Online issue 9

Volume 52, Issue 9

Friday, May 2, 2014

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Conquering the crowd

SPEECHLESS: Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is an epidemic that is especially prevalent in high school classrooms. With college interviews, internships and job opportunities nearing on the horizon, students and teachers are struggling to find an effective way to vanquish the social phobia that grips humanity. (Graphic by Rich Futo)

By Erin McGovern

Associate Editor-in-Chief It thrives in the heat of the spotlight. It lurks behind the gaze of hundreds of eyes and feeds off the charged silence.

Though itself intangible, its every movement is recorded in each shaky hand and every wavering voice. It’s the drop of sweat on your forehead, the tensing weight in your stomach, the fear ranked higher than death — and it’s all in your head.

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, affects 75 percent of the total population and has beat out dying for the number-one human fear in survey

after survey for years.

So why is it that the human mind is powerful enough to learn new languages, profess compassion and comprehend calculus but turns self-destructive when thrust into the spotlight?

With graduation coming up on June 1 and auditions for speeches underway, glossophobia will be more apparent than other days of the school year. As public speaking is the skill colleges say students lack the most, it’s a topic that is affecting Prospect students and struggling to be addressed effectively.

Senior Jackson Wrede understands the nerves that come

with public speaking as this year’s president of the National Honor Society (NHS).

As part of the job description, Wrede had to give a welcome at the ceremony, introduce his fellow speakers, speak on the concept of character, read off the names of the new inductees and introduce the guest administrator, Luke Pavone.

104 students were inducted this year into NHS, which meant 208 student eyes and roughly 416 parent eyes were on Wrede as he gave his speech.

As captain of the 2013 football team, Wrede knew what it felt like to be under pressure playing in front of a large

crowd, but he believes public speaking is an entirely different feat to tackle.

“In football, you’re just trying to win a game, but in public speaking, you’re trying to win an audience,” Wrede said. “It’s really different. Some people are born to want an audience, but I just wanted the opportunity to earn respect from a different kind of challenge.”

While the event lasted only an hour, Wrede devoted much of his free time to preparing for the night’s discourse. Two weeks prior to the ceremony, Wrede scribbled his ideas on paper and organized the points he desired most to articulate.

Then, two days before the cer-

emony, he rehearsed his speech for his parents.

Wrede’s mother, Jodi Wrede, helped Jackson prepare for his speech by offering advice on the wording and presentational aspects and then watched as he added his own element to his task.

“The important thing with a lot of speeches is that it needs to work for you, so you have to figure out your own style,” Jodi said.

As a member of her company who oversees the hiring of new employees, most often students fresh out of college, Jodi has experience with working with those who are plagued by

See GLOSSOPHOBIA, page 2

School board votes on cafeteria regulations

By Eva Schacht News Editor

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10 Features

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12 Entertainment

Looking around the cafeteria during lunch hours, it isn’t hard to miss the dwindling number of Pop tarts packages alongside the hardly-touched bowl of apples.

Teenagers making unhealthy dietary choices is nothing new, but for this coming school year, new regulations from the White House were set in place for all cafeterias, including those of District 214.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) release of the “Smart Snacks in Schools Rules,” recently pushed by the Obama Administration, is part of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010.

Starting July 1, 2014, Smart Snacks In Schools will dictate what schools can and cannot sell in vending machines, at school-sponsored fundraisers and in cafeterias from midnight until 30 minutes after school ends.

The District 214 Board of Education recently proposed opting out of

the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) under the USDA, due to the disadvantages that outweigh the benefits of federal funding. The Board of Education will be voting on May 8 on whether or not to opt out.

If the proposal goes through, Prospect will not have to follow the NSLP’s requirements; however, Prospect and other District 214 schools will not receive federal funding for lunch programs, potentially costing the district upwards of $800,000.

Prospect is not the only school thinking of opting out of the program.

Glenbrook and Niles Townships have opted out of the NSLP because of its demanding requirements.

If the Board of Education decides to follow the NSLP’s requirements, foods as simple as yogurt, hummus and pretzels will not pass new regulations because they are too high in sodium or fat content. Even fresh garden salads will not be allowed because of the high fat ingredients in croutons, dressing and eggs.

The objective is to allow balanced,

nutritious items that kids will want to eat. The price in school lunches will not change. Free, reduced and basepriced lunches will still remain the same. If distributors like Pepsi-Cola and Frito Lay raise their prices for bulk items, Prospect will be forced to raise their items as well.

Food and Nutritions Services Manager Donna Rogers believes the NSLP is preventing students to make decisions on their own. At this age, Rogers believes students know the difference between what is and isn’t healthy and have the right to make those decisions on their own.

“Across the board, [the government is] going to take away free will for teenage students to determine what they think is healthy or not,” Rogers said.

“It should not be up to [the NLSP] to decide what you can and cannot serve.”

District 214 Board of Education President Bill Dussling believes even though the district will lose money, the profits gained from cafeteria sales will make up for the loss.

See CHANGES, page 2

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News

May 2, 2014

prospectornow.com

GLOSSOPHOBIA: Getting over the fear CONTINUED from front page

by that familiar anxiety.

“You’re putting yourself out there to be judged, and people, whether they mean to or not, are going to take something away from that,” Jodi said. “But when people expose themselves to that environment and they practice it, they end up conquering those fears.”

While Jodi said she often feels nervous for the person giving a speech, she felt completely at ease watching her son speak at the NHS induction.

Jackson said although the ceremony was nerve-wracking at times, the experience gave him a sense of accomplishment and confidence that now makes him approach his previous fear differently.

“If you put time into it and practice, there’s really no reason for you to be nervous,” Jackson said. “Everyone understands people have different abilities, so no one judges you based on how you do because everyone is more or less in the same situation at some point.”

For most students, the familiar discomfort of getting up in front of peers can be a weekly occurrence, as most teachers assign presentations that carry a hefty grade weight.

Honors Written and Oral Communication teacher Allyson Kreutzer makes public speaking an important part of her lesson plan amid other essentials like grammar and organized writing.

Through assignments like the global citizenship project and the skeptical investigation speech, she hopes to make students more comfortable in an area of communication that today’s world of smartphones has made foreign to them.

“Students are more than proficient in technology, so I try to move away from that and emphasize communicating with others through speaking,” Kreutzer said.

“It’s difficult to completely eliminate that anxiety of speaking in front of your peers, but it’s about harnessing it to make you better.”

For most students, surpassing the preface of being the center of attention goes deeper than worrying about the resulting grade.

AP Psychology teacher Daria Schaffeld understands the source of this fear many times lies in a flawed cognitive approach to public speaking.

“People often misinterpret or sensationalize what they think is going to happen,” Schaffeld said. “When you assume

something over and over again, you often Everyone understands people have difdo choke, but if you ferent abilities, so no one judges you based change your thinking, very often the result on how you do because could be different.”

According to everyone is more or less in the same Schaffeld, glossopho- situation at some point,

bia derives from an anxiety that has been -Senior Jackson Wrede a learned stressor Instead of enjoying the opportunity, Sifrom giving presentations in pressured mon believes most students focus more on circumstances from a young age. This little slip ups they feel would make their causes a social phobia, the fear of any sit- grade suffer. uation in which one could be judged by “Don’t overthink it,” Simon said. “It’s others, to develop. an opportunity, not a test.”

Then, it becomes the seemingly imAn opportunity is exactly what English possible task of overcoming the negative teachers Elizabeth Joiner and Jill Corr self-image that results from years of feel- have presented to the senior class in the ing inadequate during presentations. form of graduation speaker auditions.

While the psychology behind the scenes While the turnout was not as high as makes it difficult for students to tackle they had hoped, Joiner believes students their fears, speech team coaches Jeremy often forget the most important and reMorton and Scott McDermott have used warding part of presenting a topic to othperforming as a way to coax students out ers. of their shells.

“You’re not speaking to a hostile “Anxiety is natural,” Morton said. “It’s crowd,” Joiner said. “You’re speaking to healthy, but it’s all about how you focus it people who are on your side. Once you reand use it.” alize that everyone is rooting for you, the Both Morton and McDermott find them- nerves will die down, and you’ll get to see selves working with students who think what it feels like to really be heard by your they’re bad at speaking in front of others peers.” but who actually have great talent.

She believes students aren’t confiAlthough acting and giving a presenta- dent in their own ideas and knowledge tion in front of a class are different, Mc- and that presenting on such an exciting Dermott believes the mindset students day can often make giving a speech more should have when approaching both is es- nerve-wracking. sentially the same.

Corr agrees and adds that assuming “Giving a presentation in class is more they are inferior is the false assumption than spitting out information,” McDer- that causes many students to shy away mott said. “It’s getting people to consider from that chance and later regret it. something in a different way than they’ve “Everyone has different levels of compreviously thought about it. Thinking, fort, but no matter where you are, there’s ‘What’s my message? How can I leave an that room to improve your skills,” Corr impact?’ is a lot of the time forgotten be- said. cause it becomes more about getting it Though casting aside one’s fears is no over with.” easy task, Jackson asserts that the feeling Freshman speech team member Emma of attainment gained from the experience Simon agrees with McDermott that stu- is more powerful than any momentary redents should think more about what they lief felt from never stepping up to accept can do with the time they have in front of the challenge. others.

“If you’re in a situation where you have “Sometimes, you have to imagine that to give a speech, it’s because you’ve earned the people need to have their attention the opportunity to share your beliefs with grabbed instead of thinking they’re judg- a group of people and because somebody ing you,” Simon said. “If you’re always wants to hear what you have to say,” Jacksitting in the back, no one will ever know son said. “Rather than backing away from what you believe in.” an opportunity and not being confident in Her participation speech team and the yourself, you should step up to the tee and winter play have helped Simon to be more take a swing.” confident and shed the debilitating fear that grips most students.

CHANGES: Drawbacks outweigh new advantages CONTINUED from front page “We’re in the position of having to cut back if we didn’t get out of the NSLP on cafeteria provisions, even [staff] possibly, because you can’t sustain a cafeteria that nobody’s visiting,” Dussling said.

Last year, the district introduced a new lunch program.

There was a decline in the options offered to students, eliminating the most popular snacks and replacing them with food considered healthier. Students did not like the new food offered and chose not to eat in the cafeteria anymore, decreasing the lunchroom revenue for the schools while not getting kids to eat healthier.

“If the students aren’t going to eat [the food], and nobody will be [in the cafeteria], what’s the point?” Dussling said. “It’s a change that we feel is necessary for us to provide food.

We’ve had a drop in student participation in cafeterias because of menu changes made a couple of years ago.”

Rogers’ own children attend Prospect, and she wants them to be able to eat in the cafeteria.

Every time a student decides to leave campus for lunch, the school is essentially losing potential profit.

If a student wants a new type of chip or drink, she tries to order it immediately so that she can try and cater to every student’s preferences. The only restriction is the cafeteria cannot sell products in glass bottles.

“We’re trying to get out of the program so we can totally revamp the menu,” Rogers said. “If we get out, we will be able to serve what we want to serve.”

Currently, all district menus have to proportionally balance all fats, calories and grains that go into each food item under the requirements. As for Prospect, the cafeteria serves the lowest number of National School lunches and serves the most number of Ala-Carte items in the district.

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CANDY RUSH: By opting out of the NSLP, District 214 will not receive federal funding and will be allowed to keep the high sugar-based foods. (Graphic by Rich Futo) If the vote is in favor of staying with the NSLP, only drinks that are either 100-percent fruit juice, 12-ounce, low-fat milk, zero-calorie drinks and water will be allowed.

According to Dussling, schools can serve 20-ounce bottles of diet pop but can’t sell 20-ounce cartons of milk.

“Where’s the balance in that?” Dussling said. “You have to have food that’s healthy but also foods that students want to eat.”

Without the NSLP’s guidelines next year, schools will be allowed to offer 10-12 different meals, including grilled chick-

en breasts, a Middle Eastern pita dish and pasta primavera, in hopes of pushing for a more healthy and nutritious cafeteria district-wide.

“It’s not a matter of being against the government,” Dussling said. “[The new rules] don’t make sense. The goal is to offer more nutritious items and a bigger variety of items that are nutritious for students.”

May 2, 2014 News

prospectornow.com

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District makes strides toward STEM

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HS W

lab s

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education, which is a 21st century education, for all of our students,” Heintz

By Shreya Thakkar said. “So we define it ourselves as News Editor ‘STEM for All,’ the idea of making sure Senior Rick Hallman wakes up ev- we have opportunities for kids at all difery morning at 6:30 a.m to attend his ferent levels.”

Although Wheeling doesn’t receive first-period class, Calculus 3. However, any extra funding for being a STEM instead of seeing the Columbia blue school, it focuses much of its time and and white hallways of Prospect, he is resources to expand student opportugreeted with hues of royal blue and nities in career certifications, college gold — Wheeling’s school colors.

Hallman took AP Calculus BC as a partnerships and technology training junior, and when looking to take Calcu- as an incentive and competitive advanlus 3 his senior year, he learned Pros- tage in preparing for and accessing pect doesn’t offer the course due to lack post-secondary opportunities in STEM. of interest. Therefore, Hallman, along Its robust Project Lead the Way prowith students from other schools in the gram and Health Careers Pathway reflect that.

GETTING TECHY: Students work on programming in the Computer Aided Design district, attend Wheeling.

According to Math/Science (CAD) lab. The CAD lab is one of many efforts by Prospect to stay relevant in offering The class is taught at Division Head Keith Bellof, STEM opportunities to students. (Photo by Rich Futo.)

Wheeling because for stuProspect is making advancdents to earn college credes in STEM, but he doesn’t ing more and more a part of our lives, are females, and only one out of 40 stuit, Harper, with whom foresee any drastic chang- and students learning about that will dents is female at Rolling Meadows.

District 214 coordinates So far, through the Women in STEM es comparable to Wheel- help them out later.” for college-level classes, According to the National Math and club, Ruda has coordinated for one ing anytime soon. requires the teacher to “It’s important to stay Science Initiative, the creation of STEM speaker from the University of Illinois have a Masters degree relevant in [STEM] be- jobs over the next 10 years will outpace to come talk to Prospect girls about opW in mathematics, and H cause otherwise you’re not non-STEM jobs significantly, growing portunities available to them. o Wheeling is the only school Su topreparing students properly 17 percent compared to 9.8 percent.

However, as Ruda is a part of Ors es PLT W in the district with a qualified Senior Jenny Ruda agrees that STEM chesis and Mixed Company and takes for the future,” Bellof said. “[To do teacher willing to teach the course. education is important and created the AP Literature, she believes it is importIn addition to Calculus 3, Wheeling that, Prospect] is bringing in speakers, Women in STEM club. ant for Prospect to place equal imporadding in classes and always looking to is able to offer other higher level math “Because of the fact that many of tance on all career paths and activities. increase relevance in our curriculum, and science classes, including AP Comthe jobs by the time my grade “It’s a really good idea to be [but] we want to give students puter Science, because of its transition graduates are going to be in well-rounded in math and science, but multiple opportunities as opinto a Science, Technology, Engineering STEM, there is something Prospect’s emphasis on everything is posed to just concentrating and Math (STEM) school at the start of to be said about those ca- really nice because kids who don’t want on one area.” the ‘10-’11 school year. reers,” Ruda said, who to pursue STEM, which I understand, Although Hallman apAccording to Wheeling’s Math/Sciplans to be a high school have literature and [social science classpreciates Prospect’s adence Division Head Nancy Heintz, bemath and science es] available for them, too,” Ruda said. vancements towards ing a STEM school means skills related teacher.

STEM, he would like to STEM, such as problem solving, sciAccording to the To read about physentific inquiry, technology and com- to see even further develus United States Department opment. i e ics teacher Katie munication, are purposely taught and s ur of Commerce, women hold “It’s good to keep students’ tec d reinforced throughout curricula, while Page’ s experience hnolog y less than 25 percent of STEM maintaining a strong English, social education relevant to a changing with the gender global economy,” Hallman said. “You jobs. Comparable numbers exist withscience and fine arts department. gap, scan the QR in District 214’s AP Physics classes, as need to offer skills that are relevant to “We decided that we wanted to make only nine of out 30 Prospect students code! sure that we focused on having a STEM modern markets. Technology’s becom-

Opinion

Staff Editorial

4

May 2, 2014

prospectornow.com

Greek life no excuse for violence

Gay American University (AU) undergraduate University student activists had accused the uniAlex Louden was assaulted on April 7 by two mem- versity of discouraging rape victims from filing bers of Epsilon Iota (EI), the university’s banned police reports and the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraterbut universally known fraternity. EI was banned nity at Arizona State University was suspended for hazing and alcohol abuse in 2001, but that hasn’t in January after white members hosted a Martin stopped the organization from looming over AU. Luther King Jr. party that mocked African-AmeriAccording to The Eagle, AU’s student publica- cans and perpetuated racial stereotypes. tion, as Louden walked near campus, they tried to Just this April, the University of Alabama voted run him down with their car, shouted homophobic to racially desegregate their Greek life, but promslurs, kicked him in the head 20-30 times and spat ising to stop racism is different than taking action. in his face. They beat him so badly that he had to go According to The Huffington Post, University of to the hospital for a concussion and a spinal strain. Alabama’s “secret” student organization, The MaTheir actions were fueled by discrimination as chine, controls Greek life on campus and prevents African-American students from joinwell as bitter feelings towards ing specific organizations. The unspoLouden’s commitment to a rival ken but obvious exclusion of minorifraternity.

On April 17, leaked EI emails ties from certain fraternities channels and texts surfaced online. The discrimination associated with last century. brothers’ communications reAgainst For Fraternities are also infamous for vealed their desire to sexually assault female students and beat up Voting results of the Prospector staff in their hazing, which has claimed the regards to this editorial. lives of numerous students in the past LGBTQ students, as well as blatant racism and allusions to past few decades. run-ins with the law and community members.

We, the Prospector, believe high school students Such disturbing behavior has been seen in who consider joining Greek life in college should countless fraternities across the country. The Beta make a responsible and informed decision as to Theta Pi fraternity at Wesleyan University in Con- whether or not they participate. Because of past necticut has been nicknamed “Rape Factory,” on instances of abuse in some Greek organizations, it April 25, The Huffington Post reported that DePaul is the responsibility of each student to walk away

19

The best of the basic: Pretty Little Liars One week A is Toby, the next week A is your own mother; what’s next?

This impossibly hard to follow show is a staple on your list of must-sees for the week, DVR’d right next to the Kardashians.

“Mean Girls” quotes The movie of our childhood, while not exactly appropriate, has shaped any regular moment into a Mean Girls quote-worthy one. And we all know that’s SO fetch.

North Face jackets We live in Chicago, so about half of the year is spent complaining about the cold weather.

What’s better than staying warm in your favorite fleece?

Vera Bradley wallets Flower print never goes out of style, from pants in the ‘70s to your mom’s favorite pajamas. A nice wallet is the best way to keep your Starbucks gift cards safe, too!

1

from hazing or to simply join Greek life that avoids such behaviors.

The rivalry among Greek organizations can garner all kinds of abuses. As Greek organizations try to recruit members or uphold their reputations, they sometimes pressure future members to behave unwisely, and when administrators fail to address this until bad press threatens their reputation, groups like EI continue to dominate because there are no real repercussions. Thus, it often falls on the shoulders of the student body to protest and speak out against the perils of on-campus Greek life.

Plenty of Greek organizations do not exemplify segregation or harm other students, and it is up to those who want to join Greek life to decide which type of organization to join. Before leaving Prospect, students should research the Greek organizations that will be available to them in college.

Universities need to prioritize their students’ well-being before their reputations. Greek organizations will only begin to take their actions seriously once until administrations publically acknowledge the complexities behind Greek life issues and combat assaults and threats. Until that happens, high school students should be aware of what they’re getting into before they arrive at college.

Embracing the basic, one Ugg boot at a time pants and Uggs with a Starbucks cup in hand.

Don’t get me wrong; I understand that Uggs live up to their name, but Ugg boots (fun fact: in Australia am I really going to deny myself the and New Zealand, this term refers simple pleasure of being comfortto sheepskin boots, not the brand) able because I don’t want people to began to gain popularity in the ‘70s think I’m basic? but were often called “daggy” or unPeople described as such shouldn’t fashionable. feel embarrassed or deprecate themAustralian surfers invented these selves for doing basic things. Instead, shoes in the ‘60s to keep their feet they should embrace what gives them warm after surfing. joy — even if it happens to be Uggs — However, in the early 2000s, they without worrying about their critics. became popular in the U.S. when While it may seem like the only celebrities like Kate Hudson, Oprah people who frequent Starbucks are and Sarah Jessica Parkteenage girls, all kinds of er wore them as a fashion people, including professtatement instead of as sional adults who wear post-surf slip-ons. suits and act passive agIn one way or another, gressively, go there. Does Uggs’ popularity has afthat make them basic, too? fected us all. Whether you Terribly unoriginal wore the unnecessarily Twitter parody accounts sparkly Uggs or plain ol’ proliferate these stereochestnut-colored ones, if types by shaming girls who you’re a girl, you’ve loved Andi Hayes follow these basic trends.

Uggs at some point in your Associate EdiThe effects of these life. tor-in-Chief tweets transcend into other However, as flames forms of media, as shown come to dust and lovers to friends, all by a CollegeHumor video called good things must come to an end, and “How to Tell if You’re a Basic [explewith that, the Ugg trend has passed tive].” from Americans’ hearts.

The video begins with a couple There are always those who follow sitting in a doctor’s office, nervously trends after their prime, but none awaiting test results. The doctor then of these people have been as stigma- enters to tell them the woman’s test tized as much as the Ugg-wearers, results came back positive, meaning commonly referred to as “basic.” she is basic.

Shaming people for being basic, He explains she has all the sympespecially when they’re following a toms, such as liking scented candles trend that makes them happy, is hyp- and having a picture frame that says ocritical, as everyone has been basic “family” on it. at some point.

The dramatic treatment she reAccording to Urban Dictionary, ceives throughout the video is someone who is basic is “boring, funny, but it still perbland or uninteresting,” and the ba- petuates the idea that sic teen girl is also synonymously in- being basic is bad and tertwined with the “basic white girl” unoriginal. whose regular outfit consists of yoga It’s understandable

Why originality not needed for happiness

Infinity scarves If neverending neckwear is basic then I don’t want to be special. Not only does an infinity scarf keep your neck nice and toasty, it represents how your love of Starbucks and Uggs stretches on forever.

that we all want to be different; however, it’s impossible for us all to be completely unique 100 percent of the time, especially in a world of 7 billion people.

The desire to not be basic forces people to act differently or discourage themselves from doing activities deemed as such.

As a result, making themselves happy is neglected for wanting to be different.

However, people with this mindset all end up doing the same thing: buying into another fad sure to become basic soon enough.

An example is Steve Madden laceup boots, which have become a trend for people striving to get away from the basic footwear of Uggs. However, tons of girls soon bought these shoes and then, as a result, were stamped with the basic label.

Everything you try has been done by someone before you, whether it was last season or decades ago.

Being original every second of the day is an unrealistic expectation we keep, and it’s time to stop criticizing those who don’t adhere to these ridiculous standards.

With these hypocritical rules in mind, it is important we put our happiness first and the fear of being subtweeted second.

#artsy nails You’re busy and stressed; what’s better than pampering yourself and getting your nails done?

Go ahead; add a filter and share that picture of your new nails on Instagram. #YouDoYou

prospectornow.com

May 2, 2014

Opinion

Feminism: equality or revenge?

By Chris Kivlahan

Executive Opinion Editor Too often, we assume that any criticism of an idea or movement goes against the movement itself. Perhaps it’s a result of a collective “black and white” mindset that any opposition to a part of a concept is opposition to the concept as a whole. It is for this reason, as well as the fear of being labeled a misogynist, that I hesitate to say I am not a feminist.

This is not to say that I oppose gender equality or women’s rights. Women’s issues still exist, and equality between the sexes is a pressing crisis.

The problems I find with feminism come in the movement’s transformation in the past decade or so from a movement for equality into something entirely different.

It seems as though the modern feminist movement has been taken over by a vocal minority of younger “social justice warriors” more concerned with making mountains out of molehills and punishing men for past inequality than the pursuit of fairness.

This modern feminism rests upon a foundation of misinformation and the manipulation of statistics. Take, for example, the infamous wage gap.

We’ve all heard that U.S. census calculations suggest that women make only 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Though compelling, this statistic is far more complex than the initial analysis may suggest.

First and foremost, it can’t be as easy as saying that corporations pay women only 77 percent of what they pay men. If women can be paid less for the same work, capitalism dictates that they should be the only ones hired.

Greed will always outweigh bigotry.

S o c l e a r l y, the wage g a p

cannot exist in the conventional sense.

The figure is actually computed by taking the average earnings of all male full-time workers and comparing it to that of the female full-time workers.

No consideration is paid to the fact that men are routinely chosen for higher paying jobs, both because of hiring discrimination (which is a serious and pressing issue) and because men are historically more viable for the more dangerous and, as a result, more highly paid jobs, like mining and construction. This is why men are 13 times more likely to die on the job than women, according to the Department of Labor.

The wage gap statistics do make a valid point and represent a crisis for women, but it is one of hiring, not compensation. Consider, for example, a manager who makes 100k per year. If that manager were a woman, she would still make 100k per year, not the 77k that some may think. The wage gap statistics show, however, that though they may be compensated the same, it is far more likely that the man would be chosen for the job.

Feminists play up the wage gap statistics but rarely delve deeper. By lobbying for equal pay legislation, they largely ignore the hiring bias responsible for the real issue. What’s more, by making the wage gap a central feminist issue, other real areas of inequality can be pushed to the wayside.

Another issue to take with modern feminism is the frequent calls for equal rights but far rarer calls for equal responsibility. Like it or not, there are some legal and societal systems that favor women. True gender equality would mean women have to register for Selective Service, but you hardly ever see feminist protests for that.

Another area in which women are favored over men is in the American court system. In a whopping 83 percent of custody hearings, women get full or primary custody of the children. If the man does manage to get custody of his kids, he’ll likely be paid far less alimony than a woman would, according to a U.S. census report.

Studies upon studies have been done to show the detrimental effects on the life of a child from growing up fatherless. However, this rampant inequality still exists, and if feminism were truly focused on equality as some claim, they would be trying to correct it instead of denying its existence.

For a movement that claims to be one of gender equality, it seems that feminism seeks to play up inequality against w o m en and push legitimate cases of discrimination against males to the wayside.

I say I am not a feminist because I believe in equality. Any definition of feminism that includes anything more than equality for the genders is one that runs counter to what I believe in. What’s more, any feminist movements focused on punishing men or rallying against the invisible boogeyman of the patriarchy run counter to the quest for real equality.

that blatantly oppress women (which excludes many more subtle forms of sexism, as well as oppression directed at other groups).

Joe Biden’s made his share of mistakes, and I don’t see people lining up to become Republicans just because of the time he

By Caroline Binley said, “I promise you, the president has a Opinion Editor big stick,” but feminism gets torn apart Student teacher Grace Luk started her because of individuals’ actions.

The feminist movement is the reason Honors World Literature and Composition class’s “Women in Society” unit by having I’m allowed to vote, go to college and have agency over my own students send text body. It has grown messages to polSo you think you’re from a racist and leverywhere.com homophobic movewith answers to the a feminist? ment to something question “What is a that works relentfeminist?” and proAnswer yes or no to the following lessly to give all peojecting them on the statements, and then check below to ple the lives they deboard. see if your answers line up with what serve, and it is not Most responses most feminists would say. worth abandoning were reasonable, because a few of us like “someone who 1. Do women and minorities deserve have pulled Bidens stands up for womequal rights and equal treatment? in an age where even’s rights,” and 2. Are men naturally better at math ery mistake lives on “one who fights and science than women? forever. for women’s rights 3. Should women and minorities be People who are and/or gender represented proportionally and retoo afraid to call equality,” but a few spectfully by the media? themselves femibright students in 4. Are men naturally better leaders nist are not going to her fourth-period than women? be brave enough to class defined a fem5. Should a woman be able to choose make real change, inist as a “flapper,” whether or not she has an abortion? which leaves fem“propagandist” and 6. Do men and women need to coninism right where even “someone who form to traditional gender roles? it started, the one is pulling for wome7. Is it OK for them to do so if that’s thing standing benized stuff.” what makes them happy? tween oppressed Though those 8. Are men stupid, evil and completely groups and their definitions were obsolete? oppressors. probably jokes, we 9. Are male feminists only feminist to And despite how all seem to define get on women’s good sides? affectionate the feminism differ10. Are victims ever responsible for term “oppressor” ently. According to the fact they were raped or abused? isn’t, we don’t hate a Huffington Post 11. Can men be victims of violence or the people (namepoll, 82 percent of sexual abuse? ly cisgender white Americans think men) who fall into that “men and the category. If anywomen should be thing, feminism has social, political and made life better for economic equals,” them, since removbut only 20 percent identify as feminist, and many Americans ing the shame associated with “girly” marginalize the movement despite its rel- things allows men to express their emotions, have better relationships and be evancy.

Feminism has been described in many more attentive parents.

Many of the few feminists who say they different ways, but my favorite definition is by hate men don’t mean it; just like we’ve all author, feminist and claimed to hate school after an unfair test social activist Bell or quiz, many “man-hating” feminists use Hooks, who defined hatred as shorthand for frustration toit as “a movement wards patriarchy, not because they believe to end sexism, sex- women are any better than men are.

Does that mean blind rage and the snide ist exploitation and oppression” in her comments that accompany it are OK? No, 1984 book “Feminist but it does provide context for quotes that Theory: From Margin are used to ostracize the movement.

If there’s anything we should learn to Center.”

From liberal fem- from the concept of a misandry-driven inists to radical feminist movement, it’s that even if a sefeminists to lect few have taken their anger out of proe c o - f e m i - portion, there are still things to be angry nists, we about.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Inall have our own goals, cest National Network, 18 percent of wombeliefs and en and three percent of men experience an IQ levels, so attempted or completed rape during their it’s no shock lifetimes. According to Honors World Litthat individu- erature and Composition teacher Karen als have made Kruse, this — not white men or the wage decisions that gap — is the biggest issue feminism needs reflect poorly to address.

The same reproductive rights that femon the moveinism secured in the ‘70s are under attack, ment. Some of us have taken and new abortion-related legislation calls for mandatory waiting periods as long as advantage of distorted sta- 72 hours along with invasive and unnecestistics while sary ultrasounds. And if you’ve ever worothers have ried that politicians aren’t doing a good ignored pa- enough job objectifying women, don’t t r i a r c h y ’ s worry; Missouri State Rep. Chuck Gatschroots and enberger has you covered, and he even focused on compared abortion to buying a car.

Just because women have the most baweeds instead, and sic of basic human rights does not mean still others we are truly seen as equals, and just behave fo- cause a few feminists have made poor decused solely cisions does not mean that it’s time for a on systems movement against inequality to die out.

Equality stays in feminist spotlight

A feminist would say: 1. Yes 2. No 3. Yes 4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. No 9. No 10. No 11. Yes

Vengeance takes priority over fairness

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In-Depth

May 2, 2014

When: June 25-29 & July 1-6 Where: Milwaukee, Wis. Ticket price: General Admission: $16 Weekday Admission: $9 Marcus Amphitheater tickets: $45-95 Ticketmaster Featured lineup: Bruno Mars with Aloe Blacc, Lady Gaga, Brad Paisley with Darius Rucker & Joel Crouse, Luke Bryan, Outkast with Gary Clark Jr., Dave Matthews Band, Fall Out Boy & Paramore with New Politics, Zac Brown Band, The Neighbourhood, The Fray, Cole Swindell, Neon Trees The 411: 75 acres of Summerfest grounds holds the world’s largest music festival. This party on the lakefront brings together about 900,000 people, whether they are there to see the alternative, country, R&B, pop, rock and reggae headliners or the variety of smaller bands.

Summerfest has over 1,000 performances and over 800 acts on 11 main stages.

When: July 24-27 Where: Twin Lakes, Wis. Ticket price: $190 on the Country Thunder website Featured lineup: Eli Young Band, Gary Allan, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Randy Houser, Thomas Rhett, Thompson Square, Will Hoge, The 411: A four-day festival dedicated to all things country music has more than 50 vendors, provides multiple camping sites, and even offers a late-night party called “Electric Thunder”, where a DJ plays remixes of country music making it a club-like experience. While the mainstage seating is reserved for individual tickets, general admission passes allow for ticket holders to stand behind the gated area. Prospect and other nearby high school students who attend this festival are mostly found by the section near the lighting.

When: August 1-3 Where: Grant Park Ticket price: SOLD OUT $373.50 Stubhub Featured lineup: Eminem, Outkast, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Lorde, Foster the People, Zedd, Krewella, Chance the Rapper, Cage the Elephant, Childish Gambino The 411:This festival is not only in our very own Grant Park, but also Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

Originally started in 2005 by Perry Farrell, who was the frontman for the band Jane’s Addiction, the festival’s purpose is to bring together all different genres of music and artists to these seven stages in Chicago.

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When: July 18-20 Where: Union Park Ticket price: 3-Day pass SOLD OUT Single-day pass $60 each Featured lineup: Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Beck, Grimes, Neutral Milk Hotel, Danny Brown, Death Grips The 411: Pitchfork music festival was started in 2006 and has been independently run ever since. This festival has over 40 bands with the latest new and emerging music.

This festivals hosts over 50,000 attendees and supports the Chicago arts community.

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The anticipation grew each minute as senior Sean Roberts anxiously awaited for the clock to turn to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25. With three computer screens all on the Lollapalooza ticket website, Roberts waited for the sale to begin so he could get his early bird three-day pass at a discounted price of $225.

According to RedEye Chicago, this year’s Lollapalooza early bird passes sold out in 13 minutes, leaving only regular-priced three day passes for $25 more.

Despite Robert’s dedication, he did not obtain an early bird pass but was able to purchase a regular pass, which had sold out by 11:12 a.m.

Since the popularity of festivals such as Lollapalooza has grown, ticket prices have gone up from $75 last year and sold out even faster this year.

Roberts has been to Lollapalooza twice, and he believes these types of festivals are more popular than a regular concert.

“The whole day you see, not just one, but a variety of acts and types of music, and the atmosphere is a lot more fun because of all the different types of people and the amount of people too,” Roberts said.

Senior Alyssa Friend has also attended Lollapalooza in the past, but she wasn’t able to get an early bird or a regular pass. Instead, Friend bought her pass off Craigslist.

Friend’s dad mailed the ticket money to the seller, however, in return, they mailed back a fake pass.

Friend was disappointed because there was no way to get a refund, so she had to pay for another three day pass that was more expensive off Craigslist.

Even though Friend got ripped off from Craigslist, she has used this source about four times and has had

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When: July 4-6 Where: Montrose Beach Ticket price: TBA Featured lineup: TBA The 411: During its first year in 2012, it had two main stages and featured 66 acts in two days. Last year, It turned into a three-day affair featuring about 100 acts on four main stages. Because of the multiple noise and traffic complaints by neighbors, it could be downsized by reducing the number of stages to about a half of what it was last year.

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ccess with it in the past. Also to avoid counterfeit kets, Friend meets the seller in a public place and ngs a friend with her.

Last year junior Katie Coleman also had a negative perience using Craigslist for her Country Thunder kets.

Her mom’s boyfriend made the purchase through meone who claimed he had spare tickets for them. wever, the day before the festival the seller told em he didn’t have the tickets anymore. “[I wouldn’t buy off Craigslist] anymore, especialwith my experience, so now I buy them through the bsite only.” Coleman said. “I would avoid [unoffil sources] at all costs unless it’s a friend selling a ket.”

Friend has sold festival tickets to others as last ar she bought two Country Thunder tickets and ended to sell one and use the other. However, she ded up selling both tickets for $150 apiece.

Coleman is also selling her Spring Awakening fesal ticket to her friend’s brother, but she is attendg Lollapalooza this year and Friend is going as well.

This year both Coleman and Friend purchased eir tickets from the website in order to ensure their kets are official, and they both believe going to the tival would be worth it.

“It’s definitely expensive, but I think it’s worth ust because you get to see so many people within at time span.” Roberts said. “The people they have e always awesome and even the bands you’ve nevheard of before are always really good, so [even ough you may not know the lineup], it’s worth it to to get early bird for the reduced price.”

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In-Depth

When: June 14-16 Where: Soldier Field Ticket price: $234.79 on Ticketmaster Featured lineup: Tiesto, Pretty Lights, Knife Party, Diplo, Big Gigantic, Benny Benassi, Bingo Players, Steve Aoki, Dillon Francis, Bingo Players, Flux Pavilion, Borgore, Caked Up, Datsik, Carnage The 411: Spring Awakening is a partner with festivals such as North Coast and Summer Set. Spring Awakening started in 2008 and has had about 90,000 in attendance each year. This festival consists of DJs and other EDM artists performing on two main stages.

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When: July 19 Where: Tinley Park at First Midwest Amphitheatre Ticket price: $58.50 on Ticketmaster Featured lineup: Breathe Carolina, Crizzly, Cute Is What We Aim For, The Maine, Mayday Parade, Of Mice And Men, The Ready Set, The Summer Set, We Are the In Crowd, We The Kings, Yellowcard, 3OH!3, All Time Low, Mod Sun, Wax The 411: This year, Vans Warped Tour has over 100 artists in 45 locations. This event offers specialities such as freebies and giveaways from non-profit organizations, backstage passes for the first 100 ticket holders to donate blood at the Music Saves Lives tent, misting stations and slip and slides to stay cool, as well as meet-and-greets with the bands and artists.

Warped Tour also offers free admission to parents who accompany a minor, and they also have a “reverse day care” for parents so they can take a break from the heat and music.

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When: July 9-13 Where: Grant Park Ticket price: Free lawn seating Featured lineup: Aloe Blacc, Janelle Monae, Jeff Tweedy, AWOLNATION, Gary Clark Jr., The Wailers The 411: Taste of Chicago is the world’s largest food festival, with over 3 million attendees, and has been around since the summer of 1980. This festival not only has music entertainment but also thousands of Chicago’s favorite servings. Beverage and food tickets cost $8 for 12 tickets. nt

prospectornow.com

May 2, 2014

Features

9

Things to do before you graduate Write a letter to the editor!

See the costume room Costumer Pat Doyle runs a tight ship down there, but the creativity abundant in that basement deserves a standing O. Make sure to take a peek through that door between the music hall entrance and the stage doors to get a glimpse of the world beneath the stage. -Meghan Doyle

Go to a game or event Most students don’t attend games or meets unless they are on the team or are going to support a good friend.

Venture out of your comfort zone and go see a sport you’ve never been to. Gymnastics is action packed, and so is water polo, to name a few. Grab some friends and hang out while supporting Prospect.

Go to Prom (At least once)

The staff of the Prospector loves going out into the Prospect community to hear your stories and share them with your peers. Let us know what you think about one of our articles or anything in the community you would like to voice your opinion about. We would love to get more feedback from you, and whether you choose to leave your name or go anonymous, your voice will be heard. -Erin McGovern

-Khrystyna Halatyma

Prom is one of the most exciting events to participate in during high school. If you choose not to go, you’re really missing out. If your excuse is that you are unable to successfully get a date, don’t worry about it. You can always just tag along with your friends. Prospect also offers an experience unlike most high schools, so take part in the fun while you can. -Rich Futo

Broaden your horizons

Befriend someone different As cliché as it may sound, it’s so important to talk to people outside of your normal social group. Striking up a conversation with someone you normally wouldn’t with totally opens you up to a whole new set of values and a different perspective than what you may have. Being friends with someone unlike you also helps you both discover new things. -Andi Hayes

You aren’t 12 anymore, so abandon your egocentrism by graduation. Educate yourself about other cultures, regardless of what your classes teach you. Formulate your own opinions on political and social issues. Starting in high school, you can either become a young adult who obeys and accepts the world as it is, or you can take on the challenge to make it better. Now’s the time to expand your mind without an adult forcing you to do so. -Nabi Dressler

Give your parents a call You know that time before the bell rings but after you’re done taking notes? Don’t sit there playing 2048; give your parent a nice surprise by letting them hear your sweet voice!

So your teacher may have the chance for an over-the-phone teacher-parent conference, but being able to talk to a loved one fifth period can be a much-needed pick-me-up in the midst of your hectic, AP-filled day. -Meghan Doyle

Mt. Prospect Golf Club

Scan here to read the rest of the Prospector’s pre-graduation bucket list!

600 South See-Gwun Ave Mt. Prospect IL, 60056 (847) 632-9300

Who Knows You Better?

The subjects Aleks Schillmoeller

The girlfriend Patrick Donohue

The subject

What is his favorite What is his favorite What’s his 4th period What is his birthday? What is his favorite sports team? food? color? class?

What is his middle Who was his favorite middle school teacher? name?

The Cubs

Pizza

AP US History

December 23

Blue

Fitzgerald

His ALA teacher

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4

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4

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4

The Cubs

Pizza

AP US History

December 23

Blue

Fitzgerald

Mrs. Wano (His ALA teacher)

The Cubs

Pizza

Italian

December 23

Blue

Fitzgerald

Mrs. Wano

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4

4

4

Jack Courtney

The best friend

4

4

The results

Winner

X

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Features

May 2, 2014

prospectornow.com

Living the dream United States Military Academy

Students pursue their passion for

United States Naval Academy

service by attending military schools Mary Kate Moloney Features Editor

For the seven percent of applicants admitted to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and the nine percent admitted to the United States Military Academy (West Point), college does not mean parties and being free from overbearing parents.

‘13 graduate Mike Houghton attends West Point and plays Division I football as an offensive tackle.

An average day for Houghton is to wake up at 6 a.m. to attend a full day of classes followed by football practice, dinner, free time and, finally, lights out at 11 p.m. With small leaves over the summer and week-long holidays, he doesn’t get much of a break from this routine.

While all of his friends were enjoying their last few weeks of summer, Houghton was training to become part of the United States Military. Houghton’s first day of basic training was July 28, 2013.

Basic training was not too bad for Houghton because he was used to hard work from playing football in high school. Miltary students did an array of different activities like obstacle courses, navigating through the woods using only a map AT EASE: (From top to bottom) ‘13 graduate Mike and shooting M-16s.

Houghton and his mom pose for a picture after his The first few weeks away from United States Military Academy football game. Sehome were tough; Houghton was nior Eric Garmoe visits United States Naval Academy homesick and was only able to call his family two times. in January when he was shadowing a student in Once the school year started, order to decide if it was a good fit for him. Houghton Houghton realized that West Point and his classmates pose on the USMA campus. (Phowas different than what he had extos courtesy of Mike Houghton and Eric Garmoe) pected. Academics were much hard-

Graphic

er than he anticipated, although he learned to keep up. He also expected most students would come from military families and was surprised to find that many were first-generation like him.

Seniors Eric Garmoe and Quinn Dircks plan to attend the USNA in July to start their basic training just like Houghton.

Garmoe first became interested in the Navy when he read a book on the Navy SEALs. He was already fascinated with the military and the Navy, especially because of all the different opportunities.

During Thanksgiving break his sophomore year, he and his family traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit some friends. During their visit, they took a trip to Annapolis, Md., the location of the USNA. Although it was Garmoe’s first choice, he was also looking at other engineering schools.

He applied to University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois, but after another visit in January, he knew that USNA was best for him.

During his visit, he shadowed a first-year student for two days and one night. He got a glimpse at what life was like at the academy and was attracted to the structured stu-

Information courtesy of Forbes.com

dent life.

Dircks also visited in January to shadow a student. He went to a fencing match during his stay, and it opened his eyes to the activities offered there.

“Once I visited, I was like, ‘OK, this is where I want to go,’” Dircks said. “[USNA] was the first place I could see myself.”

In order to get in, Dircks and Garmoe had to get a nomination from a senator or congressman.

Dircks received one from Congressman Mark Kirk, and both were nominated by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

Garmoe and Dircks share Blue and Gold Officer Robert Falardeau, whose job is to help guide applicants through the admissions process. Falardeau interviews the applicants as well as their families.

Although the application process requires more steps than regular universities, unlike other schools, military academies are free; students do not pay for room and board or tuition, along with medical or dental care.

“I definitely think [West Point] was the right choice for me,” Houghton said. “It took a lot of getting used to, but I realize what the future will hold for me after I graduate.”

The summer FASH-

Graphic tees are a fun way to mix up your wardrobe. With some having funny sayings and pictures, like Brandy Melville’s “You can’t sit with us,” they can be amusing while being adorable.

How to Style: Keep it simple by pairing a graphic tee with a pair of jean shorts or leggings.

Where to Buy: Brandymelvilleusa.com has a whole section on its website dedicated to graphics for $10-$30.

SKater

Skater skirts are meant to be worn high on your waist and are loose-fitting. They somewhat resemble the skirts figure skaters wear, hence the term “skater skirts.” They are cute without being overly dressy, which makes them perfect for school.

How to Style Try a printed skater skirt with a plain crop top.

Where to Buy: Forever XXI and Charlotte Russe have big selections for around $20 each.

For more fashion, scan the QR code to see Q&A’s with FELLOW

Graphic by Rich Futo

Cutoff

Cutoff shorts are a great look for summer. They can be dressed up or down depending on what is paired with them.

How to Style: Pair cutoff shorts with a floral tanktop for a summery look.

Where to Buy: American Eagle has many lengths and styles of cutoffs for $30-40.

Shawls/ A shawl or cardigan is ideal for the spring and summer months because they’ll keep you warm in chilly classrooms, but won’t overheat you outside or in hotter parts of the school.

How to Style: Put a shawl or cardigan on over a tank top and a pair of high-waisted shorts.

Where to Buy: PacSun has many styles for $30-$60, and Forever XXI has a wide selection for a cheaper price of $20-$30.

Pastels, bold prints and bright colors crowded the runways for the spring/ summer 2014 season, and now it’s your turn to try them out. Prospect girls of

By Shannon Smith Features Editor

Nautical Bring out your inner prepster by wearing these cute sailor-esque stripes. They’re classy and perfect for almost every occasion and can be incorporated into your style in a variety of ways, ranging from shirts to purses to scarves.

How to Style Try a navy blue nautical striped shirt with capris and a lightweight scarf.

Where to Buy: Nordstrom has shirts, skirts and accessories with nautical stripes. Prices depend on what you buy.

Clothes modeled by sophomore Katie Penner

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Features

prospectornow.com

May 2, 2014

Junior overcomes Lyme disease

By Khrystyna Halatyma

Executive Features Editor When junior Jessica Motylewski first found out she was Lyme positive, she didn’t realize the severity of the situation, thinking it was just like the flu and would pass within a short period of time.

“I thought I would go into eighth grade year like a normal kid,” Motylewski said. “I didn’t think [Lyme disease] would completely mess it up, and I would only be there 20 days out of the school year.”

Motylewski didn’t know how or where she got infected with Lyme disease (see “What is Lyme disease?”), but she overcame it with the help of her family, friends and guidance counselor Dustin Seeman and is back on track with her life.

“I got sick in June 2010, and I’m finally beginning to get my life back,” Motylewski said.

Her symptoms started with a persistent fever, and after two weeks of feeling sick, Motylewski went to her doctor for blood tests.

One week later, she was in the emergency room due to a severe headache, so her doctors ordered a spinal tap.

The results showed Lyme disease, which attacked her nervous system, had caused Lyme disease Meningitis, a bacterial disease in which the outside of the brain or brainstem gets infected and swollen.

“I was scared, and [my parents] were worried,” Motylewski.

“They were in shock that this had happened.”

“I think that we caught it as soon as we could have, and that made [a] difference in her treatment,” Motylewski’s sister, Sandra, 26, said. “That was the biggest thing we found ourselves fortunate with.”

Jessica was on IV antibiotics for a month with a purple IV tube about a foot long placed into her upper right arm so that the IV could be connected by her mother or a nurse.

After that month, even though the Lyme disease and meningitis were no longer in her bloodstream, it took Jessica more than three years to recover with oral medications.

She still lives with the effects today.

“Getting the power to wake up every morning and take the medicine that I had to take [was hard],” Jessica said. “We went to so many doctors. It was like 30 pills in the morning, 30 pills at night.

Who wants to take that? [It was a struggle] to do what I had to do to

get better.”

Jessica’s aunt, mom and Sandra took turns staying and taking care of her.

“I give my parents props because I don’t know how they woke up and went to work every day, knowing they had a child that was just lying there, and they couldn’t do anything about it,” Jessica said.

As a side effect of Lyme disease and meningitis, Jessica also developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which causes Jessica’s heart rate to increase while her blood pressure remains the same when she goes from lying to sitting or sitting to standing, resulting in dizziness and feeling light-headed.

“I still deal with [POTS], but I’d rather live my life than let [POTS] take over,” Jessica said.

The process was both physically and mentally challenging.

“It was so bad at a time, I couldn’t walk,” Jessica said. “I had to relearn . . . how to do everything again. I wasn’t able to get dressed on my own. I wasn’t able to walk around the block on my own. I had to condition my body to be able do all these things again. It was really hard because no one could give me an answer of how to get better.

Every doctor’s visit, we would be there once a week or once a month, and they’d be like, ‘OK, we don’t know what to tell you.’

“I was in a really bad place. I spent every day in my bed. I would shower once a week, as disgusting as that sounds, but I didn’t want to live like that. What do you have to live for? I wanted to be able to dance again. I wanted to be able to hang out with my friends again and grow up.”

Jessica was very sensitive to light and noise at the time, and her family had to adapt. When her parents would watch TV, the volume would have to be low.

“We have two dogs,” Jessica said.

“I don’t know how they knew not to bark, [but] they knew something was up. Everything was just still and dead in the house.”

Waking up in the same bed, day after day, to the smell of medicine and alcohol wipes, Jessica persevered not only physically but also mentally.

“Along the way, I always had hope it was going to be over,” Jessica said.

“I never shut down completely and was like, ‘This is serious. I’m giving up.’ although I wanted to, and it was hard not to.”

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease, typically from ticks, attacks either the nervous system or bones and joints and occurs in three stages.

•Stage one occurs a few days after the infection begins. These symptoms mimic the flu and may include chills, fever, a general ill feeling, headache, joint pain, muscle pain or a stiff neck.

•Stage two develops weeks or months after the infection has gone untreated. These symptoms include numbness or pain in the nerve area, paralysis or weakness in the facial muscles and heart problems such as skipped beats, chest pain or shortness of breath.

•Stage three occurs months or years after the infection has gone untreated and most commonly includes muscle and joint pain but may also include abnormal muscle movement, joint swelling, muscle weakness, speech problems, cognitive thinking problems, numbness and tingling.

Information courtesy of www.cdc.gov

One of Jessica’s biggest supporters was Sandra. On days when Jessica felt better, Sandra took her to her apartment in the city just to hang out and get Jessica out of the house. The duo would order food or and go out for ice cream or cupcakes.

“Rather than treat her like she was sick, I chose to be completely normal to her and not put any focus on her illness,” Sandra said.

While Sandra supported Jessica, the effect went both ways.

“The way that her attitude was about everything, the strength she exhibited, was very inspirational to me,” Sandra said. “After about a year, year and a half, two years after being sick, she really made the conscious decision to get better and do whatever it took to get better. I don’t know if, in the same situation, I would’ve have been as strong or as motivated. That’s what I took away from her being sick — how much of a fighter she is and [how far] a very positive attitude could come and how much of a difference that could make in somebody’s life.”

Outside her family, one of Jessica’s biggest moral supports was her ballroom dance instructor, Dan Doyle of Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance.

She started dancing when she was 4 years old at McDonald Dance Academy but had to stop when she got sick.

Starting back up in August 2012 was challenging, and because of POTS, she still has to stop every once in a while if she gets too dizzy.

Doyle always tells Jessica, “No matter what, I will still be proud of you.”

The first time Jessica’s mom saw her dance after having Lyme disease, she started to tear up because no one knew how Jessica would recover from the illness.

“Most people would never guess there’s something wrong [with me], but there is,” Jessica said. “I kind of take pride in that, that no one knows how I’m feeling. You don’t want to be that kid all the time.

“This is my challenge. I’m going to conquer it. They say anything is possible, so why don’t I try to prove them right?”

SEPTEMBER WALTZ: Junior Jessica Motylewski dances the waltz with her instructor, Dan Doyle of Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance.

SISTERLY LOVE: Junior Jessica Motylewski’s sister, Sandra, surprised Jessica with Lollapalooza tickets this past summer.

FOREIGN OBJECT: Instead of putting a new IV tube in Jessica’s arm every day, this purple IV tube (about a foot long) stayed in Jessica’s arm for about a month. It had to be wrapped in bandages before every shower to keep dry.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Motylewski

May 2, 2014

prospectornow.com

Entertainment

11

Who knows their comic books better?

Dave Schnell Mike Riedy versus

Comic book films claim victory at box office

By Kelly Schoessling Managing Editor

Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” made a total of $95 million at the box office in its opening weekend. Five months prior, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” received $85 million during its opening weekend.

However, the success of these movies was far from unprecedented.

With blockbuster films such as the “Batman” trilogy, “Spider-Man,” “Iron Man” and “The Avengers,” comic book movies have never been more popular.

Comix Revolution employee Jessica Krinke believes older generations introducing comic books to their kids has contributed significantly to these films’ success.

However, social science teacher and comic book fan Dave Schnell believes the appeal for these movies stems from their quality.

“They’ve become less of just superhero movies and become better at the storytelling, visual effects [and] the drama of the mystery surrounding [the stories],” Schnell said.

Math teacher Mike Riedy also grew up reading comic books and believes

audiences look forward to seeing their favorite heroes brought to life.

Although superhero movies have become collectively popular, these heroes are rooted in two different filmmakers.

Superhero characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk and Black Widow are all owned by the production company Marvel, whereas heroes such as Batman, Wonder Woman, The Watchmen, Green Lantern and The Flash are owned by a separate production company, DC. According to Schnell, the main difference between the two is that DC’s characters are darker and make morally questionable decisions such as those in Batman’s storyline while Marvel has a tendency to have more light-hearted moments with characters like Iron Man. “You just can’t imagine Batman sharing in a laugh with anybody,” Schnell said.

With the release of several franchises, including “The Avengers,” Marvel has earned a total of $5.9 billion in the past 20 years, according to boxofficemojo.com. With fewer franchises released, DC has collected $3.1 billion.

Schnell believes Marvel’s larger suc-

cess is primarily connected to its characters.

“You have these big figures and these legendary teams, whereas DC plays a lot more with their minor characters,” Schnell said.

Riedy states the rivalry between Marvel and DC is ultimately beneficial.

“It’s good for us that Marvel and DC are fighting about these movies because they want to [create] the bigger blockbuster, so it’s causing each [film] to be better and better,” Riedy said.

Riedy is a DC comics loyalist but prefers Marvel movies because of their quality.

Conversely, Schnell currently enjoys DC more.

“I was drawn to Marvel originally because I knew who these [heroes] were, but I think I like DC better because their stories are darker and more realistic,” Schnell said.

Ultimately, Riedy believes the heroes in these films are iconic role models for the younger generation.

“It’s just like any other hero,” Reidy said. “They’re just like an NBA hero or a sports hero. It’s just somebody for [kids] to look up to.”

Q: What was The Joker’s profession before he became a villian?

S: comedian

R: comedian

Q: Who is Mr. Fantastic’s wife?

S: Sue Storm R: Sue Storm Q: What is Spiderman’s middle name?

S: Don’t know R: Benjamin

Q: What is the name of Superman’s artic center?

S: Fortress of Solitude

R: Fortress of Solitude

Q: What are Wolverine’s claws coated with?

S: Adamantium R: Adamantium

Winner: Riedy

Students organize alternative band, develop camaraderie

By Ellen Siefke Copy Editor

Senior Jack Mannix was on the phone with one of the organizers of the March Live 8 concert, discussing his band’s appearance. The caller asked for a name for the program. Without thinking, he blurted out, “Pants.”

At first, fellow bandmates seniors Tyler Marofske and Ben Sullivan were taken aback. Soon, however, they began to accept the name and its potential.

“I thought it was kind of weird, to be honest,” Marofske said. “I thought the name ‘Pants’ was a little odd, but then we started referencing it, and we started talking about how usable the name ‘Pants’ is.”

The name stuck, and the student band consisting of Mannix, Marofske, Sullivan, senior Nate Kelly and junior Mark Larock is in full swing, despite only getting together a few months ago.

Although only recently formed, Mannix had been talking to Marofske and Larock for a while about it.

Finally, they got together in time to perform at the Live 8 concert, which is when Sullivan and Kelly came along.

Sullivan had seen a picture of a fourstring bass that Mannix had bought, and the two talked about potentially jamming together. A week later, Mannix texted Sullivan, asking if he wanted

to perform, and he agreed.

Kelly was originally asked to play because Marofske couldn’t attend, so they needed someone on bass. The Live 8 group consisted of Mannix on guitar and vocals, Sullivan on guitar, Kelly on bass and Larock on drums. After the performance, Kelly stayed with them.

Now, the band practices regularly at Mannix’s house and has tried to have more structured rehearsals.

Covering a mixture of ‘90s and alternative bands, such as 311 and Sublime, they do plan to compose original pieces.

Their first performance was at the Live 8 concert, and it went well. Although nervous at first, playing a simpler song, “1979,” helped relieve the tension.

“That kind of gets your nerves out and gets your fingers in the mode,” Sul-

livan said. “Once you’re out there for a couple of minutes, you just zone out and don’t even think about the people.”

Since then, they have performed at the pep assembly, which Mannix set up, and guitar club coffeehouse.

The members believe it was the pep assembly that put them on the map.

“I think it took us being in front of people doing what we do for them to understand what we’re doing because people already knew about us, but no one knew that we were actually structured,” Mannix said.

The performance also led to an increased hype on their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Although they have no more gigs offi-

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cially set up, they will schedule some, possibly at graduation parties.

In college, since they will be going to schools in fairly close proximity, with Mannix at ISU, Kelly at University of Illinois and Marofske at Millikin University, they plan to meet up occasionally.

Ultimately, all five members enjoy the camaraderie and wish they would have started up sooner.

“We really like being together and playing together and having fun together,” Marofske said. “It’s just there’s barely any school left, so we don’t have as much time. We’re just going to enjoy the time we have left and figure out how to get together in the future.”

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12

Entertainment

May 2, 2014

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Letterman leaves legacy in comedy

Starring: Seth Meyers Channel: NBC Late-night comedian David Letterman announced April 3 he will Time: 11:35 p.m. be leaving his talk show, “Late Night with David Letterman.” One Known for: His “geeky” sense of week later, CBS announced Stephen Colbert will be taking over humor, taking his “Weekend Letterman’s position and leaving his own show on Comedy Central Update” anchoring style from in 2015. With the addition of a figure as popular and well-loved as SNL onto his own show and Colbert to late-night comedy, the competition is sure to heat up, with using anecdotes and his Jimmy Fallon recently taking over the coveted 10:30 p.m. spot and listening skills to help launch newcomer Seth Meyers taking over the later NBC time slot. Let’s his show. take a look at TV’s hottest late-night comedians to predict how the Notorious skits/segments: king of political satire will fare.

It’s too soon, but so far he has introduced a lot of witty segments like “Venn Diagram,” where he brings two Starring: Conan O’Brien completely unrelated things together in a funny way, such Nicki Minaj Channel: TBS and the TV show “Hoarders,” whose commonality was they have a Time: 10:35 p.m. lot of junk in their trunks. Meyers’ band leader, fellow SNL alum Fred Known for: His spontaneous and awkward sense Armisen, is definitely going to bring a lot, whether it be his deadpan of humor, and, of course, the Conan intro jump humor and banter with Meyers or his potential involvement in skits. he does at the beginning of every show, affectionately referred to by his fans as “Coco” Starring: Jimmy Kimmel Notorious skits/segments: Channel: ABC •“Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog”- a puppet dog Time: 10:35 p.m. that goes to celebrity events and insults them Known for: Being on ABC, he includes while puffing on a cigar. more family-friendly comedy; his skits are •“Clueless Gamer”- Conan is introduced to a more accessible to younger people who new video game and dukes it out with a former aren’t as updated with current events writer for the show, making wisecracks as most adults. and commenting Notorious skits/segments: on the ridic•”Lie Witness News”- a segment where a correspondent goes up to ulousness people on the street and asks them about fake news, waiting for their of video reactions. The funniest ones are at music festivals, where they go and games and ask about made-up artists such as DJ Cornmeal, MC Froyo and Purell. his lack The responders pretend to know these artists and to be excited to see of skill for them. them.

•”Celebrities Read Mean Tweets”- celebrities read hateful and bizarre tweets aimed at them, like Justin Bieber reading one that said, “Dear god, give us back 2pac and we’ll give you Justin Bieber.”

By Andi Hayes Associate Editor-in-Chief

Female comedians deserve same late night opportunities When Stephen Colbert was named of their societies,” Meyers said.

David Letterman’s replacement on Amen to that. I couldn’t ever say CBS’ “Late Show,” I was disappointed, men are funnier than women or vice and not because Colbert isn’t funny. versa because I can’t even compare He’s satirical and witty, and he comedians of the same tackles tough topics. gender; everyone’s style is Colbert is a fantastic comedidifferent and everyone is an, but I couldn’t help but wonhilarious (or unfunny) in der; of the countless not-white their own ways. I can pick guy comedians, would it absoa favorite comedian or two lutely kill a major TV station but I can’t say who’s funto pick a host who better exemnier than whom simply plifies what America looks like because I prefer a certain today? In 2014, would it really style of comedy. be inconceivable, too much of Some people like to yell a gamble, too much of a shock Nabi Dressler about the fact that womto the system, to finally hand a Editor-in-Chief en cover unrelatable toplate night talk show spot on a ics like periods (oh, calm major network to a woman, a down) but female-centric minority or, better yet, a minority wom- material isn’t all that female comedians an? address. Meyers doesn’t believe in “the I have the radical notion that in a idea that women are this kind of funny population of about 314 million people, and men are this kind of funny,” citing white men aren’t the only funny people Sarah Silverman’s coarseness, crudein this country. ness and physical jokes.

According to the Associated Press, “But again, sexism gets in the way in over 50 years of late night TV, only and [Silverman] gets treated differone female and one non-white come- ently and held to a different standard dian have held talk show host spots than other male gross-out comics,” on major networks, Joan Rivers and Meyers said. “She doesn’t do anything Arsenio Hall. Rivers, although I don’t less coarse than, say, Adam Sandler or agree with plenty of what she says now- any of those guys, but she often gets adays, is still making bank. Hall is back set apart and treated as, ‘She’s a little with his show on The CW. According to radioactive, she’s a little scary, she’s a Huffington Post, 15 percent of prime- little weird.’” time programs on broadcast networks Dismiss female comedians because had female writers in 2010-11, down 20 you don’t like their comedy, after you percent from 2006-07. Between 2000 and actually listen to them and not be2009, the wage gap between female TV cause they’re female. Meyers also sees writers and white male TV writers rose the trouble with nearly all-white male from $4,735 to $17,343. writer’s rooms and believes only a cerInstructional assistant John Meyers, tain point of view can be projected and who is heavily involved in Prospect the- groupthink kicks in. ater, has written comedy with women “I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I and attributes the lack of female come- think there’s a room somewhere with a dians in late night to “sexism, pure and bunch of guys going, ‘We shall keep the simple.” The aforementioned statistics women locked up,’ but I do think that seem to confirm that, because women there’s enough sexism inherent in the aren’t any less funny than men. system where it’s this sort of, ‘That’s “When we look back long-term, the way it goes. We’re not even considthere’s not a lot of female comedians ering it [another] way. Our only real across the centuries for the same rea- choices are, oh, is it going to be Jimmy son there’s not a lot of female philoso- or Steve or Jon Stewart?’” Meyers said. phers, and that is because of the sexism I’m not arguing all white male come-

Starring: Jimmy Fallon Channel: NBC Time: 10:35 p.m.

Known for: Celebrity involvement in skits — most notably Justin Timberlake, his good friend with whom he has also hosted SNL — and his ability to have them do more than just the typical interview, such as performing a cover of The Lumineers song “Ho Hey” exclusively clucking in chicken suits with Blake Shelton, Nick Offerman, Michael Buble and Amy Poehler.

Notorious skits/segments: •“Lip Sync Battle”- a celebrity dukes it out with Fallon in lip syncing a verse of a popular song (Hint: you get bonus points if you are Joseph Gordon-Levitt and do “Tiny Dancer” or “Superbass”).

•“History of Rap”- while this skit is exclusively with Timberlake, it is one of Fallon’s most famous, where the two do a mashup of the most popular hip-hop/rap songs of the past 40 years.

dians are out of touch. I’m arguing that women and minorities are, by default, better equipped to comment on serious issues like sexism and racism. And the plethora of female and minority comedians who find success elsewhere in comedy have proven they can take on more light-hearted issues and still appeal to a broad prime-time audience.

One thing Colbert doesn’t have is a lifetime rife with sexism and racism.

He can effectively try his best to understand these issues, sure, and he does try, but he still lacks the personal perspective of other comedians. Sexism in comedy is a projection of a society plagued by sexism in general.

“We still have people say, ‘Gosh, are we ready for a female President?’” Meyers said. “Margaret Thatcher died and she was the Prime Minister of England [from 1979 to 1990]. Yeah, we’re ready.

We scraped the bottom of the white guy barrel.”

As we move towards finally electing a female President (Clinton/Warren 2016), I can only hope that late night comedy will follow suit.

“It’s like erosion,” Meyers said.

“Lucille Ball was a trickle. Carol Burnett comes after her, other people Gilda Radner and Madeline Kahn and up to today, we’ve got

Margaret Cho

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, this whole generation of really funny female comedians. Now it’s starting to look less like a trickle and more like a river, and it’s starting to wear some stuff down, to hopefully where we have a point in another generation or two where simply asking this question would be absurd.”

The question of whether women are as funny as men is indeed absurd. How could it possibly be argued that one entire gender is superior in comedic value than another? Men and women are individuals. I’m not judging men’s comic abilities based on Tosh.0’s despicable and extremely unfunny rape jokes.

“You’re always going to find people who are neanderthal, but we will just pass them by as a society and leave them behind, and they can either catch up to us and pull themselves out of the trench they’re digging in the 19th century,” Meyers said.

There will always be regressive, right-wing bigots among us, but the rest of the population is moving towards accepting everyone. The face of America has already changed, and along with just about every other institution in the U.S. from major companies to Congress, it’s time for late night comedy -- and the rest of America -- to catch up.

Jessica Williams

Hari Kondabolu

Who could’ve taken over David Letterman’s “Late Show” Margaret Cho: I heart Margaret Cho. As a minority woman who is bisexual, Cho incorporates everything from race to sexual identity in her stand-up comedy, and would’ve brought her unique insight to late night.

Jessica Williams: If CBS was bent on getting a satirist to replace Letterman, why not Jessica Williams, a correspondent for Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show”? Same realm as Stephen Colbert, minus the limits of a white guy’s perspective.

Hari Kondabolu: Hari Kondabolu actually did stand-up on “Late Night with David Letterman” and proved that he could’ve been a great contender for the job. His poignant commentary on race relations could’ve allowed him to better address the day’s issues during monologues and connect with guests.

prospectornow.com

May 2, 2014

Volleyball works toward consistency than the opponent is what this year’s team is focusing on.

Sending statistics to the Going up against a state- players after games and addranked team is tough enough, ing film has contributed to the success along with preaching but going up against four of to play hard them in one every second tour nament Leaders in Statistics no matter the is an even bigopponent. ger test.

Leading In-Serve Percent “One of the It was an Jr. Kendrick Taves- 90.0% things we foearly chalJr. Matt Bohnen- 88.2% cus on is not lenge the Sr. Jacob Schwister- 86.0% playing down boys’ volleyto the level ball team had Total Aces of our oppoto face, losing Sr. Grant Andler- 26 nents,” Riedy to both WheaJr. Eryk Krzyzak- 15 said. “Matches ton WarrenSr. Jacob Schwister- 13 that we should ville and be dominating Sandburg.

Total Kills we make interDespite Sr. Grant Andler- 135 esting, which the losses, the Jr. Eryk Krzyzak- 109 is never a good team sees this Jr. Alex Blethen- 58 thing.” benefiting in Riedy sees the long term.

Total Assists the aggres“They’re Sr. Jacob Schwister- 297 siveness but able to see the Jr. Eryk Krzyzak- 20 believes the big picture,” Jr. Alex Blethen- 3 team needs to head coach improve its Mike Riedy consistency. said.

“It’s “Our numbers are good … preparing for the important matches. Playing in the Buffa- but where we’re lacking in is lo Grove Invitational doesn’t the efficiency. [A player] might really affect us other than our get 12 kills, but he also might overall schedule. It just makes hit six balls out of bounds.

Same goes for setting, serving us better.”

Having a different state and passing across the board,” of mind and playing smarter Reidy said.

By Peter Fusilero Sports Editor

Understanding roles has also been a big factor for the team’s success.

Riedy believes each player has his own unique strength that helps put the pieces together.

According to Riedy, senior Jacob Schwister is the setter and “quarterback,” running all the X’s and O’s. Senior Grant Andler is the power hitter “who puts the ball down on the floor” while junior Eryk Krzyzak and senior Matt McPartlin carry the leadership role.

“Everybody has found their niche that they’ve fit into, and it really has been helping the team,” Riedy said.

Along with new roles, the addition of film has been a big key. The team normally watches about three hours of film per week.

“I really like both the stats and the film,” said junior outside hitter Alex Blethen, who has 58 kills so far this season.

“It’s kind of direct feedback of how your passing was, your swing percentage and where the setter can place the ball.

Overall, it’s just an extra edge to get that ‘W.’” Riedy loves to see his team staying together and absorbing all this information.

“I like that they’re a fun

Sports

13

KILL IT: Junior Eryk Krzyzak rises above the net to smash the ball on a Conant opponent. The team has focused on staying agressive, despite going against tough teams. (Photo courtesy of The Crest) bunch of boys to coach,” Riedy said. “They work hard, and there is no complaining. They want to put in the extra work.

They have bought in whole hog.”

As of now, the team hopes to meet the goal of winning conference and potentially going further. The team stands at a record of 10-7 as of April 28.

“We’re looking to not only win [conference], but we host the regional this year,” McPartlin said. “We’re not looking at regionals as the end goal, but we’re looking at it as part of a major goal. We want to make a huge impact on the state tournament and see how far we can ride this momentum.”

Softball improves on last season with more experience

By Devin Prasad

Statistic Leaders this Season

Executive Sports Editor It was the bottom of the last inning against rival Rolling Meadows. A Meadows player hit the ball to the outfield, but then-sophomore Ally Schuldt fielded the ball and threw it to home plate.

The catcher, then-senior Cassie Poulos, grabbed it and tagged the runner for the final out of the game. Knights won.

Plays like this, which occurred last season, are very rare and tough to make, which is why the team has tried to eliminate them. Although Schuldt’s throw was necessary to win, most throws like that are not perfectly placed and end up hurting the team. By choosing to throw home, the outfielder who throws the ball allows the batter who hit it to advance to second base rather than holding her at first.

The Knights have started to change their mentality on these types of plays.

Since the throw from the outfield to home plate is rarely on target, the runner on second usually scores regardless of whether or not the ball is thrown home. The team has decided to eliminate that tough throw altogether and throw to second to hold the runner instead.

Although not a huge change, it represents one part of a overhaul of the team.

Aside from working on defensive strategies, the team has also worked on hitting against any pitcher.

In his four years as head coach, Jim Adair’s goal has been to build a program by making changes like this. He has shown the players what their expectations are, such as participating in team workouts in the winter. Adair has tried to keep girls coming back each year because they enjoy playing.

“My whole focus is to keep kids interested in the program,” Adair said. “You have to have expectations, you have to show them success and you have to feel good about what they’re doing.”

Total Hits Soph. Rachel Trebswether- 16 Soph. Angela Roman- 11 Jr. Casey Lenski- 10 Sr. Emma Riordan- 10 Jr. Ally Schuldt- 10 Total Runs Batted in Jr. Casey Lenski- 12 Soph. Angela Roman- 8 Jr. Ally Schuldt- 7 Total Runs Scored Soph. Rachel Trebswether- 9 Jr. Ally Schuldt- 7 Sr. Emma Riordan- 5

LINE DRIVE: Junior Ally Schuldt hits a pitch against Elk Grove during a home game April 23. Coming off a 9-20 record last year, the Knights feel more mature and ready to handle the season. (Photo by Rich Futo) The Knights had a tougher season last year, with a record of 9-20, and Adair blamed that mainly on lack of experience.

According to Adair, the girls were not ready for the fast pitching and pressure of being on varsity. He also believes the team did not fully understand the complications of varsity compared to other levels of softball. The Knights often built a lead but then eased up and allowed other teams back into the game.

“We were really, really young last year and immature, so it was hard for us to compete at a varsity level,” Adair said. “[The players] didn’t really get it, and now they do.”

This season, the girls on varsity have more experience and can now play with confidence. The girls also worked hard on their individual games to help the team as a whole.

“Last year, I was a freshman, so I wasn’t really ready for [varsity],” sophomore Delilah Malczewski said. “This season, I practiced a lot in the fall and made sure I was ready.”

According to Adair, the Knights have seen their hard work pay off by beating the preseason No. 1 in the area, Barrington. The Knights stopped Barrington from even getting a runner to second base in the game April 16. Malczewski, who pitched, only gave up two hits in the 2-0 win. “[The win] was a huge confidence booster for us because they’re state-ranked,” senior Emma Riordan said. “We all played phenomenal, and it was a great way to start off conference [play].”

The Knights have high hopes for this season, and Malczewski believes they have what it takes to win regionals, though their current record of 4-11 does not fully reflect that. According to Adair, however, the expectations for next season are even higher.

Next year, all but two of the girls, Riordan and senior Meghan Doyle, will return. This means that most of the girls will have had at least three years of varsity

Earned Run Average Soph. Delilah Malczewski- 2.60 Jr. Casey Lenski- 4.52 experience. Adair also sees promise in five incoming freshmen, whom he believes are already capable of making varsity as 8th graders.

“This year, we want to beat some quality teams because that will just build confidence,” Adair said. “Next year, we will be that quality team, and that’s the goal.”

Friday, May 2, 2014

SPORTS

On ProspectorNow.com...

The boys’ water polo team took on Elk Grove April 24 for a senior night win, 16-9. With the season coming to a close, the Knights are looking forward to the first round of sectionals May 12.

Different mentality brings success age, the team is looking at the whole picture. They examine at how productive each at-bat was in terms of advancement of runners, not if the batter made it on base. accredited to the improvements head

By Molly Mueller “We are trying to emphacoach Giusti and other coaches made.

Executive Sports Editor size to the kids that, for exThe changes were made possible by ample, we could have a kid evaluating the past season to see what Prospect’s baseball team finished last season with a 7-19 losing record, worked and what didn’t work for the that goes 0-4,” Giusti said. but the Knights are putting that behind team. Then, adjustments were made to “But in that 0-4, he hit three them this year. So far, the team has gone better fit the current team. According line drives right at some11-6 and also won its first conference to Giusti, this is the most effective way body, and he hit a ground ball to the second baseman to improve each year. game against Wheeling 5-0.

Although the coaches do look back to that scored a run in from According to senior and pitcher Jorpast seasons, they do not compare each third. Those are all considdan Fedro, the first conference win put ered good at-bats… the team on track for a successful sea- year directly.

“So in the past, a kid may be upset “Every team has its own character, son. about going 0-4 when in reality, he had and we have to build off that... but I “I was ecstatic,” Fedro said. “I love our team’s makeup. We are deep at all never get into comparing one year from four quality at-bats that helped put our the next,” Giusti said. “Every year is its team in position to win. So we’re trying positions and always ready to play.”

Senior and third baseman Tom Fla- own breed, its own animal, and you do to get away from the old stereotypical, negative stigmas in the game that I haven agrees the team is growing this the best you can.” believe personally affect people as the This year, the Knights impleyear. game goes on and try and twist that “I just feel like everyone is a lot more mented game-like situations thinking into the positive.” into practices to help the alert and focused,” Flahaven said. “EvThe Knights are using these new aperyone is buying into the team aspect, team get into the proaches to the game to give them an right mentality. just getting better every day.” edge and win. Flahaven believes the

H e a d coach Ross Gi“[The game-like overall change in mentality is what is usti also feels the situations] really pre- driving them this season. boys are “Basically, we are a more deep team, pare us to be ready for anygrowing as a lot more focused,” Flahaven said. thing during the games, espea team.

“We have an overall better goal than cially the close ones,” Fedro said. “ We ’ v e Giusti also changed the pitchers’ ap- we had last year of just winning got a really proach, stressing that they should stay and coming to play every day.” good group According to Giusti, as the team focused on the current pitch. of kids that heads further into the season, the “If you make a mistake, move onto we feel have Knights are looking to be a “competitive the next pitch,” Giusti said.

“Don’t get bought into caught up in what happened before or factor” in the Mid-Suburban League by the team conruin your entire day based on one error, winning the East Division and possibly cept of trying to the conference. They also want to put one strikeout.” pick each other themselves into a good position when Fedro believes the new strategy up and trying to the time comes for playoffs. has been successful. be a contributor, “We are really looking forward to “I think it’s working very no matter what the playoffs,” Flahaven said. “It’s pretty well,” Fedro said.

“I just threw a your role is,” Gi15-strikeout, no walks game. I much just our goal: getting to the playusti said. focused on every pitch during offs, taking it a game at a time.”

The success To prepare mentally for the rest of that game, down ‘till the last against Wheelthe season, the team is following its strike.” ing and other Additionally, the theme of concentrating on the present. teams so “To make use of each game, we play coaches changed how far is the players should and only focus in the moment, not to view each at-bat. get caught up in the past and not think HOME RUN: Rather than too far ahead in the future,” Giusti said. focusing on “[We] focus on the here and now, and if Junior Michael Piotrowski bats April 25 against

s t a t i s t i c a l we do things right, wins will take care of themselves.”

Palatine. The guys focused on a new stratagy for batting. batting aver-

Baseball’s advanced approaches to batting, pitching prove prosperous

HEATER: Junior Justin Placko pitches during the Palatine game April 25. The team won to improve their record to 11-6. The Knights changed the way the pitchers focus on each individual pitch in order to get better results. (Photos by Rich Futo)

Varsity Roster Yr

Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Name

Yr Name

Tyler Damasky, Justin Placko Mike Smith Tom Flahaven Dan Devereux Pat Donohue Grant Gerdes Jake Cavaiani Trey Compton Jon Loving Tony Gattuso Sean Delacruz

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

Grant Miller Matt Nadler Mike Pitotrowski Karson Brinkman Jack Courtney Jackson Wrede Jimmy Kennedy Nick Rodriquez Jordan Fedro Lucas Karz Nick Donzelli Wille Sampson

WATER BREAK WITH AMANDA FULK Year: Senior Sport: Water Polo

Position: Defensive Hole 2014 Totals: 8 goals and 39 steals

Q. How did your expectations for this season turn out?

A. I think they turned out pretty well. Even though we might not

have secured the East, we still did a really good job fighting for it and getting really close to winning it. We won it for swimming, so I am not that upset, and we won against [tough teams]. Conant, I think, was a huge win for us.

Q. What was your highlight of the season?

A. I think my highlight of the season was definitely when we won against Conant because no one was really expecting it, and they are a really, really good team. They are ranked [16th in Illinois], so I think it was a really good start to the season.

Q. What do you want to get out of the postseason?

A. I really want to at least make it through the first round of

sectionals. Even if we don’t make it through the first round, as long we try really, really hard and put in 100 percent effort, I’ll be happy either way.

Q. What is it like being one of two seniors on the team?

A. I think it is a lot of fun, but it also shows the team isn’t about age. You don’t notice it because everyone is so close, and there’s no real age difference because you have one fresh man and two seniors. As it is, it’s a really young team, so that means they will be very successful in the future.

Q. What are you going to take away from water polo going into college?

A. I think I’m going to take away from it the team and the friends I made. That’s one of the main reasons I want to join intra- murals and clubs in college just because I know doing these types of sporting events with people just makes you a lot closer and is just a lot more fun.

Q. How does swimming play a factor during a game?

A. I think swimming is really important because water polo is a

lot about endurance because it is 28 minutes of just swimming back and forth, and sometimes you stop, but not for long.

So I think it is really important to have a swimming back- ground. It just makes it easier because it is hard to learn swim- ming and water polo at the same time.