Vol 62, Issue 7 Senior Issue

May 17, 2026

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

PHOTO BY SAMUEL HIGGINS

S E N I O R

C L A S S

O F

Vol. 62, Senior Issue

I S S U E

2 0 2 6

AWARDS | May 17, 2026

Maine Scholars Emiliano Careaga

Elle Cho

Matheson Cooney

Samantha Hill

John Kinnavy

Alyssa Seurynck

Art Award Evangeline Feucht

CTE Applied Technology Award Elizabeth Filatov

CTE Business Education Award Daryna Andrusiak

CTE Family & Consumer Sciences Annabelle Nelson

English Award Emery Yates

Health & Wellness Award Nick Hachigian

Mathematics Award Ibrahim Ceker

Music Award Noah Ramos

Peggy Ross Social Science Award Charles Rzany

Science Award Krislinda Silo

Speech/Drama/ Broadcasting Award Marissa Waters

World Language Award Anthony Modica

Department Awards

Maine South Goodwill Award Winners Anthony Modica

Osarugue Oke

2 SouthwordS

Maja Matic

William Toomey

Sarah Toomey

Lucia Fuentes

Lauren Geier

Annabelle Nelson

Sam Farquhar

Maria Korovilas

SCHOLARSHIPS and RECOGNITION

Senior Issue | AWARDS

2026 for the class of

Maine South Outstanding Female and Male Athletes Nikolas Kokosioulis, Maeve Przekota

Michigan State Univeristy: Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Luke Compton

Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club Scholarship Amelia Aguila, Camilla Bartoszuk, Grace Brander, Alana Ciancio, Jack Croon, Amelia Fernandez, Lucia Fuentes, Lauren Geier, John Hachigian, Nicholas (Nick) Hachigian, Christian Hassman, Teagan Heneghan, Gavin Hoerr, Sydney Hollingsworth, John Kinnavy, Keira Lawrence, Marta Madej, Ricardo Mendez, Isabella Ostian, Molly Panizo, Iliana Petrides, Peter Sagmeister, Michael Tuebo, Alexis Vengazo, Audrey Wilson

National Merit Scholarship Program: Commended Students Kaia Bechtold, Audrey Becker, Elle Cho, Sam Farquhar, Christian Hamielec, Alexander (Alex) Jerome, Seehyun Larson, Nicholas (Nick) Moigradan, Krislinda Silo, Michael Tuebo, Brian Weiss

Chris Harris Memorial Scholarship Madden Muellner

Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club: Clyde K. Watson Domenic Conversa

National Merit Scholarship Program: Corporate Award Luke Compton

District 207 Education Association: Helen Dobbins Christian Hassman

Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club: Jan Cannon Annabelle Nelson

Evans Scholars Ryan Conway, Michael Nelson

Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club: Martin McGovern/Scottie Wind Audrey Becker, Cayla Cimilluca, Evangeline Feucht, Sam Farquhar, Molly Mizwicki

Art/Photo Club Scholarship Molly-Quinn Chase, Santana Miranda, Samantha Sullivan

Athletic Booster Scholarship Amelia Aguila, Teagan Heneghan, Molly Mizwicki, Annabelle Nelson Betty Houlihan Memorial Scholarship Cayla Cimilluca, Aleksandra (Ola) Nawrocki Brett J. Harman Endowment Fund Gavin Hoerr, Caden Ljubenko Chance Walker 2nd Chance Scholarship Annabelle Nelson

Gordon McClean Scholarship Christian Hassman Iota Sigma Pi Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry Raeda Abunnur

National Merit Scholarship Program: Finalists Luke Compton, Domenic Conversa, Katherine (Katie) Foley, Kai Trivedi

Sophia Pichinos Scholarship Zaraith (Zara) Gamez Steve and Vicki Lee Family Foundation Scholarship Alexander Buckley, Grace Cioromski, Lucia Fuentes STROLL Park Ridge Emery Yates The Kalo Foundation - The Don Pegler Scholarship Evangeline Feucht The Kalo Foundation - The Don Pegler Purchase Scholarship Amie Mantilla Thomas Ziemek Memorial Scholarship Nikolas Kokosioulis

Park Ridge Kiwanis Key Club Sarah Cull, Lauren Geier, Lauren Herguth, Iliana Petrides Varsity Club Scholarship Teagan Heneghan, Maeve Park Ridge Panhellenic Przekota Scholarship: Elizabeth Greenhill Award Questbridge Scholarship Amelia Aguila Raeda Abunnur Park Ridge Rotary: Make a Difference Domenic Conversa, John Kinnavy, Brenna Mazukelli, Alina Stasiv, Michael Tuebo

Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club: The Amina Grace Memorial Award Katherine (Katie) Johnston, Sofia Park Ridge Soccer - Scott Wade Jim Kilburg Memorial King, Brenna Mazukelli, John Memorial Soccer Scholarship Scholarship Audrey Becker, Tyler Nashan Amelia Fernandez, Fintan Lennon Severino, Alina Stasiv Ken Reese Senior Service Award Lauren Geier

PEO Star Scholarship - DA Chapter Park Ridge Lauren Geier

Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Partnership Financial Credit Union Club: Virginia Feurer Alexander Buckley Seehyun Larson

University of Virginia: Walentas Scholarship Petru Matei Busu Women in Business Camilla Bartoszuk, Laiba Naveed 20th Century Club of Park Ridge Connor McNeill, Mia McNeill

SouthwordS 3

COLLEGES | May 17, 2026

“Oh, the Places you’ll go!”

Class of 2026

Post-Secondary Plans *Based on the CCRC Senior Survey self-reported data of 366 students who gave permission for their plans to be published

Alabama

Julia Clifton, Emily Eng, Sofija Nozinic Auburn University– John University of South Florida–Kelly Hachigian, Cooper Larson, Kathleen Kotas Saviski, Layla Sellergren University of Tampa–Grace University of Alabama–Mary Grace Cioromski, Blythe Ellsworth Goodwin

Arizona

University of Arizona–Claire Cowie

California

Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology– Domenic Conversa, Matheson Cooney University of Georgia–Audrey Becker

Loyola Marymount University– Rhett Rubin San Diego State University–Alyssa Augustana College–Avery Lamplota Ira University of Southern California– Benedictine University–Fazal Khan Bradley University–Tori Bowling, Ella Goldklang Mathew Bruno, Anderson Eickhoff, Russell Kelly College of DuPage–Yuliana Tomyn Colorado State University–Emma College of Lake County–Madelyn Dase, Jelena Hays Brady Fort Range Community College– Columbia College-Chicago–Iliana Dominic Campuzano Petrides University of Colorado-Boulder– Concordia University-Chicago– Ethan Ignacio Jack Croon DePaul University–Daryna Andrusiak, Nicholas Conway, James Heneghan, Declan Newell, Ava Nigro, University of Connecticut–Tate Gabriella Pekic, Alina Stasiv, Rares Shipp Stoica Illinois State University–Santino Bernabei, Samuel Bolz, Ava Bruno, American University–Rania Sara Daniel, Rebecca Gilbert, Ava Maettaoui Gombar, David Jimenez, Ryan George Washington University– Karlesky, Sadie Meeks, Matthew Alana Ciancio Migasi, Travis Moebus, Sam Mohr, Annabelle Nelson, Alyssa Ontiveros, Emma Reuter, Charles Rzany, Kelechi Udeoji, Nolan Weber University of Delaware–Benjamin Illinois Wesleyan University–Emily Domanski Currey John A. Logan College–Jack Gianikos Embry Riddle Aeronautical Lake Forest College–Derek Koziol, University–Alexander Melby Megan Toomey Rollins College–Connor J. Griffin Lewis University–Bartek Galimski, University of Miami–Amelia Aguila, Alexander Matushevskiy

Illinois

Colorado

Connecticut D.C.

Delaware Florida

4 SouthwordS

Loyola University Chicago– Brissia Alfaro-Davila, Antonia Argionis, Sophia Lubinski, Nathan Oravanakalathil, Anais Padron, Mariana Simic, Kai Trivedi, Haley Woodruff, Nicole Wysk North Central College–Fintan Lennon North Park University–Sophie Dial, Ella Piazza Northeastern Illinois University– Aila Dervisevic, Conrad Sues Northwestern University–Kaia Bechtold, Levi Corelitz, Teagan Heneghan, Ricardo Mendez Oakton College–Elizabeth Alexandru, Nicholas Brancato, Liana Buketova, Elijah Cardona, Joseph Coakley, Sophia Cole, Valentina Contreras, Patrick Denneen, Zachary Griesenauer, Alexa Janzen, James Kline, Daniel Kurc, Emmanuel Lopez, Bridget McAleer, Sage Mozdyniewicz, Melisa Mujanovic, Anthony Murphy, Halima Ouifak, Isaiah Reeves, Etana Shamoun, Lyla Suera, Heather Thomas, Polina Vasylova, Matthew Walendzewicz Parkland College–Mackenzie Duffy, Obren Popovich Triton College–Alan Beck, William Gavin, Steven Gulla, Alaska Hartman, Filip Kalat, Alejandro Pelayo University of Chicago–Evangeline Feucht University of Illinois, Chicago– Shahd Alshorbajee, Sofia Balestrihall, Joncarlo Flores, Kaden Hamda, Maxwell Klindera, Isaac Kurian, Kelly Lam, Kacper Matusik, Amir Oruzbaev, Krish Patel, Diana Popa, Alexandra Radhima, Maxim Skinner, Gabriela Stawarz, Amelie Tapia, Aibike Temirbaeva, Kendall Winegar, Max Woroniecki University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign–Lily Amabile, Kiley Andrews, Konstantino Arvanitis, Kendall Bai, Sophie Burda, Zachery Calvetti, Jenna Celestino, Cayla

Cimilluca, Shannon Clark, Ryan Conway, Elizabeth Filatov, Joncarlo Flores, Jack Gallagher, Alyson Gamba, Reagan Gatz, Gavin GormleyGledhill, Sean Griffin, Dmitri Hudz, Katherine Johnston, Caden Kalinowski, Wyatt Kelleher, Anna Kleinschmit, Seehyun Larson, Keira Lawrence, Marta Madej, Yasmine Marhoum, Nicolas Massucci, Maja Matic, Nabanoor Mazed, Michael McInerney, Lila McNamara, Madeline Moore, Aleksandra Nawrocki, Avery Oomen, Stefan Radosavljevic, Ella Raseta, Benjamin Richard, Claire Roche, Peter Sagmeister, Ethan Saurer, Alyssa Seurynck, Athena Stamatovic, Dorian Terbaci, Sarah Toomey, Simon Trombley, Kelly Zimmerman William Rainey Harper College– Anthony Lepore

Indiana

Butler University–Henry Sandrik, Jocelyn Wiland DePauw University–Martin Greif, Gavin Smith, Panayiotis Sotos Indiana University-Bloomington– Alexander Behrens, Jake Cantal, Peter Corthinos, Finn Haugh, Carly Novack, Anthony Sclafani Purdue University-Fort Wayne– Osarugue Oke, Purdue University-West Lafayette–Jack Dabisch, Daniel Drcha, Lawrence Foster, Sydney Hollingsworth, Lukas Jokinen, Bridget Lawrence, William Metzger, Paige Spychalski, Alexander Wajda St. Mary’s College–Nora Fehrman University of Notre Dame–Raeda Abunnur, Emiliano Careaga, Caroline Marques Valparaiso University–Nikolas Kokosioulis

Iowa

Iowa State University–Andrew Konwal, Maxwell Stebner University of Dubuque–Nathan Aglikin

Senior Issue | COLLEGES University of Iowa–Jayden Bublitz, Bella Buenaventura, Alexander Davis, Jacob Davis, Matthew Dolan, Sam Farquhar, Tiana Friedman, Sofia King, Brooklyn Laborne, Molly Mizwicki, Madden Muellner, Michael Nelson, Kathleen Noone, Ella Rice, Michael Skweres, Arjun Sreenivasan, Sinead Stanton

Marist University–Maeve Przekota New York University–Brett Harman, Marissa Waters The New School–Maya Davis, Alessia Todaro Webb Institute–Caroline Grapenthien

Kentucky

Elon University–Jane Nuich North Carolina State University– Noah Ramos

University of Kentucky–Lila Buzogany, Michael Forte, David Grot, Sam Malatesta, Olivia Orend, John Romano, Tyler Uhrich University of Louisville–Addison Kopf

North Carolina Nebraska

Creighton University–Sean Lyons, Luka Stojakovic University of Nebraska-Lincoln– John Donohue

Tennessee

University of TennesseeKnoxville–Anya Chojnowski, Brenna Mazukelli, Audrey Wilson

Texas

McLennan Community College– Aubrey Mazza Texas Christian University–Quincy Cook

Virginia

University of Virginia–Petru Busu

Wisconsin

Carthage College–Lauren Kula, Matthew Wilhelm Marquette University–Everett Bentley University–Henry Hughes Baldi, Ruby Brown, Isabella Ostian, Boston University–Emery Yates Miami University–Francene Quinlan Castellanos, Chloe Di Legge, Massachusetts College of Liberal Cielocha, Chloe Corcoran, Niall Melanie Diaz, Christian Dimaso, Arts–Saoirse McGrath Cronnolly, Jacob Hirsh, Talia Polan, Michael Duca, Dominic Firs, Isabelle Emilia Ristic, Danielle Smith Gutierrez, Luke Herguth, Gavin Ohio University–Benjamin Adams, Hoerr, Christopher Hristov, Brandon University of Maryland–Christian Quinn Weber Menchaca, Anthony Modica, Eliana Hassman The Ohio State University–Lila Nasby, Olivia Sanchez, Liam Shkiele, Callahan, Sarah Juiris, Andreas Jessie Simpson, Samuel Stelter, Malamis, Peter Patel Alexandra Stout, Victor Uzquiano, Ferris State University–Marco Urso University of Cincinnati–Alexander Alexis Vengazo, David Wiktorczyk, Buckley, Jasmine Chahin Josephine Wolfe Great Lakes Maritime Academy– University of Dayton–Nicholas Milwaukee School of Engineering– Christian Mozdzierz Hachigian, Haley Haidos, Lauren Daniel Troyan Michigan State University– Herguth, David Piotrowski, Emily University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse– Camilla Bartoszuk, Luke Compton, Rutherford, John Severino, Maya Valentino Zagorscak Katherine Foley, Brooke Henning, Wilczynski University of Wisconsin-Madison– Payton Hurley, Alexander Jerome, Bowling Green State University– Nelson Arteta, Sarah Cull, Lucia Liam Jolineau, Edward Kotty, Tyson Luciano Maestranzi Fuentes, Lauren Geier, Kaya Ossmo, Ethan Tobias Goldberg, Hannah Hutchins, Ioanna Northern Michigan University– Kokkalias, Mia McNeill, Fatima Addison Dill Walizada, Natalia Wlodyka, Gavin University of Michigan–Jisoo Chon, University of Oklahoma–Robert Brich Samantha Hill Kuechenberg University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh– Western Michigan University– Samuel Higgins Marco Barta University of Wisconsin-Parkside– Nathan Cera, Caden Ljubenko Lafayette College–Camille Gordon University of WisconsinPennsylvania State University– St. Olaf College–John Lohre Seitz Whitewater–Gianna Randazzo Nora Lakin University of Minnesota-Twin Cities–Grace Brander, Sarah Frantz

Massachusetts

Ohio

Maryland Michigan

Oklahoma

Minnesota

Mississippi

University of Mississippi–Thomas Leach

Missouri

Saint Louis University–Jillian Dompke University of Missouri–Gabriella Laske, Moira Martin, Molly Panizo

New York

Columbia University–Elle Cho Cornell University–Christian Hamielec, Michael Tuebo

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Wyoming

South Carolina

Ireland

University of Rhode Island–Amelia Carli

Coastal Carolina University– Gianna Santella College of Charleston–Payton Antonacci, Vasilia Heotis, Mia Nudo University of South Carolina– Amelia Fernandez, Alena Goodwin, John Kinnavy, Madison Verisario

University of Wyoming–Sadie Ruman

University College Dublin–Alex Boyack

Military

Army–Michael Eaglinn National Guard–Nicolas Vasilakopoulos

Class of 2026

BY THE NUMBERS

Based on the most recent selfreported CCRC data of 499 students

391

going to a fouryear college or university

53

going to Oakton

(highest enrollment numbers for a 2-year college)

49

going to UIUC

(highest enrollment numbers for a 4-year college)

32

different states attended doing an apprenticeship

10 5 5

going to a trade school taking a gap year

SouthwordS 5

UNSUNG HEROES | May 17, 2026

Luke Compton

T

by Andrew George

hroughout his high school career here at Maine South, Luke Compton could be found in a multitude of places, whether it was on the field broadcasting football games, running in a track meet, or competing with his C-Team unit.

Luke is always willing to take a chance on others and wants to make sure everyone is included. Many of us have experienced this firsthand from working with him in Trunk, V-Show’s sketch comedy group, and WMTH, Maine South’s broadcasting program.

Luke's kindness is exhaustive. Say for example, you express interest in filmmaking. Luke will make sure you get involved even if you have little experience.

When filming anything, it’s hard not to get extremely frustrated when something goes wrong.

Whether it's scheduling conflicts or equipment issues, Luke is always there to problem-solve and guide the group. As WMTH President for the past two years, Luke has certainly left a mark, not only for all the awards he’s won, but more importantly for the connections he’s made.

He also took the initiative to coordinate and film all of the senior sign-offs — where all of the seniors “sign the camera,” saying goodbye to Maine South.

In addition to his devotion to filmmaking, he also has a passion for music. In his films, he uses original music and cover songs with his guitar. He also spends his time accompanying singers at choir concerts at his church on Sundays. He’s also an active member in Crux, his church’s teen ministry, where he works with other teens to give back to his community.

Luke is very much a team player. He understands the importance of a group coming together, which is something he does with his C-Team unit. He is truly passionate about everything he does and wants to see success.

Next year, Luke will study civil engineering at Michigan State University while also joining their research team, where he will create an immense impact, just like he did at Maine South.

6 SouthwordS

Brennan Dolan

Melanie Diaz

P

by Katie Johnston

eople who have been lucky enough to be friends with Melanie Diaz know that she can light up an entire room just by entering it.

Melanie has a contagious laugh and is unbelievably welcoming to everyone. It's simply in her nature to make sure everyone feels their best.

She is not just kind to people, but to animals as well. She created “Hawks for Paws” and strives to help as many animals as she can. She works for hours each weekend at the Community Animal Care Rescue Effort to help the shelter take care of any rescued dogs. With “Hawks for Paws” she has led the effort to bring puppies into school during the stress of finals weeks and created toys for dogs in shelters.

Melanie ensures that each person she encounters is uplifted and seen. At any event, she doesn’t focus on herself, but makes sure that everyone is having a good time. Melanie goes the extra mile by making sure that everyone has pictures with their friends with her digital camera, going through and sending them all individually.

Additionally, she is on the Maine South swim team. Melanie is a leader in the water, consistently encouraging the other swimmers and pushing herself to be as good as she can be.

Melanie is also a part of the CNA program at Maine South. Through this, she helps at hospitals and nursing homes. Her unending patience is vital for anyone working for their clinical hours. Despite, the long hours, she never lets it tear down her spirit.

She is kind to every patient and has a passion for her future career.

Whether it is a quick wave before going to class, or a chat in the hallway, Melanie has a way to make everyone feel better about themselves.

She will study Biomedical Sciences at Marquette University next year, where she will continue to help people each and every day. She is a quiet, gentle, and kind person that continues to give her all in everything she does.

A

by Christian Hamielec

year and a half ago, in a backyard, a dark, dank room emanated a dreadful aura. That was exactly what Brennan Dolan had planned for and executed. He cares when he plans, orchestrates, and hosts his haunted house for free. One friend was so spooked that he jumped and fell into the pop-up tent. The entire room collapsed, but within twenty minutes, the haunted house was back up and running.

The haunted house was back up so quickly because of Brennan’s leadership skills, hardearned through his business, Squeaky Clean Window Washers, and DECA, where he competed twice at the International Career Development Conference. Brennan thinks on his feet, presents with confidence, and “DECAcates” himself to whatever he puts his mind to.

Brennan is my friend, and he is the student, entrepreneur, and musician I go to when I want to discuss ideas or have a chill night out. He thinks practically and will feed you the truth, like when a late-night discussion about future careers transformed my initial plans. When he has one-onone conversations with peers and adults alike, they feel profound and personal.

Music is where, if you listen, Brennan’s contributions boom. He was the sole drummer for “Six,” keeping time night after night. As part of Maine South’s Drumline, he creates steady beats and overlapping rhythms for the whole ensemble.

It’s a role where outstanding performance goes unnoticed, but poor performance would be instantly recognized.

Back in that backyard, the haunted house wasn’t about scaring unsuspecting victims. It was a determined teen with a vision, charging zero dollars, and inviting the community in.

He won’t say it himself, but he’s a hero. This fall, he will contribute to Purdue University, studying Finance and Accounting. Brennan Dolan, they’re lucky to have you.

Senior Issue | UNSUNG HEROES

Sinead Stanton

Marissa Waters

Nolan Weber

inead Stanton is one of those people with a contagious positive energy. She is the biggest ray of sunshine, an exceptionally hard worker and constantly is putting people before herself.

Sinead dedicates herself to her schoolwork, but this dedication is rooted in the desire to help the people around her. She will always share her study materials with her peers, she goes above and beyond in preparing for Constitution Team in order to be the best team player she can be, and the majority of her electives are related to her future career path as a nurse.

On Constitution Team, it is obvious that Sinead puts in the extra work. She reads the news daily for free response preparation, and she is constantly encouraging her unit-mates After discovering her passion for nursing her junior year, Sinead has immersed herself in the field. She is part of the CNA program at Maine South, where she spends her weekends volunteering at the nursing home to get her CNA certification.

Sinead is also a keystone member of the Crux youth group. She volunteers to speak to children in the program and attends essentially every activity, a testament to her devotion to the community. Her participation was inspiring to everyone on the Crux retreat, and she serves as a role model for everyone around her.

Although her involvement in activities is impressive, the most notable thing about her is that Sinead has a way of always leaving things better off than when they started. Her exceptionally positive attitude always made my bad days good, even if it meant having to stifle our laughter during class.

Next year, Sinead will continue to make other peoples’ lives better, as she will be studying nursing at the University of Iowa. Her dedication to the people around her paid off, because she now gets to attend the number-one ranked public nursing program in the country. Sinead will achieve great things as a future nurse, and everybody is rooting for her to succeed.

arissa Waters is the definition of commitment.

From staying at school until late in the evening and running the stage behind the scenes, to helping her friends with their homework, Marissa’s dedication to the things and people she loves is endless.

Marissa has been on crew since her freshman year and has participated in almost every theatre production throughout her time here at Maine South.

Marissa is an incredibly hard worker. She’s been in sound crew for three years, helping backstage with sound effects, and has been a sound crew head since her junior year. On top of that, she was stage manager this year for both “Six” and “Hadestown.”

This role required Marissa to be present for every single rehearsal.

But beyond her devotion to the PA wing, Marissa is always there for those who need her. Her kindness extends to her classmates and freshmen as well, and she’s often seen leading her Hawk Pride advisory through another lesson.

Marissa has been part of Hawk Pride since her junior year. She is a natural leader and was always ready to step up and lead the class through an activity. She never failed to engage the freshmen and was always there to provide advice. In her lunch group for Hawk Pride, Marissa always had insightful thoughts and practical solutions to any of our issues, which helped to make Hawk Pride a collaborative environment.

Marissa is also an incredibly talented filmmaker.

She joined broadcasting club, WMTH, in her junior year and became secretary this year. She has also won an award for one of her films last year in the school promotion category at the MMEA film competition. She also gained another two top ten finishes on two separate projects.

Marissa will be attending NYU to study film, and there is absolutely no doubt that she will continue to be the kind, hard-working student that we all love.

f you are ever having a bad day and are in need of a good laugh, Nolan Weber is someone who can always be there to brighten it. Between having a great sense of humor and just being a genuine human being, Nolan is someone people are lucky to cross paths with.

Nolan makes the Maine South community more inclusive and an overall happier place. Nolan is extremely involved in Hawk Pals, the disability inclusion and respect club, and the life skills program here at school. Nolan has been an officer of Hawk Pals for two years and was a member of the Unified Dance team that competed at the IHSA state competition.

Additionally, he is a peer leader in the adapted P.E. and broadcasting communications classes.

In these classes, Nolan serves as a teacher’s assistant. This role allows him to create meaningful connections with the students with disabilities who are enrolled in these classes.

When participating on the Unified Dance alongside Nolan, it was evidently clear that he was admired by everyone on the team as a patient and kind person.

Outside of Maine South, he continues his mission to promote inclusivity. Nolan and his Unified Partner, Luis, were on the Special Olympics Illinois Unified Generation Committee. Together, they created lessons for all schools in the state to use to start a unified club of their own. Nolan and Luis were also chosen to be the ambassadors for the Special Olympics Illinois Coaster Challenge at Great America.

The most impressive part about all of Nolan’s achievements is the fact that he does none of it for recognition or accolades; rather, he does it simply because he is a good person.

What started as Nolan attending the Hawk Pals Prom and basketball tournament with his dad as a kid, has led to him attending Illinois State University next year to become a Special Education teacher.

S

by Audrey Becker

M

by Sarah Frantz

I

by Audrey Becker

SouthwordS 7

SENIOR FEATURES | May 17, 2026

There’s more to C-Team than competing Karin Flensborg, Andrew George, & Gabi Shaw Entertainment Editors

or the past 34 years, Maine South’s Constitution Team has won the state competition and traveled to nationals in Washington D.C., with this year being no exception.

Constitution Team, better known as C-Team, is both an extracurricular and a class taught by Ms. Leah Politi with assistant coaches Mr. Kevin Hansen and Mr. Andrew Trenkle. The class consists of about 30 students who are split up into six smaller groups known as “units,” with each being responsible for learning everything they can about that specific topic. Throughout the school year, students are working to compete in the state competition by writing speeches.

“At the beginning of each sort of process for state and for nationals, there’s a set of questions released,” Ms. Politi said. “Every state and every school has the same questions. Each unit — each small group of five — writes three speeches based on the three questions that they’re given.”

After students give their speeches, a panel of judges, lawyers, and teachers scores them. Each unit gives its speech individually, but their overall team score is what counts. The team with the highest score wins and advances to the national competition, which Maine South has done since 1991.

Due to this intense level of competition, not everyone is able to join C-Team. Unlike most classes, there is a special tryout process that students must go through that occurs at the beginning of junior year.

“The tryout is really just like a series of freeresponse questions,” Ms. Politi said. “We give them a list of previous questions, but they have to answer these questions with no notes in front of them, and they’re all about U.S. history or government or current events or philosophy.”

If students are selected, they must wait until the end of junior year to be sorted into their units. Once summer starts, they immediately begin working on their first assignments.

“Over the summer, we analyzed some documents and also wrote our first speech with our unit, which we had to present in the first weeks of school,” senior Luke Compton said.

Throughout the summer and the beginning of the school year, the new team also focuses heavily on team and unit bonding.

“We do a bunch of group bonding, like laser tag and things like that,” senior Nicole Wysk said. “We even had a little Halloween party towards the beginning of the school year with the whole C-team.”

This bond continues to grow, especially since units are also expected to meet multiple times a week outside of school.

“You form a close bond with your unit, and I think that’s really cool,” senior Julia Clifton said.

“They hold you accountable to get things done.”

The class still follows a government curriculum,

8 SouthwordS

PHOTO COURTESY KATIE JOHNSTON

F

SWEET VICTORY C-Team members, along with Ms. Politi, smile for a picture with their plaque for winning State.

They had been practicing for this competition since the summer.

similar to regular government classes. Although all of the units are covered broadly, students dive deeper into their specific units.

“Most of the things that we learn in class are more centered to each of our own units, but there is a basic government curriculum that we do learn,” Wysk said.

C-team gives students a real life look into government systems and political practices.

“A lot of these government classes, they tell you what happens straight up,” senior Rhett Rubin said.

“They tell you the theoretical practices around it, but we have to learn a lot of real-life working systems that actually affect and influence daily life.”

In addition to teaching the students about government and politics, it also teaches them useful life skills such as public speaking and writing skills.

“Compared to just like a regular government class, you’re going to actually learn how these systems work, and you’re going to learn a lot of court cases,” senior Rayan Assaf said.

The public speaking aspect of the class gives them an insight on how the system works for C-team. “[C-Team] really builds your confidence up a lot,” senior Benjamin Richard said. “You’ve got to be thinking fast and speaking on your feet, which are things you don’t see normally in different classes, so that’s something I appreciate.”

The experience is also unique at Maine South as it’s exclusive to seniors.

“I think it all being seniors makes it a lot more memorable and everybody is a lot more willing to put in the work,” Wysk said. “It’s a nice experience to have your senior year to get to meet these people that you might not have really interacted with before.”

Another unique aspect of Maine South’s C-Team is that most of its members aren’t going into law or politics compared to some schools that charter students who are specifically going into that field.

“I think it’s a really unique experience because most of the students that we have on the team don’t end up going into law,” Ms. Politi said. “They end

up going into any other field. And I think that in a weird way, I love that part of it. We’re sending all of these students off to nursing school or engineering school who have just like a really well-rounded understanding of their legal system and of how the Constitution developed.”

Even though all of these seniors are taking different paths after high school, they were all able to come together under a similar passion.

“Even though people are going into different things, this unifies everybody,” senior Madden Muellner said.

C-team brings together kids from every place no matter what their interests are.

“You can go into it and succeed no matter what you’re interested in,” senior Campbell Foster said.

While there are short term challenges, the benefits of the experience last a lifetime.

“I’d say if you’re debating doing C-team, at least try out, because I think it’s really a great experience, and I would not change it for the world,” Wysk said.

“Even if you’re scared about your unit or scared about there not being people you know doing it, I’d say at least try because it was the highlight of my senior year.”

PHOTO BY AUDREY BECKER

SPEAK UP C-Team members Nicole Wysk, Katie

Foley, and Rhett Rubin (left to right), prepare their speeches for their national competition. They are four-minute statements made to answer complex constitutional questions.

Senior Issue | SENIOR FEATURES

From first bell toCoralast Mannix & Blythe Ellsworth SOME OF MAINE SOUTH’S LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

Olivia Crawford & Bart Dabkowski

Features Editors ne senior duo that you can pick out in any crowd is Blythe Ellsworth and Cora Mannix.

Now in their 16th year of friendship, the two have been inseparable since they met in 2010.

“It was Cora’s third birthday party,” Ellsworth said. “I was friends with this kid I went to preschool with, and I just randomly went with her to Cora’s party.”

With both Ellsworth and Mannix having three older brothers, the identical family dynamic further locked down their lifelong friendship.

“All of our brothers are the same age, and they’re all friends too — it’s awesome,” Ellsworth said. “My brothers see her as another sister.”

Between them and their brothers, the two quickly became well-acquainted with each other’s families.

“I’m really close with her family,” Mannix said.

O

to California, and have been travel buddies ever since.

“We have a lot of fun just exploring new places together,” Ellsworth said. “We went to Hawaii together, and also the Eras tour in Italy together.”

Between big family trips and constantly being over at each other’s houses, the two know each other through and through.

“Cora is more like my sister than a friend,” Ellsworth said.

With graduation approaching fast, one of the PARTNERS IN CRIME Cora and Blythe biggest fears among many seniors is drifting apart pose in a photo together on their first vacation together in from their high school friends in college.

California. The two have traveled many places together.

“We used to have this grand plan to go to the “I’ll be eating dinner with her family while she’s same college and be roommates,” Ellsworth said. taking a shower.”

“I think it was scary at first realizing that wasn’t Being well-established best friends by the fifth gonna happen, but I also feel like it’s cool because grade, the two took their first vacation together when we do see each other, it is really special.”

PHOTO COURTESY BLYTHE ELLSWORTH

Quinn Weber, Lukas Jokinen, Nelson Arteta & Caden Kalinowski

S

country with free time. Being able to hang out with them and have that experience was really good.”

They’ve also traveled together to Lake Geneva to ski.

“Last time we went there, we stayed at the Grand Geneva Resort and we took a day or two there,” Weber said. “That was a lot of fun. We binge-watched an entire season of Love Island, all

in one night, afterwards in the hotel.”

One way they’ve maintained their friendship is by not abandoning plans last minute.

“I mean honestly, just being there and showing up, and just being willing to go and hang out with your friends is a great way to maintain it,” Arteta said.

During high school, most of them have also played volleyball together.

“At practices, you’re spending a lot of time together,” Kalinowski said. “Nelson and I still play volleyball. Lukas played volleyball until his junior year. Really just making time for each other was the biggest thing.”

They all plan to attend schools in the midwest, which will allow them to maintain their friendship even during college.

“We’re probably going to try to hang out a little while we’re in college,” Arteta said. “We’re close enough together, that if we want to hang out for a weekend, we could just meet up.”

PHOTO COURTESY SARAH TOOMEY eniors Chloe Corcoran and Sarah Toomey were blessed with the childhood dream: their best friend living right down the street. After meeting each other at age four, they became practically joined at the hip.

“I remember always walking home from school together,” Toomey said. “One time we were walking home, and the entire time we played rock, paper, scissors to get to each little piece of TWO PEAS IN A POD Chloe and Sarah play the block,” in the leaves together as kids. They’ve lived right down the block from each other their whole lives, and would always A decade later, not much has changed.

“Even now, we always walk home, no matter meet up to play.

“We’ll always end up leaving at the same time, the occasion,” Toomey said.

If they aren’t walking together, they can be or it’ll end up being just us going somewhere seen driving everywhere together. Whether it’s a together,” Toomey said.

When they aren’t out and about, they are often quick food run or a group hangout, they remain in the kitchen. Among their favorite traditions a package deal.

is cooking together, specifically perfecting their signature dish.

“We make really good vodka pasta,” Corcoran said.

While many high school friendships can be filled with drama, Corcoran and Toomey have learned the key to avoiding conflict within their friendship.

“I feel like Sarah and I can tell each other when to shut up, or just when to stop,” Corcoran said.

“I feel like we just know each other’s boundaries.”

Chloe and Sarah are also confident they will maintain their friendship long after high school.

“It’ll be so easy,” Toomey said. “My brother’s going to Dayton, she’s going to Miami, Ohio. So, when I go visit my brother, I’ll go down and see Chloe.”

ince elementary school, seniors Lukas Jokinen, Quinn Weber, Nelson Arteta, and Caden Kalinowski have been a tight-knit group.

“We’ve been friends since second or third grade,” Arteta said. “We met each other in elementary school. I used to walk with Lukas a lot to school, and that’s how we became friends.”

Lukas was introduced to the others when he moved to Park Ridge.

“I first moved to Illinois back in second grade, and my first friends were originally Caden and Quinn,” Jokinen said. “And then my mom introduced me to Nelson because our moms had been talking at school, and we lived a block away from each other.”

Some of their favorite memories include the recent China trip for Mandarin students at Maine South.

“China was probably the most fun thing I’ve done in my life,” Arteta said. “We all went. It was just you and your best friends in a different

PHOTO COURTESY QUINN WEBER

HOT WHEELIN’ Weber, Kalinowski, Arteta, and Jokinen (left to right) ride bikes at Roosevelt Elementary School. The group first met in second grade.

Sarah Toomey & Chloe Corcoran

S

SouthwordS 9

SENIOR SIGNEES | May 17, 2026

Senior Signees

BASEBALL

Connor Griffin Rollins College Jack Croon Concordia University Chicago Jack Gianikos John A. Logan College Luka Stojakovic Creighton University Nathan Cera University of Wisconsin-Parkside Samuel Higgins University of WisconsinOshkosh

PHOTOS COURTESY MR. MATT RYDER

FALL SIGNING Top Row (left to right): Maeve Przekota, Sarah Juiris, Aubrey Mazza, Jack

Gianikos, Connor Griffin, Nathan Cera. Bottom row (left to right): Aribella Spandiary, Elliot Galfano, Samuel Higgins.

FOOTBALL, CONTINUED

Derek Koziol Lake Forest College Gavin Smith DePauw University Henry Hughes Bentley University Nick Hachigian University of Dayton Niko Kokosioulis Valparaiso University Santino Bernabei Illinois State University

LACROSSE Elliot Galfano Mercyhurst University

BASKETBALL

SOFTBALL

Emily Currey Illinois Wesleyan University Panayiotis Sotos DePauw University

Aubrey Mazza McLennan Community College Ella Piazza North Park University

Cross Country/Track

SWIM/DIVE

Fintan Lennon North Central College

CHEERLEADING Leah Marcuccilli Bethel College Melanya Stefaniuk University of Tennessee

Caleb Lakin Southern Illinois University FOOTBALL FEBRUARY Front row (left to right): Carmine Ziga, Gavin Smith, Niko Maeve Przekota Kokosioulis, Nick Hachigian, David Piotrowski.

Marist University Sarah Juiris The Ohio State University

VOLLEYBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

Luka Babich Benedictine University

Aribella Spandiary Mercyhurst University

FOOTBALL Carmine Ziga Elmhurst University David Piotrowski University of Dayton

10 SouthwordS

WRESTLING Brett Harman New York University Caden Ljubenko University of WisconsinSPRING SIGNING Top row (left to right): Derek Koziol, Henry Hughes, Caleb Lakin, Luka Babich, Brett Harman, Caden Ljubenko, Fintan Lennon, Emily Currey. Bottom row (left to right): Parkside Ella Piazza, Panayiotis Sotos, Jack Croon, Luka Stojakovic, Melanya Stefaniuk.

1111 S. Dee roaD • Park riDge, illiNoiS 60068

Feburary 3, 2023

vol. 59, No. 2

S

November 4, 2022

4

GREAT YEARS

! e ds ag or ack p hw —b ut ation Soplic in ff Ap Joee Sta

THANKS FOR

Senior Issue | CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS

1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illiNoiS 60068

Vol. 56, No. 4

April 14, 2023

1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illiNoiS 60068

Vol. 56, No. 6

COMING T0

LIFE PHOTOS BY HAYDEN MAGAD AND MAEVE RAFFERTY

See page 10.

10.

See pages 14 & 15

On the Job

Hidden Hardship

Student internships reap unexpected benefits.

Page 7

Students share experiences living with diabetes.

Page 10

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

Maddie Beyer stars as Alice Sycamore in the Winter Play, “You Can’t Take It With You.”

Luca Arcuri (‘23) and Olivia DeLuca (‘24) qualified for State along with the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, which placed in the top five at Sectionals

Hawk Pride

See page 11.

11.

SPOTLIGHT Test Run

Spice it Up

Junior C-Team students learn from seniors.

Page 2

Southwords samples Fall flavors.

Page 13

Giving Credit

Students recognize Maine South staff.

Page 7

PHOTO BY NATALIA KOWALEWSKA

STRIDE Maine South hosts first ever Pride Week.

Page 3

Seniors Maren Nazar, Yianni Korovilas, and Ava Barruffi co-star in the upcoming Spring Musical, “The Addams Family.”

IN THE

HITTING THEIR

Hit the Road

Thespians visit Illinois Theatre Festival.

Page 9

In It to Win It

Called Off

Hawkettes take first place at Sectionals.

Page 12

This year’s Spring Fling canceled.

Page 2

Helping Hand TikTok Takeover

Clubs at Maine South lead to future careers.

Page 8

TikTok influences society in many ways.

Page 10

Fresh Start

New varsity softball roster sparks success.

Page 15

S

! e ds ag or ack p hw —b ut ation Soplic in ff Ap Joee Sta

September 29, 2023

1111 S. Dee roaD • park riDge, illinoiS 60068

Vol. 60, no. 1

Nov. 3, 2023

1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illiNoiS 60068

1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illiNoiS 60068

Feburary 2, 2024

vol. 60, No. 2

D DRIVING

Vol. 56, No. 4

F FORCE Senior Meegan Fahy leads the 25-1 girls’ basketball team into the playoffs.

See page 12.

12.

GRAND OPENING

PHOTO BY CEYLAN YILDIZ

After the completion of the PA wing, construction at Maine South comes to an end.

LEFT TO RIGHT: DR. MICHAEL PRESSLER, MR. JIN LEE, DR. KEN WALLACE, MS. CARLA OWEN, DR. TERI COLLINS

New Staff

Twenty-two new teachers make their start at South.

Page 8 & 9

The Eras

Hay, Hawks

Students share their Eras Tour experiences.

Page 12

District 207 purchases the farm lot on Hamlin St. Page 10

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LILY GIAMBARBEREE

v

PHOTO BY LILY GIAMBARBEREE

RE

Raisin’ The Flag Girls’ flag football team added to fall sport list.

Page 16

Beat The Drum Taking Charge Hawk Pals adds new teams to the program.

Page 2

Sept. 27, 2024

Editorial: Manage your schedule and your future.

Page 5

Turkey Time

Reviewing Thanksgiving meals from restaurants.

Page 13

1111 S. Dee RoaD • paRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068

Final Flex

Looking Back

Vol. 61, no. 1

Dec. 13, 2024

April 14, 2025

1111 S. Dee roAD • pArk riDge, illinoiS 60068

PHOTO BY LILY GIAMBARBEREE

PHOTO BY SAM HIGGINS

FOrward Led by Illinois’ top-ranked quarterback Aribella Spandiary, girls’ flag football is No. 1 in the state.

See page 16.

New Staff

Gmail Ails

Frequent miscommunication confuses students.

Page 7

Projecting

The Laramie Project reveals the impact of bigotry.

Page 13

Kickin’ It

Boys’ soccer makes record-level cuts.

Page 15

Vol. 61, no. 6

Attending school where a parent works.

Page 9

Stickin’ to It

Girls’ gymnastics thrives on consistency.

Page 13

Vol. 61, no. 3

1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068

on

LOOKING

South welcomes 18 new certified staff members.

Page 4 & 5

Snow School Family Faculty

District cancels flex days Emergency days shouldn’t for next year. require e-learning.

Page 1 Page 5

Pressure increases for students in sports.

Page 14

1111 S. Dee RoaD • paRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068

Sept. 26, 2025

Vol. 62, no. 1

pointe

Orchesis kicks off the holiday season with “A Night at the Movies”

Locked In

Just Dupe It

Step it Up

Anonymous tip leads to lockdown Page 3

Students reveal the best “dupes” to gift this year Page 10

Staff teams compete in step challenge Page 12

Oct. 31, 2025

1111 S. Dee ROaD • PaRk RiDge, illinOiS 60068

See page 11

Swim-possible

Girls’ swim sets new school record at State Page 18

VOl. 62, nO. 2

SAFETY

JOURNEY See page 12

No More 0 to 4

District to restructure gradebook for 2025-2026 Page 5

Sayonara

Foreign language students spend spring break in Japan Page 10

past

Band Together In Record Time Band plays among nation’s best at national concert Page 11

March 6, 2026

Indoor track finishes season breaking records Page 14

New consequences used to curb attendance issues.

Page 2

Volume 62, No.5

April 10, 2026

The Maine South costume department sets the stage with fashion.

See page 17

Vol. 62, no. 6

UNDERWOR ORL LD

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO COURTESY DARYNA ANDRUSIAK

EYRIE 1987

1111 S. Dee roAD • pArk riDge, illinoiS 60068

PHOTO BY ANDREW GEORGE

PHOTO COURTESY DIANA ROZHKO

x

Students use dance and fashion to connect to a variety of cultures.

See page 4

See page 4

Crack Down

SOUTHWORDS The Fashion Issue

Champs!

S TAT E

With new security policies and door alarms, building access is now limited to few entrances.

Explore the changing fashion at Maine South Senior Daryna Andrusiak navigates the world throughout the decades. of professional modeling.

See pages 12-13 See page 7

Off to “Nattys”

HOSA showcases talent at State in Springfield.

Page 3

premiere Seniors Jane Nuich and Ola Nawrocki and junior Eric Graves (left to right) star in the spring musical, “Hadestown: Teen Edition.”

See page 10

New Horizons

Travel is important to expanding your world view.

Page 6

Hawk and Roll Awesome Alum

Learn about the history of the school mascot.

Page 7

NFL player Skoronski meets with students.

Page 13

Tough Love

New security changes are for the better.

Page 7

Fresh Hires

New staff begin the school year at South.

Page 10 & 11

Advantage

Girls’ tennis off to a strong start after tournament.

Page 16

BACKGROUND PHOTO BY KATIE JONHSTON SIDE PHOTOS BY LIZ PALMER

TO THE

Juniors Peter Sagmeister and Jane Nuich and sophomore Erik Graves star in the Spring Musical, “Anastasia”

PHOTO BY SAMUEL HIGGINS

PHOTO BY ANASTASIA MUSYAKEVICH

FIRST Girls’ flag football triumphs See page 14 with victory over Whitney Young

It’s Final

Maine South pilots new end-of-semester schedule Page 2

Leave the Chat Students and staff share their thoughts on AI. Pages 8-9

26.2

Maine South students run the Chicago Marathon.

Page 11

Working Hard

Boys’ football perseveres with 8-1 record.

Page 14

20222026 SouthwordS 11

SENIOR CROSSWORD | May 13, 2026

SENIOR CROSSWORD Print Complete this crossword to take a walk down memory lane and look back on the most noteworthy people, places, moments, and changes over the last four years at Maine South.

4/20/26, 1:25 PM Emery Yates

Editor-in-Chief 1

2

3

4

DOWN

2. Food items sold out of the trunk of senior Jack Croon’s car and at TBK. 8 9 3. Most recent energy drink addition to the cafeteria that has come 10 11 12 13 under fire due to its extreme caffeine 14 content 4. An electrical event that almost 15 16 caused the cancelation of a school day this spring 17 5. Name of Eyrie edition from 18 seniors’ freshman year, or what a second Thorguard alarm indicates 7. Number of principals that seniors 19 20 21 22 had during their sophomore year 8. Town in which senior prom is hosted this year 23 24 25 12. Street where the deceased and the cars of MSHS juniors and sophomores reside 26 27 28 29 13. This piece of plumbing burst during seniors’ junior year, giving 30 31 32 the school a day off and damaging the A-wing 33 14. Name of the 2026 spring musi34 cal that featured a famous Greek tragedy 35 36 16. Acronym of MSHS’s newest 37 38 39 honor society, founded senior Katie Johnston during the seniors’ sopho40 more year 41 20. Color of seniors’ PE leader shirts 22. The newest ISHA sport, this 42 team won state in its sport’s second official year 24. Name of the company that sells donuts in the cafeteria for flag Senior Issue 21 The name of the 11 Name of the first issue 18 Instagram username 17. Name ofof aSouthwords Disney movie and of senior school have a car atend the football celebration at the Samuelrumored to of the school year who can be during theme Higgins, 9 Last name of the 27. Senior boy who made a splash in our magicalpublished junior prom bottom ACROSS hosted by Stu-Co found on the sideline seniors' time at MSHS retiree who headed up MSHS’s diving records 18.

Instagram username of senior 33.

Renewed A-wing lot tradition of football games and the PE department 23 Winter 2022 event 15 Round of playoffs that 1 Senior who played played in in the NFL 1. Senior who 28. Last name of the newest PE Samuel Higgins, canteam be foundon the occurring before home football mound and was the sponsor screened in the MSHS’swho football the NFL Pro-Bowl for the ASL Club commons, that had the 19 and Popular music festival madeof it to every year Pro-Bowl leader teacher or Vietnam veteran on the sideline football games games 6 Book read junior year school in an uproar among MSHS 10 Missing emblem on 17 Name of Disney movie thatread doubles the year English 6. Book inasjunior security guard on the mound 34.

Newly renovated “barn” for two students held in Twin the floor of the spec 25 Type of cake sold on and our magical junior theme Wisconsion gym lobby that19. wentPopularprom classessenior thatprom doubles as the senior 29. Time that graduation was music festival among Lakes,Maine teams. the first Friday of every theme missing after month prom theme MSHS students held in Twin 36. Acronym for the AP test seniors changed to this year construction 9. Last name of the retiree who 30. Month-long event featuring difLakes, Wisconsin take on the morning of prom heads up the Health and Wellness 21. The name of the celebration at 37. A unit of PE in which Junior 1/2 ferent foods on wheels https://puzzleme.amuselabs.com/pmm/crossword-pdf department and is the sponsor for 32. The coffee place that the students the end of the school year hosted by Leaders perform for their peers ASL Club Stu-Co 39. The grade seniors were in when could have received gift cards to 10. Emblem that used to be on the earlier in the school year from Mr. 23. Winter 2022 event screened in COVID hit floor of the spec gym lobby that Edwards and Dr. Babakhani for bethe Commons that had the school 40. Acronym for the standardized disappeared after construction ing on time screaming, “GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!” test that the school switched to last 11. Name of the first issue of South- 25. Type of cake sold in the cafeteria year, taken by juniors every April 35. Destination south of the border words published during seniors’ for many seniors’ spring break trip on the first Friday of every month 41. Acronym for the Southwords time at MSHS (see page 9) 38. Parking lot with the greatest 26. Popular off-campus lunch option position of seniors Audrey Becker 15. Round of playoffs that number of student parking spots; among senior girls that keeps them and Emery Yates MSHS’s football team made it to also home to the tennis courts and caffeinated 42. Last name of Maine South every year varsity softball field 31. Body of water outside of the alumna who is a former First Lady 5

6

ACROSS

12 SouthwordS

7

Senior Issue | CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS

Final goodbyes: senior breakfast Audrey Becker & Emery Yates

PHOTO CREDIT OLA NAWROCKI

Editors-in-Chief

A

s senior year comes to a close, the class of 2026’s calendars become packed with the senior events that they have spent all of high school looking forward to.

Senior breakfast is one of the many annual events that seniors participate in. In this event organized by the Senior Class Council, seniors gathered at Manzo's Banquets on Saturday, May 2 to celebrate the end of their high school journey.

At this breakfast, a sentimental slideshow filled with photos of the senior class played as they enjoyed their breakfast and spent time with their friends.

“It was so fun seeing pictures of the entire class throughout the whole year during the senior slideshow," senior Jenna Kokkalias said. “Whenever I saw my friend group it was so exciting. It was fun to look back on all the memories from throughout the year.”

The slideshow was created by Senior Class Council co-president Grace Cioromski.

She collected pictures via a dropbox from the senior class, and then assembled the slideshow in Google Slides.

“It felt rewarding seeing all of our hard work come together,” Cioromski said. “My favorite part was definitely seeing all the smiles in the crowd while the senior slideshow was playing. It really helped show that all of the hours that went into making the presentation was worth it just to spark emotion in the class.”

Another notable activity that took place at the breakfast was the reveal of the senior superlative winners.

A Google Form was sent out to all seniors to vote on who is “most likely to be a millionaire” or “most likely to be a pro athlete,” among other things.

These superlatives recognized some of the most talented seniors, and it was especially special coming from their peers.

“I won ‘Most Likely to win a Tony award’ and

SENIOR SMILES Seniors Eleanor Havens, Cayla Cimilluca, Evangeline Feucht, and Ola Nawrocki (left to right) pose for a photo at the senior breakfast. At the breakfast, seniors shared one final meal with their entire graduating class to celebrate all of their achievements.

‘Most Likely to Succeed in Film or Music’, and it was really nice to be recognized for everything,” senior Jane Nuich said.

Senior Maja Matic also got to share in the glory, winning “Most School Spirit.”

“I was really excited and honored because I love our school,” Matic said. “People seeing me as someone who empowers and encourages our school is a blessing.”

Despite the senior breakfast being an annual event, this year’s breakfast was unique.

Typically, the senior breakfast takes place on the Thursday morning before prom, but this meant that the students who had an AP test that day could not attend.

In order to avoid this issue, the breakfast was moved to a Saturday earlier in the year, in order to avoid this conflict.

“We hoped moving the breakfast to an earlier weekend would prevent any conflicts for students,” associate principal for student services Mr. Michael Edwards said.

PHOTO CREDIT QUINN WEBER

ALL DRESSED UP A group of senior boys put on their Saturday best for the senior breakfast, taking a break

from their typical hacky sack agenda. Lukas Jokinen (far right) won a senior superlative, “Best Dressed,” which was one of the several superlatives awarded at the banquet.

However, this date change created unexpected conflicts for senior student athletes.

Several sports teams had meets or games on the morning of the breakfast.

For example, the girls’ soccer team had an away tournament down in Chatham, Illinois over that weekend, so the seniors on that team couldn’t attend the breakfast.

“I’m not that upset about missing senior breakfast because out of all of the senior events, it was the best one to miss,” senior soccer player Mia McNeill said. “We had a great time at Chatham anyway.”

Other athletes made the choice to opt out of their game or meet just so they could go to this senior event.

“Since the start of senior year, I was excited for all of the senior activities such as senior breakfast at the end of the year where I can just see my friends and everyone in our grade before we all went off to our post high school plans,” senior water polo player Amelia Aguila said. “So I decided to go to the breakfast to cherish those last memories we had with each other."

Spending time with their entire graduating class for one of the last times seemed to be a consistent theme throughout the athletes who chose to attend senior breakfast.

“When I was deciding between senior breakfast and my track meet, I thought about how senior breakfast only happens once,” senior track athlete Brooklyn LaBorne said. “It’s one of the last times the whole grade gets to be together and I just thought it would be a wholesome and fun activity.”

Although the date change is not set in stone to be the same next year, it appears that the breakfast occurring on an earlier date will remain the same for years to come.

“We are deciding on [the date] on a year to year basis, but it looks like it will stay around the same time next year,” Mr. Edwards said. “We plan to decide officially before summer break.”

SouthwordS 13

MEMORIES | May 17, 2026

14 SouthwordS

Senior Issue | MEMORIES

SouthwordS 15

RETIREE COMMENTARIES | May 17, 2026

Full circle Maine South moments Mr. Robert Brown

English Teacher n all my classes I have a “Circle Question” to begin the week — I use this as an icebreaker and a way to build class community.

I’m interested to get these miniinsights on students just to see what makes them tick — it’s also more fun than starting class learning how to punctuate conjunctive adverbs used in different ways in sentences.

So I’ll adapt some of my stock circle questions, direct them to myself for this Southwords article, and answer the best I can!

What’s something that you will definitely miss about Maine South?

The people! It’s really what makes this place special for me - super students, great colleagues, and supportive parents. All the conversations and warm greetings and connections made over the years.

This is something I always fully realize and appreciate every fall when I come back to school. As retirement approaches, I am even more appreciative of the people here.

(Follow up) What’s something that you WON’T miss about Maine South?

I will definitely NOT miss being the gatekeeper of teen bladder urgency.

I

Being asked “Can I go to the bathroom?” really wears on an English teacher.

Also — I won’t miss getting two Blunch classes in my schedule as well!

I think I’ve had only two A-lunch or C-lunch classes ever.

What is a specific memory from Maine South that will really stick with you?

This is quite a few years back, but I think back to this particular memory/ moment all the time.

In the Graphic Novel unit, we have a capstone project at the end of the term where students have four different choices of the kind of project they would like to do.

One of these projects is a “Create Your Own Comic Book” assignment in which students plan and write and draw their own comic book and purposefully integrate specific comics technical strategies in their comic book.

Anyway, in one of the last class periods of the semester, we share these out on the big screen to the class and let the students talk a little about their story and the process behind it.

A senior named Samantha REALLY knocked it out of the park with her project — not just the technical aspects that were on point effective, but the poignant message conveyed

about the difficulty young women deal with being barraged by the constant media pressure of what beauty is.

In the comic book story called “Enter Name Here," Sam’s faceless, nameless character asks questions about why she is the way she is and not like others whose “only flaw seems to be that they don’t have any flaw at all.”

As the story progresses, the character arrives at a fairly stark conclusion about her existence, accusing God of getting lazy when he made her.

I was really emotionally struck with the power of Sam’s message — the comic book assignment gave her

an artistic outlet to make critical commentary on an issue while sharing a personal story. The class applauded loudly. I got choked up and had to take a moment. I’ll never forget that!

What’s something that not a lot of people know about you that you’re kind of proud of?

I was an AP Reader for the English Language and Composition Exam for 18 years — for most of those readings I was a table leader. I scored a LOT of AP essays!

What’s a “hidden gem” of Maine South that not a lot of people know about?

The Courtyard — not so much hidden but under used. Before we had door alarms here, I started to wear a path from the A-Wing to the Small Commons door — I loved getting that moment of sun and fresh air during passing periods!

(For graduating Seniors — our final circle) Where are you going to be and what are you going to be doing in September?

I’ll be on a motorcycle crossing the country — I’ve signed up for the ADV Cannonball GPS Rally, so I’ll be training for that with a trip to North Dakota when school’s out.

I’ll also be a grandpa! My son Kyle and daughter-in-law Becca are expecting baby Nolan in June!

relentless standard of excellence.

As I settled into my new surroundings, I was deeply moved by how quickly the staff, students, and athletes embraced me.

While the landscape of education has shifted over three decades, the school’s care and integrity have remained constant. Maine South is not

just a building; it is the people who make it special.

It has been a blessing to work with outstanding educators, students, athletes, and the entire Maine South community.

This has been my home away from home and I hope that in some small way, I have given back as much as Maine South has poured into me!

Maine South has a rich history and storied success in all facets of the school.

One of those pillars is Maine South athletics.

I was thankful to be directly involved in Maine South’s athletic department for a quarter of a century.

These roles included being a coach for football and basketball and assistant athletic director.

These positions allowed me to witness feats I never could have imagined.

I had the best seat in the house on

the sidelines as a coach for nine state title football games and on the bench for two historic basketball runs deep into sectional and super-sectional games.

Yet, more than the hardware, it is the relationships built through coaching that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

My career has seen many shifts ranging from teacher, lead teacher, department chair, and assistant athletic director.

In every role, the takeaway was the same: a firm commitment to greatness.

Yet, as much as being a “Hawk” is part of my identity, my greatest titles remain “Dad” and “Husband”!

I am beyond thankful for my family who supported my dreams.

As I close, I pray for health and happiness for you all. Keep fighting the good fight. I will forever be proud to be a Hawk!

The players are more important than the game Mr. Donald Lee

Health and Wellness Department Chair fter 33 years, I look back at my time at Maine South and realize how lucky I was to land here straight out of college.

Having grown up in the small town of Delavan, Wisconsin, attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and student-teaching in even smaller schools (K-8 only) than my hometown, jumping into a high school of this caliber felt highly improbable.

My initial interview schedule has stayed with me after all this time. I still remember the nerves of that grueling day, five segments that spanned over five hours.

While the facilities were impressive for a high school, what truly struck me from the start was the quality of the people, their kindness, unwavering professionalism, and a

A

16 SouthwordS

Senior Issue |

RETIREE COMMENTARIES

immersed in the culture, and broaden your perspective when you know someone else’s language.

I wanted to be a part of helping others learn that communication can transcend vocabulary words and grammar structures to connect people and foster understanding leading to a worldview of “we” instead of “us vs them.”

I went on to do a year-long study abroad program in Spain, where I had to get a side job teaching English to help make ends meet when the value of the dollar dropped during the first Gulf War in 1991.

Having the chance to help teens who were preparing for their English proficiency tests, I enjoyed connecting personally and sharing cultural insights. This confirmed my desire to teach languages to teens as a bridge to empathy rather than mere mechanics.

While student teaching, I sent my resume to all Chicagoland high schools, not even knowing where there were openings. District 207 was my first and only interview, and I was hired before graduation.

As a teacher and instructional coach, I’ve been privileged to wit-

ness and facilitate transformative moments for students learning new languages and for colleagues cultivating emotional resilience.

These experiences have inspired my post-retirement focus.

I am currently finishing certification through Metanoia Catholic to be a mindset coach, a role that combines neuroscience, Catholic anthropology, and theology to teach how to renew the mind, process emotions, and grow in virtue in order to reach goals.

This new endeavor reaffirms a profound truth I have always held: words truly do matter.

Whether they are the ones you think to yourself, or are spoken to another in their native tongue, they hold the power to nurture connections and open possibilities when used with skill. So retirement is not an ending, but a transition to the fourth quarter.

I am grateful for the colleagues, experiences and opportunities that have continued to enhance and refine how I have always wanted to make a positive difference.

It took me a while, but I finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up.

hobby of living part-time in the 1860s, maybe I have achieved minor time travel, and I hope that in my future I might have a little more time to play around with my own historical interests.

My 18-year-old wanna-be-teacher self never imagined Maine South; I didn’t even know it existed. But it has been a life-shaping experience and a

blessing to be a Maine South Hawk.

My colleagues here are fantastic, and coaching Mock Trial for 27 years has been nothing but a privilege.

I cherish the time meeting so many interesting students, and looking back now, I only hope I did as good a job as my high school teachers did, and that — like them — I managed to teach with high expectations while letting students know I cared about their well-being.

My 1980s teen life did indeed seem easier. My adult life has had its own challenges, but on the whole, I have been very fortunate. As for the future, I don’t know what is next.

I hope to spend some time researching things that interest me and tracking down primary sources in archives, doing more reenacting and hopefully riding, and spending a lot more time with my wife and adult children — who sacrificed a lot of nights and weekends during my career as some aspect of Maine South kept me out late or (always) up early.

Meant to be a teacher since day one

Ms. Tina Butera

World Languages Teacher o you want to be a nurse like your mom or a teacher like your dad?” Not once did I ever say “nurse.”

I always loved helping my dad do bulletin boards, getting real lesson plans and grade books from the teacher supply store, and using the old teacher edition textbooks he shared so I could play school at home.

At first, I thought elementary would be my jam, but after volunteering at Head Start pre-K, I realized that I lacked the patience needed.

I hesitated committing to secondary, because despite being a strong and involved student, I didn’t really enjoy my own high school experience.

I started to investigate the social work realm at Aunt Martha’s, a social service agency in the south suburbs.

I trained in reality therapy, did crisis line counseling, presented a workshop at the Children’s Defense Fund national convention and lobbied on Capitol Hill as a youth member of the board of directors. Education was at the heart of these experiences which solidified my desire to teach.

“D

Knowing I had to pick a subject area for secondary certification, I thought of the classes I enjoyed, and teachers I respected the most, and chose languages.

I started at Indiana University as a Spanish major and added Italian.

Aunt Martha’s sent me to Italy for an exchange to share our programs of teens helping teens and gather information on their drug and prison rehabilitation systems.

While there, I was entrusted many times with translating for our group. I was amazed at how quickly you form meaningful relationships, become

A career and life straight out of the movies Mr. Donald McArthur-Self

Social Science Teacher ecently a student, for an assignment, asked me something along the lines of: would you rather have been a teenager when you were one, or now?

Without hesitation, the answer was that I much preferred the 1980s.

Everything seemed much simpler, and people seemed more personally connected.

In my senior year of high school, two films came out. “The Breakfast Club” — famously filmed in District 207 — pretty well encapsulates my high school life.

Freshman year and sophomore year for this particular nerdy, bookish, band kid were really pretty awful — but junior and senior year were awesome.

By junior year, we had all mostly matured into being comfortable with whatever group defined us, and with leaving everyone else to their own groups. It was a sort of largely friendly hallway detente (if you don’t know

R

what that means, ask one of your history teachers).

My classmates and I reached that consensus through social interaction — over a two-year period, not in Saturday detention — but we reached it nonetheless.

And, for me, it was my teachers who got me through the rough phases, and they are why I wanted to become a teacher myself; I wanted to be like Mrs. Reisig, Ms. Talaski, Mr. Griffiths, and Mr. Renz (I still hear Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est” in Mrs. Reisig’s voice).

The second film that came out that year was “Back to the Future.”

Not only did I semi-idolize Michael J. Fox, but the idea of time travel and its implications always fascinated me.

Moreover, more than one of my own teachers had told me I was born too late; they said I should have been born in the ‘40s and gone to high school in the ‘50s.

It was art-imitating-suggested-life: the ‘80s teen transported to the ‘50s.

I suppose, since adult-me has made a

SouthwordS 17

SENIOR COMMENTARIES | May 17, 2026

Career spanning from the classroom to counseling Ms. Erin Sanchez

Guidance Counselor grew up in a suburb of St. Louis, the oldest of seven. My parents were about as hands-off as most ‘80s parents (maybe a bit more with that many kids to keep track of!).

So when it came time to apply for college, I managed the process completely on my own, applying to just three schools.

Fortunately I was admitted to Northwestern, which I had chosen because it was near Chicago, a city I’d never visited but sounded exciting.

Coming to the Chicago area for college changed the trajectory of my life, as I’ve lived here since I was 18 and have built a life rich with family and friends and a rewarding career at Maine South.

I’ve made lifelong friends with colleagues through my roles as a teacher and counselor.

My English colleague Ms. Headley even introduced me to a friend of hers who later became my husband!

Whenever someone asks me why I chose a career as an educator, I always say that I came for the books, but stayed for the kids. I became an English teacher because I love reading, literature, and writing.

Those things are still true — but while it was the content that initially drew me to teaching, it was the students who truly made me want to be an educator.

I loved working one-on-one with students on their writing, and I relished the opportunity to build a classroom community through class discussion and engaging activities.

The classroom memories that stand out for me are about connection, not just content.

I remember my first classroom observation as a brand new teacher, when the seniors in my Composition class pulled out all the stops to make me look good in front of my department chair who was evaluating me.

I also remember the many student performances of scenes from “Macbeth,” with creative costumes and sometimes hilarious interpretations.

And I remember students creating clever poems about each other based on the Canterbury Tales and reciting them to an appreciative audience of their peers.

When I became a counselor, I left behind more than 20 years in the classroom to embrace a role different from teaching but still centered on students.

I have learned so much from my dedicated colleagues in Student Services about ways to support students.

The memories I have of my years as a counselor are different from those earlier classroom memories but still meaningful.

I’ve had the opportunity to support students in so many rewarding ways. I’ve enjoyed helping students plan their academic courses and match classes with their interests.

I’ve loved assisting students with their college applications and cheering when they get the acceptances they were hoping for.

And I’ve loved that a student who’s wrestling with a difficult problem or simply having a bad day could come to my office for a few moments of refuge before heading back to class, hopefully feeling a bit better knowing that they have someone in their corner.

As I’m nearing the end of my career in education, my emotions range from excitement about the blank slate before me to sadness about losing the rewarding relationships I’ve developed through the Maine South community.

I’ll miss the rhythms of the school year: the excitement of welcoming students to a brand new school year each fall and the satisfaction of watching seniors I’ve worked with for four years graduate each spring.

While I am leaving Maine South behind, I am taking with me a lifetime of meaningful connections—a final reminder that although I came for the books, I stayed for the kids.

creating well-rounded, responsible members of society, I am hopeful for the future Hawks. We have the awesome responsibility of setting high standards and expectations for our students, giving them room to struggle and grow through tough times. This journey in a protected environment allows students to become stronger, more self-aware of the challenges life throws at them, and confident in their belief that they have the grit to succeed and overcome obstacles.

I have written hundreds of recommendation letters for students over the years. The reason students request me to write their letters is overwhelmingly consistent with the core of my educational philosophy: push students to realize their potential through hard work and perseverance, and they will achieve greatness.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with such talented students who trusted my guidance academically. In addition, I supported students outside the classroom as a Math Team coach for 25 years and as head coach of our oncecelebrated Speech Team, which I led for over 20 years.

As my daughter Caitlin reminded me, life can be thought of as 3 chapters of 30 years. The first 30 years are for exploring, learning, and challenging who you are as a person. The second chapter is the

family and career chapter, where you realize the dreams and goals you have set for yourself as both a parent and, in my case, an educator. Thank you all for making my educational journey memorable.

My third chapter is about to begin, where I can enjoy my life with the knowledge that I have gained over the years. I am ready to begin my best and last chapter!

I

Turning the page to the final chapter... this is getting good Mr. Michael Guccione

Math Teacher s I reflect on 32 years of teaching with 28 years as a Maine South Hawk, the final days are bittersweet. I love my job, but I know this chapter of my life is ending. I started in 1998, a few days after my first daughter, Caitlin, was born; she will soon be 28. Recently, Caitlin said to me that I am entering the best chapter of my life.

I came to Maine South under the leadership of principal Tom Cachur with the support of math department chair Janie Swenson. Janie inspired me not only to set high academic standards for our students but also to nurture students to become the best versions of themselves. I still live by these lasting principles of educational excellence.

The pendulum of education has swung between extremes over the years. However, the most important lesson we have to teach students is to be responsible and respectful not only of others but also of themselves. We owe it to our students to set high standards that will last them a lifetime.

Whenever I have to decide how to react in the classroom, I think about how I would want my own kids to be treated. Treat students with respect, but part of that respect centers around the self-respect of the best version of yourself.

As the pendulum of education swings back to

A

18 SouthwordS

Senior Issue | RETIREE COMMENTARIES

Many hats, one calling…my nursing journey Brenda Keeley

School Nurse s I prepare to close this chapter of my nursing career, I find myself reflecting not just on where I’ve worked, but on the lives, moments, and memories that have shaped me along the way.

I began on a medical-surgical floor, moved into oncology, and then found my passion in emergency room nursing. Each role challenged me, stretched me, and helped me grow into the nurse I would become.

Eventually, I found my way to school nursing, where I spent the last 29 years — and where I truly found my home.

I still remember my hospital preceptor telling me that a nurse wears many hats — the caregiver, the educator, the advocate, even the “IT person,” before we had a name for it.

At the time, it sounded like advice.

Over time, it became my reality. I once thought I had to choose between being a teacher or a nurse, but I quickly realized nursing allowed me to be both — and so much more.

A

Some moments in a career stay with you forever. For me, the COVID-19 pandemic was one of them.

Like so many nurses, I stepped into roles I never expected — contact tracing, testing, and helping navigate constantly changing guidelines. But beyond the logistics, it was about being there for students, families, and staff during a time of fear and uncertainty.

It reminded me that nursing doesn’t just happen in hospitals — but in schools and communities too — it happens wherever people need care, reassurance, and calm.

There were also moments when everything became urgent — when training took over and instinct led the way. I experienced life-threatening emergencies in the school setting involving both a student and a staff member. I can still remember performing CPR and using an AED. Time seems to stand still in those moments.

There is no hesitation — only action.

Those experiences stay with you, not just because of the intensity, but because of the outcome. I am grateful that both individuals survived and are living healthy lives today. Those moments reinforced the importance of preparation, composure, and trust in your training.

But not all moments were heavy.

In fact, many of the most meaningful ones were filled with laughter. As a school nurse, I learned quickly that I didn’t just wear one hat — I wore an entire closet of them.

On any given day, I was a nurse, counselor, detective, tech support, and sometimes a negotiator of very strong opinions about whether a “paper cut

emergency” required immediate intervention.

I’ve encountered countless “mysteries,” including the classic “my stomach hurts only during math” and the ever-dramatic “I’m literally dying” over a minor sniffle. I’ve comforted anxious students, helped them find their courage, and reminded them — sometimes more than once — that they were going to be okay.

Through it all, I’ve come to understand that school nursing is about so much more than treating illness. It’s about connection. It’s about listening, reassuring, and being a steady presence in the middle of a busy, unpredictable day.

As I step away, I do so with a full heart. I am grateful for every chapter — from the hospital floors to the emergency room to the school health office that became my second home.

I didn’t just wear many hats — I lived many roles. And I leave knowing that, one student at a time, one moment at a time, I gave this profession everything I had.

This past school year, I decided to follow my heart and take a sabbatical leave so that I could pursue my wellness business and spend more time with my parents. About nine years ago, I attended a Reiki session to help manage stress. That experience eventually led me to become a certified Healing Touch and Reiki Master practitioner and create a side business focused on helping others reduce stress and find balance. During COVID, I was grateful to bring some of those techniques into Maine South by creating a self-care room and stress-relief resources for colleagues. My students also benefitted as I incorporated mindfulness activities into our classroom routines and

intentionally created an atmosphere of calmness and peace.

During my years at Maine South, I often shared a short poem with my students at the end of the school year: “The teacher said to the students, ‘Come to the edge.’

They replied, ‘We might fall.’

The teacher again said, ‘Come to the edge.’

And they responded, ‘It’s too high.’

‘Come to the edge!’ the teacher demanded.

And they came, and the teacher pushed them, and they flew.”

That poem always captured what I hoped to give my students: the courage to take risks, believe in themselves, and discover strengths they did not know they had. Whether in the classroom or on the badminton court, my goal was always the same—to help students feel supported enough to spread their wings and soar.

As I move into this next chapter, I leave Maine South with a heart full of gratitude. Thank you to my colleagues, coaches, students, families, and friends who made these 27 years so meaningful. Maine South will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be proud to call myself a Hawk.

‘The best teachers teach from the heart, not the book’ Eve Muir-Wilson

English Teacher fter 27 years at Maine South High School, it is hard to imagine not walking through its halls each day.

I literally spent half of my life as a Maine South Hawk, and it has been an honor to teach Reading my entire career here.

In my classroom, I had a ceramic sign that read, “The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book,” which is a little ironic considering I spent 27 years teaching reading.

But that quote became the foundation of my classroom philosophy. My mission was always to make students feel safe, empowered, and supported while creating lessons that were engaging and memorable.

Over the years, I did my best to bring the books we read to life. From dressing up as Professor McGonagall and playing Quidditch while reading "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," to learning about hang gliding from a pilot who set up his glider in the LRC, to writing letters to Navajo students on a reservation while studying American Indian culture, I wanted students to experience reading rather than simply complete assignments.

Along the way, I worked to provide

A

students with the strategies and confidence they needed to tackle difficult texts and become stronger readers.

One of my favorite traditions was reading the Senior Edition of Southwords each year and seeing where my former freshmen and sophomores were headed after graduation. Watching students grow over the years and move forward into adulthood was always incredibly rewarding. To all of my former students, thank you for trusting me, challenging me, and helping me become a better teacher and person. I hope I helped you become strong, confident young women and men who believe in yourselves.

Along with teaching Reading, I also had the privilege of sponsoring Student Council for 15 years, sponsoring WrestleTechs and scorekeeping for wrestling for 26 years, and coaching badminton for 23 years. When I look back at all of the Homecoming activities, assemblies, fundraisers, wrestling meets, badminton tournaments, early morning practices, and countless evenings spent in the fieldhouse recording takedowns and pins, I honestly do not know how I managed it all. Yet those experiences and relationships became some of the most meaningful parts of my career.

SouthwordS 19

RETIREE COMMENTARIES | May 17, 2026

It’s tough to watch our traditions end Ms. Sheila Miller

English Teacher very Christmas Eve, my siblings and I would gamble away the money our grandfather gave us.

We would toss our five dollar bills in a pile and then pick a card from the deck to see who would be the lucky winner of $35.

I loved this tradition, especially my family’s antics as we gathered together: John’s exaggerated disappointment when he lost, Tom’s greedy hoarding of the bills when he won, Mark’s investment advice for Jim, and my parents’ reluctant chuckles as they watched from the doorway.

I also loved how every summer my mom would create a reading contest for my siblings and me in a slightly delusional attempt to get my older brothers to read outside of the school year.

My brother Mike would create a star chart with comments about each of us like, “the Blue and Gold Illustrated doesn’t count” or “if only Shawn would I love traditions. Traditions are reliable. They bind his letters.”

I also loved how every August I would buy my create a sense of community and unite us.

They give us something to count on when other folders for school and carefully label them to get ready for a new year: math was red, English was things are chaotic.

So, while I have more reasons than I can count blue, social studies was yellow, and science was for why I value my teaching career, including my green.

E

seven years at Zion-Benton and my twenty-eight years at Maine South, the traditions that are a natural part of any high school are certainly close to the top of the list.

I will miss hearing the sound of drums in the A-wing hallway every Friday morning during football season, the live holiday music in the commons every December, and the class chants at the end of each assembly — 2 6, 2 6, 2 2 2 2 2 6!

I will miss seeing the decorated hallways during RESPECT week, the changing student art displays in the glass cases on the way to the A-wing, a fresh issue of Southwords on my desk on the morning of publication, and the colorful signatures in the Eyrie at the end of the year.

And I will most certainly miss traditions both formal and informal with my colleagues — Turkey Trivia with my English colleagues, the math department’s pie day, chatting with social science and world language teachers at the copier, and laughing with science and English colleagues in the hallway before class.

So while I know traditions must pass — my siblings and I no longer gamble on Christmas Eve — I will miss those traditions and all of the amazing people who make Maine South feel like a community.

The things my younger self should know

Ms. Jenne Dehmlow

Social Science Teacher arely are you asked for a “final commentary” on 35 years of your life. It feels a bit like being asked to write my own obituary, so here it goes: After 35 years of teaching and 7 years as the Social Science Department Chair at Maine South, Jenne Dehmlow has finally escaped the litany of emails, meetings, and “just one quick question.” She made it through by teaching one class each semester of amazing students who sustained her will to live.

Her students described her as “frazzled, caring, obsessed with sharks, and just a little bit off kilter.”

She is most known for surviving exclusively on espresso, colorful language, and Sour Patch Kids.

She had a close call in the Maine South parking lot when she tried to hand-feed a homeless dog her protein bar, but realized just in time that it was a rabid coyote.

Fortunately, she made it to the very end of her career without getting eaten or fired. In lieu of flowers, please consider canceling a meeting. Get her students a Portillo's chocolate cake.

I was asked to submit a recent yearbook photo of myself, but nobody

R

20 SouthwordS

1987

needs to see that.

Though I am proud of every wrinkle and laugh line on my face, I’d rather show you the girl I was at your age, with so much life ahead of me. I would rather share a few things I would tell my 18-year-old self in the hope that it helps you now.

1. You do not need to follow all of the latest hair trends. Sometimes less is more (see photographic evidence).

2. Snickers bars and Coca-Cola are not suitable breakfast items. Your metabolism will catch up with you.

3. Don’t cheat and pay Brad Kamp-

shroeder in Hubba Bubba bubble gum to dissect that pig for you in science.

He will become an eye surgeon, and you will not fare nearly as well financially. You passed on some really great opportunities for free education.

4. You should have studied and stayed in Spanish class. This will be your greatest educational regret now that both of your daughters are in love with men from Spanish-speaking families. Muy estúpida.

5. Stop worrying. Despite a pathetic high school dating history, you will not, in fact, die alone. You will meet a really great guy, who overlooks the enormous hair and acne. He also stayed when your metabolism dramatically changed.

6. You will regret every single moment you were unkind to anyone.

You will, however, be thankful for the internet, because you were able to find Don Thomas, an openly gay male in your high school, whom you once told was “going to hell.”

You will find him, have him to your home, and apologize. You will become good friends. You will become an activist for the LGBTQ+ community throughout your teaching career.

You will learn from your mistakes

and discover that true hell is found in hatred and judgment toward other human beings.

As I depart an amazing career, I have nothing but love for the students and staff at Maine South. To the Social Science Department and all my colleagues, you have helped me survive teaching in COVID, major construction, insane grade and curricular changes and more.

You fed me Klondike bars, lay on the floor with me when it was all too much, brought me cake, sent me memes, and kept me propped up with love and humor. Thank you.

To the small group of students I was fortunate enough to have in class, you have been a blessing to me beyond any words I can ever share.

You made me laugh out loud every single day. Not many people can say that about their jobs or the people they spend time with, but I have been very lucky to teach and to know all of you (plus I was never really cut out to be an eye surgeon).

My students will know that I start each new class with this part of a song quote: In a world full of people, only some want to fly. Isn’t that crazy?

As I end my career, my very last piece of advice is this: I hope you fly.

Senior Issue | SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Don’t be afraid to have “nerdy” hobbies

Emery Yates Editor-In-Chief

I

have always taken pride in my grades and overall academic performance. My drive for education has been instilled in me since elementary school.

This ideal of education was not something that only existed in my school life, however.

My hobbies outside of school have always been what some would consider “nerdy.” When COVID hit, I, like many others, caught the reading bug. In one year, I managed to read 112 books.

And while I haven’t managed to beat that record in the years since, I have maintained the same love for reading.

My taste has grown like my collection of books, and my worldview has opened.

However, when I have taken the time to tell many of my peers about my choice of hobby, I have often been met with the same remark: “Wow, I could never. I haven’t read a book since middle school.”

And while some people seem to be genuinely interested in what I’ve read, most look at me like I have two heads for being able to sit down and read for an hour. This creates some shame around what I do in my free time.

The most important thing that I have learned from this hobby, however, is that you can’t let

READ ALL ABOUT IT Reading has been a passion of mine ever since I was little. I have continued that passion and fostered it over the years into a pastime that I genuinely enjoy doing.

others’ perspectives of you influence how you go about your life.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve continued to see this kind of stigma around activities that are out of the norm.

However, I have also continued to see the benefits from reading in not only my school work, but also my everyday life.

Because reading has given me a strong sense of language and an expanded vocabulary, I can confidently say that almost every essay that I have written in high school has been done without much struggle.

I saw the biggest benefit of this when it came to writing my college essays. I had to write around five separate essays, all with different themes, for different schools, and I got into almost every school that I applied to. These essays were essential in achieving this.

Life, and most importantly, high school, is too short not to explore the things that interest you.

Not only will doing so help you figure out what you might want to do one day, but it can also help expand your worldview.

Limiting yourself to what is deemed socially “cool” only restricts your creativity and expression.

No one ever did anything great because they went along with the norm.

Some of the best people that I have met over these last four years, I have met from doing things that would be seen as “nerdy,” like stage crew or Southwords.

The best decision I ever made was not letting others’ ideas of what is acceptable influence my own interests.

After all, it’s more embarrassing to admit that you haven’t picked up a book since you were 12 than to actually read.

So, join that club, knit that scarf, and read that book, because, one day, you’ll regret not doing it.

It’s not luck; it’s putting yourself out there Audrey Becker Editor-In-Chief

S

crolling through my own TikTok page is one of my favorite hobbies. Looking back at my collection of “day in my life” videos that date back to my freshman year, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have been extremely lucky to have the high school experience that I did.

I am so lucky to have a group of friends who have stuck by my side since elementary school. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to go to the national competition for the Constitution Team and the State meet for track. I am so lucky to have won homecoming royalty my senior year.

But when I really stop to think about it, I’m not just lucky to have had these experiences; I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and into situations that allowed me to achieve things I once believed were out of reach.

Instead of attributing my incredible high school experience to luck, I will see it as a result of trying new things, going out of my way to make new friends, and working consistently towards my goals.

Once learning halfway through my freshman year what it took to get into a “prestigious” college, I took it upon myself to stack my schedule to the brim with AP classes and clubs. Yes, this strategy did cause some academic burnout — arriving at school at 7 a.m. for weeks straight isn’t for the faint of heart — but it definitely pushed me to grow.

Forcing myself to be uncomfortable and learning how to manage homework, clubs, work, and a sport all at once taught me time management skills

FROGGER As a kid, I would often search for frogs in my grandma’s backyard, hoping to get lucky enough to find one. I might have considered myself lucky to find them, but they were only found through my searching.

and resilience that will be useful far beyond Maine South. Motivated to achieve my post-high school goals, I was “lucky enough” to get good grades and gain leadership positions in my extracurriculars.

Not everything that I committed to was an obvious or permanent choice. It was a process of trial and error until I found the things I am passionate about.

If I told my freshman year self that I quit both soccer and cheer and now run track instead, I would have been in disbelief. Because I explored different activities, I have been “lucky enough” to

be a three-year varsity track athlete.

The most standout thing about my life in high school is how many meaningful memories I have made with people over the past four years. Talking to the people around me in my classes, clubs, and sports has made the struggles and hard work worth it.

Starbucks runs during the study hall portion of AP Biology, late nights studying at Panera with my C-Team unit, and even just the small everyday conversations with my classmates are things that make the mundane parts of school just a little bit brighter.

I went from being intimidated to talk to new people out of fear of judgement to seeing it as an opportunity to make a new friend. Socializing with my peers is yet another component that made my high school experience great. Because of my efforts to branch out past my friend group, I’ve become “lucky enough” to walk through the halls and always have someone to say “hi” to.

I once heard that the mathematical equation of luck is just surface area multiplied by time of exposure, and this couldn’t be more true. Expanding my surface area by putting myself out there and seizing every opportunity I had, even when it was scary, is what shaped the high school experience I am grateful for today. More than anything, high school has taught me that the best parts of life don’t just happen by chance; you must create them.

There is not much that I would change about my high school experience, and I am definitely lucky to say that.

SouthwordS 21

SENIOR COMMENTARIES | May 17, 2026

Don't slow down; sprint through the finish line Sydney Hollingsworth

Sports Editor or as long as I can remember, senior year has been seen as a reward. The year you finally get to breathe, lighten your schedule, sleep in, and coast your way through because you’ve “earned it.”

It’s a tempting narrative, especially after surviving the chaos of junior year, but it's also one of the most accepted and misleading ideas we pass down in high school.

Somewhere along the way, we began treating the final stretch as a permission slip to stop trying, but here's the truth: taking the easy way out senior year doesn’t set you up for the future — it slows you down right when you’ve finally built up the momentum to go further.

By the time we reach senior year, we’re the most academically capable we’ve ever been. Throughout the past four years, we’ve learned how to write real essays, solve big math problems, manage deadlines, and think critically.

Yet this is the exact moment many seniors choose to drop their hardest classes.

While it may feel harmless and even logical to trade AP classes for study halls or switch hard electives for ones that require less homework, the

F

cost of that choice shows later when the habits we’ve spent years building suddenly weaken.

I almost fell into that trap myself.

When I was choosing my senior year schedule, I hesitated on taking four AP classes with two dual credit courses as well. But more specifically, I was concerned with my choice of AP Chemistry.

Everyone warned me it was “too much work” and “not worth the stress.”

For a moment, the idea of taking something easier sounded nice, but something in me knew I’d regret backing away from a challenge just because it was convenient.

So I signed up anyway and it has ended up being the best decision I’ve made all year. AP Chem has pushed me harder than any class I’ve ever taken, but it has also made me more disciplined and capable than I expected.

It reminded me that I actually like learning difficult things and that I am better off when I don’t choose the comfortable option.

AP Chem didn’t drain my senior year — it defined it.

Intelligence and rigor is not just about GPA or college acceptances.

It’s about keeping your mind engaged, and when you stop challenging

FULL CIRCLE From the moment I first put on a backpack, I've been moving for-

ward, and senior year was no different. The girl in this photo had no idea what was to come, but she grew into someone who continued to push herself no matter what.

yourself, your skills dim faster than expected. Time management slips.

Writing becomes harder. Studying feels foreign.

And when college arrives, the adjustment hits harder for students who spent senior year on cruise control.

Challenging yourself doesn’t ruin senior year — it gives it meaning.

There’s a different kind of satisfaction that comes from finishing high school knowing you didn’t coast through the end. That you didn’t waste the moment when you were most prepared to grow or let your comfort win over curiosity.

We only get one senior year. And while it’s easy to treat it like a victory lap, it’s far more rewarding to treat it like the final chapter of a story you’ve spent twelve years writing. You don’t stop running right before the finish.

You sprint through it.

So take the harder class. Ask questions and stay curious. Keep pushing yourself even when no one is forcing you to.

Senior year isn’t the time to slow down; it's the time to rise to the challenge one more time, so you can walk into the next stage of your life already moving forward.

Being nonchalant also seems to mean not expressing interest or emotion at all. I personally have a problem with this. As a society, we shame people for being emotional. If someone cries in public, people get uncomfortable instead of concerned.

Even expressing excitement or interest in class is seen as “uncool.”

If you are a naturally laid-back person, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The problem isn’t the calmness, its the lack of concern for anything.

If you happen to be naturally nonchalant, then be nonchalant, but don’t perform indifference just to fit in.

Being “chalant” is also way more fun. It’s freeing because you stop worrying about covering up every feeling and seeming too worried about something. Being chalant also allows you to make more genuine friendships, instead of pretending to be something you’re not.

Some of the best and most iconic

friendships are between laid back and high-strung people. They just mesh well, like Joey and Chandler and Spongebob and Patrick. These characters’ different personalities are what make their relationships work.

We need people with different personalities to make life interesting.

My concern is simply with people pretending to be something they are not instead of embracing who they really are and idealizing this behavior.

Being nonchalant is actually contradictory. If the whole point is not to care, then why are people doing it because they care so much what other people think of them? We need to get over this adverse reaction to things that are different.

Society tells us all to be unique and be different, but in reality it often shames us for it. Being authentic takes courage. Consider this is my invitation to you to be courageous, be yourself, and stop pretending to be nonchalant.

Being nonchalant is overrated, so be yourself Sarah Frantz

Features Editor veryone’s obsession with being cool is getting out of hand. The newest term, “nonchalant,” is defined as “a cool, calm, and unconcerned demeanor, often showing a casual lack of interest, effort, or worry.” Really, it is just another word for boring.

What is this fixation with being mysterious, hiding your feelings, and not caring about anything? What’s the point of living if you’re not being and expressing yourself? One of the many joys of being human is the sheer range and power of human emotion. I think this need for coolness and “casual lack of interest” is a defense mechanism — a way to avoid getting hurt.

By showing no interest in anything, we protect ourselves from rejection. We’ve all done it at some point. You fail a test or don’t get into a program, so you act like it was never that important to you in the first place.

But this protection actually hin-

E

22 SouthwordS

DANCING QUEEN I've been

dancing since I was three years old. Whenever I told someone, I'd try to play it off and be nonchalant. Now that it's my last year at the studio, I say it with pride.

ders our growth. Being rejected means you tried, which is more important than anything. Besides, who knows when you might succeed instead? You’ll never know unless you try. Having this lack of care means that you don’t put yourself out there, and therefore could miss out on new opportunities.

Senior Issue | SENIOR COMMENTARIES

The more you experience, the more you learn Katie Johnston Production Editor

W

hat went through your mind when you first came into Maine South? Were you thinking about your friends that you’ve known for a lifetime, or your favorite subjects? Or maybe it was how your high school experience was going to be like a movie?

I didn’t have a lot of friends at first, and I was scared that my reality would only surround my sports and my school work. Even at the beginning, my best friend was a coincidence simply because we sat next to each other for the first semester in English class. This would be the first of many times things felt like they simply worked out.

Honestly, most of the things that I’ve done in high school were never planned. I was often in the right place at the right time or I impressed the right teacher in class. In fact, I often did things that didn’t relate to my chosen major simply because someone said that I would be good at it or someone needed help.

Even before school started, I decided to play lacrosse because I heard they needed a goalie and I used to be a soccer goalie, so I thought I would be a good fit. I wanted to do as much as I could because I enjoyed a lot of things and wanted to experience it all. Through this, I started to learn more than what I was taught in classes.

This idea of well-roundedness has followed me my whole life. I am an athlete who takes photos,

an engineer who created an English organization, and a math nerd who loves to debate. I strongly believe that taking classes like photography over the basics of engineering has benefited me far more in the long run. I have learned more about myself because I didn’t just go outside my comfort zone, but expanded it.

Additionally, these experiences have led to incredibly fundamental adventures. In freshman year, I was introduced to Mock Trial. I soon found that it wasn’t something that I wanted to pursue, but the experience inspired me to continue debating.

This eventually led me to try out for the Constitution Team my junior year. C-Team was much more than speech and debate, and it allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people I’ve had the honor to call friends. As a proud member of Unit 2, I’ve learned about my civic duty but also built a connection with my team that I will never forget.

Throughout my time at Maine South, I applied for leadership positions because I felt like I would be a good leader. I have always strived to give each position my all, and to ensure that I would make a difference.

For example, in sophomore year, I ran for the Junior Class Council promoter position because I wanted to be more involved in my class. This lastminute decision was on a whim, but in the end, it was a great experience to plan things specifically for my grade.

Even when I wasn’t a leader, I maintained a

SMILING BIG Throughout everything, it is always important to have fun and keep smiling.

strong presence in any club or organization that I was a part of. This self-reflection couldn’t be taught — I learned it through experiences.

I’ve done a lot throughout my high school career and I try not to regret anything. If I could give anyone a piece of advice, it would be to try everything you want but most importantly to give it your all, to know your limits, and to make sure you have fun in what you do. If you don’t enjoy a club or sport, you shouldn’t force yourself to do it.

Opportunities come and go, but you need to make the most of them in order to grow.

Nobody cares: it’s called the present because it’s a gift Sam Higgins

Production Editor obody cares” is this year’s senior baseball program motto. Every year we choose a motto to live the season by. Freshman year was “green light,” sophomore year was “three little birds,” junior year was “1+1=3,” and now “nobody cares.”

“Nobody cares” resonates the most with me. It means that nobody cares about what went wrong or why. What people care about is results, and they don’t care about your problems, hardships, or what held you back.

At first, you’d think it’s very negative and that it cuts people down without compassion.

But it’s actually a very freeing saying. It shows that your past doesn’t define you, for better or worse.

The reason why this resonates so much with me is because of my battles with injury and other athletic setbacks I have had. Throughout my four years of varsity baseball, I’ve dealt with two injuries that cost me a season and a half.

Sophomore year, I missed the first half of the year due to tricep tendonitis and part of the winter off-season training. The fall after my sophomore year, I realized I had torn my labrum at some point during the season.

With the tear being small enough, I had hoped that physical therapy would pay off. After three

“N

because in my freshman year, I pitched very well on varsity.

Then I got hurt and fell back, and then I missed my junior year, and now I am committed to play college baseball. What I have learned through this experience of adversity and hardship is… nobody cares.

Nobody watched me pitch badly and said “oh it’s ok — he was hurt.” Did anyone give me a free pass to play in games? No, they didn’t. Because at the end of the day, nobody cares.

I learned that everything in life is earned, and regardless of outstanding circumstances, it’s important to always put your best foot forward, whether that’s eating well, turning in your homework, or just getting out of bed when you don’t feel like it.

BALLIN’ OUT Keep pushing through and bettering Adversity is a test of character and personalyourself. You’ll start ballin’ like Curry. ity, and dreams stay dreams when you don’t work months of physical therapy two to three times a towards them. week, I realized it wasn’t working.

As I move into the next chapter of my life playI was then faced with the reality of surgery and ing college baseball at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, I’ll missing my entire junior year. carry this mindset with me.

“Nobody cares,” didn’t mean anything to me Not because it is harsh, but because it is honest. at this time, but my coach said to me, “You have The game doesn’t stop, and neither does life. one day to be sad, then you’re back to work.” This There are always setbacks and adversity, but means the same thing to me. I get one day to feel “Nobody Cares” reminds me that none of those sad and down on myself, then I have to work on things define me — my response does. bettering myself.

Every day is an opportunity to push yourself “Nobody cares” had a direct correlation to me, and to earn the next thing coming to you.

SouthwordS 23

ATHLETES | May 17, 2026

Marta Madej Badminton

Nathan Cera Baseball

Panayiotis Sotos Boys’ Basketball

Emily Currey Girls’ Basketball

Marta Madej was a three-year varsity badminton player. She played #1 and #2 in singles both her junior and senior years. She was also #3 in doubles both years. Madej was voted co-captain her senior year. “With her ability to grow into a leadership role while competing against the strongest athletes in the state, she consistently embraced the challenge of top-line play,” Coach Donna Schwan said. “She cultivates a supportive team environment and leads by example every day; she brings a strong work ethic every day.” Madej will be studying psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Nathan Cera was a three-year varsity third baseman for the Maine South baseball team. Cera represented what it means to be a Hawks baseball player by always being willing to help out and leading his team in hitting. “Nate is a team-guy, always doing what is right,” Coach Brian Lorenz said. “Every decision on the field or off the field Nate always choose to do what is right. He leads by example for the entire program. Nate is a great person to be around.” Cera is studying Business Management-Finance and playing baseball for Division II University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Panayiotis Sotos was a captain for three years and a varsity guard of the boys’ basketball team for four years. Sotos will be remembered by the team because of his dedication and desire to win. “‘P’ has left a great legacy on the program,” Coach Colin Wehman said. “He is in rare company, being a four-year varsity player and competing in arguably the toughest basketball conference in the area. He not only made an impression on the team, but he also engraved himself into history by reaching 1,000 career points.” Sotos will continue his basketball career at Division III DePauw University.

Emily Currey was a three-year varsity forward and captain for the Maine South girls’ basketball team.

Currey had many accomplishments such as being part of the All-Tournament Team at the Dundee-Crown Holiday Classic, Player of the Game at the Kipp Hoopsfest, and a CSL South All-Conference player. “She led by example and chose to lead her teammates in a positive and encouraging manner,” Coach Jeff Hamann said. “When Emily spoke up, her teammates definitely listened and respected her.” Currey will continue her basketball career at Division III Illinois Wesleyan University.

Molly Panizo Cheerleading

Tony Murphy Boys’ Cross Country

Lucia Fuentes Girls’ Cross Country

Aribella Spandiary Flag Football

Molly Panizo was a four-year varsity cheerleader and captain her senior year. Competing as a main base and tumbler, she earned two IHSA Scholars, CSL Scholars, and CSL All-Conference honors. She also helped lead her team to two conference championships and contributed to the program advancing to state all four years. Notably, she helped achieve a top-10 state finish her sophomore year. “She has built a culture rooted in kindness and accountability,” Coach Stacy Pater said.

“Her leadership has shaped the team into a group that values hard work.”

Panizo will attend University of Mis-

24 SouthwordS

Tony Murphy was a two-year varsity cross country runner as well as the captain of the boys’ varsity squad.

Murphy fostered a deep appreciation for cross country and constantly reminded his teammates that it requires grit and a mental toughness not everyone can master. “Tony set the tone with his discipline, determination, and ability to compete at a high level,” Coach Dave Fermanich said. “More importantly, he was a consistent, positive presence who brought the team together. He held himself and others accountable while creating an environment of trust and encouragement.”

Lucia Fuentes was a four-year varsity runner and senior captain for the girls’ cross country team. Fuentes was a member of the varsity top 14 for all four years, and has been part of a team that has qualified to the IHSA State Cross-Country Meet.

“Lucia’s legacy is in how she treats people and how determined she is to work together with her team to achieve greatness,” Coach Jeffrey Downing said. “She always looks out for others first and seems to be there for them through even the toughest of times.” Fuentes will study Business Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Aribella Spandiary was a threeyear varsity flag football player and team-elected captain all three seasons. Playing quarterback and linebacker, she will graduate as the IHSA all-time leader in passing yards, 9,888, and touchdowns, 121, leading Maine South to a record 50 wins and the 2025 IHSA State Championship.

“She is a tough competitor who is focused on the play of those around her,” Coach Carlos Panizo said. “She has been the face of Maine South flag football for the past three years.”

Spandiary will continue her career at Mercyhurst University, where she will play Division I flag football.

Senior Issue | ATHLETES

Gavin Smith Football

Gavin Smith has played middle linebacker and special teams on the varsity football team for three years. He finished his high school career with three CSL South Championships and three IHSA Quarterfinal appearances. “Gavin's maturity, preparation for games, reliability, leadership, and toughness are what set him apart from others,” Coach David Inserra said. “His 100% attendance for 289 off-season workouts over two years was unmatched…His consistency will be hugely missed.” He will continue his football career at Division III DePauw University.

Alexis Vengazo Girls’ Golf

Alexis Vengazo was a two-year varsity golfer who qualified for Sectionals both her junior and senior seasons. She finished her senior season with the team’s low score, averaging 46.3 over nine holes. “She consistently performed at the highest level and, as a co-captain, led with spirit and competitive energy that was infectious,” Coach Lindsay Pisano said. “The connections she made with teammates helped them all feel like they belonged and were part of the Maine South girls’ golf family, regardless of their age or level of play.” Vengazo will study nursing at Marquette University.

Sean Lyons Boys’ Hockey

Sean Lyons capped off a remarkable high school career as a threeyear varsity center and assistant captain his senior season. He earned an All-Conference selection and tallied 18 goals and 18 assists over the course of 50 games played. “He is a strong voice in the locker room and his teammates could count on him to stay the course and remain focused,” Coach Greg Mrofcza said. “He always worked to improve our culture and make sure everyone was included in team activities and that the locker room fostered relationships on and off the ice.” Lyons will study finance at Creighton University.

Katie Saviski Girls' Gymnastics

Katie Saviski was a four-year allaround competitor and two-year varsity captain. She finished her gymnastics career as a three-time State qualifier, All-Around State competitor, and four-time sectional qualifier and competitor. “She showed up for the team in and out of the gym, always ready to support, encourage, and lead by example,” Coach Cristina DeFilippis said. “Whether it was helping a teammate, stepping up when needed, or putting the team first, she consistently made those around her better.” Saviski plans to attend Auburn University, where she will study exercise science.

Elliot Galfano Boys’ Lacrosse

Elliot Galfano was a four-year varsity long stick midfielder. His junior year he was All-Conference and an All-State honorable mention. This past season, he lead the team in turnovers and ground balls. “He elevates our level of play whenever he steps on the field and has a great attitude towards the game,” Coach Alex Michelini said. “He has a very high lacrosse IQ and opponents have come to fear #3 in the midfield as Elliot has exerted his will against anyone who is foolish enough to dodge on him.” Galfano will continue his career at Mercyhurst to play Division I lacrosse.

Reagan Gatz Hawkettes

Reagan Gatz served as varsity captain for one year and competed as a varsity athlete for four years.

She was a member of the team that earned second place at Nationals in both 2023 and 2024, before helping the team claim first place in 2025.

“Reagan's consistent motivation and ability to set the tone during tough practices allowed her to become a strong and dependable leader on the team,” Coach Casey Fritz said.

“Her work ethic is undeniable — she brought the fire and intensity in practice every day.” Gatz will go on to study education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Anna Kleinschmit Girls’ Lacrosse

Anna Kleinschmit served as a varsity defender for three years before being named team captain her senior year. Tasked with guarding the opposing team's top offensive threat, she consistently forced turnovers and organized the defense. “She set the standard for what it means to be a defensive leader at Maine South, and future players will look to her as an example of team-first mentality,” Coach William Pankratz said. “Her teammates look up to her for her positivity and encouragement by always lifting others.” Kleinschmit will study civil engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

SouthwordS 25

ATHLETES | May 17, 2026

Wyatt Kelleher Boys’ Soccer

Wyatt Kelleher was a three-year varsity defender and senior captain for the boys’ soccer team. His senior season, he became the 9th player in Maine South history to earn backto-back Illinois State All-Sectional player honors. He was a Central Suburban League All-Conference player and was an IHSA and Central Suburban League Scholar Athlete.

He scored 11 goals and had 8 assists, which makes him one of the top scoring defenders in school history.

“He is a passionate and competitive leader and was a driving force by creating a ‘never quit’ attitude within the squad,” Coach Dan States said.

Ella Rice Girls’ Soccer

Ella Rice served as a threeyear varsity player, competing as a midfielder, defender, and forward throughout her high school career.

During her time on the team, she earned a starting position in every single game at each of those positions. “She is like a chess piece that you can move to many different spots on the field and she is willing to play whatever position the team needs at any given moment,” Coach James Crawford said. “She always has a smile on her face and gets along with all of her teammates.” Rice will go on to pursue her studies in health sciences at the University of Iowa.

Sarah Juiris Girls’ Swimming

Sarah Juiris has been a part of the varsity girls’ swim and dive team for four years. Juiris has an extensive list of achievements, including fourtime CSL All Conference Athlete and Champion, five-time Sectional Champion, nine-time NISCA AllAmerican, ten-time State Medalist, and thirteen-time State Qualifier.

She also holds school records in six different events. “Sarah has been an invaluable member of the girls swim and dive program as well as an outstanding student who excels in the classroom,” Coach Don Kura said.

Juiris will continue swimming at Division I Ohio State University.

26 SouthwordS

Ella Piazza Softball

Ella Piazza has been a varsity first baseman for two years and a captain her senior year. Piazza has been a key player, being a starting player and reliable teammate. “Ella has truly shown what leadership looks like this season,” Coach Emmy Pasier said. “It started in the offseason, where she was at every open gym, stepping up to run stations and set the tone and that commitment has carried into the season — she’s consistently the first to get a drill started and brings a competitive energy that lifts everyone around her.” Piazza will be going to North Park University to play Division II softball.

Brian Weiss Boys’ Tennis

Brian Weiss was a varsity tennis player for two years, playing both doubles and singles. Weiss placed fifth in the CSL South last season and is looking to improve upon that in this last season of his high school career. “Not only is Brian an exceptional tennis player, he is an even better teammate,” Coach Gerald Smith said. “He always leads by example, both on and off the court. Brian is the first one after his match to watch and positively cheer on his teammates that are still competing.” Brian will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and majoring in Material Science Engineering.

Caleb Lakin Boys’ Diving

Caleb Lakin has competed as a diver on varsity team for three years.

He is a two-time CSL All-Conference athlete in 2025 and 2026 and a three-time IHSA State Qualifier.

He finished his high school career as a two-time State Medalist, earning fourth place All-State honors in 2025 and fifth place All-State honors in 2026. “He works and interacts well with the other divers providing instruction and support,” Coach Don Kura said. “Caleb set the standard for diving here and all divers look up to his competitive spirt.” Lakin will continue his diving career at Division I Southern Illinois University.

Ella Raseta Girls’ Tennis

Ella Raseta served as a four-year varsity player, playing number one singles and doubles. She qualified for the for the IHSA State Tournament her sophomore and senior years, recording three wins her senior season and finishing in the top 20, earning her Second Team All-State honors. “She competed at the top of the lineup, facing the most challenging opponents in the state,” Coach Gerald Smith said. “Competing in this position requires exceptional focus and resilience.” Raseta will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.

Senior Issue | ATHLETES

Niko Kokosioulis Boys’ Track & Field

Sarah Cull Girls’ Track & Field

Simon Zwierczyk

Boys’ Volleyball

Teagan Heneghan Girls’ Volleyball

Niko Kokosioulis was a varsity sprinter for the boys’ track and field team for three years. Kokosioulis scored the most points for Maine South at invites, allowing the team to succeed. Kokosioulis is the school record holder in the 60 meter dash, indoor 200, indoor 4x200, the 4x100, and the 4x200. He was also an AllState runner as a junior in both the 4x100 and 4x200. “Niko is someone you would want standing next to you in the Higgins landing craft if you were storming a beachhead,” Coach Jason Kacprowski said. Kokosioulis will be playing football at Division I Valparaiso University.

Sarah Cull was a two-year varsity runner for the girls’ track and field team. Cull has cemented her name in track history by holding six records, four on the indoor record board, and two on the outdoor record board.

“During our meets, Sarah has the ability to change the dynamic of an event just by being on the track,” Coach Jeffrey Downing said. “Her incredible speed leads to her making an immediate impact in a race and it is going to be very difficult to replace Sarah’s athleticism and determination when she graduates.” Cull will go on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Simon Zwierczyk was a member of the varsity boys’ volleyball team for three years as an outside hitter.

Zwierczyk currently holds the best serve receive percentage in the Central Suburban League South for the second year in a row. He was also an All-Conference selection his senior year. “He overcame a serious foot injury to be our go to-guy on offense,” Coach Garrett Fechner said. “Simon is competitive, fearless, and our team leader in both kills and aces.”

Zwierczyk was awarded the ROTC full-ride scholarship at Illinois State University where he will study forensics.

Teagan Heneghan was a threeyear varsity setter and team captain her senior year. She was a twotime All-Conference selection and eclipsed 500 assists and 99 aces throughout her career. “She is a vocal and emotional leader — always talking to her teammates, getting everyone involved in the offense, and feeding the hot hand,” Coach Jon Weiland said. “In every game, she demonstrates an incredible ability to maintain her focus and composure throughout each moment.”

Heneghan will go on to study computer science at Northwestern University.

Alexander Wajda Boys’ Water Polo

Maeve Przekota Girls’ Water Polo

Brett Harman Boys’ Wrestling

Emma Dase Girls’ Wrestling

Alexander Wajda was a threeyear varsity athlete on the boys’ water polo team. He was a vocal leader and captain who exemplifies the positive qualities that the water polo team strives to embrace. “Alex is one of the most calm and patient leaders in the program,” Coach Terry Lyons said. “His determination to overcome challenges is an inspiration to his teammates and one of the best aspects of his leadership. He never lets challenges stop him from being the best teammate when given the opportunity.” Wajda will be studying Business Analytics and Information Management at Purdue University.

Maeve Przekota was a three-year member of the varsity girls’ water polo team where she played 2-meter defense. Przekota holds several school records, including the record in swim offs won, steals, and assists.

She was able to achieve this through her dedication to the sport and her leadership. “Maeve is fast, strong, and extremely hardworking,” Coach Kristie Przekota said. “She is a captain and leads by example. She is a great role model for all of the other players on the team.” Przekota will be continuing her swimming career on scholarship at Division I Marist University in New York.

Brett Harman was a four-year starting varsity wrestler and twoyear captain for the Maine South boys’ wrestling team. Harman finished his high school wrestling career with over 130 victories, and he was a four-time All-Conference wrestler. “Brett is an exceptional person,” Coach Kevin Hansen said. “He is someone the coaches and athletes counted on to lead the team, and he exemplifies the best of what our program demands: a pursuit of excellence, integrity, and work ethic.”

Harman will continue his wrestling career at Division III New York University.

Emma Dase was a varsity wrestler her senior year. She qualified for the Illinois Girls Open in Springfield.

“This was Emma’s first year on varsity, and she made a lasting impression by coming into every practice ready to work and with no hesitation to lead warm-ups,” Coach Juan Diaz said. “She was someone the underclassmen always looked up to as a role model, and she always offered rides to teammates after practices and competitions since all of her teammates confided in her.”

Dase will go on to study Animal Sciences at Colorado State University and continue her wrestling career.

SouthwordS 27

SENIOR ATHLETES | May 17, 2026

28 SouthwordS