Vol 37 issue 7

Vol. 37b. Issue 7

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

November 17.2000

Now that's variety •-

NEWS

V-ShowActs -p.2 V-Show Footlighters -p. 3 V-Show Trunk -p. 3 Maine South mourns staff member -p.3

- COMMENTARY

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Property of the editors -p. 4 Family values-p.4 Raising the bar -p.5 Life moves pretty fast -p. 5 A revelation of sorts -p.6

FEATURES Focus on Mr. Sanchez -p. 7 Miracle on ice -p.8 Oh, tragic day -p.8 The will to win -p.9 Prayer in school -p.9 SPORTS Football, Girls' swimming -p. JO Sports commentary -p. 11 Boys' swimming. Boys' wrestling.

Girls' track, Girls' basketball -p. 12

Trunk members being comical as usual as they rehearse for this weekend's \'-sho\\. photo by Rachael Kalom

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You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet,

by hv Jim Jim Puis Piy/c It's everybody's favorite time of year again. No, not time for looking up favorite turkey recipes— it's time for the annual Maine South V-Show! This year's show, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," which made its debut last night, continues tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m in the Watson Auditorium. Thanks in part to the talents of student directors Martha Douglass, Katie Magnuson, Dan Smart, Drew Huening, Adrianna Kesala, and Chrissy Schaefer, music directors Mark Segawa and Jim Puis, and Trunk heads Tony Allegretti, Tim Schneider, and Britt Frederiksen, this show promises to be among the best ever. These students also have help from fac ulty members—Mr. Muszynski, Mrs. Heyden, Mrs. McCleneghan, and J Mr. Davis, all of ,r whom have added their talents to the. mix.

This year's show has a great variety of acts. One act that is

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unique is the performance of a group of breakdancers. Spectacular moves, fantastic coordination, JRt ^ and energetic rhythm combine ^Cr -. t o make an act that is nothing short of incredible.

At the other end of the spectrum, another group re cites a poem in dramatic fashion, probing deep into the human spirits and the true mysteries of life.

A group of varsity cheerleaders joins the fray during the show to shed some comic relief in a sidesplitting satirical look at a not-so-average tryout session.

Additionally, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble harmonizes, the Hawkettes dazzle, the Senior Class reminisces, the German Club entertains, and the Dance II class amazes.

Three bands perform music ranging from Dave Matthews' Band to Baker Street.

Four other elements of the show make it truly unique. Tnmk, with support from thfeir ace writing staff, provides comedic interludes between acts on the side stages. Their fresh look at current affairs, school life, and anything else in the world helps to make the show entertaining from

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start to finish. Footlighters, the l a r g e group of enthusiastic gg^ p e r formers in the opening ^F numb e r , whoops it up to get the adrenaline flowing at the opening of the show.

The twenty-one members of Stage Band provide background accompaniment for various acts throughout in addition to their two features.

Lastly, the stage crew works hard behind the scenes to ensure the acts change^ smoothly.

At the end of the evening, everybody returns to the stage for the show-stopping closing number, but the memories of another great VShow last much longer than just one night; indeed, they last forever. photos by Jim Puis

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November 17,1558- Elizabeth I ascends English throne upon death of Queen Mary November 17,1800- Congress holds first session in Washington DC November 17,1869- Suez Canal opens November 17,1913- 1st US dental hygienists course is established in Bridgeport, CA November 17,1967- Surveyor 6 becomes first man-made object to lift off the Moon November 17,1977- Miss UK wears $9,500 platinum bikini to Miss World Universe

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They're all going to laugh at you

by Sam Fuller It seems the true performers have come out for this year's V-Show, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet." The trunk group in particular is determined to make the most of this opportunity. Trunk is a collection of students who make up comedy routines in between the acts in the show. These skits serve as political cartoons which poke fun at and even embarrass several of the norms present at Maine South. It seems students, teachers, and even organizations are at risk for some light bantering.

"I am the most valuable member of trunk thus far," states Jolanta Marszalek. "However, everyone involved really does a swell job in making the show run smoothly."

"Although [trunk head, Tony Allegretti's] sideburns are questionable, the

On Wednesday, November 1, Clarence Sutton passed away at Maine South due to what doctors assume was a massive heart attack. The funeral was last Wednesday. Mr. Sutton worked in the technical department as the District Network Support Specialist, setting up the district's network and handling the network account.

Working at South for three years, Mr. Sutton also trouble shot the network problems in the library. District Chair of Technology, Mr. Flanagan, said that Clarence was, "a very, very pleasant helpful individual who really will be missed by anybody."

He left a wife, Lisa and two children, Devin, 9 and Clarence Jr., 16, who is a current student at Glenbard North.

His death was totally unexpected.

Hopefully a scholarship fund will be created for Clarence's children, to which money can be donated.

Mr. Flanagan, technical director, said, he was a wonderful man, who died way before his time. Everyone who knew him is praying for him."

other trunk members really emphasize the blunders surrounding our lives," V-Show attendee Mike Tedeschi reasoned. "I think trunk is a necessity to point out just how ridiculous some things are."

This positive attitude toward the V-Show as a whole is abundant at Maine South. For the past several years, this event has been sold out instantly. "My friends and I love attending the show. The musical compilations as well as the trunk skits captivate my senses. Sam Fuller is extraordi nary," Ana Green demands.

On the other hand, trunk member Tony Allegretti falsely argues, "Sam 'Full of himself' Fuller gets annoying sometimes, but we work hard to avoid a letdown." Trunk members include Tony Allegretti, B r i t t Frederiksen, L a u r e n Hurley, J.P. Allen, Tim

Schneider, Katie Hagerty, Sam Fuller, Elyse Russo, Jolanta Marszalek, Amanda Oravec, Eric Percak, Will Schmidt, Greg Kemerer, Sarah Andersen, Abby Sapp, and Megen Briars.

Indeed, the V-Show is something that should not be missed. With trunk controlling the side stage and incredible images at center stage, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" proves to be well-organized event. Trunk would like to thank Mr. Muszynski, Mrs. McCleimeghan, the crew, and the rest of the staff for directing this ; ,.. phenomenal attraction.

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photo by Rachael Kalom

Foot...light...ers

by Lauren Hurley What exactly is a Footlighter?

For those students who have never spent more than a passing period in the performance art wing, the role of a Footlighter may be unclear. Footlighters are the Maine South students that sing, dance, and essentially warm up the audience.

The Footlighters have a history of opening and closing the V-Show every year. This year they are going to dazzle the audience with a rendition of'Twist and Shout," a song made popular to teens by the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Back to the original question, why the name Footlighter? Actually, it is a theater term. In most theater companies across the country, there are lights in the stage facing toward the performers. Eventually they were

dubbed footlights for obvious reasons.

These lights are used to eliminate shadows.

Also, because the overhead lights would wash out the colors in actors' faces, footlights were used to warm up the skin tones of the performers. Footlighters warm up the audience in the same way. They get the audience in the mood for the fabulous show ahead of them.

Leading these 'Lighters into a dancing frenzy are the much appreciated V-Show directors with assistance from Mrs. Heyden. As seen by last night's outstanding performance, their dedication and perfectionism has paid off. And if you think the beginning of the show is great, watch yourself, because "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet."

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The Editors

by Lauren Hurley The College Application. It looms. It retreats. It's in my face and I must face it. Just not at this moment, however, because there are other pressing matters. A homework paper, V-show rehersals...a vintage "Friends" episode. Pathetic.

Why do I dread filling in those lines with a snappy essay, folding it up, slapping a stamp on it and sending it off? My parents are annoyingly positive about my bright fu ture and, while I agree that what life will bring is largely up to me, I'm conflicted.

Because there is a significant percentage of my persona that refuses to believe the Era of Maine South will, in about seven months, be a past thing, an "over" thing, a thing to reminisce about. And with all the hassles and complaints I have voiced over the years about South, at core, I have loved every minute and maybe that is why The College Application is an aUen thing. A thing I know I must address and acknowledge yet in that acknowledgement of the new is the implicit letting go of the current. Time is an elusive creature. It was moments ago that my mom and I were stitting in the brightly lit cafeteria here at South. The incoming freshman orientation. I was nervous, I was excited, I was pumped. And after figuring out how to navigate the labyrinth of corridors at 1111 S. Dee Road, I began to relish the classes, the clubs, the firiends and discovering things about myself I never knew.

Now, here in the comforting disarray of the Southwards Office, I sit writing this column. I feel that diis moment is just about as good as it gets. To have close friends, a creative outlet, and teachers who push you to strive ever higher was my Jr. High dream.

I'm living that dream.

Now while I will not go as far as selfsabotaging my ACT in order to remain at South longer, I can dig in my heels about The College Application. Yes it is the portal to my adult future. Yes, it is a great school, a private school, a school in Michigan. It doesn't have a lot of things, though.

It doesn't have the friends I love, or the mighty Hawks, or Trunk, or Southwards, or the everyday routines I have just about assimilated into my very being.

A wise proverb states that there is a time for everything. There is a time to fill out applications. Reluctantly, wistfully, and finally resolutely, the time is now.

Family values

by Megan Gibbons Throughout history, family has been a drag, it has been something that bothered the direction of life. In all aspects oflife we can each find an element of our families that makes us angry. There is no doubt that somewhere along the line we have hated our family.

More often than not, this is what we find ourselves thinking as our family finds yet another way to interfere with the life we are so intent on living. Ever since our parents were kids, family has gotten in the way, it's been something you didn't like to bring up outside of the house for fear of embarrassment. If friends ever found out what your mother's morning routine was, you think you would die.

However, despite how many people can't handle being kissed by their mother as she drops them off at school, or saying "hi" to their annoying brother in the hallway, family is an amazing thing. No matter how annoying or how much family side tracks your plans for life, it is truly a wonderful thing, something that we are all blessed to call our own. Whether we have two parents or seven parents or five brothers or one half sister, to have a family is a remarkable thing.

No matter how people try to deny it or to get around it, family has a great deal of importance. Despite the fact that there is a small relationship between a family, and the majority of the time it is yelling, there is still that element of togetherness, and having someone to call your own. It is the greatest feeling to say that someone is yours. To say that you have ownership of love, of compassion and of home, is truly the ultimate declaration.

Now it may be rare that you see a sixteen-year-old girl at the mall with her mom, holding hands, as they look through jeans at the GAP; however, there is more to it than just that There might, however, be that little kiss before they go to bed at night, or that glance in each other's direction as drive to school in the morning. They don't have to be great proclamation of togetherness, but knowing that there is something there truly fills the heart.

Watching my brother grow up has left me with a cherished feeling of family. As I was growing up, with him only a year behind me in school, I dreaded the thought of high

school, having a brother everyone would know was mine, and that we were only one year apart, I was sure I would be embarrassed.

But as the years went by, a special bond formed between us, and I am anything but embarrassed of my baby brother. We have learned to love that feeling of family we share. As we do homework across the kitchen table together at night, we will both suddenly stop and laugh hysterically over the little things that happened during our day. We are able to fight over the little things in life, and then apologize knowing that there was never anything that could really sever our feeling of family.

When life gets hard for either one of us, we are able to turn to each other and know that we won't judge and that we'll simply listen and go on our way. And to have that amazing sense of family is without a doubt a true blessing. In addition, we are both genuinely proud to call each other family, for as I get to tell all those people who ask if that male version of me walking around is my brother, that he is indeed my brother and I love him, I get a fulfilled feeling inside knowing I can call him brother.

However insignificant these feelings of family are to so many, deep down within a person, it holds great meaning. Know that all of the little things you share with all members of your family, though they might be hidden, sincerely do have great significance. Work hard not to disregard the things a family does that might bother you the most; take them in stride and cherish them.

For however unimportant these irrelevant things might seem to you, they are shaping your life.

To some, I understand that family is not a happy word, and perhaps it is not a brother or a mother that shapes your life, but I say to you find your family, even if it lies outside your literal house. Take in that family that fills your heart with joy and hold on to it. Let it fill you up and send your life off with the guidance of those who love you.

Family is your greatest tie to yourself, so don't toss it to the wind, cherish it. For along the road oflife, you are going to lose yourself and will need a light for the road back, and the only place you will find it is within the heart of your family.

They will lead you home.

• Raising the

by Britt Frederiksen The Chicago Tribune recentiy published the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) scores for the majority of the Chicagoland area's high schools and grade schools. The test was administered to last year's sophomores. Maine South just met the state standards reading, writing and arithmetic. Is not Maine South supposedly ranked as one of the top public high schools in the nation? Hard to believe when we scored lower than Maine East, Niles North, Niles West and Glenbrook South in several areas.

No, Maine South did not become a poor instimtion over night. There was no sudden drop in our standards. Somewhere along the line of education, however, the student body gave up. Last year's sophomores did not perform on the ISATs. Our teachers did not fail to stress the importance of these tests, the state's latest method of seeing if we have been taught. We failed to pay attention.

The ISATs have been, and probably alI ways will be, regarded as a joke, just as the California Achievement Tests and the Illinois Goal Assessment Program are. Students are herded into ClOl and told to sit for an

hour and a half and fill in seemingly meaningless bubbles until they cannot see straight.

No one wants to take these tests. They count for nothing immediately, report cards do not reflect test scores, and colleges do not look at individual ISAT grades. The sophomores leave the test room questioning the purpose of the test, happy that it let them miss class.

In reality, these tests are important, while Maine South gets its reputation partially from the schools its alumni attend, Maine South also gets its reputation from standardized test scores. When colleges look for prospective students at admission time, they look at their grades, their essay, their extracurricular activities, and their high school.

If a student gets straight A's, but went to a high school less difficult than Maine South, his chances against a Maine South student with the same grades are slim. Colleges do know that Maine South is a competitive school. This is no reason, however, to sit back, relax, and neglect our state tests. We need to maintain our reputation, not expect it will always be one of the best.

The ISATs are not difficult tests. If anything, the tests are annoying. I recall taking

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the test last year and feeling it was too easy for the class of '02. Certainly, I had trouble in sections. The test was manageable, however, as many students commented. The test was even "stupid" at points, according to other sophomores.

If the ISAT was so easy, why did not we do better? No matter how easy a test is, be it an insult to our inteUigence or just at our level, we should be able to complete it and pass. We are supposed to lead the way for the high schools of Chicagoland, not drag behind.

Unfortunately, the state will never check the intelligence of public school alumni by personally interviewing each or giving school-specific tests. The system does not cater to the individual or the individual town.

There are state and national standards we must meet, and should exceed, no matter the quality of the test. We need to score high on these tests to maintain our position as a good high school, and we need to be able to have proof of our prowess. The ISATs are the only proof we have now, and they certainly do not show that we are deserving of our supposed rank.

Life moves pretty fast...

by Jessica Kimicek We all know those children who wish they were older, who wish they could drive or stay up late at night. We know those children so well because in a sense we are them.

There are quite a few students who sit back in class and wish they were in college, or that they were no longer living with their parents. Why must we rush through life? Everyone seems to be in such a hurry, but for what reason?

Everyday I find myself stopped by the same red light. This has become such a part of my daily routine, that I have memorized the timing of the light. In turn I have leamed when it is acceptable to start inching across the intersection even before the light turns green. Why do I and so many others take part in this practice?

Because we are all in a hurry. Whether in a hurry to start driving again, a hurry to

fly into the next meeting, or a hurry to get home and start the next state of rushing. But does this hastiness pay off? Of course not.

Instead we become stuck behind the infamous eighty-year-old grandma who can't see over the steering wheel and drives about twenty miles an hour.

What exactly is the benefit of flying through life, never stopping to look around and to wonder at what is going on in the midst of your hectic schedule? Are we really gaining meaning in life if we never once stop and ponder just what it is? Life is something that moves at an amazing pace in spite of the great rushing we like to add to it. So, the next time you find yourself longing to get out of the current stage of your life, stop and ask yourself just what good abandoning your life is really doing.

As we all sit here in school and anticipate the end of this stage of our lives, I urge

you to reconsider this eagerness. Look around you to all of your friends, and know that statistics show that you will never see the majority of these people after graduation. Take advantage of this time you are able to spend with each other.

Take life as it comes to you, and make the best of it. Give your all in everything that you do, whether it be your least favorite class or your most favorite hobby.

Do not rush through this crucial stage of your lives, for this is the foundation of your futures. Not only are these four years of high school extremely important, but they will be the most worry free years you will experience for quite some time, for Ufe will only become more complicated from here on out. These are the reasons I encourage you not to rush through these teenage years, but to cherish them for all that they are worth.

A revelation of sorts

by Emily Haak

Thfere's nothing quite like the power one feels when having a conversation with a device that fits in the palm of the hand. One feels so dignified when whipping that baby out of their purse, messenger bag or pocket.

People wield them around as a self-proclamation of one's independence, social status, or just to show that they indeed own one.

Ah, the infamous cell phone, and the love/hate relationship that so many young, budding adults such as myself seem to have with it. I had considered getting one. The only reason that I considered doing so was to say that I owned one, and to listen to all of the ever-entertaining ringers. I could do anything with that phone. Why, I could be in the next Matrix and defy gravity, or fight crime, or volunteer to help to elderly. The possibilities are endless, with this phone, I could change the world.

I realize, however, that cell phones aren't the cheapest things in the world, and I could just use my mom's in all practicality. Then it wouldn't be mine, though.

Then, in the midst of my quandary, I had what I thought was an ingenious idea. Since cell phones are becoming a statement of one's "coolness," I should write to the Surgeon General, and tell him to recommend that all teens who smoke because it's cool

should go out and buy a cell phone to ease their social anxiety.

Think about the positive results of such a project. Thousands, even millions of young lungs could be saved by this simple measure. No longer would Phillip Morris have to air those incredibly annoying youth smoking commercials. There would be fewer adult smokers addicted courtesy of their teen years, there would be world peace, and everyone would get along and sing camp songs.

On a local level, imagine the effects. No longer would smoke pour from the Maine South bathrooms. One could walk into a bathroom without cr nvulsing due to lack of oxygen. People would be friendlier, a lovely sidenote when people aren't going through nicotine withdrawl. School administrators wouldn't have to spend countless hours coming up with futile attempts to stop smoking.

We could devote even more time to sex education in health class, which we've learned about 500 times before, instead of learning about tobacco abuse for the 600* time.

This realization was one of my finest moments. I was ready to start my letter to the Surgeon General, but then I suddenly found myself nmiinating once again upon the subject at hand.

It occurred to me that the bathrooms would quickly become so overrun with cell phone users that radiation, instead of smoke, would pour out of the bathrooms. If one wanted to use the rest rooms during class, the teacher would have to supply him with an oversized heavy lead vest to accompany the oversized bathroom pass. In addition, it would be nearly impossible to actually use the bathroom, as everyone would be standing on top of the toilets to receive better reception. Furthermore, instead of being at risk for lung cancer, teens would have a higher risk of growing some odd goiter out of the side of their head, or something strange like that.

I had to ask myself just where the risk should lie, should this nation full of teenagers go for the lead vest or the gas mask upon heading to the bathroom.

So, after careful consideration on my part, I decided that perhaps my "ingenious" idea ^ wasn't so great after all. Perhaps it was because my mom's cell phone scrambled my brain cells; I couldn't say.

At any rate, I have concluded that I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, because while I might die of smoke inhalation, I might get pretty tired wearing that lead vest all day.

J

Features 7

Focus on Faculty

The Theater Department. It is different different things to different people. To Patrick T. Sanchez, Technical Director, theater allows him to express himself in his work here at Maine South. "It opens up a totally different way to chaimel energy that provides a lifelong experience."

Mr. Sanchez, known to most everybody in the Fine Arts Department as "Sanch," feels that one of his most important jobs is to guide students through life, or at least through their time here at Maine South.

Watching you guys grow up is probably the most enjoyable part of my job," he says as he reads his e-mail on his computer while reclining in a chair.

Mr. Sanchez has had many duties here at Maine South over the past 13 years. In addition to being the Technical Director for all the school performances, he has taught a class. Technical Theater, for the past six years. He also sponsors the Maine South Theatrical Technicians Guild (M.S.T.T.G.) and provides technical assistance and stage maintenance for school events and perfor^ _ m; ances.

When he is not involved with the school, Mr. Sanchez is blasting the armor off an allied tank as a World War I and II re-enactor.

He fights for the Germans.

One of his favorite productions here at Maine South was Will Rogers Follies, the 1997 Musical. With his arms wide open, he exclaims, "The stairs were just a blast!" as he describes the eight foot tall by forty-eight foot wide stairs. His two favorite dramatic productions were The Man Who Came to Dinner and You Can't Take it With You. "Interiors are just really fun," he says nodding in approval. One challenge in particular that he enjoyed was setting up a telephone pole

"Patrick Sanchez

by Dave LaMont

onstag( onstage that could actually be climbed by a student actor. "We ended up just getting a real telephone pole," he chuckles.

When commenting on the newly formed Maine South Theatrical Technicians Guild, he says that it is "still a very young club that can do a lot in the community as well."

He hopes the Guild can expose other people to what the Theater Department does.

Before coming to Maine South, Mr.

HEY YOU! Nicole and Eileen still need short fictional stories and poems for a special features section. Drop your work off in V131, the Southwords office.

SOUTHWORDS A student-produced newspaper of:

Miaine South High School ; i i l l South Dee Roa|5 t vJPmidRidge, DL 600618^ Lettere-t(>the editor^ould be delivered to room V- ISroF-^enio^member of the editorial staff.-^utHWORD S'^reserves the right to edit material for claritf and brevity and to re^ct-obscen'e or^belous submis~>^-r sions.

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Editors-in-Chief News Editors Sanchez was a master carpenter at the Candlelight Ditmer Playhouse, but he hasn't been tempted to go back to doing professional theater. "Practically [speaking] it is more stable to work in high school theater."

The only thing that he might want to improve about the department as a whole would be "facility changes." "It would be nice to have an assistant," he says, to share the work load.

When responding to this last statement.

Junior Tracy Schmidt says, "Sanch is not only really fun to work with, he is also really understanding. You can go to him with anything and he has such an original point of view."

Senior Activities: •Tennis •Badminton •Varsity Club •T.OJ.Y.S. •National Honor Society •Intramurals •Class Council

Commentary Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Production Editors Core Photographers

Core Staff Artist Advisor

Maggie Witek

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 Deaima Oleske Megan Price Monica Haak T. R. Kerdi

Focus on Student Excellence

Teacher's Comments: "Maggie is a dedicated and outstanding athlete and a fine young woman. It has been my pleasure to have been her tennis coach these past two years. She plays termis as she does other sports, with a great deal of heart and determination. She has been a great role model for younger players and an asset to the team."

- JoAim Bondi

8 Feattirosr

Miracle on ice*

by Joe Madden Twenty-one years ago this week on November 22, the most improbable upset in sports history occurred at the 1980 Winter Olympics. The U.S. men's hockey team did the unthinkable and defeated the mighty Soviets to move on to the gold medal game.

The game was dubbed the 'Miracle on Ice' and truly was nothing short of it. A bunch of bright eyed college kids man-handled the best team in the world for one of the greatest moments in American sports history.

The early 1980's were a rough time on the United States; with the various hostage situations that were occurring around the globe, the U.S. economy was slumping and unemployment was at staggering rates, the country needed a rallying point. The country needed something to rally around, and received it's rallying point with the victory.

This game probably had as much domestic political implication that any other sporting event in the history of competition.

Some say it even brought the United States out of the rut it had been stuck in during the late 1970's and early 1980's.

The United States team, led by head coach Herb Brooks, will forever go down as one of the lasting images in sports history. The team was severely short on talent compared to the mighty Russians but had intense work habits that helped them achieve their ultimate goal. Captain Mike Eruzione, goaltender Jim Craig, and center Mark Johnson were three of the main weapons the United States used in beating the powerful Russian squad.

All three of these players were said to barely have the skill to survive the NHL, showing just how much determination this young underrated team really did

have. The much-maligned U.S. hockey team was rated seventh out of twelve teams in the tournament for the gold medal. They were an underdog unit that was not given a chance by the rest of the world.

The 'Miracle on Ice' had many positive effects across the coimtry and some believe it made many Americans proud to be An'.erican once again. This sporting event was so important in the way it changed many things and could be called the single greatest upset in sports history.

O h , tragic day

by Nick Mohar and John Vigna Thirty-eight years ago, the most controversial and emotionally moving event in the world occurred. During a parade in downtown Dallas, Texas, on November 22,1962, our thirty-fifth president John F. Kennedy was assassinated. President Kennedy had made the trip to Texas to take a tour of the state with two fellow politicians. On his tour of downtown Dallas, Kennedy was riding in an open limousine when two rifle shots were fired and hit the president. One bullet had hit President Kennedy in the neck and the other hit him in the head. President Kennedy was pronounced dead at his arrival at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Kennedy's accused assassin was a twenty-four-year-old man named Lee Harvey Oswald. He was immediately arrested and imprisoned. Two days after the assassination a man by the name of Jack

Ruby murdered Oswald in the basement of the police station. People felt that there might have been a second shooter and there was a conspiracy to kill Kennedy. Chief Justice Earl Warren claimed that Oswald had acted alone and that there was no conspiracy.

Although Keimedy was dead and a man was accused, there was still much controversy over the case.

Thirteen years after President Kennedy's death a special committee of the House of Representatives declared that there was a second gunman, who had missed, and indeed the murder was a conspiracy.

Although Kennedy had been a wellliked President there were still some people in America who did not like him or one of his brothers. Some specialists feel that he might have been assassinated because of his yoimger brother Bobby's constant criminal investigations, or because of

the way the President handled the Bay of Pigs problem. Regardless, President Kennedy had been assassinated and one day later Vice President Johnson took the oath of President.

Many people have made the comment that one can remember exactly what they were doing when they heard the tragic news.

Sophomore Chris Mitchell says, "I can remember my mom telling me her entire school stopped to listen to the news over PA system. She remembered every little detail, but I have heard many different stories."

Whatever actually did happen on November 22 is still a mystery that will probably never be solved. It was a tragic event that shocked the world and left many people in a devastated gaze. With every new president our country has, that sad day plays iij many people's mind endlessly. Fortimately,^ since that day, the country has not had to face another assassin as tragic as the one of President Kennedy's. Hopefully, the United States will never have to either.

• T h e \A/ill t o \A/in

by Terry Spanos Winning a high school sporting event does not always take a better game plan; it takes luck and superstition, according to many high school athletes.

Giovanni Portogallo, Jeremy Arbuthnot, and Pat Strizel all have one extremely weird supersition when they play football. At every game they wear a pink shirt under their uniform.

"Yeah, you guys laugh at us, but guess what, remember how we lost in the first round of the state playoffs last year? That's because one of us forgot to wear our shirts," said Portogallo.

It may sound like a dumb tradition or superstition, but for these three players they will swear by their pink shirts.

Other athletes that have their own superstitions include All-State baseball player Adam Rosales. Before each game, he has to

walk and touch the outfield fence. His counterpart. Bob Sanchez, has to cross the foul line three times and back before each batter reaches the plate.

"We have been doing this for years and will continue doing it. It's definitely a major part of our wins," said Rosales.

Along with touching the outfield fence, Rosales also bats with his grandfather's wooden baseball bat.

"Don't tell me about technology. Yeah, I'm the only one today using a wooden bat, and it's kinda old, but it does the job," he said. However, in a preseason game, Rosales forgot his wood bat, and still went six for six with three homeruns! When asked about that incident, Rosales replied,'They were lucky hits. The pitcher messed up and I tr ok the advantage."

Neil Schmidt also has a supersition of his own. Attending as many events as he can.

he claims his Blink 182 tee-shirt wins the games.

"I have worn this shirt to over fifty high school events, and we always find a way in the win column with it."

Not only do the boys have superstitions, but the girls do as well. Nicole Penn said she has worn the same pair of boxers, undershirt and sports bra to every soccer game she has played for Maine South.

"I made the boxers when I was in seventh or eighth grade. They're so cool. They say 'boo.' Everyone on the team knows of them. And with my Glenbard West shirt, it's so comfortable. It seriously is the greatest.

I'd refuse to play in any game unless I had my lucky sports bra, boxers, and shirt."

Those are just a few of the different, weird superstitions that occur at Maine South. They may be definitely out there, but they appear to work for the athletes.

ÂŤPrayer in school?

by Lara Zimmerman Last June the Supreme Court ruled that student-led invocations at high school football games were an unconstitutional establishment of religion. Also, the even bigger fight involves student-led prayer at graduation ceremonies. In Maine Township there is no trace of religion in the ceremonies.

At Maine South, there is still a Baccalaureate ceremony. This ceremony is optional and has no religious affiliation. Maine West and Maine East have completely done away with Baccalaureate ceremonies altogether.

Early in the history of Maine South, Baccalaureate was led by the clergy of Park Ridge. Each year it would rotate as to which religion led the ceremony. It was basically an ecumenical service.

In The Law of Public Education, it is stated that, "ruled out were references to a ^ ^ r e m e being in religious exercises, as dis^H^uished from such references on patriotic or ceremonial occasions." This means that a reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance, as a patriotic occasion, is permitted, but reciting the Lord's Prayer as part of an

opening exercise in a public school is prohibited.

Maine Township follows this court decision as well as decisions regarding Freedom of Speech and the Separation of Church and State. Dr. Snyder, Superintendent of Maine Township High School District 207 says that, "We don't start each board meeting with a prayer, we don't start each football game with a prayer, we don't start morning announcements with a prayer, but at some places they do. Each school district is unique."

Students at Maine South are allowed to start religious clubs as long as they are kept strictly student run. In no way are any faculty members allowed to become involved in a religious club. Faculty participation would mean that it was in some way school affiliated or school-sponsored which would be violating the Separation of Church and State regulations.

Not all students agree that faculty participation in a club would mean school sponsorship. The exact definition of the Separation of Church and State for some is in conflict with the June Supreme court ruling

against student-led invocations before a football game. "I don't think it is right that a student should not be allowed to say a prayer over the loud speaker at a football game," says a Maine South senior. "I don't think if it is a tradition that it should be able to be left out. Due to the freedom of speech, he should have had the right."

Authorizing student-led invocation at high school football games left a Texas school district open to a lawsuit. Organized prayer at a football game is organized prayer in a public school, which is against the Church/State Education relationships in the Law of Public Education. Legal scholars remain divided as to the acceptability of student-led prayer at graduation ceremonies.

This is currently being re-evaluated by Federal Courts in light of the Supreme Court's June ruling.

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Sports

South Stats

Football dominates in second round victory

by Shawn Kain

Number of seniors the girls' swimming team will lose at the end of this year's season.

?

Number of Mcks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie-pop.

5'4"-5'll" Range in height of the girls on this years girls' basketball team.

1.5 Number of months until the indoor track season officially starts.

The Hawks started the playoffs on a high win against Addison Trail, the Hawks once note, and showed that they can bounce back again had something to prove. Although the after a tough loss against New Trier. The Lions scored first, the Hawks showed they Hawks opened up wouldn't be the post season stopped as they with an exciting scored 45 straight win against unanswered points.

Addison Trail.

The final score With the help of the game was 45from the offensive 7, tallying another line, Corey Hawk victory on the successful seaNorman and son. With great Kevin Sherlock plays by linemen rushed for over a Jeremy Arbuthnot, combined total of R a l p h 200 yards. Shawn Kopyczynski, Jim Kain also passed Magiera, Joe Madfor over 150 den, Pat Stritzel, yards. With key and newly acquired plays by seniors tight end Mike Jason Derec and Zande, the line w ^ ^ ^ A n t h o n y able to open h u g ^ ^ Schittino, the The Hawks huddle up before their first running lanes for Hawks were able round playoff game against Addison Trail.

Kevin Sherlock to stop their photo by Deanna Oleske and Corey Norman oponents and win for a combined five touchdowns and over 42-28.

The second round brought the Hawks to 300 yards. The defense performed with poise Lyons Township. Although excited after the and composure.

Still swimming

by Anna Tomczyk The past two weeks have been filled with tough competition, starting with the dual meet against New Trier. No first or second places were taken by the Hawks against this first-ranked team, but some solid third places were earned by Anna Tomczyk in the 200 Freestyle, Laura Bender in the 50 Freestyle, Julie Szramek in the 100 Freestyle, Amanda Fallico in the 500 Freestyle, Natalie Kruk in the 100 Backstroke and Beth Spitelli in the 100 Breastroke. All three relays also came in third with Natalie Kruk, Amanda Fallico, Beth Spitelli and Laura Bender in the 200 Medley Relay; Beth SpiteUi, Julie Szramek, Kate Paine and Laura Bender in the 200 Free Relay and Laura Bender, Julie

Szramek, Megan Gibbons and Natalie Kruk in the 400 Free Relay. This is was the last home meet for the Hawks this season and they honored the six graduating seniors, Laura Bender, Christina Eich, Christine Mata, Beth Spitelli, Juhe Szramek, andAima Tomczyk.

The following week the Hawks competed in the CSL South Conference meet. With New Trier and Evanston swimming strongly as usual, the Hawks found it difficult to place well. However, two relays did place in t ^ ^ ^ top 6; the 200 Medley Relay of L S ^ Niemczyk, Amanda Fallico, Natalie Kruk and Laura Bender and the 400 Free Relay of Kate Paine, Julie Szramek, Megan Gibbons and Natalie Kruk.

Sports 11 ' Sports commentary-

Ciehard football fans tailgate

by Chris Mitchell Two weeks ago, Lyons high school witnessed something that they had never imagined they would see: Hawk fans tailgating before the game. The group of nearly thirty students met in the "Jock Lot" at ten sharp on Saturday morning as Mark Manrose began documenting the event. Twenty minutes later, a train of nine honking cars filled with screaming fans headed towards the tollway.

Led by the example of an ideal fan, John Jacobsen, the group traveled south for forty minutes until they reached Lyons High School.

Immediately, the Hawks began to play catch accompanied by the Dave Matthews' Band and rap music blaring from Jacobsen and Paul DiFranco's cars. Little did they know, the fans were not supposed to loiter within the parking lot for safety purposes, and were later instructed to play catch outside of the parking lot.

Properly equipped with two mini-grills ^ ^ i empty stomachs, the Hawks began bar^recuing an array of meats including hamburgers, kielbasa, and bratwurst. When supplies ran low, the fans relied on the endurance and speed of the boys' cross country runners to sprint to a local Dominick's Fresh

^^J) ^^^-ik> Boys' Basketball

show.

Accompanied by the fans, the cheerleaders spirited the team with their smiling faces and high pitched yells of "E.I! E.I.! E.I.O!" and "Go! Fight! Win!" The fans also did their part and created new cheers, compliments of the Chicago Fire, such as"Maine South, Maine South!" These cheers were especially heard as the Hawks scored just before the half, when some of the boys' varsity soccer team members led the fans to addicting cheer after cheer.

As the second half progressed, the fans' cries grew louder and more creative, at the game's conclusion, the team, band, cheerleaders, and fans left Lyons and headed back to Maine South. The trip back was definitely quicker than the journey to Lj ons. Once at school the team was welcomed and thanked with yells of joy and gifts from fans. Music and even more cheers continued as the energy never decreased. All fans left school glad that they had awakened early that sunny Saturday morning and the team left with advancement in the playoffs. The fans are eager to continue to display true school pride.

Whether it be at Wilson Field or a school's parking lot, these Hawk fans are making the most of their high school experience.

Hciyvk Highlights 11/22 @ Schaumburg Tournament

Girls' Basketball

11/24

11/25

@ Schaumburg Tournament

@ Schaumburg Tournament Bison Hawk Lancer

Girls' Gymnastics Boys' Swimming Girls' Track Boys' Track

i1 1 Wrestling

Store and revive the stockpile.

Bonding together and discussing cheers, the Hawks lost track of time until an hour before kickoff. Quickly, the students gathered their material and turned off the grills with much meat to spare.

The fans entered the Lyons stadium nearly fifty minutes before the game, creating a sea of red, black, and various skin tones upon the Lyons designated visitor bleachers. As kickofftime approached, the Hawks' palms became sweatier by the minute. With the entrance of the team, band, and uplifting varsity cheerleaders, the Hawks began their cheers. As students of Lyons sang the national anthem, the Hawks raised their right fists high with tradition as they sang the Maine South rendition of the anthem.

The game began with the cheering of the fans accompanied by the twirling of orange towels acquired from the Maine South locker rooms. In surprise of the ambient cheers, the Lyons fans began to respond with tasteless chants that the Hawks silenced with their dynamic performance. The sound of the Hawk cheering section was deafening for the duration of the game. So much so that the spectators could hardly hear the band that gave a great showing during the half-time

vs. Loyola 6:00 PM

11/27

11/28 @ Maine East 6:00 PM

SOUTHWORDS

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Winter

Basketball • Gymnastics • Indoor Track • Swimming • Wrestling

Boys' swimming prepares to compete

by Chris Marquez The official start to the boys' swim team is approaching quickly, but this fails to scare much of the returning team who have already been preparing with high hopes. This year the team's division contains three state ranked teams (New Trier, Evanston and Niles West) so Coach Deger will be expecting higher levels of drive and determination from all members. The team is rich in po-

tential with seven returning seniors: Matt Huffman, Tim Sapieka, Chris Marquez, Bill Plencner, Eric Raz, Paul Sarran, and Dan Smart.

Coach Deger will also rely upon the younger returning lettermen to help advance the team. These swimmers include Jon Michaels, Will Kruesi, and Alex O'Conner.

Finalizing the building of a strong team are

the varsity hopefuls: Brian Kura, Dan Nielson, Marcelino Rivera, Kevin Pick, and Mark Kruk.

The swim team will also be looking to this year's talented diving team for extra support through the season. Varsity divers include Randy Nowak, John Spann and Bob Klauck. This year's team has heart and optimism which will guide them to success.

It's not a game

Girls' track preview

by Jim Denk and Mike Tedeschi

by Eileen Collins The Maine South girls' track team is already starting to prepare for another great season. The girls' season will not officially start until after Christmas break, but many of this years athletes can be found training daily.

"We hope to have a rewarding season? says junior Mary Payne. The return of seniors Natalie Rubino and Katrina Kloess will help the team stay competitive this year.

Track is the perfect sport for many people, which may be why it is one of the largest teams in the school. Last year the team consisted of over seventy girls and sent some to the state tournament where sophomore Susie Logsdon recieved All-State honors in the Triple Jump. This year we are hoping to have more girls join the team and send more downstate. All girls who will commit to coming to practice everyday are eligible for the team. There are no cuts based on ability. The indoor track season is not a complete winter sport because it starts so late.

However, it is a great way to get into shape and compete against other schools. Look in upcoming bulletins for more information.

It's about that time of the year again.

Folks! It's time to climb! This year's Hawks' wrestiing program has set high hopes for this upcoming season. Led by captains Mike Tedeshi and Pat Stritzel the Hawks will defend their Conference title and avenge the loss of the Regional Championship. With many returning athletes the Maine South wrestling team hopes to set new standards for the future teams. When asked for his veteran insight of the 2000-2001 season Danny Tedeshi replied "Well I do spend a lot of time in the weight room and I am getting bigger.

Even my mom is starting to notice!"

Hard work has always been a part of Maine South wrestling tradition as illustrated

by Dan Tedeshi and the other preseason athletes. Now its time to put it into action. The Hawks' home-opener is November 22 against Loyola in the Maine South fieldhouse.

Mike Tedeschi pushes himself to succeed even before the season starts photo by Megan Price

Girls' basketball outlook

By Katie Ristau Last year's team saw much success with twin towers Colleen VanHoesen and Lauren Colletti. This years girls' basketball program plans to take a different outlook on their season. With heights ranging from 5'4" to 5' 11", the Hawks plan to become one of the quickest teams in the state. This years returning seniors Krissy Vonesh, Katie Ristau, and Meg Nakamura will lead the squad with poise and determination. Anne Forde, Erin Farmer, Britty Luxton, and Amy

Moorehouse look to "light it up" from beyond the arc. Maria Colletti, Mary Therese Ristau, Liz Bondi, and Caiti Kaminski all look to dominate the boards for the Hawks this year. With the speed and experience this team has they look to make a serious run for both the conference and state title.

The squad is filled with enthusiasm and talent. The Hawks will be tested early in their season against Liberty ville at home on Thursday, November 16th. Hopefully their hard work and dedication will pay off.

Hey You! We still need writers for the sports section. Anyone interested in writing for winter sports? Get involved, write for Southwordsl Talk to Ellen or Chris if you are interested!