Vol 37 issue 11

Vol. 37b. Issue 11

Maine South High School • 1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, IL 60068

February 9, 2001

Are we on a dump

or in one?

NEWS Clean up your act -p.2 The most important day in history -p.2 Congratulations IMEA participants -p. 3 Relay for life -p. 3

COMMENTARY Property of the editors -p. 4 A waste of time -p. 4 Expensive silence -p.4 Letters to the editor -p. 5,6

FEATURES Airtime on the air -p. 7 Mystery men -p.8 The Producers is gay -p.8 The unforgettable milk man -p. 9 Beyond the call of duty -p.9 SPORTS Boys' swimming, wrestling -p. JO Boys' basketball, Girls' gymnastics -p. 11 Boys' track.

Girls' basketball -p. 12

The garbage problem here at Maine South is getting out of control. See pages 2 and 3 for more. photo by Dan Saavedra

3-- Nev^s

Clean up your act.

by Monica Haak hv Monica Hook In a speech during a committee meeting. Student Council vice president Dan Saavedra cited the classic Simpson's solution to our problems with trash and garbage in the hallways and around the campus: "Listen up, you have to put your trash in a trash can. I can't stress that enough, people!"

Hoping to ameliorate this issue. Student Council has assembled some of its members to head up an educational campaign encouraging students to take responsibility for their waste. Among these members is treasurer Shea Barrett. Barrett cites her reason for participating: "Maine South is a good school with a good reputation in many areas. We all benefit from this reputation, whether we uphold it or not, and we all suffer when it diminishes." Secretary Kira Ho, also a leader of this campaign, adds, "Even though

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B ^^ only a few students are directly responsible for this problem, we are all accountable for letting it happen." Other key members of this operation include Dan Smart, Liz Sirmbardis, and Britt Frederiksen.

Chairwoman of the Student Issues committee, Frederiksen attests that "some students have argued that it is the faculty's job to enforce the rules, but this task would be impossible without the help and support of the student body."

Student Council has planned several approaches to restore the clean appearance and environment of our school. This effort includes elected representatives visiting homerooms to educate and encourage responsible disposal of garbage.

Baimers and stickers will also be distributed throughout the school to publicize the cam-

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What is the most important day in history? Is it the day the telephone was invented, the day slavery was abolished, or the day Barbie was introduced? One might think that the most important day in all of history would

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have one world-changing event. It may, however, be more reasonable to consider that the most important day should be one with many pivotal events rather than just one. Through this system of evaluation, today's date of Fetjruary 9*^

paign and gently remind the school of its ^ ^ communal duty. Homeroom teachers have received letters detailing the type of paper which can be recycled in the red bins and flyers have been posted on these receptacles to restate the specifications.

Standard white copy paper and notebook paper are the only items which can be recycled in these bins. Paper clips, staples, colored paper, or other garbage contaminates the entire bin, preventing it from being recycled.

In addition. Student Council has organized a competition to determine the cleanest class. On Friday, February 16, garbage cans will be labeled for each class and the amount of correctly disposed trash will be counted to determine a winner. The custodial department has matched Student Council's enthusiasm, ensiu-ing that every room has a recycling bin and facilitated the "Cleanest Class" competition.

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could very well be the most important one in history. In the tradition of the Today in History" section, the events which occurred on this incredible day are listed below. compiled by Meghan McCall

1267- The Synod of Breslan orders Jews of Silesia to wear special caps 1825- US House of Representatives elects John Quincy Adams as the sixth President 1861 - Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stevens are elected President and Vice president of the Confederate States of America 1863- The fire extinguisher is patented by Alanson Crane 1877- The US \/veather service is established 1891- The first shipment of asparagus arrives in San Fransisco from San Diego 1895- The first intercollegiate basketball game is played in which Minnesota Agricultural beats Hamline by a score of nine to three 1895- Volleyball is invented by W.G. Morgan in Massachusetts 1909- The first federal legislation is passed banning narcotics, specifically opium 1920- The Joint Rules Commission bans foreign substances and alterations to baseballs 1942- The Philadelphia "Phillies" temporarily change their nickname to "Phils" 1943- FDR orders minimal 48 hour work week in the war industry 1950- Senator Joseph McCarthy charges the US State Department of being infested with 205 communists 1964- The Beatles first appear on the Ed Sullivan Show 1964- The Gl Joe character is invented 1971 - The first gay-themed TV show episode airs on All in the Family 1985- Madonna's "Like A Virgin" album goes number one for three weeks 1992- The fastest yodeler is proclaimed after performing 22 tones and 15 falsettos in one second 1997- The Simpsons aks the 167th episode, making it the longest-running animated series in cartoon history

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JStL Students of the Month for D e c e m b e r

Joseph Allegretti, Marco ^^cience: artolomei, ™ 'Bartolom( Brittany Bums, Malgorzata Bursakowski, Charles DiPranco, Jonna Gattuso, Adam Goss, Kathryn Jayne, Daniel Kamatz, Natalie Kruk, Megan Loughran, James Mallory, Erin McNeil, Nicholas Northfall, Julie Shanahan, Will Smythe Math: Jackie Arvidson, Milutin Cejovic, Kara Collins, Anna Gartner, Lauren Genseke, Kira Ho, Jamie Maloney, Kathleen Moore, Christine Newsome, Emily Pobratyn, Will Schmidt, Bryan Smaha, Adriaima Stasiuk, Allen Tauber Business: Anthony D'invemo, Greggory Kane Technology: William Waring, Michelle Demonte, Daniel Senderak, Elizabeth Pahlke

CONGRATULATIONS to the Maine South Symphonic Band & the following individuals who participated in IMEA All-State performances: Martha Douglass Meg Dwyer Gwen Fisher Tom Forde Ellen Gartner Adam Goss Jacyin Italia Genevieve Kahrilas Shannon McCue Southwards regrets the following error in the January 26 issue: The article entitled "College bound" was co-written by Shaheen Baig and Beatrice Ceccherini-Nelli rather than just Shaheen Baig.

Child Care: Anthony Radek, Sylvia Bania, Hendrickson, Mark Jablonowski, Sam Chris Lovero, Melinda Optie Kordys, Courtney Pientka, Giovanni Health: Janette Lau Portogallo, Barbara Roumeliotis, Sarah Physical Education: Aleksey Inokhodov, Salzinski, Chrissy Schaefer, Jennifer Daniel Glowen, Kira Fedyniak, Jennifer Szaflarski, Katie Waller Anderson, Emily Zoellner, Kyle Galayda, Social Science: Jessica Bartee, Kristen Sonja Barac, Nicholas Mohar, Bridget Bartel, Maria Coletti, Katie Feiereisel, Murphy, Eleanor Marquis, Christopher Stacy Hendrickson, Peter Kurzyna, Jake Rieder Lewandoski, Matthew Lucas, Matthew Foreign Language: Julie Adamczyk, McCluskey, Paul Sarran, Lauren Tazioli, Predrag Barac, Megen Briars, Milutin Anna Tomczyk Cejovic, Karen Dilfer, Elizabeth Art: Renee Slugocki, Drew Huening, Jaroszewicz, Amy Mollenkamp, Nicholas Roman Kodoszka, Eric Nelson, Christina Pierce, Adam Rudawsky, Mike Zuhr Rasane English: Tom Anderson, Dan Archer, Marco Music: Tom Forde, David Green, David Bartolomei, Tina Brionez, Jessica Skiba, Neil Sobczak Dubowski, Katie Feiereisel, Sean Speech/Drama: Nate Tumminello, Grace Fitzmaurice, Jamie Gillett, Stacy Hollander, Camille Gitter, Sarah Jordan

Relay for life is back at Maine South

by Jess Stuckey and Jennifer Arulerson "Great opportunities to help others sel- prised of friends from a club, family, or the dom come, but small ones surround us ev- community. It is important that money is raised as soon as possible because the Amerieryday."

Sally Koch's words have inspired many, can Cancer Society's goal for each team to including Maine South. Last June, several raise at leasts 1000. students and faculty participated in the After gathering a group, each team needs American Cancer Society's Park Ridge Re- to begin registration and get others excited. lay for Life, held on Wilson Field. Forty- First, contact Jess Stuckey, Jennifer Anderseven teams walked around the outside track son, or any Brotherhood sponsor to find out for more than twelve hours, raiswhere they can pick up a registraing over $70,000—Maine South's tion form. Second, each team's job own teams raised nearly $47,000. is to get others excited— the only way that the Relay for Life can Hoping to repeat these outraise money is by having as many standing results, the American teams participate as possible.

Cancer Society is holding its second annual Park Ridge Relay for Individuals unable to participate Life at Maine South once again. can still support the cause by doIt will take place on June 8th-9th, nating money.

2001. A fundraiser for the AmeriMaine South hopes to have ancan Cancer Society, eight differother exciting Relay for Life, coment Relays for Life are held annu- A TEUW EVIHT TO plete with a D.J., dance and ally throughout the spring and FIGHT CANCER karaoke, games, and a ton more. summer in Illinois. Money raised It's a great night to raise money, goes towards cancer research, including honor those who have passed away, celmedical grants, support groups, and preven- ebrate those who have beat the disease, and tion programs. Relay for Life organizers be- have fun getting to know everyone else who lieve everyone can benefit from participat- cares as deeply as you do. ing "because all of us have been affected by This year's Relay for Life is trying to surcancer, indirectly or directly." pass the phenomenal success from last year Students interested in getting their sum- by raising over $75,000 and having 55 mer off to a great start (Relay for Life is held teams. Brotherhood coordinators encourage on June 8th, the last day of school) need to all students to participate: "Let's show the round up 10-15 friends who are excited and community that Maine South students are willing to raise money, walk, and most im- going to continue to be the top cancer fightportantly have fun! This group can be com- ers in the area!"

RELAYl

4 Comraentaipy Property of

The Editors

by Sam Fuller It is my belief that stupidity increases with age. Now before you argue or groan about my apparent lack of knowledge, allow me to finish my thoughts before you draw your ovra conclusions. I must also warn all readers that material in this article may break your heart, crush your spirit, or relinquish any hope you have in society.

Upon initial inspection of a three-yearold boy or girl, you may notice dirt, food stains, and probably a giggle spasm or two.

Following closer observation, I have unlocked the door to improving our modem world. Indeed, little kids hold the answers to conflicts that plague each day of our lives.

First, I suggest that the world adopt the custom of Velcro shoes. Velcro on high heels, business shoes, and even gym shoes will dramatically increase happiness in life.

For example, think of how many minutes can be saved if laces were removed from footwear. No one would be late to work, and basketball games would not have to constantly stop for the players.

Furthermore, one-piece pajamas would be more effective than luxurious two-piece sets. Now I concede that I occasionally enjoy to pamper myself, but think of the rewards that go along with one-piece pajamas.

Hours would be gained for sleep rather than searching for the matching top under the bed or shopping for that great deal. A simple onepiece pajama suit, with vents for the summer, is all that would be needed. Here, this evidence clearly depicts the intelligence that children possess.

Another utterly brilliant aspect of children is their determination and perseverance. For example, a child may scream, shriek, and cry over a toy he sees in a store.

If he receives it, he is fully satisfied and relieved. If he does not receive it, a few moments are spent in gloom, but the toddler moves on to bigger and better things. Therefore, I must ask society to do the same. Why can't everyone just know what they want and try hard to get it? But if they do not attain it, why can't they move on?

Overall, I must remind everyone that I did not write this for fame, glory, or money.

My only desire is to better the world in any way I can.

I must no longer hold back my inner-intentions because with each day comes a higher level of stupidity.

A v)faste of time

by Britt Frederiksen In my sixth grade science room, my teacher had a sign posted near the sink that read, "Your mother does not work here. You will have to clean up for yourself." As a sixth grader, this was funny. By then it was clear that we were to clean up our own messes.

As a junior, however, I wonder if Maine South needs to have those grade school signs posted again. Maine South needs a refresher course on waste management. We all go to school at the same place. We all need to take care of our area.

There is no excuse for how dirty the cafeteria is by 6B or how full the recycling bins are of trash instead of white paper. We all know better. We all know that when we finish our food we should throw away the wrappers, return the trays, and take our things with us. We all know that if we spill, we should get towels to clean it up. We should act on what we know.

Maine South's population is over 2,000.

That means that over 2,000 people walkl^B through the same hallways every single day and over 2,000 people eat in the cafeteria.

We all share this space with everyone elsethere is no getting around it. As students of Maine South, we need to take responsibility for our messes, our things, and our space.

Certainly, there is an outstanding custodial staff in the building, but there is also an enormous school to clean, and only so long to clean it in. We can be a big help by simply picking up after ourselves.

Student Council is cmrently working on a campaign geared at promoting cafeteria clean up (for information, see page 2). It is not the first time. "Fight the Filth" was a campaign last year, and the year before that.

It is understandable that the cafeteria will be a little dirty because it is constandy in use-but it does not have to be covered in trash. As more effort is put into cleaning up Maine South, we should start to see some continued on page 6

There is no excuse for how dirty the cafeteria is by 6B.

Expensive silence

by Greg Kemerer If it hasn't happened to you, it's probably happened to someone you know. Theft at Maine South is a real problem, and it's one that is on the rise. Besides the missing Rice Krispie Treats in the cafeteria lines, calculators being stolen and sold on the MS Black Market, gym lockers are being burglarized.

People walk into the locker rooms with the rest of us, but instead of going to a P.E. class, they just stay behind and spend the period breaking into lockers and stealing cash. Students aren't just losing lunch money, they are losing paychecks.

The real problem with these thefts at Maine South is that little or nothing is being done about it. A comment from a Dean after a string of locker room thefts was that "the first step is to instruct gym teachers to inform students that if money is kept in gym lockers it could be stolen." This kind of response is inadequate to say the least. After being confronted with questions as to what was being done about the thefts, another Dean compared Maine South to a dangerous neighborhood in Chicago. "You don't walk around down there with a lot of money

do you?" he asked. His response was only to blame the victim. It seems that the Deans office has had years of practice at blaming the students and no real practice actually addressing the problems.

Something needs to be done; action needs to be taken. The Junior Leaders who lock up the locker rooms during gym periods can't be expected to be a police force, but the police or Para-Professionals we have at school can reasonably be expected to patrol the locker rooms once a period. Stopping theft should be a greater concern than stopping students without ID's or catching smokers in the bathrooms.

Another problem with this situation is that students are too complacent. They don't report the thefts when they do occur. Whatever the reasons, these silent victims are becoming part of the problem instead of becoming part of the solution.

Don't let the police at Maine South bej just an illusion of security. If you have experienced a theft, you should report it—^not just to the dean; report it to Officer Christy.

Ask specifically to fAtz. separate report. Recontinued on page 6

Letters to the editor^ Eat this

"I ate four cheeseburgers on Wednesday and I didn't throw them up."

Hawkette captain Alicia Virgilio expresses the fact that she does not starve herself. As a Hawkette it bothers me that Britt Frederiksen would put all dancers in a category in which they don't belong in her article "What's all the cheering about, anyway." It doesn't make sense because if we were starving ourselves before every compjetition we wouldn't have any energy to perform our difficult routines. Besides that, we practice all year, so if we ^weren't eating we would Dass out every day.

We must be one strange bunch of dancers because instead of starving ourselves before every competetion we have pasta parties. Oh my Gosh! We eat before competitions so we don't starve ourselves! In fact, we eat a lot. As Michelle Demonte,avarsity Hawkette, put it, "We eat more at pasta parties than football players." Oh boy! I just had another thought, we usually go out to eat after the competitions too. Our most recent visit to Hooters cost us about $350 for only about sixteen members of the squad. Oh ya, and there were no trips to the bathroom after dinper!

Jaclyn Scatena

any w a y , " p o r t r a y i n g sports as a negative aspect of high school life, the thoughts of my participation in sports ran through my mind. I asked myself, so I did all this training and competition for nothing? Somehow, I don't believe that.

The aspect of the article concerning the binge and purge cycle of athletes I completely disagree with. The article reads, "Athletes learn how to force their bodies into one habit for one season, and then most (except for the rare three sport athlete) allow their bodies to return to their previous state—the same binge and purge cycle that gym class teaches students to avoid for long term health care." However, what about those that spend their days out of season training? I am in two sports, yet I train year round, which in turn betters my health, no matter the type of training. This training keeps me from deteriorating to my previous state, which you claim as unhealthy.

In addition, I witness wrestlers in the summer training for their upcoming season in November, and football players, who are in the weight room basically year round as well, preparing for the next year. If they have any concern for the sport they participate in, they keep their bodies trained.

Injuries are inevitable

True Determination in life, and to avoid them As I read Britt Frederiksen's "What's all the cheering about

would be to not allow yourself the freedom you deserve. Our school does

require a office for sports injuries, as does almost every other school in the nation. Injuries are a chance you take when you participate in sports.

Yet injuries can occur due to anything. Turning your ankle on a rock while running is just the same as turning your ankle on the way home from school. Breaking your wrist in a football game can be compared to breaking your wrist falling off your bike. Injuries can happen anywhere, sports or no sports.

Athletic influence can be found in the classroom, but is that a bad thing? If it inspires kids to do well in school, who cares? It is leading them on the right track in life.

Britt mentions Joe Sergo in the article, and he says, "When I think of school, I think of athletics," and explains that he passes his classes so he can play sports.

It is apparent that sports set a standard for students to do well in school and that helps the overall achievement of the student. Thus, in turn the school also benefits.

There are also a good number of student athletes that strive to do well in school for themselves, for their future. Not just because ofsports. So you see, there is no harm in having athletic influence in the classroom, it gives a reason to do well and sets standards.

All in all, it appears that the cheering isn't such a bad thing after all.

Austin Gibbons

Still Cheering

I am not writing in response to Ms. Frederiksen's article to create further dissention or widen the gap between athletes and non-athletes.

My only concern is to set the truth straight, I feel that most of her points and statements were quite invalid and inappropriate. I would like to take a look at some of thse ix)ints that struck me as containing the most absence of truth.

This perceived hysteria in every normal week, which I believe is actually "Hawk Pride" at work, is only a positive output of school spirit.

Why should we blame athletes or cheerleaders for feeling proud when they don their school's red, black, and white? Do we "hate" the V-Show cast and crew for wearing their T-shirts the day before their first performance? Of course not.

These are only joyous displays of excitement and anticipation. Maine South colors are not exclusive to athletes or even their supporters. "Hawk Pride" is a concept which knocks down stereotypes and cliques. It creates a unifying effect.

Yes, our Maine South folders do push students to "strive for excellence", but GPA or test scores to not measure excellence.

Excellence is a combination of academic rigor, school involvement, and the unity that exists amongst our faculty and students.

I do not think it is fair

to classify sports as "binge-and-purge" activities. Athletics only conitinue to promote the same positive habits that we are initially taught in P.E. classes. Any athletic facility nearby is a sign of the continued determination of Maine South atheletes.

The Maine South weight room is a symbol of the "12 months a year" attitude of our football players. I have driven by girls' soccer players running in the falling snow.

I have admired filled parking lots in the summer because of boys' and girls' basketball camps. I have personally sweated in the 90 degree summer heat with fellow soccer teammates on the hot, black Maine South track.

There are your athletes who work out only during their season, but here at Maine South they are as easy to find as a needle in a haystack.

The most upsetting comment in the entire article is that which portrays wrestlers and dancers as starving themselves. This is an unfair label to put on those two types of people.

As a former wrestler and friend of Hawkettes, I admire their hard work to keep their bodies in such ideal condition. A wrestler here at Maine South, Mike Tedeschi, is a wonderful contradiction to this horrid statement. Mike keeps his body in such good shape all year so that when wrestling season rolls continued on page 6

Letters to the editor^ What It's all about!

The article published in the last editon of Southwards entitled "What's all the cheering about anyway?" was completely offensive, false, and based on erroneous assumptions and shallow-minded stereotypes about student athletes.

Miss Frederiksen is one of the 22% of the students who have not participated in high school sports and has no right to group "all" athletes or dancers as one "type," falsify the meaning of sports, or decide how people should feel towards them. According to a recent USA TODAY survey of 14,000 Chicago teenagers, those who participate in team sports are less likely to use drugs, smoke, have sex, carry weapons, or have unhealthy eating habits.

Also, a U.S. News poll reveals that Americans strongly believe the lessons learned contribute positively to many of life's realms. An amazing 91 % think sports participation helps people get along with those from different racial or ethnic groups, 84% think involvement helps people in the business world, 77% think sports help people be better parents, and 68% think sports help people get along better with those of the opposite sex. With these facts how can one attack sports so rudely saying they are unimportant?

It is absurd to think

that students simply enrolled in gym are more physically fit than those participating in a sport.

The curriculum followed by gym classes is not comparable to the lessons of determination, time management, responsibility, and teamwork relayed in time sports.

Every day, coaches teach us to play with heart and have fun. No correlation between sports and violence is advocated or practiced.

No sporting event has the goal of being violent, but rather pride and an outlet for students with a desire to play. The risks athletes take during games are quite insignificant in respect to the gains they also experience.

Nike Athletics states that women athletes in particular are less likely to drop out of school, become pregnant, stay in abusive relationships, or suffer depression. Sports have also helped women achieve the status of equality women are entitled to today. A University of Virginia study shows 80% of key female leaders from Fortune 500 companies participated in sports and consider their experiences to be priceless.

They agree that no other training would have prepared them better for the high level of competition in business.

Time management skills are another life lesson learned through sports. With practices or games every day includ-

ing Saturdays, no time can be wasted and prioritizing becomes vital. In any week, athletes work up to 20 extra hours. Athletes become role models by the respect they show for themselves and opponents and contribute a large amount of community involvement in the school.

Athletes take pride in their performance and their school work. A very small number of students merely pass classes in order to play, especially at Maine South where scholar athletes have built strong academic and physical bases for their lives.

Students' inspiration comes in many forms such as personal motivation, athletics, or even band or orchestra and any work done well should be respected.

Each year Maine South graduates many successful student athletes such as Denise Pavichevich attending Brown University and Sean Story and Brian Pick attending Princeton.

But what would we know? We are only the Varisty Girls' Basketball team, complete with all senior scholar athletes and pride in a cumulative grade point average of 3.83. Mr. Deines puts family and academics before all athletic competitions and practices.

By promoting Purpose, Respect, Involvement, Dignity, and Empathy, athletes contribute to a healthy atmosphere and spread confidence and Hawk Pride. We can't

Time seem to find anything wrong with that Varsity Girls'Basketball Team 2000-2001

Cheering from page 5 around, he is always prepared. In season, maybe he cannot have that jellyfilled doughnut for breakfast or fries and a chocolate milk shake for dinner, but that does not mean he is starving himself. Because the sport of wrestling does have weight requirements, wrestlers must make smart decision on what they eat during the week.

On the topic of injuries, yes, injuries are a possibility in many sports. That does not mean however that these sports are recklessly violent in anyway. There is a high risk factor in some sports, just as there is that same risk factor every time one rides in a motor vehicle. That does not mean that one should live his life in fear of taking any risks, as equally as walking should not be one's only form of transportation. Life has its risks and each individual must decide which ones he is willing to take.

To return to our Maine South community, as I walk through the halls, every smile on someone's face, athelete or non-athlete, is a sign of the powerful "Hawk Pride" that exists in our school.. So if you hear any strange noises in the hall during a passing period, do not worry about it. It is just me, and I will not stop cheering. John Jacobs en

continued from page 4 results, and we all know that just a little can go a long way. By simply taking one minute a day to throw away your garbage, put ONLY white paper in recycling bins, and wipe your feet when you come into the school you can help keep Maine South looking clean.

We are all able to take care of ourselves, be left home alone, and can be trusted to complete simple tasks. We are at one of the top schools in the nation, taking some of the toughest courses in the nation -we can do better. Help Student Council "Fight the Filth" and "Just Dump It." Be conscious that this is a big school, with a big population, and every tiny effort does make a big difference.

Silence continued from page 4 ports to the Dean's office produce no resolutions and no assurances of action, they only produce paper work. A police report will not just sit in a fde drawer in the Deans office, it will end up in the hands of authorities who actually attempt to solve problems in Park Ridge. The police will be compelled to act, even if Maine South is not.

Unless you report what's happened, you haven't even become a statistic; it's like it didn't even happen.

Don't be a silent victim.

Fea^f^^es

^ i r t i m e on air

by Eileen Collins Wild Chicago, a chaimel eleven TV show, it. "My fiiend set a school record in '74.1 has recognized Airtime pole vaulting as one always liked vaulting. I thought it was the of the most "unique things around the city of coolest event in track."

Pole vaulting is definitely one of the track Chicago." Wild Chicago is a television show that travels around the city looking for inter- events that attract a lot of attention. It is very esting things to broadcast. They have found challenging and the athletes have to have a that interesting thing right here on the Maine combination of many skills. Pole vaulters need speed, strength, a great jumping abilSouth track.

Mr. Lonergan has started summertime ity, and endurance. In a track meet, each pole open pole vaulting sessions for anyone and vaulter will have to vault about fifteen times everyone who has ever been interested in pole before he is done. vaulting. "I wanted people of all ages to come In college, Mr. Lonergan helped at the and be able to pole vault. It's similar to an track meets, especially at the pole vaulting open gym, where anyone can show up and pit. When he came to Maine South, he betry it." came the pole vaulting coach Last year on the boys' the sessions track team. were every Thursday in "I am really the summer excited about at five or five this program thirty for and the publicaout six ity. I think it's great that girls' beks. It pole vaulting is was two dolbecoming more lars per seswell known in sion, and the Illinois. Many sessions are people will be sponsored pleasantly surthrough the prised at the Park Ridge level the girls Park District. can compete "I at." thought this would be Pole vaulting is not one of those sports you can just perfect for all kinds of athletes. Any young go outside and do.

People usually do not kid who has an interest in pole vaulting could practice it on their own.

This is why the sumcome and see what it is like. High school and mer pole vaulting sessions are so unique. college athletes can use it as a way to keep in shape. Older guys can come and experience Wild Chicago filmed two and a half hours what it is like to vault. I especially encour- of one session this summer, getting enough age girls to come. Female pole vaulters are footage to capture the diverse and original getting more and more recognition in this program. The program was on Sunday February 4th, at 10:30 and will be tonight, Febcountry each year."

Mr. Lonergan has always been interested ruary 9th, at 10:00 on channel 11. About in pole vaulting. In high school he was in ten minutes of the show will be dedicated track, but did not vault. One of his fiiends to the pole vaulting sessions held right here lid, however, and he was very familiar with on the Maine South outdoor track.

Students please nominate your teachers for Focus on Faculty. Teachers please nominate students for Focus on Student Excellence. Without your nominations we will not continue these two sections.

7

continued from page 9 jection to having a festival here is to keep the 'longhairs' out of town?" A murmur swept through the conservative crowd.

Yasgur then said, "Well, you can all go pound salt up your [behind], because come August 15, we're going to have a festival!"

Woodstock came and it shattered the record for the largest rock concert ever.

They were predicting fifty thousand people, which would have made the record. However, over half-a-million people showed up to see the many great bands.

The incredible concert meant a lot not only to the people who attended, but also to those who did not. Woodstock symbolized and promoted peace. The slogan was "Three days of Peace and Music."

Woodstock became a great success, and much of it was thanks to an accommodating milkman.

S OUTHWORDS A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School t i l l South Dfee RoaS|i ' ^P^fcr^dge, IE 6 0 0 ^ Lettere^tio-the ediforshould be delivered to room V-13rorgiven.to'a member of the editorial stafL-SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to editlit^erial for clarity and brevity and to r^iect-obscenX or iibelous submissions. "^"^ C _ - i ; ^ /. • A\ Editors-in-Chief News Editors Commentary Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Production Editors Core Photographers

Core Staff Artist Advisor

Sam Fuller Lauren Hurley Meghan McCall Tracy Schmidt Britt Frederiksen Megan Gibbons Eileen Collins Nicole Penn Ellen Gartner Chris Mitchell Jim Puis Dan Saavedra Rachel Kalom Deanna Oleske Megan Price Monica Haak T. R. Kerth

8 Features

The Producers is gay Mystery m e n1

by Nicole Perm ^f you were aiming for my heart bull's eye," is the only way to describe the new Mel Brook's musical. The Producers. Based on the movie. The Producers, the musical was just as witty as the cult classic. Three hours of laughter, cheers, and some more laughter filled the Cadillac Palace February 1, opening night.

Opening up to a full house, Mel Brooks was often seen running around the theatre trying to make sure the musical went off right. The audience was a mix of young and old, female and male, hetero- and homosexual. The floor tickets ranged anywhere from fifty to sixty dollars, while the balcony seats could cost up to twenty dollars extra.

But any seat in the house would still be exceptional; one could see the entire stage and the sound was clear throughout the theater.

Nathan Lane starred as Max Bialystock, a Broadway producer who goes bankrupt after his last show fails. Compared to Zero Mostel, who played Bialystock in the original movie. Lane was incredible.

He was able to take Bialystock's character and make him the greedy, conniving, 'typical producer' he was supfxjsed to be. Lane copied Mostel's style almost perfectly. He was funny, and could also carry a tune.

It was hard to imagine Ferris Bueller as the timid and spineless Leo Bloom, but Matthew Broderick acted up to his potential. Not as apprehensive as Gene Wilder (who played the part of Bloom in the movie), Broderick added a little more guts to Bloom's character. Although he did not have the hair for the part as Wilder did, Broderick used his wit to make up for it. Surprisingly, he had an amazing singing voice and was still able to keep the audience in laughter with his blue security blanket.

The other characters of the play tended to match up pretty well with the characters from the movie. UUa (played by Cady Huffman) was still the bright eyed, Swedish, sexy receptionist. Unlike the movie, though, she was able to capture Bloom's

heart as they married at the end of the play.

Franz Liebkind (played by Ron Orbach) was the clone of the movie's Hitler, and Carmen Ghia (Roger Bart) with Roger De Bris (Gary Beach) played the perfect gay duo of directors.

The plot of the play was consistent with the plot of the movie. The play, however, was more up-to-date with more sex and gay jokes.

Bialystock and Bloom stumble on their scheme to stage a musical that's a 'guaranteed flop,' but will bring in a ton of money.

The 'guaranteed flop' they settle on, written by a crazed German Nazi (Liebkind), entitled 'Springtime for Hitler' features, among many other things, a chorus line of dancing Nazi girls that form into a swastika.

During Springtime for Hitler,' Jrooks had a small, comical solo that ended with an erruption of applause. Bialystock and Bloom not only find the worst script, but they also hire the worst directors that also happen to be flamingly gay. Ghia and De Bris play out the gayness as much as they can. Answering with a 'yessssss' that drags on for minutes, the two play the stereotypical homosexual duo that leaves the audience rolling in the aisles. Ending their famous number 'Keep it Gay,' with the Village People dancing across the stage, they were the epitome of 'gay pride.' Act one ended in a finale of tap-dancing walkers with about thirty old ladies. Bialystock received funding for the musical from old ladies in return for sexual favors. The play ends in the same fashion the movie does, with a little different spin on the ending. Even when the audience thought the musical was over, the actors and actresses come out for a final 'Farewell Song,' telling the audience to "Get out!

It's over!"

Overall the musical was wonderful.

Whether one has seen the movie or not. The Producers' proved to be worthy of a couple of laughs. The musical is scheduled to show throughout the entire month of February before moving to New York for more performances.

by Danielle Pallasch

After the movie What Women Want, many girls are asking the same, but a different question. "What Men Want." Many girls would guess they have school, girls, friends, and girls on their mind. For some guys, however, the answer is obvious: just girls.

What a guy looks for in a girl has been a sought out question for the women in the world throughout history. Just as it was the quest of Ponce de Leon to find the fountain of youth, it has been a quest for women to figure out what guys like about girls.

Some boys look for a girl who they can relate to. She has to be "someone who is easy to talk to and likes the same stuff you do," says senior Ben Pietrzyk. Other boys want a girl who is grounded, but still has as sense of hutmor.

"She's got to be intelligent and able to take a joke— or at least give me some mercy laughs," said senior Tony Allengretti.

"How they dress. And their hair," is i m ^ ^ portant to seniors Peter Schaul and Terr^ ^ Spanos. "Long [hair] for blondes, short [hair] for brunettes," Spanos and Shaul continued.

A combination of personality and looks seems to be pretty important for some guys.

"I'd have to say I have to get along with her and she'd have to be decent looking. I have to be able to trust her," said senior Nick Mohar.

Steve Padovano said, "It's about the looks, to be honest: dark hair and dark eyes.

They can't have a sarcastic attitude and they have to have a nice personality."

Some boys anonymously claimed that "personality doesn't matter, as long as she's hot." While others feel that "looks don't matter as long as she is one of those really, genuinely nice people."

What guys wants in a ^ 1 is not one of those simple cut and dry questions; it is not an inquiry that can be answered with a majority vote. Each answer is specific to the guy who is asked. For some, it's humor, oth ers, looks. So the destination of the ques] for what a guy wants has led women bac] to the place where they started from, without a clue. However, perhaps now women will have a better understanding of what goes on in the minds of some boys.

n

-Features 9

The unforgettable milkman

by Matt Huffman In the middle of last year hundreds of thousands of people heard that a forty-million dollar performing arts center would be built on the historic grounds where Woodstock was held. It would be built on the land of the former owner. Max Yasgur, who died twenty-seven years ago.

Max Yasgur died on February 8,1973, in Marathon, Florida, of a heart cdlment. Three days later 300 of his former neighbors in Monticello, New York, attended his funeral. Many were sad and one said, "We just wanted to say goodbye to Max in our own way." Yasgur may have died, but his legacy still lives on today.

It was Michael Lang who came up with the sat idea of "Woodstock" fd John Roberts who funded the great event.

Lang's idea was to put on a cultural exposition/rock concert/extravaganza a hundred miles away from New York City, but they needed the cash first. John Roberts came into the picture when Lang's lawyer suggested Roberts talk to Lang. By the end of one of their meetings they decided that a show for forty thousand people would be held in Woodstock, New York, exactly one hundred miles from New York City. They began the

^ ^land. hunt for Lang and Roberts were unable to find suitable land in Woodstock, so they continued the search in other areas. They found a plot of land for only ten thousand dollars in Wallkili, New York. After they met with the

owner of that land Roberts said, "The vibes just weren't right there." The name Woodstock was kept as the title ofthe concert, even though it would not be held there.

Advertisements had popped up in the New York Times and The Times Herald-Record.

The people of Wallkili heard all about the concert and the location was once again moved. Nobody knew where it would be held.

A local motel owner in Bethal, Elliot Tiber, caught word of this and he called Mike Lang. Tiber told Lang he could hold the festival with the permit he had acquired. However, neither Lang nor Roberts liked the location Tiber had chosen. The two were about to leave when Tiber announced his milkman, Max Yasgur, had plenty of suitable land in Woodstock. Tiber said, "I'm sure Max will put the cows in his house if they are in the way...Max supported theater, he loves music...Let's go ask him."

When they went over to Max's house and asked him, he said, "If you fellows can get complete approval from all safety authorities, you can rent my property." Yasgur rented them his property for fifty thousand dollars, even after many ofthe town's people warned him not to. If fact, personal threats against his life were made.

At one of the last town meetings before the concert Yasgur asked if there was anything else that hadn't been met to accommodate forty thousand people. Nobody had a reply. Yasgur then said, "So the only obcominued on page 7

Beyond the call of duty

by Monica Haak Each quarter, one faculty member is selected by the Student Council to receive the "Unsung Hawk Award." The award was designed to honor dedicated faculty whose consistent efforts to make Maine South a more pleasant environment for its students usually go unrecognized. Student Council usv minates many faculty members each # uarter and then votes on the recipient and presents the award.

This quarter, the winner was Ms. Rosa Cohn, a cashier in the cafeteria lunchline.

Students selected Ms. Cohn for her positive

and caring attitude towards all of her customers. In support of her nomination, many Student Council members spoke of her patient and understanding treatment of students as well as her friendly personality and perpetual effort to make the cafeteria a more pleasant area for students.

Senior Nicole Penn says, "No matter what mood I'm in, Ms. Cohn will always bring a

smile to my face. She sometimes even gives me an extra cookie."

Kira Ho, a senior in sixth period limch, goes through Ms. Cohn's line every day. Ho states, "She is always very personal and tries to learn the students' names. She makes buying lunch as easy and convenient as possible."

Congratulations to Ms. Cohn for this special Hawk honor. She is truly appreciated.

lO Sports

Shavin' time (and dyeing hair) ^

by

by Matt Matt Huffman' Huffman^

The Hawks continued to swim well through the middle of the season. With their assiduous work and determination the Maine South boys' swim team continued to have the best times of the season.

The hard work over Chritmas break helped the Hawks defeat Leyden 53 to 41.

The Hawks only took four firsts: Will Kruesi in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke, Matt Huffman in the 50-yard freestyle, and the 400-yard freestyle relay of Jon Michaels, Chris Marquez, Mark Kruk, and Matt Huffman.

Three days later the Hawks faced a state powerhouse, Evanston. Even though the Hawks took an expected loss, the team turned out many great times. Taking first was Jon Michaels in the 50-yard freestyle, and Matt Huffman in the 100-yard breaststroke.

The next day the Hawks traveled to Glenbrook South for the Titan Relays where they took fourth place. Taking second were the 200-yard varsity backstroke relay of Kruesi, Eric Raz, Marquez, and Don

\ ^

'

Nielsen. Placing second as well were the sophomore 200-yard medley relay of Kruesi, Kevin Pick, Allan Zarychta, and Alex O'Coimor, as well as the varsity 200-yard medley relay of Nielsen, Bill House, Dan Smart, and Drew Heuning.

The Friday after finals the Hawks traveled to Waukegan where they defeated the Bulldogs 87 to 12.

Later, at the Senior meet versus New Trier, the Hawks lost 123 to 63. The Hawks took only one first from the number one state team: the 200-yard freestyle relay of Tim Sapieka, Marquez, Michaels, and Huffman.

The Hawks had many great times.

At the Conant Relays, the Hawks took fourth place among such teams as Stevenson, Conant, University, Glenbrook South, and Schaumburg. The Hawks had one of their best meets with almost every person having their best times of the season. Taking firsts were Huffman, in the 100yard freestyle, setting a heat record. Other great performances were by Sapieka, Marc Rivera, Smart, and Pick.

Conference champs

by Jim Denk NickFaliico, respectively. Second place finFor the second straight year the Hawk ishers included Adam Showalter and Matt wrestlers are CSL Recsetar. The third South Conference place finisher was Champions. BeatDan Tedeschi. The ing Niles West, Hawks tied the E v a n s t o n , record for most AllGlenbrook South, Conference wresNew Trier, and tlers with nine. Who Waukegan, the were Dan Tedeschi, Hawks walked into Adam Showalter, the conference Nick Fallico, Sam tournament looking Strain, Mike for many individual Tedeschi, Jim Denk, victories to receive Matt Recsetar, Pat better seeds in the Senior Mike Tedeschi uses his superior skill Stritzel, and Jim regional meet.

Magiera.

The Hawks and balance to wreak havoc on the mat.

At the tournaphoto by Shalanah Backus also beat the old Maine South record ment the Hawks proved that they deserved the conference of twenty dual meet victories by beating title by winning a match at every weight Stevenson for their twenty-first victory of class. The mighty Hawks had two individual the year. The Hawks look to break more conference champions Mike Tedeschi and records at the regional and sectional meets.

South Stats Number of All-Conference wrestlers at the CSL South Tournament.

12 Margin of victory in the boys' swimming meet against Leyden.

131.5 The season high score achieved by the varsity girls' gymnastics team.

Number of inches shy sophomore high jumper Chris Mitchell is of both state-qualifying mark and sophomore record of 6 feet 4 inches.

14 Number of victories achieved throughout the season by the boys' varsity basketball team.

Finishing place by the girls' gymnastics squad at the Niles North Invitational.

Sports 11 ^hese guys do more than dunk Gymnastics ^^

hv Jim Tim Moron Mnrnn by To recap, the Hawk basketball team went those freshmen girls.

2-2 the last four games. The team lost to And Tommy Pomagier, who has a deadly J, coming off curls.

Evanston and New Trier. Enough said.

On a cheerier note, the last two games Anthony Anichini is like a wizard with the were fine victories for the squad. First, in a pill. ten-point victory against Fremd, Bryan While Johnny Vigna's crossover dribble Smaha led the team with many key shots. makes opposing teams feel ill.

Then, in a 16-point pillaging against the Greg Kane is really hard, so he talks a lot of Giants from Highland Park, three players trash. scored double figures. Hats off to Tommy From anywhere on the court, Tony Traynor Pomagier who was unconscious from the is cash. floor and everywhere else. The team is now Wnek is deadly, 'cuz all of his moves are so 14-6 and are poised for the playoffs. smooth.

Now the basketball team feels that some After a dimk is when Jeremy really likes to people around school do not respect them. groove.

They know people respect their prowess on Going to the hoop, Bryan Smaha catches the court and rugged good looks, but there major air. is a feeling around school that the team does And Craig Murray has a family of birds, not have intellectual talents. To do away nesting in his hair. with that belief, I have written a poem about For a win, Mike Zuhr will run through a the team. Get the Pulitzer ready... wall, Luke Wojcik came to this land, just so he We'll start out with Ian Fidler, his rebound- could ball. ^ i K can't be beat, Jamie Friel is a youngster, with a good look^^Pct we have Sinanana, who has size 89 ing game. feet.

Coaches Scott and Nelson know this team Who can forget Chris Rataczek, who loves is poised for fame.

^Jj ^

^

Girls' Track

by Lauren Gazzolo You may have noticed a few changes in the fieldhouse recently. The girls' gymnastics equipment has turned into guys' equipment. The season may be over for the girls, but it is not a season to be forgotten. The girls have had a high score of 131.5, the highest score they've seen in a few years.

They earned third place at the Maine West Invite and second place at the Niles North Invitational. The team also took second place at the conference compitition. Three names are being added to wall in the fieldhouse, including Kira Fedeniak (all four events and all-around), Sarah Jindoyan (floor), and Joanna Ortega (vault).

After Regionals, the team has high hopes of sending individuals to Sectionals and then on to the State competition.

I would personally like to thank the team for such a memorable and successful season. And I would like to thank the seniors for their dedication to the sport the last four years, and making my time on the team the best it could be. On behalf of the team, thanks you to the loyal fans for coming out to the meets to support the Hawks.

HuM^k Highlights 2/9

2/10

2/12

2/13

2/14

Good Counsel/Res. 4:30 PM

Girls' Basketball

@ Niles West 7:30 PM

Boys' Basketball

vs. Niles West 7:30 PM

Boys' Swimming

@ Niles West

Wrestling

winds down

Regionals

Sectionals

Gymnastics

1 rooys' Track

vs. Fenwick/Notre Dame

SOUTHWORDS Winter Wrestling* Basketball • Indoor Track • Gymnastics • Swimming

Opening season on top the All-Time Top Ten List for Mame South performers include Dan Tomassi, Corey

by Adam Wolf The guys' track team started this season history. He fell just two inches short of a Norman, Tony Skaczylo, Eric Reuhs, and with the same intensity that they had left on state-qualifying and sophomore record Dave Skiba, who accounted for many of the the track last May. Missing a few key people height of 6 feet 4 inches. The two-mile re- varsity team points. Sophomore Vince Natalie won last Wednesday the shot put versus Niles North with a throw and St. Ignatius, of 46 feet. other athletes had The track to pick up the extra team will races to ensure a only improve victory. in the future Many athlete weeks with began this season key members where they had left such as Chris offattheendof last Fosco and year. For instance, Mike Begich sophomore Tony out because Marcinek led the of sickness^ Maine South quar and injury." ter-mile times with Also, the an astounding 54.3 track team, seconds, followed which conby Chris Mitchell sists of over and Adam Wolf 100 guys, who were both in will only inthe 56-second crease in range. Junior Joh number as seGiacomino and nior captain sophomore Paul Pat Stritzel Lewkowski led th. and other 50-meter dash Varsity sprinters Mike Psaltis, Corey Norman, Dan Tomassi, and Tony Skaczylo take a moment wrestlers finsprints with 5.8 to smile for the camera before running their relay. ish up their seconds. Adding to photo by Ellen Gartner season on the his quarter mile time. Mitchell then led the jumping events, lay consisting of Chris McGuire (2:11.5), mats. If you are interested in joining track, first leaping 18 feet 7 and one-half inches in Scott Pullman (2:11.5), Adam Wolf (2:09.3), start practicing as soon as possible— the only the long jump. Next he went on to set the and Mark Dickey (2:14) kept up the inten- excuse to join midseason is because of other standards in the high jump with a height of sity remembering last year when they fell sports, so see one of the coaches and start 6 feet 2 inches, tying for the sixth spot on just short of state-qualifying time. Other top practicing now!

Girls' basketball nearing the end

by Chris Mitchell The girls' basketball team is progressing powerfully through the state playoffs. They began with a promising showing against Elgin, and proved to the fans why the Hawks have never lost a game against them. This year's team was not stacked with size such as last year's Lauren Colletti and Colleen

Van Hoesen. but was graced with blistering speed, and made the defense from Elgin seem nonexistent.

As the seniors, including Meg Nakamura, Katie Ristau, and Krissy Vonesh, advance towards the end of their basketball careers here at Maine South, they have been play-

ing even more skillfully and working harder.

Senior Sam Fuller further compliments thf^ skill of the rest of the team as he notes, "The girls' basketball team is one of the best teams in the state with our powerhouse players such as Liz Bondi, and I look forward to seeing them in the playoffs."