Vol 61, Issue 6 Southwords

NEWS in BRIEF

Teachers named among 30 Golden Apple finalists

Lucas Runtz Commentary Writer

English teacher Ms. Zanfina Muja and math teacher Mr. Cheng Jin, are now finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes outstanding educators across Illinois.

“I feel honored and humbled to have been chosen,” Ms. Muja said. “I know that there were a lot of excellent teachers nominated, and I feel privileged to have been included.”

To be a finalist, nominees submitted applications that included essays and recorded clips of themselves teaching. After becoming finalists, the last step is a site visit to observe and do interviews.

“As someone who is still a relatively new teacher, I submitted the initial application without really expecting much,” Mr. Jin said. “That being said, it is a tremendous honor, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this community.”

After the finalist stage, 10 winners will be announced at the end of April. While waiting, both teachers have been celebrated by the community.

“Everyone’s love and support have been overwhelming, and to me, they are worth more than any award I can ever receive,” Mr. Jin said.

Maine South staff members recognized in ISBE Awards

Bartosz Dabkowski News Writer

TheIllinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recently recognized a total of nine teachers from District 207 for their contributions to their schools. At Maine South, Assistant Principal Ms. Aimee Hoffman, who is currently on maternity leave, and Social Worker Ms. Leah Jackson both received awards of recognition.

“I was awarded special recognition, which is part of the ISBE Those Who Excel award,” Ms. Jackson said. “This celebrates the contribution of the different district members [who] made an impact on the school community.”

Nominations are submitted by the school’s administration and are vetted by the ISBE.

“Educators who receive the Award of Special Recognition are valued members of their school community who have been recognized by their colleagues, students, families, and administrators for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their school community,” the ISBE website read.

“I am really humbled and honored to receive this award, especially considering the caliber of my colleagues and how wonderful our school district is,” Ms. Jackson said.

Two students awarded as National Merit Finalists

Alanna Gu News Writer

Seniors Samara Lefler and Thomas Hurley have earned the prestigious distinction as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

After becoming semi-finalists in September based on their outstanding performance on the PSAT, Lefler and Hurley advanced to a thorough application process that included submitting grades, extracurriculars, recommendations, and an essay.

“I think my most important thing in achieving this was refusing to give up on this extra application and just telling myself I should go for it,” Hurley said.

The award highlights the dedication students invest in their high school careers.

“I feel that being named a finalist for National Merit recognized my effort and involvement in school,” Lefler said.

Now that they have been named finalists, both Lefler and Hurley are eligible for scholarships that vary in amount across universities.

“The only thing left now is to wait and see if I am offered a scholarship from either National Merit itself or a college,” Lefler said.

Key Club Convention awards Maine South

Lucia Fuentes News Writer

This year, for the first time ever, Maine South Key Club officers attended the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Key Club Convention (DCLC) in Springfield, Illinois. The convention honored Key Club with the Distinguished Club Recognition for the year, Kiwanis Family Relations Award, and the Club Bulletin/ Newsletter Award.

“We are the largest Key Club in the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District and the seventh-largest Key Club in the world,” Key Club sponsor Mr. James McGowan said. “Our leadership group has been tasked with facilitating over 120 service opportunities so far this year, which have accounted for over 3,300 student service hours. This convention not only recognized those achievements, but also provided opportunities for our leaders to learn about new ideas for service projects that we can bring back to our club.”

The attendees included senior Sydney Cruz; juniors Sarah Cull, Lauren Geier, and Avery Oomen;

sophomore Jill Etchason; and Mr. McGowan.

“I would definitely take part in the convention again,” Oomen said. “The whole trip was an amazing experience that taught us how to be better leaders and how to improve our club at Maine South.”

Oomen was one of the three officers who received recognition for the 100 Hour Service Award, along with Cruz and Etchason. Additionally, Cruz, Geier, and Etchason won the Distinguished Member award for their respective grades.

Etchason was also elected as Lieutenant Governor of Division 8. Serving amongst 32 other leaders, she helps guide the 200 Key Clubs in the district.

“I oversee the clubs within Division 8, which includes Bartlett, Barrington, Maine South, Maine West, Lake Park, and Resurrection,” Etchason said. “This role includes emailing with advisors, reminding clubs to submit their forms to the district, reporting to the executive board and my advisors, writing a monthly newsletter and distributing it, encouraging clubs with new ideas,

updating the Division 8 Instagram, and filling out monthly reports of everything I did for the month.”

To earn this role, Etchason completed a rigorous campaign at the convention.

“At the DCLC convention in February, I had to give a three-minute speech to the entire 400-person convention,” Etchason said. “Then, on Saturday, I had to give five different speeches in caucus rooms to voters who then could ask me questions for five minutes. Then I gave a short

closing speech to the voters right before they voted.”

This is the first time a Maine South Key Club member has been elected to such a role.

“Jill being installed as the Lieutenant Governor is a big deal, as that puts our Key Club on the radar as not only a very active club, but also one that produces leaders,” Mr. McGowan said. “Key Club is an international organization, and this is the first step in our students getting involved at the highest levels.”

AWARD WINNERS Senior Sydney Cruz and sophomore Jill Etchason display their DCLC awards. Each student received recognition for completing over 100 service hours.

PHOTO COURTESY SYDNEY CRUZ

SSHS hosts Women in Sports breakfast

Ivana Zezelj Commentary Writer

Nearly one hundred female athletes gathered at the Women in Sports breakfast hosted by the Social Science Honor Society (SSHS) before school on March 18. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this event intended to provide young female athletes with an opportunity to hear from other women with similar interests and to celebrate their accomplishments.

“It’s awesome, it’s empowering, it’s just what we need,” SSHS sponsor Ms. Sherri Scorza said.

The event featured historic photos of Maine South girls’ sports teams, highlighting the progress of female athletic programs over the years.

“When Maine South first opened, we had cheerleading, pom-pon, and synchronized swimming— that [was] it for women,” Ms. Scorza said.

All student-athletes participating in girls’ sports were invited to the breakfast.

“I chose to attend because, as a female athlete, sometimes we do feel underappreciated, and it was really nice to feel appreciated by the staff and other female athletes,” freshman swimmer Avery Kopf said.

The breakfast gave athletes a chance to celebrate one another while receiving encouragement from the chosen speakers.

“I was very honored that I was chosen to be a speaker,” senior Katie Barker said. “There are many talented and inspiring athletes here at Maine South, so I was grateful I got chosen to represent them and

they would all come to her basketball games, and it would be very encouraging for her,” freshman cross country athlete Samantha Baynes said. “They would see her play and be like, ‘oh I want to be her when I go to high school.’”

The event was set up to provide athletes with an opportunity to hear relatable stories and learn that they are not alone in the challenging experience of a female athlete.

“It was really motivating to hear one of our own Maine South athletes, Katie Barker, talk about her experiences,” freshman lacrosse player Mia Caamic said.

In addition to hearing from the various speakers, athletes were able to indulge in a breakfast.

“Ms. Scorza did a phenomenal job with the set up, food, and timing of it all,” Barker said. “It was very well organized and got extremely positive reviews from everyone I talked to about it.”

Not only was the event enjoyable for attendees, but it also had a large impact on numerous students involved in the planning process.

“The students who helped me organize it, you could see they were shining afterwards,” Ms. Scorza said. “They were really proud of it.”

share my experience.”

Getting a glimpse into the life of a successful, experienced female athlete was a unique aspect of this event. It allowed other athletes to see that their goals are feasible and achievable.

“[Barker] was saying that when she was coaching the younger kids, who were like seven to ten,

After this inaugural breakfast, many were left hoping the event will continue in future years.

“I would [like the event to be repeated in the future],” freshman cross country and track runner Emily Compton said. “I thought it was really fun and a really nice way to connect with other people over something that was shared.”

Six South DECA students qualify for Internationals

Cassandra Jewell News Writer

Six DECA students recently qualified for the International Career and Development Conference (ICDC). The competition will be held in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. Two students, senior Caitlin Vengazo and sophomore Riyad Abukhlaf, are attending and have begun preparing.

ICDC competitor in Hotel and Lodging, Riyad Abukhlaf, spent weeks practicing for the state conference.

“I completed practice exams and role plays, reviewed terms and key performance indicators,” Abukhlaf said. “For my written project, I practiced my speech with my partner and made prompts, such as pamphlets, for the judge.”

Ms. Amy Kladis, DECA sponsor for the past 12 years, is impressed with the students’ hard work.

“I don’t think anyone truly knows how much work our DECA competitors put in, and it’s one of those competitive clubs that you get out of it what you put into it,” Ms. Kladis said.

DECA has a significant time commitment, with practices, weekly meetings, and more.

“It really is taking advantage of the business curriculum that we have here, applying it to something that is interesting to them, and then honing their skills so when they get to the competitive stage,

they’re ready to compete,” Ms. Kladis said.

Qualifying for Internationals requires placing top three at the state conference, a challenge considering the significant number of competitors.

“We had 1,984 Illinois students compete at State this year, and at Internationals, I wish I had the number, but [there are] over 20,000 competitors,” Ms. Kladis said.

The state conference consisted of multiple rounds of competition over March 6-8.

“It was very fun, but also extremely professional,” Abukhlaf said. “You must be in business attire at all times. Everyone took their exam the first night, competed in their events on the second day, and we had a grand awards ceremony on the last day.”

Sophomore Shane McNamee attended state for the first time this year.

“The competition was definitely intimidating, but I was excited to give my all for the judges,” McNamee said. “With the intense environment and everyone dressed so official, I felt like I was going to apply for my first job in the business industry.”

At the DECA state competition, club sponsor Mr. Joseph Greguras was recognized for 20 years of service to Illinois DECA.

“It actually was a bit breathtaking, so to speak, because I can’t believe it’s already been 20 years,” Mr. Greguras said.

While he will not be attending the ICDC himself,

GOT THE GOLD

Sophomore Riyad Abukhlaf celebrates the many awards he received at the state conference. He is currently preparing for the ICDC, which will be held in Orlando at the end of April.

he wishes the best to the students attending.

“Good luck to Caitlin and Riyad,” Mr Greguras said. “Hopefully they have great success, and, as usual, I know they’ll make Maine South proud.”

MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE Senior

Katie Barker gives a speech to the female athletes at the SSHS Women in Sports Breakfast. This event aimed to celebrate girls’ sports programs during Women’s History Month.

PHOTO BY CAITLIN VENGAZO

Parking policy updates for ’25-’26 school year

Samara Lefler News Editor

Changes are coming to the parking lottery system at Maine South in the 2025-2026 school year. While parking spots were previously announced in early August, students will now be informed of their spots at the end of May.

“The only thing that’s really different [right now] is that we’re actually going to assign spots this spring and usually we do it in the fall,” Assistant Principal of Student Support Ms. Lauren Olson said.

This was done to provide families with more time to figure out transportation.

“We felt like students and families were having a hard time when they didn’t get a parking spot, finding alternative transportation to school with only a short amount of notice,” Ms. Olson said. “So we thought it would be more sensitive and appropriate to our families to give them more opportunity and time to figure out transportation needs.”

Students are generally in support of this change in the timeline.

“I feel as though it would be nice to know in advance about the details and decisions that are being made about the following school year,” junior Brooke Henning said.

This shift will especially benefit students who are unable to receive spots, providing time to arrange other transportation.

“It might be better so people can figure out carpooling and get prepared during the summer,” junior Jisoo Chon said.

Though this schedule shift is the only firm change right now, there are other policy changes in the works for next year that may affect whether students get to keep their parking passes for the entire school year.

“If your attendance drops below a certain threshold, then you can now lose your parking pass,” Ms. Olson said. “Because parking passes are really for students who are coming to school and present in all their classes. And the same is true for behavior—if there’s a behavior incident, that could cause you to lose your parking pass.”

For those students who don’t get a parking pass at all, or end up losing it, they have to find other transportation.

“In terms of getting to school, I’ll probably take the bus, or if I get

licensed last-minute, park in a friend’s nearby driveway,” junior Evangeline Feucht said.

With limited parking on campus, not all seniors are able to receive a parking spot for the year. These seniors are placed on a waitlist and forced to find alternative options.

“[Not getting a parking spot] has caused a huge inconvenience,” senior Brook Parsons said. “I have the ability to drive, but I don’t have a parking spot. I feel bad having to ask my friends for a ride.”

Some seniors opt to park in other locations, such as the forest preserve or on residential streets that allow parking. While the school discourages parking in the forest preserve and many students receive tickets, some still take the risk in favor of a convenient spot.

The school aims to use the spaces most efficiently by prioritizing students who live further from Maine South for spots.

“The further you live from school, the more likely you are to get a parking spot,” Ms. Olson said. “The closer you live to school, the less likely.”

Distance is the main factor in decisions. However, there are some actions that can result in dropping down the list.

“So if you live very far away from school, you’re at the top,” Ms. Olson said. “Except if you got a parking

YEARLY STUDENT PARKING ALLOCATION

*APPROXIMATE NUMBERS—ACTUAL NUMBERS VARY FROM YEAR TO YEAR

Out of approximately 400 available student parking spots... 380 seniors receive a spot 20 spots reserved for internship parking 50 seniors who apply for parking are waitlisted

ticket as a junior a couple times, then you go to the bottom of the list, regardless of your distance.”

The school has this process to fairly distribute the parking spots to students.

“I actually like the system they have in place currently,” Henning said. “It may be strict, but taking into account a student’s distance from the school and safety on the road makes the spot decisions fair. The only thing I really dislike is the lack of parking spots available for such a large number of students that need

some way to get to school.”

Unfortunately, the lack of parking is not a problem that is easily fixed, but Maine South tries to have a fair process with the spots they do have.

“It is really hard as a school,” Ms. Olson said. “We acknowledge that the parking situation isn’t great, but we can’t necessarily just create a parking lot or a garage. But we have to make really hard decisions, and so we try to have a really fair process and review it, and I know it doesn’t always feel great to people, but we really do try to be honest and fair about what we do.”

GRAPHIC BY ANASTASIA MUSYAKEVICH

PHOTO BY ANASTASIA MUSYAKEVICH

PARKING PROBLEMS The parking lot in the forest preserve across from Maine South is one of the last resorts students turn to if they don’t receive a parking pass. However, parking in this lot is illegal and not condoned by the school.

SOURCE: MS. LAUREN OLSON

‘Responsible pause’ leads to significant changes

Charlotte Chapman News Editor

At a district-wide meeting billed as a “responsible pause update,” District 207 administration announced several policy changes, some of which will be implemented as early as August. These changes varied in topic, from updating the gradebook, pausing detracking, and reducing advisory lessons.

The most significant shift will be in standards-based grading (SBG). In the 2025-2026 school year, all classes currently operating under SBG will have the choice to continue with this gradebook or switch to a traditional gradebook system. By the 2026-2027 school year, all classes will shift to the traditional gradebook.

The current SBG system operates under a four-point grading scale, with each point representing students’ progress toward mastering the required standards.

“In theory, [SBG] is supposed to get people away from being hyperfocused on an ‘A’, but we, as a society, have trained everyone to be hyperfocused,” business teacher Ms. Elizabeth Terpstra said. “The theory behind [SBG] doesn’t align with what the outcome has been.”

Many students have had similar experiences with SBG, characterized by frustration.

“SBG doesn’t accurately reflect our grades because making one or two mistakes could drop your grade from a 4 to a 3, whereas before that, it could still be above a 90,” senior Olivia Skora said.

Teachers have struggled implementing SBG in a way that is accessible for all students.

“The level of detail, to do [SBG] right, is not always practical,” Spanish teacher Mr. José Argüello said. “It has made it harder to communicate rubrics with students. Students are confused, and, to be perfectly honest, teachers are confused too.”

The administration also recognized the challenges of SBG’s implementation.

“The gradebook was actually getting to a point where it was becoming so time-consuming, but not yielding results,” Superintendent Dr. Tatiana Bonuma said.

The goal is to shift all courses to the same gradebook within two years.

“We will still be teaching and focusing on standards, but the way we will report and share grades needs to be something that can be digested and understood by all of our students,” Dr. Bonuma said.

Administrators are currently working to design the structure of the new “traditional” gradebook. While this design is still in progress, administrators have confirmed that it will return to an 100-point grading scale. Additionally, formative work will be factored into final grades, with courses no longer being 100% summative.

“What we’re committed to, from the standards-based approach, is that in all disciplines, it’s really important for students to understand how they are doing with relationship to the standards,” Associate Principal for

Teaching and Learning Ms. Melissa Dudic said.

Once the traditional gradebook structure is finalized, teachers will begin meeting to decide which grading system to use next school year. This will be determined on a courseby-course basis.

“The departments and Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) will be given time to work through that conversation,” Dr. Bonuma said. “We have department chairs and assistant principals who will work with our staff on that. Hopefully, as a collaborative academic team, they will be able to reach a consensus.”

In addition to updating the gradebook, another significant shift will be seen in advisory scheduling. Many students have expressed frustration with the current advisory system, arguing it is an inefficient use of time.

 ADVISORY

ADVICE

The Southwords editorial board weighs in on potential changes South could make to the structure of advisory.

See page 6

“Advisory for freshmen is good; however, after that, it is redundant and unhelpful to have an advisory every week,” senior Addison Greenhill said.

In the 2025-2026 school year, the number of Wednesday advisories will be significantly reduced.

“We are looking to cut down on the number because advisory can be amazing, but it also takes away from instructional time,” Dr. Bonuma said.

Additionally, administrators an-

nounced that they will pause detracking additional courses for the time being.

“The idea is to not make any radical changes and to see where we are at and how we can support what we have,” Dr. Bonuma said. “What can we learn about [the detracking] process to make us ready to detrack further in areas that we haven’t?”

While it is possible that courses will continue to be detracked in the future, many are grateful for the current pause in the process.

“I believe getting rid of accelerated courses is harmful for student learning,” Greenhill said. “Either accelerated students aren’t being pushed to their full potential, or students who might not be at the same level struggle to keep up with harder classwork.”

Each of the several policy changes was in response to staff feedback.

“We went through a whole process of gathering information and gathering data, really strengthening that teacher voice that we felt was important,” Dr. Bonuma said.

This process included reviewing and analyzing 142 surveys that were completed by PLTs across the district.

Going forward, administration hopes to use similar systems to collect feedback from students and parents.

“We have amazing staff who really care about our students,” Dr. Bonuma said. “They want every person to be engaged, happy, feeling like they belong, and that they are growing and making strides. Hopefully communication lines invite students to engage in that same level of feedback.”

Students and staff speak out:

What is your opinion of SBG?

“While it might help teachers get their grades done faster, SBG puts undo stress on students and makes the grading process for us more unpredictable and uncertain.”

“SBG limits teachers’ capacity for grading. Oftentimes, you get a three or a four with no in between. I think bringing back the regular grading model will require students to do their homework and better themselves.”

“I am very happy that we are leaving SBG and returning to a more traditional gradebook. I think that type of assessment and reporting creates so much more clarity for parents, students, and teachers.”

“SBG is a good way to assess students on specific skills. However, when you have multi-step problems which require students to use many skills to solve the problem, it is difficult to determine a score using the 0-4 scale. ”

Ryan Schoendstedt ('25) Alessandro Allegrini ('25)

Ms. Johanna Abend English teacher

Ms. Erin Briody Math teacher

STAFF EDITORIAL

Current Advisory system fails intended purpose

For the past four years, Advisory has served as a weekly 30-minute period intended for community building, social-emotional learning (SEL), and important high school planning instruction.

The purposes and lessons in advisory may change with grade level, but the negative attitude around it is generally similar. The fact is many students perceive Advisory as an inconvenient and unnecessary use of time, and they put forth minimal effort into paying attention and attending.

For example, one apparent purpose of Advisory is to foster a sense of community among the class over four years. However, due to frequent reassignments and only once-weekly interaction, Advisory fails to provide stability throughout one’s high school experience.

Additionally, between these essential Advisory tasks are life skills and SEL lessons that are often too vague to practice in real life and thus fuel the notion that Advisory is not worth paying attention to—or even attending.

It’s important to be grateful and respectful, of course, but simply telling high schoolers to act or feel a certain way is just not compelling enough to make an impact.

Perhaps Advisory is not the best place to present these lessons, but many students might find SEL more useful when incorporated into their coursework. For instance, AP Psychology curriculum lays the foundation for why gratitude is so beneficial,

and many works in English classes could lend themselves well to discussions of treating others with respect.

The weeks when Advisory was canceled in late January and early February only highlighted how unnecessary it is to have it every single week. In fact, students appreciated the canceled Advisories, as it returned class time to otherwise shortened periods.

There is no doubt that some Advisory tasks are necessary; without designated time to complete surveys, choose classes, and research post-high school planning, students would likely forget or ignore critical action items.

“Advisory is ignored by those whom recurring lessons aim to reach and becomes redundant for those who do pay attention.”

Unfortunately, though, many students do not take advantage of the time to complete those tasks, which leads to Schoolinks lessons and survey instructions being repeated.

Ultimately, Advisory is ignored by those whom recurring lessons aim to reach and becomes redundant for those who do pay attention.

Reducing the number of Advisory Wednesdays would be in the best interest of students, and at the districtwide faculty meeting on March 21, the administration made it clear that they

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Southwords is a student-run publication designed as a public forum for student opinion and balanced reporting on topics relevant to the Maine South community.

Unsigned staff editorials represent the consensus opinion of the Southwords Editorial Board. Personal commentaries represent the opinion of the author alone and do not represent the opinions of the publication nor District 207.

Student participation in the newspaper, whether through readership, submitting articles, or voicing comments or concerns, is encouraged.

plan to move forward into the 2025-26 school year with that objective.

Monthly Advisories should be only for essential tasks and announcements, such as course selection, post-high school planning, surveys, and other key lessons. Intentionality in choosing Advisory lessons will highlight the importance of those tasks to students rather than seeming like filler lessons.

For shorter tasks, morning announcements, and distribution of SST passes, a daily or weekly 10-minute homeroom period could be implemented.

Homeroom would be between the first and second class of the day to incentivize attendance for those with late arrival. This way, the time allotted for morning announcements would no longer take away from 3rd/4th period class time.

For the monthly Advisory period, homeroom would simply be extended to 30 minutes.

Furthermore, the Hawk PRIDE program would remain a necessary source of guidance in an underclass homeroom setting, and leaders would still get valuable experience in more targeted, novel lessons.

While there is a valid reasoning behind Advisory, the reality is that the current system is ineffective. Allocating time more purposefully by reducing Advisory Wednesdays and instituting a regular homeroom period will be a more effective use of everybody’s time.

Signed letters to the editor can be given to a member of the editorial staff or e-mailed to southwords@maine207.org. Southwords reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief

Thomas Hurley

Caitlin Vengazo

News

Editors

Joseph Calderon

Charlotte Chapman

Samara Lefler

Commentary

Editors

Eliza Goldwasser

Hayden Magad Emery Yates

Features

Editors

Quinn Annis Ava Jurek

Margaret Sheehan

Entertainment

Editors

Sayde Feeley

Grace Halpert

Josie Hennes

Sports Editors

Audrey Becker

Kyra Demeros

Brianna Giustino

Production Editors

Lily Giambarberee

Anastasia Musyakevich

Adviser

Mr. Stathakis

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY SONIA LOIZOS

Minority religious groups feel ‘Passed-over’

Ittook me a moment to realize the implication of my teacher’s words, “Our flight home is at 11 p.m. on Saturday.”

But this was not any Saturday. This was Saturday, April 12, 2025. For the large majority of Maine South’s population, this date is insignificant. But not for me. This year, sundown on April 12 was the beginning of Passover, an important Jewish holiday.

April 12 was supposed to be a night spent with my extended family—everyone flies into Chicago for Passover—celebrating together and honoring the persistence and resilience of the Jewish people.

But instead, over 3,000 years after the Exodus from Egypt, I too was faced with a challenge to my faith.

My night on April 12 was spent in an airport, without my family, coming home from a school trip to Washington D.C.

When I pieced this information together in class, the first thought that came to my head was, ‘They would never schedule our flight on Easter.’

It is important to acknowledge that this was not the fault of Maine South at all.

Our trip was coordinated by an independent travel company, and when the conflict was realized, my teacher made an effort to have our flight moved up. However, the company was unable to reschedule.

With that being said, this incident made me think about the general lack of awareness of and empathy for students belonging to religious minorities.

Maine South overall does a good job of accommodating religious obligations, offering excused absences for religious holidays and providing a prayer room for students.

Where Maine South falls short, though, is ensuring these religious

holidays can truly be dedicated to religious practice. In my experience, it has been difficult to justify missing school for Holy Days like Rosh Hashanah when I have a math test I would need to make up.

This may seem trivial, but I encourage students to think about the decision they would make if they had school on Christmas, Good Friday, or Easter.

It is not a bad thing that we have these days off, nor is it a bad thing that we do not have holidays like Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah off.

Given Maine South’s population, it does not make sense to take a day off for the benefit of a tiny proportion of students and staff.

However, Maine South has the capacity to better support students belonging to lesser represented religions. There should be a policy implemented that precludes teachers from giving summatives on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid alAdha, when they fall on school days. This security would reduce the

trepidation students have about missing school on Holy Days, and would allow them to fully engage with their practices in a meaningful way.

Religion is an important aspect of many people’s lives, including my own. While it is impossible to fully accommodate all religions, I believe we as a community can work towards making Maine South a more empathetic and inclusive environment for students of minority religions.

Breaking the senior year time warp, pura vida style

Thomas Hurley Editor-In-Chief

Inthe spring of senior year, time seems to contort and pass at a shocking pace. In some ways, I’m accepting the sudden acceleration because I, like many seniors, am excited for all of the celebrations in May. Still, part of me feels like I’m dragging my heels, trying to take in every one of my last memories of high school.

It has long been my mantra to “live in the moment,” which is also the advice for this school year that I’ve heard over and over again from family and older friends. As much as I can claim to live by these words, lately I’ve been struggling to know what they really mean. When every moment feels increasingly fleeting, how can I learn to focus on the present?

Just as I started contemplating how this time warp would affect the remainder of my high school experience, I was able to learn a great deal about living in the moment on my spring break trip to Costa Rica.

The sunny Central American nation’s hospitality is unmatched, at least in my experience. Many vendors in San José’s bustling Mercado Central, for example, were willing to strike up a conversation or lend a welcoming smile—in a way that suggested genuineness rather than the forced facade of marketing we often see in the States.

One of the things I was most charmed by was their greetings.

In Costa Rica, “ buenas ,”—literally “good,” suffices as a complete acknowledgment and could reflect on the country’s general positivity. Although they might not be the wealthiest country in the world, they repeatedly rank among the happiest: in 2024, the World Happiness Review put them at #12 (the U.S. was #23). “Mucho gusto” is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world as a way to say “nice to meet you,” but Costa Ricans (a.k.a. “Ticos”) also use it to mean “you’re welcome,” perhaps another testament to their hospitality.

most applicable to my senior spring dilemma, is “pura vida.” Akin to a Hawaiian “aloha” or Italian “prego,” these words can be used in a number of contexts, although most commonly as an expression of gratitude, hospitality, or farewell.

“Everything looks smaller in the distance, and even the longest weeks all turn into memories in the end.”

The literal translation is “pure life” or “simple life,” but even within a week, I found it to mean much more. Pura vida isn’t just a slogan found in airport souvenir shops; it represents a nationwide commitment to truly getting the most out of every moment. While I can’t even begin to speak on what daily life is like in Costa Rica, as I only experienced it from a traveler’s perspective, what I can say with certainty is that time did seem to move slower there. Even in the crowded Mercado Central, the same air of appreciation for life found in Tico sayings is imbued in everything.

About halfway through the week, I thought I finally understood how to break the time warp. If I could just discover how exactly life slowed down while in Costa Rica, then I could present a solution to this dreaded senior year phenomenon and once and for all make sure I enjoyed every moment.

Of course, I had completely jumped to conclusions. By the time I was sitting in San José’s airport, it struck me that when I looked back on it, the week had actually flown by.

It didn’t take an international trip for me to realize this—only to reaffirm it: time moves quicker in retrospect. Everything looks smaller in the distance, and even the longest weeks all turn into memories in the end.

With this, I’ve realized that I can’t possibly force myself to “live in the moment” all the time. It just wouldn’t work. The only way I or anyone can truly soak up this home stretch of high school is to let go of all of these covert self-criticisms that we think of as proactive advice.

The phrase most synonymous with Costa Rica, though, and the one

As I noted in surprise multiple times on my trip, it was hard to believe that I had landed only a few days prior. Even as visitors, we had become part of the laid-back lifestyle that I was so impressed by.

Instead of looking back and wishing I had been more present, my new goal is to allow time to warp just as much as it always does and just go along for the ride before I bid Maine South “pura vida” one last time.

Eliza Goldwasser Commentary Editor

Elementary school partnerships foster connection

Create for Kids Club, Hawk Pals, and Women in STEM Club help build community

Maggie Sheehan Features Editor

The bustling world of high school often feels far removed from the halls of elementary school, but recent events by Maine South clubs to collaborate with younger students are helping to bridge this gap.

This month, Create For Kids Club, Hawk Pals, and Women in STEM Club have partnered with elementary school Girl Scout troops and student organizations to promote inclusivity and collaboration between high school and elementary students.

Create For Kids Club, led by junior Co-Presidents Carly Novack and Tia Friedman, recently partnered with Washington Elementary School second-grade Girl Scouts for a joint service project.

“They had recently done a meetup with Maine South Cheerleading and now wanted an opportunity to earn their friendship badge,” Friedman said.

During the meeting, Girl Scouts were paired with club members to make projects which would be donated to hospitalized children.

“They started with a short icebreaker to get to know each other before working together to create homemade stickers, bracelets, or cards,” Friedman said.

This event taught valuable lessons to both the Girl Scouts and their high school partners, fostering creativity and inspiring further service initiatives. Sophomore Karin Flensborg, a member of Create For Kids club, attended the meeting and observed the impact on the students.

“This event showed the Girl Scouts how to care for everyone, especially kids in hospitals who don’t have the advantage of going out and getting these cute things on their own,” Flensborg said. “It made them feel good that they’re doing something good for others.”

Crafts made during the Create For Kids meeting were donated to children at Lutheran General Hospital, St. Jude’s, and Lurie Children’s Hospital, furthering the club’s objective of building community.

“Our goal is for our members

to enjoy making crafts with friends while also making a difference in our community,” Novack said.

Create For Kids is not the only club initiating these elementary school partnerships. Women in STEM, for example, is organizing a similar upcoming event with another local Girl Scout troop where elementary school students will participate in STEM activities to earn their Robotics badge.

“Learning more about STEM will allow students to pursue those passions when they come to high school,” Amina Arshad, Women In STEM senior officer said. “When I was in elementary school, I was interested in STEM and math, but I didn’t learn much about related engineering careers until high school.”

Like Create For Kids, Arshad hopes that this event will have a positive impact on both the Girl Scouts and the high school students beyond school.

“It’s not just about the career you’re choosing, but it’s about how STEM applies to your education, your career,

your activities, etc.,” Arshad said.

Both the Create For Kids and Women in STEM initiatives ultimately work to improve the environment of all students involved, having a positive impact throughout the city.

“The event helped the elementary schoolers gain confidence while the high schoolers gained leadership experience,” Novack said. “It also built a sense of community, as both school environments became connected and learned respect for one another.”

Beyond these collaborations with Girl Scout troops, some clubs, like Maine South’s inclusion club, Hawk Pals, are targeting partnerships with elementary schools as a whole. On March 21, Hawk Pals officers gave a presentation to Roosevelt Elementary School students promoting inclusion and respect.

“We read students a book about inclusion and celebrating our differences, but also recognizing that everyone’s the same despite those differences,” junior officer Lauren Geier said. “We’re teaching that and

the meaning of inclusion and respect, as well as educating students about some of the disabilities that are in the book.”

These efforts are an attempt to prepare a pathway for inclusion in the future and combat bullying at the elementary level. Allowing students to get involved in inclusivity early helps to promote positive practices going forward.

“The earlier they can get involved the better, because I think a lot of bullying happens just because kids don’t realize,” Geier said. “A lot of kids will get made fun of just because they’re different. It’s really important to teach the kids that the differences aren’t always someone that’s weird. We’re all kind of the same, except some people might be different for a reason, and that’s okay.”

Geier’s own elementary school experience differed from that of elementary school students today, but she still finds it important to shape the experience of these students in order to set them up for success.

“I think because these students are the next people that are going to be coming up, it’s important for us to speak to them,” Geier said. “I never had anything like this when I was in elementary school, but I started learning more about Hawk Pals in high school because my older sister was really involved with it. Going into middle school, I immediately joined Best Buddies, which is like middle school Hawk Pals.”

Often, the topics of respect and inclusion that are taught by these clubs are difficult for young students to understand. These clubs seek to make their lessons accessible to elementary students to encourage them to involve themselves in their own communities.

“It’s kind of a challenge to make it simpler for students, because what we’re talking about can be kind of heavy and complex for kindergartners to understand,” Geier said. “I’m hoping for them to take away the ability to celebrate everyone’s differences and get an idea of some of the tools and resources there are for individuals with disabilities.”

Ultimately, all of these club events aim to create a more inclusive environment throughout both high school and elementary schools.

“Whether it’s enhancing creativity or developing more patience, collaboration benefits everyone,”

FAST FRIENDS Junior Moira Kate Martin and a Washington elementary school second-grader make stickers together at the March 17 Create for Kids Club meeting. Washington Girl Scouts earned their Friendship badge through this event.

PHOTO BY TIA FRIEDMAN

CHEER FOR RESPECT Senior Kara Chaplin leads Roosevelt Elementary School students through a chant promoting inclusion. Chaplin has been involved in Hawk Pals for the past four years, but has never worked with younger students before.

PHOTO BY KARA CHAPLIN

Second time’s the charm Donation

Club gives secondhand clothing another chance in their secondever schoolbased thrift store

Ava Jurek Features Editor

Community engagement and service involvement is a core value not only of Maine South, but also of many of its 80+ clubs. Donation Club in particular works with numerous organizations to give back to those in need and enact change in local and larger communities.

Donation Club has numerous events throughout the year, aiming for at least one event a quarter, all involving some kind of service in the form of a drive or donation project. Donation Club is led by a large group of individuals committed to serving their community, including junior Vice President Alyson Gamba.

“We first started with a book drive, which was with the help of the English Honor Society,” Gamba said. “We also hosted a winter gear drive, where individuals could donate gently used coats, gloves, scarves, etc. The donations for the winter gear drive went to the Ark of St. Sabina. We also do Italian ice fundraisers towards the end of the year.”

For the spring quarter, they decided to repeat an event, a thrift store, from two years prior due

to its immense success and significant impact on the community.

“This was a very popular drive two years ago, and we always want to find ways to promote awareness of the club’s mission,” Gamba said.

This year, Donation Club saw an increase in club attendance, allowing the club to promote larger initiatives and plan more events throughout the year.

“We have more people this year than we have ever had before, so we took that as a sign that we were ready to do a bigger event,” sophomore Vice President Gianna Ragona said.

The thrift store took extensive planning months prior in order to ensure success.

“The organizing of this event was definitely not easy,” junior President Sydney Hollingsworth said. “We started planning out the calendar of when everything was going to happen in January. We had to make sure that we advertised enough and really got the word out about this event.”

They locally sourced the clothing to sell at the thrift store through donations.

“We collected the clothes through donation bins around Maine South,” Ragona said. “All the clothes came from students or staff.”

After sourcing the clothing, they had to organize each item by style, quality, and condition.

“We priced the items based on what the article of clothing was and if it was luxury or not,” Hollingsworth said. “So, all luxury items like designer brands, higher-end clothing items, and more were seven dollars, and anything else was around two to four dollars.”

This event required lots of hands-on help, not only by the students involved, but also by the club sponsor, Ms. Alexis Liakakos.

“This event could not have been as successful as it was without the help of Ms. Liakakos,”

Hollingsworth said. “She did such a great job at overseeing everything and helping us student officers with any questions that we had.”

The thrift store was not only a way to practice environmentally conscious practices and give back to the community but also served as a learning opportunity for those involved.

“I have gained an insight into how much clothing a person can accumulate,” Gamba said. “Despite donating a small amount of clothes, an individual can still have a sufficient wardrobe. I have also realized just how easy it is to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Simply by donating clothes or buying secondhand clothes, you are protecting the environment.”

The hope is that this event fosters a culture of giving and unites the Maine South community.

“I think that people seeing this event and Donation Club’s enthusiasm to help the community and others got the Maine South community talking and also excited to help out and donate to those in need,” Hollingsworth said.

This event not only impacted the community, but also those who brainstormed and coordinated it.

“This event has definitely taught me what it is like to be an organizer for larger events. A lot more work goes into it than meets the eye,” Ragona said. Ultimately, although the immediate impact of the thrift store run by Donation Club may appear to be small, in the long run, this event and ones similar can truly make a difference for communities in need.

“I believe that the thrift shop has allowed Maine South to see what we could do in just our community,” Ragona said. “I think the shop bridged the gap between these areas—the Maine South community still benefits but we can also continue doing the things Donation club is good at.”

RACKING UP DONATIONS Junior officer Alyson Gamba sets up clothing items donated by students. All proceeds from the Donation Club event were used to fund care packages for the homeless.

CHECK IT OUT Junior Michael Nelson purchases a donated shirt from the thrift store. This year’s thrift store was the second time Donation Club has held the event, and officers hope to continue similar events in the future.

STACKS OF OPTIONS All of the donated items were arranged in Advisory Room 2’s makeshift thrift shop. Clothes were organized into categories by officers to make sales go smoothly.

PHOTO BY CAITLIN VENGAZO

PHOTO BY CAITLIN VENGAZO

PHOTO BY CAITLIN VENGAZO

NEW J

URNEYS

Students spend spring break in the Land of the Rising Sun

Quinn Annis Features Editor

Traveling to another country allows students the unique chance to broaden their perspectives and enrich their understanding of other cultures. In the past, teacherled trips have given groups of Maine South students the opportunity to explore a variety of nations. This year, however, is the first time a group of students has traveled to Japan.

The trip was organized and managed by Mr. José Argüello, known to Spanish students as Don José, though the travel arrangements were dealt with by a third party.

“We work with a company that specializes in student trips,” he said. “...[T]his company takes care of the hotels, the transportation, both to Japan and within Japan, they take care of all those logistics. What we do is we choose the itinerary, we advertise, and see who is interested, and take care of that at the school level.”

In previous years, teachers in the World Language department have sponsored trips to countries like China, Spain, and Italy. The idea to travel to Japan first came about during one of these prior visits, when Mr. Argüello was speaking to German teacher Ms. Margaret Wolf (also known as Frau Wolf.)

“[S]he was helping me, chaperoning the Ecuador trip,” Mr. Argüello said. “And while we were there, we were talking, and the two of us thought it would be kind of fun to go to a country where no one necessarily speaks the language, and the chaperones or the teachers discover the country in the same conditions as the students.”

But student opinion played a role in the decision, too.

“The following year, after we came back from Ecuador, we asked the students. We had some countries that we asked them about, and by far the most popular destination was Japan.”

Students who went on the trip departed just before the beginning of spring break for a direct flight to Tokyo; the trip itself spanned over a week, and gave them—alongside Mr. Argüello and Ms. Wolf—the chance to see a number of memorable sights.

The itinerary had the group stay several days in Tokyo before moving out to explore other parts of the country.

“The school of sushi was very, very fun,” Mr. Argüello said. “There were a lot of laughs to be had over there. We learned about a culture, but at the same time, it was a good time we shared. The tea ceremony was also very significant, because we learned a lot about Japanese culture.”

After spending the last night of their trip in Osaka, the group returned on March 29. Students who went on the trip feel they were able to learn from the experience.

“I feel like just getting to see another country, just getting to see more culture, I just want to do that more, and this is my first real experience doing that,” senior Lilli Tomaszewski said. “I feel like [in Japan] there’s more openness about other cultures. I learned about the food there, a couple political things, just small fun facts.”

Junior Travis Moebus, who also attended the trip, echoed this sentiment.

“I think it was very nice getting to see daily life, and seeing all the experiences Japan has to offer,” he said. “Hopefully, my family and I will go back there. My mom's side is Japanese, so hopefully it makes them want to go out there.”

Mr. Argüello believes these kinds of trips give students a chance to relate to an increasingly interconnected world.

“Regardless of what you hear sometimes, this world is smaller and more interconnected, and there is nothing that anybody can do about that,” he said. “We are going to interact with people from other cultures and other countries more and more. These trips show you that you are able to do it, that in the important things we are not that different.”

Reflecting back on the trip, Mr. Argüello feels that it captured the imaginations of the students in

attendance.

“They had questions and very interesting observations all the time,” Mr. Argüello said. “I think that they were very happy to be there. But, you know, it couldn't be otherwise. It's such a fascinating place that of course it's going to wake up your curiosity.”

Mr. Argüello hopes the students who went to Japan brought something back, too.

“It is my hope—and it is my suspicion too—that they brought with them some aspects of the new culture that we all experienced there, that is so different from our own culture,” he said.

SUSHI SCHOOL Nearby Osaka and Nara, the group stopped at a sushi school for dinner. There, they learned the process of assembling their own sushi.

CLEANSING WATERS Before entering the Atsuta Jingu Shrine in Nagoya, the group engages in a customary purification ritual by washing themselves in the water This kind of basin is called a temizuya; they are a ubiquitous feature of Shinto shrines.

PHOTO BY ANASTASIA MUSYAKEVICH

PHOTO COURTESY MR. ARGÜELLO

MOUNTAIN VIEW Mt. Fuji looms above as the group travels from the Hakone area to Nagoya. On the trip, they went up to the mountain's Fifth Station, where the ascent to the summit begins.

PHOTO COURTESY MR. ARGÜELLO

PHOTO COURTESY MR. ARGÜELLO

Students attend ACDA National Convention

Antonia Argionis Entertainment Writer

Sophomores

Emma Erickson and Andriana Margaris were selected to attend the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Convention held in Dallas as part of the 8-10 Treble Honor Choir.

On March 19, they, along with choir director Mr. Matthew Hanes, traveled to the Dallas convention which culminated with a March 22 performance. Students spent time in rehearsals with experienced conductors and staff, working with selected students from across the country.

“Being surrounded by some of the best singers in the nation was incredibly motivating,” Margaris said.

Mr. Hanes is a part of ACDA, which connects choral directors nationwide.

“For the teachers, ACDA National is a convention where we are in reading sessions where we sing through music together, attend informational and educational sessions regarding best and current practice in choral music education, and watch performances by top ensembles from around the world,” Mr. Hanes said.

ACDA alternates holding regional conferences, such as last year’s Midwestern Conference, and the National Conference.

Erickson attended the Midwestern Conference in Omaha last year.

This year, more than 5,000 people auditioned nationwide for the choir convention, and only approximately 1,200 were ultimately selected.

“We have had two other students selected for the National Honor Choirs in the last 15 years,” Mr. Hanes said. “This is a remarkable honor for Emma and Andriana.”

The 8-10 Treble Honor choir sang a total of six songs: “Gloria Kajoniensis” by Kájoni János, “Beyond What I See” by B.E. Boykin, “Tuttarana” by Reena Esmail, “Flight” by Craig Carnelia, “Dedication” by Zanaida Stewart Robles, and “Measure Me, Sky!” by Elaine Hagenberg.

There was a competitive audition process to be chosen.

“To be selected for this festival, you have to submit an audition

Wind Ensemble performs on national stage

Ella Cedeno Entertainment Writer

MaineSouth was represented at the national level by the Wind Ensemble at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis from March 13-15.

They were selected from roughly 100 bands that auditioned to go to this festival for outstanding musical abilities. They were the only band from the Midwest present at this event.

heister said. “I was able to strengthen so many bonds within the band, and I now feel so much more connected with everyone.”

Many members of the Wind Ensemble also agree that they learned a lot from this experience, particularly in how different bands practice and operate.

sometime in late August and early September,” Erickson said. “After auditions are submitted, results come out near the end of October or beginning of November, where you find out if you’ve been accepted or not. Then in the coming months leading to the actual event, you receive music and practice tracks to really learn the material before you fly out to sing it.”

In March, all accepted participants from across the country came together to perform in choirs of 300 people each in front of the directors of the ACDA.

Five of the six composers of the songs performed, provided feedback and praise to the participants for their performances.

“These conductors really want the best for their students, and it allows for people like me to hone in on their craft, to make them a better singer,” Erickson said.

This was a beneficial and educational experience for Erickson and Margaris where they furthered their singing knowledge.

“I learned how to improve my singing techniques and adaptability,” Margaris said. “I went to ACDA Nationals for my love of singing and drive to become a better musician. I am thankful that I got the privilege to attend this event.”

To audition, students sent in a tape from the University of Illinois Superstate Festival last May, where they were chosen to be Honor Band for Superstate this year. The judges listened to every audition blindly, not knowing which school was which, and gave every school a number. The judges selected about 20 to 30 groups, Maine South included, and each school was placed on different stages. The top 16 bands were on a larger stage, and Maine South was among them.

This is the biggest event the band has ever attended.

“We’ve done similar styles of festivals like this before but nothing of this caliber,” band director Mr. David Hutter said. “Everything about this invitation and the trip was elevated.”

The Wind Ensemble played six different pieces from around the world, including multiple marches, a Japanese piece, and a rock and roll piece. Some pieces included “Mont Fuji” by Toshio Mashima and “Dam Busters” by Eric Coates. The different styles of music present in the performances of both Maine South and other schools enticed many.

“The most enjoyable part was just being able to listen to so much amazing music with my friends,” junior Eleanor Havens said.

Even beyond the music played, this was a bonding experience for the members of the Wind Ensemble.

“I loved getting to know everyone in our band better,” senior Mia Buch-

“It was interesting to see how other musicians from different states had different ‘customs’ with their band,” Havens said. “A lot of the other schools compete in marching band, but we don’t. The other schools also have more rigorous outside-of-school rehearsals than we do.”

Buchheister had similar thoughts about the experience.

“I learned that there are always different ways to go about a task,” Buchheister said. “We saw a lot of bands that had different approaches in their music as well as how they prepared for the festival. It was very fascinating.”

This is the first time the band has ever performed at the national level, and many of the performers credit their teacher, Mr. Hutter, for their success.

“Shoutout to Mr. Hutter,” Buchheister said. “We couldn’t have done this without him. He has been so supportive of all of us and helped us reach the level we are at now. He is truly an amazing director.”

Mr. Hutter is also very appreciative of the experience.

“We learned that we can do amazing things when we work together,” Mr. Hutter said. “We learned how to trust each other and make beautiful music together.”

The performance was an emotional experience for everyone.

“There were lots of smiles and happy tears on the stage after our performance together,” Mr. Hutter said. “One of the judges was from Illinois as well, and he was very proud to have us there representing Illinois so well.”

BACK IN BLACK Emma Erickson, Mr. Hanes, and Andriana Margaris (left to right) pose following their performance as part of the 8-10 Treble Honor Choir in Dallas on March 22. Students found out they were selected for this honor choir in late fall.

STANDING OVATION The crowd applauds after the Wind Ensemble’s performance. Their pieces included a variety of styles, time periods, genres, and cultures.

PHOTO COURTESY ANDRIANA MARGARIS

‘Anastasia’ brings Russian Revolution to the stage

Lily O’Malley Entertainment Writer

This year’s Spring Musical, “Anastasia,” brings to life 1920s Russia thanks to student “dramaturgs” and the use of orchestral music and other magical elements.

Director Mr. Fitzpatrick has previously worked on several shows with Maine South, including fall plays and the V-Show, over the past two years.

“With this being my second year here at Maine South, with each show I direct I continue to learn more about our amazingly talented students and the rich traditions within Maine South Theatre,” Mr. Fitzpatrick said.

This family-friendly musical dates back to 1920s Russia and France and is based on a story of a lost princess seeking her past while escaping Soviet danger.

“It is focused around a true myth and legend regarding the Romanov family,” sophomore Emma Erickson, playing Countess Lilly, said. “This story is a fusion of reality with hope, and is different from the previous shows as it is centered around darker ideas, and shifting from real life to fiction.”

Given the historical relevance of the production, student “dramaturgs” serve as experts on the historical context of the show. They have done research into the show’s background and time period.

“We are so fortunate to have a strong team of student dramaturgs who have done their part to do diligent research that informs the cast on a daily basis of any relevant information they need to know to be able to portray these real life people and moments with integrity and heart,” Mr. Fitzpatrick said.

The preparation process is rigorous, beginning in mid-February and continuing up until the performance dates. These rehearsals differ as the show progresses, starting at two hours after school and gradually getting longer, with occasional six-hour long Saturday rehearsals as opening night approaches.

A lot of the preparation takes place in rehearsal, where the cast receives their blocking, vocal parts and harmonies, and choreography for the show. These are all key aspects to making the show run smoothly. The rehearsals are broken down into acting, singing, and dancing, but home practice is also required.

“These types of rehearsals are beneficial because we can hone in on one area to really lock in our material,” Erickson said. “After our rehearsals, it is up to each of us individually to practice on our own using the practice tracks, rehearsal videos, and our own scripts.”

Rehearsals, though a time for practice, are also a time for the cast to get to know one another beyond their roles. To deliver a cohesive performance on stage, the cast must first build strong relationships offstage.

“For many of the rehearsals, we take time to bond with each other more, as well as getting the work done that needs to be done,” Erickson said “It’s such a joy to work with the cast, crew, and directors to put together a show that turns out nicely, as well as make it through the process in a happy space.”

It is very important that the cast can work well together on and

offstage, especially for this challenging performance. Though it is loosely based on historical events, the way that Maine South is portraying it allows it to take on a deeper meaning.

“This show is vastly different from the shows that Maine South has put on in the last few years,” junior Jane Nuich, who plays Anya, said. “It has the same magnificence and production quality as our previous shows, but I think the story of this show will mean so much to our audiences.”

Senior stage manager Mia Bucheister agrees.

“The way we are putting on this show makes it even more impactful for the audience,” Bucheister said.

The show brings up themes of belonging that are showed especially through Anya’s character.

“The connection between the audience and Anya (Anastasia) is so meaningful and the lightheartedness of the musical allows the audience

to connect with Anya as she figures out her own place in the world and helps us connect it to our own world,” Erickson said.

The company of the show notes that the musical will leave a lasting impression on the audience.

“I think that it’s because this story is more or less about real people, and I think our audiences will really find a deep connection with these characters,” Nuich said.

The music featured in this production is heavily orchestral, capturing the time period of the show.

“It has a score that truly transports you to a different time and place in a way that feels magical,” Mr. Fitzpatrick said.

In addition to the music, there are many other important elements of the musical that are overseen by the stage manager. These include all the crews who build and paint the set, create costumes and props, and work with sound and lighting.

“I am the organizer of almost everything regarding the show,” Bucheister said. “To prepare for a successful opening night, I have specific folders for different videos and photos as well as things from scripts to music books.”

As expressed by the actors, producers, and crew members, this show has many selling points, from the beauty of the sets and music, to the plot and connection Anastasia creates with the audience.

“People should come to see Anastasia because it’s just so beautiful in every aspect of the production,” Nuich said. “From our beautiful sets, our incredible pit orchestra, and our hard-working actors and directing team, this show will be so spectacular, and you won’t want to miss it.”

“Anastasia” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on April 25, May 1, May 2, and May 3 and at 2:00 p.m. April 26 and April 27.

Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults, and can be purchased online.

“There is truly something for everyone in this show,” Mr. Fitzpatrick said. “Elements of nostalgia for those of us who enjoyed the Disney movie as children, fascinating spins on real moments in time for the history buffs, and gorgeous melodies for those who like to be swept away by a live orchestra and chorus of beautiful singers.”

DANCE DAY The cast of “Anastasia” rehearses “Paris Holds the Key.” Dance captains Seeyhun Larson and Emma Erickson assist their cast members throughout dance routines alongside the choreaographer and assistant choreographer.

ROMANOV TO A GREAT START Junior Jane Nuich, playing Anya, and junior Peter Sagmeister, playing Dimitry, rehearse a scene. The cast has been in rehearsals since February.

Boys’ baseball prepares for playoff games

Audrey Becker Sports Editor

The boys’ baseball season has just begun, and they are working hard to make it a successful one.

They currently stand at a record of 4-5, with some of their opponents being among the best teams in the state.

The team’s schedule includes games against teams ranked in the top 25 in Illinois, like Libertyville and LincolnWay East, to prepare them for tough competition in playoffs.

“I would say our team has one of the hardest schedules in the state,” junior Luka Stojakovic said. “Our program likes to face tough challenges during the season, so by the time playoffs come around, we are ready for anything.”

At their practices, the team is constantly preparing for these tough games, working on specific aspects of the game that they need to improve upon.

“As a team, we are struggling to hit right now,” junior Nathan Cera said.

“So, we’re working on having a good approach, putting the ball in play, and trying to hit to the opposite side of the field.”

This year’s roster is younger than in years past, with fewer seniors on the team than what is typical for the program.

“Something unique about our team is that we’re very young with the majority of our guys on the field being sophomores and juniors,” Cera said.

The team is focused on doing well in their playoff games this year. They use their regular season schedule to get themselves geared up for playoffs, taking the pressure off of always winning the regular season games.

“The only goals we set for our regular season are to get ready for playoffs and to always, no matter what, beat Evanston,” Stojakovic said.

Determination is critical in making it far into the playoffs, and keeping up that mentality has been a goal of the team this season to ensure playoff success later down the road.

Girls’ softball roster has record number of underclassmen

Brianna Giustino & Audrey Becker Sports Editors

Girls’ softball began their season being shutout by a talented Oak Park-River Forest on March 18, losing 0-9. However, the team has since then bounced back and worked even harder in practice.

“Our practice environments are very competitive and supportive,” sophomore Riley Story said. “Everyone is always cheering each other on and it is a light environment, but, at the same time, we are all pushing each other to our best potential.”

Due to the large number of spring sports, it can be difficult for the team to find a consistent practice space where they can run their drills.

“Sometimes we are out on the field, sometimes we are behind the field, and sometimes we are inside in the fieldhouse,” senior Maeve Strotman said. “At times it can be a little difficult as you need a lot of space to practice and play softball.”

Several girls on the team, including junior Aribella Spandiary, play club softball during the off-season. Playing

“We’re trying to have that bulldog mentality where we refuse to give up and are determined to win,” Cera said.

Despite any potential challenges the team may face, like tough schedules and injuries, they know what it takes to stay positive.

“We practice every day, and we show up with the best mindset we can, regardless of our record or who we play,” Stojakovic said. “At the end of the day, this is our responsibility, and we want to do everything we can to succeed.”

club softball helps the team maintain their skills.

“Club softball is pretty extreme because we play in about 11 tournaments and a whole ton of games,”

junior Aribella Spandiary said. “The tournaments are spread around the US, so there is a lot of traveling during the summer.”

Two of the team’s seniors, Peyton Santore and Christina Piotrowski, have committed to college for softball. Santore will be attending University of Dubuque and Piotrowski will be attending Elon University in the fall.

“Its really exciting to see the seniors commit for softball because we all really look up to them,” sophomore Riley Story said.

This year’s team is unlike any other year in the past, with a record number of underclassmen making the varsity roster: four sophomores and one freshman. Despite the age differences on the team, their efforts to bond as a team have been successful.

“I love how everyone is so welcoming and all the team bonding, even though we’re all in different grades,” Story said.

Girls’ water polo challenged by complications

Brianna Giustino & Audrey Becker Sports Editors

Thewith home pool

girls’ water polo team was faced with the challenge of not being able to hold any practices or games at the Maine South pool at the start of their season. Glass was broken in the pool, requiring the entire pool to be drained, vacuumed and refilled before teams could resume its use. This proved to be a major obstacle for the girls.

Another challenge that the team is facing is their smaller roster. With only 20 girls, there is always a possibility of running short on numbers if sickness or injury were to occur.

“Working hard and building endurance is something that we do so that we remain strong even with a small roster,” junior Jelena Hays said.

The team also looks forward to supporting one another during both practices and games.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

“I’m really proud of our team for adapting to the glass break because it was definitely tough, especially since we had to relocate,” senior Sydney Fraley said.

Because of the Maine South pool not being available for use, the team had to alter their practice times and practice location.

“We adapted to the pool breaking and we practiced late at Maine East from 7:45-9:45,” senior Josefina McCauley said.

However, the girls have not let this challenge hinder their efforts and success, with their record standing at 3-3, and a record of 2-0 in conference play at press time.

“I hit a really cool backhand goal in one of our games and it was really nice to have all of my teammates cheering me on and supporting me,” McCauley said.

Being able to lean on one another during the season is what the team thinks will bring them to accomplish their goals. The team is pushing toward their end goal of a conference championship and looking forward to showcasing their growth.

“This year I’m most excited to play our conference championship because I think we’ve grown a lot as a team since we faced everyone last year,” Fraley said.

FULL SWING Senior Alex Babich offers at a pitch during the boys’ baseball game against Barrington on March 25. The Hawks lost this game in a close battle with a score of 2-1.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

Indoor track teams shatter school records

Isla Craig Naples & Sophia

Iniguez Sports Writers

During the indoor track season, many records were broken by both female and male athletes. At the Gately Invite on March 6 in particular, many Hawks were able to break records, including the boys’ 4x200 meter relay, boys’ 200 meter dash, girls’ 200 meter dash, girls’ 800 meter run, and the girls’ 4x400 meter relay. Additionally, the boys’ 50-yard dash record was broken at home this season

Senior Sofia Arcuri competed in the varsity 800 meter dash, racing against some of the top prospects in the United States. Even with this fierce competition, she placed second overall with a time of 2:16.45, shattering the previous record by nearly 10 seconds.

“I hope to continue this record breaking momentum to the outdoor season by just staying consistent and hopefully staying injury-free,” Arcuri said. “I will also need to continue to work hard.”

Junior Niko Kokosioulis competed in the individual 200 meter, placing fourth out of almost forty competitors in the event.

Over the course of the indoor season, he’s been working diligently to break the school record of 22.8 seconds. He eventually broke this record by 0.2 seconds, running an impressive 22.63.

“All the stuff we did in practice and outside of practice like running hills and workouts like that allowed me to break the previous record,” Kokosilius said.

Lastly, the girls’ 4x4 relay team consisting of Arcuri, junior Sarah Cull, sophomore Sarah Mendoza, and senior Josie Hennes smashed the previous indoor 4x400 meter relay record by nearly 10 seconds, running a time of 4:06.40.

The girls on the relay team work tirelessly during their practices to improve, and their hard work has paid off.

“It was all about teamwork and dedication,” Mendoza said. “I feel it’s important to have that drive when you run, so knowing that everyone wanted to do well, you wanted to work harder as a team.”

Underclassmen thrive on boys’ tennis team

James Biagi Sports Writer

The varsity boys’ tennis season began on April 3 with a win against Vernon Hills. They currently have a record of 1-1 at press time.

Although Coach Smith is excited for the season, he thinks it will be difficult and the team will face challenges.

“There is no doubt that we play in the toughest conference in the state, so it will be humbling at times,”

Coach Smith said.

definitely has some of the best competition in the state,” Morley said.

With the difficult schedule will inevitably come some losses.

“If we win or lose [matches], we are learning from them and staying positive,” Coach Smith said. “We want to enjoy ourselves and have a fun time. [We’re] just making sure we improve everyday.”

“It is very rare to have three freshmen in the [varsity lineup]” -Coach Smith

“But we will learn, and by playing such a difficult schedule, it will make us a better team in the end.”

Senior Frankie Morley welcomes the challenge.

“With very good teams like New Trier, GBS, and GBN, our conference

Coach Smith said maintaining hope and knowing they will improve will help the young team have a positive experience while they battle through a very challenging early schedule.

The team’s next matches are on April 14 at York High School and April 19 at home.

Unlike most years where the varsity team is upperclassmen heavy, three freshmen will play on the team,

and Coach Smith is excited to get to know the freshmen and coach them for the next four years.

“It is very rare to have three freshmen in the [varsity lineup], so it is a good problem to have because we are going to watch them grow into the program,” Coach Smith said. “It is going to be interesting to see how [the team will] deal with the mixed older and younger players.”

Morley is open to playing with his freshmen teammates.

“I feel that it offers new opportunities to meet people and form relationships that aren’t possible when you have a senior-dominant varsity team,” Morley said.

Coach Smith is looking forward to developing the varsity team and watching the boys improve together as a team over the course of the season.

“I am forming those relationships, getting that team camaraderie rebuilt,” Smith said.

Boys’ water polo tests new waters off-campus

John Kinnavy Sports Writer

The Maine South boys’ water polo team has had an interesting start to the season, as they faced the challenge of having to change their practice location.

“The Maine South pool had to be drained and we had to practice at Maine East at six in the morning for two weeks,” senior Brendan Donovan said. “We had a slow start without our pool, but we still went after it

and persevered.”

The team stands at a record of 5-4. They lost their first three games, then went on a five-game winning streak to bring themselves to a winning record.

“We have had a few games so far and some tough competition in our first few games,” Donovan said. “We are quickly coming back and working together to win games.”

In addition to the struggles of tough competition and an unex-

pected practice location change, they also lost some great players from last season, one of them being an Italian exchange student.

Despite these roadblocks, the team is doing well and they will continue to push themselves towards success.

“This year we have lost three seniors, but our class this year is close and we work well together in the water,” Donovan said. “We push each other to become a better team.”

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY Freshman Jovani Stoja serves to his opponent from Vernon Hills in a doubles match. The Hawks won their match against Vernon Hills on April 3.

Girls’ soccer begins season with tournament win

Sarah Frantz Commentary Writer

The girls’ soccer team is off to a fast start, with varsity standing at a record of 2-2-1 at press time.

The team recently won the Elk Grove Invite, their first tournament of the season.

“Winning the Elk Grove Invite was a great way to start the season off on a positive note and set the tone for our next games ahead,” senior captain Ava Kontuly said.

There’s been an unexpected change this year for girls’ soccer, as a recent dip in interest has resulted in a shift from four to three teams this year.

“Spring has so many great options for girls’ sports now, so it’s possible that the soccer numbers will continue to see a dip,” head Coach Mr. JJ Crawford said. “But the nice thing is that with our lower numbers we have avoided cuts and been able to offer opportunities to play soccer for those that want to.”

This change has also given the new frosh/soph team an extra coach and given other players a chance to move up.

“Our team is really close knit and i think this is because there is more of a mix of both underclassmen and upperclassmen this year” Kontuly said.

Many underclassmen, including two freshmen, were moved up to varsity this year. Despite a new team, the girls have proven they can work together seamlessly.

“After winning our game against Bolingbrook, I was really proud of the team chemistry I saw on the field,” senior captain Kelsey Rouse said. “Everything just flowed, and that’s not super common, given that it was only our second game of the season.”

Leadership is an important factor in their success, with the team’s captains bringing the energy and motivation to uplift the team. The older girls make sure that the team environment is a welcoming one that can produce the best results.

“All the seniors and older girls on the team have really stepped up and taken the initiative to help lead and guide the younger girls in figuring out the drills and traditions of the team,” Rouse said.

One challenge that the team often faces is that the CSL South conference that they compete in is one of the toughest in the state.

“We play in a really strong conference,” Coach Crawford said. “New Trier is the defending state champ and Evanston was ranked nationally last season, so that’s always an obstacle.”

The team plans to continue their winning momentum and make a deep playoff run later in the spring.

“For this season, I would like to win the regional title and make it further than that in the playoffs,” Kontuly said. “Last year, we fell short of our goal because we didn’t win the regional game, so it would be great to get redemption from that.”

Collin Kearney: in a league of his own

Brianna Giustino Sports Editor

Senior Collin Kearney has made a mark by playing lacrosse and running track at the same time, giving him the unique distinction of being part of two varsity sports during the same season.

“Both sports have benefited me greatly,” Kearney said. “Track has helped me improve my speed, while lacrosse has built my stamina, with each sport enhancing my performance in the other.”

Both outdoor track and lacrosse practice during the same time of year, however they require different skills and mind sets.

“Practices for each sport are quite different,” Kearney said. “In track, workouts involve short bursts of high-speed training, since you can only sprint at full speed for so long. And lacrosse practices are more continuous, with drills constantly running to train different aspects of the game.”

Kearney has been running track for three years, competing in the 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter relays, while also focusing on defense and midfield in lacrosse.

“I appreciate that even though the practices differ from each other, the sports complement one another well,” Kearney said.

This has provided important skills off the field as well.

“It has definitely helped me prioritize the things that I care about the most since it is harder to find time,” Kearney said.

Tough competition prepares boys’ lacrosse for State

Julia Van Roeyen Sports Writer

This year’s boys’ lacrosse team started off their season with an upset against #9 ranked York as a #13 ranked team.

After tying 8-8 at the end of regulation, senior Jack Handley scored a goal. This resulted in the Hawks winning 9-8 in overtime.

“I think this game will show the state that our team really can be a powerhouse this season and should not be underestimated,” Handley said.

Though the team lost to Saint Ignatius College Prep 13-9 on March 20, and Chicago Mount Carmel 9-7 on April 1, the boys’ lacrosse team continues to persevere and work hard towards their goals together.

“We want to make it farther than years past in the playoffs, and prove to the rest of the Illinois lacrosse community that we are contenders for the state finals,” senior captain James MacDougall said. “It started with beating York, but we know we need to keep a

cool head and continue working hard to take down the other heavy competition in the state.”

With contention for state comes big opportunities to compete against tough opponents, including currently ranked #5 Wheaton Academy, #6

Glenbard West, and conference opponent, #3 New Trier. These challenging games are critical preparation for State.

The team’s chemistry will allow them to be truly competitive in all of their games, even when their opponent is ranked higher than them.

“The thing that is different this year about the team is that our ball handling and scoring ability is possible from all aspects of the field,” senior captain Andrew Mullan said. “We have all been playing with each other since we were in elementary school, so we all trust each other.”

Trust among the team is created through positive attitudes and strong leadership. The team captains ensure that there is always an uplifting atmosphere and that there is constructive criticism being given.

“As a captain, I’ve adjusted into the role of being a leader on the field and taking charge of communicating with my teammates and bringing everyone together,” MacDougall said.

Although the season has only just begun, the boys are still working hard to prove their strength as a program, especially by fighting to clinch a spot for State.

“I think the biggest goal this year is trying to advance and win our sectional and see what happens after there,” Mullan said.

THROW DOWN Senior Andrew Mullan gears up to throw a pass to his teammate whilst being defended by a Washington opponent. The Hawks took home the victory in their game against Washington on April 5 in a 12-4 win.

PHOTO BY ASHTON DASE

BASEBALL | BADMINTON | LACROSSE | GIRLS'

Girls’ lacrosse ‘controls the controllable’

Sydney Hollingsworth Sports Writer

The girls’ lacrosse team is off to a great start, winning their first game of the season against Rolling Meadows with a score of 17-1, leading them to be confident going into the rest of their season. With a record amount of interest, the tryout process was very competitive.

“We had 82 girls sign up for tryouts, which was a record for us,” Coach Will Pankratz said. “It was competitive, the girls got after it. We had some cold weather and we were stuck inside one day, but they really battled.”

In addition to the new players, the team has 17 returning varsity players, 12 of whom are seniors.

“We have a lot of veteran leadership and veteran talent out on the field, which is building well for us,” Coach Pankratz said.

Using this returning talent and team chemistry,

the team is focusing on staying cohesive.

“I think our team dynamic is unlike any other,” senior captain Julia Van Roeyen said. “It’s super important for a team to be one on and off the field, and that’s undeniably what we have.”

The program sticks to a specific theme each year to ensure focus and generate the best results possible. This year that motto is “control the controllable.”

“We are focusing on taking care of the things that we have control over,” Coach Pankratz said. “There are a lot of things that happen in a game that are out of our control, but we want to own and control our attitude, mindset, effort, and the way that we prepare.”

At press time, the team remains undefeated, standing at a record of 3-0. Their hard work at practice has allowed them to achieve this success.

“I think we've been so successful so far because everyone always gives their best effort at practices,” junior Sarah Toomey said.

Boys’ volleyball cultivates their team synergy

Katie Johnston Sports Writer

Boys’ volleyball stands at a record of 1-2 at press time and is focusing on team unity and making incremental improvements to their game.

“Our goal is just to get better every day,” Coach Garrett Fechner said. “It is all about focusing on the little things and making the big plays.”

With a younger team, leadership is crucial to win games and be successful while playing.

“We have a very young team but we have the capability and skill to win conference and beyond,” senior captain Leo Trespeces-Winck said. “We are trying to set a good example for the younger guys.”

All six players on the court have to know what everyone is doing and need to read each other’s cues in order to make the plays that their coach wants to see.

“We are trying to create a better bond and synergy,” senior captain Meris Kraja said.

As they continue with the season, the team looks forward to accomplishing a conference championship win. This is a feat that has not been completed in

almost a decade.

“We had a lot of dis tractions last year, and now we are staying focused on the task at hand,” senior Connor Judd said.

This year, the team is focusing on skills that make the biggest impacts on game outcomes.

“We are focusing on passing and serving, the most important parts of the game,” TrespecesWinck said.

Captains TrespecesWinck and Kraja are deter mined to lead their team to victory on the court but also grow the team off the court.

“We are all on the team for a reason, so we are treat ing each other as a equals and playing for the team, and not individuals,” Kraja said.

READY, SET, GO

Girls’ badminton sets their sights on returning to State

he girls’ badminton team is setting ambitious season goals and optimizing their success thanks to

Juniors Rebecca Gilbert and Selma McDonough have been playing badminton since their freshman

“Our team is really positive and hardworking this season,” McDonough said. “I really appreciate it. It’s always been like that, but it truly

Last season, McDonough advanced to State, where she played doubles until the second round.

State aspirations are continuing

“Since the new season started, the end goal is to make it to Sectionals,” Gilbert said. “If we made it to State, that’d be even

Although it consists of relatively younger players, the team is showing strong

We have three sophomores who made the varsity team

and only five returning players,” Coach Donna Schwan said. “In the past twoand-a-half weeks I’ve seen so much growth from them.”

The team finished in fifth place at the Rolling Meadows Invite on March 29. So far, the team is 4-2, including wins against Lake Forest and Willowbrook.

Intentional practice and technique are key factors for improvement.

“Cardiovascular endurance is important, and so is core fitness,” Coach Schwan said.

Maintaining positive mindsets also is essential for their success.

“There's always room for improvement, and I think every minute you spend playing is worth it,”McDonough said.

The team is currently facing setbacks beyond their control, as senior Annamarie Milazzo is out with a back injury.

“Injuries are a normal thing that happen in every sport and are definitely an obstacle,” Coach Schwan said.

Despite challenges, the team remains dedicated to their goals.

“Sometimes it's hard to keep going if you mess something up and you want to give up,” McDonough said. “Nothing will come out of it if you give up.”

Junior Lukas Jokinen sets the ball to a teammate in game against Maine West. The Hawks won in three sets.

STICKING WITH IT

Senior Grace Jerger runs with the ball and looks for an open teammate against Deerfield on April 2. The Hawks won this game 19-4.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON