Issue 5

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fueling finals As finals approach, learn about study supplement abuse and different ways to de-stress.

Pages 6-7

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

video games misrepresented Check out Marci Kiszkiel’s column about mentally ill characters not being portrayed accurately in video games.

Close at heart Two hundred miles separate senior Yarko Snihur from his college girlfriend Amanda Esczuk, but they remain close from constant communication.

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@PROSPECTORNOW WWW.PROSPECTORNOW.COm VOLUME 55, ISSUE 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

doodling in class Unexpected friendships bloom, learning increases through classroom art.

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Page 11

Finals before break, later arrival coming in 2017-2018

BY MIKE STANFORD Copy Editor

Safety procedures, sense of community provide vest of security for students, staff

BY KRZYS CHWALA Editor-in-Chief nglish teacher Heather Sherwin was planning a les- who didn’t hear about the incidents at Stevenson and Barson during her lunch in the division office when a rington until the car ride home with her mom that day. As she colleague came in and asked if anyone had heard the sat in the car, her mind jumped to “Oh my God, what if that was news. our school? What if it happened here?”

A Stevenson High School student brought a gun to school on The following day, she couldn’t focus in class. She found herDec. 4. Sherwin’s husband, Greg Sherself repeatedly going over the hypothetiwin, is a social science teacher at Stecal scenario in her head for the rest of the New safety measures venson. week.

She immediately reached for her According to a study by sociologist According to Dean of Students Mark phone to text and email him. However, Katherine Newman, school shootings are Taylor, the following improvements within a few minutes, there was news most common when there are limited oponline that the student was in custody, were made to Prospect’s security for portunities for a student to find a niche to and that no one was harmed. fit into. this school year: “In those two minutes when I didn’t Freshman Zach Bellak believes gun hear anything, I was worried,” Sherwin violence isn’t a top concern at Prospect • Hard lockdown said. “Then I realized ... there’s no point because of various opportunities for like alarm instigators in doing that [because it’s out of my constudents to interact, but he recognizes it trol].” is a possibility. in administrative She believes this is something she “I don’t think it’s very likely because I offices learned after countless national incan’t see anyone I’ve met here doing that,” cidents, starting with the Columbine Bellak said. “But I haven’t met everyone, shooting in 1999. and it just takes one person to make a • Automatically Barrington High School had a situabad choice that can hurt everyone at the locking classroom tion similar to that of Stevenson on Nov. school.” doors 30, and after taking the student into cusAccording to Principal Michelle Dowtody, ammunition was found in his lockling, the issue is worthy of thought and er. Last year brought 45 school shootbut not worry.

• Bulletproof security preparation, ings, and over 3,000 high school students “We can’t be fear-driven, but we cervestibules at school brought firearms to school across the tainly need to be vigilant,” Dowling said.

U.S., according to the National Cen“It’s always good to keep it on the foreentrances ter for Education Statistics. Although front, [which is] not to freak people out.” such incidents often seem to be distant In fact, according to Dowling, schools national headlines, they are occurring are the safest places to be in because of the closer than ever — within a 15-mile radius of Prospect. various safety measures in place.

Sherwin was disturbed by the incident, though she would be This past summer, for example, the district adopted a new more perturbed if ammunition was present. She was glad it was protocol called “Run. Hide. Fight,” after a push from the federal handled smoothly. government. (See “Change in protocol” for a closer look at the Sherwin acknowledges that schools do their best to avoid new protocol on page 2 and “New security measures” for other gun violence, but she believes it’s impractical to get rid of the security measures added this summer.) possibility entirely. In fact, she thinks it could happen more ofAccording to Dean of Students Mark Taylor, these additional ten than it does, but she’s grateful it doesn’t. measures were introduced to teachers at an all-staff meeting at These incidents were rattling for junior Danielle Rhorer, See SAFETY. page 3

National school-related gun incidents in 2015

According to a Harvard study, the number of school gun incidents has tripled since 2011, and the problem is now closer than ever to Prospect.

Stevenson High School Dec. 4, 2015

gun shot at school (45) reported gun brought to school (>3,000) * not all locations available

information courtesy of Everytown Research and the New York Times

Prospect

Barrington High School Nov. 30, 2015 School igh H

District 214’s four-month investigation into how to adapt the school calendar concluded Jan. 4 when Superintendent David Schuler announced finals will be administered prior to winter break and school days will start and end about a half an hour later. The new system will go into effect at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year, pending school board approval.

The district came to this conclusion after receiving the results of a survey distributed this October, which showed over 70 percent of students, staff and community members supporting finals before break. In doing so, District 214 joins the growing number of schools making the switch, including districts 211 and 220.

The experiences of Another change these early adopters for 2017-2018 have been factored into 214’s calendar.

According to College As intended, students at those schools had Counselor Diane a more relaxing holBourn, iday break, but they also encountered • Prospect will be more burn-out in the long weeks between switching from a 5.0 winter and spring GPA scale to a 4.0 breaks, according to scale at the beginning Schuler. To combat this, District 214 is of the 2017-2018 scheduling a four-day school year. weekend in mid-February.

• The switch was “We really tried to made for clarity in the be thoughtful about where those pressure college application points are in a year, process because most and then can we reschools use a 4.0 lieve that pressure a little bit?” Schuler scale. said.

For sophomore • The conversion will William Isherwood, not negatively impact these changes are students’ GPA. welcome, but he is concerned about the impact of a later school day on extracurriculars.

According to Schuler, while they do not yet know exactly how to schedule activities, the district will be working with coaches and activity sponsors in the coming months to ensure later dismissal does not equate to sliding everything back later.

However, this will not be District 214’s first foray into later dismissal times. Under the current calendar, Elk Grove ends school at 3:30 p.m. each day.

According to assistant cross country coach Erik Hodges, who held the same position at Elk Grove from 2008-10, Elk Grove teams often end practices later, but they had the advantage of being able to have morning practices more effectively. He foresees a similar shift happening at Prospect.

Although the new calendar will include alterations for extracurriculars and days off, English teacher Teri Buczinsky thinks the most significant modification for students will be finals occurring before winter break.

She believes that students will not only be more relaxed over break, but also that without having a two week gap in the semester, teachers will have to dedicate less time to review, leaving more time available for additional instruction. The combination of the two will lead to students enjoying a more peaceful December and January compared to the current calendar.

“The first day back, you get the feel like you got onto a treadmill already going 50 miles per hour, and it’s hard,” Buczinsky said. “If we can end before break, we don’t have that issue, and we get a real break.”

Schuler agrees and says that students’ well-being was at the center of calendar considerations.

“We want [students] to have a winter break,” Schuler said. “We want [students] to be kids. We don’t want [students] to spend 10 hours a day studying or working on a research project. It’s good for everybody to take a little bit of time away, decompress and re-energize.”

2

News

January 15, 2016

New initiatives reduce cuts

prospectornow.com

Speech continues to excel A

BY JORDAN DUSHANE News Editor *Name changed for confidentiality Sophomore Peter Smith* was called out for almost two weeks at the beginning of the year. His aunt had died, and Smith had to travel with his parents to Mexico City for her funeral. Smith started feeling pressured because he had a lot of schoolwork to make up. Instead of making up the work, he started to cut class more often.

However, Smith has recently been ditching less.

This year, Prospect has noticed a decrease in students ditching class. A cut occurs when a student shows up to class 10 or more minutes late or doesn’t come at all. Cutting class usually results in a 50 minute detention. According to the dean’s office, instances of students cutting class have decreased by 44 percent over the past three years (see “Chopped”). This decrease is caused by the new approach the deans are taking with students who cut class.

This year, administration began addressing cuts by asking students about their absence the day after they cut. Their conversations with the students revolve around why the students cut and how to get the students back in class.

If they continue to cut class, the dean will have a meeting with their parents and the students may face an increase in consequences.

The dean started walking Smith to class after he continued to ditch. He also had to take a drug test to show he wasn’t ditching class to do drugs.

Dean of Students Lisa Soukup also spoke to Smith about why he ditched, and her efforts influenced Smith’s decision to not cut class in the future.

Now Smith is trying to make up work in his classes and get back on track. Smith didn’t cut as much as a freshman, but he found it a lot easier to cut last year as opposed to this year. He believes it is harder this year because not all doors are open, and if a student leaves, they have to come back through one of two security check-ins.

As a result of his cuts, Smith is failing most of his classes. His plans to pass are by going to summer and night school.

Smith says he won’t ditch anymore, unless the day gets too stressful and he wants to be alone.

“I kind of regret [ditching],” Smith said. “I think it was an experience I already had, and I don’t want to experience it again.”

The main goal for Soukup and the staff is to get students to class. According to Soukup, security has become more attentive in regards to who is in the commons. If they believe someone shouldn’t be there, they will check the student’s schedule. If security guards find students who should be in class, they get them to class.

Students can be in the commons before school, during open periods and after school as long as someone is there supervising.

When a student is absent in one of English teacher Dawn Langton’s classes, she’ll check if the student’s absence was excused on Infinite Campus. She then goes further to see if the student has only cut her class or others’ as well.

If Langton notices a pattern, she will talk with the student because she wants to know why the student cut and wants the student to know that Langton knew he cut.

Langton believes most teachers also do the same.

Langton says students who cut class can make up any work they missed for credit. However, the student still misses out academically since when students cut class, they lose out on aspects of the classroom experience such as receiving extra clarification from discussions and other students’ questions.

“Teachers spend an extraordinary amount of time preparing lessons, and students lose out on the benefit of that preparation time and those lessons when they are not in class,” Soukup said. “Students are always welcome to make up assignments, but the problem is you can never replace that classroom time [that’s missed while ditching]. That is the prime time when you can get the information, practice the skill and get support from the teacher. By not attending class you’re missing out on all those opportunities.”

Individual cuts first quarter

Chopped in half 4,000

3,960

3,500

According to the dean’s office, cuts have decreased by 44 percent from since 2013.

2,845

3,000 2,500

2,204

2,000 1,500 1,000

2013-2014

2014-2015

of take over running that event and helping the other kids.”

Kaminsky is proud of these close bonds that the more experienced t speech team compemembers have formed with newer titions, senior Lillian Hermes is given a slip of ones as peers and mentors.

“Our varsity members, in adpaper with three random quotes or dition to not only being the best at proverbs, and then the timer starts what they do, help these [younger] ticking. She has two minutes to kids out,” Kaminsky said. “The craft a six-minute speech.

To prepare for her category, Im- awesome part is that a couple times, [senior] Andrew [Pittman], for expromptu Speaking, she memorizes ample, has taken first in his round, 45-second stories beforehand, either relating to books or famous figures, and one of the kids he has helped coach took second or third in that and draws on those to “construct same round, which is awesome.” [kind of] a meat-con essay” at the According to sophomore Keilyn event.

Howard, rounds are nerve wrack“It’s not like everything I’m saying and demand a lot of preparation. ing is completely out of my head,” In a round, students perform their Hermes said. “I have these stories events in a room filled with five othmemorized, but [the challenging er competitors and one judge, and at part is] how to construct them.” the conclusion the judges rank the Her other event is Extemporanestudents. At each competition, stuous Speaking, in which she has 45 dents go through minutes to prepare three rounds and a six-minute speech an additional final “You’re affecting related to current round if they qualevents. people, and you’re ify.

In total, there “You’re in a teaching people. are 14 different very small space, speech events, You’re making an you can see everyranging from pubbody, and that one lic speaking to actimpact on them. To person is literally ing. This season the judging you, [so] see people laugh team has competed I think it’s very at five competitions or cry while you’re hard to just stand and has placed first up there and be so performing is just so at four of them and exposed to somesecond at one of awesome. ” body,” Howard them. As regionals said. comes up in FebruNevertheless, ary, the team hopes speech has pushed Keilyn Howard, to qualify at least 6 her out of her or 7 individuals for sophomore comfort zone and state like they did taught her perselast year. A team verance along the can qualify up to way.

14 members a year, “If you mess up, one per each event, and Prospect’s you have to keep going. It’s life,” record number of qualifiers is 11 Howard said. “You have to learn students in 2014.

According to Hermes and coach to cope with people who judge you Jonathon Kaminsky, much of the [because] you’re not always going to do amazing, but you should just team’s success is credited to peer coaching. Prospect’s team has always try your best and work your around 80 members, and the four hardest.”

Most of all, Howard loves the imcoaches cannot spend enough indipact speech allows her to have on vidual time with each student. As a audiences. result, more experienced members “You’re affecting people, and like Hermes coach younger teamyou’re teaching people. You’re makmates. ing an impact on them,” Howard “Once in a while, [there are] younger kids who only speak in said. “To see people laugh or cry while you’re performing is just so front of me and I act as the Imawesome. Just being informed as promptu coach,” Hermes said.

“When you’re old enough, you kind you’re speaking is just an amazing memory to have with you.”

BY SHREYA THAKKAR Editor-in-Chief

2015-2016

POP: Junior Toni Diprima practices her Original Comedy speech. Out of the team’s five competitions, the team has placed first in four of them and second in one of them.

Prospector Crossword To pick your brain, read up on current events or get the answer key, visit prospectornow.com. (crossword edited by Leo Garkisch)

ACROSS

1.Word, Excel, Onebook, Powerpoint 7. Most used smartphone app of 2015 8. Had a big speech on Tuesday 11. Big addition to PHS coming this fall 13. Roll Tide 15. Stanford informs of a change to this 17. Ted Cruz’s kids were drawn as_____ 19. Saudi Arabia cut ties with it 20. Boys swimming won here on 12/11 22. Flynn’s online film review 23. Color; Anchorman anchor

DOWN

2. Arrested; drug lord; Guzman

10. SNL Alum Norm

3. e^(i* π)+1

12. Jasinski’s opinion subject

4. Kruse’s first club

14. New girls’ basketball head coach

5. Will he ever win an Oscar?

16. NFC first seed

6. Avengers, _______!

18. Used in Boko Haram propaganda

9. Downton _____; on PBS

21. Accused of using HGH

prospectornow.com

January 15, 2016

News

3

Student activists work for change

BY RILEY LANGEFELD Executive News Editor

W

hen Chicago Public School senior Alanis found out that protesters were taking a stand against police brutality in Chicago, she was inspired to take action.

Castano is friends with Prospect senior Lauren Miller. Castano helped to organize a walkout at her school, Ogden International School of Chicago. Administration caught wind of her plan, and they threatened suspension for her and for anyone who would join her. But on Dec. 9, Castano, 70 students and three teachers walked off of the campus and marched in a protest downtown.

Castano and her cohorts received significant backlash from parents and uninvolved teachers. The parents and teachers were so vocal that the principal, who, according to Castano, privately supported Castano’s efforts, had to threaten punishment for all involved.

Despite this opposition, Castano remained strong. She said that the negative response

only further inspired her to take action and that the opposition was one of the reasons she participated.

“I would say it gave me more energy,” Castano said. “Because it’s a constant that there’s a force of people telling you that you shouldn’t do this, but to me, it’s them being ignorant and being sort of selfish in the sense that they’re only thinking about how they live their lives on a day-to-day basis instead of t r y -

TAKING A STAND: A student poses as a protester.

With the advent of the recent protests in Chicago, many young adults have taken to the streets to express their views and opinions on police brutality and racism in the city. According to senior Hirangi Patel, being a part of the protests gave her more perspective on the issue.

“I think more people should be active and learn about what’s happening and at least try to have an opinion or know enough to form an opinion,” Patel said. (photo illustration

by Riley Langefeld)

the news, but it’s different to go and ing to think about how other peoexperience it yourself firsthand. I ple are living or other people are can’t say that I know much about being affected by what’s happening [the issue], but I think that experiin terms of police brutality.” encing it and at least trying to get Castano is one of hundreds of to know what’s happening and tryprotesters who took to the streets ing to be informed is [good].” of Chicago in November and DePatel said that cember.

The It was kind of cool to the protests were protests began peaceful, but she after Chicago Pobe out here and be in emphasized that lice Department [people’s] faces where such events must (CPD) Officer it’s unavoidable. You remain that way Jason Van Dyke in order to be prowas charged with can’t ignore us. Right ductive. the murder of now, in this moment, you “[The problack 17-year-old Laquan McDoncan’t ignore that we are testers] weren’t disruptive,” Paald. Shortly after existing and that we tel said. “They the charges were have power and that were calm. They filed, authorities were making released a dash we have feelings. their point. They cam video of the murder in which Alanis Castano, activist weren’t imposing on anyone.

McDonald was But the ones that are violent and shot 16 times. aggressive – I think those are just Activists marched in Chicago unnecessary. They lose their value for days in opposition to police because they’re not getting their brutality and racism, saying that point across effectively. They’re the murder was racially motivated just causing destruction, and it’s and that it was an abuse of ponot really doing anything.” lice power.

English teacher Lori Amedeo According to Castano, shares this sentiment. Amedeo has there has been a strong and lived in Chicago for seven years noticeable young adult and has seen numerous protests in presence in these protests. the city. She said that the current High school and college protests in the city are too loosely students have made up a structured to effectively make a significant portion of the point. protesters, and several “I think it needs to be better orteenagers have become ganized,” Amedeo said. “We need leaders for the activist better leaders, and people need groups. to be … not coming at it from a Senior Hirangi Patel place of anger attended the protests at and taking out Federal Center Plaza on [their] anger on Dec. 12. She and a friend people, which I stood with the protestthink was part ers as they talked and of the problem chanted. The experience with the recent helped her to gain a new protests.” perspective on the isCastano sue. also stated the “[I] wanted to get importance of out of my comfort zone thinking before and do something diftaking violent ferent,” Patel said. action, particu“You hear about it in

larly against policemen. Although tensions are high, she says that people need to take a step back and gain some perspective on the issue. “[It] all leads back to needing to have a conversation with policemen because it only took one policeman to kill [McDonald] and to abuse that power,” Castano said.

“Nobody else shot their gun except for this one guy, who shot 16 times.”

Many of the protesters turned to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, demanding that he resign amid allegations of covering up misconduct in the CPD. These accusations surfaced despite little evidence supporting them.

Castano believes that calls for Emanuel’s resignation are premature. She thinks that Emanuel is merely a scapegoat that people are blaming for a larger problem.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about [Emanuel],” Castano said. “People are really angry, but we need to figure out solutions instead of complaining …. It’s easy to point fingers.”

Castano says that the demonstrations she participated in were effective and that they achieved their desired effect. She maintains that the protesters were able to make a difference with their actions.

“It was kind of cool to be out here and be in their faces where it’s unavoidable,” Castano said.

“You can’t ignore us. Right now, in this moment, you can’t ignore that we are existing and that we

SAFETY: School unity, preparation key to security

Submarine Express

analyzed the minutia of past shootings, pointing out indicators to look for, as well as how staff responded.

The school also has security audits performed by Paul Tim, founder of RETA Security, in which he tries to infiltrate the building. In the process, he finds vulnerable spots in the building and potential hazards. According to Dowling, he even pointed out overgrown bushes as a safety concern because they offered a hiding spot for potential attackers, so they trimmed them accordingly.

However, Taylor and Dowling believe Prospect’s sense of community is its best security.

According to Taylor, students frequently come in when they read tweets, messages or hear conversations that may cause worry. Administration and counselors can then check out the situation before anything bad may happen.

In fact, Taylor encourages students to abide by the Department of Homeland Security’s campaign, “If you see something, say something.”

This sentiment holds true for teachers as well. According to Sherwin, teachers are adept at catching red flags, something Taylor brought back from security conferences.

Sherwin is comfortable reaching out to students’ counselors if she thinks anything may be off with a student, even if there’s just a sliver of doubt, which she thinks was not practiced a few years ago.

“We all take care of each other,” Dowling said. “This is a real community. I’m so full of pride in that regard.”

Change in protocol

According to Dean of Students Mark Taylor, the following protocol was adopted over the summer.

Run Have an escape route, and leave your belongings behind.

Hide Hide from the intruder, and block the path.

Fight As a last resort and if your life is in danger, be aggressive and throw items at the intruder.

information courtesy of Department of Homeland Security

Although he believes he was only able to have that conversation because the beginning of the year.

Social science teacher Jay Heilman his class is comprised of upperclassdiscussed the protocol with his Law men, he thinks it’s important to have the conversation with everyone. and the Individual students when the “We don’t want to be oblivious. We Oregon Umpqua Community College don’t want to be caught off guard,” Heishooting in October came up in a weeklman said. “We want to be prepared ly current events discussion. whenever something happens.”

He explained to his students how Administration shares this belief, if an intruder entered into the classroom, he would charge using a desk as as they met to go over the play-by-plays a shield because at that point, fighting of the Stevenson and Barrington incidents to see if they would have respondwould be their last standing option. ed differently.

According to Dowling, their protocols are in line with Prospect’s.

At Stevenson after officials received a tip from a parent, administration assembled with the school police officer, called for reinforcements, and then all proceeded to the student’s location with an armed officer to detain him — all within 19 minutes.

According to Taylor, the administration actively seeks out new Searching for something more tactics and ideas by satisfying than the usual chain attending security conburger or sub? ferences led by professionals such as Lt. Dave Mon. – Fri.: Grossman and Don 10:30 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Shomette, specialists in Sat.: the psychology of kill10:30 a.m. — 7 p.m. wy ing and school security H t s e rthw Sun.: 2 W No 60056 respectively. pect, IL s o r P 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Mt. These conferences CONTINUED from front page

4

Opinion

January 15, 2016

prospectornow.com

Staff Editorial

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Alyssa Duetsch Online NEWS Editor Molly Mueller Online A&E Editor Anna Indelli Broadcast Editors 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.

ognizing that a particular group, in this case women, have had unequal standards and opportunities — like objectification of women and a lack of STEM encouragement — and then trying to correct that inequality.

That’s exactly what Feminism Club does, and it should be supported, not torn down.

For an in-depth explanation of senior Mason Schweinzger’s point of view, check out prospectornow.com

Shot through the heart, a gun’s to blame The disparity in the debate over controlling or banning firearms

He has elaborated on how about half of the calls he arrived at wound up becoming a homicide scene that needed to be cleaned up.

While law enforcement is often minutes away, a few minutes is a long time when mere seconds count.

In those seconds you are the only There are dangers that come one who is going to be able to protect with completely taking away fireyourself. For matters arms. The notion that of self-defense, guns control and limitation are are an immensely imsynonymous with banportant option. ning firearms is invalid.

Surely gun vioGroups like The New Relence is a terrible public and Moms Demand thing no matter the Action have rallied in full situation, but when it support behind banning guns in the United States, BY BRIDGETTE JASINSKI is used in self-defense, it is better that the inhowever these groups Executive Opinion Editor nocent survive. seem to lack any acknowlIn Oklahoma edgment of the positives on New Year’s Eve, January 2012, that can come from the availability Justin Martin and Dustin Stewart, of firearms to U.S. Citizens. who had been scoping out the home Guns are portrayed in the news of Sarah McKinley since the death as a total danger to the American of her husband, tried breaking into public. Without a doubt there are her home. They were armed with a tragic and overabundant instances 12-inch hunting knife. of gun violence, especially within McKinley called 911 immediately recent years. That, however, does and then grabbed her 12-gauge shotnot constitute neglecting the Second gun.

Amendment which provides citiWhile on the phone with the diszens the right to own a firearm. patcher, she asked if it was okay to This Amendment of the United shoot the intruder if he came in.

States Constitution, which has set To that, the 911 dispatcher said the bounds, regulations and rights “I can’t tell you that you can do that, of the American public for 225 years, but you do what you have to do to clearly states “the right of the peoprotect your baby.” ple to keep and bear Arms, shall not When Martin broke in, she shot be infringed.” the intruder out of self-defense, This Amendment is what apwhich was deemed as lawful. pears to be a major key through the The Oklahoma mother is not Republicans and Democrats’ unalone in using a firearm for self-deceasing gun control debate. It has fense. likely been one of the most controA study done by Florida State versial political topics throughout University found that annually apthe course of Obama’s presidency, and the debate has continued to intensify. With Democrats rallying against firearms and Republicans in full Second Amendment support, these two groups have failed to settle on any sufficient compromise over this issue.

There are many elements to this debate; a primary point is how times have changed since the Constitution was ratified in 1789, and in 1789 there was more reason for individual citizens to need to protect themselves due to a lack of law enforcement.

There is no doubt that law enforcement has significantly improved since the Constitution was written. Despite this, law enforcement can not always save or protect us. Their response is rapid, but not immediate.

The police more often than not arrive too late to save anybody’s life.

47.5 My uncle is a police officer in the 9th district of the south side of Chicago.

Citites with most

Firearm Facts

Though they are all dangerous, not all guns are the same.

In the United States firearms are classified as either Title 1, or Title 2. The differences between the two are listed less restrictions for the public

Title 1 ordinary rifles, handguns and shotguns semi-automatic: will at most discharge one round with a single trigAutomatic: Fully capable of automatic fire (spray-firing)

Title 2

29.5

proximately 2.2 million DGU’s (defensive gun uses) occur.

Control means stricter legislation, more detailed background checks and limitation on certain types of firearms such as those that the average citizen could never need, which is acceptable. Control is a compromise. However, to completely take away firearms from the law-abiding citizens of the United States would be a terrible flaw in legislative action.

Making guns illegal would only take them away from the law-abiding citizens. Heroin, cocaine and acid are all illegal substances, but people still manage to have these drugs, and the

27.7 gun violence

Tight restrictions or banned from purchase

Machine guns, silencers, short barreled rifles/shotguns, destructive devices (bombs)

info courtesy of takepart.com

Oakland

Online Editor-in-Chief Caroline Binley

New Orleans

Associate Editors-in-Chief Grace Berry Marci Kiszkiel

Baltimore

Copy Editors Diana Leane Mike Stanford

F

Feminism Club meetings and does not identify as a feminist, the club is filled with misinformed “bandwagon” feminists. He also believes that groups like this are disadvantageous to white males like himself. “[Feminism] has kind of reversed and turned into pushing women to be above men instead of equal, so it doesn’t help men at all,” Schweinzger said.

However, according to Feminism Club Founder, senior Lauren Miller, meetings are meant to create a culture at Prospect where it’s OK for boys to show emotion and not feel the need to be strong, in addition to weeding out Prospect’s culture of slut-shaming and gender roles.

But more importantly, students should realize that creating a safe space for one group is not discrimination for another. Rather, it’s rec-

about feminism.

Because Prospect students encounter gender-biased undertones daily, those then manifest themselves at Prospect and beyond.

If there weren’t gender inequality directly affecting Prospect students, then there wouldn’t be 6 girls and 22 boys in AP Physics C, and there wouldn’t be 7 girls and 21 boys in AP Computer Science. And in health, we wouldn’t mostly learn how girls should go about avoiding sexual assault, but that is it both a men’s issue and a women’s issue.

While Prospect hasn’t perpetuated gender inequality, it hasn’t done much to fight against it either. That is, until groups like Feminism Club.

The club is inclusive to boys and girls and has conversations about gender inequality at their weekly meetings.

According to senior Mason Schweinzger, who attended two

Detroit

Editors-in-Chief Krzys Chwala Shreya Thakkar

eminism Club’s twitter bio might be the most scrutinized in Prospect twitter account history. The bio reads: “This club at PHS is working towards equality in the school environment,” and Prospect students often take the opportunity to point out that the club is unwarranted and unwanted because there is no obvious gender inequality in Prospect’s school environment.

The second part of their argument is mostly true: activities, sports and treatment from teachers are equal for girls and boys.

However, we, the Prospector, believe that although gender inequality at Prospect isn’t blatantly obvious, all Prospect students are affected by gender inequality now, and will be even more in college and the workplace. As a result, it’s important to have conversations

homicides per 100,000 people

staff

Feminism club worthy, needed

Info Courtesy of National Institute of Justice

27.3

same would happen with guns.

Those who want to get guns will still get them. According to gunfacts.info, 93 percent of guns used for criminal activity are obtained illegally as is, and banning guns would simply mean law-abiding citizens wouldn’t have them for their use and protection.

There is no denying gun violence is a prominent issue; however, this problem would best be resolved through compromise rather than through a perpetual circle of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats.

Enforcing stricter background checks and making guns more difficult to attain online and at gun shows is a step in the right direction. Stricter legislation and actual “control” is far more suitable than completely banning guns.

To most reading this article it may be easy to presume that due to my conservative take on the issue, I must be a complete Republican.

That is not the case. I am generally liberal-minded. However, I also research and fact check when it comes to political issues, and despite my feminist, LGBTQ-positive, environmentalist mind, I recognize the importance of firearms remaining available to U.S. Citizens, no matter my political party preference.

S

prospectornow.com

January 15, 2016

Opinion

5

Best of both worlds

New Year’s resolutions fall short

Last year I had a resolution to become more well-rounded by looking to expand my musical knowledge. I decided to learn bass guitar. Weeks later, I couldn’t play the guitar, but I could juggle clubs.

In every possible way, I failed with my goal. I went to a baseball game and scored a touchdown. Even though I scored, I wasn’t even in the right ballpark.

After experiencing my own failure, I learned a difficult truth —- resolutions are freaking tough! I ended up becoming disThe following tracted, and after tossing things to myself for numbers are awhile, I ended up juggling. the percents From my experience, setting resolutions of people on this stereotypical who manage date doesn’t make to follow them easier to comthrough on plete, and people should not make a their resgoal just because it’s olutions a new day or year. throughout They should the year.

BY JAMES ESTRELLA III make goals because they truly want to.

Opinion Editor If they arbitrarily decide on an objective, it’s easy to lose motivation.

In 2014, Katherine Milkman, a professor at the Wharton School of Business, researched the effects of New Year’s resolutions. Milkman observed the “Fresh Start Effect,” which is the urge to change oneself at the beginning of a new calendar.

According to Milkman’s research, at the start of a week, month or new year, people are more inclined to follow through on a goal because of the refreshing feeling that accompanies something new.

Milkman also found that the bigger the event’s importance, the larger the motivation and the longer the motivation will last.

The New Year’s effect typically stays with people for approximately two weeks.

According to statisticbrain.com, about 45 percent of people make resolutions each year, and 75 percent of them stick to them through the first week. Only eight percent of people actually follow through on a resolution throughout the entire year.

This misconception that only New Year’s can mark the start of a resolution is a hindrance. Just because it’s a random Friday doesn’t mean that it’s any less valid than a Monday. Each day is unrelated to the next, and you to decide how it’s going to be.

I am not the only one who has this misconception about New Year’s – Prospect has a fair share as well.

Sophomore Kenny Orel had two resolutions last year: to be nicer to his family and to obtain better grades. He followed through on his goals for four months before forgetting about them.

Similar to Orel, sophomore Sydney Kitzmiller lasted a week when trying to eat healthier.

After surviving for two days without ice cream, freshman Justin Sherrick could no longer restrain himself and had to have a bowl.

Failures are going to happen, missing a day or two will occur, but in order to accomplish a goal, you must consistently motivate yourself. If you truly want to do something, you must find a way to achieve it.

This year I have forsaken learning an instrument.

Top 10 New Year’s Instead, I’m focusing on resolutions for 2015 how to juggle five props at a time, and I’m work1. Lose weight ing every week to achieve 2. Getting organized this. I created this goal 3. Spend less, save more back in early December.

This is something that 4. Enjoy life to the fullest I really want to do, and by 5. Stay fit and healthy being interested in my goal, 6. Learn something exciting I have been able to have fun 7. Quit smoking while I try, which leads me 8. Help others in their dreams to practice more. By having both an interest and dedi9. Fall in love cation, I have been able to 10. Spend more time with throw my props 15 times in family a row. I can’t wait to enjoy Info Courtesy of: statisticbrain.com the feeling of accomplishing my resolution.

Through the long haul

First Week 75%

First 2 weeks 71%

Past 1 Month 64%

Past 6 Months 46%

All Year 8%

BY KELSEY PHILIPPE In-Depth Editor

A

fter waking up on the first day of high school, I looked into my closet and searched for the best outfit. I chose a skirt and decided to curl my hair, but as I remembered my male-dominated engineering class, I switched my outfit to a pair of jeans and a ponytail. I feared my class wouldn’t take me seriously if I revealed my girlier side.

I wore what I can only describe as a mask, which was concealing my true identity. I was a superhero in a sense, but the only person I was rescuing was myself from this imaginary fear of not being taken seriously. I was slightly ashamed that morning of who I was pretending to be, but for a very long time, I thought that was my only option.

I have pulled off concealing my girlier side for a year and a half, and it’s finally time to start convincing myself that it’s okay to break free from the gender norms.

It’s no big newsflash that the year changed, and gender roles are changing, too. If you don’t fit the mold of typical gender norms, that’s perfectly fine.

At home, I have the tendencies of a girly girl who enjoys makeup and fancy clothing. I find leggings comfortable and love the feeling of wearing a skirt or dress. How I look shouldn’t deem me any less academically capable than a male counterpart.

Even more so this year than last, I’ve joined what have always been seen as masculine activities. I break gender stereotypes because I love working with my hands and taking things apart, and my favorite classes are mathematical and scientific.

I am one of three girls in a class of 21, and in Battlebots I am one of six girls in a club of approximately 30.

Although I have been accepted for being a girl, in the back of my mind I still try and negotiate with my more feminine half to stay hidden. I’ve crossed numerous gender barriers, so it wasn’t like I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing or needed to prove myself to anyone anymore.

Maybe trying to keep my feminine side secret is because I’ve grown up in a world where women are stereotypically stay-at-home parents, and my family was no exception to this.

Maybe it’s the fact that even though I have no issues using power tools, my mom will still ask my brothers, who no longer live at home I might add, to fix the problem rather than me.

Maybe it’s just the fact that women are never portrayed as doing anything masculine, and they never show female role models with masculine ambitions. So maybe our society is at fault for their preconceived notions of my gender instead of showing me the potentials I have.

Through my experiences, like engineering classes, Battlebots and even speaking in a engineering conference this past November, I’ve realized that the clothes I wear don’t make or break people’s opinions of me. It is their preconceived notions of what a girl can or cannot do that will affect how they think of me.

I have to work harder in order to make people think that I’m serious about becoming a chemical engineer. According to ngcproject.org, in 2009 only 15.6 percent of chemical engineers were female, and I have begun to realize that as long as I’m working hard and proving myself, my

Masculine or Feminine?

Are you a tomboy or girly girl? Choose which of the two you’d prefer from the following list. The answers may surprise you. a. On the field a. Lifting weights

b. With the cheer team b. Dancing

a. Throw a punch

b. Use your words

a. Hunting

b. Manicure

a. Make money

b. Raise a child

a. Change a car’s oil

b. Cook Dinner

a. Play video games

b. Do your makeup

a. Superheroes

b. Princesses

a. Cut wood

b. Do laundry

a. Jordans

b. Uggs

a. Kill a spider

b. Scream

a. Trains

b. Barbies

Answers:

Gender stereotypes restrict potential for acheivement

Whether you choose more a’s or more b’s it does not matter. If you do the activities more typically associated with males or females and that is not how you identify, that is OK. As long as you’re being yourself, that’s what matters in the end.

Dropping The ball

I have pulled off that act for a year and a half, and I think it’s finally time to start convincing myself that it’s okay to break free from the gender norms. clothing will not hold me back.

My school day this year starts off bright and early with my Principles of Engineering class, and from now on when I need to give a presentation in front of the male-dominated class, I will throw on a skirt and wear shim-

mery makeup with my hair down.

But it isn’t because I want their attention. It’s because I’ve finally come to terms with just blatantly being myself.

I know that it isn’t the outfit that makes you, but your passion that drives you forward.

THIS IS THE PART OF ME: While at school, I tended to act more masculine in order to fit in better in my male-dominated classes.

At home I had the tendencies of a girly girl, which lead to a split identity between those two sides. “I wore what I can only describe as a mask concealing my true identity, I was a superhero in a sense, wearing this mask, but the only person I was rescuing was myself from this imaginary fear of not being taken seriously.”

6

In-Depth

January 15, 2016

Adderall abuse rising among teenager As some students attempt to acquire ADD/ADHD medication for finals, misconceptions about its legal, health effects emerge

BY JACK RYAN Executive In-Depth Editor *Names changed for confidentiality

T

hen-sophomore Andrew Rose* was preparing for finals last year, and as he was taking a break from his school work, he looked over to his phone and saw a disturbing question on his screen.

It was a text from his close friend asking if he would sell him Adderall for finals.

Adderall is a stimulant in pill form that is typically prescribed to people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Rose automatically said no to his friend by telling him that Adderall is an expensive medication that he does not have an infinite amount of it. The incident took Rose completely by surprise.

“I don’t imagine myself as a drug dealer in any type of way, and I’m close to these people, and for them to ask me for drugs, … I just think it’s a weird question [to ask], like, ‘Hey can I get this prescribed drug from you?’”

Rose said.

According to Rose, who is prescribed Adderall for his ADHD, where one according to webmd.com experiences disorganization, lack of attention, fidgetness when seated, and impatience, he could have easily given his

friend Adderall. He knew though that the po- tions that Adderall w tential consequences of selling his friend this and performance on te drug outweighed the money he would receive Like Novak, Dean o from it. does not understand w However, finals are right around the corAdderall or any other ner, increasing the likelihood that students Rose has never sold will turn to their peers, like Rose, now a juthough four or five of nior, to buy Adderall because they hold the because he believes misconception that the bri it will make them to mak “I think students [have this perform better on if he w misconception] that Adderall derall, exams.

According to U.S. outcom is only for focusing and News and World Re“Kid studying, and that it will port, 7.5 percent of when i do magical things for you, seniors in 2015 take alcohol Adderall illegally in ing to g like automatically get you America, which has don’t k an A on your test,” Jones increased .7 percent be rea said. “When [in reality] you since 2014. take a Although the twenty still have to put in the work. drug may help studo it s You still have to focus, and dents focus better, one, bu there are many seriit doesn’t do everything for know ous side effects that come b you.” come with taking get me the drug without respon anonymous, junior a prescription, indrugs t cluding loss of apWith petite, uncontrollable shaking in any part of tion on the rise for te the body, nausea and migraines, according to dosage depends on ho livescience.com. according to prescript In some scenarios, Adderall abuse could org, because a 30 mill lead to death. All of these side effects may hapto one person, while a pen the first time someone takes this drug il- be fatal to another. legally, and consuming Adderall can also lead Not only has Rose to addiction.

Adderall to another st School nurse Cheryl Novak wants stu- tie Jones*, who contem dents to be aware that taking Adderall is dan- close friend her freshm gerous to the body, and it will affect everyone According to Jone differently. One person who is not prescribed second semester fina to the drug may become focused while on it, Jones had Adderall but others may get nausea and shaking. nosed with ADHD. Jo Novak does not think the abuse of in school walking to Adderall is prevalent at Prospect, talking about finals. but she understands misconcepAs they kept walk

Opening the laby

Along with being extremely add Adderall is considered a gateway leads to use of the following drug

*information courtesy of The Huffington Pos

Fighti

photo by Cassidy Selep

De-stressing for finals 101

BY GRACE BERRY Associate Editor-in-Chief

As finals are fastly approaching and students start to worry, many scramble to find an easy way to de-stress. Here are three different ways to relax for finals rather than turning to harmful drugs like Adderall.

Use Aurasma on this picture to see Katie Robinson’s mandalas!

Mystical Meditation Meditation can help someone relax or decompress when stressed. Headspace. com says meditation soothes peoples’ minds because it activates the “rest and digest” part of a person’s nervous system, which is used to control homeostasis, conserve energy and recover from strenuous activities. The relaxation one feels x=during mediation restores the body. It slows heart-rate and breathing and drops blood-pressure.

Literature teacher Karen Kruse meditates to relax. She started last year when she found an app with guided meditation on it, and she began to like it because it helped her reduce stress and learn to live in the present more. Meditation helped her live in present, so she could stop worrying so much about things she didn’t get done and enjoy her life more. She tries to meditate everyday in the morning when there are less distractions for her. For any beginners, Kruse recommends starting off with shorter guided meditation.

“I think that [meditation] is infinitely valuable,” Kruse said. “I don’t know if it has had an impact on my health, but I can only imagine that taking 15 or 20 minutes to just decompress, that has to be good for you.”

Famous people who meditate MYSTICAL MANDALAS: Junior Katie Robinson has been drawing mandalas in her free time since her freshman year. Use Aurasma to watch a video on how Katie draws mandalas and how she began to enjoy drawing them. (photo and video by Erin Schultz)

•Katy Perry •Jeff Bridges •Jennifer Anniston

•Lena Dunham •Paul McCartney •Ellen DeGeneres

*information courtesy of tmhome.com

English teacher Karen Kruse recommends the app Headspace to help beginners meditate.

January 15, 2016

ers

Adding up the Adderall

will enhance their focus ests and in class. of Students Lisa Soukup why students would take r drug illegally. d Adderall to anyone, alf his friends have asked, that teenagers are not ightest when it comes king decisions, and that were to sell a student Adhe would not know the me of the situation. ds my age are stupid it comes to drugs and l,” Rose said. “If I am gogive a student six pills, I know them. They might ally dumb. They might all six and die within y minutes. They might safe[ly] and only take ut I don’t know, and I somehow it’s going to back to me and possibly arrested … because I’m nsible for giving them that led to their death.” h Adderall consumpeens, the possible overow much one can handle tion-drug.addictionblog. ligram dose can be fatal a 70 milligram dose can

had the potential to sell tudent, so has junior Kamplated selling it to her man year. es, it was right before als and her friend knew because Jones is diagones and her friend were o class while they were

king to class, her friend

With illegal Adderall consumption rising among high schoolers, many do not understand its consequences and side effects

told Jones how she couldn’t stay focused to study for finals, and how she has taken Adderall before for a serious exam, and right after she told Jones that, her friend asked Jones if she would sell her Adderall.

Jones did not want to sell her the Adderall, so she told her friend that she was running out of it and needed the pills for herself.

Unlike Rose, Jones can see why students will sell Adderall.

“It’s not OK [to sell Adderall] since it’s illegal,” Jones said. “At the same time, [though], I understand if kids want to, to like help them study for testing.”

Although Jones believes selling Adderall illegally is not OK because it’s “illegal and one doesn’t have an excuse for selling it,” she thinks that there is no really consequence of it besides helping one stay focused.

According to drugs.com though, a person who is caught selling Adderall illegally can be sent to jail for between one to four years.

Jones and Rose both believe Prospect does not have a major problem with Adderall abuse.

According to Soukup, if a student was caught selling Adderall illegally to another student, there would be disciplinary consequences. Parents and police would be involved to resolve the situation. Her goal would be to make sure that all students involved in the situation are safe.

Students like Rose and Jones know that

In-Depth

7

2012-15 2010-2011

2009

percent

percent

percent

According to drugfree.org, in the past six years the rate of non-medical Adderall users has increased 2.2 percent among high school seniors. teenagers will coners tinue to buy Dang Adderall when it comes time to take finals and write papers. Both Novak and Soukup hope g that students will weigh pin out the consequences and pop make the correct decision not to take Adderall if a student is contemplating doing so.

“I think students [have this misconception] that Adderall is only for focusing and studying, and that it will do magical things for you, like automatically get you an A on your test,” Jones said. “When [in reality] you still have to put in the work. You still have to focus, and it doesn’t do everything for you.”

yrinth

come with

s

pill

WARNING: side effects may include: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, seizures, aggressive behavior, hives, chest pain, restlessness, death

dictive, y drug that gs:

st

*information courtesy of drugfree. org and livescience.com

Ecstasy

Heroin

Cocaine

ing Stress of Finals Escpaing through noise

drawings by Katie Robinson

Drawing mandalas According to PsychologyToday.com, drawing mandalas is a way to destress. A mandala is a circular spiritual drawing or symbol in many religions (see image). Spiritual seekers have used mandalas for the use of transcendence, mindfulness and wellness because many cultures regard the circle as powerful. Drawing mandalas can be relaxing for anyone because it puts one’s mind off their stress and just on drawing.

Junior Katie Robinson has been drawing mandalas since freshman year. When she draws mandalas she uses a pencil, a compass and coloring materials (Aurasma video for a tutorial). She sometimes draws mandalas as an alternative to meditation.

“You get on the same level of relaxation [as meditating], but you also get a tangible award,” Robinson said.

White noise is the sound of many frequencies at equal intensities which is like a white light, a light with all the colors, for sound. Brown noise often sounds more like a waterfall rather than the more intense sound of white noise. According to nosleeplessnights.com, white and brown noise can help someone drown out outside noise, concentrate and relax.

Senior Alec Heyde uses brown noise while he’s doing his homework. It helps him keep his mind off other things and do his homework faster, which consequently helps him de-stress. While listening to brown noise, he can finish a homework assignment that would usually take him 40 minutes in 20-25 minutes.

“To me, [brown noise] puts the mind in an atmosphere that you can use better to do your homework once you’re used to the sound,” Heyde said.

Senior Alec Heyde’s favorite free app to find white and brown noise is called White Noise and looks like the picture to the left in the app store.

8

Features

January 15, 2015

prospectornow.com

Success beyond grades Staff uninterested in high school use experiences to inspire students

BY JESS DARCY Features Editor

S

ocial studies teacher Dave Schnell hated his Remedial English teacher his junior year. It wasn’t anything he did in particular. Rather, it was that the teacher did nothing.

He would hand out a worksheet, grumble to the class that they had to finish in 20 minutes, then sit down, swing his legs onto his desk and read a newspaper as the students struggled to understand.

Then, after the twenty minutes were up, he would rattle off the answers, and class would be dismissed.

“There was absolutely no expectation. It was almost like you could see that teacher had given up on trying to do anything,” Schnell said. “That was his opinion of us as students. There was no reason to attempt or try anything for this group of kids. He was just done.”

Like Schnell, school psychologist Jay Kyp-Johnson was not an engaged student in high school. Despite this, both have used their past struggles to try to give students the experiences they didn’t have in high school.

Schnell’s problems started ear-

ly on. He says that he didn’t try, and his parents didn’t provide any external motivation.

“My parents, for all three of myself and my siblings, didn’t set very high standards for [school work],” Schell said. “They [just said,] ‘Stay out of trouble, and you’ll be fine.’

As long as we brought home C’s, it didn’t matter. There were no special, super rewards if we brought home B’s or A’s. There was no special encouragement of, ‘That’s exactly what you need to do, and that’s important.’ It was just kind of like, ‘Good, you’re staying out of trouble.’”

For Kyp-Johnson, his mother was the Superintendent, but his parents didn’t really keep up with him, as well. Despite getting good grades and finding enjoyment in after-school activities, he simply didn’t like his classes.

“I was super busy in all sorts of extracurricular activities,” Kyp-Johnson said. “I didn’t have the kind of parents who regularly checked my grades ever. They kind of left that up to me.”

While Kyp-Johnson was able to keep his grades afloat, Schnell was unable to find success in the classroom. This task grew increasingly difficult as he continued to blow off assignments and fell behind his classmates.

“Sadly, what I started seeing was that everybody else was progressing, and I was getting lost,” Schnell said. “It was embarrassing. I couldn’t do what other people could do, and it wasn’t because I didn’t have the ability. It was just

I had fallen so far behind.”

But social studies Division Head Gary Judson believes that high school doesn’t define someone’s capabilities.

“I think as you look at [Schnell’s] resumé, what you saw was someone who grew over the years,” Judson said. “While he might not have been a very motivated student in high school, he went to Harper, figured out what he wanted to do, ended up going to Wisconsin [to get his degree], and you could see a progression in his grades.”

Judson says Schnell’s background helps him in the classroom.

“When Schnell was in high school, I would say he wasn’t too motivated of a student. His grades didn’t reflect his abilities,” Judson said. “Since that was how he was in high school, he can relate to kids that have those same thoughts about school.”

Schnell tries to captivate disinterested students, and Kyp-Johnson helps students enjoy their time at Prospect though extracurriculars as he did in high school. He runs Guitar Club and Film Club, coaches baseball and helps with Knights’ Way. “Those are awesome because I’m with people who have similar interests, and it’s pretty fun for the kids because they’re doing what they want to do,” Kyp-Johnson said.

Schnell tries to help struggling students and motivates them to be better, but says he is not a cheerleader. The ultimate motivation must come from themselves.

A-PLUS: Back in school, social studies teacher Dave Schnell was not be the strongest student. However, Schnell went on to use his academic past to help his struggling students. (photo by Bridgette Jasinski) He says that if you get a 75 percent on every test and then come in for help, and on the next test you get a 78 percent, that’s a big improvement. Schnell cherishes these moments.

“To me, [seeing that success] is

the greatest thing in the world,” Schnell said. “Then you can say this is showing improvement, and you’re getting better at this because of work. I don’t need them to get straight A’s. I just want them to see that they can improve.”

Asian students, faculty encounter policital tensions Schnell discussed how students list a number of reasons, including its communist government, why they don’t like China, When freshman Megan Lov sat down to but when they’re asked why they like take a test in her eighth grade social studies Canada, they’ll respond with, “It’s class, she was puzzled in front of a challengnice”, but they can’t tell you what ing question: “What is communism?” kind of government it has.

After reading through Prospect’s Manthe answer choices, she darin teachwas forced to guess. er, George After class, Lov deKhang has a cided to ask her Taiwanese friend about the and Chinese question.

The background. response she reGrowing up ceived was unin Taiwan, he expected: has relatives What you never knew about China “ H o w in both countries. do you Other than there be• Reincarnation n o t ing more skyscrapers in • Fortune cookies k n o w Taiwan, Khang recalled isn’t allowed • China uses what comdon’t originate no major differences bewithout around 45 billion m u n i s t tween the U.S. and where from China. They government means? Your he grew up. chopsticks every were invented in country is commuKhang’s parents are permission year nist.”

San Fransisco in similar to Prospect Lov’s parents were teacher Eve Wethe early 1900s Chinese immigrants, seman’s, making • China’s • The first paper and she found herself up part of the 12 national currency was apologizing for not knowpercent of the ing what communist means. Alpopulation in Taisport created in China though Lov was not born in China graphic wan that fled from is table over 1400 years herself, she faces challenges from her mainland China afby Flynn tennis ago peers’ views about her ethnicity. ter the Chinese Civil Geraghty Unfortunately, the continuous tension War. Khang lived in between the United States and the Chinese Taiwan until age 25, government causes students to have a neginfo leaving because his parative perception of the country. While only ents didn’t want to live in a curtesy of 35 percent of Americans have a positive percommunist government. factslides.com ception of China, Prospect teachers and stu“Each side has their skills, and dents with a Chinese background

K

BY AYSE ELDES Staff Writer

o h Wws no

face unfavorable views of their culture.

When trying to understand why, AP World History teacher Dave Schnell explained that it’s just a general lack of knowledge that causes people to misperceive many foreign countries in the world.

“They might have a really negative view of China, but they have this ridiculously positive view of Canada,” Schnell said. “And if you ask them why, they have no idea.”

Sophmore Chris Raffone The Boyfriend

Favorite color?

Height?

Chocolate or vanilla?

Favorite movie?

Birthday?

Blue

5’3”

Chocolate

Silence of the Lambs

December 17

P

P

P Sophmore Karolina Bielawska

Blue

5’2”

Vanilla

The Subject

B

etYto u er?

Sophomore Tania Velazquez The Friend

obviously communism has better points that attract people to be on their side,” Khang said. “If 90 percent people perceive that they are poor, they go ‘Hey, why not?’”

Weseman’s parents carry a similar story.

She recalled her father’s stories about driving from one city to the next in China, dodging the war when he was only in junior high.

Weseman’s father took her to China to show her where he boarded the boat that would take him to Taiwan. The experiences still affect Weseman’s parents emotionally.

“It’s traumatic for them,” Weseman said.

“My brother and his friends would go to Japan for vacation, but my parents would never do that.”

While Lov’s grandparents also fit the story of escape, Lov’s parents moved to the U.S. during World War II. However, when it comes to the views of her peers, the lack of knowledge they have about Chinese culture causes students like Lov to face challenges.

When putting into consideration the tensions between the U.S. and China, the major cause can be said to be misperception.

Khang expressed that there really is no real tension, rather media finds it a juicy topic to exaggerate.

“But it’s fun to watch,” Khang said. “It’s like watching a movie.”

By analyzing how countries are dependant on each other with the development of their economy, Khang explained that this trend of depending does not seem to stop, so the conflicts shouldn’t be exaggerated.

“I think the world is moving towards a global village,” Khang said. “It’s what the soap opera is. If you think it’s alarming, it’s alarming. But if you step back, it’s just a story.”

Blue

P

5’1”

Vanilla

P

Silence of the Lambs

Forrest Gump

W I N N E R

December 17

December 17

P

W I N N E R

prospectornow.com

January 15, 2016

“[The distance] made us look at [our relationship] much more seriously. ... We have to look into the future.”

9

Home is where the heart is

-Amanda Esczuk, college freshman, dating senior Iowa City, Yarko Snihur Iowa

College creates distance, fortifies some relationships

BY DIANA LEANE Copy Editor

A

Features

s her peers left for bars and parties, University of Iowa freshman Amanda Esczuk retired to her dorm room and spent the night talking to a screen. She and her boyfriend, Prospect senior Yarko Snihur, had set aside time that night to FaceTime.

Over the course of her first semester, Esczuk forfeited several nights out to talk to Snihur. Since Esczuk attended different classes each day and Snihur juggled the set school day with extracurriculars, finding a time they were both free proved difficult.

For Esczuk, being able to spend time with Snihur, even if that meant virtually, justified forfeiting a night with friends.

While their relationship changed overnight when Esczuk moved to Iowa, the time apart didn’t change how they felt about one another. The pair, who began dating Esczuk’s junior year after meeting in their math class, trusted that their relationship was strong enough to withstand the distance.

According to brandongaille.com, Esczuk’s situation is common – 70 percent of college students have been in long distance relationships. From her experience, Esczuk has observed that the distance and accompanying sacrifices strengthens relationships

with significant others in addition to friends.

Arlington Due to the 3.5Hts., Ilinois hour drive between Iowa and Arlington Heights, she typically visits home once a month. At home Esczuk and Snihur both continue to sacrifice time with friends in order to take advantage of their time together.

Snihur has introduced his friends to Esczuk on a previous visit of hers, so she knows the people in his life even when she’s not with him. However, relating to each other’s lifestyles has been challenging. They overcome this obstacle by reaching out and telling each other about the people they meet and what they do, yet they still can’t understand each other’s lives as much as when they were both at Prospect.

“He always cared very much about what I was doing, and it was comforting to know that he wanted to know about all [the college-related] stuff,” Esczuk said.

Snihur also visited the university once to go to an Iowa football game with Esczuk, which gave him a sense of the college environment in addition to hearing about the campus from Esczuk.

“I didn’t really know how college worked before [talking to Esczuk about it]. She tells me a lot of stuff on how it works – how she gets up for class and stuff,” Snihur said. “I think I’ve gotten a pretty good idea on how to go about [college] now.”

Junior Olivia Huening, who’s friends

with Esczuk and other college students, also struggles to relate to the college life in instances such as when her friends rushed sororities. On the contrary, Huening believes hearing about their college experiences is preparing her for college.

“It’s awesome because I’ve been able to go visit them and stay with them and actually get a real perspective other than a college tour,” Huening said.

Nevertheless, Huening sees that the distance between her and her friends can be beneficial because they aren’t involved in high school drama.

“In high school, when you hang out with people, you always have the added pressure of the drama,” Huening said. “With them, it’s a fresh perspective because they don’t know anything about that, so I can hang out with them and not have to deal with the drama or the stress. … I never have to [discuss]

APUSH with them.”

Snihur, Esczuk and Huening agree that the distance strengthened their relationships because in order to remain close to those who aren’t close, they have to be committed to the relationship.

“You really get to see who your true friends are – the ones that you kept in contact with, the ones who still reach out to you,” Esczuk said. “I made a lot of good friends in high school, but it’s interesting to see which ones still want to keep your friendship.”

In regards to her relationship with Snihur, Esczuk believes it’s more mature now since they’ve had to fully commit themselves to each other. “[Going long distance] made us look at [our relationship] much more seriously,” Esczuk said. “It’s not just a high school relationship anymore. We have to look into the future and look at it more long term.”

MILES APART TESTS THE HEART: Senior Yarko Snihur visits University of

Iowa to see freshman girlfriend Amanda Esczuk. The two manage the distance through texting and FaceTiming frequently. (photo courtesy of Yarko Snihur)

Groups create identities with uncommon traditions

Most students see or hear about the hard work of different activities; they see the band’s performance, or they hear about how the track team dominated another meet. But between the rehearsals, practices and games, each group bonds in different, perhaps unexpected, ways. Here is a glance at some of the traditions of band, boys’ track and girls’ golf.

BY CALEY GRIEBENOW Features Editor

Boys’ track creates new tradition After their last indoor track practice, the boy’s track team of about 130 boys descends upon the commons, enjoying pasta and celebrating the beginning of what they call their “championship season,” a.k.a. the start of their big meets like conference and sectionals. This started last year.

Social science teacher Frank Mirandola wanted to start a new tradition when he took over as head coach. He believes it gives members, especially new ones, a chance to bond and to mentally prepare for their upcoming competitive season, including their big MSL East meet, which is more high stakes than their indoor season. “[At the dinner] we get the sense that we’re one

Band bonds through book Facing oncoming rain, their performance being cancelled and about 150 antsy high school kids, band director Chris Barnum was faced with the task of entertaining the band members. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out “Froggy Plays in the Band,” a children’s book that was given to him as a gift when he was appointed band director, and he began to read.

That was 10 years ago at their competition at University of Illinois, and every year since, Barnum has read that book.

Barnum believes that because competitions are long, stressful days, the reading of the children’s book offers a light-hearted moment for the student to enjoy and remember. “[The best moment] is when all the kids join in in the reading and start to

team,” Mirandola said. “All the guys from different grade levels are eating together, joking around [and] intermixing. It welcomes everyone to the team.”

According to Mirandola, since the dinner has a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a nice change from their tough practices.

Junior Ian Arms, who runs the 200 and 400 meter races and does high jump, enjoyed the dinner for the first time last year, and he believes it brings everyone closer together, both as a team and as friends. “[The dinner] reinforces that we aren’t an individual sport,” Arms said. “We care about each other’s performances. It reinforces our philosophy that you matter to this program.”

Arms agrees with Mirandola that the dinner is

Girls’ golf gathers at IHOP Sophomore Allison Buck found herself munching on a chocolate chip pancake shaped like Mickey Mouse at 6 a.m. at IHOP last summer. Just half an hour earlier, she was woken up by members of both the JV and varsity the golf teams, which was frightening at first.

She had no idea who was in her bedroom in the middle of the night, but she quickly got her bearings when she recognized her teammates.

The girls were not trying to photo illustrations by Cassidy Selep

recite part of the book because they know it so well because I know then that they’re enjoying it,” Barnum said.

Barnum will certainly continue the tradition, as it offers a connection between the past and present members of the band.

Drum major junior Hannah Thornton describes the book-reading atmosphere as cozy and relaxed, with all the kids huddled in blankets, not worrying about their competition. “[Storytime] made [being in] band feel less intimidating, especially listening to it when I was a freshman,” Thornton said. “It made everything feel less serious.”

Thornton believes that without the reading of “Froggy Plays in the Band,” they would lose something to look forward to.

“The book adds an element of fun to the band, and I’m glad we’re continuing it as a tradition,” Thornton said.

not only a way to surround himself with his teammates and not worry about a workout, but also an opportunity to channel his thoughts to the upcoming meets.

Mirandola looks forward to continuing this tradition, and he got nothing but positive feedback last year.

“Eating dinner is about coming together, and that’s what we want,” Mirandola said.

“You get the sense that we’re a team.”

scare Buck; they were instead gathering all of the members of the golf team to get together for breakfast the day after tryouts.

Unlike the boy’s track tradition, which is only a year old, this tradition has been happening for many years. Senior Payton Chantry says it has been happening for as long as she has been on the team. She believes it has to do more with friendships than golfing, and Buck agrees.

“It shows we’re not just about golf,” Buck said.

“We can become more than golfers. It’s about being a team and being friends. We’re not about golf all the time.”

Chantry appreciated waking the new girls for the last time. She assumed the responsibility of or-

ganizing the breakfast, which includes calling the parents of new members and making sure there are enough drivers. She made sure the new members each had a driver and that everyone made it to IHOP safely.

“I was excited to be a senior and drive all the new girls around and get to know them,” Chantry said. “[The breakfast showed] we care about each other.”

Buck is proud to be on the golf team, and she enjoyed the breakfast for two years. She believes it makes the golfers unique.

“Most sports don’t have this,” Buck said. “It adds to our identity at Prospect.”

10

Entertainment

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January 15, 2016

Press start to be misrepresented

Gaming industry treats mental illness as shortcut to tragedy

My issue is with the fact that there are little to no games where mentally ill characters have a decent ending.

There’s a disturbing pattern I’ve noticed lately when it comes to mental illness in the gaming industry; it’s either poorly represented, or mentally ill characters are he horror survival game “Until Dawn” doomed from the second the player presses has captured the attention of many start. While an accurate portrayal of mental gamers since its release in August, illness is important, the fact that mentally including myself. The story follows a group of ill characters rarely meet positive ends says friends on a mountain retreat coming together a lot about the perception of mental illness, for the first time since the death of two friends. especially within video games.

However, their getaway soon becomes a nightThe gaming industry loves to use the mare as they seem to be trapped on the moun“insanity trope”, often reducing their tain with their lives at stake. mentally ill characters to straight-jackets and Though the game itself has features we’ve rocking back and forth. It leaves players with seen before from choice-based and adaptive

BY MARCI KISZKIEL the mindset that of course these characters gameplay to the classic horror story of teenagare going to meet tragic ends, and those who Associate ers trapped in the woods, there’s one thing this aren’t mentally ill are left with this skewed Editor-in-Chief game seemed to cover differently than others: perception that mental illness is basically mental illness. a death sentence. For mentally ill people, it The game’s supposed “bad guy,” 19-year implies that there’s no hope beyond their old Josh Washington, who lost his sisters, is one illness. of gaming’s few mentally ill characters that hasn’t In an article for engadget.com on video games’ been portrayed as a “maniac who just likes to hurt portrayal of mental illness, clinical psychologist Tracii people” and has his illness acknowledged multiple Kunkel said “mental illness is a cop-out, a cheap tool times throughout the game. In addition, his mind used to get right to the violence.” and actions are discussed through clues the player It’s a shame the industry takes this route with must find throughout the game, such as texts from mental illness because video games are the perfect Josh’s former therapist as well as dialogue bringing platform for easily informing and teaching people up his medication and struggles. about an issue. They can present real life scenarios in While the execution of mental illness an engaging and entertaining way. in “Until Dawn” was better than Video games can be like learning a lesson most, the game still fell flat where without the lecture, and the gaming industry many others attempting to porcould do great things for reducing stigma tray mental illness do. [Spoiler around mental illness by allowing players alert] In a game where the oba direct insight into the lives and minds of jective is to save as many charmentally ill characters. acters as possible, Josh is the Not only that, but it’s hard not to immerse only one with no possibility of yourself in the lives of the characters you surviving the game; the only opinteract with so much in a game. It can tions for Josh are pursuing a path provide players with a more personal where his head is crushed by the connection to mental illness when they game’s true supernatural vilfind their favorite characters are affected lains or becoming one of them. by it.

This aspect of the game is While the industry seems to be going what makes it difficult for me to in a better direction with mental illness’s completely enjoy it. Don’t get me representation in games like “Until Dawn” wrong, I’m not saying every single since it has the player understand instead mentally ill character needs a happy of fear the mentally ill characters, game ending, and “Until Dawn” really hit developers have yet to realize that mental the mark with Josh’s illness. illness shouldn’t be used as a cheap trick to invoke emotion or action. ” .

This frequent perception wn a D of mental illness in il t n video games affects “U m not only the stigma fro n surrounding it, but to ng when you suffer hi s a from mental W h s illness, you’re Jo essentially being told there’s no happy ending for you.

T

,” in ithcom lW . vi ents E he em “Thiev m c fro uea nd f tr u o o gr sy ck rte a B cou

The Insanity Trope

Mental illness is often villainized in video games, as seen by these characters.

Vaas Montenegro “Far Cry 3” Kefka Pallazo “Final Fantasy” Vladimir Makarov “Call of duty: Modern Warfare”

‘R&J’ puts comedic twist on well-loved classic Reinstatement of show helps freshmen understand old literature, stories

BY CASSIDY DELAHUNTY Entertainment Editor For Fine Arts Director Jeremy Morton, theater is a balance between opportunity and enjoyment.

Because of this, the latest addition to the yearly lineup of shows is “R&J.” The show will be a comedic adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” and is intended to help the freshmen understand the classic play.

“R&J” is being brought back due to the change in the freshman curriculum that calls for students to read “Romeo and Juliet.” It will be performed in the community room instead of the theater. Due to the change in location, only about 100 seats will be available per show.

Along with this, non-freshman students wanting to the see the show can stop by the community room during any free period and attempt to get an available seat.

For those who are concerned about the small space the play will be performed in, sophomore Jamie Gordon, who is in the cast of “R&J,” assures that the location will not detract from the experience.

“It doesn’t matter where the play is being performed, but rather the actors and actresses that are up there bringing it to life,” Gordon said.

Along with being a source of enjoyment for students, English teacher Teri Buczinsky says that seeing “R&J” helps further freshmen’s understanding of “Romeo and Juliet.”

According to Buczinsky, being able to see the show performed in front of them helps students to understand plot points or jokes that could’ve been lost on them when reading

the play originally, despite the changes to the script. “[‘Romeo and Juliet’] was meant to be experienced as a performance,” Buczinsky said. “It’s at least as if not more important than reading it .… They’re very different experiences and they support each other.”

For Morton, the show not only acts as an educational experience for literature, but one for theater as well. Morton hopes that since freshmen are required to see the show, it will make students who would not normally attend plays become interested in the theater program.

Along with a chance to expand the theater community, Morton thinks that “R&J” is a display of unparalleled acting talent.

“That kind of energy [the actors] need to maintain in a comedy for nine hours in one day is disturbingly difficult [to achieve],” Morton said.

According to Morton, the cast of “R&J” also needs writing talent along with acting talent. Morton has a tradition of allowing actors to change the script as they see fit to make it into what they envision.

Because of the extreme flexibility of the script, an element of improvisation is introduced to the show.

For Morton, this improvisation element that would normally not be as acceptable in a regular show adds greatly to the performance.

“Sometimes each performance is a little bit different, which is ex-

MODERN LOVE STORY: Romeo and Juliet stand in the school’s community room, which will be the location of the new spring play.

The newly reinstated show, “R&J”, will bring the classic story into a modern context through a comedic reinterpretation. (photo illustration by Cassidy Selep) citing,” Morton said.

According to Buczinsky, “R&J” ties closely to many ideas about theater that were present in Shakespeare’s time.

“It’s very much like what

Shakespeare’s actors did,” Buczinsky said. “He had very famous actors who were known for their improvisation. He would completely approve of what these kids do.”

prospectornow.com

Motivation Let's play!

Flynn Geraghty argues that Let’s Play videos are a legitimate form of entertainment.

January 15, 2016

Freshman advice Capturing the world Photography is Junior Elisabeth Rohde’s way to slow down the world and capture details.

Cubs trivia PHS BLANKET DRIVE Check out the backstory behind next month’s blanket drive!

Entertainment

11

Good vs vegan Chicago musical guide Students explain musicals running and coming soon to Chicago theaters.

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

Doodles draw attention

BY CAROLINE BINLEY Online Editor-in-Chief

S

enior Sarah Inorio doodles through her third period British Literature class. She decorates Post-it notes with people, patterns and designs, and then she leaves them behind.

She’s been doing it since the first week of school, and now when she goes to class, there’s a response waiting for her.

In November, she found the first reply from her current correspondent, a note complimenting her art before displaying some of their own. From then on, she and her anonymous pen-pal left drawings for each other every day. On occasion, they conversed on the backs of their 2” x 2” masterpieces, leaving notes about the books they were reading or the music they were listening to.

Then, the Friday before winter break, Inorio found the sender’s phone number on the Post-it he left instead of their normal back-and-forth. Inorio then learned who her conversations have been with: fellow senior Billy Annen, who has British Literature the period after her.

In part to match up to Inorio’s artwork, the doodle exchange has turned Annen into a doodler in many of his classes. He and Inorio are two of many Prospect students guilty of drawing during the school day.

Though not all teachers appreciate doodlers, the two manage to keep out of trouble. For Inorio, the only problem comes when she looks back on her notes.

“It’s really awkward when people are like, ‘Hey, can I copy down the notes you took yesterday?’ ” Inorio said. “I’m like, ‘Here’s what I have,’ and it’s half covered in drawings, and there’s nothing in notes.”

Even then, she likes being able to look back and see what she was thinking about on a certain day through her doodles.

However, freshman Enrika Narvilaite’s habit of sketching during class time has teachers asking her to stop drawing every day. She did stop bringing her sketchbook to class after a month of school, but she still draws every day digitally, on looseleaf paper, and on tests.

Though Narvilaite’s sketches may take precedent over her notes, they serve the same purpose.

“Teachers don’t know that, but [drawing] helps me focus,” Narvilaite said.

“Once I have to put [my sketchbook] away, I forget everything.”

Inorio has had similar experiences, saying her mind is “already open” to learn new information while she draws.

Research in neuroscience and psychology backs this up; according to the journal

DRAWING A BLANK: Senior Sarah Inorio (art above, surrounding the page), senior Billy Annen (art below) and freshman Enrika Narvilaite (art left) draw during class. This helps them improve their artistic skills and maintain focus on the lesson. “Teachers don’t know that, but [drawing] helps me focus,” Narvilaite said. “Once I have to put [my sketchbook] away, I forget everything.”

“Applied Cognitive Psychology,” doodling aids memory, focus and the ability to grasp new ideas.

Art isn’t just a class time activity for Inorio and Narvilaite, who have been drawing for as long as they can remember. Narvilaite calls her school day sketches messier and less accurate than what she posts to her Instagram account, @critiq_. (Visit prospectornow.com for more on Narvilaite’s experience running the account.) However, she still enjoys drawing during class. She practices drawing specific body parts, often eyes and eyebrows, which has helped her improve her accuracy without relying on the grid method she employs for her Instagram pieces.

Inorio, who has taken Art 1 and Photography and is currently taking Portfolio 1, also differs in doodles from her more

structured artwork. In both, Inorio focuses on drawing people, faces and flowing hair. Doodling, however, gives her more room to focus on designs and patterns.

When they’re not on her Post-it notes, her designs go on 3” x 5” index cards. which she designs and colors during class before taping them on the insides of sketchbooks. While her style is consistent between class assignments and doodles, the latter gives her more freedom.

“With doodling, there’s not as much pressure,” Inorio said. “It’s not like it’s an assignment that I get a grade for or like my teacher’s going to see it. So I’ll just do more random stuff and be like ‘this is probably going to look bad but I’m going to do it anyway’ because it’s just in my notebook and no one else is going to see it.”

12

Sports

January 15, 2016

prospectornow.com

Long-time friends lead girls’ hoops Another big adjustment the Knights have faced is a change in their commander. Former head coach Ashley Graham left the proeniors Olivia Sykes and Nikki Mat- gram last year after three seasons.

This year, head coach Gabrielle Lovin ters have been playing basketball moved from the volleyball to the basketball together since third grade and this winter, they will wrap up their ninth season program to lead the team she once played for. Lovin’s 1,305 career points is third most together as teammates.

“I try not to think about it that much be- in school history.

Lovin’s experience goes cause it seems unreback to her time playing al,” Matters said. “It’s Coach’s corner: for the Knights in the sad thinking about it, Gabrielle Lovin early 2000’s as well but we have a lot of as her career good memories [from] • Prospect ‘04 at Manhattan over the years. graduate College playAlthough the fact ing Division I is surreal for both of • 1,305 career basketball. them, Sykes says she points at She bewouldn’t change a Prospect (Third lieves her time minute of how it has most in program as a player has gone and will cherish history) and averaged shaped every bit of the moments she has 15.2 ppg. her coaching style. left with some of her “Everything that I’ve closest friends.

• Prospect’s female athlete learned, [the] positive and “My time in comof the year in 2004. negative [from being a playpetitive sports [with er], has molded me into the my friends] is com• Played Division I coach I am today,” Lovin ing to an end, [and basketball at Manhatsaid. it] has been great,” tan College, where she Lovin says the opportuSykes said. “I know I nity for her to coach at Proswouldn’t change it.” played all five positions pect is a dream come true, Given their experiand averaged 8.7 ppg in and she is grateful for the ence, Sykes and Mather senior year. opportunity. ters were voted two of The change in coach and the three varsity capplayers meant a change in the program overtains along with senior Clare O’Carroll. all for Sykes. According to Sykes, the atmoThey are leading the team that is coming off a school record-breaking 26 win season sphere of the team this year is different.

“We’re still adjusting to how each person last winter.

Coming into this season, the team was plays,” Sykes said. “It’s a good kind of differforced to deal with the graduation one of the ent, and I think that we are blending well.”

According to Matters, a four-year varsity most decorated players in Prospect history, Taylor Will, who is now playing for Brown player, the adjustment of learning a whole new offense over the summer has been the University. biggest change for her, even though she says With the loss of Will and other seniors, that the team this year is unique in its own the team this year near the midway point of way. the season posts a 8-11 record as of Jan. 9.

BY RYAN MOLINI Executive Sports Editor

S

GET BUCKETS: Senior Nikki Matters shoots a free throw during practice as her long-time teammate senior Olivia Sykes rebounds for her. This year the Knights have gone through several changes such as a new coach and changes to the offensive schemes. “We’re still adjusting to how each person plays,” Sykes said. “It’s a good kind of different, and I think that we are blending well.” (photo by Riley Langefeld) “We’re a different team than last year,” Matters said. “The focus and the mentality is the same, [though].”

Matters believes that because the team lost two key scorers in Will and Catherine Sherwood due to graduation, the dynamic of the offense is a lot different this year, yet they still head into games and practices with the same mentality—to push themselves to be their best.

Both Lovin and the senior captains have set out goals for their first and last year together, including an attempt to repeat as MSL East champions.

Matters would like to see the hard work the former players had put in continue, and she hopes this will lead to another regional championship.

One of Lovin’s personal standards beside

winning is to maintain a good communication within all levels of the program itself.

Matters sees Lovin’s focus on the program as a whole through success of the lower level teams and as a spark for the future of the program. Sophomores Emily Frasco and Margherite Pettenuzzo are already contributing on varsity.

“The future looks pretty bright,” Matters said. “It’s cool to have strong freshman and JV teams now. That’s exciting.”

Lovin also realizes the program’s success is not based only on the varsity, and she wants to maintain success on all levels. She feels encouraged by what she has seen.

“That’s the future, and we need to make sure everybody is staying on track [for success],” Lovin said.

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January 15, 2016

Sports

13

STICK IT: Sophomore Abby Gonzalez flips off the beam as she trains for upcoming meets. Gonzalez is one of many members of the team coming back from injury. After her knee surgery set her back, she was able to use a step-by-step recovery process in hopes of returning to competition. (photo by Cassidy Selep)

Gymnastics unites under new coach

BY DEVIN PRASAD Executive Sports Editor

W

hen the girls’ gymnastics team was just beginning this season, they already surpassed head coach Bridget Erickson’s goal for the entire season, scoring above a 130. They have already improved their score by 13 points from a 122 to a 135. To put that in perspective, one misstep or flexed toe is one-tenth of a point off. According to head coach Bridget Erickson, the team was able to work hard to make sure they could perfect the little things.

“It’s not just like getting a basket in basketball,” Erickson said. “It’s a lot of little things coming together [and] clicking to get those points.”

So far, the season has been defined by coming together. The team has three main contributors coming back from injuries: senior Olivia Sullo, sophomore Abby Gonzalez and sophomore Jane Williams.

For each girl, the recovery process is different; however, the girls each take a stepby-step approach to recovery. For example, Sullo is recovering from a sprained MCL caused by a dislocated kneecap. She suffered the injury on bars when missing a landing.

Coming into the season, she was forced to work on the basics like running and jumping and is now just starting to flip. While

as sophomore Rosie Barros, who took 10th it may have been hard at first for Sullo not being able to fully compete, she realizes that all-around at the Conant Invite on Dec. 12, have become leaders. in order to come Erickson is happy back; she has to to have Sullo at the take her time. She Coach’s corner: helm of all the leadalso knows she has Bridget Erickson ership, as she is able to continue to work to help run drills at hard in practice. both the freshman “I think we’re Competed in and JV levels, as well all coming back • gymnastics as varsity. really well,” Sul“Olivia [Sullo] lo said. “It’s just at Glenis the definition of about doing your brook South leadership,” Ericktherapy, being reParticipatson said. “She could ally diligent and • run this practice. She conditioning while ed in club is an amazing athlete you’re out.” gymnastics at and is so mature for Sullo is one of University of Illinois her age.” three seniors on According to Sulthe team and is the • Coached at Wheeling High lo, the leadership role team captain. This School for two years has also been made year the seniors Coached for four seasons at Elk easier due to the new have had to work • sense of teamwork to overcome the Grove High School before she between the girls this graduation of state came to Prospect season. medalist Maddie Each practice Larock. is filled with girls According to cheering each other on during a floor rouSullo, the task seemed daunting at first, but she feels the team has become full of strong tine or working together to accomplish a series of tricks on the beam. Rather than asleaders. Even some underclassmen such

signing the task of landing a certain number of routines individually, Erickson assigns tasks as a team. For example, at one specific practice, she had the girls each make one routine with no more than four falls. This allowed the girls to work together and support one another for the well-being of the team as a whole.

“Things like that put more pressure on yourself for the team than just on yourself,” Sullo said.

Compared to a club meet that is not affiliated with Prospect, there are a lot less nerves involved in a team meet, according to Sullo. The support of the team is able to calm and help many of the girls succeed.

Another thing that has come together for the team is an entirely new coaching staff.

The new coaching staff was a big shock for the girls, so Erickson has focused on combining old with new. The older personalities in the gym are able to help Erickson in her transition. She looked to keep the teamwork that was established before.

So far, the team has already surpassed Erickson’s goal of achieving a team score of 130 or higher. The team’s next goal is to qualify for state.

“We’re really piecing things together,” Erickson said. “We have a good depth, and we’ve already improved.”

Bowling rolls through coaching change, competitive division

BY BEN DOJUTREK Sports Editor At Beverly Lanes, Prospect’s bowling team had a problem.

Conant, a team not thought to be competitive, was bowling a tight meet, and the Knights were struggling to stay alive.

Whenever Prospect bowled a good frame, Conant managed to match. However, under junior Ari Upshaw’s leadership, the Knights surged past the Cougar with a score of 2,754-2,643.

According to Upshaw, the meet against Conant epitomizes their season. So far this year, girls’ bowling has fought to foster unity, as they have dealt with coaching changes and stiff competition.

At the beginning of the season, former junior varsity coach Ashley Ruszczak stepped up to take over the reins at the varsity level.

At first, Ruszczak was nervous to move up to varsity. However, she soon created a strong connection with her players.

“I find myself, while coaching, putting myself in their shoes,” Ruszczak said. “It allows me to relate easier [with] them.”

Ruszczak has first hand experience competing as a high school bowler. A member of the class of 2008, she bowled through her en-

team, she has become the team’s tire time at Prospect. best bowler. Upshaw even placed While coaching varsity was a in the top 12 at state as a sophobig change, Ruszczak believes that more. Ruszczak believes Upshaw as long as the team worked togethhas become a strong leader for the er, they could learn from each othteam. er and find success.

“She has a type A personality,” Ruszczak hopes to accomplish Ruszczak said. “She works hard this by maintaining a strong work and motivates the others to work ethic at practice and building musjust as hard.” cle memory. Upshaw agrees and Ruszczak also thinks says that Upcohesion will Coach’s corner: shaw takes be key as they Ashley Ruszczak time to know approach the everybody and post-season.

Graduated makes sure This unity • Prospect the new is actually in 2008 members what sparked feel welUpshaw’s • Bowled come. interest for for two “We competitive years n e v e r bowling in on varlet anythe first place. sity one walk InitialCoached around with ly Upshaw • Junior Varsity a frown,” Updidn’t think shaw said. she’d play a last season “Positivity is winter sport, • Second year of coaching important.” but a friend Ruszczak convinced believes this attitude has set the her to try out. tone and allowed the team to be “I figured, ‘Why not?’” Upshaw competitive in their division. The said. “When I saw how fun it was MSL East is one of the top diviand how everyone worked togethsions, according to the Daily Herer, I knew I loved it.” ald, and the Knights must compete Since Upshaw has joined the

BROOKLYN: Senior Payton Chantry bowls at Prospect’s home alley, Beverly Lanes. New coach Ashley Ruszczak explains that she tries to maintain a strong work ethic at practice. The Knight’s beat Conant 2,754-2,643 displaying strong leadership from senior Ari Upshaw.

“She works hard and motivates the others to work just as hard,” Ruszczak said about Upshaw. (photo by Riley Langefeld) with teams like Buffalo Grove, who had a perfect game in conference, and Hersey, defending conference champions.

Regardless of how the season pans out, Ruszczak’s top priority is for her players to have a posi-

tive experience as members of the bowling program.

“I want to help other girls like me in high school to find what they’re good at,” Ruszczak said. “I want to help them grow and develop.”

SPORTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 2016

BOYS' Basketball Stay up to date with the team as they continue to work to improve their MSL East record. To read about past games or find out the latest news on the team visit us online. prospectornow.com

PREP HOCKEY Seniors Taylor Clark. Mike Weigand, Josh Dolan, and sophomore Cymon Wind competed in the IHSHL All Star game. prospectornow.com

Swimmers beat Wheeling to keep East lead

BY JACK ANKONY Sports Editor

H

It’s everything you join high school swimming for. It’s one of those meets you’ll remember for years.

eading into the second to last event against rival Wheeling on Dec. 11, the boys’ swimming team was looking for a win to give them an earAlfonso Lopez, head coach ly lead in the MSL East race. Approaching said. “The focus and determination of our the 100 breaststroke, the Knights were only up by one point, but they needed to be up by seniors really pushed us forward. … They have battled so hard, so I guess looking back three in order to clinch the victory. on it I should have given them the benefit of If Wheeling were to win the next relay, they would earn two more points and pass the doubt to come through when we needed Prospect in the point total. Head coach Al- them and keep everyone focused. [I give] all fonso Lopez explains that it was crucial for credit to the kids. They really showed up to win the meet.” them to be up two because Wheeling has a Lopez thinks that since Wheeling is their strong relay team.

“There’s no combination of four swim- biggest competition, this win puts them in a mers that could beat their relay. They are great spot to win the East. Junior Matt Inserra thinks that this meet gave the team confithat good,” Lopez said. dence for the rest of the season.

Sophomore Jacob Kosinski placed first “We swam basically a perfect meet aside and senior captain Isaac Ginnodo placed second in this the 100 breaststroke prior to from an early disqualification,” Inserra the relay, putting the Knights up by nine and said. “It was probably the rowdiest meet I securing the victory. Ginnodo describes this have ever been to in my life. Just about every event was close. The whole crowd was race as his most memorable of the season because it was high-intensity and everyone going nuts.”

The momentum from this meet has carwas cheering them on. ried throughout the “It was honestly insane,” Ginnodo said. Boys’ swim and dive results season, and Prospect is currently undefeat“I looked at the clock 12/11 Wheeling dual meet ed in the MSL East and just went nuts.

• Won 96-89 at 2-0. According to Our coach even lost his • 1st, 2nd, 3rd in diving Lopez, the team used voice.”

• 2nd, 3rd, 4th in 100 fly winter break to work Out of the seven • 1st, 2nd in 100 breast on stroke technique, years he has been coachanalyze film of starts ing, Lopez says this meet and turns on Hudl, was one of the most in- 12/12 Rolling Meadows invite an app that allows tense meets he has ever • Prospect 3rd in team results athletes to watch film been a part of because • 2nd in 200 breast relay from meets, and basic it had huge conference • 3rd in 200 medley relay training at a higher ranking implications.

• 3rd in 400 medley relay intensity.

“It’s everything you They have also • 3rd in 300 free relay join high school swimtried to become closming for,” Lopez said.

• 2nd in 200 free er as a team. Gin“It’s one of those meets nodo believes that when the team splits up you’ll remember for years.” into training groups of all different ages, it Going into the season, this meet was circled on their calendar. They knew Wheeling helps them all become more familiar with would be one of their biggest threats to win each other. Team building exercises such as the MSL East because the Wildcats are very dodgeball and a ropes course have also been planned for later in the season. experienced. Lopez says that a few weeks “Some people might say [team building] before the meet, he questioned if his team had what it took to win this meet because doesn’t really help towards your perforhe knew it would take a great meet to beat mance, but if you are really connected with your team, it helps you in the long run,” GinWheeling.

“Wheeling’s group of seniors is so strong. nodo said.

In addition to the successes of the swim I didn’t think we would have the depth to pull team, the diving team has also thrived under it off, but I was pleasantly surprised,” Lopez

Q. A. Athlete: Frankie Mack Year: Junior Sport: Basketball Averaged 20 points in four games during Wheeling tournament.

Q. A. Q. A.

the leadership of junior Anthony Liva, who has won every six-dive dual meet this season as of Jan. 10, including setting the record score of 259.6 against Wheeling.

Liva, whose sister Dana Liva won state as a senior last year for diving, explains that her help has shaped him into the diver he is today.

“She was a really great role model,” Anthony said. “She taught me a lot. It was easy to follow her and listen to her since I knew she knew what she was talking about.”

According to Anthony, watching his sister win state last year has motivated him to achieve his goal of placing in the top 25 at state. He is also working hard to break the 11-dive record and believes sectionals is his next best chance to do it.

Although the team had only two divers last year, it now has seven. Anthony thinks having more divers has helped the team because more people can help each other on dives, and also because it makes the practices more fun.

For both the swim and dive teams, Lopez believes they will be able to close out most of the remaining dual meets, including their biggest match-up remaining against Rolling Meadows. The team’s biggest remaining goals as a whole are to drop their times, win the East and finish in the top half at the conference meet.

Lopez thinks that as long as the team stays close together and believes in themselves, these goals are very reachable. “[The team] has great work ethic. That’s what really impresses me,” Lopez said. “The sky is the limit.”

When did you start playing basketball?

I want to say I started playing basketball around the age of five. It’s been in my family basically through everyone. My dad always wanted me to play. Competitively, I’d say third or fourth grade. I played on a couple travel teams and a couple AAU teams.

How do you feel about the way you have played this season?

So far, pretty well. We lost a couple tough games, but [we are] 3-1 in the East so far.

We’re in a pretty good position, and a lot of guys have been really stepping up, so I don’t really have to carry the load for the whole team. I can rely on other guys to step up and pick me up.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

Obviously our main goal is to win the East and hopefully win an MSL title. Beyond that, I think we can win a regional with this team.

SPLASH: Sophomore Nick Lagowski (top) and junior Anthony Liva (bottom) contribute to a team win against Hersey on Dec. 17. The Knights are undefeated in the East as of Jan. 14 and 3-1 in conference. This win along with a big win against Wheeling puts the team in a good spot to win the East, according to head coach Alfonso Lopez. (photos by Riley Langefeld)

has Prospect basketball taught you?

Q. What [It has taught me] that my teammates basically family to me. [Head coach A . are John Camardella] always emphasizes that relationships mean the most, beyond winning and losing. Guys who graduated like four or five years ago still come back. [Camardella] makes a really good relationship with everyone. We’re all brothers, we’re all in this together, and we’re family. has been your favorite memory from Q. What playing at Prospect?

My favorite memory so far [is] beating this year. It was a huge memory A . Hersey because I went down, [and] I thought I was

out for the game with a cramp in my left leg, [but] then I came back and happened to hit the game winning bucket. Everyone just picked me up, and it felt pretty good to hit that shot in front of everyone.