Vol 38 issue 14

maine APRIL 12, 2002

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nil S. DEE ROAD • PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS 60068

south VOL 38, NO. 14

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NEWS: MATHLETES TAKE FIFTH

COMMENTARY: WANT Vs. NEED

FEATURES: CiVIL WAR

SPORTS: GIRLS' SOCCER

2 News

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 12, 2002

Mathletes' efforts add up to success

by Jim Puis

If each pane in a given double-paned given for places in each level as well as over- ing Meadows for the whole year. The sewindow absorbs twenty-five percent of the all. nior Mathletes members led the team to an light that hits it, transmits overall finish of fifth place in the twenty-five percent, and redivision. flects the other half, then Additionally, in the oral com...^...,,.„.. * „ , ^ . ^ what percentage of the light petition, Maine South finished 4 that hits the window is transsecond in the division for the mitted? whole season. This was a spe1 'r::::^!(,|' jp(|i, . ......

If this problem seems incial competition where one team timidating, talk to a member representative researches an adof Maine South's Math vanced topic in mathematics and Team. For Mathletes, probthen orally presents the solution lems like this are all too routo a problem to judges. tine.

Thanks go to the four coaches At each of five meets, of Mathletes, Mr. Nilsen, Mrs. five students from each of O'Malley, Mrs. Grimm, and Mr. the four classes spend thirty Andrews for leading the team minutes trying to solve five through one more tough season The senior team poses before the conference competition. problems. The topics for of competition. All the members photo from the collection of Erik Maye these problems vary from came out having had a fun time meet to meet, ranging from and learning more about this subjects such as sequences and series to matMaine South's performance this year was most intriguing of fields. ters Uke the trigonometric applications of once again an improvement over the past The senior members wish the rest of conic sections. lext years. A strong senior team finished first in remaining members good luck for the nex The highest three scores at each level the division at the conference meet in March, school year and hope that they will continue count towards the final level, and awards are while losing by only a single point to Roll- to improve.

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April 12, 1833 - Charles Gaynor patents the fireproof safe in New York City.

April 12, 1861 - Fort Sumter is attacked by the Confederates, marking the beginning of the Civil War. April 12, 1944 - The U.S. Twentieth Air Force is activated to begin the strategic bombing of Japan.

April 12, 1945 - President FrankMn D. Roosevelt dies in Warm Spring, Georgia.

April 12, 1961 - Yuri Alexeyevich Gagarin becomes the first person to orbit the earth.

April 12, 1983 - Harold Washington becomes the first African-American mayor of Chicago.

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SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 12, 2002

•IStudents of the month Applied Technology: Russell Glowen, Jeffrey Hermanek, Dan Herrmann, Mark Krzeszowiec Art: Elizabeth Bozek, Karolina Chwascinski, Tracy Hedrick, JilUan Krol, Marta Rabczak, Jaclyn Spierowski Audio/Visual: Katie Dunn, Joseph Hannon, Katie Shotsberger, Michael Verre Business: James Brill, Gregory Domashovetz, Nancy Wilkins English: Jaison Abrahan, Dan Barone, Alex Biardo, Dan Colonna, Demetrios Floudas, Kathryn Futris, Alex Gillett, Kevin Kane, Dave Kazarian, Priscilla Kosloski, Justyna Kuczaj, Dan Lakowski, A. J. Le Beau, Michelle Penn, Al Pinter, Phil Pomagier, Amy Sara, Nicole Slaback, Justyna Susfal, Steve Truty, Will Udischas,

Jason Wacker, Joanne Ylagan Driver Education: Craig Braun, Mike Cabaj Family and Consumer Sciences: Jessica Dubowski, David Landreth, Jacqueline Ljubenko, Katherine Moyer, Lisa Tinaglia Foreign Language: Jacquelyn Arvidson, Brian Filippini, Kristina Grieco, Jennifer Heffeman, Piotr Matejczyk, Melissa Mazur, Magdalene Pijanowski, Robert Sosnowski, Andrew Swantek Health: Justin Burton, AUison Pullman Math: Lindsay Bransen, Meghan Carlson, Alexandro Chavez-Oregon, Daniel Colonna, Michael Hayden, David Maassen, Claire Mulbrandon, Nicole Oddo, Marta Prokop, Briana Rowan, Axie Russell, Dan Senderak, Becky Shubert, John Spann, Nichole Tonioni, Kelly Warchol, Stephanie Woo

Music: Mickey Mangan, Erinn Mitchell, Lee Regner, Marcelino Rivera Physical Education: Chelsea Collet, Alexandra Czahor, Benjamin Dydyna, Thomas Ericksen, Jessica Kuhr, Michael Madsen, Sylvia Marciniec, Kathleen Pinter, Mark Seske, Ashley Treadway Science: Craig Braun, Justin Burton, Matthew Caddell, Brittany Cash, Jim Gipson, John Keams, Caroline Kim, Cheuk Lau, Jennifer Mok, Jacqueline Pikul, Rebecca Poliwka, Brian Ruder, Axie Russell, Suzanne Schomack, Daniel Tedeshi Social Science: Lauren Adam, Jorge Bustamante, Tiziana Di Benedetto, Allison Pullman, Alexandra Gillett, Mohammed Khan, Henry Lifton, Anna Matejczyk, Peter Matejczyk, Kara Ross, Daniel Widing

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State champions Spring Fling

by Caroline Kim The Maine South Chess Team has been 'working hard all year, practicing for hours within the stacks of the library, and their hard work has definitely paid off. They had a very successful regular season with a record of 27-1 in match play, and added to the success, with a win at the North Suburban Chess League conference championship on March 15,2002 after defeating New Trier and Glenbrook South. The competitiveness of the conference can be attested to by the fact that five of the teams in the conference finished in the top six positions in state.

During the sixth round of conference play, Maine South was up against Niles North, which proved to be the highlight of the tournament. The match was played by Erik Maye, Mark Rokita, Robert Riddle, Dan Leung, Rob Rasmussen, Brett Collins, John Piergalski, and William Bielski. Numerous coaches said that this was the best played match in a decade of state play. As a result of this amazing play, chess magazines from around the state are expected to publish many of the games.

After becoming the conference champions, the Maine South Chess Team went on to compete at the state level on March 23, 2002. The team consisted of seven players on boards one through seven and two play-

ers rotating on board eight.-The Maine South Chess Team played exceptionally well and came home with a perfect championship score of 7-0. They came out on top of a total of 95 teams.

Maine South competed against seven teams. Six were a part of the top 20 finishers, and four were of the top ten. One of the teams that was defeated ended in second place. Each of the nine team members contributed significantly to Maine South's overall success.

Robert Riddle faced the toughest opponents, two of whom were masters and one an internationally ranked player. Dan Leung ended as number one on board two, and Robert Rasmussen was second on board three.

Also, Brett Collins, Mark Rokita, and John Piergalski finished third on boards four, six, and seven, respectively. Erik Maye finished in the top 20. William Bielski and Ed Mueller finished in the top half of the state.

The team is now preparing for the National Championships which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. The results are also expected to be promising for the team because the younger team members have previously won national championships in the K-5, K-8, and 7th grade divisions. Thus, the team will look to continue to make an impact and make Maine South proud.

by Stephanie Caccomo The Brotherhood-sponsored dance.

Spring Fling 2002, will be held tomorrow, April 13,2002 from 7:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The dance will be dee-jayed by Urban Sound Productions mastered by Ian Beacraft and Archer DJ team and looks to be an amazing evening. The price of admission is S5 per person at the door.

Previously known as Dance Marathon, Spring Fling, benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At last year's Dance Marathon, S5,000 was raised for the organization. The money raised was then used to fulfill one terminally ill young girl's wish to go to Disney World.

This year. Brotherhood's goal is to raise even more money than last year, so that another child can be granted his or her wish. In addition. Brotherhood is hoping that enough money will be raised so that even more than one wish will be granted this year, and someone else's life will be made brighter.

Spring Fling is a win-win situation. The attendee can have a great time while helping a cause to make a child's dream come true. This is one of Brotherhood's largest fundraisers and the club looks to the student body for support.

4 Commentary

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SOUTHWORDS • APRIL IZ 2002

•Staff Opinion I

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By Megan Gibbons The days are finally here. For most of us seniors here at Maine South planning to go on to college next year, the envelopes have arrived and the options have been laid out in front of us. Whether we have received a small envelope, or a giant one with a big YES! on the flap, its time that we accept what we have been dealt and get ready to move on. For some, life-long dreams have come true and that dream college lies in the future. For others though, that school we always figured we would be attending might have just slipped away, and are future is not exactly clear.

As I have sat these past few days as envelopes have been ripped open, I have gotten to take in moments of pure excitement as well as that pang of disappointment, but slowly an understandng has surfaced. The key to making the college experience a successful and rewarding one is to simply make it the next stage in life.

For most of us here at Maine South, after junior high, the next step was to attend Maine South. There really was not very much to debate about; it was simply the place we were supposed to go after we got our eighth grade diplomas. Knowing that this was what life had laid out before us it made it a simple, smooth step-an easy transition. There was never much wondering of what life would be like if we had gotten to go to that dream school. Each of us has made every moment count here at Maine South, in one way or another, because here is where it mattered. There was never another destination, so time wasn't spent wishing for the experiences of what might have been, but instead making the best of what was.

College needs to be the same way. If each and every one us makes the school that has been offered to us the next logical step of life as so many of us made Maine South, then college will be nothing but successful. Despite the fact that where we end up might not exactly fill in the color of that picture we have always painted in our minds, if we take and run with whatever we have everything will work out. (see Editors on page 5)

Goodbye road rageP

by Deanna Oleske I am typical Park Ridge teenager driver.

The words "speed limit" render a blank in my head. My music is so loud and obnoxious pedestrians fear walking near my car knowing very well that I am one of "them."

I cut off soccer moms in mini-vans and I tailgate slow drivers. My parents pay for my car, insurance, and gas. I, on the other hand, have road rage.

Road rage is a potentially lethal personality that can take over any driver. As a rather inexperienced driver I have experienced road rage many times.

I get furious when Harlem goes under construction for the third consecutive year, I fume when my car would move faster in park on the 290,1 become irate when someone cuts in front of me and leaves their left turn signal on for many endless miles. I will start cursing obscenities at the inanimate stop signs and lights. But what upsets me the most about road rage is the simple fact that I can get so upset.

Why is it that uncontrollable traffic can upset anyone when it is an everyday unstoppable occurrence?

I am writing this article right after I spent over an hour in rush hour traffic. While sitting in my car I realized that there was no need to be in a rush, that there was no way to avoid rush hour, that no matter how much I pout, scream or cry, I would still be sitting in traffic.

Why would I go into rush hour traffic?

To see if road rage can be controlled in an uncontrollable environment.

Usually after an hour's worth of traffic I am shaking from rage, I see red, and I'll snap at anyone that talks to me. This time however, I feel nearly as fresh as I did when I stepped into my car.

How? By taking myself out of the situation.

Simply accepting that no matter who I cut off or what lane I am in, I will still be stuck in traffic was my first step towards recovering my sanity.

Instead of listening to heavy or bouncy music I threw on some Enya. The part of my personaUty with high stress, my high temper and my short patience seemed to disappear.

I have realized tnat that as long as I give self enough time, thd hei^^ are no hospital emergencies, I have some low-key tunes, and I take a deep breath road rage can cease to exist.

If we all could do this the insurance companies would be thanking the world as the amount of fender-benders significantly decreased.

Letter to the Editors In reaction to Dr. Cachur's Monday morning announcement about the "increasing misbehavior among Maine South students" there must be a few things pointed out. When you trap students in a cage all day, they are going to rebel. WTien students are treated and feel like prisoners to an institution, it is hard to feel thj "Hawk Pride." So what is the school' solution? More security, more restrictions, more poUce involvement! Great solution.

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- Rusty Gowen

Commentary 5

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 12, 2002

Student Opinion

Want vs. need

by Emily Zoellner When I first started working at Starbucks nine moths ago, I did not expect to learn anything profound from my job. I carmot say that working as a "barista" is the most intellectually stimulating employment out there, but the job has made me aware of something other than the effects various roasting techniques have on the flavor of a particular coffee.

In observing caffeine-addicted customers, I have come to realize that in our society many people have a warped sense of what a "need" is.

At work, nothing bothers me more than when a customer tells me that they "need" a Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato, or other fancy coffee beverage costing over three dollars. Of course, Starbucks did not hire me to remind paying customers that our products are over priced and unnecessary I so I refrain. I have tried, however, to become conscious of my own misuses of the word "need."

As a society, I think America considers many things essential to life that are, in many other places in the world, seen as luxuries. I am no exception to the materialistic rule. As much as I try to convince my parents other wise, I do not need a car.

I could walk to school - sure my house is 1.5 miles from Maine South - but really, how far is that? I rarely, if ever, need to go shopping. I have a closet and a dresser full of clothes, many of which I never wear.

So why do we think we need these things? Surrounded as we are by other people who have even more than us, we trick ourselves into believing that such maf Editors continued from page 4) If time at school next year is filled with wishful thinking, wondering what might have been if we had just done that extra assignment to up the G.P.A. or joined that one more club, then all that could be made wonderful around us will be missed. So many things with the potential to be phenomenal will surround all of us no matter where we end up. If we can make this next step the logical one in our lives, and make

terial possessions are necessary.

And once we are in the habit of having luxuries and conveniences, it is easy to start depending on them. Just hke the woman who comes into Starbucks every day "needing" her "venti, skim, easy sugar-free vanilla, extra hot, no foam latte," we often confuse wants with needs.

This is not to say that indulging in luxuries makes someone a bad person. As long as we understand that we do not really need material possessions, they are not altogether evil things.

I am not attempting by writing this to criticize Starbucks - I am grateful to the company (and my store's manager) for providing me a schedule that allows me to save money for college and finish up high school at the same time. Nor am I criticizing Starbucks' customers - 1 myself have trouble staying awake all day without stopping for coffee on the way to school.

What I am saying is that if as a culture we do not learn how to differentiate the truly necessary elements of life from the less essential ones, we will be in trouble. I thought that after September 11, Americans were starting to be more appreciative of what we have.

In the days immediately following the terrorist attacks, I think we all understood what, or more accurately who, we needed. It wasn't a luxury car, a big house, or nice clothes. It was and is family, friends, and the love they provide.

Let us not forget that love, friendship, and safety are what we need. That we do not need SUV's, The Gap, or Starbucks.

the best of it, as we have all made this last step, we cannot go wrong.

As we all had thoughts around this time four years ago of our days to come at Maine South, today, we all need to have thoughts of that college that has offered us the opportunity to attend. We cannot be filled with thoughts of that college that should have or that we would have loved to have attended, but of the one where we will take the next simple step of life.

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I think we should learn to treat each other right before we get into other people's problems!

-Mark Somerville,'05

The response-good or bad-will reveal the limitations of our past and the complexities of our future.

-Mike Deines, faculty

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I think we could get involved to put an end to the situation. But I also think we should stay out of it to avoid a potential war.

-Dan Hogan, '04

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Hmm - I should probably know more about this issue.

-Annie Bemdtson, '04

6 Commentary:

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL IZ 2002

Staff Opinion

A Modest Undie Proposal

by Emily Haak "Alright people, let's get this meeting started. It's come to the student council's attention that there's been some protest from the student body regarding girls wearing thongs. Now, they're getting angry and they're demanding action from us. If you recall, last week we voted to set up a thong internment camp for these students. We feel that this program is the most effective way to combat this problem, and I want to hear the status of this camp." " Yes, sir! I spoke with the principal, and he said that it would be alright to set up the camp in those rooms in the C-wing that don't have any windows.

That way, no one can see the girls. This is extremely important because reports from the student body state that seeing these girls' behinds hanging out of their pants is disgusting.

"Also, they will have no contact with the outside world. This is equally important, because the girls obviously rely on making connections by flashing themselves, so for them to develop actual social skills would be absolutely outrageous."

"Excellent. And who will teach them ? " "Well, as you know, our primary goal was to quarantine them from the rest of the student body, so that they don't spread their

leftist thong philosophies to the rest of us.

But, we have also provided that they will receive minimal education. The faculty will draw straws, sir. The unfortunate soul who is selected will be fitted with bhnders, and mace, in case the girls get too close with their thongs.

"It's important to keep in mind, though, that these young women are not particularly interested in a good education.

"Clearly, these girls would rather attract a male student by shameless flaunting themselves, than by showing off their intelligence, wit, and sensitivity. Only minimal education is needed."

"Good. And what about other accommodations?"

"Well sir, I talked to the custodians, and they said that they could set up benches so that the girls could have full view of each other's artistic thongs and exposed posteriors."

"Excellent work, John. Did anyone speak to people about their food, clothing, and shelter?"

"Um, we've drafted plans to have cots fold out of those blue cabinets in the class rooms. This way, their parents won't have to deal with them either. The lunchroom workers have agreed to serve them celery

sticks and diet coke twice a day. They too, will be outfitted with blinders and mace. The physical education program has agreed to construct large devices resembling hamster wheels to keep these girls fit, while not actually having to place a P.E. instructor in with them."

"Good. And what will we do to rehabilitate these girls into mainstream Maine South culture?"

"Um, well we have weekly Victoria's Secret Catalogue bonfires planned." "/ see. Will there be marshmallows?"

"No sir, we felt this would spoil them.

They are in an internment camp after all."

"Mmm. You have a point."

"Um, if I may, sir, I'd like to address the council."

"Go ahead, Johnson."

"I was just thinking that there was an easier way to solve this thong problem than an^ jumping through all of these hoops. W not just ask the girls to wear pants that cove up their thongs?"

"Don't be ridiculous Johnson, that's the most preposterous thing that I've ever heard! " If you can't bring a cool and level head to this issue, than you're of no use to us. I mean really, ask them to stop. This meeting is adjourned...."

^Features 7

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 12, 2002

A day to remember

by Josh Anderson The American people are faced today slaves, first with the Emancipation Proclawith a war against terrorism, but a different mation, and then in all states with the ratifitype of war began on April 12, 1861. 141 cation of the 13th Amendment.

Oddly enough, yesterday was the sixyears ago today, the Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard began bom- month anniversary of the September 11th barding Union forces under the command attacks, when a different kind of war began.

A half a year of U.S. Major ago today the Robert.

American This hispeople were toric event scared and took place at worried for the Fort Sumter on nation's safety. the shoreline Today, this fear of South still exists, but Carolina's we are putting Charleston an equal Bay. Fort amount of fear Sumter fell to into the enemy.

Confederate Once again forces on the American solthird day. The diers are fightfight over ing for the freemany issues dom of an opbegan this day. pressed people.

The causes During the of the Civil Civil War the War arose Union fought from tensions for the freedom between the of slaves.

North and the Now, AmeriSouth, nascent can soldiers s i n c e fight not only America's war against terrorfor indepenism, but also dence. Alfor the rights of though it arguthe people of ably wasn't a afghanistan. central issue at And as many This refugee slave became a drummer in the time of the people now rethe 79th U.S. Colored Troops during the war, one of the alize, that unCivil War long-lasting der the Taliban legacies of the Civil War was the fight for the abolition of government they were often treated worse than slaves were. slavery.

During slavery, slaves were allowed to After four years of intensive fighting and the loss of more than 600,000 soldiers, the sing songs, but under the former Taliban bloodiest war in American history came to government, music was forbidden. Women a close. The Union emerged as the "vic- in the slave era were allowed to show their tor", but both the Union and the former Con- faces, but the women under the Taliban had federacy were strained with the burdens of to hide behind Birkas. Slaves were fed, but a ruthless war for many years to come. Most many in Afghanistan starved.

As appalling as slave conditions were importantly, however, the nation started working towards the emancipation of all during the slave era, conditions were far

worse for many of those living in Afghanistan.

After the South lost the Civil War, their entire economic and social structure collapses upon itself. After years of economic hardship and social insurrection, the North and South reunited again. And although it took over 100 years, African Americans, who as a race were once in bondage and servitude, have gained full rights and are equals, as every person in the world should live.

Although the society of Afghanistan will take a long time to recover, it is possible.

A long fight is ahead as the United States and coalition forces continue to make the world a safer place. There will be more lives lost before the war against terrorism is won.

Hopefully though, just as the 600,000 who gave their lives for their beliefs during the Civil War, the men and women serving our country will not die in vain.

SlDTIWIIlS A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, XL 60068 I Letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the ediI torial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the I right to edit material for clarity and brevity i and to reject obscene/libeious submissions. i Editors-in-Chief

Britt Frederiksen Megan Gibbons News Editors Monica Bysiecki Caroline Kim I Commentary Editors Deanna Oleske i Tracy Schmidt \ Features Editors Eileen Collins Emily Haak I Austin Gibbons j Sports Editors Kristi Katz j Production Editors Jim Puis Dan Saavedra i Core Photographers Rachel Kalom I Core Staff Artist Salena Retsos i Advisor T.R. Kerth V

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8 Features!

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL IZ 2002

Surgeon general's warning...

by Amanda La Bonar "Caution: cigarette smoking is dangerous tion that smoking is a nasty habit. Many people's addiction to stay in business.

According to the National Household to health and may cause death." Dangerous restaurants, hotels, and other public places to health really means a vulnerability to fifty have sectioned off, if not completely elimi- Survey on Drug Abuse, every day 3,000 illnesses and twenty different options for nated, smoking on the premises. Even the people will become daily smokers, all of death.. Thirty-three years ago, the FTC pro- entertainment industry portrays smoking less them under the age of 18. If this trend continues, 5 million of these people alone will posed that warnings be announced on every glamorously than it once did. die from a smoking related radio, TV, and print cigarette affliction. ad.

The Canadian Cancer Over 4,000 chemicals, 43 SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Society claims that the most of which are carcinogens, help recent cigarette package compose one cigarette.

Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy, health warnings discourage Sounds revolting, right? So smoking: 43% of smokers why can't the National Health are now concerned about Interview Survey's estimated 57.6 million American smokers quit? PerFor several decades in the 20th century, their health's future, 44% found new motihaps it's due to the drug's highly addictive smoking was the thing to do. Anybody who vation to quit, and 21% resisted a craving.

Improvements are still being made to qualities. Or maybe it's the cigarette's sick- was anyone did it; it was socially acceptable. Actors embraced it on screen and off, raise the public's awareness to the dangers ening withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, while advertising linked smoking to beauty of smoking. Out of the four current Surdepression, restlessness and cravings all and success. At this time, no one knew they geon General's Warnings, "Smoking can cease after four weeks. For ten weeks after were inducing any type of future health prob- lead to lung cancer, heart disease, emphyquitting, 70% of people report an increased lems. In today's society, however, with the sema, and may complicate pregnancy," is the endless facts and statistics, the American most detailed and brutally honest. Finall)j^^ appetite.

Regardless of whether it's addiction or public knows that smoking is hazardous to after years of smoke and mirrors, cigarettel^^ fear of withdrawal that keep people from one's health. The tobacco companies there- are being exposed for what they truly are in quitting, it's a societal opinion of this na- fore target America's youth and depend on wamings that tell the deadly truth.

ATTENTION ALL SENIORS! The time has come to start writing your SENIOR WILLS. This is a reflective letter to all of your fellow 2002 graduates. It is meant to be personal, so include as many inside jokes and memories as you wish, but keep it clean! Because you are limited to one page, use a small font. The cost for the final booklet will be somewhere between $7 and $10. The deadline to turn the wills in will be May 1, 2002. We will get out more information soon about where to turn them in and the exact cost. If you have any questions, talk to Jen Anderson, Steph Caccomo, or Jess Stuckey.

A successful failure

by Brendan Clifford On April 11,1970, astronaut Jim Lovell, and civilian astronauts Fred Haise and John Swigert were challenged to voyage Apollo 13. The mission started off with no apparent difficulties, but while in flight the craft ran into many difficulties when an oxygen tank ruptured. An explosion in the service module crippled the space craft while it was still outward bound.

The crew spent many long and harrowing days trying tofigureout how to come home alive. Because of what happened the astronauts had to cancel their landing on the lunar surface. Using the power and survival system of the Len Module, they swung behind the moon and were then brought back

to earth by the navigating technology of the mission control center in Houston, Texas.

On April 17, this incredible journey came to an end when the craft hit the Atlantic Ocean south of Pago Pago. It made a safe landing and all the astronauts made it out unharmed. People all over the nation were glad the mission ended in triumph rather than in national tragedy.

Perhaps astronaut Jim Lovell best summed up the sentiments of the determined and respected mission when he said, 'There are three k i n d | ^ ^ of people in the world: t h o s ^ ^ who make things happen...those who watch things happen.. .and those who wonder what happened."

iFeatures 9

SOUTHWORDS • APRIL 12, 2002

Maine South open minded

by Nora Erickson, Mark Joyce, and Jenna Felts Choking back tears, Mr. And Mrs. Dennis Shepard walked slowly toward the church. This was quite possibly the hardest day they have ever had to face in their lives.

Their son, 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, had been severely beaten and left to die in a field just a few short days before.

As his parents attempted to walk into the church to attend their son's funeral, the walk became ten times more painful because of the gathering crowd. Chanting, "God hates fags" and holding signs that read, "Matt in hell," the crowd pummeled Matt's mourn-

ing parents with blow after blow of hurtful insults.

These right-wing religious protesters were led by Reverend Fred Phelps. Phelps seeks out funerals of AIDS victims and openly homosexual individuals to protest the acts that lead to "impending doom."

According to Phelps's worldview, God hates homosexuality so homosexuals shall know eternal damnation. It's not only adults that follow his teachings to hate; young children are forced to join in the protests. They don't get to choose, but are raised to hate.

A recent survey of Maine South students shows beliefs far less strict than the views of Phelps. Only 26% of Maine South students surveyed rejected homosexual lifestyles. Of those, 52% say it is for religious reasons.

Of the males surveyed 45% opposed homosexuality where only 13% of females did.

These results seem to indicate that Maine South females are more accepting than males. Overall, however, Maine South students accept a lifestyle of homosexuality.

74% of the students are okay with it.

Senior slacking off

by Lauren Savastio and Eileen Collins Surprise! Seniors are slacking. While it's obvious that the tendency to turn in homework and to stay up studying has declined, it is interesting to note that seniors are slacking in other areas of life as well—including athletics.

In a recent survey of 87 Maine South seniors, 70% had, at some time throughout high school, participated in a sport. Of these individuals 77% have shown a voluntary decUne in athletic involvement throughout high school—meaning they choose to quit; they didn't get cut.

So, why has senior involvement in sports decreased? Many assume it is related to the teacher-feared, inevitable virus, deemed "Senioritis"-a laziness that strikes deep into the bones of seniors, who are simply sick of trying.

However, only 5% of the surveyed Maine South seniors listed laziness as a reason for their decreased athletic activity. Contrasting to the myth of laziness, 30% hsted homework or more challenging classes as a cause.

38% of the seniors who have opted not to continue playing on a Hawk team listed a dislike for the coach as a reason, whereas only 2% quit out of a dislike for teammates.

Two percent said that wanting to spend more time with their friends factored in to the decision, 1 % quit because of a boyfriend or girlfriend, and less than 1 % quit due to fam-

ily obligations.

An overwhelming 70% of senior whose participation in athletics has decreased listed a job as the reason. According to Dr. Fred Bassett, superintendent of the Beechwood Independent School District, "If students work too many hours, do too many extracurricular activities, and study, something is going to suffer." The National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine contend that work outside of school can be a major problem.

In fact, senioritis has become such a problem that the US Department of Education has created the National Commission to Study Senior year of High School. Kids more and more are dropping out of their activities and coasting through senior year.

This "problem," however, is a necessity for many students. "Almost everyone either needs or wants money for college," said Maine South senior Ben Head.

Finally, 36% of students whose sports commitment dwindled listed other school or community involvement as a factor. Fittingly, 36% of the decreased-sport athletes said that senior year they have become more involved in community and school activities other than sports.

A close 33% of decreased-sport-players said that their involvement in the community and other areas of school has also de-

clined this year, whereas 31 % said their other involvement has remained the same. Maine South senior Doug Link explains the decrease by saying, "People are getting tired of doing the same thing over and over and just want to be done with high school."

Of the students whose involvement in sports increased or stayed the same throughout high school, 14% are exhibiting increased involvement elsewhere, 29% have decreased involvement elsewhere, and 57% stated they have continued to have a constant amount of involvement in other activities throughout high school.

Of the 30% of students who have never played on a Hawk athletic team, 21% say that their other involvement has increased, 46% say it has decreased, and 33% say it has remained the same.

These results seem to show a larger amount of continued motivation for school and community activities stemming from those who participate in athletics. Do sports keep individuals more motivated in other activities? The results from Maine South show that a student who sticks with a sport through senior year will be more likely to stick with other activities.

One thing is certain—many seniors are slowing down and, for various reasons, most notably jobs, decUning in athletic and other activities.

10 Sports

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What kind of pi ayerareyou?

It's so much easier to be the underdog.

As the underdog, no one EXPECTS you to win. but everyone hopes that you do.

As the underdog, people are shocked by your speed down the line, impressed by the depth of your line-up. amazed by the dedication of your players.

As the underdog, every victory is celebrated. every defeat is a lesson learned.

It's so much easier to be the underdog.

Then, one day, you open the paper. and with one click of the sportwriter's keyboard, you become, the frontrunner As the frontrunner, everyone EXPECTS you to win, and there are hundreds behind you hoping you'll lose.

As the frontrunner, everyone seems to think your speed is expected, your depth only adequate and that your players might be "too this" or "not enough" that.

As the frontrunner, every victory is a given. every defeat an opportunity for others to critique. It's damn hard to be the frontrunner.

Fortunately you have a choice...you can play like the underdog, or play like the frontrunner An underdog runs out every pop fly because he fervently hopes it will be dropped.

An underdog dives for every ground ball because it might mean the difference between a win or a loss.

An underdog out-hustles, out-works. and out-plays everyone around him everyday because he has something to prove.

A frontrunner jogs out pop flies because he assumes someone else will come through when it counts.

A frontrunner lets groundballs go by because he expects someone else to make the big plays.

A fomtrunner doesn't even think about hustle, work, or dedication until May because he believes he has nothing to lose.

The season starts now; the choice is ours.

What kind of players are we?

-Heathe r A nichini

This poem was written by a very special fan who is working for the boys'varsity baseball team to succeed this season. She wrote this the morning of the pre-season rankings, where the Hawks came out seeded first. Unfortunately, they didn't receive this poem before the game in which they played like a front-runner. not to win, but rather, not to lose. The Hawks lost that game leaving a sour taste in their mouths.

At the time of press, no other games had been played and this poem seemed quite appropriate instead of a simple re-

port of one game.

This poem and idea does not just apply to the varsity team or to just baseball. It can be used in conjunction with any sport. but most importantly with life. One can take each day and make the most of it, or sit back and let it go by. One can work hard and never give up or one can be settled with what they already have.

Perhaps this poem addresses the team directly as it asks "What kind of players are we?" but it also suggests more. It asks "What kind of people are we?"

-Mike Zuhr

Serving aces

by Stejfan Mirsky As the heart of the tennis season approaches, Maine South's tennis boys have been training relentlessly for the eagerly anticipated meets with the state's top-notch teams. And these boys are getting restless ready to get into a great tennis season.

Regardless of the ongoing winter, not to mention the fact that it snowed two inches on April 1, tennis keeps pushing harder, and hopes for some nice weather Coach Young's determination to prepare us can be seen i i ] ^ ^ his continuous conditioning and drilling, ^ ^ r The team hopes to continue with its success from the past few years. The impressive talent visible on the freshman level, R.J. Adams and Dave Ptak will most likely have heavy contributions to the varsity squad. Returning varsity players include, Ted Ganas, J.P. Allen, Steffan Mirsky, and Stephen Christy, will make quite an impact as well.

The four returnees have a heavy load on their shoulders to lead the young team, but with their leadership look to lead them to victory. Despite the loss of a few talented players from last year's team, this year's team acquired many new players who will more than likely fill that void.

The team has had false hopes that their season would finally began, when their first match was canceled on April 2, due to inclimate weather. Their tough meet schedule began on April 3, against York High School.

Tough games ahead include, April 18 versus Evanston, April 23 versus New Trier, and April 30 versus Glenbrook South. The Hawks are looking forward to a very suci cessful season, and even though the weather hasn't fully cooperated yet, there is sure to be some sunny days, perfect for some boys' tennis action.

Sports 11

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South Stats

Making the transition

by Austin Gibbons As indoor track closes off the year, the outdoor track season has arrived. Before it did, the Hawks were well represented at the highly regarded Prep Top Times Meet in Champaign, Illinois and battled to the end of a tough conference meet. After a unbelieveably successful indoor season, the Hawks are ready for the run at the state title, Over spring break, the Hawks sent 6 people to the state Top Times Meet in Champaign. Stealing the show at the University of Illinois Armory, was the impressive showing by the 4x400M relay, as they won the event. They defeated Thomwood High School, St. Charles East High School, and Morgan Park High School, with a winning time of 3:25.26 to Thornwood's 3:25.83. That time shattered the indoor school record, puts them high on the alltime records list, and puts them only one second away from the outdoor qualifying standard. The team was made up of Joe Janik (52.4), Ken Johnson (51.9), Chris Mitchell (52.3), and Tony Marcinek (49.6).

Already a stride ahead of last year's near state miss, the Hawks' 4x400M Relay is looking good.

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The Hawks sent athletes in numerous other events as well. Mitchell represented the Hawks in the 800M, where he took sixth place, after being seeded eleventh at the start of the race. He crossed the line with an impressive 2:00.16. Marcinek represented the Hawks in the 400M and the pole vault, along with the 4x400M relay. He took an stirring fourth place finish in the 400M, crossing the line in a 50.7, and took seventh in the pole vault, vaulting to 13'6". Vince Natali represented the Hawks in the shot put. He threw a personal record, 53' .5" to land him a seventh place finish as well. This was by far the biggest and highly regarded representation at the Top Times Meet in school history.

Prior to Spring Break the Hawks traveled to Evanston High School for the CSL South Indoor Championships. The Hawks took second place behind Evanston 137 points to 109. Winners on the day were, Marcinek (pole vault, 400M), Mitchell (high jump), and the 4x400M relay (Janik, Johnson, Mitchell, Marcinek). The Hawks have the talent to contend for the state title, and are not stopping along the way.

winning score at the girls' soccer season opener

18 total number of combined strike outs thrown by Mark Oh and Craig Murray at the baseball team's season opener

H3V\/k Highlights April 12.

Baseball

vs. Highland Park 4:30 p.m.

Softball

vs. Lane Tech

April 13

April 14

April 15

vs. Schaumburg 10:00 a.m.

April 16 @ GBS 4:30 p.m.

@ Evanston 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Girls'Soccer

2-1

vs. Hinsdale South 4:30 p.m.

@ New Trier 5:00 p.m.

Boys' Gymnastics Boys'Volleyball Boys'Track Girls'Track

@ Wheaton North 1:00 p.m.

Badminton '^^

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J^OITHHORDS

2UUi SPORTS Baseball • Softball • Outdoor Track • Badminton • Girls' Soccer • Boys' Gymnastics • Boys' Volleyball

Shut up and play

by Claire Bartel The Maine South girls' soccer program is off to a promising and commanding start.

The program is composed of numerous talented individuals who are contributing to Coach T.R. Kerth's season concept: the reliance on team.

The varsity program, led by T.R. Kerth and J.J. Crawford, is composed of six seniors: Rhea Basseas, Chrissy Berke, Erin Farmer, Stacey Hendricksen, Mary Therese Ristau, and Ashley Stopa; eight juniors: Claire Bartel, Lauran Cordaro, Tara Cordaro, Beth Cyze, Donna Denovich, Karen Malcolm, Abby Sapp, and Kim Talaga; three sophomores: AlyciaDinvemo,

Anna Gartner, and Kathleen Hayes; and two freshmen: Liz Holland and Justyna Orlando.

Thus far, the concept of team has worked perfectly as the Hawks won their season

opener 2-1 over Stevenson at Wilson Field.

Stacy Hendricksen, recently noted as one of the best midfielders in the area by the Chicago Tribune, netted the Hawks' two goals.

Hawk Spotlight

Senior, Erin Farmer, helped the Hawks with one assist.

Two days later, the Hawks played Chicago Public League Champions, Mather, and won with a convincing score of 9-0.

The junior varsity, led by Dr. Sorenson, is also off to a superb start with victories over Stevenson (3-0) and Mather (11-0). The freshman team, which is led by hall-of-fame coach. Jack Tilley, is also off to a marvelous start.

The Hawks are set 1 face some stiff competition in coming weeks.

Powerhouses like New Trier and Glenbrook South are going to have to give it all they've got if they want to give the Maine South girls' soccer team a run for their money.

Joe Janik

Ken Johnson

Chris Mitchell

Tony Marcinek

3:25.26 1st place medalists in the state Top Times Meet

Indoor 4x400M Relay

Maine South Indoor Track 4x400M Relay record holders