The Prospector Issue 5

THE

Volume 52, Issue 5

Friday, December 21, 2012

The voice of Prospect since 1960

ROSPECTOR

801 West Kensington Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056

Prospect students come from around the world. To read a column about being an immigrant, a profile of District 214’s Newcomer Center and more, go to...

8-9 In-depth

School named twitters go viral @PHS Editor-in-Chief

The first mock Prospect Twitter account, @prospectprobs was created in April. It tweeted about things like needing summer, the CJ show and, when school started again, how much of a problem the freshmen were. Then @facesofphs came in September. It tweeted pictures of random students taken in the halls of Prospect (See “Similar to you, page 2”).

In November, students started to take notice of accounts from Rolling Meadows and Saint Viator. These accounts targeted specific students, tweeting mean, sometimes inappropriate things while under the high school’s name. By late November, Prospect had one just like them: @PHStruths, which was then followed by a slew of other accounts. Many didn’t become popular or tweet often, but a few caught on and started to follow the trend begun by @PHStruths.

See TWITTER, page 2

graphic by Ian Magnuson and Maggie Devereux

Tragedy shakes Newtown

‘Sparrow’ qualifies for state festival

By Nabi Dressler

Executive News Editor

photo courtesy of MCT

State police personnel lead children from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., Dec. 14. A shooting at the school left 27 dead, including 20 children.

For coverage of the tragedy, see...

• The Prospector’s response to the professional media coverage, Staff Editorial, page 5 • PHS staff reactions to one Sandy Hook teacher’s heroic action, on ProspectorNow.com • Views on security at Prospect voiced by students and parents , on ProspectorNow.com • Advice for teens on how to talk to younger siblings about Newtown, on ProspectorNow.com

Senior Maggie Haaning made sure skirts were pleated correctly, tucked in shirts, fixed blotchy makeup and helped “quick changes” stay quick. In her second year on costume crew, Haaning worked behind the scenes to make “The Sparrow” as perfect as possible.

“At first, it doesn’t seem like costumes, how people are dressed or what jacket they’re wearing is a big deal, but when it all comes together, [when] everyone is on stage together and everybody’s in their makeup, it makes a big impact,” Haaning said. “It’s worth it when you see it all come together like that.”

Haaning stayed backstage or in the basement through-

out each of the three shows of “The Sparrow” (see “About ‘The Sparrow,’ page 4”). Oct. 18-20. On Oct. 20 adjudicators for the Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) were in the crowd, and on Nov. 26 the cast and crew found out their play qualified for state.

Both cast and crew members will get to perform “The Sparrow” once more at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the festival, held Jan. 10-12.

At the IHSTF, “The Sparrow” will not be competing.

Instead, schools will perform their plays for each other; the competition aspect was trying to qualify for the festival.

According to senior and student director Lauren Kinser, the 2010 play “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was the last time direc-

tor Jeremy Morton tried to get a play adjudicated, but the invited adjudicators didn’t qualify it for IHSTF. Kinser, who has student directed all four years of high school, said no one knew which show the adjudicators would be attending, so actors and crews had to be prepared every night.

When they did attend the final Saturday night show, the adjudicators started the night in the community room, where they received folders put together by the three student directors, including a promotional pin that read, “Learn to fly with the weight,” and pen, paper and a clipboard so they could take notes.

After drinks and snacks

See SPARROW, page 4

A few of my favorite things

Feeling bubbly?

I’m gonna pop some tags

From pigs and paradoxes to movies and the Swiss military, columnist Chris Kivlahan shares a random assortment of what he likes. See...

Bubble tea is the latest beverage craze. To find out how it all got started, what it’s made of and where to get it, go to...

Thrifting instead of shopping at conventional stores is gaining momentum among the student body. For the area’s best thrift stores, turn to...

6

Opinion

12

Entertainment

13

Entertainment

Want all Prospect, all the time? * Check out our online publication: www.ProspectorNow.com * Follow us on Twitter: @ProspectorNow * Like us on Facebook: ProspectorNow

2

News

December 21, 2012

prospectornow.com

TWITTER: Prospect reacts to anonymous account trend @ProspectorNow

CONTINUED from front page @facesofphs is a twitter account that tweeted pictures of random students in Prospect’s halls. The pictures didn’t identify the students or even say anything about the person in the photo. Students responded to the account saying it “made my day better,” “is honestly the funniest thing,” but also “even your account is pushin’ it.”

While the pictures were harmless, they technically go against Prospect’s policy. According to Dean of Students Pat Tedaldi Monti, there is no expectation of privacy in the hallways or classrooms. Thus a picture taken in the halls of Prospect does not have to have the permission of the person in the photograph.

However there is a catch: According to Tedaldi Monti, anybody taking a picture on Prospect property needs to have the expressed permission of the principal or the principal’s designee.

Despite this, Tedaldi Monti recognizes that the school would not necessarily pursue violations of this policy unless the photo contained nudity, a student involved in an illegal action, or if something specific was written about a student without their permission in addition to the picture.

51% of students have a twitter account.

69% of students have heard of one or more twitter account associated with Prospect.

44% of students feel an account has tweeted something mean or inappropriate about a specific student.

53% of students want Prospect to get involved if an account is innapropriate or mean.

Based on a survey of 200 students

The accounts didn’t go unnoticed as 69 percent of students had heard of one or more of the accounts (see “Trends”). Some students found the accounts entertaining, but as the tweets became meaner, they attracted criticism from others. This began to raise questions on whether Prospect would get involved, as had happened at other schools.

Senior Mike Mannix believes the accounts are mostly a “student thing” and while he doesn’t feel the school needs to be involved, he had no problem tweeting back showing how much he disliked the cowardly idea of someone tweeting anonymously.

“At first [the accounts] were kind of funny,” Mannix said. “But [they’re] really just a dumb idea that someone came up with. I just don’t want it to come to a point where they say something that’s not true and someone thinks it’s true.

And someone’s credibility gets ruined over something that’s not even true.”

Eventually, the deans were made aware of the situation. On Nov. 29, a student came into Dean of Students Pat Tedaldi Monti’s office about @PHStruths. Tedaldi Monti described the account as “not nice” but “benign” at the time she saw it.

However, the account escalated. It called out specific students for their body parts, looking clueless or greasy, girls for being prude or not knowing “how to party” and guys for their sexual history. When criticism escalated along with the tweets, @PHStruths eventually deleted its account.

According to Twitter, there are lim-

itations on the type of content that can be published with its site. Its policy states “you may not impersonate others through the Twitter service in a manner that does or is intended to mislead, confuse or deceive others,” and “accounts using business names and/ or logos to mislead others will be permanently suspended.”

Since the Prospect accounts use either the school name, logo or, in most cases, both, legally, these accounts go against Twitter’s content boundaries. They give the perception that the account is associated with the high school when it is not. However, the account would only be suspended if Prospect reported it.

“I think [Prospect], and schools in general, have to be cautious about what they involve themselves in and what they don’t involve themselves in,” Tedaldi Monti said. “What might be looked at as mean to me is just the way kids talk with each other. You hate to be overly critical.

“And I suppose if I, as the dean, dealt with every single student that says or does something mean, that’s all [I’d] do. Some kids think that they go to a jail anyways. We’re really not trying to stifle kids. We’re really trying to protect them from themselves.”

It’s even more difficult to regulate when the administration isn’t aware of most of what’s happening online. According to Tedaldi Monti, she only really becomes aware of a situation like this when a student comes in to speak to her about it.

“I don’t spend my whole life looking at Facebook and Twitter,” Tedaldi Monti said. “If you don’t bring it into school, then it’s not in school. If you’re going to use the school logo and you’re going

to use the school name, and something that directly connects to Prospect High School, in Mount Prospect, Ill., then you’re treading on more shaky ground.”

If an account chooses to use the name or logo, the school would consider what is being tweeted. If the account makes a specific threat of violence towards someone or it appears they will harm themselves or another student, Tedaldi Monti would get involved.

“It would have to be... an inflammatory kind of thing related to some of the hot topics: Bullying, sexual preference, race, religion. Really an insulting kind of topic,” Tedaldi Monti said. “Not a vague threat. Not a vague ‘something mean.’”

Not all the Prospect accounts use anonymity to target students. Sick of the negative accounts, a student created @Realphstruths, as an “easy way to make people smile” by giving specific students and teachers compliments on accomplishments, their personality or their looks. In an interview with the Prospector, @Realphstruths said anonymity allows anyone to identify with the tweet, because who tweeted it no longer matters.

Despite not needing to intervene yet, Tedaldi Monti cautions students, whether on an anonymous account or a personal account, to be careful about what they post and transmit.

“I think people need to have a sense of humor, but at the same time, be cautious because there are people who are very sensitive,” Tedaldi Monti said.

“You really don’t know what issues are sensitive to you, or sensitive to me.

People’s feelings can get really, really hurt. When somebody reads what you’ve posted you’re not there to defend yourself or to say I didn’t mean it like that... people can read it over and

prospectornow.com

December 21, 2012

News

3

Rumor has it Rumors spread faster than Michael Phelps when he won the 100-meter relay during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, especially in high school. However, it’s time to get to the bottom of some of these rumors or questions that students may have.

sKNIGHTING THE KNIGHT: Have you ever wondered why Prospect is the “Prospect Knights?” According to social science teacher Frank Mirandola, our mascot was chosen because it has less religious connotations than a crusader.

By Danielle Church

Why are finals a week earlier this year?

Science teacher Michelle Tantillo believes finals are so early this year because of the number of weeks in the semester. With the way Thanksgiving break and winter break fell, everything shifted back a week. There is now one week after break until finals instead of two.

Tantillo believes the new schedule has made it a little harder to plan everything out. She wants to include time to review for finals during the week, but has to also try and fit in all the new con-

News Editor

photo by Jenny Johnson

tent. However, Tantillo doesn’t mind this year’s schedule because she would hate to have to start school earlier in August.

Senior Kathryn McCormack disagrees with the new schedule because by the time she has gotten back from winter break, she has already forgotten everything. Therefore, only having a week to study everything will be difficult and McCormack wishes finals were before break to ease the stress of studying.

Is the Barn dance replacing Winterball?

No, the Barn Dance is not replacing Winterball. Sophomore class board advisor Michelle Tantillo said Winterball was canceled because of the lack of attendance from previous years. The Barn Dance was created as a fundraiser for Orchesis and Senior Class Board.

Orchesis director Kristin Burton said the theme for the dance was between a wedding theme and the barn theme; however, the Barn Dance theme was chosen because the dance took place after Thanksgiving and was related to Fall. However, Burton is not sure whether or not they will put on the dance again next year because of the

sGET YOUR STUDYING ON: Freshman Ola Brezezinska studies in the library. This year, students have only a week in between winter break and finals due to a schedule change.

poor attendance.

“It felt more like a boycott,” Burton said. “There was a lot of time and effort put into it for pretty much nothing.

[The Orchesis girls] were disappointed and felt really bad. But I told them ‘Listen, it’s not your fault. You did all you could and it’s just unfortunate that nobody wanted to come.”

Junior Orchesis member Maggie Hindmand said she felt frustrated because it seemed like no one cared.

Although Hindmand said if they do decide to put a dance on next year, the girls might try to advertise more.

Why is the mascot the Knight?

According to social science teacher such a strong impact not only because Frank Mirandola, the mascot was sup- it represents the virtues of many of the posed to be the Prospect Crusader when sports programs, but also because the the school was first founded in 1957. Knight represents the virtues of the However, the Board of Education got to- school. gether to discuss the mascot and decid“I love the Knight,” Mirandola said. ed the Prospect Knight would be better “There is a lot to be said about being a since Prospect is Prospect Knight a public school as far as what it If you graduate from and crusader represents about Prospect and let’s just has a strong rehonor and the ligious connotanature of say you move back here, fierce tion. being a warrior.”

Since then, you would want your kid to be a Principal Prospect has Michelle Dowlalways been Prospect Knight. You wouldn’t ing agrees with known as the want [your kid] to be a Blue Dev- Mirandola, sayKnights and Miing the mascot randola can’t il because it’s like, no, Prospect is represents the see the mascot the Knights. ” school but someever changing. times the mas“If you grad- - FRANK MIRANDOLA, social science teach- cot’s meaning uate from Pros“goes beyond the er pect and let’s four walls of the just say you building.” move back here, you would want your “We don’t change those kinds of kid to be a Prospect Knight,” Mirando- things because of tradition,” Dowling la said. “You wouldn’t want [your kid] said. “It builds a good sense of commuto be a Prospect Blue Devil because it’s nity. It goes beyond the stories people like, no, Prospect is the Knights.” tell [about Prospect] and as you get oldMirandola believes the Knight has er, you start to appreciate it more.”

How to spend winter break in Mt. Prospect, Arlington Hts. Saturday 12/22 • Finish buying holiday gifts

sunDAY 12/23

MONDAY 12/24

• Ice Skating at Lions Park Sheltered Park (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) - Mt. Prospect

TUESDAY 12/25

12/30

• Go to LaserQuest (11 a.m.- 11 p.m.), $8.50 for one game- Arlington Hts.

12/31

THURS. 12/27 • Go to Chicago (see “Keeping busy in the cold,” page 10)

FRIDAY 12/28 • Berry Yo Storytime (1-3 p.m.), unlimited toppings for $4 - Arlington Hts.

• Kwanzaa begins • Return any bad Christmas gifts

1/1

• New Year’s Eve • Chicago Comedy Tour (6- 11:45 p.m.)

- Arlington Hts. • Bowling at Brunswick (9 a.m.-6 p.m., $2.99) & (6 p.m.midnight, $3.99) - Mt. Prospect

12/26

• Christmas Day • Open presents

• Christmas Eve • Bake Christmas cookies and make hot chocolate

12/29

WED.

• Kwanzaa ends • New Year’s Day

1/2

• Go shop and get some good deals (see “Thrifting thrives with teens,” page 13)

1/3

• Eat with friends at Le Peep (6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)

- Mt. Prospect • Study for finals/ get homework done for Monday

1/4

• Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 3D comes to theaters

4

News

December 21, 2012

prospectornow.com

Local hazing incidents spark thought

By Ellen Siefke Features Editor

In the past two months, reports of serious hazing came to light, both involving local high schools.

At District 211 school Hoffman Estates, the hazing involved the varsity boys’ basketball team, according to the Daily Herald. The initiation rite did not include sexual harassment, but it did involve physical misconduct, according to a report released by District 211.

The coaches, upon hearing about the acts, immediately went to the administration, which contacted authorities soon after. Punishment for the team included a three-game suspension.

In the case of District 207 school Maine West, the hazing was much more serious; here, freshman members of the boys’ varsity soccer team were sexually assaulted. Furthermore, a subsequent lawsuit alleges the coaches were fully aware of and even encouraged the rites.

With the sudden cases, many stu- that the general policy is no tolerance. dents may find themselves wondering Fortunately for him, he sees no probabout Prospect’s hazing policy. lems with his team in the future (see According to Associate Principal “The psychology behind hazing”).

Greg Minter, the “I think our older guys and general policy is The psychology behind hazing our younger guys one of no tolerance for hazing have a pretty good According to Susan Lipkins, a psyrelationship, and of any kind. chologist and leading expert on hazing, there’s a lot of The coaches many initiation rites arise because of mutual respect,” are informed of the competitive nature of high school Stokes said. this policy and athletics.

For Mike Seperiodically re“It’s the first time that the clubs and bestyen, head minded, such as a sports really count, and there’s a hierarrecent email that varsity football chy and a pecking order,” Lipkins told coach, he came went out to all the Daily Herald. into the program coaches regardIn high school, players often focus on a few years after ing the official competition and demonstrating their a serious hazing policy. abilities as superior to others, which incident in 1996.

Boys’ cross can lead to aggression, according to country coach According to him, Lipkins. Often, the aggression is aimed the incident inMike Stokes was at establishing dominance and assertvolved bullying one of the many ing power over younger, supposedly on the freshman who read the less skilled players. team. Fortunately, email and agrees

the administration dealt with the incident swiftly, expelling the students involved.

To Sebestyen, this highlights the need for vigilance to address the issue and continuously remind the athletes of the policy of no tolerance.

According to Sebestyen, the athletic department addresses the issue of bullying and hazing each year, and Sebestyen then reminds the other coaches and football players themselves of the policy and asserts the kind of behavior expected on the team.

In order to avoid future issues, Sebestyen believes continuous education and reminders are the best option.

“You continue to address the issue,” Sebestyen said. “You continue to talk about respect, and that’s all you can do.”

Stokes believes there’s a simpler solution.

“Just treat others how you want to be treated,” Stokes said. “There’s no better way than that.”

SPARROW: Backstage crews’, directors’ impact CONTINUED from front page After drinks and snacks in the community room, adjudicators were escorted to their reserved seats in the theater. During the show, Kinser watched what was happening onstage from a live feed in the choir room so she’d know when to get backstage to help with costumes. After the show, there was a question-and-answer session where adjudicators voiced what they liked and didn’t like about the performance.

According to Kinser, acting isn’t the only aspect of the play adjudicators focus on. For example, the set of “The Sparrow” is a factor because the theater department must be able to bring the set and lighting down to Champaign.

The uniqueness of the set and the lighting effects are also a factor; adjudicators pay attention to whether the lighting changes with the mood.

For example, during flashbacks in the play, tech crew changed the lighting to red and in shadows.

According to junior Josh Arshonsky, who plays science teacher Dan Christopher, the display of different colors on the screen in the background reflect the emotion of the

scene. He believes it was effective with the audience.

Costuming and makeup, as well as the environment of the theater, which student directors focus on, also affect judging. This is where behind-thescenes student directors like Kinser and crew members like Haaning come into play.

When students try out for the play but are not cast, they have the options of working as a student director, being on the marketing committee or working on costume or tech crew.

Students who want to be a part of the play and don’t want to be onstage, like Kinser and Haaning, can initially join a backstage crew. These students put in the same rehearsal hours as actors, especially when the show draws closer.

“I love doing makeup, so [working backstage is] good because I didn’t want to be in the show, but I still get to be a part of it in costume crew,” Haaning said.

Student directors help Morton with whatever he needs and begin warming actors up if he isn’t present. Arshonsky said the student directors’ help made the play less stressful for everyone. They also make sure the theater is clean, manage the ushers and make sure concessions and tickets are going

What you’ve been missing on ProspectorNow.com...

• • • • • • • • •

The latest information surrounding the future of Knightgames Methods of avoiding #prospectflu Wacky news, a Prospect spin on strange national and international news Videos of the week, typically featuring YouTube’s best viral videos as of late Fun and simple holiday recipes How Book Bites honors an alum A poll featuring which day of Winter Week is the best A recap of the Illinois Music Educators Association conference Movie reviews, including the films “Red Dawn” and ‘The Life of Pi”

FLYING TO STATE: The cast of “The Sparrow” rehearses for their Oct. 18-20 shows. One show was adjudicated by the Illinois High School Theatre Festival not only on acting but costumes, lighting and details of the set, like the projection of the moon. photo by Ian Magnuson s

OK. Student directors also work a lot with the actors, rehearsing individually with them.

For example, during the walking home scenes, student directors took the actors aside to practice the scenes over and over.

“It was nice to see we helped them do [the scenes],” Kinser said. “We were there to make sure they were doing the right thing, and they were saying the

lines at the right time.”

According to Haaning, the cast and crew of “The Sparrow” all get along together and had to be a close-knit group to make the play work, which was visible onstage through the final product, the show.

Sometimes Kinser feels that people don’t realize how much work everyone behind-thescenes does because the acting and lighting aspects are what people see, as opposed to mar-

keting and costumes.

“It’s the little things that all add up,” Kinser said. “Sometimes people don’t realize that, but at the same time, the theater department is very good at recognizing every aspect of the play. It is a little underappreciated but the directors do a really good job of reminding everyone, ‘Hey, this is what you’re lucky to have because without it, you wouldn’t be able to put on this performance.’”

Winter team, activity updates

By Ellen Siefke Features Editor

For more club updates, go to ProspectorNow.com.

Math team According to head coach Maggie Mamsch, math team is “an academic way to compete.” They are one of 55 teams in the North Suburban Math League.

The season begins in September and ends in May. This year, Mamsch is excited about an enthusiastic freshman group and strong performers, including juniors Rick Hallman and Brenna Milligan.

“We’ve been rebuilding,” Mamsch said. “With some solid groups, we can improve from last year.”

The team took third at a home meet on Dec. 13.

Overall, Prospect is ranked 38th out of 55 teams.

Academic bowl According to varsity coach Craig Bianchi, academic bowl is an interschool competition based purely on what you know. A team normally consists of at least five players, who answer questions about virtually anything. The teams use a buzzer system and the questions are usually worth 10 points each.

The team is 11-3, led by seniors Chris Matthews and Kevin McNally and juniors Adrian Gunawan and Callie Leone. At a tournament Dec. 11, the team won all three of their games, defeating Wheeling, Palatine and Schaumburg. Their next competition is Jan. 10.

Bianchi has high expectations for his team based on their strong start.

December 21, 2012

prospectornow.com

The Staff

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Jenny Johnson ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maddy Moloney NEWS EDITORS Nabi Dressler Spencer Ball Danielle Church OPINION EDITORS Anna Boratyn Chris Kivlahan FEATURES EDITORS Andi Hayes Ellen Siefke IN-DEPTH EDITORS Khrystyna Halatyma Brian Park ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kelly Schoessling SPORTS EDITORS Aungelina Dahm Peter Fusilero ONLINE EDITOR Jack McDermott PHOTOGRAPHER Rich Futo ADVISER Jason Block Published by students in Journalistic Writing courses, the Prospector has won, most notably, the 2004-05 and 2006-07 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker; 2009 Illinois High School Association Sectional Championship and State Runner-up; Gold Medalist from Columbia Scholastic Press Association in 2009, 2010 and 2011; Illinois Journalism Education Association Best Overall Newspaper 2012.

Mission Statement The primary purpose of The 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.

Advertising For ad rates, call (847) 7185376 (ask for Katie Best), fax (847) 718-5306 e-mail or write The Prospector, 801 West Kensington Rd., Mount Prospect, IL 60056, prospec-

Letters to the Editor

Email letters to the Editor to prospectornow@gmail. com in regards to ANY article or editorial this issue.

All letters must be signed.

Please limit letters to 400 words. The Prospector reserves the rights to edit letters for style and length.

Staff Editorial

COPY EDITOR Kyle Brown

5

Bad news worsens tragedy

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Maggie Devereux Miranda Holloway MANAGING EDITORS Katie Best Ian Magnuson

Opinion

A week ago today, on Friday, Dec. 14, the students and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. were attacked by a gunman. The murderer, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, took the lives of 20 children, all ages 6 and 7, and seven adults before killing himself.

In many ways, this tragedy is nearly identical to the incident at Columbine High School in 1999, but what set the massacre in Newtown apart is the way the media covered it.

From the instant of the shooting to Saturday afternoon the next day, reporters made blunder after blunder in pursuit of getting their spin on the story out first: they misidentified the killer for his brother Ryan, they wrongly stated that the shooter’s mother was a kindergarten teacher at the school, they said Lanza had gotten into an altercation at the school the previous day, and it was even reported that there was another killer on the loose after Lanza killed himself.

Each source relied on an- service, not a competition. other to get their coverage The coverage of the Newout: Fox News would report town shooting was evidence that CNN said this according enough that the media is losto CBS, etc. With the rise of ing interest in facts—what Twitter as a reporting medi- journalism should be based um, these corporations actu- on—and is focusing more on ally believed what the others delivery and impact.

Instead of were saying, all in the interrunning with est of speed, what other sources were which led to saying about instant spreadthe shooting, ing of misin- Against For formation. each source W h a t ’ s Voting results of the Prospector staff in should have regards to this editorial. more is that i nve s t i g a t e d themselves to the reporters handled the incident poorly see what was actually hapon the scene as well. There pening. were broadcasters interviewIt would have taken less ing third graders at Sandy than a minute to find out if Hook just hours after the the shooter’s mom was actuevents had passed. Sure, the ally a teacher at Sandy Hook, kids were eyewitness sourc- but that rumor persisted unes, but it was exploitational til the next day. Furthermore, to interview them so soon Ryan Lanza, the shooter’s after this deeply traumatic brother, had to defend himself after being wrongly idenevent.

We, The Prospector, be- tified, most notably through lieve that coverage of any his Facebook statuses: “F*** event should be handled you CNN, it wasn’t me” and based on ethics and accura- “IT WASN’T ME I WAS AT cy and that news should be a WORK IT WASN’T ME.” Not

0

19

only was Ryan wrongly attacked, but many of his Facebook friends were contacted for interviews.

So far, there is no end in sight for the media’s trespasses against privacy and common decency, but the funny thing is they think they’re doing us all a favor.

It is not a service to exploit third graders and have them relive the horror of a school shooting just to get their face on camera; it is not noble to badger people on someone’s Facebook friend list for a measly interview; and it is not commendable to retweet information just to get your name on it.

Journalists are meant to be the public’s loyal watchdogs, not a pack of vain, ravenous mongrels fighting for the best interview sources or the quickest tweet. If a high school newspaper can figure that out, the pros probably should, too.

Eating breakfast proven to cure morning hunger

There are very few days in the year where I enjoy waking up.

Christmas, the first and last day of school, if I’m leaving for vacation and... well, that may be it.

Honestly, this whole “waking up at 6” thing every single day is getting old.

However, over time, I’ve realized there is one thing that really makes me want to get up on time each morning.

No, it’s not the freezing cold car or the occasional bickering I have with my mom over whether leggings can be considered pants or not.

The 10-minute break where I can sit down and reKiley Walsh lax before entering a world Guest Columnist of chaos is a little thing I like to call breakfast.

Now that I know if I wake up late I won’t have time to sit down and eat, I immediately get up when my alarm goes off.

And if I don’t have time to sit down, I forfeit my mom’s fresh scrambled eggs, warm pumpkin pancakes and tall glass of milk for a water bottle and a banana on the go.

With that, I have no sympathy for people who claim they can’t eat breakfast because they don’t have time.

I will admit that there are days when we just wake up late and don’t have time to sit down and eat, but you can at least still bring something with you in the car or for first period.

Bring a banana, granola bar or even something from the vending machine; it’s better than not eating anything.

That’s where I do not understand how people don’t eat breakfast – the food is amazing, there’s so much variety to choose from, and it is really beneficial for your health.

Usually when people see benefits like these, they immediately think in order to see results it’ll take intensive work or they’ll have to eat weird “superfoods” from foreign countries that look and taste inedible.

With boring meals like dinner, healthy food sometimes tastes gross— but that’s not the case with breakfast. (See “Eat this, Not that”) “Of course, a well-balanced breakfast is the best,” school nurse Cheryl Novak said. “But if that isn’t possible, then [eating] something is better than nothing.”

Novak’s quick breakfast suggestions are granola bars, a piece of fruit, a piece of bread with peanut butter or cheese.

“But don’t count soda as breakfast.”

All in all, it only seems appropriate each morning, wherever we are, with whatever food and do what we Americans do best: let’s eat.

Percentage of Americans who eat breakfast:

56% 44%

information courtesy of www.foodinsight.org

sWAFFLING: Less than half of Americans eat breakfast, even though 93 percent of Americans agree that breakfast is important. photo by Ian Magnuson

Eat this, not that Panera Asiago Cheese bagels vs Cinnamon Crunch bagels Not: Cinnamon Crunch

The ever-popular Cinnamon Crunch bagel is so irresistible with its melting taste and crystallized cinnamon. And sugar. And more sugar. One single bagel contains 31 grams of sugar and 420 calories.

Eat: Asiago Cheese

Choosing an Asiago Cheese bagel over a Cinnamon Crunch cuts down an entire 28 grams of sugar and 90 calories. It’s a tough battle in taste between the two, but health-wise, Asiago comes out with the win.

Starbucks vs McDonald’s vs Dunkin Donuts Hot chocolate Worst: I don’t understand how one could buy a Dunkin Donuts XL hot chocolate. The single drink has 490 calories and 16 grams of fat. Things that have less calories than that? Portillo’s chocolate cake. Enough said.

Better: McDonald’s large hot chocolate with nonfat milk has 390 calories but only 6 grams of fat. The key here is to stick with nonfat milk. Trust me, you won’t notice the difference of milk under all that chocolate—it’s worth it.

Best: Starbucks’ large hot chocolate with nonfat milk and without whipped

cream has only 320 calories and 3 grams of fat. Just like McDonald’s, sticking to nonfat milk is crucial, but also eliminating whipped cream. The whipped cream on hot chocolate melts after a couple of sips anyway. Removing small details of a drink can make a very large impact on its nutritional value.

Information courtesy of official restaurant websites

prospectornow.com

End of Mayan Calender

Features

7

Zombies taking over They smell bad, they aren’t very smart, they have friends—a lot of friends—and they want to eat your flesh. Are you ready?

By Ian Magnuson

Photo Managing Editor The first thing to do if the dead start walking is to find food and water. I know this might come as a surprise to some of you, but shelter is not your first priority.

You will not survive very long in an underground, high-security vaulted door without food.

When collecting food, look at the expiration dates.

Twinkies are nice, but with a 25-day shelf life, that won’t last you very long (but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a 25-day Twinkie diet).

Canned food or dried food and jugs of water are your best bet. Also, get a variety of different foods or flavors for comfort on your road to survival. The same thing over and over will get old fast.

Food and water collection should be done now, but if you are unlucky enough to find yourself with a scarce amount of food, you need to find some. Go to Jewel, Meijer, Whole Foods or Mariano’s—it doesn’t matter (after the apocalypse, it’s all free).

But don’t get carried away—you are not safe. You may be craving a burger, but a zombie will be craving your leg.

2

Now that you have food, you need a place to sleep safely. With this, you have many options. From home to Home Depot, anything can be converted into a zombie-proof fortress, but some are more easily transformed than others.

Places like Woodfield that have a lot of people in them already are not the ideal places to go while there is a highly infectious disease that makes people mindless cannibals.

Infections spread fast in a dense population, so stick with more isolated places. Home Depot, for example, has a few glass doors that you will need to block off, but it houses the supplies you need to do al-

3

The next step is to find other survivors.

While this might mean that you need to share some of the food you stocked up and the place you zombie-proofed, there is safety in numbers.

Remember, zombies have zombie friends who will gladly share part of your stomach with, so that means you need to find yourself survivor friends that will watch your back so your stomach is safe, isolated places.

Frankie’s Fast Food

DAILY SPECIALS Monday-- Italian Beef...... $3.99 Tuesday-- Gyros..... $3.99 Wednesday-- Grilled Chicken.. $3.89 Thursday-- Polish Sausage... $2.19 Friday-- Fish or Tuna.... $2.19 Saturday-- Bratwurst... $2.19 Sunday-- Hamburger or Hot Dog.. $1.89 702 E. Rand Rd. Mount Prospect, IL 60056 Phone: 847.590.9545

4

You need protection. When “shopping” for a weapon, think distance. You want to stay as far away as you can from zombies, but you don’t want to alert everyone and their grandma (who is also a zombie) with a sniper rifle.

Put aside your broomsticks; with the ability to accurately send bolts through the heads of zombies 50 yards away, a hunting crossbow is clearly more useful.

When you need something a little more personal, I would recommend a baseball bat.

With hundreds of bats in any sporting goods store, you might want to just grab the first one you see, but no, you need to think. You will be carrying this around wherever you go, so forget the extra-heavy bats, but don’t think that means lightweight aluminum, either. Your best bet is a regular wooden bat with some hockey tape as a grip.

When there are too many zombies to use a bat and too close to use a crossbow, the safest bet is a blade. Some would argue a hunting knife is the best and others a katana. Why not both?

5

After a week or even just a few days, you will notice a stench, but it’s the living that reek, not the dead. Soap and deodorant will soon become the most valuable thing in your possession.

Only use soap every few days, or it will be gone before you know it.

6

Lastly, entertainment is very important to relieve some stress.

Weeks, maybe even months after the initial outbreak, you will notice you will be tense and jumpy. Might start getting headaches, and zombies will be happy to relieve them.

Try to find board games, cards or even dice to keep yourself distracted during the quiet nights. Some fun games are War, I Spy and Dice (you will need a die, get it?).

10% off any purchase (excluding specials, applicable before 1/30)

Hours Mon- Sat: 10:30 am- 10:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am- 6:00 pm

Cartoons by Veronica Holloway

Mayans predict apocalypse

By Jenny Johnson

Online Managing Editor The end is near—today, actually.

Well, that is, if you believe what the Mayans predicted.

Researchers have come out and said there will be no zombies walking the earth on Dec. 21 or anytime soon, if you don’t count teenagers walking to first period.

According to world religions teacher John Camerdella, though it is believed that the Mayans are wrong about this predicted day, the fact that they were right about so many different things is what brings worry.

Keep in mind that the Mayans did all their predictions between 300-900 AD. On Dec. 21, the Sun will move to a unique spot in the sky and hold still for a while, since it is the winter solstice.

The Sun will sit precisely on the “heavenly crossroads” between the Milky Way and the galactic equinox, forming a perfect alignment with the center of the galaxy.

This is believed to actually happen.

They were also able to predict every solar and lunar eclipse.

They obviously knew where the galactic equinox and the exact middle of the Milky Way lay: they called this crossing the Sacred Tree.

They were taken over by the Spanish by 900 AD, which the Mayans predicted way before saying “civilization would be overrun by foreigners coming from over the seas.”

That was the end of the Mayans.

They never really predicted anything concrete about 2012, though. When the Spanish ransacked the land, they burnt

every Mayan book they could find and a handful of scriptures survived.

In the scriptures, there is not even a clue about what happens when the Mayan calendar ends.

But the Mayans didn’t really believe in endings: their conception of time was circular, with every end being the beginning of something new.

With that said, it seems to contradict with the Mayans’ calendar, which is what they call the Long Count.

This calendar is divided into five lumps of time, called Great Cycles. Every cycle had a well-defined end.

In fact, after period number one, a Jaguar came by and ate everyone on Earth.

Fun, right?

The second cycle ended in the air, the third in fire and the fourth in a flood.

What about the last period, the stretch of time we’re in?

Based on Mayan culture, scholars have interpreted that the earth will be destroyed by earthquakes.

According to the Mayans, the world has basically has ended multiple times.

Do homework, pay bills and be nice to everyone because Dec. 22 is going to throw people for a loop.

Want to learn other religions perspectives on the end of the world? What about seeing what students would do on their last day on Earth? How about staff members killing zombies? Head to...

ProspectorNow.com!

8

In-

December 21, 2012

Knights from ar South America: 6 immigrants

A whole new world

Immigrants share stories about different countries

By Brian Park

Executive In-Depth Editor Squirrels and bunnies can be seen almost anywhere in Chicagoland, but when someone says, “What the hell are those things?” as in the case of senior Ed Borissov’s friend from Bulgaria, people would be shocked by the response.

His friend was confused because in Bulgaria, squirrels don’t exist; there are other animals, such as birds and stray cats. However, the stray animals were only what Borissov experienced in the city; the villages were much better and cleaner.

“There’s a lot of trees; there’s grass everywhere [in America],” Borissov said. “Over there, it’s basically all cement.”

Immigrants, as well as other students moving from outside the Mount Prospect area, make Prospect unique by bringing diversity and different backgrounds to the school. The number of immigrants residing in America has increased to nearly 40 million, or 13 percent of the national population, according to the Census Bureau’s 2010 American Community Survey. Their experiences with other countries help Prospect get a global view of students around the world.

Because of tough economic times, Borissov emigrated out of Bulgaria to America when he was 5 years old. There was not much money, and jobs were difficult to obtain. Crime was prevalent in the country, and it was much safer for his family to move to America.

“We used to throw bullets into fires and see which way they would shoot,” Borissov said.

Whenever his city would have a problem, the mayor would organize the village and call for police help from the town over.

Junior Auguste Bartkute from Siauliai, Lithuania, had similar reasons for moving. The economy was in a recession with few jobs available, and it was better for her family financially to make the move and to have more opportunities in the future.

“I don’t think I could have real-

ly found a part-time job in Lithuania, [and] the colleges over there are really hard to get into as well,” Bartkute said. “The education there is really, really bad.”

Sophomore Dema Govalla moved to Chicago from his hometown, Douala, Cameroon, in 2005 when he was 8 years old.

Compared to Govalla, junior Lily Alvey immigrated much earlier when she was 1 year old; in fact, she was adopted by an American family. Her parents then came back to China with Alvey to adopt another child to become Alvey’s sister.

To help her keep her Chinese culture, her parents sent her to Chinese school, which she did not like, and to a Chinese culture camp.

“Chinese culture is a lot older than American culture—that’s the biggest thing,” Alvey said.

“There’s a lot more history of it.

And in America, there [are] a lot of cultures that are combined, and they have less of a distinct culture.”

Because Borissov came from a different culture, the first thing he noticed as he got used to his new environment was how clean everything was and how everyone acted towards each other.

“In Bulgaria, you can’t walk five feet without kicking a beer bottle or something,” Borissov said. “It’s really disgusting.”

For Govalla, the chilly weather in Chicago shocked him the most. Because of the hot climate of Cameroon, he had never seen snow before.

On the other hand, Bartkute moved from a colder climate to Mount Prospect when she was in seventh grade. She wanted to become fluent in English in Lithuania so her transfer would be smoother.

Since the general population of Cameroon speaks English, Govalla did not have to overcome the language barrier. Alvey didn’t have a problem, either, since she immigrated at such a young age.

Besides English, Govalla can also speak the native dialect of Bali and some French.

According to Bartkute, the

hardest part of moving to America was just trying to fit in to the community. She says that in America, students don’t work as hard in academics.

When she was in Lithuania, she received four hours a day of homework in elementary school; now, a junior in high school, she only receives one hour.

Additionally, she feels education in America is really easy because the teachers are more understanding of students than in Lithuania.

“The classes are actually pretty funny here, and the teachers are more supportive, [whereas] in Lithuania, the teachers were just really strict,” Bartkute said.

In Cameroon, children start going to school when they are only 2 years old, according to Govalla, compared to children who start kindergarten when they are 5 or 6 years old in America.

The people in America, according to Govalla, are friendlier, and the schools have a good learning style.

“You get to learn different living styles, you get to see different people from around the world, [and] you get to learn more things,” Govalla said.

Borissov’s educational experience in Bulgaria was also different and had many characteristics he saw as a problem. According to Borissov, people who worked hard and were very smart didn’t get to be promoted or take advanced classes because only the students who had inside connections were able to.

Borissov, Bartkute, Alvey and Govalla do not regret immigrating to America. Here, by attending Prospect, they all feel they have more opportunities to do what they want, as well as better academics to help them prepare for their futures. Without immigration, their lives would have taken a completely different path.

“I would probably be working on a farm or something,” Alvey said.

30 17

Mexico India

12

Bulgaria

12

Philippines

10

South Korea

10

Canada and Mexico: 20 immigrants

Sophomore Dema Gova his home country, Came

Africa: 6 immig

Forest view welc

The top six countries of origin for Prospect student immigrants Poland

Freshman Javier Mouledous in his home country, Venezuela.

graphic by Brian Park Information courtesy of Data Processor Joanne Stewart

By Miranda Holloway Editor-in-chief

When a high school student moves into District 214 from another country, they have to take a series of tests at Forest View to determine their English speaking ability.

Students with higher scores are sent directly into ELL (English Language Learners) programs at their local schools. As Prospect and Hersey do not have ELL classes, they are sent to either Elk Grove or Buffalo Grove.

Those who score lower are considered pre-beginning level and spend a maximum of two semesters at the district’s Newcomer Center.

Opened in 2002, the center’s goal is to teach students English while welcoming them and their families into the country and preparing them to transition into their larger high school.

“It are try learn learn Kane ful.”

The time, chang as the school Des langua Newco speaki Korea sian a any gi To in the with a visual

round the globe Europe: 73 immigrants

Sophomore Natasha Duko in her home country, Belarus.

Senior Ed Borissov in his home country, Bulgaria.

alla in eroon.

grants

Junior Lily Alvey in her home country, China.

Asia: 54 immigrants

December 21, 2012

In-

9

Immigration for dummies

Even though I am an immigrant Coming to America in the midfrom South Korea—I came here dle of first grade, however, posed a when I was nearly seven years old—I different set of adversities I had to still go through the same daily rou- overcome: I had trouble making new tines like every other student at friends and speaking the language.

Prospect.

At my elementary school, I vividI wake up early to go to school, try ly remember eating the same PB&J to pay attention in class sandwich all alone in the while still half-asleep, school’s cafeteria, and attend my regular after my parents could only afschool activities and try ford plain, white bread to work my way through (the non-nutritional kind) the mountain of homewhen we first moved here. work, desperately trying Too bad I couldn’t bring not to fall asleep—but I any Korean food. Even give in. today, I get sick of eating Then, accompanied by those sandwiches. YUCK! my annoying alarm bell, As I moved around to I grudgingly wake up, many schools throughout Brian Park repeating the process all the Chicagoland area, I Executive In-Depth over again. eventually started to fit Editor However, this is nothin and hold conversations ing close to what an averwith my friends, and that age South Korean student would go was when I noticed I was different, through. but in a good way.

By listening to my cousins, who For example, I knew my original have graduated from high school name, Park Shin Young, was unlike there, talk about their experiences, I any other in my grade; however, I am can tell it’s even crazier over there. still called Brian today because my Seriously. The competition for suc- parents decided to give me an Amercess literally devours their entire ican name when I moved here and lives. purposely made it rhyme with my After waking up in the morning, brother’s name, Ryan.

South Korean students attend school To this day, some of my friends until it ends around 3-5 p.m., and still joke around and call me a ninthen attend after-school tutoring ja who’s very busy going to China academies called “hagwons” until 10 to kill the emperor or something p.m. (which even doesn’t make sense If this wasn’t enough, they hit since I’m not Japanese). the books at the library afterwards Other than that, I’ve forgotten just to keep up with other students. the number of people who have givOn test days, a majority of the en me the typical complement of students pull all-nighters, and in “dude, why are you so smart?” general, these students just don’t Compared to other Koreans, howhave time for other activities, such ever, I would be nothing close to as sports. smart. Heck, I even joined in on the Time Magazine published an arti- fun with my friends and played vidcle stating, “To reduce the country’s eo games all day long. addiction to private, after-hours tuFor any new immigrants to toring academies... the authorities America, I advise them to take the have begun enforcing a curfew— most out of the opportunities, but even paying citizens bounties to they shouldn’t forget about cultural turn in violators.” traditions from their home country, But don’t be surprised: South Ko- especially the language, because it rea is ranked second in the global ed- makes up a large part of your idenucation ranking, just under Finland, tity. according to International Business So I wanted to thank America Times. for your video games, hamburgers I don’t know what the Finnish and hot dogs and being the land of are doing to keep ahead, but do the opportunity. Without the abundant parents pray about their children’s opportunities provided for me here, test scores in public so they can get I would have never gotten the opporinto a good college like in Korea? tunity to shape my identity the way I I didn’t think so. have so far by experiencing so many So thank the heavens my parents new things, like learning English as decided to move to America so I my second language and writing for wouldn’t have to face all that stress. the Prospector.

come center embraces students from diverse backgrounds

is really holistic in a sense that we ying to get them ready for the culture, the American school system [and] English,” program director Norman said. “We want them to be success-

e school serves 20-30 students at a making class sizes small. Students ge classes and take the same subjects ey would if at their regular, or home, ls. spite the small size, there are nine ages currently being spoken at the omer Center. Current students are ing Spanish, Romanian, Bulgarian, an, Hindi, Gujarati, Ukrainian, Rusand Temur, but the languages vary at iven time of year. accommodate the variety languages classroom, each student uses an iPad a translator app, and the teachers use lizations to make sure students are

absorbing what they’re learning.

“You find that there are skills you can use regardless of language and that would work in a mainstream classroom as well,” Mario Perez, program coordinator and social studies teacher, said.

Since not all of the students feel comfortable with English to ask questions, Perez and other teachers use Google Forums and E-Clickers to make sure their students are understanding the material.

Along with making sure that the students are continuing with their education, the Newcomer Center wants to make sure that the students will be able to be successful in the bigger school.

The entire staff makes an effort to find out what the students are interested in and then try to connect them with the appropriate people at their home schools.

For example, they make arrangements for students to practice with teams at their

home schools or to attend orchesis shows.

Before entering into the bigger school full time, they shadow a former Newcomer student for a day, riding the buses, going to classes and experiencing it first hand.

“We want to give them the tools to be successful for the rest of high school, which will hopefully give them the tools to be successful after high school,” Kane said.

While the Newcomer Center is focused mainly on high school success, former students have returned to the school as college students participating in foreign exchange programs and pursuing multiple degrees.

Another goal of the center is to make sure the family is making a smooth transition into the United States.

A few weeks after a student starts the program, one of the teachers will make a home visit to get to know the family and introduce themselves.

This gives the teachers the opportunity

to get insight into the family’s situation and offer to connect them with a variety of organizations if needed.

“We want to make sure that we connect with the families and let them know that we have some expectations for them here at school, and that we also want to be a resource for everyone, not just the Newcomer student,” Perez said.

Making close connections is important to the center. The staff is with the students all day. They walk them to and from the bus, supervise lunch and have an after-school program.

“Throughout the school year, our philosophy is that if you go beyond a cultural and linguistic cushion, it’s also to make sure all of them feel like this is a place where they belonged and that they can always come back to,” Perez said. “We always tell them that they’ll always be newcomers. As far as you go, you can always come back.”

10

Features

December 21, 2012

prospectornow.com

Keeping busy in the cold

By Andi Hayes

Features Editor

Living in “Action” Heights/Mount Prospect always seems to be a pleasant experience. That is, until you are bored. While Mount Prospect was named “The Best Place to Raise Your Kids” in 2007 by Businessweek, there are little to no places for those kids to actually go do something without spending an exorbitant amount of money (R.I.P. Arlington Theaters). Instead of sitting around during winter break waiting for something exciting to happen in the MP/AH (don’t get your hopes up), check out some of these fun things to keep you busy. In some cases, you don’t always need to go to Chicago to have a good time. These activities are sure to keep you busy and away from taking pictures at the Bean.

Places To Go (Under $25)

Places To Go (Over $25)

1. Lincoln Park Zoo: ZOOLIGHTS. The Lincoln Park Zoo is having a light show until Jan. 6. This free musical light show features multiple light displays throughout the zoo as well as holiday festivities, such as live ice carvings every night and animal encounters. The first 1000 guests every night get a free pair of holiday glasses.

2. Window Shopping at Macy’s: For those of you who

enjoy shopping on a low budget (or no budget at all), check out the Macy’s department store on State Street. While you can do your shopping inside, the real holiday festivities are outside.

The large store windows are decorated with animatronic puppet figures all revolving around a theme such as “Cinderella” or “The Nutcracker.” Each window is a different scene in the story. Head on down to Frontera Fresco on State St. for a bite of Mexican food that’s not too expensive and created by chef Rick Bayless.

3. Museum of Contemporary Art: Humanities teacher Teri Buczinsky takes her students on many field trips to Chicago throughout the course of the semester. These field trips include seeing musicals and plays, architecture, and visiting museums. Buczinsky says the students she takes on field trips tend to enjoy going to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) the most. The MCA features a variety of modern art concepts such as surrealism, pop art, realism and conceptual art. Buczinsky also says there is a gift shop located inside the museum that has very unique and unusual gifts that make for great Christmas gifts. The MCA is found on East Chicago Street, just one block east of the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. Admission is $7 for students with an ID.

1. Broadway in Chicago: Broadway in Chicago takes place in Chicago’s theater district. This winter season features an array of shows that are touring, such as the play “War Horse,” “Potted Potter” and the highly anticipated “Book of Mormon,” (pictured above) recently winning Best Musical at the 2011 Tony Awards. If you’re looking for a more seasonal show, try seeing Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Ticket prices range from $25-$190+.

2. Cascade Mountain: Cascade Mountain is located in Portage, Wisconsin, approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago. Hit up the slopes for some skiing and snowboarding or grab an inner tube and ride down one of the 36 trails Cascade Mountain has to offer. Tickets cost $47 for a one day pass.

3. Gaming: Gameworks is located in Schaumburg for the price of one dollar for four tokens. Gameworks is home to hundreds of arcade games ranging from Deal or No Deal to Terminator: Salvation. Feeling more competitive? Try WhirlyBall, a game that combines lacrosse, basketball and hockey, all the while on bumper cars (pictured right). One game goes for the price of $150 for 10 people. Looking for something a little more exotic? Pinstripes features bowling and bocce ball, an Italian game similar to bowling. Other locations include South Barrington and Northbrook; prices range from upwards of $5 per person, per hour. Friday and Saturday nights have live music, too!

Stinky brook, sanitary surprise months.

Still, even with the smell, Macnab often visits the creek with friends during the summer and winter because of its close proximity to his house.

“I live right by the creek so I’ve

By Jack McDermott been going there pretty much my entire Online Managing Editor life,” Macnab said.

The creek is especially popular Sophomore Alec Macnab was walking along Weller Creek two years ago during the winter because snow drifts when he noticed a large, “fishy” object pile up on one side of the creek and befloating into view. His surge of curios- cause the creek freezes over, creating a ity was quickly crushed when he dis- layer of ice thick enough to walk on.

“I would walk up and down the creek covered the object was a two-feet long, or have giant snowball fights with my rotting fish.

“It was the biggest, weirdest thing I friends,” Macnab said.

Another reason why the creek athave ever seen in the creek,” Macnab said. “I was shocked that something tracts so many explorers is because it flows right by Sunrise Park. that size was there.”

“I like going there more in the winWeller Creek, located near Sunrise ter, but it is more popular in the sumPark and the Mount Prospect Golf Course, is most famous for the smell mer because people will take walks it secretes during hot summer days. right by the creek, but they obviously Surprisingly, Weller Creek also acts as don’t go in,” Macnab said.

According to science teacher Nick a go-to hangout spot during the winter

Weller Creek reveals clean atmosphere

The Batcave At the intersection of Weller Creek and Route 83 there lies a sewer pipe left open to explore after the grate was broken off many years ago. Officially the pipeline is named 16S, but it attained the nickname “The Batcave” after someone spray-painted Batman logos all over the inside of the pipe and one directly outside the pipe.

Photo by Jack McDermott

s CRY ME A RIVER: Although the stench may be unappealing, Weller Creek attracts many visitors all year long. The smell comes from the sulfur compounds in the mud. | Photo by Jack McDermott

Delboccio, it is the bacteria in the mud that makes the rotten egg-like smell.

“There are bacteria that are decomposers that break down the sulfur compounds in the mud to release sulfur dioxide,” Delboccio said.

This smell only gets worse in the summer because the water level lowers and the creek stagnates. “[The sulfur dioxide] doesn’t dissolve in the water or get taken away—it just sits there and you can smell it because it’s more dense,” Delboccio said.

Macnab doesn’t believe the smell is too pungent, and, unlike most visitors, Macnab will sometimes go into the creek to find golf balls or just to get to

the other side and does not think it is that dirty.

“I mean, people shouldn’t drink out of it, but it’s clean,” Macnab said.

Delboccio agrees about the cleanliness of the creek. “[The bacteria] is actually good for the environment,” Delboccio said.

“They basically are breaking down the sulfur compounds and returning them back into the atmosphere.”

Once in the atmosphere, these gases smell but are not harmful and keep some away but not everyone. “[Weller Creek] is not meant for kids to play in, but it definitely serves that purpose,” Macnab said.

prospectornow.com

December 21, 2012

Crossing borders: new language, life

By Erin McGovern Staff Writer

The shouts of people rushing through rotating doors and the honking of passing cars enveloped Spanish teacher Mike Aldworth as he prepared to board a plane back to the United States and leave behind everything he had known for the past year.

After a sleepless night surrounded by friends and fellow classmates trying to make the most of their last hours together, it was now time for him to leave Barcelona behind, along with the culture, people and his girlfriend Yolanda, who he knew he might never see again.

This was the last day Aldworth spent studying abroad

in Barcelona, where he lived his entire junior year of college in order to become the AP Spanish teacher that Prospect students know him as today.

Despite the difficulty of leaving behind his family, friends and classmates at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this goodbye to his friends in Barcelona was by far the hardest part about immersing himself in a foreign country.

“Going to college you get to meet new people who are interested in different things and expand your world,” Aldworth said. “And when you get a chance to do that internationally, it’s even bigger.”

On a global scale, the amount of students studying

SOMOS FAMILIA: Spanish teacher Mike Aldworth attends “la cena de despedida” with his host family. “I learned family has many different definitions,” said Aldworth. Photo courtesy Mike Aldworth

s WHEN IN ROME: Italian teacher Antonino Bondi was able to visit the Colosseum while studying

abroad in Italy. Bondi visited Italy many times as a child which inspired him to want to study abroad to become an Italian teacher. Photo coutesy Antonino Bondi

abroad has increased 130 percent in the past decade alone, with 270,604 worldwide in 2010 according to Vistawide Language and Cultures.

“I can’t express how great of an experience it is,” Aldworth said. “Not only do you learn a language, but you get a new appreciation for your own culture and what it’s like to be in the minority.”

Italian teacher Antonino Bondi, who studied in Rome for six months, experienced the same feeling during his time in Italy.

For many students, studying abroad can be clouded by fears of living on their own in a foreign place.

Although this is a valid doubt, Prospect teachers who have gone through that experience highly encourage students to take the risk.

Spanish teacher Ryan Schultz agrees that taking this kind of step is a beneficial experience for students to have, especially during this stage of their life where they learn to be independent.

T-REX: Olivia Churchill and her dad fixed up his 1999 Jeep Wrangler to make it look like the Jurassic Park Jeep. Churchill had to pay $1000 for the remodeling, however she does not have to pay for gas or insurance.

s

s

photo by Olivia Churchhill

11

Features

“I saw an opportunity and I went for it,” said Schultz, who studied for five months at La Universidad Internacional de México. “I think that’s something you have to do. There are a lot of instances in life you won’t be prepared for, and I think you just need to take the plunge.”

According to Aldworth, living in a foreign country really isn’t as bad as it may sound.

“You have to be willing to make mistakes, and that’s how you get better,” Aldworth said.

From his personal experience, relying only on one’s ability to speak the language perfectly is not an accurate representation of what it will really be like to interact with people in public.

Students also have the ability to use hand gestures, and that combined with asking the speaker to talk a little more slowly will get students almost all of what they need until they have heard enough of the language to produce it effectively on their own.

While Aldworth would say

that AP foreign language students at Prospect could probably do well in another country if they were to go right after graduating, He believes the most necessary experience to have before studying abroad is living on your own while at college to get the experience of self-sufficiency, so students know what it feels like to truly be an adult.

In addition to this maturation, the other most valuable characteristic a person can have while immersing themselves in a foreign culture according to Aldworth is simply having confidence. For Aldworth, believing in his ability of the language is what helped him to master Spanish.

Bondi would give the same advice to students who are considering studying abroad.

“Don’t let a language barrier stop you,” Bondi said. “Just being immersed in the culture constantly will improve your language skills, and before you know it, that language will be your language.”

Arms, legs for automobiles

By Gracie McKay Staff Writer

One gallon of gas: $3. 74. A filled gas tank: around $65. Cost to own a car: definitely not priceless.

Every year gas prices go up and up.

However, statistics show that the way teenagers pay for gas differs depending on their parents.

In 2008 a survey of 712 teens was conducted by the Junior Achievement USA program, an organization that teaches kids from kindergarten to 12th grade about economic education.

It said that 68.6 percent of teens use

credit cards to pay for gas bills. 10.4 percent of teens in the poll use credit cards in general, and 13 percent of teens admit that their parents pay the credit card bills.

Senior Olivia Churchill drives a 1999 Jeep Wrangler around 15 miles a week and doesn’t pay for gas or insurance because her dad owns the car. Although, she did have to pay $1000 to fix up her car.

To read the rest of this story and other features, go online to ProspectorNow.com

Who Knows You Better?

The subjects Nick Schwingbeck

The Boyfriend

Noelle Johnston

The Subject

How tall are you?

First pet’s name?

5’11”

Fluffy

Favorite Dessert? Favorite flavor of Cake?

Ice Cream

Peppermint

Favorite golf club?

College Attending?

Favorite class?

7 Iron

Lindenwood

AP Psych

X

Lindenwood

Am Stud

X

Lindenwood

Am Stud

4 5’10”

Mittens

Cake

Chocolate

5’ 10”

Mittens

Cake

Chocolate

4

4

4

4

5 Wood/ 7 Iron

4

Amanda Cipek

The Best Friend

5 Iron

4

4

The results

Winner!

12

Entertainment

December 21, 2012

prospectornow.com

Asian beverage ‘bubbles’ up bedlam

Top 15 flavors 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Lychee-blueberry Taro White chocolate Strawberry-banana Red bean Mocha Mint chocolate Green tea Cookies and cream Vanilla latte Grapefruit Strawberry-mango Dreamsicle Peppermint Almond

you never expect the balls to come up, and then they come up and it’s like, ‘Whoa!’” Minev said. “It’s a party in your mouth.”

In addition to being a novelty beverage bubble teas come in a vast variety of flavors and types (see “Top 15 flavors”).

There are three t i e r s of bubble teas at Fiore: fruit, espresso and milk, which can be likened to smoothies, frapuccinos and shakes, respectively.

So, while the tapioca balls can seem foreign and even a little jarring, they are the only thing separating bubble teas from “normal” beverages.

If you order a fruit bubble

Classic hit stays holiday staple

By Miranda Holloway Editor- in- Chief

Trudging down the stairs, a dejected 9-year-old, Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), receives praise on his outfit from his beaming Mother (Melinda Dillon). His dad, the Old Man (Darren McGavin) thinks he looks like “a deranged Easter bunny.”

Little Ralphie Parker is sporting his gift from his dear Aunt Clara: pink bunny pajamas. This present, however, is the least of Ralphie’s worries this season.

Set in the 1940s, the 1983 Christmas hit “A Christmas Story” follows the general hijinks of growing up and getting what you really want Santa to bring down the chimney.

Through the time leading up to Christmas, Ralphie is met by bullies,

cold weather and various incidents of bad timing.

Narrated by Ralphie as an adult, the film mainly follows the little boy’s quest to get his dream gift: a Red Rider BB Gun (carbine action, 200 shot range model air rifle).

All of these issues are what make a classic. They add more than just a good laugh and plot advancement; it’s always a meaningful moment that is relatable to any kid.

Ralphie’s burning desire for that BB gun is a prime example of just wanting something so bad it hurts.

When Mother asks Ralphie what he wants for Christmas, he stumbles for a moment and then the words just poor out at a thousand miles an hour.

His mother refuses, citing the potential danger that he may shoot his eye out.

At this point, Ralphie is down but not out.

Where is he now?

Peter Billingsley, born in 1971, spent much of his young life in the public eye. After starring on many commercials and having roles in TV movies, he had his break with “ A Christmas Story” in 1983.

Since then, Billingsley has launched a successful producing career, winning an Emmy in 2005 as the co- executive producer of the Independent Film Channel show “Dinner for Five.”

He has done work on summer blockbuster “The Break-Up” and Marvel’s hit, “Iron Man.” Billingsley is now producing a musical version of “A Christmas Story” on Broadway. In an interview with Parade, he says he still sits down to watch his childhood hit with his nieces and nephews. He still has the original cowboy outfit, BB gun and bunny suit from the film.

tea, which is made from actual fruit, you have the option of mixing and matching flavors.

While Jang said strawberry is his most popular flavor, you can be as crazy as you like. With options like kin

Some of the best afternoons I’ve had this year have started with a simple question: “Bub?” No, “Bub” isn’t a nickname of mine. Rather, it’s an abbreviation for an Asian treat available at a shop with an Italian name.

I’m talking about bubble tea, the liquid sensation gripping the Prospect nation. This frozen drink is marked by its vacuum-sealed lid, broad colorful straw and, of course, abun-

dance of little black tapioca balls.

What began in Taiwan as a simple mixture of iced tea, cream and sugar with a tapioca ball base 20 years ago has found its niche in America right next to frapuccinos and smoothies.

According to Sam Jang, owner of Fiore Cafe in Arlington Heights, the demand for bubble tea is split between two main demographics: Asians and high schoolers. These groups are the chief consumers of bubble tea because of the chewiness of the tapioca balls.

Jang said that bubble tea is popular with Asians because it has a similar consistency to rice cake, a commonplace Oriental snack.

“Rice cake is very chewy and sticky, so usually Asian people, they love it. The bubble tea feels like rice cake, so I guess [in] Asia, it’s more popular, more than in the U.S.A.” Senior Anna Maria Minev was introduced to bubble tea five years ago when her Korean friend took her to a shop in Chicago. She has been going out to get bubble teas at Fiore with her friends since then.

“It’s so interesting because

Kyle Bro w

Copy Editor

photo by

By Kyle Brown

wi-mango, blueb e r ry-ban a n a and lychee-raspb e r r y, y o u ’ l l be sure to find a fruity m a t c h made in heaven.

Minev’s favorite flavor at Fiore is taro.

“I hear it’s like a root or something, but it tastes so sweet, so it’s really interesting to me,” Minev said. “It’s a real-

When Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Sheilds (Tedde Moore), assigns a paper for the class on what they want for Christmas, he writes diligently.

This is his chance to renew his argument for the gift; to him, this essay was his shot to lay out his argument for his wish. Maybe then his parents and Santa will listen.

Miss Shields didn’t find his essay as touching as Ralphie thought she would, giving him a C+ and warning him that if he’s not careful with that toy, he may very well shoot his eye out.

This is when Ralphie starts getting desperate. He sees his last hope for his Red Ryder in the Santa Clause at the local department store. After waiting in line Santa brushes him off, and prematurely sends him down a slide that will take him to his mother.

After all that waiting, Ralphie is not about to give up. He claws his way back up the slide and yells his wish for the gun.

Santa literally pushes him away.

His determination is inspiring in a strange, 9-year-old-wanting-a-gun kind of way. At every moment he can, he is either thinking about the Red Rider, asking someone for the Red Rider for Christmas or calculating a new plan of attack after his request is denied.

Director Bob Clark manages to make even the supporting characters relatable. The members of the Parker family share experience and characteristics of any given Midwestern family.

This is what makes the movie a true classic. It doesn’t matter that the movies is set almost seventy years ago; Ralphie is everyone’s little brother, the Old Man is everyone’s dad and Mother is, well, mom.

Any movie can have a good plot, but not all movies have good characters.

That is what sets apart the good from the great.

It would have been easy for Clark to direct Ralphie’s character as just a little boy who wants a toy for Christmas.

By the end of the movie he would have gotten old, coming off as just another spoiled brat.

Luckily, “A Christmas Story” goes further than that, letting the viewer see him in many different lights.

We see him as a son learning from his parents, as a sibling helping this little brother to school and as a friend

ly surprising taste.”

If you’re a connoisseur of the gummy pearl wonders known as tapioca balls, it only costs 50 cents to get “double tap,” a hearty second helping of boba (another term for tapioca ball) at the bottom of your drink.

Only five minutes away from Prospect on Northwest Highway, Fiore is the perfect destination for all your bubble tea cravings. Also, the price is nearly identical to comparable drinks at Starbucks and Jamba Juice, making Fiore a real utility player in the beverage game.

For a drink that’s so simple, bubble tea tastes like a highly difficult craft. However, Jang did let me in on one of the secrets to the boba: different shops cook their tapioca for different times to produce their own texture variants. I’ve actually noticed the difference myself: Fiore has chewier tapioca balls than its Northbrook competitor, Liquid Fusion, which is over 20 minutes away but open later than Fiore for those late-night “bub” runs.

So the next time you’re jonesing for an ice-cold pick-meup, try out a bubble tea and see

s HIP HOP: Ralphie Parker sulks in his Aunt Clara’s Christmas gift, a bunny suit.

In 1983’s “A Christmas Story” Ralphie grows up as he tries to get a Red Ryder BB gun under the tree. Courtesy of IMBD

making tough decisions.

There is just something about Ralphie that makes him universally lovable. Billingsley’s acting along with the narration of Jean Shepherd as an adult Ralphie gives a dose of humor and heart to an otherwise typical story of growing up in the Midwest.

But like all timeless classics, they make sequels—sequels that never seem to go very well.

A Christmas Story 2 came straight to DVD on Oct. 30 of this year. Focusing on the same characters as the original, the movie is based five years later and instead of a BB gun, Ralphie wants a 1939 Mercury Convertible under the tree.

The critics have called the movie “sad” and it has a mere 58 percent in Rotten Tomatoes want-to-see score, while the original has an 89 percent.

Looks like they really shot their eye out with this one.

prospectornow.com

December 21, 2012

Thrifting thrives with teens Fonsino’s friend and Marketing Associate, Stephanie Favia, is a thrifting enthusiast and has been since high school (see “Stephanie’s Thrifting Tips”). In an e-mail interview, Favia said the best part about thrifting is finding “conversation pieces.”

“Not only are (thrifted pieces) the softest, most comfortable cloth-

hansson, first introduced her and friends juniors Katie Lorenzini and Emma Loeffler to thrifting last year as an alternative to the pricey In Macklemore’s recent hit shops at the mall.

“Thrift Shop” he raps, “I’m digDespite its cheapness, one downging, I’m digging, I’m searching fall of thrifting is that it takes more right through that luggage/One effort to find items. Loeffler claims man’s trash, that’s another man’s thrifting can also sometimes be difcome up.” Like his wildly popular ficult because “you can find somesong, thrifting has become a phething you really like in the nomenon as well. store, but then get home and According to sociology Stephanie’s thrifting tips think ‘why did I ever think teacher Michelle Fonsino, 1). “Keep an open mind and have patience. You nevwas cute?’” thrifting is when someone er know what jem you might stumble upon during your Johansson said that when popularizes older things search for a specific item.” thrifting, a person has to such as clothing and furnilook at an article of clothing ture by “bringing it into the 2). “Thrifting can be overwhelming, but just make and think about how they sure you’ve set aside enough time and not rush through here and now.” the hunt.” can make an outfit with it.

Additionally, Fonsino beAccording to Johansson, lieves that thrifting is more 3). “Take risks! Fashion is supposed to be fun and if this aspect can make an outcommon in urban settings you take yourself too seriously your wardrobe will start fit “unique and different” such as big cities because to look boring and mainstream.” because no one else will they are highly populathave the same item. ed, creating more demand Similarly, senior Chantel for thrift shops. Thrifting has also become more accessible ing I own, but they never fail to re- Higgins enjoys thrifting because thanks to websites that now sell ceive praise and strike up a conver- there are always interesting items. vintage and thrifted items such as sation with a stranger,” Favia said. Higgins particularly likes thriftLike Favia, junior Hannah Rose ing to search for t-shirts with cool Etsy.com (to see more of these webhas found some interesting things sayings and high-waisted jeans to sites, go to ProspectorNow.com). “[Clothing from thrift stores] while thrifting. One of Rose’s make into shorts.

“Not only is [thrifting] super can be individual and unique,” most entertaining finds was a cat crewneck, or “noodie” which she cheap, but you can find some realFonsino said. “All teenagers are looking for their identity and deems “really weird and nerdy.” ly unique things that compliment Her friend, fellow junior Britt Jo- your style,” Higgins said. [thrifting] can help express that.”

By Katie Best

Managing Editor

The Thrift Shops (To see more Thrift Shops go on to Prospectonow.com)

Salvation Army: Salvation Army, a.k.a “Salvation Armani,” is one of the closest places to thrift located off Rand Road and Arlington Heights Road. While Salvation Army’s selection is sometimes a hit-ormiss (much like most thrifting), junior Hannah Rose believes it offers the biggest selection and “can always find something eclectic there.” Not only that, but Salvation is “the cheapest, hands down, “ according to Rose. The myriad of clothing can often be time consuming to look through (see “The good, the bad and the ugly”).

Rated

Entertainment

13

Salvation Outfits: the good, the bad, the ugly The Good

Sweater: $3.06 Scarf: $2.56 Shoes: $3.06 Total: $8.68

The Bad

Dress: $6.06 Belt: $2.51 Shoes: $3.01 Bag: $3.56 Total: $15.14

The Ugly

Belmont Army Surplus: Recommended by junior Katie Lorenzini, Belmont Army Surplus is full of great deals and vintage clothing. Their website, belmontarmy.wordpress.com, has pictures of featured vintage items along with current brands that can be found in their store. These brands include Ray Ban, Levi, Nike, Pendalton, Free People, Obey and many more. Rose also likes Belmont Army because, even though “it’s a trek... but it definitely has the most out-there styles.” Lorenzini agrees and believes there is more variety at Belmont because it has

Jeans: $3.06 Tank Top: $2.06 Sweater: $4.07 Hat: $3.51 Total: $12.70

Goodwill: According to Rose, Lorenzini and Britt Johansson, the Arlington Heights Goodwill, located off Rand Road, is better than the Goodwill located in Rolling Meadows, but the best one is located in Lake Zurich. Much like Salvation Armani, Goodwill offers a variety of clothing at good pricing even though it is a more expensive than Salvation Army.

for Mortality

By Kelly Schoessling

Executive Entertainment Editor The latest addition to the “Call of Duty” video game series, “Black Ops 2“ was released on Nov. 13th and broke the record for most copies sold in a 24-hour period with a total of 360 million copies sold.

“COD” requires the player to shoot weapons, throw grenades and launch rockets as a soldier in combat.

Though games like “COD” are wellknown and played by a variety of age groups, the popularity of these war simulation franchises raises questions of the possible effects violent video games can have on developing adolescents’ minds.

A closed survey done by The Huffington Post in 2008 states that out of 1,102 kids ages 12 to 17 surveyed, 97 percent played video games, but why?

Though these shoot-em-up games sell millions of copies worldwide, some believe that the amount of graphic violence within the games can affect the way people think.

AP Psychology teacher Jay Heilman believes teenagers play video games primarily for satisfaction.

“There’s a sense of accomplishment when you’re going through the various levels,” Heilman said. “I think we’re all kind of competitive in that sense.”

Heilman also believes that the

amount of influence a game presents depends greatly on the age of the individual playing.

“The younger you are, there’s more of a gray area between fantasy and reality,” Heilman said.

“Teenagers have already established their moral compass. They [younger kids] haven’t developed that way of thinking yet.”

Heilman also believes violent video games can have a greater impact depending on the type of person partaking in the game.

“If this person doesn’t have great self-discipline then they’re going to be playing video games for hours upon hours [instead of] sleeping, eating, getting exercise and being informed on what’s happening in the world.”

However, freshman John Dixon, a member of PHS’s Video Game Club, thinks that playing violent video games does not have an effect on him.

Dixon stated that playing video games can be more beneficial towards improving certain coordination and concentration skills.

Adversely, Heilman believes that video games with obscene images and graphic violence may not necessarily create volatile individuals. Instead these experiences could make young adults expect the real world to convey the same violence as the games they play.

sGAMER : Players put themselves into combat in the new video game, “Black Ops II”. Violence within current video games has been continuously increasing. courtesy of uLikeGames.com

“It makes us more on edge,” Heilman said. “We believe in the world of the video game and we think think that it could be reality, rather than us acting more violently.”

Though some may have different opinions on the matter, both Heilman and Dixon believe the amount of graphic violence within video games has increased dramatically within the past few years.

Examples of these effects can be seen through the various news reports involving teen violence later blamed by violent video games.

For instance, according to a CBS story, 18-year-old Devin Moore gunned

down and killed three men, then later blamed the crime for repeatedly playing “Grand Theft Auto.” A lawsuit against the game was filed along with the case.

Whether or not individuals consider these violent video games to be harmful, it is factual that these franchises are becoming increasingly popular.

For both Heilman and Dixon, they believe these games have not only increased their violence, but they’re also becoming more personal.

“You’re more interactive with it.

You’re more able to determine where the shot goes, who you shoot, who you don’t shoot,” Heilman said. “The game is going to be more impactful.”

14

Sports

December 21, 2012

prospectornow.com

Bowling team is ‘all in this together’ sity is a whole other step,” Troyer said.

“It is more of a mental step, because on varsity there is a lot more pressure.”

Ever since she was five years old, Victor believes with all of the JV senior Samantha Victor has always felt players moving up to varsity this seacomfortable at the bowling alley. Her son, every bowler will need to step up interest in bowling rubbed off from her her game. family members, who are competitive “From JV to varsity, it is a lot more bowlers. intense due to the talent level that we When Victor began high school, she are playing against,” Victor said. “You needed to decide whether she wanted to have to worry about yourself and the continue her bowling career. team and forget about what the other “Bowling was the one sport that I teams are doing, because you can only knew for sure I would try out for,” Vic- do as well as you can right now.” tor said. “I did cheerleading freshman Troyer also feels the team has a fair and sophomore year, but with bowling, I chance of making it to the state tournaknew that is what I really wanted to do.” ment, but it will require cooperation.

Victor is currently on Prospect’s var“[Meets] are a chance [for] getting exsity bowling team, which stands at 6-2 perience,” Troyer said. “It takes awhile this season in the MSL, to form a team and to as of Dec. 18. to know each othVarsity roster 2012-13 get Math teacher Greg ers’ personalities. It has Sr. Kayla Jagus Troyer is the varsity been a learning process Sr. Noelle Johnston coach for girls’ bowling this past month in order Sr. Samantha Victor and has been for the past to get everything lined Jr. Katelynn Bieber 19 years. Troyer is also up.”

Jr. Meghan Mulcahy president of the High When Mulcahy iniJr. Nicole Cusack School Bowling Coaches tially moved up to varInfo courtesy of Greg Troyer of Illinois, an organizasity last year as a sophtion involving all particomore, the nervous ipating coaches in the state. feeling she had went away after the othAccording to Troyer, there are a lot er players treated her with respect. of variables that come into play when “Getting that [treatment] last year making predictions for how this season and then bringing that attitude back will develop. this year helps me to help everyone who Besides Victor, the only other play- is new to varsity to keep that spirit up,” er with varsity experience is junior Mulcahy said.

Meghan Mulcahy.

“If one person feels down, you have However, the four other varsity play- to stay positive and keep everyone motiers were a part of the conference cham- vated, as well as not having them worry pion JV team last year (See “Varsity about what they had done wrong. They roster 2012-13”). need to focus on getting better in the fu“The varsity players obviously have ture.” a whole lot of JV experience and were In order to succeed, Troyer thinks good as a JV team, but moving up to var-

By Spencer Ball News Editor

photo by Spencer Ball

s IN IT TO PIN IT: Sophomore bowler Sarah Gervais practices her stance before competing against Buffalo Grove. Prospect competed on Dec. 10 at Arlington Lanes.

having a friendly and constructive relationship between teammates is even more crucial to success than having talent.

“I have had some seasons where for some reason there wasn’t much of a team,” Troyer said. “They just didn’t get along, and that just kills a team. It limits their potential, but this is not the case for this season. Our girls are close and are even getting closer.”

Mulcahy thinks bowling differs from other sports because all of the teams share a relationship.

“We do a lot of team building exercises to help us keep that [unified] vibe,” Mulcahy said. “In other sports, players are separated into their own teams, and

they don’t get to know people from JV or freshman teams, so bowling is a ‘we’re all in this together’ kind of sport.”

According to Troyer, bowling involves more positive thinking and actions than other sports.

“Each team is actually competing together against the pins, versus them physically competing against each other,” Troyer said. “You’re all trying to overcome a common goal.”

Mulcahy’s experience with the entire sport of bowling has influenced her both on and off the alley. “[Bowling] is much more mental than physical,” Mulcahy said. “It is a mental game that helps you develop a new way of thinking about things.”

prospectornow.com

December 21, 2012

My struggle with sports part two: winter edition Winter sports are now in full swing. You know what that means? I’m back!

Thankfully there were only three sports this season I practiced with (sorry cheerleading, you don’t count even if you are in the athletics section on the Prospect website): Gymnastics, bowling and basketball.

So we all know bowling isn’t the most challenging of all sports, but it’s still a fun sport to be involved in.

Despite its ranking as number three on my list, I learned about the technique that is involved in the sport.

Going into it I thought, “Oh, you just go up and throw a ball.

How hard can it be?” Well, I was wrong.

While all the other girls were throwing strike after strike, I was taking a ride on the struggle bus, trying to just get the ball out of the gutter.

Did you know the team bowls without bumpers? I didn’t.

Mind = blown.

Well since my bowling wasn’t exactly straight, varsity coach Greg Troyer gave me

a quick tutorial on what to do one, basketball. It ranks numwith my swing. ber two on my list because no Because all of my throws matter how hard it is, anyone were ending up too far to the can play. If you work and train left, Troyer took his handy hard enough, basketball will iPad that he uses for the team come to you. and recorded my swing from Regardless, there is obvibehind to see where my arm ously an immense amount of was going. agility that comes along with T u r n s basketball. I A skill I obviously did AHYBA out, even though I felt third don’t have because from like my arm through was straight, in fifth grade I shot sixth grade, I threw it alit didn’t a basket at the other team’s but most all the even come way behind hoop. Whoops.” close to Prosmy back. pect basketTroyer then told me to bring ball. my arm to what it felt like all Running constantly from the way out to my right, but it one side of the court to another would really be straight. can be tedious and breathtakEven though I felt like I was ing, but that’s what the sport gonna swing the ball right into entails. someone’s face behind me, it Even more so, running, penworked. etrating through defense and So if you feel that you are trying to shoot a basket all at going to smash a bowling ball the same time requires a lot of into someone’s face behind skill. you, you’re probably doing A skill I obviously don’t have something right. Just a tip for because in fifth grade I shot a all you that don’t bowl. basket at the other team’s hoop.

Next up, and this was a hard Whoops.

The most striking thing that I noticed during the practice was the strict coaching put on the girls. If something wasn’t right, they knew it and had to fix it.

That might not be something that the girls enjoy, but it’s definitely what makes them as successful as they are.

Lastly, gymnastics is number one on my list of challenging sports. So I might be a little biased because my sister was a gymnast for what, 16 years?

I was a gymnast for maybe four years, then figured out my fear of heights would probably restrict a lot of things that I could do there.

Anyway, I wasn’t able to do much at this practice.

My injury from a few years ago is a part of it, but it was mainly my inability to do anything.

Gymnastics is the most mentally and physically straining sport there is.

Not only are you turning and flipping your body into positions they are not supposed to be in, but if you’re not totally

Sports

15

Between the Lines

With WIITH AUNGELINA DAHM Aungelina Dahm committed to whatever you’re about to do, things can go very wrong.

I’ve seen way too many injuries in gymnastics just because the person was not mentally ready for what she wanted her body to do.

If you’re a successful gymnast, props to you. I envy you.

It is not easy to be a part of one of the most beautiful sports ever.

Brothers compete with each other

By Peter Fusilero

Executive Sports Editor When senior Andrew Younger and junior Nathanael Ginnodo were only 7 years old, they lived only three blocks away from each other. However, a place that was even closer to both of them was the Recreation Park Community Center. Their friendship and their love of competitive swimming began here on the Rec Racers swim team.

When Younger and Ginnodo got older, they started bringing their younger siblings, freshmen Isaac Ginnodo and Abby Younger, to the pool. In addition to the Youngers and the Ginnodos, other neighboring families bonded at the pool.

Flash forward nine years and all of the siblings who lived near and swam at Recreation Park are now on Prospect’s swim team together. Instead of trying to compete against each other for fun, they now compete with each other.

“It’s nice to be on a team with [Andrew],” Nathanael said. “He supports me instead of trying to beat me, and I think it’s more fun that way.”

The brothers from Recreation Park make up the core of the boys’ swim team this year, and it is the entire team’s goal to not only win the Mid Suburban League East title, but also

s BUTTERFLY: Sophomore Michael Morikado takes a breath as he swims the butterfly during a home meet Dec. 14. Michael is one of the many brothers that is on this year’s swim team. It is the team’s goal to not only win the MSL East title, but also have a positive experience until the season ends. photo by Ian Magnuson

to have a positive experience as the season goes on.

Head coach Alfonso Lopez is looking forward to see what his team can do, but he just wants each swimmer to enjoy the season.

“I think we’ve been waiting for [the MSL East title] for a while,” Lopez said. “[The boys] work really really hard...and I just want them to enjoy [the pursuit].”

However, the team is trying to get closer to their goal during practice and the brothers feel that there is a rivalry.

“There is definitely that pressure like, ‘I don’t want to lose to my brother,’” Nathanael said. “If you ask the Gabriel brothers, I know they probably say that.”

Sophomore Sam Gabriel feels that having his brother, freshman Jack Gabriel, on the team makes him compete even harder because he understands the embarrassment of losing to a younger sibling.

“You don’t want to have your younger brother come up and take your spot,” Gabriel said. “It motivates me to work my hardest and not slack in practice.”

The group of brothers are not only in practice together at the same time, but they are always with each other, which brings the team closer and strengthens its chemistry.

“We are with each other just a ton,” Nathanael said. “The workouts in the morning and after school... overall the really

long season is what keeps us together.”

This is the first time Lopez has seen such a close group of brothers, maybe because this is the largest group of brothers he has ever seen.

“We’ve only had one set of brothers [in the past] typically we have siblings between the girls’ team and the boys’ team, but never like this,” Lopez said.

When coaching, Lopez feels his job is easy because he doesn’t have to fix any conflicting relationships swimmers might have with one another.

“It’s easier for an older brother to tell a younger brother what to do, as opposed to some other kid that they just met,” Lopez said. “It’s kind of like a little family, so the cohe-

sion is already there.”

However, the only difficult thing that Lopez deals with is to not compare two brothers to each other.

“I try to catch myself not putting expectations on the younger guys and what their brothers can do,” Lopez said. “I can’t expect all Ginnodos to be breaststrokers or all Morikados to be butterfliers. I kind of have to let them find their own place.”

Gabriel agrees with his coach that each swimmer, regardless of if he is a brother on the team, is an individual. He also believes that even though brothers might be different, the older sibling is the one who influenced the younger sibling to carry on the tradition. “[My sister] was an influence for me to join because she said it was fun and the coaches are awesome,” Gabriel said. “[The older sibling] knows the coaches so well, so that makes you want to join and keep going year after year.”

The swim team has literally turned into a family, and Lopez hopes it will be a continuing tradition.

“I want them to enjoy it; the team is fun, and it’s fun to be apart of,” Lopez said. “I want them to have a positive experience. We will win along the way, and we’ll try to swim fast.”

BROTHERLY LOVE: (From left to right) Sophomore Sam Gabriel, freshman Matt Culliton, sophomore Tyler Culliton, senior Zachary Tuczak, freshman Jack Gabriel, sophomore Nick Tuczak, sophomore Michael Morikado, freshman Alex Morikado, junior Nathanael Ginnodo and freshman Isaac Ginnodo take a group photo after their swim meet. photo by Ian Magnuson

s

Friday, December 21, 2012

SPORTS

On page 15 ...

Boys’ swimming creates bonds between families through the Recreation Pool and swim team. Look inside to read about this family affair.

Wrestling gets wrecked by illness By overcoming the Prospect flu, wrestlers achieve strong season certain wrestling moves in order to prepare for their tournament. Although George had The bubonic plague seemed a successful tournament—he to have hit Prospect in early was the only Prospect wrestler December. This became espe- to win—Walter still felt guilty cially clear when only eight for not being there for his wresvarsity wrestlers showed up to tling partner.

“You really show up to pracpractice on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

What has become known as tice to make your teammates the “Prospect flu” kept over better,” Walter said. “That’s half the wrestling team out really why because some days sick just before the Prospect you’re like, ‘Man I really don’t Mudge-McMorrow Wrestling want to be here.’ It sucks, but you show up for your teamInvitational.

Despite the setback, the mates.”

For Walter, his teammates Knights went on to be successful at the home tournament, fuel his dedication to wrestle.

“It is me just going out placing seventh among 18 highly competitive teams. Senior there, but I know I [have] all Shola George won tournament of them supporting me and [it champion of the heavy weight definitely] starts in the room, other guys pushing you and division.

The dedication the team has making sure you try and get shown leading up to the season better,” Walter said.

The support starts at pracprevented setbacks, such as the flu, from affecting the team’s tice where the team endures tough conditioning such as live success too much.

“Hard-working dedication wrestling, morning runs or is paying off,” varsity head shark bait, where one person is put in the middle and different c o a c h teammates T o m Meet results are forced W h a • PHS Tournament: 7 out of 18 to rotate in len said.

• Wheeling: 39–21 win (first MSL East on them, to “ O u r matchup) help preg u y s • Schaumburg: 51–24 win pare them bought • Palatine: 58–16 win for their into the • Barrington Tournament: 11 out of 28 match. system, “I say bought don’t think into each other and every week we’ve about [practice] until you’re been getting better and better. actually in the room and then We had to overcome some ill- it’s too late to leave,” Walter ness and what not to deal with said.

A big attribution to the the adversity we have in front success and dedication of the of us, but we’re confident.”

Senior Frank Walter was wrestlers is their year-round among the many wrestlers training. Many of the wreswho became sick. In practice, tlers work with other proWalter wrestles with George grams in the area, the most and, because he was out sick, popular being Izzy Style, while George was unable to work on others stay at Prospect for offseason training.

By Maddy Moloney

Associate Editor–in–Chief

ATTACKING THE “PLAGUE”: Juniors Tyler Triveline and Nick Ragucci battle it out during practice on Friday, Dec. 14. Most of the wrestling team took a hit from the Prospect flu, but still managed to achieve success. photos by Ian Magnuson s

“For wrestling, if you want to be successful you have to be extremely committed,” Walter said. “You have to show up to the offseason. I think that that is one of the things most people wouldn’t expect.

If you don’t show up in the offseason you’re going to come into the new season and you would have almost forgotten everything because your muscle memory does not retain what you learned in the past season if you don’t exercise it.”

Sophomore Adrian Wroblewski travels to Warsaw each summer to train with the Polish National Team. Wroblewski said he goes to Poland to focus on more of his wrestling technique. During the summer, he practices three times a day for 14 days straight.

“Every year is cooler because you’re meeting new people who are coming into wrestling,” Wroblewski said.

Once Wroblewski returns home at the end of the summer, he takes only a few weeks to recoup before returning to the mats where he will practice five to six days a week for the rest of the year.

“I just like [wrestling],” Wroblewski said. “No other sport gets me into it. It’s just like you’re on your own and have to win. It’s not just revolving on your team, it’s just on you and what you did... In wrestling, if you screw up, it’s your fault.”

New name to wrestling invitational

The Knights rewrote history this year by changing the name of the 53-year-old Prospect wrestling tournament formerly known as the Dick Mudge Memorial Wrestling Invitational. From hence forth the tournament will be named the Mudge-McMorrow Wrestling Invitational in honor of former head coach Gary McMorrow.

McMorrow was head coach of the Prospect wrestling team from 1983 to 2009. After the 2009 season McMorrow stepped down from head coach to assistant of the freshman team. “[McMorrow is] the cornerstone of the program,” varsity head coach Tom Whalen said. “Thats why he stayed around after he was head coach and after his retirement. He will still be here probably when I retire.”

This year will be McMorrow’s 40th wrestling season, which includes the four years he wrestled as a Prospect student, four years wrestling in college, 11 years coaching wrestling at Hersey.

“I felt like it was time and it was right, after all he has given to the program that the program gave a little bit back to him and that it doesn’t go on forgotten after him and I are gone,” Whalen said.

McMorrow believed it was a nice honor, but his only complaint was the title.

“I said, ‘Sounds good, thanks, but drop the ‘memorial.’ I ain’t dead yet’,” McMorrow said.

Senior Frank Walter and sophomore Adrian Wroblewski supported the change. Walter said that he likes McMorrow and believes that McMorrow deserves to be the tournament namesake.

“I think he’s perfect alongside [assistant coach Joe Rupslauk], because [Rupslauk is] kind of like the enforcer,” Walter said. “He makes sure the things [McMorrow] says get done and [McMorrow] is more the brains behind the operation.”

Wroblewski, although he never directly worked with McMorrow, he appreciates all McMorrow has given to the program.

“He’s a cool guy, he would come into our practices and motivate us,” Wroblewski said.

The tournament took place on Dec. 8 where the Knights finished seventh. McMorrow was happy with the tournament, stating that there were not many forfeits or byes, which made for good competition from such full brackets.

Running helps stamina for practice

s BATTLING BACK: Junior Jackson Wrede and sophomore James Ford grapple during practice on Friday, Dec. 14. One-on-one practice time. “You really show up to practice to make your teammates better,” senior Frank Walter said.

One of the various exercises the wrestling team does to help condition for matches in running.

The team meets Tuesdays and Thursdays before school during the season to run about two miles.

This helps wrestlers to build endurance so that they will have increased stamina during matches because, according to senior Frank Walters, practice is not enough.

The wrestlers do different variations of running, one being the Indian run, where the last person in the group runs to the head of the pack and so on, and two an amoeba run where everybody stays in a group.