. “But going mediately after the commore weight, that they determined in placed high just gets petition, she took a break more than just scholarships and college to you. You start to think, from the sport, only to reopportunities.

‘I’m supposed to win this. turn now, one and a half “I had a mental disconnect where I What if I don’t win?’” years later. was like, ‘I may be better than this girl, The competition is According to Denise, but I don’t want it as much as her. So taken more seriously, she didn’t think the sport what do I do?’” Sammie said. “I go home though, by the athletes would become such a big after winning, and half of the people in trying to make the interpart of Sammie’s life and – Sammie my life don’t know I fence. It doesn’t national team. instead thought it would Doro, senior define me as a person. But she’s going The top 10 from the remain recreational, just to go home and face much worse than I national competitions are like when she began. given a chance to be on the internation- would if I didn’t win. I come home and On her way to her first practice, al team. Their performance in the next everyone’s like, ‘Wow, you went to an Sammie expected fencing to be “Pirates international tournament. That’s awecompetitions determine how the numof the Caribbean mashed with Star ber is whittled down to the four that some!’”

Wars.” However, that didn’t hold true.

According to Sammie, before matchcomprise the team.

“There are a lot of rules, and I didn’t Sammie made the team after the es, people were throwing up in baththink there would be rules at all,” Sam- National Championship in July 2013, rooms because of their anxiety, and mie said. “Like Johnny Depp is doing where she placed ninth (see “Sammie after, everyone was either sobbing or backflips. Why can’t I?” injured.

Doro’s national rankings”.

In fact, Sammie didn’t like the sport “Sports should be fun, and up until Going into the international circuit, at first; she only liked playing tag as a Sammie was ecstatic. She went on a that point I had enjoyed it,” Sammie warm-up. However, with encourage- team-sponsored shopping spree to buy said. “It was competitive, but it wasn’t ment from her parents, she decided to new, internationally-approved equipthe end of the world if you lost. But I stick with the sport. saw people’s worlds being shattered ment, and she received Team USA gear, Eventually fencing grew on her, complete with the flag on the side of time and time again.” which she thinks is because it had a The ubiquity of competition and her leg and her name stenciled onto the completely different atmosphere than back of her gear. She remembers trying lack of enjoyment at the international her travel softball team. When she it all on in front of a mirror before leavcircuit made Sammie question whether played softball, the coach would give a or not she wanted to continue the sport. ing and thinking, “I look so cool!” sign dictating whether or not the player “I feel like every athlete has the However, the atmosphere of the should swing or steal a base. Fencing is competition was nowhere as exciting dream of being on Team USA,” Sammie a “parallel universe” because it is an in- because of the cut-throat competition said. “That was my dream, but then I dividual sport. got there and wasn’t sure if that was for among fencers vying for the same spots. “[Softball] was all about reaction me. You’re basically asked to pour your During one of her matches at the times, speed and pure athletics,” Samentire life into a sport, and it’s high circuit, Sammie’s opponent was crying mie said. “In fencing, you get on the because of how much her coach was stakes.” strip, and it’s a total mind game. … If Following the competition, she deyou do god-awful, it’s all your fault. I can’t say, ‘Oh, the pitcher was bad toAge: Sammie Doro’s national rankings day.’ No, I sucked.”

17 According to Sammie, fencing is like National Junior a physical version of chess because she Category: North American Cup Championship Olympics is constantly predicting her opponent’s Epee moves.

During the first minute of each match, Sammie doesn’t think at all about scoring, called a touch, which is done by touching her opponent with her sword, called an epee. (For more about the logistics of fencing, check out “Fencing 101.”) Instead, she practices reconnaissance, a tactic also used by the military, to test the waters with the opponent. She tries out all of her moves, purposely fakes out and takes note of each response — either the opponent ranked 8th on the parries, retreats, moves forward or National Ranking backward or tries to take her blade.

List in 2013 “If you’re not thinking, you’re getting shish-kebabed,” Sammie said.

E

“All toI ttried do was not aboutthink [fencing], ut it B brought back a Flood of memories of

me being

USA — SAMMIE DORO

“

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20 9 50 Top

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EN GARDE: (Top) Senior Sammie Doro holds a picture of her after receiving her ninth place medal at the National Fencing Championship in 2013. Top finishes in national competitions allowed her to be one of four on Team USA at an international circuit in Austria. After the circuit, however, she took a year and a half break because of the intense competition. Doro (left) practices four times a week at the Illinois Fencers’ Club since returning to the sport. (photos by Krzys Chwala and Cassidy Selep)

cided to quit fencing.

Regardless, Denise continued volunteering at the fencing club because she wanted to continue supporting other families, and she knew Sammie eventually would return to the sport. But she also understood Sammie wanted a break because leading into the competition, 30 hours a week were spent training, so she had little time to explore other interests and have a social life.

According to Sammie, whenever Denise mentioned any club events, she refused to hear about it and tried to push [fencing] out of her mind. However, she found it hard to do.

“It was like a break-up,” Sammie said. “[Fencing] went from being such a huge part of my life to not being in my life. All I tried to do was not think about it, but it brought back a flood of memories of me being on top Fencing 101 of the world.”

After a year and a half, she started fencing When senior Sammie again this September. Doro first started fencing, According to Sammie, in the first two weeks, she thought it would be she fenced just as she “Pirates of the Caribbean had when she quit mashed with Star Wars,” because she retained some muscle memory. but she soon realized she After a grace period of was wrong. Here are some about two weeks, how- logistics of the sport: ever, she saw her skills diminish.

• The sport takes place on Regardless, she’s happy to be back be- a mat, called the strip. cause it has given her • To score a point, called new insight to herself a touch, you must hit the and the sport.

“Not many people opponent with your blade. have the opportunity • A typical match, called to come back because a bout, lasts until a player they leave due to injuries, and it’s a very scores 15 touches. humbling experience,” • There are different Sammie said. categories (foil, epee and Although Sammie wants to continue fenc- sabre) vary based on ing in her college ca- blade type. reer, her biggest goal does not regard competitions.

“What’s really hard coming back as an athlete is looking back on how good I used to be,” Sammie said. “I’m not that good now, so I don’t feel prissy saying it, but I used to be great, and now I suck.

It’s hard because I know I can be that good, so when I’m training and I’m not that good, it’s humbling. ... I want to surpass where I was before and just better myself.”

8

In-Depth

December 11, 2015

Life in the fast lane

Pitfalls, pitstops abound for new Strong mindset needed to overcome challenge of peer pressure when driving

BY JACK RYAN Executive In-Depth Editor

Name: Claire Marzolf Grade: Senior Where she was pulled over: Rammer, which is two blocks from Prospect Reason for being pulled over: Speeding (35 in a 25 zone) “I checked my speed, and I saw I was going way over. He waved me to the side which made me really nervous, and I thought over everything I could have done wrong, but it was just for the speeding. … I was really upset. I had never gotten pulled over. My fear of getting a ticket or being pulled over has [stopped me from speeding].”

Punishment: Let off with a warning because she had no unpaid tickets and it was her first time being pulled over.

D

riving on the highway with her mother, senior Kelsey Pogatetz saw a woman veering in and out of her lane constantly, and Pogatetz could not figure out why. To avoid being hit, her mother sped up to get away from the swerving vehicle.

As they drove by, Pogatetz looked out the window, and in the car she saw a woman on her cell phone. Pogatetz and her mom escaped the situation safely.

Although she did not have a license yet, Pogatetz vowed to never text and drive like that woman. Now, after driving for a year and a half and encountering more dangerous driving scenarios, she still promises to uphold her responsibilities as a driver.

“I just picture myself [texting and driving], and I just never want to be that kind of danger to someone else,” Pogatetz said.

Since teenage drivers are new to the rules of the road, most do not understand the responsibilities that come with driving like not speeding, getting pulled over or texting while driving. As a result, 16-year-olds get

into accidents almost six times more often than drivers between the age of 30 and 59, according to LeaseGuide. com.

Pogatetz is thankful to have never had any run-ins with the law, and she believes the pros of driving, like having a sense of freedom and maturity, outweigh the potential consequences, like getting pulled over.

When Pogatetz got her license, she was overcome with a sense of independence, and she believes driving has helped her develop as a person by being treated like an adult on the road.

“I don’t think teenagers should be treated any differently than any other driver because we carry the same responsibilities as anyone else once we get a license, and we’re thrown into the same pool [as any other driver],” Pogatetz said.

While teenagers like Pogatetz feel this sense of independence when driving, many restrictions like only having one passenger in the car and obeying curfew are some laws that she faces while driving.

With these restrictions on teenage drivers, it opens up opportunities for peer pressure to occur in the car.

Pogatetz is thankful for her

friends never peer pressuring her ing safely is eliminating dist into blowing a red light, a stop sign from passengers by telling o or staying out past curfew while she sengers to stop and to focus is driving. as possible on the road.

According to Pogatetz, if her With Pogatetz having he friends did try to peer pressure her for over a year and a half n into doing something illegal, she still worries about the pro would stick to her gut. getting pulled over or in a c “There’s not any way to physicalBefore Pogatetz receive ly separate yourcense, sh You’re the one who’s going really self if they’re in the car,” Pogatetz about h to be responsible. You’re said. “You kind of it is for p [have to] stick to in ca behind the wheel. You’re the get what you value, es or pul and if you want one who’s going to have to When sh to be a really safe license s driver, then you deal with any consequences ized that shouldn’t listen to one tak if a decision is made based eyes off them because ultimately it’s your for one on peer pressure. safety and your they c friend’s safety on up in a the line.” swerve Like Pogatetz, pulled ov Greg Sill, senior Teddy Moun Eckhardt bepect Pol MPPD Officer lieves peer prescer Greg sure is prevalent has been when driving, but believes that it ocofficer for 12 years has pul curs more with males because they many teenager drivers for b pressure each other more to try to red light, a stop sign or for s impress people, particularly girls, According to him, the be while behind the wheel. According avoid being pulled over and to CBS News, males are 3.4 times consequential scenarios is t more likely than females to get in calm, trust one’s driving cap trouble with the law for driving and not have exceed the p recklessly. limit so the driver is not in Eckhardt believes the key to driv- by their peers.

Name: Andre Poisson Position: Engineering, Graphic Arts and Photography Teacher Where he was pulled over: Palatine Rd. Reason for being pulled over: Speeding on side streets “I was on my motorcycle, [and] I know I wasn’t [speeding]. A car passed me, and I checked my gauge. I knew 100 percent I wasn’t speeding. But the guy even told me he didn’t like Harley people, and that’s why he pulled me over [but instead he told me is was because] I was over the limit. But I kept my mouth shut. You can’t argue with a police officer. You’ll always lose.”

Punishment: He received a ticket, but got out of it as soon as he went to court.

Name: Brianna Kamp Grade: Senior

Use Aurasma on this picture to check out Rey Beyer’s ride!

Where she was pulled over: Waterman Ave. on her way to school Reason for being pulled over: Speeding (35 mph in a 25 mph zone) “It was an undercover cop, and he waited about five blocks before [pulling] me over… I was nervous [and] didn’t know what to expect. When [the officer] got out of the car, though, it was Officer Friendly. … I wanted to laugh in a sense because he [used to be] the cop telling me not to do drugs, and now he was telling me [I was] a bad driver. I just wanted to laugh.”

Punishment: She went to court and received eight hours of community service.

Tim Schaap Auto Shop Teacher HANDY MANNY: Senior Ray Beyer shows off his 1970’s Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royal which he has made louder and fixed up himself to mirror his personality. Beyer is one of five students featured who show a little extra love towards their cars. (photo and video by Alyssa Duetsch)

1: Do not buy chea cables do not have 2: Always test any feel for how your c line at your local p 3: Make sure to kn more frequently th 4: Know how to fin the grooves in you 5: Make sure to un car which controls manuals.

6: Be able to chan 7: Check your wip

December 11, 2015

w drivers

tractions one’s pass as much

er license now, she ospect of crash. ed her lihe never thought how easy people to ar crashlled over. he got her she realt if somekes their the road moment can end crash or and get ver. nt Proslice Offig Sill who n a police lled over blowing a speeding. est way to d to avoid to remain pabilities passenger nfluenced

“You’re the one who’s going to be responsible,” Sill said. “You’re behind the wheel. You’re the one who’s going to have to deal with any consequences if a decision is made based on peer pressure.”

Since peer pressure is prevalent in teenage drivers – 15 percent of teens perform illegal driving maneuvers when with their peers, according to TeenDrivingSource.org – both Pogatetz and Eckhardt try to stay true to their values, which Sill believes is the best knowledge to have as a teenage driver.

“As hard as it sounds, it’s easier to come back to school and say, ‘Hey, I’m late,’ and get in trouble for that than get in an accident and cause thousands of dollars of damage or maybe even worse – hurt someone or yourself,” Sill said.

With Pogatetz, Eckhardt and Sill facing the responsibilities and challenges of driving every day, their advice to new drivers is to not be afraid of the road and to not question their driving skills.

“It’s just all about being confident in your driving abilities because when you start to feel scared or nervous, you tend to make mistakes and aren’t able to focus as well as you would be if just have confidence in your skills and know what you’re doing” Pogatetz said. “People who are timid or hesitant when they drive are the ones who are going to get pulled over.”

In-Depth

9

Car kit safety check Water: Especially if it is hot, becoming dehydrated can cause problems. Keep water in the car to stay healthy and alert in driving situations.

Large Container: Acquire one that is preferably waterproof, to hold all of the items.

It should be able to fit into the trunk of a car.

Flashlight with extra batteries: If it is dark out when driving and experience car problems, a flashlight is a way to see what’s wrong.

Snow scraper/ brush: Driving with your widows or views blocked can cause accidents because you are not able to see your surroundings.

This allows you to brush the snow off your windows to see clearly.

High-calorie snack foods: If stuck somewhere for a long period of time, food will be necessary.

Keep snacks like canned fruit, nuts, raisins or granola bars to stay healthy.

Blanket: This has two purposes. First if it gets cold and you’re stuck waiting for help, this will keep you warm. Also it can act as a shock blanket after a car crash.

Spare set of warm clothes: If conditions are extreme, and you end up wet and cold, hypothermia may set in. A spare set of clothing can help prevent this. information courtesy of geico.com

SAFETY WRECKOMMENDED: Senior Amy Kruse, sophomore Allison Buck and senior Annie Boarini pose for a picture demonstrating horrible driving practice by driving distracted, not wearing a seatbelt and breaking the law and the hearts of all their parents.

“There’s not any way to physically separate yourself if they’re in the car,” senior Kelsey Pogatetz said. “You kind of [have to] stick to what you value, and if you want to be a really safe driver, then you shouldn’t listen to them because ultimately it’s your safety and your friend’s safety on the line.” (photo illustration by Cassidy Selep)

Advice from the auto shop guru

ap jumper cables. Buy one good set, and they will last you a long time. Cheap jumper e a thick enough wire to deliver the necessary power. y new, unfamiliar vehicle in an open location, such as a parking lot, in order to get a car will react in potentially dangerous situations. Be sure to call the non-emergency police station first to ask permission. now how often to change your oil. Most of the time older cars need to be checked han newer cars. nd out how many pounds per square inch (psi) you need for your tires and how deep ur tires are. nderstand your anti-brake system (ABS) and traction control, the system in your s the wheels so they are moving in sync. This information can be found in your car’s

nge a tire and jump a car in case you get stranded. per blades and fluids occasionally, and replace when necessary.

What to do if you get pulled over Step 1: Drive your car to the right side of the road right away.

Step 2: Wait for cop to come up to your car, and then roll down your window.

Step 3: Always keep calm, and do not panic because that will lead the cop to think you’re suspicious.

Step 4: While the police officer is speaking to you, do not move around a lot because it makes you seem like you’re nervous or hiding something from the officer. Also, always keep your hands visible so the officer does not think you are grabbing or hiding anything.

Step 5: If you are pulled over at night turn on interior lights so the officer can see you more clearly and not think you are hiding anything.

Step 6: Make sure to have your license and registration on you because the cop will ask you for it. When reaching for your license and registration, tell the cop where it is in your car so they do not suspect that you are grabbing anything else.

Step 7: Always be courteous and honest to the officer when he asks you questions. Also, never lie to the officer about what you were doing because that could mean the difference between giving you a warning or giving you a ticket. Overall, be respectful to the officer, and trust why they pulled you over. information courtesy of Officer Greg Sill

10

Features

December 11, 2015

prospectornow.com

Motivation Low-price presents

Freshman Supporting theadvice Music

Cubs trivia Budgeting test plans

Check out our guide to this holiday season’s biggest sales for all your gift shopping.

Read about senior Marisa Romanelli’s fundraiser to benefit the Chopin Elementary School Orchestra.

Study up on the uncertainty surrounding upcoming testing plans for juniors in Illinois.

Good vs vegan Master of fun Check out David Fang’s review of Aziz Ansari’s new Netflix special “Master of None.”

Head to prospectornow.com for breaking news, videos, contests and more!

Student triumphs over diagnosis Junior embraces unique qualities, defies Asperger’s

BY CALEY GRIEBENOW Features Editor

W

hile bagging items for customers at Jewel, junior Ty Smith recognized a woman he hadn’t see in a while. After talking to her, Ty learned she has cancer and is going through chemotherapy. Upon hearing this, Ty was compelled to walk her to her car and hug her goodbye. He then wished her good luck with her treatments.

For Susie Smith, Ty’s mother, moments like this cause her to marvel at her son.

“That crystallizes who I think Ty is. He has the most gentle, sweet [and] kind spirit,” Susie said. “I think people don’t get to see that at school because Ty feels so intimidated by wanting people to not dislike him. It’s

BRAIN GAMES: Junior Ty Smith is pictured posing with his improv team, smiling with his younger siblings, and playing “Magic: The Gathering.” These things are important to Smith, and he wishes to not be defined by his Asperger’s. (graphic by Caroline Binely and Caley Griebenow, photos courtesy of Susie Smith.)

hard for him to be himself.”

Ty was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when he was 4, and according to the Mayo Clinic, Asperger’s is a developmental disorder on the Autism spectrum that affects the ability to effectively socialize and communicate. People with Asperger’s could also have trouble controlling their volume and adapting to a conversation.

Susie has seen Ty struggle with reading social cues, reading body language, formulating sentences, and fine motor skills, which is the coordination of small muscle movements. According to Ty,

having Asperger’s is an overall feeling of being different.

“I think different. I feel different, [and] I perceive things differently,” Ty said. “[Having Asperger’s] is about as socially awkward as it gets. [I get nervous] to say something because I don’t want to offend people. Sometimes I’ll say something then realize, poop, I didn’t mean to say that.”

Susie initially noticed there was something different about Ty because he wasn’t conversational.

He couldn’t ride a tricycle, and he was sensitive to light and sound.

When Ty would go outside, he would throw himself on the ground and have a temper tantrum, but Susie didn’t know why. She later learned that sensitivity to light and sound was a side effect of Asperger’s.

When he was officially diagnosed, a weight was lifted off of Susie’s shoulders.

“I was relieved. Everyone kept telling me, ‘He’s fine. Why do you have to think there’s something wrong?’”

Susie said.

“To finally to have my concerns validated was a relief. I thought, ‘Let’s get busy, and let’s help Ty.’” As Ty got older, he attended occupational, physical, speech and music therapy and visited a psychologist to help improve his social skills and organize his thoughts. The therapy, in addition to maturing as he’s gotten older, has minimized Ty’s symptoms. He has much better hand-eye coordination and has an easier time formulating sentences.

Another way Ty has minimized his symptoms was finding an outlet for his dramatic personality. He currently attends improv classes at Laugh Out Loud Studios in Streets of Woodfield, where he learns to be involved in skits and to play off other characters.

Susie is not only proud of her Understanding the son as he performs, but also has observed the benefits the classes autism spectrum provide.

“With improv, you have to pay attention to your fellow actors, and improv is a lot of practice for Ty to understand someone’s perspecAsperger’s Severe tive and responding to that,” Susie said. “Ironically, it’s amazing autism therapy for someone on the autism spectrum.”

Asperger’s Syndrome is on While Ty enjoys his time on the less severe end of the stage, he still worries about how he autism spectrum, because is perceived at school, because he has struggled with being bullied, those affected by it are an issue that was particularly bad still considered high-funcin middle school. Both Ty and Sutioning. There are about sie attribute the hurtful comments to a lack of empathy and under200,000 diagnosis a year. standing.

Some of the symptoms can Nonetheless, Ty choses not to include: let mean comments bother him.

“People will be people. People • aggressive or anti-social will say mean things,” Ty said. behavior “That’s not going to stop me from doing what I like.”

• sensitivity to light and For Susie, it has been hard to sound see her son be picked on for something he can’t control, but she •poor coordination or praises him for rising above the clumsiness hurtful words.

“His sense of compassion and •repetitive movements kindness is not always the norm for someone on the autism spec*Information courtesy of the trum,” Susie said.

Instead of focusing on the negaMayo Clinic tive comments, Ty put his energy into what interests him. Earlier this year, he was inspired to start similar interests]. It’s lesson after the a new club where members lesson.” play the card game “Magic: The In fact, Ty met one of his best Gathering.” Ty worked hard to get the word out, make arrangements friends, junior Tyler Flechs, and create a video commercial for through the similar interest of playing card games. Flechs adthe morning announcements.

The day the commercial aired mires Ty for certain qualities and is grateful for becoming close with people made fun of Ty by saying Ty. mean comments to his face.

“Ty is a good listener. He makes For club adviser and special education teacher John Meyers, that you feel good about yourself withspeaks volumes about the mean out putting himself down,” Flechs said. “He’s a genuinely good perkids, not Ty. He is proud of Ty for not being afraid to be passionate son, and I’m glad we’re friends.”

From his mom’s perspective, about something.

“Enthusiasm is often a thing she has been able to see the growth that gets mocked,” Meyers said. in her son, and she feels she has “The people doing the mocking learned from him.

“He has taught me to see evdon’t have the courage to share eryone as equals,” their enthusiSusie said. “He is asm and to share accepting of everytheir interests. “[Junior Ty Smith] is one, and he loves He could just play cards by the kindest, sweetest, people unconditionally.” himself, but he’s most clever, thoughtful Since he has reaching out to been learning to others.” kid, which is actually deal with AspergMeyers beer’s his entire life, lieves Ty has unusual. His sense Ty knows he wants benefited from of compassion and to share what he joining a judghas learned and ment-free comkindness is not always help kids like him munity of people who enjoy the the norm for someone despite never having met another kid same hobbies he on the autism with Asperger’s. He does. wants other kids to Starting up spectrum.” appreciate the ways the club and beAsperger’s can coming a part Susie Smith, mother change their lives. of Prospect has “My life helped Ty come wouldn’t be the to terms with not only who he is, but also what he same. My imagination wouldn’t be as vivid. I wouldn’t have the same enjoys. friends,” Ty said. “It’s not the end “I’m a nerd, and that’s ok,” Ty of the world; Asperger’s is actually said. “I’ve learned to deal with Asperger’s [by meeting people with a gift.”

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December 11, 2015

Features

Dropping out

11

Employment, personal lives, finances obstacles for high school droupots

BY SHREYA THAKKAR

about six students each year who, like Scaletta, are considering dropping out. Usually it is beEditor-in-Chief cause they have fallen behind on credits and rustrated with how the ACT was sup- finishing school seems overwhelming or beposed to accurately measure her incause of a serious family responsibility. telligence, then-Glenbard North High When that happens, he outlines a plan for School junior Briana Scaletta ripped up her how that student can graduate high school, test and stormed out swearing loudly during whether that be taking a fifth year, enrolling the state ACT last March. Her test was voided, in night school or finding a class or activity and the next day she was suspended. at Prospect that they are passionate about to But suspension was nothing new for make high school a better place for them.

Scaletta — she believes she spent more of last “To stay in and get their diploma is the first spring suspended because of physical fights advice [to kids considering dropping out],” and disruptive behavior than actually in Berg said. “Then, [it’s asking], ‘What is your school. ultimate goal? What are you trying to work “I didn’t care who you were [or] what gentowards, and how does that best get served, der you were. I didn’t care if you were above either through a high school diploma or a me or below me,” Scaletta said. “I was awful. I GED?’” was cruel. I was angry, and I was being mean to When junior Bea Glauberg was considerabsolutely everyone. If I wasn’t cutting class, I ing dropping out, she went to her individual was suspended whether it was in school or out education program case manager, Suzette of school. I was never actually there.”

Sanecki, and her counselor, Nick Olson, for Scaletta attended Prospect from 2012 to 2014 guidance. for her freshman year and one semester of her Since she was homeschooled until eighth sophomore year. On Jan. 9, 2014, right before grade, Glauberg had a difficult time adjusting the start of second semester of her sophomore to the social and structured aspects of high year, her father suddenly passed away. school. Plus, she was out of school often for To finish out her sophomore year, Scaletta her epilepsy. She still has a difficult time at moved back in with her mother, whom she school, though less than she did her freshman lived with until she was 13 because her par- year when she hardly learned algebra because ents had been divorced since she was 1 years of all her absences. old. Due to the move, Scaletta transferred to “The worst part is that I’ve always loved to Glenbard North where she was surlearn,” Glauberg said. “But things are always rounded by the kids who had bullied D an obstacle. It’s not like I wanted to istric t 214 her throughout middle school. drop out of school so I avera holds At the end of May, she dropped ge gra above never have to do duati out of high school, but she now homework again. on ra te It’s because I regrets her decision. While % 2 9 : 5 01 she admits that no one was didn’t think I was t 214 2 Distric at fault more than her, capable of achiev% 6 9 : 2015 she lacked support in ing anything.”

School h g i H t c the absence of her After talking to her e p s o Pr dad. counselors, Glauberg 3: 81% 1 0 2 s tate S d “He was my realized that dropping e t i Un better half. I out meant more obstacles swear,” Scaletta to achieving her future goal said. “He was of being a teacher. She now the sun, the plans to graduate early; moon and all while she has not done exthe stars. He was ceptionally well in her classeverything beaues, she has never failed either, tiful in the world and she currently has 13.5 of the 21 wrapped up in credits needed to graduate. one individual.

“I would never think in a long shot I would My dad was that person who guided even be graduating early,” Glauberg said. and supported me. … [When] I lost my dad phys- “The fact that I’m given the opportunity inically, poof, it was like the end of the world.” stead of dropping out completely is very, very Her decision to drop out caused arguments special to me.” at home until Scaletta moved out. While standLike Glauberg, Scaletta also suffers from ing by Scaletta’s choices was tough for her mom illnesses — anxiety, bipolar disorder, depresChristine Quinn, she tries to be supportive. sion and ADHD — that make it difficult for “Obviously, [seeing your child drop out] her to focus on school. At the end of her junior is not something a parent wishes for,” Quinn year Scaletta had completed only nine of the 21 said. “She’s at the age when I have to let her credits required to graduate. start making big people decisions, and so if That May, the dean at Glenbard North prethis is the decision, then I try to be as support- sented her with three options: go to an alterive as possible.” native school, drop out and pursue a GED, or Scaletta now lives with her boyfriend, enroll in online school. Scaletta didn’t think who goes to Elk Grove High School, and his she had the self-motivation to commit to onparents. While Scaletta loves her mom, and line school, and she feared that she would veer checks in with her daily to let her know she down the wrong path in alternative school and is OK, she doesn’t think her mom understands end up in juvenile detention. So she chose the her the way her dad did. remaining option.

Prospect social worker Doug Berg sees “That day it was the right thing to do, but

F

if my dean called me down one day later, who knows, maybe then I would have put up a fight,” Scaletta said.

While this past summer she completed GED prep courses at the College of DuPage, Scaletta was too nervous to take the actual test. Additionally, the $140 it cost was a burden because she pays for her own expenses.

Without a GED, it is hard for her to get a job even at restaurants.

While she had a job at Jimmy Johns, she is on a leave of absence because of disagreements with her manager.

“Everything could have been avoided if I had said, ‘No, I’m staying in school,’” Scaletta said. “One thing, one simple fight. I fought for everything. I fought for the right things, and I fought for the wrong things.

Why I didn’t put up a fight for my education is beyond me. It was definitely the most naive and ignorant thing I could have done, and I’ve done a lot of naive and ignorant things in my adolescence.”

For students who choose to drop out, Berg believes it’s crucial to have a future plan. “[I] make sure [their decision] is not just trying to escape high school but that the students actually have a direction and a path,” Berg said. “Then [I] try to hook them up with the resources to help them.”

Now, Scaletta spends her days reflecting on where to go from here. She writes poetry and sings (see “Creative outlets”) as outlets for her frustrations. She wants to return to high school but needs to make sure she is ready this time. “[I can’t] start and then drop out again.

That’s not how the world works,” Scaletta said. “The world doesn’t give you chance after chance after chance. It’s more like, ‘Alright, you made the mistake once, but if you make it again, it’s a conscious decision,’ and I would actually be stupid [if I did] that.”

Scaletta thinks she would only go back to high school if she could go to Prospect because of the mentors she found here.

“I talked so badly about Prospect when I was there, but I know if I had stayed at Prospect, I would not have dropped out,” Scaletta said. “I’m so grateful for the teachers we had there, [such as choir teacher Jen Troiano] and the social workers who were there, Berg and [Rachel] Brill. Literally if I did not have them when I was at Prospect, I can honestly say I would have dropped out my sophomore year before my father passed away.”

Scaletta wishes she had listened to the advice her teachers gave her earlier, but has now started after she found her life at a standstill.

“If I would have stayed in school, I would still have a home. I would still have a family. I would still have friends, [and] I wouldn’t have to worry about finances,” Scaletta said. “We spend our entire lives wanting to grow up, but then we do, and it’s like, ‘Oh my god, what did I do?’”

cartoon by Veronica Holloway

It’s not like I wanted to drop out of school so I never have to do homework again. It’s because I didn’t think I was capable of achieving anything.

Bea Glauberg, junior Creative outlets 2015 high school dropout Briana Scaletta writes poetry to reflect on her experiences.

To whom I was not so long ago.

You have come a long way.

You have learned to find beauty in places where its credit is never given.

You’ve thought beyond the blossomed flower.

You’ve looked in depth to find its beauty before its shape took form.

You found beauty in the idea of its genuine nature.

Not just the outcome of patiently waiting for this nature we unconsciously refer to as “it” to grow to its fullest potential.

You’ve painted grey skies blue with your kaleidoscope eyes and allowed your lashes to be paint brushes.

So as I sync my breaths with the gentle breeze.

I applaud myself for allowing my mind to go unsheltered.

12

Entertainment

December 11, 2015

prospectornow.com

Films of X-mas Past Fantastic Beasts' sets

BY KIT FITZGERALD Staff Writer

There are many different traditions around the holidays.

Whether it be a special dinner or caroling for neighborhood houses, these traditions affect the way people view Christmas time. Thanks to TLC and the Hallmark Channel, perhaps the most easily accessible holiday pastime is curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and watching a movie. Current and future students share their favor- ite Christmas movies along with what Christmas means to them.

Junior Jack Jones Favorite Childhood Christmas Movie: “The Grinch” because of the ridiculous way the Grinch would act and talk.

Lessons Learned From the Movie: Be nice to people, specifically around Christmas.

W h a t Christmas Means: That time of the year when the white people of the world gather together and pretend like everything’s OK.

Sophomore Nicole Mackowski Favorite Childhood Christmas Movie: “A Christmas Story” because of the tradition of watching it every year with family Lessons Learned From the Movie: Family time is super important, especially around the holidays What Christmas Means: Spending time with family, not about presents.

Preschooler Grace Favorite childhood Christmas movie: “Santa” (May or may not be a real movie) What Christmas Means: Anna (from Frozen)

Watch future Prospect students share their thoughts on the holidays at prospectornow.com

fantastic expectations ‘Harry Potter’ series prequel excites fans across school

BY CASSIDY DELAHUNTY AND ANNA INDELLI Entertainment Editor and Online A&E Editor

W

hen “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the seventh and final release of the Harry Potter series, was released, librarian Christie Sylvester was in the middle of the chaos. She was at Barnes and Noble.

Having received a wristband to get into the store earlier in the day, Sylvester did not spend much time waiting to get her copy of the book.

With a Harry Potter themed costume contest and the transformation of a nearby bank into the fictional wizarding bank of Gringotts, Sylvester found it easy to tell how involved almost the entire community of Oak Park was.

As the huge impact of the Harry Potter series still RAD ENCOUNTERS: Sophomore Abby Fleig lingers, fans are excited for the release of “Fantastic poses with actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a new prequel to the series.

Harry Potter in the original Harry Potter mov“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” ies. Fleig met Radcliffe after he performed in a originally a fictional textbook used in the wizarding Broadway show in New York City (photo courtesy school of Hogwarts, is now being turned into a movie of Abby Fleig). about its fictional author, Newt Scamander, who will leased almost five years ago in 2011. be played by Eddie Redmayne. The plot of the movie Even though she does not know anything about the will center around Scamander tracking down magical new characters, she knows that the elements of the encreatures in New York City. vironment that so many fans love will still be present.

However, basing the movie off of a textbook leaves “Even though it’s not the same lots of room for imagination. Senior characters, it’s still that magical Debbie Cunningham is excited to world that people can dive into,” see what will be done to bring the Fleig said. “People love a story characters to life. where they can forget about ev“There’s really no story or ploerything that’s going on in the real tline,” Cunningham said. “The book world.” is just about the monsters, so I’m exFor Fleig, the universe that the cited to see how they integrate the Harry Potter books are set in is characters into [the story].” intriguing because it is very far J.K. Rowling, the author of the removed from anything in her dayoriginal Harry Potter books, is writto-day life. ing the screenplay for the movie.

“You don’t have to know anything about anything For Senior Ryan Kopp, who has been reading the to read [Harry Potter],” Fleig said. books since he was a child, the movie excites him beDespite how many books pull their readers into cause he relates so strongly to the characters in the the story, Kopp says that Harry Potoriginal series.

“If it were another ter resonates so deeply with its many “[Harry Potter] is a defining sefans because lots of people were going ries of our generation,” Kopp said. [story about] Harry through the same things that charac“No matter who reads it, they will Potter ... I would be ters struggled with. connect with the stuff the charac“[Nobody] has magic,” Kopp said. ters are going through. … Even squealing like “But the actual trials and tribulations though there’s magic, it’s mostly a 14-year-old girl of growing up and becoming adults, about people.” that [is something] everybody underFor Kopp, the series has impactat a Bieber concer.” stands.” ed him on more than just a cultural Because of how close fans tie Harlevel. ry Potter to their childhood, Sylvester “When my sister and I were Christie Sylvester, believes that much of the excitement little, we would go to our parents’ around the movie prequel is because room every night and my dad would head librarian people don’t want the series to end. read the stories to us,” Kopp said.

“People don’t want to relinquish that universe,” “That’s one of the few things I distinctly remember Sylvester said. about my childhood.”

However, despite any lingering concerns, fans are However, despite this excitement, some fans are still optimistic for how good “Fantastic Beasts and still disappointed that they won’t get to see more of Where to Find Them” will be. the characters they already know and love.

“Harry Potter is my child“If it were another [story about] Harry Potter … I hood,” Kopp said. “So would be squealing like a 14-year-old girl at a Bieber more Harry Potter concert,” Sylvester said. is a good thing.”

According to Kopp, he would be more excited if the movie were centered around a character that had already been introduced, such as Harry Potter’s parents or children.

He finds that since he and other fans already like those characters, the movies would be more likely to stir up curiosity.

However, sophomore Abby Fleig is simply glad that there will be more Harry Potter content t o consume, as the eighth movie was re-

To see what people expect from the plot of “Fantastic Beasts,” go to

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(photo courtesy of travelcaffeine.com)

prospectornow.com

December 11th, 2015

Entertainment

The franchise strikes back

liked the prequel trilogy.

AP Literature teacher Matt Love was seven years old when the original “Star Wars” hen senior Billy Doherty was came out and had hope when he found out seven years old, “Star Wars” about the prequels. reigned among his favorite mov“I was cautiously optimistic,” Love said. ies. According to Doherty, he was drawn “We were all pumped up because it was more to the flashy lightsabers and the spectacle.

‘Star Wars.’ And the world disillusioning is For a good spectacle in the Star Wars films, not strong enough.”

Doherty had to While Love hopes that “I’m not sure that there has been film will not have look no further than 1999’s “The the same “disilluanother space-fantasy-myth Phantom Menace,” sioning” effect, not the first of the Star all Star Wars fans are Wars prequel trilquite like it. A lot of other movies anti-prequels. Junior ogy.

Alex Valladares, for in“[It was] what stance, attributes a lot of and stories get some of [those appealed to me in the reason he likes the my seven and eightto their exploaspects]. They get the big visuals, prequels year-old phase,” ration of the character Doherty said. “But Darth Vader. but they don’t get the substance [all of the prequels] “He’s kind of a hero, were pretty much but he’s also a villain,” the same [flashy acValladares said. “I really and the lessons, or they have tion].” like how they show his The prequel change from a good guy [the substance and the lessons] trilogy (consisting trying to do the right of “The Phantom and it’s too heavy-handed and it thing.”

Menace,” “Attack However, while there of the Clones” and is a divide regarding doesn’t click.”

“Revenge of the the prequels, most Star Sith”) came out alWars fans can agree Matt Love, English teacher most 20 years after that they enjoy the original trilothe originals. gy had wrapped, “I’m not and Doherty was drawn to its more heavisure that there has been anly featured action sequences, especially in other space-fantasy-myth the lightsaber battles. These films caused a quite like it,” Love said. great divide amongst Star Wars fans. Some “A lot of other movies and stoliked the new additions to the franchise, and ries get some of [those aspects]. others preferred the older films.

They get the big visuals, but they “I think a lot of [the prequels] were more don’t get the substance and the lessons, cash-in,” Doherty said. “[‘The Force Awak- or they have [the substance and the lesens’ seems to] have a lot more of a focus on sons], and it’s too heavy-handed; it doesn’t the characters this time.” click.”

Dec. 17 marks the beginning of a new However, some viewers don’t see the subStar Wars trilogy with Episode VII, “The stance Love is talking about at first glance Force Awakens,” opening around the in the original “Star Wars.” When Doherty world. Doherty feels that it not only offers first saw it, he thought the original “Star a new fanbase an entrypoint into the “Star Wars” was boring due to the lack of lightsaWars” universe, but it also lets fans such as bers. Yet he has come to appreciate the origDoherty have a new set of films. This makes inal, and its sequel, “The Empire Strikes some fans hesitant, especially those who disBack,” became his favorite, which is also

BY GARRETT STROTHER Entertainment Editor

W

Valladares’ favorite. “[After I watched the movie], I was like, ‘What did I just watch?’” Valladares said. “It was completely amazing.”

“The Empire Strikes Back” is also Love’s favorite film in the series.

“It’s the most Shakespearean. It’s the darkest. It’s a movie where the bad guys accomplish everything they want,” Love said.

“It has an emotional depth and richness to it that the first one didn’t quite have.”

Doherty believes that unlike the prequel trilogy, “The Force Awakens” will live up to the bar he sees set by “The Empire Strikes Back” and the rest of the original trilogy.

“From the trailers, it looks like they are really trying to push a strong story as opposed to playing on the tendrils of our nostalgia,” Doherty said.

Valladares also has high hopes for the new series.

“They have a

13

lot at stake right now,” Valladares said. “[The filmmakers] won’t tarnish the image [of ‘Star Wars’].”

Love, like Valladares, is hopeful. However, due to his experience with prequels, he is a bit more reserved.

“I hope [it] works,” Love said. “I hope Harrison Ford at age 70 — or whatever — in the black jacket and the [Millennium] Falcon doesn’t just look old and silly. But the stuff that I’ve seen looks really good. I’m excited.”

Ultimately, Love hopes that the new films follow the universal precedent that the original trilogy set.

“At its best, ‘Star Wars’ has visual spectacle. It’s honestly exciting, [and] it’s appealing to children, but it’s not condescending,” Love said.

“It’s like reading a good book where you kind of stretch up the book rather than having the book come down to [you].”

JEDI KNIGHTS: With a new “Star Wars” film approaching, students and teachers look back at previous films and forward to the new one.

Defrost your dermis: Prospector guide to healthy skin What you put into your body during the winter months can be just as important as how you dress to protect it. Because your skin cells are protected by lipids, or fats, your body needs to continue to consume fatty acids to maintain the building blocks of these cells. Tofu, walnuts, flaxseeds, soybeans and fish such as salmon are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. Stray away from foods with refined sugars, as they dry out your skin. According to Healthy Eating, most processed foods contain refined sugars in various forms such as high fructose corn syrup. Even though you don’t feel as thirsty in the winter than in the summer, you still need just as much water. Stick to water, soup and herbal tea to help keep you hydrated.

BY ISABELLE ROGERS Executive Entertainment Editor According to Everyday Health, winter weather and indoor heating are the top reasons for dry skin, and nearly half of the population suffers from it. During the winter, skin loses up to 25 percent of its moisture, which can leave it feeling itchy and cracked. Below are the easiest ways to battle dry skin during harsh winters. *Information was gathered with the help of Mayo Clinic and American Academy of Dermatology.

Your face is the body part that is almost always exposed to the elements. Wash your face with a mild cleanser at night, but do not wash your face in the morning. Since you don’t do anything that would dirty your face while you sleep, washing it will only strip away natural oils that protect the skin. Every night after you wash your face, use a natural toner, a topical treatment that helps tighten the skin and diminish redness. A natural toner, such as witch hazel, can help keep your skin moisturized. Witch hazel is a topical treatment from a plant, Hamamelis virginiana, that has naturally occurring chemicals, tannins, that help reduce swelling, repair broken skin and fight bacteria. Follow the toner with a layer of moisturizer. An oil based moisturizer can provide your face with a layer of protection from the elements.

Though long, hot showers can be appealing in the winter, try to use room temperature water in order to not strip your body of its natural oils. To help your skin, try to limit the time spent in the water to under 15 minutes. Most dermatologists suggest using neutral soaps infused with moisturizers or soap free cleansers. Then, pat — don’t rub — your skin and dry your hair with a light, comfy towel. Rubbing your skin dry can irritate the skin. As soon as you dry off, apply a layer of body lotion in order to lock in the moisture. Choose a lotion that contains a humectant, a compound that helps attract moisture and contain it in your skin, such as glycerin, and apply a second layer before you leave the house. A lotion should always have glycerin, or glycol, as one of the first ingredients listed.

Chicago wind can be one of the most prevalent reasons for dry skin. Cover up with gloves, windproof coats and scarves. Because the outside air is so cold, people like to crank their heating up, but heating can dry out the body’s mucous membranes. These membranes line the nostrils, the mouth, the lips, the eyelids and the ears, and drying out these membranes leads to dry throats, nosebleeds and chapped lips. According to Time Magazine, the thermostat should be set between 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A simple solution to the overly drying air is to use a humidifier at night. A humidifier evaporates water into the air to help soothe the winter’s side effects. You can find humidifiers at Target.

14

Sports

December 11, 2015

prospectornow.com

Injuries can’t keep boxers out of ring out, but he questions if teenagers need to be punched in the face and stomach in order to Sports Editor achieve the same benefits.

“My worry about boxing is that the goal enior Monica Krickl approached of the sport is to give somebody a concusher first sparring match at 9 Rounds sion,” Marnstein said. “When you knock Gym, after three months of grueling somebody out in boxing it’s because you training. Going up against a 24 year old girl, have given them a brain injury.”

Krickl was terrified when she first stepped Though injuries in boxing are unavoidinto the ring. able, they don’t stop Daliones from doing the Krickl was the clear underdog, at both a sport he loves most. Daliones was especially size and strength disadvantage, but she kept affected after a day of training that resulted a positive mindset that helped her stay foin him dislocating his left wrist three times cused. Since sparring matches are for pracin one day. He did not feel much pain at the tice, there are no winners by score, but she point of impact, but was satisfied with when he saw the bone how she boxed.

Ring Around the Rousey out of position, he was Krickl explains shocked. that boxing has proDaliones explains Senior Monica Krickl looks up vided her with the that he is now more knowledge to think to MMA fighter Ronda Rousey. cautious when ahead of her oppoThough Rousey recently lost in a working with the nent. Compared to heavy bag, even knockout to Holly Holm, Krickl’s her running track after sitting out a at Prospect, where opinions on Rousey have not couple of months the primary goal is changed. healing his wrist. to build strength, “It made me fall Krickl enjoys boxback and realize how ing because it gives “She’s one of the best fighters in the dangerous [boxing] is, her a wider skill set world, not just girls. [She is] who but after a week or so I of things to work on said to myself, ‘It’s part I want to be like when I am older,” such as conditionof the game I love, and ing, agility, speed, Krickl said.

I can’t take myself out strength and techyet,’” Daliones said. nique. Krickl also Injuries haven’t just Junior Brandon Daliones looks up believes boxing affected Daliones and helps her relieve to Manny Pacquiao as his biggest Krickl; they have also stress. role model because he loves the his caused great worry for Although boxtheir parents. aggressive style of boxing. ing relieves her Monica’s mother, stress, Krickl is still Donna Krickl, explains concerned about “The beauty of the sport is right that at first, she was the high risk of intotally against letting there [in Pacquiao’s boxing].” jury. Injuries come her child be beaten by with any sport, but someone else, but after according to athletic a boxing-based intensive workout involvtrainer Aaron Marnstein, boxing puts you at ing no punching that Monica took through a much higher risk compared to other sports the Arlington Heights park district, Donna such as basketball, soccer and even football. found the benefits of boxing. She relented Marnstein explains that boxing is more danand decided she would allow her daughter gerous than football because football only reto box. quires you to take your opponent down, not “I don’t think I could watch [Monica] get give constant blows to the head. hit by someone else or hit someone else,” Krickl is currently dealing with a back Donna said. “This is not an acceptable sport injury that doctors say could put her out of in my opinion.” boxing forever. It was a progressive injury After a of couple weeks of persuasion, that tore two discs in her back that she obKrickl’s parents gave her a membership to tained from months of training rather than the boxing gym 9 Rounds for her birthday. a single hit. Krickl explains that she was reAlthough Donna sees athletic strategy, ally sad when it happened, but she is going talent and precise choreography, she still to try to box again. views the sport as brutal.

Junior Brandon Daliones, who has boxed After Krickl’s back injury, her mother for around two years, is recovering from a doesn’t want her to return so she doesn’t dislocated wrist. Marnstein believes boxing have to see her daughter in pain anymore. can be a great full body, high intensity work-

BY JACK ANKONY

S

WHO’S HOT

These athletes have been especially successful in recent weeks.

Senior Megan Donner

Donner led the girls’ gymnastics team to a win in their first home meet. Donner competes in every event and won the floor routine.

“I was excited to show my new floor routine, and I think I did really well with it.”

Gymnastics

Senior Dan Marshall

Marshall helped the basketball team beat rival Hersey 49-47. Marshall held Hersey’s star point guard, Joey Coffaro to two points in the first half. He also pulled down four rebounds for the Knights.

Basketball

Senior Isaac Ginnodo Swimming

Ginnodo led the boys’ swimming team in their first dual meet against Hoffman Estates by placing first in the 100 yard breast stroke and second in the 100 yard butterfly. He contributed to the team winning the 200 yard medley and free relays.

“Personally, I love having the duty to guard the other teams best player. It’s huge for me because if I can stop their best player, that’s a huge advantage for our team.”

“I think we swam pretty well for it being our first meet in a while.

We all have to push each other to get better every day.”

“This sport is primitive,” Donna said. “I would think our society has evolved beyond this type of painful entertainment, but I guess I am wrong. Is it so different from the Hunger Games?”

According to Krickl, her parents have accepted her boxing a bit more since it teaches her self defense. Also, her mom likes the large amount of padding they wear.

Before their injuries, Daliones and Krickl would put in about three days of training a week in order to become the boxers they are today. Moving gyms from Lombard to Deerfield to Glenview, Daliones explains that every day he goes to the gym, he works towards becoming a great boxer. To him, a great boxer is someone who is brave, humble and a fighter who fights for the sake of fighting — not money.

A typical day of training for Daliones includes shadow boxing, running a couple of miles and sparring with his trainers. Similar to Daliones, Krickl explains that cardio is the biggest thing that helps her when training since sparring is very physically demanding.

The sport has taught Daliones and Krickl strong self discipline and improved not only their physical toughness, but also their mental toughness.

These experiences in the gym and in the ring have shaped Daliones and Krickl’s lives. According to Daliones, he wouldn’t be the same without boxing.

“Boxing opens my eyes, it makes me feel alive. The thrill, the rush of it–no words can [describe] it. It makes me feel like I can do anything,” Daliones said.

KNOCKOUT: Junior Brandon Daliones shows his shadow boxing style. Daliones has boxed at gyms in Lombard, Glenview and Naperville. He explains that his love for boxing started from watching films of boxers such as Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield. (photos by Riley Langefeld)

: d l e i f d n a k c a r t t ? c e p w s o o r n

prospectornow.com

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THROWING THE DISTANCE: Matt Babicz, a 2009 graduate competes in a meet at his college DePaul. His successful high school career in which he finished third and fifth in state, carried on to college. (photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann, DePaul Athletics)

Matt Babicz (‘09)

BY DEVIN PRASAD Executive Sports Editor

However, the injuries did not hold Babicz back from having a successful high school and collegiate career; if anything, they pros Prospect graduate Matt Babicz vided motivation. made a decision of whether or not “The cool thing was that after I had those to continue his shot put career, his [shoulder] surgeries, the doctors specifically mind raced. He could try out for the US olym- told me that I would never be the same athpic team and risk further injury, or he could lete, and I would not have the success I had end his successful career as a thrower and prior to the surgeries,” Babicz said. “I took find a job. He ultimately decided to find a job that not as limitations on my future. I took and begin his life outside of shot put. it as a challenge, and I wanted to prove them His shot put career wrong. In doing so, I only began at Prospect as a got better.”

Let us know ... sophomore and allowed Babicz finished his him to get a full ride career as a shot put If you have a particular scholarship to DePaul ranked fourth alumni athlete that you would thrower University, where he in the NCAA, a three like to see featured in “Where finished his career as time All-American, he the fourth best shot put finished seventh in the are they now?”, tweet us thrower in the NCAA. country at the 2014 in@ProspectorNow with your Babicz recently got a door national championjob at Plante Moran, the ships and was ranked the suggestions.

14th largest accounting 32nd best shot put throwfirm in the US as an acer in the world. counting consultant. Throughout the proHowever, Babicz was not always incess of getting the job, Babicz relied on the volved in shot put. In fact, he did not start to lessons he learned through throwing shot throw until his sophomore year at Prospect. put at DePaul and Prospect.

He played football all four years at Prospect “A lot of the stuff I have learned and and developed special connections with the some of the skill-set that I have was bettered coaching staff and his teammates. When through my athletics,” Babicz said. “It’s spring of his sophomore year rolled around, something that I have a lot of pride in, and he decided to join track because he was not I think [my experience as an athlete] kind of participating in a spring sport and many of paved my way in life.” his friends were already involved.

The main reason that Babicz decided to At first, the coaches of the track team stop throwing shot put was because of the did not know where Babicz would fit in on heavy toll throwing was putting on his body. the team, whether as a sprinter or thrower.

In high school at Prospect, Babicz suffered According to Tim Beishir, who was around from two herniated discs in his back. Then Babicz quite often as a football coach, he in college the toll continued as he had a total did not have the size that most throwers did of five surgeries on his throwing arm: two on at 200 pounds junior year, versus the 285 his shoulder, one on his wrist and two on his pounds he reached in college. hand. He felt that it would not be worth it to Despite his size, Babicz found that he continue to push his arm to the point where did things technically correct. In his junior a serious injury could occur. year, he qualified for the state meet and finished eighth in discus. The following year, he qualified for state again, this time placing Collegiate highlights third in discus and fifth in shot put. His success throughout his high school career was enough to earn him a full scholarship to DeIndoor Paul.

At DePaul, Babicz was awarded two • Won the Big East indoor champiredshirt years due to his injuries, which alonship twice and also finished seclowed him to get his degree in finance and ond and eighth in the tournament his graduate degree in educational leadership. Babicz is not only proud of what he was able to accomplish as an athlete but also as • Qualified for the national indoor a student. championships twice and finished He finished his college career as an aca14th both times demic All-American, named by the NCAA. To achieve the honor, he had to maintain at least a 3.3 GPA and be a national level comOutdoor petitor.

Babicz believes his success both in throw• Won the outdoor Big East chaming and academics is a testament to his work pionships twice and also placed ethic. According to Beishir, Babicz was the most focused athlete he has seen come eleventh through Prospect.

“One of my mottoes has been just always • Won six events his senior year go full-tilt, not only in the athletic arena but in your studies,” Babicz said. “I took that • Qualified for nationals twice with me from Prospect into my college career.”

A

December 11, 2015

Sports

15

Check up on two of Prospect’s most decorated collegiate track athletes David Kendziera (‘13)

to be a member of the Track and Field team at Prospect.

At that moment, Kendziera knew he When 2013 Prospect alumnus David wanted to be apart of that team.

Kendziera first stepped foot at a track pracAccording to Kamedula, Kendziera’s first tice in high school, he didn’t stand out much, couple years on the team didn’t really stand according to former Track and Field Head out talent-wise.

Coach Mike Kamedula.

“I thought he could [only] do ‘someFour years later as a senior, Kendziera thing,’” Kamedula said, “I didn’t know he brought home not one but two medals from could do ‘something special.’” the IHSA track and field state finals at EastKendziera’s height and lack of speed ern Illinois University: a second place med- compared to the team at the time led to the al in the 110 meter high hurdles and a first coaches decision to have him try hurdles. place medal in the 300 meter intermediate Kamedula saw potential for Kendziera in hurdles race. hurdles because he had long legs and good That day remains one of Kamedula’s fa- coordination. vorite memories of Kendziera, and not just “I didn’t think he’d be a state champion because he was a state champion and broke at that point his sophomore year,” Kamedthe school record with a time of 37.28 in the ula said. “I thought, ‘This kid’s best chance 300m intermediate hurdles. to do something on our team was in the hurAfter driving back dles.’” to Prospect later that Kendziera went Bigger and better things night, Kendziera and on to medal in con2013 graduate David Kendziera Kamedula exchanged ference that year and their last goodbye as even qualified for has moved on to the national level a coach and player. state his junior year of track and field competition as Kendziera walked in both hurdle events. a member of the Illini Track and into Kamedula’s ofKamedula feels fice to thank him. what Kendziera acField team. Here is a look at the “I said, ‘You complished his senior awards he has already won at the did it,’” Kameduyear had a lot to do collegiate level. la said. “And then with what happened [Kendziera] said, at state his junior ‘You showed me the year.

2014 Big Ten Championships way.”

“He took last Fourth place finish 110m hurdles Kendziera has place in both races,” gone on to run track Kamedula said. “He Fifth place finish 400m hurdles at the Division I level was very motivated for the University of in coming back, and 2015 NCAA Championships Illinois where he and I think that was a big his relay team have drive for him [to do Third place finish 400m hurdles won a Big Ten chambetter].”

12th place finish 110m hurdles pionship (see Bigger The summer headand better things) ing into Kendziera’s marking him as one senior year, the two 2015 Big Ten Championships of the most notable organized daily workFirst place finish 4x400m relay athletes in the last deouts that continued Second place finish 400m hurdles cade to walk the halls even through that of Prospect. winter. Kamedula reKendziera first started his running ca- calls a time when Kendziera gave him a call reer back at St. Raymond’s in sixth grade. on a snow day asking for the workout that He started off running cross country and had planned. enjoyed it, so he joined the track team as According to Kendziera, he tried to work well. Kendziera especially enjoyed the jump- as much as possible either in the gym or on ing events as he liked the idea of comparing the track that offseason. his measurable distances to his peers’ at the As a junior, Kendziera realized he had time instead of just times. the potential to run at the collegiate level.

Heading into high school, Kendziera ex“I wanted to run [track] at the biggest perienced success on the varsity team as school possible,” Kendziera said. “I would they won conference his sophomore year. It have been fine with running [Division] II was also his first time running hurdles. or [Division] III, but I wanted to continue “Our senior class was very good,” to [search] for as high [caliber of a school as Kendziera said. “It was [2011 graduate Nick possible].”

Batcha]’s class. A lot of them were my role Kendziera decided to run track at the Unimodels, so I looked at them and how seriousversity of Illinois and has found success both ly they took [track at Prospect].” in the Big Ten Conference and in the entire Batcha finished third in the 200 meter NCAA (see “Bigger and better things”). and 100 meter. He also placed sixth in long For his upcoming redshirt sophomore jump, leading the team to an overall 11th season, Kendziera’s main goal is to improve place team finish at state that year and giv- his times. ing Kendziera perspective on what it meant “I don’t look at the place, but I like to see how low I can get my time,” Kendziera said.

Kamedula would like to see him become an NCAA champion but knows the goals Kendziera sets are the ones he is focused on.

“The goals are his,” Kamedula said. “I don’t work with him any more, but I do talk to him every couple weeks, [and] when he comes home, he tries to come [visit].”

Ultimately, Kamedula is very pleased with what Kendziera has and will accomplish in his life.

“My goal for him is that he leads a great life and has success in whatever he does. As long as he graduates from college and takes care of himself for the rest of his life, that’s what makes me happy,” Kamedula said.

Although Kamedula is now coaching track and field at Wheeling High School, it only took Kendziera took a couple years to come back and help out the track team at Prospect during their summer camp and assist current members of the program to improve upon their skills.

“I really like [helping out] because I’m still learning from the sport,” Kendziera said. “I like to give my knowledge to the high school kids because you can see they really want to do well.”

Kendziera has had one of the largest impacts on his younger sister, Brenda, who is a current senior and a member of the Girls’ Track and Field team at Prospect. “[David] taught me to work hard, and with hard work, comes success,” Brenda said. “Just seeing everything he achieved [at Prospect], it’s just really cool [and has] inspired me.”

Although David is over 150 miles away, he and Kamedula still keep in touch, and Kamedula hopes to be booking a plane tickFIRST IN THE BIG TEN: David et for Eugene, Ore. this upcoming spring to Kendziera stands with two Big Ten go watch his former hurdler run in an Illini medals at the Big Ten championships last uniform.

May, 17, at Michigan State University.

“He’s the type of kid you want to work (photo courtesy of Brenda Kendziera) with all the time,” Kamedula said. “[And] not just because of his success.”

BY RYAN MOLINI Executive Sports Editor

SPORTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 2015

Off to the races

Later, Laker Kobe Bryant’s retirement announcement came as a shock for many, but for one columnist, the timing was perfect. prospectornow.com

Boys’ Cross Country ended their season at the Nike Cross National, they finished in 10th prospectornow.com

Wilson runs into the record books Cross country runner creates legacy with third place state finish, leadership try, she was not always a great runner.

She started her running career Going into the sectional meet, in the Lions Park fun run, a tradijunior Brooke Wilson knew that tional end of the year event where all students from first to fifth grade doing well in this meet meant a would run about three-quarters of trip to state. However, at the start a mile. Although she enjoyed the Wilson was passed up by a runner from Lake Zurich. The runner run, Wilson never thought running would be a constant part of her life, went off at a blistering pace, but, let alone a successful one. While by the end of the race, Wilson had she showed promise as a runner, taken a commanding lead because she was able to maintain a more she never believed that she could reach the heights consistent pace of 2011 graduate and had energy left in the tank “[Wilson] reminds me why Brooke Wolfe, who held most of the to kick to the finI keep doing this. I love running records at ish. Wilson took the sport of running, but Prospect. the lead in the fi“I remember nal lap, securing I love helping kids learn every the individual and letting them be the opening theSunday paper sectional chambest they can be.” and my parents pionship. going, ‘Wow, look Relying on Pete Wintermute, at Brooke Wolfe,’ her endurance and that name built up over head coach loomed over me,” years of trainWilson said. “I ing, Wilson finnever thought that I would be that ished first place overall in the secsuccessful.” tional meet with a time of 17:49. At Wilson began her cross country the state meet, Wilson was able to career at Lincoln Middle School. finish third with a time of 16:34.

In her tenure at Prospect, Wilson’s However, while Wilson is currently a member of the upper eche- hard work has allowed her success over the last three years. Girls’ lon of high school girls’ cross coun-

BY BEN DOJUTREK Sports Editor

Wilson’s achievements in 2015 Two time all-state runner Third in state Time: 16:34 Sectional champion Time:17:49 Regional Champion Time: 18:10

Athlete: Nikki Matters Year: Senior Sport: Basketball Position: Guard

do you like the best about basketQ. What ball? grew up just loving the game of basA . Iketball.

I love the team aspect of it as well, and have been lucky to have been apart of, and be on one right now, some awesome teams. Nothing compares to the atmosphere of a packed gym in a close game.

Q. A.

Q. A.

GETTING THE GOLD: Junior Brooke Wilson poses with the medals and awards earned this season.

Wilson has been an all-state runner, taking third in state. Wilson is one of Prospect’s most accomplished runners, being a two-time state medalist. However according to her coach Pete Wintermute, “Wilson is more likely to talk about her teammates than herself.” (photos by Cassidy Selep) cross country coach Pete Wintermute is not surprised.

“She’s crazy about running,” Wintermute said. “I haven’t seen someone with that amount of energy and dedication. It truly is her passion.”

According to Wilson, there is only one thing that makes running interesting for her.

“I like the challenge that it poses,” Wilson said.

She is proud of her accomplishments, but she does not want to rest on her laurels.

“It’s very satisfying, but it only makes me want to work more,” Wilson said.

However, in Wintermute’s opinion, it’s not her skills as a runner that should be applauded but rather her leadership and love for her team.

“If you try and talk to [Wilson] about being a conference champion, sectional champion and third in state, she’s more likely to talk

How has this year’s season been so far?

We’ve hit some bumps in the road early on as we’re adjusting to the new offenses being implemented. But the great thing is, it’s early on in the season and we’ve been learning a lot.

I’m definitely expecting us to bounce back in our upcoming games.

What does it mean for you to play for Prospect?

It means a lot. To be surrounded by such fantastic teammates, and to play for a great program, it really doesn’t get better than that. I’m really grateful that I’ve been able to play for PHS.

about her teammates than herself,” Wintermute said.

Wintermute credits Wilson’s humility as the major reason she is able to keep running without letting her success get to her head.

Wintermute also believes Wilson’s abilities as a leader helped build team unity.

“We had four freshmen join the varsity team this year,” Wintermute said. “[Wilson] stepped up and related and mentored them.”

While running can seem like a solo sport, Wilson approaches it as a team sport.

“Training alone is nice, but having teammates with you gives a lightheartedness that I like,” said Wilson.

Wilson also believes that it’s more important that the team does well than herself. For her, it was more important when the team won conference than any of her individual accomplishments.

Wilson also has an appreciation

for the academics. She takes several advanced classes, including the highest possible math class, AP Calculus BC. Wilson also helps other students by serving as a KLC tutor.

“Dedication is very important to sports, yet academics are more important, so I focus and dedicate importance as much as [I do in] sports,” Wilson said.

With the season over, Wilson finishes with success and humility. Yet she considers it too early to start worrying about next year.

Wilson simply wants to enjoy this year.

While Wilson says she does not care what her legacy is at Prospect, Wintermute believes Wilson has already left a legacy for him and others.

“She reminds me why I keep doing this,” Wintermute said. “I love the sport of running, but I love helping kids learn and letting them be the best they can be.”

are you looking forward as the Q. What season progresses? looking forward to our Holiday A . I’m tournament at Dundee Crown, as well as our conference games. I’m excited to see what we’re going to do later on.

Q. What has been a goal for the season? think our overall goal is to bring an A. Iintensity each day in our practices so that we can compete in conference and to continually improve.