Vol 62, Issue 3 Southwords

Park Ridge honors girls flag football

Ally Lobo News Writer

The City of Park Ridge proclaimed Maine South Hawks Girls Flag Football Day to be on Monday, Nov. 3.

“[This is] dedicated to the incredible athletes, coaches, and families from Maine South,” Mayor Marty Maloney said in a Facebook post on Nov 5. “This was presented due to their continuous strong track records in flag football.”

This year, they had a record of 26-6. At the state level, they defeated Whitney Young and brought home the state title of 2025 IHSA State Champions.

“Their season was a true display of talent, teamwork, and tenacity and a proud moment for all of Park Ridge,” Mayor Maloney said.

Model UN students bring home hardware

Emery Yates Editor-In-Chief

The Maine South Model UN team had a strong performance at the St. Ignatius Model UN conference, with the team winning Best Medium Delegation.

Additionally, junior Riyad Abukhalaf and senior Alana Ciancio won Best Delegate, and junior Joseph Calderón and sophomore Delia Firtulescu won Outstanding Delegate.

The team had been preparing for weeks leading up to the event.

“What contributed most to the team’s success was preparing in advance by diving into our topics and really getting into the role as the delegate from our respective countries,” Abukhalaf said.

With over 1,000 delegates in attendance, the team had many opportunities to interact with peers from different backgrounds and even different countries.

“It was great to see the teamwork used among our members and their ability to work with all types of students from a variety of schools,” Abukhalaf said. “This is an international conference, so it was exciting to see all the great collaborative moments that occurred.”

Collaboration is a big part of what they do at Model UN.

The team values being able to work well with others.

“Our members would step up and try to include people from all over in the competition,” advisor Ms. Megan Smith said.

They hope to use this win to showcase the power of their team and promote the success of its members.

“This award will continue to show the strength of our program and the teams themselves,” Ms. Smith said. “I hope Maine South Model UN will continue to shine and be recognized as a strong program.”

Hawks for Wishes makes a difference

Christian Hamielec & Audrey Becker News Writer

& Editor-in-chief

The Hawks For Wishes club has recently held a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Illinois, contributing to the noble cause of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.

The club’s first event, selling Hawks For Wishes shirts, took place during the week leading up to the Maine Boys’ Hockey game on Nov. 22.

“Our first fundraising event, was a major success, and we raised over $1,300 that will be donated directly to Make-A-Wish and help make kids’ wishes come true,” junior Lucas Runtz, one of the founders of the Hawks for Wishes club, said “We sold Hawks For Wishes shirts, and all of the proceeds from these sales went to Make-A-Wish Illinois. Anyone who donated also had the opportunity to write their name on a star, and we’ll hang these stars up on a wall at Maine South.”

The Hawks for Wishes club originally got its start through an independent organization that shared similar philanthropic sentiments.

“The Hawks For Wishes club was created by Teen Activation Project to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois, a non-profit organization that grants wishes for children with critical illnesses to provide them with hope, strength, and joy, and Hawks for Wishes works to spread this mission,” Runtz said. “Our club supports this charity through fundraising and other events.”

Though created by an organization outside of Maine South, the founders of Hawks for Wishes have hopes of maintaining the club beyond their time at Maine South.

“Juniors Mary Lynch, Sean Lynch, Brady Eatherton, Tommy Kapcar, and I founded the club this year, along with Ms. Mikaela Burke, a special education teacher for Maine South,” Runtz said. “We hope to pass the torch to younger students who will continue our mission.”

Hawks For Wishes hosts member meetings available to all students that are interested in learning about and practicing philanthropy.

RED,

WHITE,

AND BLUE

Supporters at the hockey red-out game show up wearing the Hawks for Wishes shirt (with white logo). Hawks for Wishes raised $1,300 for the Illinois Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Hawks For Wishes is TAP’s outlet for gaining leverage for their cause. They hope to develop a wide ranging community and to further support Chicagoland children and the Make-A-Wish Illinois organization.

“Anyone can join Hawks For Wishes,” Runtz said. “This club is for any student interested in making a positive impact on the lives of children with critical illnesses through a supportive community.”

Hawks For Wishes also provides students with the opportunity to improve upon their personal skills while improving the community around them.

“You will learn so much about philanthropy, giving back, and making a difference through Hawks For Wishes,” Runtz said.

Events in the near future will likely include additional fundraisers to benefit their cause.

“We would encourage anyone to join and help, even if their contributions are small,” Runtz said. “We will organize additional fundraising events in the future, and we will most likely do a holidaythemed fundraiser to spread some philanthropy during the holidays. We will continue to run events for the rest of this year, anyone can help support our cause at any time by visiting our website and donating.”

Food committee captures student opinion

Rose Hassman News Editor

Quest

Food Management Services hosted the fall food committee meeting on Nov. 14 — an event where all students with the A lunch block were invited to participate in a free food tasting, run by Quest Food Coordinator, Mr. Mark Vourlos, in Advisory Room 1.

The event itself had a selection of items, such as pizza, different flavors of chips, soda, dessert cups, and a self-serve burrito bowl station provided by the Quest Food Company as a means to test new items and gain student input.

“We want the students’ feedback so that we can implement their suggestions to create a more successful program that everyone is going to enjoy,” Mr. Vourlos said.

The ultimate goal of this event was to collect

feedback directly from students on the food services offered, in order to create food program that operates with the intention of serving students with their best interests in mind.

“This program is for the students, by the students, and we want to give you the power to help implement change for your benefit,” Mr. Vourlos said.

The students left satisfied by both the quality of the food and reception of their feedback.

“My favorite part of this experience was being able to share my feelings about Quest Foods and being able to get my voice heard,” sophomore Maddy Grapenthien said. “I feel like they wanted to hear our thoughts and not just make more sales, but to actually have better food. I specifically liked the burrito bowl, salsa, guacamole, and Oreo cheesecake cups.”

South discontinues German classes for future freshmen

Joseph Calderón Editor-in-Chief

The German program in District 207 is officially coming to an end with the sunsetting that will begin next year.

“What [sunsetting] basically means is that next year’s incoming freshmen will not have the option to take German,” principal Dr. Antwan Babakhani said.

The district will stop offering the program for several reasons.

“Sometimes District 207 wants to offer consistent curricular programming, which means that the schools are equal in terms of what they offer,” World Language Department Chair Ms. Tona Costello said. “Maine South currently offers five languages. Maine West only has [two], and Maine East has [three].”

In addition to curriculum consistency, the enrollment numbers in the German program have seen a steady decline in recent years.

“For the junior and senior years, there is a precipitous drop,” Dr. Babakhani said. “The district has to decide whether or not to continue these lowenrollment courses. It is something that is discussed over the course of several years to determine if we are at a point where we are not able to address this trend, and as a result, do we need to [sunset]?”

When the decision was made to sunset the program, Ms. Margaret Wolf, the school’s only German teacher, found that families were disappointed.

“I shared with families what the situation was, and different parents and former students decided to voice their opinion,” said Ms. Wolf.

With this information, many community members protested the decision.

“This community, staff, students, graduates, and alumni have all stepped up in very high numbers to give their support for the German program,” Ms. Costello said. “I have received 44 individual e-mails as of Nov. 13.”

Members of the administration also met with the

District to discuss the end of the program.

“I want to commend [the district], because we had a sit-down meeting in person with district representatives, myself, Dr. Babakhani, and the teacher — they really did hear us out,” Ms. Costello said.

Despite efforts from both the community and administration, it was determined to sunset the program.

“I think the administration has its reasons for doing it, but I think it’s unfortunate because the language program offers a lot of opportunities for students, and it’s one of the strengths of our school,” Ms. Wolf said.

Ms. Wolf plans to retire in 2029, coinciding with the graduation of the current freshman class.

“[There] is a commitment to anyone who is already signed up for German,” Ms. Costello said. “All of our German 1, 2, and 3 students will be able to finish the full four-year program.”

Many current students have met the decision with melancholy.

“It’s sad — it’s going to be a heartfelt goodbye,” junior Zach Grubeck said. “I wish they could

keep [German] because then others could have the experience you gain through the class. I’d like to think it is pretty different than other language courses in terms of culture and the way it works.”

Many students appreciate Ms. Wolf as much as the program itself.

“Frau [Wolf] is an amazing teacher,” Grubeck said. “She makes you feel at home in school. It is going to be sad when she retires, and there is not going to be anyone to take her place.”

Unlike other language classes, German offers unique opportunities to present one’s knowledge.

“It truly is a bummer that German is going away,” junior Kade O’Connell said. “It’s a one-of-akind class and offers special opportunities like the UIC competition. We get to compete in things like German skits, poetry, history, and other activities.”

In addition to the unique opportunities, German has fostered a sense of belonging and community among its students.

“The German program brought me to this new community of people that I never would have met if we were not brought together by the class,” Grubeck said.

Law enforcement activity prompts indoor recess at D64 schools

Cassandra Jewel & Audrey Becker

News Writer & Editor-In-Chief

Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 confirmed that students were kept indoors for recess and physical education on Friday, Nov. 7, after reports of law enforcement in the area, including the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to D64 Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins, the district followed established safety procedures that require students to remain inside when police or federal agents are conducting operations near school grounds.

District officials said these protocols, developed in coordination with the Park Ridge and Niles police departments, are intended to keep students away from potentially unsafe or sensitive interactions.

“Any time any law enforcement activities take place next to the school, we keep the kids inside, and this would easily fall in this category,” Dr. Collins said. “We don’t want kids to see that interaction,

and we want the law enforcement to be able to focus on that interaction without having to worry about other people and their safety.”

The district confirmed law enforcement activity near multiple district schools throughout the day, prompting the decisions for administrators to move outdoor activities inside until dismissal.

Parents and staff were sent an email stating that the students would be kept inside during recess due to law enforcement outside, but they confirmed the safety of the students. However, students were not informed of what was specifically happening.

“I was kind of scared because I was afraid that they would, like, barge into the school and start searching around for kids,” a D64 student who wishes to remain anonymous said. “I wish that our teachers would have told us more about it. Like ‘everything’s fine, guys. ICE is not going to be able to come into the school.’”

Uncertainty caused fear for a number of students.

“The kids were really scared and confused because they didn’t know what was going on,” senior Beyond the Bell counselor at Franklin Elementary School Gabi Nowak said.

Dr. Collins noted that the students’ safety is always the first priority.

“The teachers and principals were kind of just checking in on kids throughout the day just making sure they were okay and safe,” Dr. Collins said.

The district emphasized that they followed safety procedures that were already in place, and they will continue to do so in the future.

“We are not being political in this circumstance — it’s a regular practice of what we do,” Dr. Collins said. “It’s not a new thing for us to bring students in. With people’s impression of the immigration situation, it’s going to play a major factor in how they look at anything. A circumstance happened and we were making the determination that was best, and we will continue to do that.”

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

CLASS IN SESSION Ms. Margaret Wolf instructs attentive students in her 4th period class. Among these students are those who will be competing in the upcoming UIC German Competition.

Lack of empathy causes political polarization

Itseems that at this point in our societal progression, there is not one thing that everyone can agree on. Whether it’s the ever-increasing tension of the political world or whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah from “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” there is always some form of controversy.

Politics is obviously already very divisive because of the nature of the two-party system; however, with modern-day politics, it has become commonplace to vilify the “other side.”

The main contributor to this is the same thing that appears to be the biggest instigator in most of today’s problems: social media. The algorithm of many social media apps reinforce people’s beliefs and stokes the fire of conflict.

This confirmation bias continues to drive people even further into their respective sides.

Because of this, people refuse to believe that their information may be wrong or that their viewpoint is based on false beliefs.

This makes it hard for people to see both sides of the argument. No one is allowed to agree with one policy or ideal from one party without being automatically labeled as that party.

This, in turn, causes problems for moderates or independents who want to share their opinions without being

attacked by both sides.

The rise of TikTok debaters and online political personas has only exacerbated the inability to disagree politely and increased the polarization in our nation.

While debate has been a hallmark of American democracy, today, it is a vehicle for embarrassing political opponents and debating uninformed people.

While debates used to be a way for two informed people to share evidence and opinions on relevant topics, the focus has shifted to bandwagon thinking and ad-hominem attacks.

There is also a recent trend of people only caring about topics that have a direct influence on their lives.

This idea leads to selfish politics where people only look out for themselves. It is a privilege to live without worry and in a stable situation. But that can change at any moment.

Instead of spreading hate and automatically vilifying those who are in a different party, there needs to be a bigger emphasis on moderation.

More people than it seems are independent or moderate. However, as the only videos or viewpoints that gain traction online are those of political extremists, moderate voices get drowned out.

The incredibly divisive nature of politics also makes it a taboo

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

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

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topic in most circles. People get uncomfortable when it is brought up and often try to shift the conversation to easier topics.

And while Gen Z seems to be politically active and conscious, they have been failing to show up where it matters: at the polls. One reason for this is the lack of conversation about middle-ground politics, and young people not wanting to take a position or align themselves with a party.

They have seen the dangers of choosing a side and being attacked for it. “Cancel culture” contributes to this with anonymous online trolls calling for people to be “canceled” because they don’t agree with that person’s political views. This happens on both sides, too; it’s not just one side being targeted.

However, politics does not have to be this terrifyingly divisive thing. As a society, we need to stop engaging and giving views online to political extremists. Instead, we need to boost moderate voices and those who give unbiased evidence.

It is also important that we encourage those in charge to treat each other with respect and call out those who don’t; lessening the political divide starts at the top.

If the most important people in our country continue to treat those on the opposite side of the aisle like the enemy, then nothing will ever change.

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

Editors-in-Chief

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY ELLA TAIT

Parking spaces need to be used to full potential

Nothing is more frustrating on a frigid winter day than trekking many blocks in the snow to school, only to walk through a sea of empty spaces that you could have parked in had you not been denied a parking spot.

To parking pass-less sophomores and juniors, it seems spots are often dished out to seniors who don’t even use them. Meanwhile, others struggle to find parking in the vicinity of the school and are forced to walk upwards of ten minutes from their cars. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, in the winter months or during poor weather conditions, such a walk can be brutal.

Many juniors drive to school and have to park far from campus, near the Town of Maine Cemetery or on Western Avenue. Students like these with no other transportation options would greatly benefit from having access to one of the many unused parking spots.

Student-athletes are especially

affected, as sports often come with difficult schedules and consistent practices and games that demand a great deal of time at school. For these students, having accessible parking is a necessity.

Seniors argue that their seniority earns them parking privileges, and that others will get their turn when they come of age. The school currently treats parking spots as a reward for following school rules and demonstrating responsible behavior throughout students’ first three years at Maine South, so many may feel that they deserve a spot regardless of their habits of use — but actually using your spot should be required.

To solve this problem, we could learn from the policies implemented by other schools.

Stevenson High School, for example, uses an online payment platform called Omella that allows students to purchase parking for a “term,” of which there are three per year; students can purchase spots for two out of the three terms and can also purchase a limited number of spots via daily passes.

Seniors, especially those with demanding schedules, should still have priority, but only if they use their spot on a regular basis. Where you live could also play a more significant

(NOT) PACKED LIKE SARDINES

on Dec.

role in whether or not you have a parking spot. Although our current system does factor it in, students who live within close proximity to the school are still getting parking when they could easily walk. If a student lives on a permit-only street, they shouldn’t receive a parking spot, since their walk to school is significantly shorter than the walk from a street with unrestricted parking.

An additional solution could be to take away numbered spots.

Currently, students are assigned a numbered parking spot and can only use this one spot during the year. When students are absent, their numbered spots aren't filled. If parking were first-come, first-

serve, then the school could oversell spots because there is never perfect attendance. On Maine South's best attendance days, five percent of students are still absent.

Given that there are about 400 parking spaces sold, the school could safely distribute an extra 20 passes without having to use overflow parking.

The parking situation at our school leaves many spots unused, and the system needs to change to provide parking opportunities for students who need it. This is not a call to de-prioritize seniors or take away their privileges, but rather to guarantee that as many parking spots as possible are used every day.

Learn to manage stress during the holiday season

The holidays are quite a tumultuous time. Despite the emphasis on relaxation and spending time with family, as I get older, this time of year seems to get more stressful.

I have what feels like hundreds of different obligations, whether they be family, religious, educational, or extracurricular. But that seems just to be a part of life.

The stretch from Thanksgiving to the end of the semester is arguably the most intensive time of the school year. Not only do you have academic worries with summatives in almost every class, but many people have to worry about Christmas break plans. Organizing family gatherings, attending events, and juggling stressful

summatives is not easy, especially for very involved students.

Because I am employed, a leader in many clubs, and attempting to maintain good grades, I find myself dividing my time among many obligations.

Every Sunday evening, I create my schedule for the week, and I can’t help but sigh when I see my calendar filled to the brim, knowing I will have to sacrifice sleep and leisure time to stay on track.

To add on to all of this, the lack of sunlight by 5:00 p.m. is frankly disheartening and is the cause of seasonal depression for many.

This pressure can have wideranging effects, including burnout.

Having a lack of motivation because of fatigue can lead to academic failure. This also makes people more irritable, especially when they are not resting properly.

I find myself frequently procrastinating because I am simply not driven to complete seemingly insurmount-

able tasks. This stress can make the holiday season more draining than enjoyable.

In order to make yourself feel best prepared, it is important to plan. Time management and communication are both critical to ensuring that you are able to meet all of your obligations and stay on top of work.

Communication is also very important.

Students should feel comfortable being honest with their teachers, coaches, and supervisors.

For example, I am a virtual volunteer with Advocate Health. When I am very busy, I talk with my supervisor, and we work out an arrangement so I can still contribute to the program while giving myself time for other more pressing obligations.

Prioritizing what is most important to you is the only way to organize your time.

By prioritizing what really matters, you can cut out the little things that add to your stress.

Making time to relax and take breaks is also very important to staying healthy, both mentally and physically. Students should not have to be pulling all-nighters to keep up with schoolwork.

Missing a few meetings of a casual club, not going out one night, or saying “no” to that one extra commitment is not going to ruin anything.

Instead, it will give you time to relax and focus on what really matters. This is critical because focusing on subjects and obligations that will open doors in the future should be the main priority of students.

This is not to say I encourage people to quit enjoyable things so you have more time for serious and important responsibilities.

But with the holiday season being so hectic, temporarily stepping back from commitments that take up a lot of your time and are not too important to your future is a helpful way to stay focused and survive the home stretch to winter break.

Niko Calderón Commentary Writer

The A-wing lot at the start of third period

12 has numerous empty parking spots. The current parking system allows spaces to go unused when there are students without parking passes who could use them.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

Losing German limits students’ opportunities

South have provided more for the individual student than just the opportunity to learn the language.

Kai Trivedi Commentary Writer

Since the opening of Maine South in 1964, there has been a close-knit German program and community, but starting next school year, German 1 will no longer be offered.

Ms. Margaret Wolf, the teacher of the German program and leader of the German Club for the last 25 years, is approaching retirement, and the district has chosen to, rather than continue with a new teacher, end the 61-year legacy.

The administration provided reasoning that both Maine East and West do not offer German courses, and because of that and several “considerations” (including “long-term sustainability” and “enrollment trends”), German will be discontinued at Maine South.

“Language

They have provided a way for students to connect with their cultural and family heritage, and a way for immigrant students to maintain their cultural identity in the United States.

If this event presages the removal of more language programs, it would mean the doom of cultural diversity at a high school that likes to celebrate that diversity.

As a school, Maine South should be deeply encouraging language learning, rather than removing options and therefore discouraging it.

Language learning increases, especially in young students, neuroplasticity, which means students who learn a secondary language improve faster in learning and adapting.

This growth is an important part of what schools do for students. By taking away an opportunity to learn a language, the school is taking away opportunities for students to grow their intellect.

programs at Maine South have provided more for the individual student than just the opportunity to learn

The school’s reasoning for canceling the program does not appear to come from any lack of interest; every school year, there are about 30 freshmen who choose to enroll in German 1, and the majority of them go on to take German 2 their sophomore year.

the language.”

In my own experience spending four years in German, I have found it a very engaging language to learn and haven’t regretted it.

Society scrolls past those in need of SNAP benefits

Withthe constant influx of trends, news, and misinformation, it can be hard to decide what really needs your attention.

Since there are so many wideranging platforms, important news can be drowned out by dopamineinducing sources. Beyond news of celebrities and fashion trends, real people are struggling with serious problems, and most simply scroll past.

the public’s awareness.

Our society seems to care more about the new episode of “Dancing with the Stars” than whether millions of people would have dinner on the table.

Knowing how important this is, not only to the people in the program, but to our country, we cannot simply scroll past this issue. SNAP needs to be a priority and must be protected for low-income individuals to sustain a happy and healthy lifestyle, but the majority of news on this subject was overlooked and not seen as the atrocity it was during the shutdown.

It would not be a waste to hire a new teacher and continue the program for the many more incoming students.

Any student at any high school should be opposed to the removal of any class. Sometimes, though, this must be done to conserve resources. The school can then reallocate resources to other areas of need.

Unfortunately, there has been no information shared about any language that might take its place, or explanation for canceling the German program the would benefit the school as a whole. The only benefit in sight is simply cost savings — which come at the much higher cost of lost opportunities.

Language programs at Maine

The close-knit community of the Deutsch Klub and the friendly environment Frau Wolf has created has made it well worth my time, and made me believe that it is a program worth protecting for the many incoming freshmen.

With the many Deutsch Klub and German events, field trips, outings, and world language dodgeball wins, German classes have provided me and many students with numerous social opportunities that have more than proved the worth of the program to students.

The next three years will be the last of German classes, and many will be sad to see it go.

As a student body, we need to fight to keep linguistic diversity and most importantly, increase our educational opportunities. We must not allow this to happen to other programs.

Although you may feel a surge of empathy at that moment, a few scrolls later, you will have already forgotten what you just saw. This isn’t just a personal flaw — it is a habit that our society has developed, encouraging us to react quickly and forget immediately.

A good example of a problematic topic that was swept over in the rush of other news and busy lives is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits — a governmentfunded program that assists in keeping low-income Americans properly fed. SNAP provides food stamps and other price-relieving tools to help low-income families maintain proper diets and keep out of poverty.

This program was not in operation for about two weeks due to the government shutdown, and has had a major impact on those who relied on it to afford other basic necessities.

This temporary pause affected the lives of millions; however, most news reports about it were lost in the shuffle. It is alarming that something capable of damaging people’s access to basic necessities barely registers in

If anything, though, the silence and lack of attention surrounding the issue says more about our society than the crisis itself.

Food insecurity is a serious issue and deserving of our attention. It is about people’s wellbeing, and when it is ignored, we only increase the gap between those struggling and those who haven’t given it a second thought.

Although an end was brought to the government shutdown, policy threats to SNAP benefits must be kept in mind; we can’t lose sight of the many people impacted by these dangerous threats. Because our government is restricting these tools for low-income Americans, it is even more crucial for our society to focus on not scrolling past the pain of others. Especially when it is uncomfortable, helping those in need is key to improving our communities.

Whether it’s researching and informing others, donating time or money, or even personally reaching out to affected individuals, any way you can get involved is a significantly better use of your time than scrolling on TikTok.

Paying attention to real issues and struggles will help us prevent them from fading into the background.

Emmie Fehrman Commentary Writer

Adventure awaits at the annual Orchesis show

Marianna Maselli Entertainment Writer

TheOrchesis dancers have been preparing not only to perform the dances they have been working hard on, but also to convey stories through their movements.

The theme of this year’s annual Orchesis show is “Let’s Go on Vacation,” which will showcase dances inspired by travel.

“Our dances are inspired by various places, like New York City and London, and modes of transportation, like flying and driving,” senior officer Seehyun Larson said. “Within each piece, there are unique aspects that help differentiate and highlight different parts of dance and the world.”

Orchesis is also known for its collaborative environment, and this year is no different. Many of the larger dances were choreographed by both the coaches and the senior officers of the company, while smaller dance numbers were choreographed by other girls in the company.

“It’s fun when you’re working with

a partner because you can both come up with very interesting ideas, and it’s more collaborative,” junior Alivia Fiorentino said.

This collaborative nature of Orchesis also helps set it apart from other teams. It’s simpler and more rewarding to choreograph a dance when you are working together with your teammates.

“I choreographed one by myself this year, and it was definitely harder to come up with ideas,” junior Tatum Charley said.

There are many different dance styles showcased in the show, like lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and musical theater.

“I’m excited for the group dance because there are like three or four of them, and they’re really fun to do with everyone,” freshman Gioia DiniBaima said.

One of these group dances is a musical theater dance to the song “Jet Set” from the musical “Catch Me if You Can.”

For the dancers, Orchesis is a fun

POINTED TO PERFECTION

company has been practicing for weeks to be their best. company that helps them grow their technique individually and helps them grow as a team. They can try new skills and get to know their teammates at every rehearsal.

“My favorite part of rehearsals is being with my friends and seeing all the pieces come together,” Charley said.

Even outside of rehearsal, Orchesis helps build the bond between its dancers. Every few months, the

company has “unities” where the dancers spend time with each other outside of rehearsal. Sometimes they will just grab food in Uptown. They also do a beginning-of-the-year pool party, fire pits, a friend’s gathering, and, after the show, a cookie exchange.

“Let’s Go on Vacation” will take place tonight at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 for students.

Southwords’ picks for the 68th Annual Grammys

Olivia Brentanos & Caitlyn Kim Entertainment Writers

With the release of the 2026 Grammy nominations, Southwords shares our picks for the 68th Annual Grammy awards in the “big four” categories. The Grammys will air on Feb. 1.

If there’s one Bad Bunny song anyone knows, it’s“DtMf.” Its acronym directly spelling out the first letters of its album, “DeBí TiRAR Más FOToS” (roughly translated to “I Should’ve Taken More Photos”), “DtMf” has attracted global attention since its release this past January. Amassing more than 1 billion streams since then, “DtMf” captures the mourning and regret of a passed loved one — in his case, his grandmother. Comparable to Bruno Mars’ “When I was Your Man,” “DtMf”’s chorus repeats the line “Debí darte más beso’ y abrazo’ las vece’ que pude,” more or less translating to “I should’ve given you more kisses and hugs whenever I could.” A hit with both a catchy and nostalgic feel, “DtMf” stands out as a symbol of bittersweet reminiscing.

“CHROMAKOPIA” — the eighth studio album written, produced, and arranged by rapper Tyler the Creator himself — launched as a worldwide hit the day of its release on Oct. 28, 2024. It is primarily based on the character Chroma the Great from Nortons Juster’s 1961 book, “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Chroma is a conductor who brings color to the world, similar to the way Tyler explores different aspects of learning about the world throughout the lyrics of his songs. “CHROMAKOPIA” has also received nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Album Cover. His song “Darling, I” (featuring rapper Teezo Touchdown) has been nominated for Best Rap Performance, and “Sticky” (featuring artists GloRilla, Lil Wayne, and Sexyy Red) for Best Rap Song. Tyler the Creator’s “CHROMAKOPIA” has excelled because of its vulnerable lyrics.

KATSEYE has become a popular global girl group, with their hit song “Touch” having 530 million streams on Spotify. They have inspired young girls of many different ethnicities to embrace their culture, and their very successful collaboration for a Gap ad accumulated over three million views in three weeks, which highlights the importance of embracing your background and being authentic to yourself. [This is because each member comes from different parts of the world.] Their mesmerizing choreography has started many new dance trends, and their lyrics are catchy and captivating. They also experiment with different styles of pop, with another hit song, “Gnarly,” being hyperpop, and “Gabriela,” being inspired by Latin music.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s popular song, “luther,” has spent 13 consecutive weeks at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, surpassing his hit song “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammys last year. The duo, who preformed at the Super Bowl last year, are clearly passionate about their work and the message they intend to spread. The lyrics convey the intense feeling of loving someone, what you would give them if you could, and imagining them with a better future. The song also samples Martin Luther King, Jr., whose impactful speech imagined a better society for everyone to love one another. SZA and Kendrick Lamar’s different tones blend together beautifully to set a calm, but still upbeat mood. Furthermore, “luther” has over one billion total streams on Spotify and one million daily streams.

Sophomore Claire Hammes, senior Carly Novak, and junior Emma Erickson (left to right) rehearse for their upcoming showcase. The

Record of the year: “DtMf” Best New Artist: KATSEYE

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

BUILD - A - BREAK

With only 16 days away from school, its important to make the most of your break. Southwords has compiled a number of options for you to explore in the Chicagoland area and make this the best winter break ever.

Christmas Around the World

Thisyear marks the 83rd anniversary of Christmas Around the World. Located at the Museum of Science and Industry, it is a must-see destination for the upcoming winter break. It features dozens of vibrant Christmas trees, each representing a different country and its traditions. The exhibit was first created in 1942, when a single tree stood as a symbol of unity during World War II. Now, it’s the heart of the city’s holiday celebrations. As you walk through the halls, you are entranced by a glowing indoor forest, light displays and the famous Grand Tree at the center. Additionally, you can indulge in holiday treats and listen to global seasonal music. Visitors engage with elements from festivals from all around the world. The exhibit is a festive, family-friendly activity that immerses you in all kinds of cultures.

Participate in a fun, winter activity

Fulton Market Pop-Up

Located in the heart of Chicago, the Jack Frost Winter Village has become one of the city’s most popular seasonal pop-ups. For one month only, you can experience stunning lights and ornament tunnels. Or you can peruse holiday pop-up shops run by local vendors. Additionally, Jack Frost features activities such as curling, axe throwing, ice skating, and bumper cars. Those looking for a way to relax can grab a festive drink and curl up by the fire while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. The village balances modern traditions with long-standing ones which gives it a unique charm. The grand pine trees covered in colorful ornaments fill you with a strong sense of nostalgia. The pop-up’s convenient location also means you can tour the city and dine at trendy restaurants. There is an activity at the Village for everyone.

The Morton Arboretum was founded in 1922 by Joy Morton, who had envisioned a place where “people and trees thrive together.” For the past 13 years, the Arboretum has been hosting Illumination, a stunning light display that spans a one-mile trail. In 2024, it was named Top Ten Botanical Garden Holiday Lights by USA Today. This event transforms the forests into over a mile of colorful lights synchronized to festive music. The Arboretum hosts special theme nights like Dog Admission nights. To hide from the cold, IllumiDomes are available for rent. These 13-foot see-through domes can fit up to 10 people and come with a variety of food and drinks to share. If you’re looking for a visually stunning and peaceful getaway, then consider stopping by the Arboretum for an immersive nature experience.

Picking up after the events of the first film, “Wicked: For Good” concludes the tale of two best friends from wildly different backgrounds. Released on Nov. 21, “Wicked: For Good” tells the story of the “Wizard of Oz” from another perspective. With a satisfying reconciliation, unsuspecting twists, and a thrilling end, the film is sure to leave you wanting more. The film, based off of act two of the musical includes numbers that are bound to be stuck in your head throughout the winter season.

Antonia Argionis, Isabella Fayhee, Karin Flensborg, Andrew George, Gabi Shaw, & Emery Yates Entertainment Writers, Entertainment Editors, & Editor-in -Chief

PHOTO

Step 1: Take the Metra Holiday Train into the city

Step 3: Pick one of these Festive eats

Jojo’s Shake Bar opened up in Chicago in 2019 and has expanded ever since. The establishment is famously known for its throwback ‘80s/’90s theme. The fun, vintage vibe that the restaurant gives is a must-see this winter. During the Winter, Jojo’s Shake Bar transforms into a “Winter Wonderland” with holiday decorations and specialty menu items. One of the most popular winter treats that they offer is Rudolph’s Hot Chocolate Flight, which features four mini hot chocolate drinks themed for the holiday season like Peppermint Patty and Salted Carmel. Another huge hit, the Winter Wonderland Shake, is a delicious peppermint milkshake that features fun winter toppings. Their winter wonderland also includes fun activities, ornament painting, and gingerbread house decorating.

Hackneyson Harms, located just outside the city, in Glenview, has been open since 1939. The restaurant is family-owned and has kept its mid-century vibe and classic food ever since. While they have built a reputation for their food, such as their French-Fried Onions and Hackneyburger, they have also become known for their festive winter decorations and geodesic domes. During the winter months, the restaurant puts up clear geodesic domes, to represent igloos, around their tables on their outside patio. Each dome has a heater to keep you warm along with festive pillows and lights. It allows you to have a more private dining experience without feeling too secluded. If you’re looking for a cozy, mid-century atmosphere, while still having exceptional food, this is the perfect place to have a fun lunch or dinner.

The newly dead Joan is faced with an impossible decision: spend eternity with her loving husband of over 60 years, or her long-lost first husband who died during the Korean War. The worst part is she only has a week to decide who she is spending the rest of her “life” with. It’s the rom-com to end all rom-coms, with a woman torn between two seemingly perfect men. What could go wrong? It’s witty, charming, heartbreaking, and the perfect movie to watch with your friends on a winter night.

Easy Street Pizza first opened in 2017 with its first location in Portage Park. Since then, they opened a second location in Park Ridge. It’s known for its upbeat and retro vibes. During this winter season, the restaurant leans into the holiday to become Little Nero’s Pizza, an homage to the iconic “Home Alone” pizzeria. The Holiday-exclusive menu includes many warm meals such as soups of the week, egg rolls, garlic knots, and fried chicken mac-n-cheese. The menu also has a special New York style pizza creating the perfect cozy bite for the season. Alongside the themed menu, Easy Street has warm lighting and holiday touches that make the space feel welcoming. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a fun night with friends, Easy Street Pizza delivers a cheerful and laid-back winter experience.

‘Zootopia 2’

Released on Nov. 26, “Zootopia 2” follows the beloved Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on a new adventure as undercover cops. The pair goes undercover to fight for the innocence of Gary De’Snake, a reptile who has been accused of kidnapping and stealing. This tumultuous adventure tests the bounds of Judy and Nick’s friendship and their conflicting personalities. If you’re looking for crazy plot twists, action-packed fun, and prevailing friendships, “Zootopia 2” is waiting for you.

Jojo’s Shake Bar Hackneys on Harms Easy Street Pizza

The heart behind the bookstore

Erin Pedersen Features Writer

Following the departure of the previous bookstore manager at the beginning of the school year in 2023, students were left frustrated with long lines and inconsistent hours. That changed with the arrival the current bookstore manager, Ms. Connie Rogers.

Before joining the bookstore, she worked in healthcare, where her experience working with kids made the transition to the bookstore easier.

“I was working in healthcare for 13 years, and my daughter was a freshman at the time when I saw the job posting,” Ms. Rogers said. “I was looking for a little bit of a change. I actually worked in pediatrics when I was at the hospital, so working with the kids has been awesome.”

Some of her other experiences have made this role a natural fit.

“I’m a girl scout leader, too,” Ms. Rogers said. “We sell tons of cookies, so I was pretty used to handling money and business things. It has also allowed me to help out at some of the key club events. I’m pretty philanthropic, so I like to help out where I can.”

Even though it may appear that her main responsibility is to sell merchandise, her responsibilities at the bookstore are far greater.

“It’s not just selling spirit wear,” Ms. Rogers said. “It’s handling all club accounts, athletic accounts, field trips, dual credits, all the NHS stuff. Anything having to do with money or fundraisers or field trips, that all comes through me now.”

The job is more challenging than it sounds.

“I’m the only one currently in the bookstore, so seeing the long lines

is hard,” Ms. Rogers said. “They’re manageable, but I want students to get to class on time, so I try to work as diligently as possible.”

With all of the hard work Ms. Rogers puts into the bookstore, she feels like her work is sometimes misunderstood.

“I think a lot of people don’t understand all of the ins and outs of the bookstore, because some people are like, ‘You just sell spirit wear all day,’” Ms. Rogers said. “There’s a lot more technical and financial stuff that happens in the background that nobody sees.”

Buckets of candy outside the bookstore have now become a staple since Ms. Rogers first introduced them.

“It started off as a little thing last year where every now and then I put out candy,” Ms. Rogers said. “Kids would just come up to me and say it had made their day.”

One of the things students appreciate about Ms. Rogers is the pride she takes in decorating the bookstore.

“The decorating was completely out of my pocket,” Ms. Rogers said. “It’s a little bit of an investment, because if you buy it one year, you can use all that same stuff next year.”

However, after hearing the positive feedback from so many students, she knew she had to make it bigger. For her recent Candy Land inspired Halloween decorations, she decided to get help from the community.

“I had an Amazon wishlist where people in the community were actually buying candy,” Ms. Rogers said. “I ended up with two giant tubs of candy.”

She believes that the candy and decorating positively impact students.

“Seeing teenagers coming in and trick or treating, when they might not feel comfortable doing that, it was actually really, really cool,” Ms. Rogers said.

When Ms. Rogers decorates, she tries to make sure that it appeals to a wide range of students.

“With having all that candy and the preschoolers too, I couldn’t do anything too scary,” Ms. Rogers said.

Ms. Rogers has positively impacted the school community with her sweet treats and good attitude.

“With all the thank yous I get when students stop by for candy, the students are great,” Ms. Rogers said. “They’re super appreciative.”

Ms. Rogers still isn’t sure what she will do next year, but she is already getting ideas from students.

“The students want me to dress up Stewart the Skeleton, that’s been sitting there with me,” Ms. Rogers said. “We’ll see how that goes. I don’t know how to top it for next year.”

Senior Blythe Ellsworth is one student who often stops by the bookstore.

“She’s very involved with students,” Ellsworth said. “I’d say shes one of the most involved staff members because she sees everyone every day during lunch.”

Alongside her responsibilities at the bookstore, Ms. Rogers coaches the color guard. She did color guard in high school, which made her decide

to bring it to Maine South.

“I actually started asking around to students, seeing if anyone would be interested at our first interest meeting,” Ms. Rogers said. “I believe it was in February of 2024. We had 15 people come out. Now we’re up to 19. It’s been bigger than I expected it would be, but it’s a really cool skill to learn.”

Color guard at Maine South had been absent for more than a decade.

“I saw that there was a color guard in 2009,” Ms. Rogers said. “It has been gone for as long as most of the students have been alive. I don’t know why it ended or if maybe they lost their coaching, but it was nice to bring it back.”

Sophomore Alisa Durkee is a member of color guard and appreciates the support that Ms. Rogers gives to the team.

“She’s really awesome,” Durkee said. “She’s super supportive, helpful, and we like learning all our new skills.” Rogers noted the most rewarding part for her has been seeing the team’s growth since its creation.

“At the V-show, the first night when I watched them [perform], I had already seen the routine probably 50 or 60 times,” Ms. Rogers said. “I was crying in the back because I have a daughter who’s a junior. That’s my baby, but they all feel like my babies. Seeing them grow and do a really good job. I’m super proud.”

WAVING THE FLAG Ms. Rogers demonstrates technique to color guard sophomore Arda Paraskevas. Ms. Rogers reintroduced the color guard program to Maine South after over a decade of its absence.

WELCOME TO CANDYLAND Ms. Rogers gives out candy to students in the decorated bookstore for Halloween. She often decorates for holidays.

PHOTO COURTESY MR. MICHAEL EDWARDS

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

History in the

(re)making

Emma Brown & Emma Militaru Features Writers

WhenMr. Donald McArthur invited a Civil War reenactor into his classroom 15 years ago, he hoped it would bring the Civil War to life for his students. He never imagined, though, that it would become such a significant part of his own life.

“I ran across a newspaper article about the Civil War,” Mr. McArthur said. “I set it aside and later did some research and came across the 8th Illinois Cavalry. I found the website and invited a reenactor to come talk to my students in about 2010. He then asked me if I wanted to come out with them sometime. I felt sort of obligated since he had come to talk to my students. I went and ended up thinking it was kind of cool.”

Reenacting — the acting out of past events using real-life replicas of clothing, weapons, technology, and food, aligning with the time period — then became something Mr. McArthur did regularly.

From ancient to modern history, there are a wide variety of topics to choose from within historical reenacting. Mr. McArthur chose to primarily focus on the Civil War.

“I chose to do Civil War by accident, but what has made it interesting for me and why I have stuck with it is because I really like how similar it is to today,” Mr. McArthur said. “You can read letters, diaries, and newspapers to really understand what people were

thinking then because it’s not that far away, but it’s far enough away for the technology and culture to be different.”

Mr. McArthur has had to balance his reenacting with his school and family schedules.

“I reenact about four to six times a year,” he said. “There are about 17-18 of us that do the 8th Illinois Cavalry. We usually go in smaller groups. In Illinois, there are about three or four things we do; Illinois doesn’t have a very active reenacting calendar right now. Individually or in small groups, we travel to Georgia or Tennessee to find bigger things.”

Reenacting for the past 15 years has allowed Mr. McArthur to experience lots of new things. He has made memories and built a strong bond with the reenacting community.

“The best experience I had was riding with a group of cavalry in Georgia in 2021 or 2022, camping out in the woods, and there was this moment where they left us with nothing to do,”

Mr. McArthur said. “It’s always dangerous to leave a cavalry with nothing to do. A friend of mine who was in charge took us on this very long, winding road through the hills behind where the Confederate camp was. We watched them play music and make food for a bit. Then we charged down the hill, shooting at them.”

Reenacting has taught Mr. McArthur many things, such as how to ride a horse, to be more patient in life, and the importance of disconnecting from the internet.

That Civil War fit

“For most of the things we do, we are without our phones for pretty much a weekend,” Mr. McArthur said. “So I’ve learned for myself the importance of disconnecting. I had to do some of the things we are constantly urging students to do.”

Reenacting has allowed McArthur to form a community with others who hold similar interests.

Additionally, it has allowed him to spend more time with his daughter, who has also become interested in reenacting.

“My wife has never really gotten into it,” Mr. McArthur said. “She has come as a civilian in a dress a couple of times, but my daughter regularly reenacts as a soldier.”

Over time, Mr. McArthur has used his experiences to enrich the learning experience of many Maine South students by intermittently holding presentations about specific topics of the Civil War.

These presentations include reallife equipment, artillery, photographs, and letters from the time period.

Junior Gianna Ragona was able to witness one of his presentations

through her history class.

“It was very personal and cool to see his hobbies and how in-depth everything was,” Ragona said. “I learned a lot about specifics on Civil War guns, like how the guns were used and in what contexts. My favorite part was learning more about the uniform side of it. I thought it was really cool how the different parts of the uniform worked with their artillery and all that stuff. The presentation put things into perspective about what materials they actually had to use during that time.”

Through in-depth narration of soldiers’ routines and examination of time-accurate artillery, students are able to visualize history.

Students learn about history, and about the reenactment process. Junior Gianna Barcinas was also able to get a look at his presentation and gear.

“I learned that Civil War reenactments are a lot bigger and more serious than I thought they were,” Barcinas said.

Mr. McArthur’s experience has led to numerous informative presentations, impacting the learning of many.

“[This is] an original Civil War cavalry belt buckle which I purchased from a reputable dealer in Tennessee. Unlike reproductions, it is slightly curved and not flat, and really fits the waist well.”

“The swivel clip attaches my rifle to its shoulder sling; it is the only other piece I have that is original to the Civil War.”

From experiencing history, joining the reenacting community, and bringing his experience to the classroom, reenacting has been a huge part of Mr. McArthur’s life and he plans to continue reenacting after he retires from teaching.

“The jacket and cap were custom made for me. The neckerchief I got from a company called South Union Mills. I like this because it is a pattern from a Boston museum sample from the period, and a handkerchief in that pattern was sold at auction was traced to an Illinois soldier in the Civil War.”

“There’s no real reason for me to stop unless I physically can’t do it,” Mr. McArthur said. “I would like to reenact more. There are a number of things that I would like to go to that fall during the school year. There was just a big reenactment in Kansas last weekend. I had friends who were going, and they invited me to go, but I can’t take the time out of school right now.”

PHOTOS COURTESY MR. McARTHUR

PEEK INTO THE PERFORMANCE Mr. McArthur gives his signature presentation for students about his passion for Civil War reenacting. Mr. McArthur gives each presentation in period dress.

Girls’ swim wins big at State

Gabby Tajalle Sports Writer

The Maine South girls’ swim team pushed through injuries, tough competition, and a demanding schedule to deliver one of its strongest seasons yet.

This year, senior Sarah Juris placed second in the state in the 50 freestyle. Juris, senior Maeve Przekota, junior Gabi Szymanski, and freshman Abbie Przekota placed sixth in the state in the 200 Medley relay.

“It felt amazing to have all of our hard work pay off in the end,” Juris said. “I am so proud of this team and all that we accomplished.”

Throughout the year, the team encountered many challenges. There were several injuries and a difficult competition.

“We did deal with some injuries,” Coach Donald Kura said. “The team’s ability to bounce back is what really led to our success this year. Every meet we went to, they competed at a high level. We didn’t have a single meet where we looked at it and said, ‘we just didn’t bring it today.’”

Throughout it all, the team remained consistent. This year, the team had several freshmen rise to the occasion. From the beginning, they were

considered in every state conversation.

“By the time we got to early to mid October, it was going to be pretty obvious that [freshman] Abbie Przekota was going to be in the mix to swim in one or two of our state qualifying relays,” Kura said. “And then the last few weeks of this season, she just got crazy fast at the 100 backstroke.”

In addition to new freshmen, this year, the entire roster returned. With the help of experience and trust built over the years, the team was able to build with new talent and end up with even more success.

“The team this year is all returning, nobody left,” senior Amelia Aguila said. “This really helps us because with so much experience, everyone already knows what to expect, and we are able to help out the new girls so that they can swim the best they can.”

Throughout the season, the team focused especially on working on the specific mechanics of certain strokes, which helped the team get faster and be more confident.

“Working underwater helped a lot,” Aguila said. “We were able to attack specific parts of the stroke, which helped us in the long run.”

In order to ensure success during the postseason, the team worked

together and supported each other through it all.

With early morning practices and late-night meets, the girls made sure to be there for each other no matter what.

“We support each other, and every day we encourage each other to try harder at practice,” Aguila said. “The camaraderie and encouragement are what really kept us all going.”

The difficult conference competition pushed the team to perform in meets and practice. With tough competition, the girls worked even harder

every day.

“We definitely have a hard conference, but it motivated us,” Juris said. “New Trier is our biggest rival, and we scored really well against them.”

Now that the season is over with such a successful ending, the girls are very much looking forward to next year and all that they can continue to do.

“Everyone was swimming for each other, and I am so proud of our team,” Maeve Przekota said. “I can’t wait to see what they do next year.”

Maine Hockey thrives back home at Oakton

John Kinnavy & Michael McInerney Sports Writers

After playing at Iceland Arena all of last season, the Maine Hockey team is finally back home at the Oakton Sports Complex. Being back at their home rink has provided many advantages.

“There are a lot more resources [at the Oakton Sports Complex] for us, such as a gym, a turf field, and a shooting area,” senior center Sean Lyons said. “There’s also a smaller ice sheet for goalie clinics.”

With more equipment and space to train, the team is working on getting stronger, faster, and more confident each practice.

“With the new rink, we have a place where we can go shoot whenever we want,” senior forward Shawn Chansed said. “We have pretty much everything we can ask for in a season.”

Maine Hockey has also seen a spike in its fan base. With Oakton located in Park Ridge, it is a more easily accessible home arena compared to Iceland in Niles. The atmosphere at games provides players the extra energy and motivation to win.

“I think the new rink is crucial to our team and atmosphere,” senior forward JP Donohue said. “We get the fans to rally behind us, especially in big games. I love to have fans at our games as it makes

the environment better and makes our team a little bit faster.”

However, the team's success isn’t only attributed to the facilities. After the graduation of the class of ‘25, the team has still worked together to remain a powerful and aggressive team.

“After losing so many seniors from last year, I expected the team dynamic to be off, but I turned out to be completely wrong,” Chansed said. “We’ve all gotten really close this year, and it is so fun playing with these guys every week.”

The team is currently 24-6 with big wins against Brother Rice; Plainfield; and Buffalo Grove, Hersey, Wheeling Hockey Club.

“It feels good to stay on the same track as last year and get the

wins out

said.

The team’s end goal is the state championship. In the past, the game has been played at the United Center in Chicago, but this year the State Championship will be played in Rosemont. If the Maine Hockey team can make it there, they will have a home advantage. The hockey season stretches from August to February, and many players were out due to injuries late in the season last year.

With a healthy team right now, the team is feeling hopeful for a deep run in the postseason this year.

“We all want to try to do better than last year, and we think we can,” Cooney said. “A lot of our key players are back, and we are healthy. Last year in the semifinals, we got hit with the injury bug. We are hoping to stay healthy because we know we can do anything with our full team, and we can definitely win it this year.”

regular season

of the way,” senior captain Matheson Cooney

FIGHT TO THE FINISH Senior Maeve Przekota swims in the 200 Medley relay at the State Tournament on Nov. 14. Przekota and her relay team (senior Sarah Juris, junior Gabi Szymanski, and freshman Abbie Przekota) won sixth place.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL HIGGINS

ICE ICE BABY Senior Gavin Brich skates down the rink against the Warriors Hockey Club (Waubonsie, Metea, Wheaton North, and Wheaton-Warrenville South) on Nov. 21. The Maine Hockey team lost 4-1.

PHOTOBYMORGAN WARNOCK

Boys’ wrestling has high hopes

Sam Higgins Production Editor

Boys’ wrestling has started its season and is eager to build on a strong showing last year when Maine South finished with two state qualifiers: current senior Jake Colleran and Tyler Fortis ( ’ 25), with Fortis placing at the state level. They have had five meets at press time, with a record of 6-1.

“Last year, we weren’t able to win the IHSA regional as a team, while we were missing some starters," senior Brett Harman said. "I think that is a great motivator, as that was our goal, and not reaching it is a constant reminder to keep working. As a captain, I really try to bring the team together and help motivate them when they need it. I feel confident in all 14 starters to go out and compete as hard as they can.”

Winning Regionals is always a goal for the team, but Head Coach Kevin Hansen wants the wrestlers to bond and help each other improve throughout the season.

“As a team, we want constant and small improvement every day, and also to appreciate the special things that we have, like team camaraderie,” Coach Hansen said.

“[Senior captains] Harman, Colleran, and Gavin Hoerr are three guys who are great leaders and great wrestlers,” Coach Hansen said. “I have

high expectations for the year and all the work that comes with it. I think it makes the season a lot of fun and much easier as a coach when you have young men like them, who are ready to lead the right way.”

As captains, they have to make sure that the other wrestlers are on task and getting better, so the team will thrive.

“I try to hold guys accountable and make sure they are working hard at practice,” Colleran said.

Not only do the captains have to make sure the wrestlers are on task, but they also have to teach them how to lead and bond with the team, so when they graduate, the new captains are ready to take over.

“I try to help the younger kids prepare for the future, when they

hopefully will have my role in the next few years,” Harman said. “There are a lot of new guys in the room this year, but they are doing great and fitting in with the team.”

As the wrestlers head into the season, expectations are high as the team hopes to surpass its record from last year.

“I think the team is much more experienced from last year, with tons of seniors and upperclassmen in the starting lineup,” Harman said.

Along with returning starters, there are many underclassmen ready to prove themselves on the mat this season.

“We have a lot of young guys who are wrestling varsity, and I think they will surprise a lot of people,” said Colleran.

Boys’ basketball continues to work

Katie Johnston Production Editor

The boys’ basketball season has only just begun, and the players are excited and ready to take the season head-on. At press time the team is 2-3.

The offseason is a critical part of preparing for the intensity of the regular season. The team has been training since the summer in order to be prepared to start the season strong.

“We made sure we were committed to get ting better and helping each other succeed,” senior captain Panayiotis Sotos said.

Offseason practices are also a

time to understand the expectations of the program.

“We are instilling a work ethic that is expected during the season,” head coach Mr. Colin Wehman said.

“When you set the tone in the offseason, it translates to a level of effort and focus to each game and practice during the season.”

This year, the team is striving for much more than just wins.

Purcell named All-American

Sydney Hollingsworth Sports Editor

Junior quarterback, Jamo Purcell was named an All-American on Nov. 18, 2025 and will be playing in the December 2026 Military Bowl. This game will be played in Frisco, Texas, in the Dallas Cowboys facility.

“This award is one of the highest individual recognitions in high school football, placing Purcell amongst some of the best quarterbacks in the nation,” senior wide receiver Jake Davis said.

Purcell has been working for this award for his entire high school career.

“This honor and achievement was definitely one of my goals throughout my high school career, and it feels great to have achieved it,” Purcell said. Purcell is the fifth player in the last 17 years to win this award from Maine South. Throughout his season, Purcell has helped Maine South finish with a record of 10-2.

“He keeps us all on the same page and holds us accountable for mistakes,” Davis said. “His ability to control the offense on the field was a key component of our success in this past season.”

As quarterback, Purcell leans on many of his teammates for success. A quarterback must trust their offensive linemen, running backs, and wide receivers. Without this, a quarterback can only be so successful.

only one person is doing everything and that there is a collective energy and enthusiasm,” Coach Wehman said.

The team is focusing on a very selfless way of play where players play for the team rather than personal accolades.

“I want to win for the team, not my own individual performances,” Malamis said.

Throughout the season, the team wants to make compounding improvements and be the best team in the CSL-South Conference.

“I would really like to have this team be playing our best basketball late in the season, just continuing to get better each day and taking the steps to steadily improve,” Coach Wehman said.

“For our personal wins, it is all about the team, making sure not TRIPLE THREAT Senior Panayiotis Sotos is prepared to pass, shoot, or dribble in a game against Downers Grove North. The Hawks won 55-53.

“Football is a team sport, so coming off a good season, I am grateful for the guys and how far we have come,” Purcell said. “I can always rely on my teammates for believing in me, and without them, I couldn’t have made it here.”

From early lifts, to late-night film sessions, Purcell has put in immense effort to get where he is today.

“It is incredible because I feel like all my hours practicing have finally paid off,” Purcell said.

With his All-American title and upcoming appearance in Frisco, Purcell has cemented his place in Maine South Football history, and his future football career has never looked brighter.

“I am so excited to see where I go next year and in the future. I am so grateful for how far I have come and can’t wait to continue playing and getting better,” Purcell said.

PIN IT TO WIN IT Junior Erle Rosete gains control against his opponent from Maine West. He won the match with a pin, 7-0.

PHOTO BY AMIR ALKHAFAJI

PHOTO BY LIZ PALMER

Girls’ basketball has early success

Shannon Ottow Sports Writer

Comingoff of a successful 2024-25 season and a busy postseason, the Maine South girls’ basketball team is excited and determined for this year.

“The girls were ready to get out on the floor and play a real game to start the season off,” head coach Mr. Jeffrey Hamann said.

During their first game on Nov. 20, the team introduced a brand-new defensive tactic: full-court face-guarding. This means that defensive players will position themselves between the opponent and the ball, helping lower the offense and increasing the possibility for turnovers.

“We’re a pretty small team, and we don’t have a lot of guards available, so this will definitely help us,” senior Addie Kopf said.

This helped the team secure the win for their first game, 58-28 against Grayslake Central at the Buffalo Grove Thanksgiving Tournament.

“We need to be in good shape to be able to run to try and steal the ball from these teams and frazzle them before they get to half court,” senior Emily Currey said.

This season, the girls have a slate of challenging opponents. With games against top-ranked teams in the state, the team continues to practice after school every day.

“Benet, Nazareth, and Montini all placed in the top 10 last year, with Nazareth being #2, so they will be tough but great games,” coach Hamann said.

With Maine South being a public school, the program is limited to only players in the district.

“[Catholic schools] can scout and recruit, so it’s definitely more difficult since they have different resources than Maine South,” Kopf said. “When we see the season schedule, we look out for those match ups and start preparing early to play against some of the best girls in the state.”

Size is also a challenge for Maine South this year. Having lost key centers and forwards last season, the girls are working hard on their athleticism in order to make up for the loss in height.

“We’re going to be a little different, [since] we don’t have such a big size as we did last year,” coach Hamann said. “We have a smaller roster, but not in heart. These girls have been working their tails off.”

Looking ahead, the players said their friendship is one of the team’s biggest strengths. This bond is what helps the team grow and trust one another on and off the court.

“The girls and I are super close,” junior Evelina Sotos said. “It makes practices and games so fun. We’re seriously just a great community.”

Building upon their community, the team also has to trust each other to make the right decisions with the ball.

With support from each other and their coach, the girls hope to go far this year.

“Coach Hamann trusts us to make our own decisions, which helps us grow as a team,” Kopf said. “I know I can always talk to him and help us get back in the game if we’re not in the right mental space.”

With an intense practice schedule and a rigorous game schedule, the girls are set up for success.

“This year, we’re in it to win it,” Kopf said. “We’re putting in the hard work, and we hope for the best outcome possible.”

At press time the Hawks are 7-2. With big games against Glenbrook South, Deerfield, and Montini Catholic coming up, the team is practicing hard.

“We’ve been running a lot at practice to keep our conditioning up,” Currey said.

Keeping their heads down and focusing on getting a little better each day, the team strives for a state title.

“Our ultimate goal is always to make it to State,” Currey said. “Red Bird Arena, we’re out for you.”

Junior Bradley earns girls’ cross country All-State title

Sofia Flores Sports Writer

Junior Tessie Bradley placed 19th in the state cross country meet on Nov. 8. She brought home a medal with a time of 17:09 in the three-mile race.

“When I achieved All-State honors, I was not only grateful, but also so surprised by how quickly my season turned around,” Bradley said. “From running an 18:15 at the Conference meet to then running a 17:09, I realized my training and toughness had all paid off.”

Throughout the season, the team focused on increasing mileage and pushing their bodies to the limits, while also making sure they were staying healthy.

“The main challenge is to find a way to keep everybody healthy enough to handle the training, and then make improvements towards the end of the season,” Coach Jeffrey Downing said. “The idea is to get them more miles so that they can continue to increase their pace per mile in a healthy way.”

Throughout the season, Bradley and the team followed an important mantra from Coach Kathleen Durkin: “teamwork, toughness, and always trusting your training.”

“I’ve utilized these ideas throughout the final few races of the season, which helped me finally achieve success,” Bradley said.

Bradley had to be patient throughout the season. Since the season is so long, it is hard to consistently improve at each race.

“I was constantly running in the mid 18s for three miles over and over again, but by post-season, something fi nally clicked and I was able to achieve a per sonal record in the final races of the season,” Bradley said.

The team ex celled at the sectional meet, with six of their seven run ners running their per sonal bests when it really mattered.

The team demonstrates the results of hard work. Bradley, who never gave up on her goal, was rewarded with becoming an All-State athlete.

“I stayed consistent and had a strong mind-set which were some of the impor tant factors that made my dream come true,” Bradley said.

STRONG FINISH

PHOTO BY MADDIE KRAUT

MAKING BUCKETS Senior Ally Seurynck shoots just outside of the paint in a game against Glenbrook North on Dec. 2. The Hawks won 57-37 with top performances from junior Hayden Fahy and senior Emily Currey.

What does it take to be on the Southwords staff?

Thank you for your interest in Southwords! Read below for more information about the available opportunities.

The Southwords staff consists of editors-in-chief, news editors, features editors, entertainment editors, commentary editors, sports editors, production editors, artists and photographers, as well as staff writers for each section.

It is necessary for editors to have strong proofreading and collaboration skills. Editors must always be approachable and never condescending. Editors will develop proficiency with layout and design using Adobe software. As part of the Southwords editorial board, editors will come to a consensus on a topic in one wellwritten opinion piece that represents the newspaper’s view as a whole.

Editors must be enrolled in Newspaper Practicum for the entire year, because this is where the paper is created.

All other staff members are NOT enrolled in this class.

Writers must have a good grasp of grammar and write concisely. Because writers aren’t in the Newspaper Practicum class, it is important that writers communicate frequently with editors. Staff writers should have the time to devote to completing their articles; they need to show initiative and be dedicated to their work.

All positions require enthusiasm and consistent contributions; students applying must be willing to put effort into their work. Also, staff must be able to meet deadlines.

For more information on any staff position, feel free to contact any editor or the faculty adviser, Mr. Stathakis (astathakis@maine207.org).

Editor-in-chief

Editor-in-chief is a position only open to returning editors. The editors-in-chief ultimately guide the vision of the entire paper and must be familiar with the editing process, as well as Adobe products, such as InDesign and Photoshop.

This position is also responsible for writing the monthly column, “Property of the Editors.” The ed-

itors-in-chief are also responsible for designing the cover page, so they must be familiar with the published content in all sections of the paper.

The editors-in-chief must be in attendance at all extra paste-up hours and offer assistance in any way possible.

News

The News section covers developing stories about timely issues that directly affect students, both inside the school and the larger community.

Additionally, they must be able to develop interview questions and be comfortable interviewing adults and peers. Editors must also be able to write objectively and with finesse, as well as fact-check articles.

News editors must be organized and demonstrate flexibility, as news frequently occurs right before publication.

Commentary

The Commentary section is the voice of the students at Maine South.

Commentary writers need to be creative and opinionated. They must be able to present an issue about which they are passionate, avoiding ranting and remaining professional.

Commentary editors must be extremely thoughtful, because editing opinions can be problematic. Editors must also be open-minded, because a wide variety of opinions will always exist in their section.

Features

The Features section contains the widest variety of articles. Features

focuses on issues of student interest, both inside and outside of school. Features articles are usually longer in nature and delve more deeply into topics than news articles would. Furthermore, these articles are less reliant on timeliness and instead focus on relevance and interest.

Features writers must be inventive; finding an interesting topic to report about can sometimes be challenging, as the most interesting topics are often ones that have not been previously covered.

Features editors must be wellrounded and able to create interesting angles for stories. Fact-checking is necessary, but the most emphasis is placed on relevance.

Entertainment

The Entertainment section contains reviews and articles related to art, music, video games, literature, restaurants, and anything else that might be considered entertainment.

Entertainment writers must be well-informed of the school’s fine art events. Unique to the entertainment section, writers specializing in a specific genre (music, TV, etc.) are welcome.

Entertainment editors need to be knowledgeable about popular events and recreational activities (including restaurants, concerts, festivals, etc.) and open to writing and reading about different topics.

Sports

The Sports section covers all sports at Maine South.

Sports writers need to be aware of all sports at Maine South. Sports writers should be creative in their reporting on events. Accurate reporting is crucial.

Sports editors are responsible for making sure that each sport is covered once during its season. They must also be aware of varsity sports news, as well as other sports included at school. A deep knowledge of sports—both within the school and outside of the school—is a necessary component of being an editor for the Sports section.

Production

To help with the technical aspects of putting together a newspaper, a production editor must be wellversed in the operation of PC computers, a Windows operating system, as well as InDesign and Photoshop. Most importantly, production editors must be willing to learn to use these programs more proficiently and offer help whenever necessary.

The production editors should attend every paste-up—when the final components of the paper are added together—to provide the editors with technical assistance.

Artists/Cartoonists

Artists and cartoonists should be able to produce realistic and creative illustrations to accompany articles on a variety of topics. It is helpful for an artist to be familiar with Photoshop software, scanner software, and InDesign (or be willing to learn the software and hardware). Often, illustrations must be produced quickly and on-demand to meet paste-up deadlines.

Photographers

Photographers should be comfortable with taking photos and skilled in doing so. Photographers must be ready to take pictures at any time and to take specific pictures by a set deadline.

Photographers must also have flexible schedules, since they may have to attend events that take place outside school. Owning a digital camera is preferred but not required.

If you are interested in joining Southwords, visit http://apply. southwords.org

Then, if you are a new staff member or would like to be an editor, sign up for an interview at tinyurl.com/SouthwordsSignUp by Friday, December 19.

Interviews begin Monday, January 5 in the Southwords office, C28 (around the corner from the bookstore in the cafeteria).

ALL STAFF MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION Application

Staff

PLEASE NOTE: See the reverse side of this sheet for job descriptions, and feel free to contact Mr. Stathakis or any current editors with any questions.

ONLINE: APPLICATION

Staff positions:

Please visit http://apply.southwords.org or scan the QR code to the right. Your application will not be processed until you have also signed up for an interview at https://tinyurl.com/SouthwordsSignUp.

Current staff members do not need to sign up for an interview unless applying to move up to an editorial position.

Editorial positions:

Open to current and prospective staff members. Use this worksheet to rank your interest in the following positions:

_____News writer

_____Features writer

_____Entertainment writer

_____Commentary writer

_____Sports writer

_____Photographer*

_____Artist/Cartoonist*

*Please bring portfolio/samples to interview

Open to current and prospective staff members. ALL editors must take Newspaper Practicum (likely 6th period), which will earn you an elective English credit.

_____News editor

_____Features editor

_____Entertainment editor

_____Commentary editor

_____Sports editor

_____Production/Design editor

_____Editor-in-Chief*

*For returning staff members only. All Editorin-Chief candidates must contact Mr. Stathakis.

If you have any questions, please see Mr. Stathakis in C28 (the Southwords office).

ILLUSTRATION BY SONIA LOIZOS