Vol 62, Issue 5 Fashion Issue

March 6, 2026

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

Explore the changing fashion at Maine South throughout the decades. See pages 12-13

The Maine South costume department sets the stage with fashion.

Daryna Andrusiak navigates the world of professional modeling. See page 7

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Dear Reader,

No matter what type of person you are, fashion is something that impacts your everyday life. Clothing is both a physiological human need and a way for individuals to express their unique personal styles. Fashion plays a role in everyone’s lives, so Southwords invites you to join us in the examination of all things fashion.

Whether you’re a style icon or someone who just wears clothes because you would be arrested if you didn’t, everybody has their own personal style that makes them who they are.

Fashion has the ability to both differentiate a person from the crowd and bring people together from every walk of life, with fashion trends unifying generations of people. Fashion trends showcase the progression of society through the years, with poodle dresses and shoulder pads serving as indicators of distinct eras both in terms of style and social change.

Some of the most iconic pop culture phenomenons, like VSCO girls or hippie style, stem from the fashion that’s associated with them.

The power of fashion has never been more evident, with online shopping increasing access to clothes and with fashion trends spanning generations and cultures.

Fashion also can evoke emotions; nothing beats the exhilarating feeling of putting on an outfit you love or finding a perfect piece of clothing at the mall.

In this year’s special issue, we explore fashion trends through the years, student contributions to fashion, cultural attire and everything in between. Do students approve of current fashion trends? What jobs do Maine South alumni have in the fashion world? Do accessories really make an outfit?

Inspired by the important role that fashion has played in each of our lives, the Southwords staff is excited to share the world of fashion.

Sincerely,

Audrey Becker, Joseph Calderón, & Emery Yates Editors-in-Chief

Favorite Clothing Store

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 http://www.southwords.org

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

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

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

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

Audrey Becker

Joseph Calderón

Emery Yates

News Editors

Samantha Baynes

Rose Hassman

Mia Teresi

Commentary

Editors

Lola Cosma

Lucas Runtz

Ivana Zezelj

Features Editors

Olivia Crawford

Bart Dabkowski

Sarah Frantz

Entertainment Editors

Karin Flensborg

Andrew George Gabi Shaw

Sports Editors

James Biagi

Sydney Hollingsworth

Riley Story

Production Editors

Samuel Higgins

Katie Johnston

Sonia Loizos

Adviser

Mr. Stathakis

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

Fashion Class and FCCLA showcase student creativity

Emma Brown & Emma Militaru

Features Writers

When entering Maine South for the first time, one of the more creative introductory electives students can take is Fashion 1, a class that gives students hands on experience with things like hand sewing, using a sewing machine, and designing clothing. Students can take this class all four years of high school and refine their skills.

All of the fashion classes are taught by Ms. Stephanie Inserra, who has been teaching at Maine South for 25 years. Being part of the program for so long, Ms. Inserra has been able to see it grow.

“We now have four levels of fashion as well as a non-sewing fashion merchandising class,” Ms. Inserra said. “In Fashion 1 students learn basic techniques as if they have never touched a sewing machine. They learn how to use the machine and by the end of that class they learn how to put a zipper into a garment. At the end of the year there is usually a choice project using skills that they have learned.”

Although most projects are selected by Ms. Inserra, students are still able to have choices throughout the course of the year.

“There are always choices throughout the year with fabric types, lengths, etc.,” Ms. Inserra said.

Students are able to express themselves through fashion, allowing them to grow as they take more

advanced fashion courses.

“Watching a student go from Fashion 1 at the beginning of the year to the end of the year as well as seeing how far the advanced students go is one of my favorite parts of teaching fashion,” Ms. Inserra said. “Since I have been teaching for so long, I have even been able to see some of my students go into the fashion industry.”

WORKIN’ IT

Maine South alumnae continue to pursue their passion for fashion in the professional world. See page 16

In addition to taking a fashion class, some students choose to participate in a competition called FCCLA.

“FCCLA is one of the national clubs that students can join here at Maine South,” Ms. Inserra said. “FCCLA stands for Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America.”

Fashion class allows students to gain the experience that’s necessary to compete at FCCLA.

“The skills that they learn about in class, they then put into a project,” Ms. Inserra said. “They can take it a step further, create a presentation and present it to some judges.”

Senior Alessia Todaro has been taking fashion classes at Maine South since her freshman year. This year, she has worked on designing a coat made of recycled pieces.

“I’ve been working on the piece

since we started school,” Todaro said. “It took me until November or December to finish the coat. I’ve been working this past month and the entirety of January to make the presentation [for FCCLA].”

Todaro has found success in FCCLA in the past years.

“My sophomore year, I did Regionals, State, and made it to Nationals,” Todaro said. “At Nationals, I placed in the level two category and got 23rd.”

Level two is the scoring category all ninth and tenth graders compete in.

Junior Ilaria Spada is also competing in FCCLA this year.

“The competition is based on the Pantone color of the year, Cloud Dancer,” Spada said. “What my friend and I are working on is making a whole board as if it were a window display at a store. We are promoting things that we would sell in the store of that color.”

Spada spoke about how her passion for fashion has led her to take Fashion Merchandising and compete at FCCLA.

“Fashion has always been something that really interested me,” Spada said. “I remember being younger and just always wanting to practice and hand sew. So, when I saw the opportunity to take fashion classes, I took it. Every time I get to work and make whatever — maybe a dress, maybe a skirt — it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something big. It makes whatever’s in my imagination come to life.”

Students who compete in FCCLA can take those experiences with them into their futures beyond high school.

“I think it’s a really great opportunity for college and also gaining real-

world experiences,” Todaro said.

Similarly, junior Sanaa Hudgins is participating in the competition this year and recommends that other students both take classes and compete in FCCLA.

“I personally think that out of all the elective classes we have, fashion class is one that a lot of people should take,” Hudgins said. “Sewing is a great life skill. You can go lots of ways with it and just do things around the house. I also think competing in FCCLA is beneficial to you. You can get scholarships. It also gives you the opportunity to branch out and do new things.”

The competition offers both opportunities and community. At the competitions, students interested in fashion are able to see each other’s unique ideas and connect.

“You see everyone supporting each other,” Spada said. “It’s amazing sportsmanship, in a way.”

FCCLA also provides students with the opportunity to travel as they advance in the competition.

“The sectional competition for this area of high schools is at Harper College in February,” Ms. Inserra said. “The state competition is the top three in each level for certain types of events in Springfield. The national competition changes each year. Last year we were in Orlando. We’ve gone to San Antonio, San Diego, Anaheim, Atlanta, and Chicago.”

From traveling to gaining experience, FCCLA is a way for students to gain important fashion experience. While technical skills play a role in creating garments, creativity takes the center stage.

“Fashion is a nice way of expressing yourself,” Spada said. “It’s different from all your other classes.”

SEW MUCH FUN Senior Lia Petrides works on her sewing project in her fashion class. Students in the fashion classes often get freedom with the pieces they sew.

FINAL TOUCHES Senior Sofija Nozinic fixes the back of senior Gabriella Laske’s dress at an FCCLA competition. Nozinic and Laske sewed the dresses they are wearing as part of their competition.

PHOTO COURTESY MK MARTIN

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

Cultural fashion through traditional dancing

Joseph Calderón and Rose Hassman Editor-in-Chief and News Editor

As junior Diana Rozhko walked onto the stage, she anticipated her performance. Despite some nerves, she knew that as she walked in her ornate ethnic costume, she represented more than her dance troupe — she represented her heritage and the fashion of another time.

Rozhko has been involved in Ukrainian dancing for many years.

“Ukrainian dance is known for its embroidered costumes, high-energy steps, and choreography inspired by different regions of Ukraine,” said Rozhko. “I dance in a traditional ensemble called Hromovytsia. We are a non-competitive group based in Ukrainian Village in Chicago.”

While dance is often seen as a performance, it represents more than that to heritage dancers. It is a tangible connection to their culture.

“I enjoy Ukrainian dance because of the friends I’ve made, the teamwork it involves, and the way it keeps me connected to my first language and culture,” Rozhko said.

Sophomore Liten Conway has been doing Irish dance for more than ten years, and appreciates the community it brings.

“I have danced at the Trinity Irish Dance Academy for 11 years,” Conway said. “My favorite part of Irish Dance has to be the countless memories I’ve made and opportunities I’ve been given.”

Sophomore Amelia Keefer shares a similar experience with Irish dance.

“I dance for the Mullane Godley Academy of Irish Dance, and I have been dancing since I was around five years old,” Keefer said. “One of the things I like the most is the community. When you’re in class with people six days a week, you grow really close to each other.”

Junior Aristea Kostarelou has participated in Greek dance for almost a decade.

“I have been doing Greek dance for eight years through Perifania [Dance Troupe],” Kostarelou said. “My mom found the studio when we first moved to Park Ridge from Lincoln Park.”

Every culture has its own distinct traditional

IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME Junior Aristea Kostarelou (third from left) performs traditional Greek dances. The troupe performs at an array of cultural events.

clothing that plays an important role in preserving cultural authenticity

“The [Greek] outfits have many layers– for girls, the dress itself is typically long-sleeved with a vest over top of it with some sort of apron, and you usually wear a handkerchief in your hair,” Kostarelou said. “Typically, you’d braid your hair or have it in a low ponytail so that it’s out of the way when it’s in the handkerchief. Boys normally wear shoes that are pointed and have little puffs at the end of them. They also wear white pants with a kilt-like skirt over top, shirts with a vest, and a specific type of hat.”

Unlike traditional Greek dance, Irish dance utilizes wigs to add to the presentation of the dancers on stage.

“Our hair is normally a wig with a crown that is designed specifically for the costume,” sophomore Amelia Keefer said.

Clothing plays an integral role in the different cultural dances that many students participate in.

“I really like the patterns on the aprons. They’re typically floral and have some sort of storytelling, like farm scenery with chickens or a woman carrying a basket,” Kostarelou said.

Like Greek dance, Ukrainian dance features vibrant and colorful traditional clothing.

“Traditional Ukrainian clothing carries cultural meaning through its colors and embroidery,” Rozhko said. “Men typically wear an embroidered shirt called a vyshyvanka, loose trousers called sharovary, belts, and boots. Women also wear a vyshyvanka, along with colorful skirts, aprons, and beaded necklaces, with each pattern, color, and accessory symbolizing things such as protection, unity, resilience, and strength. These pieces connect me to my heritage and culture, and wearing them allows me to proudly represent my roots.”

The traditional clothing remains a powerful and consistent connection to cultural heritage.

“For me, preserving traditional clothing is important because it provides the youth a physical way to experience meaning, pride, and connection to their culture,” Rozhko said. “Through the traditional clothing, they can also learn about the history and symbolism behind each piece.”

Similar to Greek and Ukranian dancing, Irish dance uses unique custom dresses with traditional elements.

“For team dances, each school has a school dress that is unique to their school. These dresses usually have the colors of the dance school and are more traditional, displaying Celtic designs and other traditional Celtic works,” Conway said.

Solo dresses are more differentiated.

“For solos, every dress is completely one of a kind, and a custom dress can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000,” said Conway. “These dresses are covered in crystals and have strayed away from the more traditional costumes, with trends that are constantly changing. Some of the current trends include animal prints, feathers, and textured prints.”

The makeup and hair must also be specifically catered to the conditions of the dance competitions.

“One thing that Irish Dance is known for are the big wigs accompanied by elaborate headpieces,” Conway said. “The look is finished off with extremely dark stage makeup as well as a dark spray tan so that the dancer isn’t washed out by the bright stage lights.”

The versatility of the dresses and the headpieces often reflects the dancer’s personality and preferences through the overall costume.

“My favorite part about the costumes is having a new look each year,” Conway said. “I give the designers some input for what I want, but I also love giving them freedom to experiment with my design and be creative. For a while, my signature colors were orange and pink, but as I’ve gotten older, we have tried out new color combinations, with my most recent dress being white, dark purple, and magenta.”

“My favorite part of the costume is getting to pick out a new [one] or find out what my next custom dress is going to look like,” Keefer said. “I love picking out the colors and style that are going to be on my next dress.”

Due to Irish dance’s global popularity, many dancers participate in international competitions.

“For competitions, I have traveled across the United States as well as to Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and England,” Conway said. “One of my favorite memories was when my team won the Girls’ 13-16 Figure at the World Irish Dance Championships in 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland.”

SASH-ION STATEMENT Junior Diana Rozhko (second from right) poses in traditional dress with friends from her dance troupe, Hromovytsia. The group has a 38-year history and is based in Ukranian Village.

PHOTO COURTESY DIANA ROZHKO

HIT A JIG Sophomore Liten Conway (third from right) poses in an Irish dance uniform. A core part of the outfits are the accessories like wigs, crowns, and makeup.

PHOTO COURTESY ARISTEA KOSTARELOU

PHOTO COURTESY LITEN CONWAY

From sole to sold

A peek into the shoe reselling game

Margaret Baum Features Writer

Junior Alex Davidov’s journey began in eighth grade with a love for shoes; four years later, he transformed his passion into a $25,000 profit.

“At first, it was experimenting with my friends, having fun with them, and enjoying the sneakers as a whole,” Davidov said. “But later on, what got me more excited was the possibility for growth.”

It started in December 2022; Davidov had won a Nike raffle and got his hands on Travis Scott’s One Low Black Phantoms.

“These were $1,000 shoes,” Davidov said. “There were only about 50,000 pairs.”

About a year later, in the winter of 2023, Davidov decided to sell them, beginning his shoe reselling empire.

“When I started, it was initially Nike and many retailers that had raffles,” Davidov said. “I moved onto a broader scale of retailers, selling things I could flip for a profit — even if it wasn’t a ‘hype shoe’. And today, I have wholesalers that sell to me in bulk.”

Davidov runs a one-man operation and currently has around 300 pairs in his possession.

“In December, I was up to around 600 pairs,”

Avery Jacobs Features Editor & Writer

I know with every single pair I sell, someone is going to be happy about it,” he said. “Whether it’s someone saving up for a birthday present, a game day sneaker for an athlete, or even just saving up for a goal.”

Davidov’s total revenue in 2025 was around $100,000.

“Last year was my first year doing better — I made around $25,000 in profit,” Davidov said.

Although his business is booming now, he wasn’t always so successful.

“It can get a little difficult and discouraging at times,” Davidov said. “In 2023, I sold only around ten pairs of shoes. I was unhappy, and contemplating whether or not I should look for a regular job or something that could bring more income to me.”

That means he sold 300 pairs in just two months.

“I predominantly sell on platforms like Stock X and GOAT,” Davidov said. “They are essentially platforms that connect buyers and sellers from across the United States and even internationally. Aside from that, I also meet people in Chicago on apps such as OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace.”

The process works as follows: a customer places an order, Davidov receives and prints the label, ships either directly to the seller or the company for authentication, and finally, the customer receives the shoe.

“What excites me most about selling is that

Even though business started slowly, he decided to ride it out.

“The beauty of it is there are always opportunities for growth if you’re looking for them,” Davidov said. “I was able to speak to other people in the business and learn from them. I switched up my approach to selling, and in 2024, I sold 150 pairs of shoes.”

With determination and hard work, Davidov’s hobby has transformed into a successful entrepreneurship story.

“The opportunities for growth don’t really stop, as long as you keep on looking for them,” Davidov said.

Mr. Young’s fresh kicks

almost all of which are Nike.

While sitting in Civics and Government class with teacher Mr. Greg Young, one might notice the flashy colors or cool leather of the shoes he sports. Throughout the school year, Mr. Young has worn a different pair of shoes every day.

His collection began around 2019, starting with two purchases of unique colorways.

“It just kind of took off from there,” Mr. Young said.

Unlike traditional collectors chasing resale value, however, he has built his collection out of a pure desire to explore fashion differently.

“I actually wear all of the shoes that I have,” Mr. Young said. “I’ve never spent more than $100 on any of the shoes.”

Over six years of purchases, Mr. Young has racked up around 110 pairs,

“I happen to have the Nike app and my credit card’s attached to it,” Mr. Young said. “Basically, I put my thumbprint on it, and all of a sudden, shoes are showing up at my house.”

The convenience of the app led him to quickly accumulate shoes.

“Two or three years ago, I was probably buying ten pairs every six months,” Mr. Young said. “I’ve slowed down dramatically.”

Mr. Young estimates that he has spent around $10,000 in total on his collection. Looking ahead, however, retirement may mark the end to Mr. Young’s vast collection.

“I’ll probably sell them,” he said. “Maybe get some money back.”

Students have quickly picked up on Mr. Young’s rotation.

“Students started to realize that they were seeing a different shoe every day,” he said.

The attention has sparked conversations in his classrooms and

throughout the hallways. Many ask about the size of the collection; Mr. Young confirms that they won’t see the same pair twice in a semester.

As this fun hobby has gained recognition, it’s brought appreciation from Mr. Young’s students.

“It’s a way to make some connection with students that I might otherwise not connect with,” he said.

Mr. Young hasn’t always had a knack for fashion. Ironically, this

sudden interest surprised his wife the most.

“My wife finds it hilarious,” he said. “When we first met, she thought I had the worst fashion,”

Since then, Mr. Young has learned the satisfaction in matching his shoes with his outfits.

“I get a kick out of trying to make the colors match,” he said. “A lot of my gear is Nike, and so the colors and shades are similar.”

SHOW AND TELL Junior Alex Davidov shows off a pair of from his current shoe collection. Davidov has been collecting and selling shoes for over four years now.

SHOE-IN Mr. Young’s shoe vast shoe collection fills an entire wall in his home. He’s purchased over 110 pairs in the last six years.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

ILLUSTRATION BY ELLA TAIT

PHOTO COURTESY MR. YOUNG

Teen trends from 2025-2026: Yay or Nay?

Lola Cosma, Lucas Runtz, and Ivana Zezelj Commentary Editors

Many trends come and go throughout the halls of Maine South. 161 students shared their opinions on some of this years' most popular trends, and Southwordsis here to share ours.

Low Taper Fade Denim Tears Hoodie Polka Dots

Boys’haircuts have evolved a lot over the years. From the bob cut and side part to mullets to perms, no haircut stays in style for very long. Around four years ago, the low taper fade haircut made its debut, and it’s been extremely popular with Gen-Z ever since. While 59% of students voted “nay” for this trend, a look around the school shows it to be the most popular boys' haircut by far. This cut is a subtle, gradual blend that starts low on the head, just above the ears and neckline. It can be combined with any hair type or top style, making it a versatile cut. It’s popular in combination with the “broccoli cut,” a boys’ hairstyle that’s characterized by voluminous hair on top and very short sides. When worn this way, the haircut can look messy. Another issue is the “memeification” of this haircut — memes like the “Ninja low taper fade” and “fluffy hair” have discredited it. While the haircut’s gotten a reputation over the years due to these issues, it is still a quality cut when done right.

If you walk through the halls of Maine South, you’ll likely see a hoodie with a flower pattern all over it. This hoodie from Denim Tears is popular among teenage boys, but it’s become painfully meretricious. The survey reflects this — 91% of students voted “nay” for this trend. The hoodie costs $200, and it is difficult to justify what you’re getting for your money. You can buy a unique, highquality hoodie for a fraction of the price of Denim Tears. The hoodie becomes even more expensive when paired with other Denim Tears items, such as jeans and sweatpants; these pieces will cost you several hundred more dollars. Unfortunately, social media has made this trend short-lived and insignificant. Clothing pieces move from niche to mainstream at in sane speeds online while prices soar. Denim Tears had its run, but it’s time to let this trend fade out with the rest of short-lived hype trains.

FromMinnie Mouse to Princess Diana, polka dots have been styled in every size and color for decades. Now, polka dots have made a comeback, and the general opinion is overwhelmingly positive. Because they're a simple pattern, polka dots can be used for almost anything. Polka-dots are now being styled in a wide variety of clothing items, such as tops, headbands, dresses, and skirts. They show a balance of fun and playfulness, without pushing outfits to the point of childishness. The pattern's versatility allows ideas and styles to stand out — tiny monochrome dots feel more polished and elegant while oversized, colorful prints create a bolder and brighter aesthetic. They are a timeless pattern that balance between boring and over done. Although plain styles are always on-trend, polka dots bring charm and excitement to out fits. In a world of everchanging trends, polkadots remind us that style doesn’t have to be complicated in order to stand out.

Jorts Quarter Zip Matching Sets

Originating in the 90s and early 2000s, jorts have been a staple for those going for a laidback look. The term itself is a combination of the words “jeans” and “shorts” and refers to long, baggy, knee-length jean shorts. The trend has been worn across a variety of styles including skaters, suburban dads, and celebrities such as Justin Bieber. Most recently, jorts have made a comeback, but this time with more of an ironic twist. Wearing jorts now can feel forced or performative, rather than a reflection of truly liking the style. The survey results show that jorts are polarizing, with 52% voting “yay” and 48% voting “nay.” The length tends to hit at a weird angle for many body types, causing it to throw off proportions of an otherwise well-balanced outfit. In addition, because jorts are typically used in warmer weather, their practicality is questionable. Heavy, baggy, and long denim is not always the most comfortable or breathable for hot temperatures. While trends often return with new energy, not every comeback deserves a second life.

Thequarter zip is a com fortable and ver satile addition to everyone's closet. Students agree — 90% of students voted "yay" for this trend. Quarter zips come in a variety of colors and prints and are the perfect middle ground between put-together and comfortable. Whether paired with dress pants or sweatpants, quarter zips are a stylish option. Throughout the year, though, performative trends online have made the quarter zip less favorable, like the trend of pairing them with a matcha. However, these trends has also increased their popularity. If you are able to look away from the stigma and see the benefits of the quarter zip, it could become a perfect addition to your closet. Additionally, they're a gender neutral option and can fit any vibe your outfit is going for. Overall, the quarter zip has been a popular piece of clothing, and it seems this trend will continue for quite some time.

Nomatter the decade, matching sets manage to make a comeback, proving that coordination from head to toe will always be in style. They’ve come in many forms, from the structured matching tweed suits and the polished twin sets in the 1950s to the popular plaid schoolgirl outfits throughout the 1990s. In 2026, the trend has shifted toward a look that combines both coordination and comfort with loungewear sets. This trend has a positive reception, with 73% of Maine South students voting “yay.” Often, these sets are created by popular luxury and athletic brands, which tend to blur the line between street and sleepwear. By utilizing one color, or sometimes even a pattern, the wearer creates an effortless look of sophistication. Navigating through the history of matching sets, one thing is clear: looking put together doesn't always have to be difficult; it simply has to be cohesive.

Junior Devin Paxson

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

BY

DENIM TEARS

Sarah Frantz Features Editor

Standing in front of the mirror before her first modeling job, senior Daryna Andrusiak tried to convice herself that she was enough to be a model. For so long, it was something that she wanted, but hadn’t felt like she could achieve.

“It felt like a world meant for other people, people who were more confident, more experienced, more certain of themselves,” Andrusiak said. “I never imagined that one day, I would be the one stepping into that space.”

She began modeling when she was 12, with much of her early work being with Ukrainian brands.

“I went to modeling school for a year and then I just did these little shows, mostly in traditional dresses,” Adrusiak said. “I’m Ukrainian, so I was working with a lot of Ukrainian brands.”

She paused her modeling work until last year, when she got approached by brands who saw her work on social media.

“I just had people reach out to me and they were like, ‘Hey, we wanna work with you,’” Andrusiak said. “And I was like, ‘Great. Let’s do it.’”

The events she was invited to gave her opportunities to connect with other brands and people involved in fashion.

“I got invited to one show, walked one show, and afterwards there was a networking event,” Andrusiak said. “From there on, the event was mostly just like connecting with people. Honestly, the best thing about the industry is the networking.”

Through networking, she has been able to get more modeling jobs, but the consistency of offers varies.

“I’ve gotten booked for more jobs, and it’s so great,” Adrusiak said. “So far, it’s not as consistent, so I might get a job call now, then I might get another in two months. It’s not like every month

Runway Ready

or every week I have a job, but when I do, I get paid pretty well.”

However, there is an advantage to being in the Chicagoland area.

“In Chicago, modeling is pretty big,” Andrusiak said. “It’s mostly commercial modeling, which is commercials, editorials. It’s more newspapers, and mostly Facebook-focused.”

Andrusiak has done some runway work, but at the moment, mainly focuses on commercial modeling. However, she would like to expand further into the runway and high fashion side of modeling.

“For me personally, I’ve always wanted to do high fashion,” Andrusiak said. “But with the requirements for high fashion, there’s lots of standards, lots of things you need to hit because your measurements have to be perfect. Your height needs to be perfect. There are a lot of sacrifices you have to make.”

In the world of commercial model ing, the standards are a little different.

“I feel like most people just assume that to be a model you have to be su per insanely skinny,” she said. “I think that it’s just very inaccurate right now because most modeling agencies are very inclusive. So I feel like that used to be a standard years ago.”

“With commercial [modeling], they’re more lenient about it,” Andrusiak said. “But again, that’s side hustle modeling.”

However, that doesn’t mean there are no requirements.

tain way that you have to look, but there isn’t a modeling standard,” Andrusiak said. “They have been so inclusive towards everybody. There isn’t like a, ‘Oh, she can model, she can’t,’ you know? It’s just like most modeling agencies specifically are actually looking for those features that you don’t really see on a regular basis because they want something different. They want something unique, which is so beautiful.”

Through her various modeling jobs, Andrusiak hasn’t felt any pressure to change herself.

“I feel like I’m just very aware of how I look and, most of the time, it’s specific brands that would tell you if they didn’t like you,” Andrusiak said. “So if anything, they would tell you straight up, ‘Hey, we don’t kind of like the way that you look, you should change something about

“Yes, there’s a cer-

Even through the criticism, Andrusiak still feels self-assured.

“I feel like I’m just mostly confident enough in the way that I look that I wouldn’t change anything even if nobody likes it, because it’s not really about that,” she said. “It’s more of how I feel confident in what I’m doing with myself to represent their brand... I could opt out any time.”

If anything, modeling has made her more confident.

“I feel like with modeling, ever since I started, it gave me kind

of a confidence boost and I feel like that confidence that I’ve gotten has really helped me express myself more because it’s not really about how you look, it’s more your communication skills and your discipline because there’s certain standards,” Andrusiak said. “You can’t just be slacking off all the time. You need to be active, you need to work out, you need to work on yourself. You need to learn how to speak, how to network with people because that is really important.”

Andrusiak plans on continuing her career in modeling after graduating, while also going to college.

“I’m waiting ‘til I turn 18 so that I can actually go out to castings and get, possibly, hopefully, signed, because through an agency, I would be able to get a lot more jobs,” Andrusiak said. “I am planning on majoring in finance. I’m also planning on going into real estate, so I’m going to get a real estate license. I feel like it all just goes together.”

Andrusiak also has advice for anyone wishing to become a model.

“Working on yourself and bettering yourself will help you,” Andrusiak said. “Any way, shape or form will help you. But not just for modeling — specifically for yourself. Because you can always be better, and it doesn’t have to be with a purpose to satisfy anyone else. You have to do it for yourself. Stay disciplined, consistent, and most importantly, you cannot give up on what you think about every day. This has been like a lifelong dream of mine. So it now that I see that people are noticing me, I just have to [keep modeling.]”

For Andrusiak, the best advice for people looking to go into modeling is to put in effort and give it a try.

“Just do it. Apply. Knock on literally every door. You never know who’s going to open your door. Be nice. Talk to everyone. There are so many opportunities out there and people just don’t understand that they just have to try.”

STRIKE A POSE Senior Daryna Andrusiak walks the runway of Randa Rose. She began modeling at age 12, and is working towards the high fashion circuit.

Discovering vintage vibes Old made new

Joseph Calderón & James Biagi Editor-in-Chief & Sports Editor

In

a world full of fast fashion and luxury clothing, thrifters give old and used clothing new life. Where some see overlooked and secondhand items, thrifters see endless opportunity and creativity. For junior Michael Maranto, thrifting is more than a hobby — he has built a successful business around it.

Maranto has been thrifting for over two years, learning how to spot subtle value and immersing himself in the culture of reselling.

“I got into thrifting because I wanted to make some money fast, and my older brother used to do it,” said Maranto. “He showed me how to start reselling clothes, and from there, I opened up my own eBay store online and started buying and testing out different products to sell until I found something that really worked for me.”

Throughout his thrifting career, Maranto has learned that the biggest misconception about thrift stores is the quality of items inside them.

“Something that many people are unaware of is that a lot of the items that are at the store are actually new items that are popular today,” Maranto said. “You can still find popular brands.”

The thrifting business may seem simple, but it is more than finding a niche and buying old clothes. To successfully resell, knowledge of current trends and understanding the demand for certain brands are required.

“I have had to learn what sells and what doesn’t,” Maranto said. “I learned some popular brands and what tastes people generally have. And that’s where I make most of my money from. The popular brands are mostly what people want now. So it is not just junk.”

Much of Maranto’s success stems from his understanding of when and where to shop. Thrifting heavily rewards those who pay attention.

“[I thrift at] main stores,” Maranto said. “I like Goodwill especially.

Any Goodwill chain is great. When it comes to the times I shop, it’s better to go during the week. Weekends are too busy to find anything, because a lot of people are thrifting these days, but weekdays are usually better. So, I go anywhere from Monday to Wednesday, the beginning of the week, because that is when they restock with the new merchandise.”

His approach reveals the competitive side of thrifting. As resale culture has grown in size, thrift stores have become hotspots for those looking to break into the market, all competing for the same limited merchandise.

Despite business remaining his priority, Maranto can occasionally be spotted wearing the clothes he thrifts.

“I mainly resell [the clothes I thrift], but every once in a while, if something is too expensive for me to sell or if I find a good brand, I’ll keep

WALKING

These felt brown boots sold for $349.99. Through his experience, Maranto knew these were rare Crockett & Jones boots.

it,” he said.

These moments highlight an important element of thrifting: finding high quality and pricey items as well as modern brands among secondhand clothing.

Beyond financial success, thrifting has introduced Maranto to a new community and subculture.

“I’ve gotten to know other people I see at the stores, like other resellers,” Maranto said.

Maranto’s journey reflects both the broader trend of growth in reselling, as well as a growth in thrifters. Thrifting has become more than a budget-friendly shopping option — rather, it has transformed into a space for entrepreneurship, selfexpression, and sustainable fashion.

“Thrifting has really taught me to see value where others don’t,” Maranto said. “I think it has taught me a lot about recognizing opportunities and understanding business.”

PASSION FOR FASHION

COMMON QUARTERZIP Maranto sold this trending quarterzip for $20. This is one of many he has sold due to a shift in demand and current tastes.

ALL SMILES Maranto sold this unique piece for $185. The vintage and worn vibe added to its value, and it is described on his eBay as a ‘designer’ product.

WALK THE WALK These Mizuno Wave men’s baseball cleats sold for $59.99. Maranto thrifts sport’s items in addition to his other products.

BLACK BELT This belt was sold for $25. Maranto does not only sell clothes, but accessories as well when he can find them.

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR

PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL MARANTO

PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL MARANTO

PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL MARANTO

PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL MARANTO

Junior Michael Maranto’s closet is filled with items from Goodwill. Maranto has successfully sold a vast array of items through his eBay business for the past two years.

Uniforms have benefits, but not enough for a change

Daria Kasparek Commentary Writer

It’s the first day of school and you forgot to do laundry. Your only options are bright green sweatpants and a purple t-shirt.

You have 30 minutes to make something happen, so you dig through your laundry basket and find the cleanest things. You go to school dressed half decent, smelling… also half decent.

Meanwhile, your friend, who goes to private school and has to wear a uniform every day, gets up and only has to worry about what she’ll eat for breakfast.

For many students, uniforms sound like a death sentence, but in the eyes of some, uniforms provide structure.

Physics teacher Mr. Thomas Egan attended all four years of high school at a Catholic school on the southwest side of Chicago.

“I felt neutral [about uniforms],” Mr. Egan said. “To me, when I got dressed for school and I was, you

“No, but I liked uniforms in middle school. Classes are harder here at Maine South, so it’s nice to dress comfortable and wear what you want.”

know, in my shirt and tie, I felt like I was kind of ready for business.”

In many cases, this forced conformity can be better.

Junior Clare Grochal, who attended St. Juliana and St. Paul of the Cross, wore a uniform from kindergarten through eighth grade.

She didn’t mind wearing uniforms throughout her time there and even sees parallels between wearing uniforms and regular clothes.

“Honestly, not wearing uniforms is conformity because you look around and you see other people wearing White Fox hoodies, Parke sweatshirts, or something like that, and you’re like, ‘Oh, this is really popular. I want to conform. I want to buy these hoodies,’” Grochal said.

We need belonging in our lives, but that doesn’t have to be shared through clothing style.

Maine South Principal Dr. Antwan Babakani has thought about how uniforms would affect Maine South.

“Let’s say we’re all required to wear uniforms,” principal Dr. Babakani said. “Do you feel like you would

have a greater sense of belonging in high school? We would all look the same, but the belonging is about how you’re treated, how people speak to you, [and] what kinds of guidelines are there to support you.”

Fashion is all about preference; different people have their own styles. Junior Patrick Raffalo, a former student at St. Paul of the Cross, witnessed firsthand the differences between having uniforms and not having uniforms.

However, he wasn’t fazed by the uniform requirements.

“Yeah, I don’t think it affected how I could express myself,” Raffalo said.

Senior Lila McNamara, another former St. Paul of the Cross student, is a self-proclaimed stylish person and enjoys dressing up, but she didn’t find her time in uniform to be negative.

“I liked uniforms because they weren’t really strict on them,” McNamara said.

There are ways that conformity can promote unity and harmony between students. No differences in appearance can decrease chances of

appearance-based biases.

“Uniforms did help eliminate certain differences between others and it created a space where people could be friends with one another not because of how they dress or anything, but because of actual personality,” Grochal said.

One of the many arguments for uniforms is that students will act more maturley when wearing them.

“It’s hard for me to say if we were serious because of uniforms, or if we were serious because we were already pretty good students to begin with,” Mr. Egan said.

Despite some apparent advantages, the possibility of uniforms at Maine South is not something administration is considering.

“If I just came out the gates and said, ‘All right, guys, we’re gonna discuss uniforms,’ what’s my ‘why?’”Dr. Babakani said. “I don’t really have one right now… our kids are great in the way they’re expressing themselves, the way they have a voice, the way they have their rights, and feel comfortable.”

Maine South students share their answer to the question, “Would you want Maine South to transition to uniforms?”

“No, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I like how choosing your outfit makes each day feel fresh, and I get to have fun and dress up fancy on Fridays.”

“Yes, uniforms take away the daily stress of having to pick out an outfit every morning. They also save time and make getting ready for school quicker and easier.”

“I wouldn’t want Maine South to have uniforms. Not having uniforms lets people express themselves and wear what they want. ”

Alexis Vengazo Class of ‘26

Sean Lynch Class of ‘27

Andriana Margaris Class of ‘27

Nathan Hankla Class of ‘28 PHOTOS BY

South students connect to local Boutiques

Pennybird Boutique

2 Sisters Boutique A&L

Julia Coyle Entertainment Writer

Edie Boutique is located in Uptown Park Ridge and owned by local business owner Amy DeGrazio, who owns many stores throughout the midwest.

“The first store I ever owned was in Park Ridge,” DeGrazio said. “It was called Main Street Shoes in 1996. The first Edie opened up in 2015 in Lake Geneva.”

“I bought my first store when I was 25 years old,” DeGrazio said. “And then I’ve just had stores ever since then.”

There are five Edie boutiques in different locations, and there are three Marigold Gift Shops — Edie’s sister brand, with the first evolving from the Lake Geneva location.

“We thought some people like to shop for clothes, and some people like to shop for gifts,” DeGrazio said. “And then after the Lake Geneva one, we opened Marigold here and in Libertyville,” DeGrazio said.

Edie is known for their wide variety of items, so there is always something for everyone.

“I would describe Edie as a one-stop destination.” DeGrazio said. “[Edie] is a place to get gifts, things for yourself, things to go to a wedding, things to go to a concert, things for almost every occasion.”

Sophomore Nora Healy is an avid shopper at Edie and has found it to be the perfect place to go shopping for gifts.

“I remember when my cousin was having her baby, and we went to go shop there to find something for him,” Healy said.

It is a fan-favorite within the community and a shop known for having quality items for anything someone may need.

“We are very community oriented,” Degrazio said. “We sponsor lots of different organizations like baseball and softball teams.”

Edie is a staple within the Park Ridge community, not only because it is located within the center of town, but also because it is a boutique with local roots and a long-standing history.

“I think Edie is a cute store run by locals in Park Ridge,” Healy said. “It’s a great addition to Uptown.”

TheWriter

Pennybird Boutique, a women’s boutique in Edison Park, has been a local favorite for customers of all ages. With its mission to create staples for a range of styles and occasions from nights out to workdays, the boutique has long celebrated its ability to collaborate with women all over the Chicago area.

The store was opened in November of 2022 by Edison Park local Michelle Martin.

“One of the most rewarding parts of running this boutique has been meeting and collaborating with women all over — helping them find items that make them look good and feel even better,” Martin said.

In 2018, the boutique started as a small homebased online business participating in local popups and local events. In 2020, Martin opened up a temporary but longer-standing location in a multi-vendor marketplace.

When Martin was finally able to open a storefront, her dreams came true.

“Opening a store has been a dream of mine since I was a small child,” Martin said.

The Pennybird Boutique has become a staple boutique in Edison Park and the surrounding areas. The name, Pennybird, is a combination of one of her daughter’s names, Penelope, and her nickname for herself and her daughters — three little birds — which has stuck for years.

Senior Maya Davis, an employee at Pennybird, has appreciated the opportunity to gain experience in the fashion field.

“My boss actually values my input; she even asks me for advice on what to buy for the store or where to rearrange things,” Davis said. “I think people come to us for our advice. We can tell you what to get for a certain event and how to style a garment.”

A successful business since the beginning, the Pennybird Boutique has drawn in its customers and employees with a positive attitude and promising perspectives.

“[The store] has allowed me to share my love of fashion with my neighbors and local community, as well as customers all over the country,” Martin said.

Entertainment Writer & Editor

2Sisters

is a popular local boutique located in the heart of Park Ridge. The owner, Natalie Amabile, had pursued a degree in fashion and worked in merchandising before becoming a stay-at-home-mom. Amabile decided to open her own boutique, 2 Sisters Boutique, in March 2016, naming it after her two daughters.

Amabile enjoys the tight-knit community that Park Ridge offers.

“I enjoy [owning a boutique in Park Ridge] because it has a small town feel,” Amabile said.

A positive of having a small business is the ability to connect with customers one-on-one. She finds fulfillment in helping her customers with their needs.

“I love when customers come in and let me play dress up with them I get to pick all the things out and they trust me,” Amabile said. “Or I dress the whole family and I’ve picked it all out and then they come back in and kind of show me the results of what I’ve created. I love when I go out and I see people wearing the clothes that I’ve sold them and feeling good.”

The fashion industry allows room for artistic strategizing and vision.

“My favorite part is merchandising the store, and that’s just basically putting out a new product, making it look different and fresh and new and I do that at least once a week,” Amabile said. “It just gets your creativity flowing as opposed to sitting behind a desk all day.”

Similarly, workers enjoy the customers and working with them just as much.

Since its opening, the store has expanded by introducing a men’s department in 2021 called Brother J’s, named after her son.

This March, the store will be celebrating their ten-year anniversary with a three-day event taking place March 5, 6, and 7.

“My favorite part of working at a local boutique is meeting new people from the Park Ridge area and getting the opportunity to get to know people and help them with their different shopping needs,” 2 Sisters employee senior Jessie Simpson said.

Caitlyn Kim Entertainment

Cindy Lwin & Gabi Shaw

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

Fast fashion: harmless trends or overconsumption?

Fastfashion and micro trends are everywhere around us. Micro trends have reshaped our perception of clothing, as we discard clothes in favor of new ones very quickly.

Micro trends are rapid, meaning they come and go before someone even has the chance to catch up to the latest one.

They tend to come from social media platforms which give attention to people who are on the cutting edge of the latest trends.

As a result, clothing is no longer simply an outlet for expression; instead, participating in a trend provides short term pleasure and exhilaration.

This shift in how people view trends and participate in them normalizes the disposability of clothes

through peer pressure.

When a color or certain style of clothing becomes popular for a short period of time, buyers feel pressured to purchase new pieces to seem relevant to the standards.

A growing issue is that re-wearing outfits has begun to be seen as outdated and weird, when it was once practical and expected.

Micro trends rely on urgency which frames fast fashion as something that has to be consumed before the moment passes. This is the main reason for impulsive purchases of low-quality, trend-specific clothes.

Influencer culture is one of the biggest reasons that fast fashion is so popular. Influencers glorify current trends and encourage outfit changes based on the current trends.

This morphs overconsumption into necessity and alters audiences’ perceptions of consumption.

Influencers are also often role models based on their lavish lifestyles and endeavors.

Based on this influence, they

often promote excessive consumption.

When you scroll on TikTok and see a big name who just bought a new item that is trend ing in five different colors, that influences you to mindlessly reach for that item.

By shifting the focus from quick aesthetics to expression and cre ativity, fashion can move away from constant replacement and toward intentional consumption.

To shift the focus, there has to be a change in behavior of online creators and an increase in con sumer awareness.

For example, online cre ators should promote restyling outfits in different ways as well as re-wearing outfits.

This would reshape what people view as fashionable

and desirable.

To reduce negative environmental impact, people can buy second hand or do clothing swaps to engage in trends without contributing to continuous production waste. Ultimately, micro trends do more than influence what people wear — they change the definitions of how clothing is valued. Addressing this issue requires changes in the way people think about fashion.

By re-framing fashion to focus on timelessness instead of micro trends, and by holding brands and consumers accountable for overconsumption, we can reshape counteract the normalization of fast fashion and conserve our environment in the process.

Clothing brands raise prices while quality plummets

It is easy to find yourself spending at least $200 for just one item when you purchase items from brands like Alo or Aviator Nation. For that price, you would expect athleisure that’s comfortable and durable, right? But these brands have the ability to charge so much, not because of impeccable quality, but because influencers and social media trends seem to justify it.

Alo has a section in their website called “As Seen on Kendall and Kylie,” which showcases all of the items that Kardashians have worn from their brand. Celebrities are admired by the public, and the things they say carry weight.

When a brand shows all of the items worn by a celebrity, it encourages the public to wear them too. This can justify spending $30 on a pair of socks from a place like Alo. However, these prices have nothing to do with the quality of their product.

The goal of influencers is to make their life look perfect, even if that’s not the truth. Many influencers put on a facade to showcase seemingly ideal lives, utilizing social media as a highlight reel.

The effect on their viewers is to try and copy

their lives, whether that’s clothes they wear, what makeup routine they use, what workouts they do, or what recipes they make.

When viewers see influencers they like in an Alo yoga set, that persuades them to want it too.

The craziest part is that those influencers could hate the material or the color of the clothing, but they won’t say that, as the brand pays them to say otherwise. They want their followers to buy it so they can make more money. That raises the question: why are these brands so expensive?

These brands consider their products “luxury” because they say they use luxury, hand crafted fabrics. But many people complain about the quality from these expensive brands. For example, my friend told me that just after two washes, her Alo crewneck pilled and the letters started to peel off. I have a pair of Alo socks and after a few washes, the fabric started to weaken. These experiences contradict their high end prices.

It’s not just Alo; my friends and I have discussed how we don’t understand the hype around Aviator Nation. My friends have multiple hoodies from there, and for over $100 you would expect them to be soft. But they feel just like any ordinary hoodie; in fact my $30 hoodie from Target feels just as soft.

Some may say that the quality is bad from the start, but that’s not true. At first, the clothes do seem high end. The first time I touched my Alo socks they were soft. When my friends wore their Alo and Aviator Nation hoodies for the first time, they were high-end.

After a few washes, however, they were back to being like any other brand. So while they claim to be luxury, after two weeks, they aren’t luxurious anymore.

Why do these brands call themselves luxury? It’s because they use deception. If you buy something because you saw an influencer wearing it, you’re not buying it for the reliability — you’re buying it for the brand name.

So maybe what we call “luxury” isn’t about quality — it’s about the tag.

ILLUSTRATION BY AMELIE BUTLER

Chrysanthi CK Commentary Writer

Lucy Harris Commentary Writer

Drip through the decades

Karin Flensborg, Andrew George & Gabi Shaw Entertainment Editors

BUTTONED

UP Slim-fitting buttondown shirts, sometimes with patterns like stripes or plaid, were very common during the ‘60s.

CARDIGANS Cardigans (far left) were common to put over a shirt or blouse, particularly one that has a turtleneck. Also, any sort of high neck or boat neck top (far right) were popular.

1960s

CUTE COLLARS

A collar over a sweater — typically a tighter knit one — was a common look.

◄ VEST FEST A vest over a looser long sleeve, paired with accessories like a headband or earrings, was something students had in a regular outfit rotation.

PATTERNS

Many wore lots of patterns, specifically plaid. Plaid shirts, like this, and plaid skirts for girls, were popular.

◄LONG HAIR

Long hair was the style in the ‘70s. Many wore it straight with no accessories or curls, as well.

GIRL

BOSS Girls would commonly wear leisure suits in the ‘70s. They also wore this common look on the left that included a long skirt with a button up or blouse on top.

1970s

TIGHT

LAYERS A tight long sleeve shirt, possibly with a turtleneck, with a tight square-neck tank over it was a very popular look. You could even wear a long necklace to add some flare.

GLAMOROUS GLASSES

Big glasses were a popular accessory to wear for boys and girls. Also, more voluminous hair for boys became more common.

Throughout Maine South’s 62 years, fashion Dive in and travel through the trends

SLEEK STRIPES

Stripes were very common in the ‘80s — they were worn by both men and women. Stripes came in many varieties.

LETTERMEN The hallways were filled with athletes wearing letterman jackets. A Maine South letterman jacket was also used in the famous 1990 film “Home Alone.”

1980s

HEAD OF HAIR

Many girls rocked voluminous, puffy hair in the ‘80s. They also consistently wore denim in their outfits.

HAWK

YEAH Even

Harley rocked another outfit back in the ‘80s. His body used to be fully red and his head used to be mostly white.

CHEER

The uniforms for the cheer team were simpler in the past, missing today’s razzle-dazzle. This specific team performed at V-show.

decades at Maine South

fashion has changed dramatically over the course of every decade, with each being identifiable by it’s unique style. that characterized each era.

EYRIE HEADBANDS Like a similar trend today, headbands were very popular to spice up hair and outfits in the ‘90s.

ACCESSORIES

FOR DAYS Having a bunch of hair clips and tacky necklaces was a cute and popular way to accessorize your outfit in the ‘90s

TRENDY TANKS In the 2000s, tanks and camis were the perfect piece of clothing to use for layering. Girls would even layer up to three tank tops in their outfits.

SPIKED HAIR

Gelled hair was very popular for boys in the 2000s. The gel allowed their hair to be crazy or used to keep it maintained.

1990s

SHORT HAIR Shoulder length hair for girls was very popular in the ‘90s. Only few girls had very long hair.

◄ SCRUNCHIES Many girls, especially for the use of sports, wore scrunchies for a cute and practical look.

COMFY

CARDIGANS

Short cardigans were all the rage back in the early 2010s. Not only were they comfortable, they also complemented many outfits.

PLAID

AIN’T PLAIN

In the early 2010s, plaid, specifically flannel shirts like these, became a fall staple. To this day, many students wear plaid during the fall season.

2000s 2010s

STYLISH SCARVES

Long, colorful scarves were a must-have during this time. Girls loved to wear scarves as a fun and warm accessory.

SUPER SHELLS Wearing puka shell necklaces was a must for both boys and girls. They gave a fun and beachy look.

MULTICOLORED

Tie-dye shirts rose to popularity for the fun vibes it brought. The doit-yourself factor was an added positive for many.

DOUBLE

DENIM With the 2010s came a denim resurgence, but with a new look. People began putting their own style on denim, with ripped jeans rising in popularity.

Fashion expectations differ between genders

cured cancer rather than that they wore something slightly out of the norm.

Women are often torn apart in the press after taking a chance on something new.

Emery Yates Editor-in-Chief

Forcenturies, women have been held to different fashion standards than men.

In the 16th century, women wore bone-breaking corsets to make their waists seem slimmer; in the ‘30s they were expected to wear a dress and heels at all times; it wasn’t until the ‘90s that women were allowed to wear pants in Congress.

Men, however, had no such expectations.

While such extreme standards are not seen today, subtle yet still evident differences in standards in both the quality of clothing and expectations of dress exist.

One way to look at it on an amplified scale is the way that celebrities dress for big events.

Money is often no problem for these high-class citizens, so in theory, they should all be dressed to the nines.

Often, however, the women show up in showstopping outfits that they spent months working on with designers. Whereas men, most of the time, arrive in a plain black tuxedo.

Even the risks that they take are treated differently. When men break the status quo and show up in something different, they are treated like they

Don’t

Singers Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan, for example, have been heavily criticized in the last couple of years for their unconventional choice of dress at award shows, even though the whole point of fashion is to express yourself and take risks.

On a more local level, this same phenomenon is seen every year when homecoming and prom roll around. Girls are expected to buy a new dress every year, and once they become upperclassmen, it’s twice a year.

They also must get their hair done, do a full face of makeup, and coordinate their jewelry with their outfit.

Guys, on the other hand, either rent a suit or buy one every couple of years, and have their mom get a tie that somewhat matches the color of their date’s dress.

I understand there doesn’t seem to be much a guy can do in terms of dressing up for school dances. However, I am saying that if girls are expected to spend hundreds of dollars one or two times a year for four years, guys should be held to the same standards.

These differences become even more dramatic when you consider the material and design of women’s clothes.

Men’s jeans, for example, are practical; they are made to last and have pockets of functional size.

Women’s jeans, however, are often incredibly uncomfortable and have pockets the size of a coin purse.

Even more, at most formal events, women are expected to wear high heels, which are possibly the most uncomfortable shoes imaginable. Yet, they have become the standard.

Not only are women expected to put more time and effort into their appearance than men, but they are also expected to force themselves into uncomfortable and ill-fitting articles of clothing.

While society as a whole has made great strides in gender equality, the differing expectations of dress between men and woman remains stuck firmly in the past.

let your classmates tell you to not wear jeans

Audrey Becker Editor-in-Chief

Early-2000s movies set in high school show how drastically different the fashion scene is today.

Specific articles of clothing, like Juicy Couture sweatsuits and layered lace camis, are staple pieces of Y2K clothing that are almost never seen today. However, the most striking difference is that nearly every student wore a pair of jeans at school.

In my experience, it seems that in Maine South culture, jeans are reserved for “special occasions” instead of everyday wear. Jeans are worn when you’re dressing up for a birthday dinner, not when you’re just going to the grocery store or to school.

Jeans being viewed as a “fancy” piece of clothing was made extremely clear my freshman year when I participated in cheer. On the days before competitions, we had to dress fancy

for school, and when our coach told us jeans were a casual piece of clothing, it was met groans.

Still, I actually agree with my cheer coach that jeans are indeed casual. Because of the increased popularity of athleisure, many students are drawn to the soft and comfortable qualities of things like leggings and hoodies. The fleece-lined hoodies and buttery soft yoga pants sold by the most popular brands obviously have an appeal for their trendy value and comfort, making jeans seem far too uncomfortable and formal for daily wear, even if they would make a cute outfit.

The standard of jeans as a casual piece of clothing is one that needs to be reinstated. By no means am I saying that sweats or athleisure should be outlawed — I also wear these often — but there shouldn’t be a stigma against wearing jeans in fear of being overdressed.

Instead, there should be a shift in the way people think about what is considered casual versus dressy clothing, and jeans should be considered casual, as they have for decades. Dressing in clothes that you’d wear to bed shouldn’t be the norm.

As a person who works at a boutique and spends her free time scroll-

ing on Pinterest, I take pride in wearing curated outfits that reflect my personal style. This means that I will wear jeans to school and be met with comments of “Wow! You look so fancy today!” and “Why are you dressed so nice?”

Even though these seem benign on the surface, comments like these have the potential of eroding a person’s confidence in wearing what they truly like. I try to take these as compliments, but I would be lying if these comments didn’t make me second guess what I wear to school.

In fact, when I was a timid freshman, I took them as insults and put my personal style aside to conform to what I believed to be the Maine South standard.

Personal style isn’t something to be ashamed of; it should be celebrated as something that makes everyone unique. Avoiding wearing jeans just because everybody else does or out of fear of judgement of others is something that needs to be changed because style is far more than clothes — it is a reflection of ourselves.

Accessories make an outfit complete

Ivana Zezelj

Commentary Editor

Zigzag Headband

Throughout the year, the zigzag headband has returned to fame, reaching its peak through social media platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram. The headband is a versatile trend that can make or break your outfit. The headband has the ability to dress down a fancier fit. Bringing a casual vibe too a dress, skirt, or blazer. However, the headband is often victim to being thrown on without a clear purpose. When worn correctly, to put together an outfit or pull back a few loose hairs, it can without a doubt help you look a bit more put together on a messy day. No matter the occasion, the zigzag headband is definitely something to consider, as it adds a pop of texture to add to your look.

Stacked Necklaces

Layering different lengths, designs, shapes, and styles of gold or silver necklaces makes a basic outfit feel like a complete look. Stacking necklaces adds a bit of dimension and keeps things interesting on the neck. Considering necklaces can range from chunky to minuscule, a stack won’t distract from letting your outfit shine. In addition, stacked necklaces can be an affordable option to enhance your outfit, as many necklaces like the ones found at Target are under $20. While stacking necklaces can lead to tangled chains and frustration, when stacked and dealt with care, necklaces can cover a bland neck and collar bone with much needed shine and color. If you can effortlessly rock a stacked necklace look, then your outfit is instantly elevated.

Adidas Sambas

Adidas

sneakers have been a popular shoe choice since their early model debut in 1949. These shoes have stuck around for a reason — they basically go with everything from jeans to dresses. Their low profile makes them a safe bet for a clean and sporty finish. They come in a variety of colors, from deep green to a light beige. A popular choice is Adidas Campuses. However, the Campus model has a higher likelihood of “breaking” an outfit if not styled correctly due to their chunky nature. The sleek silhouette of Samba can also be a safer option if minimalism and cleanliness is the goal. Now, a gym shoe, more specifically, a dirty worn-down gym shoe, isn’t always the best choice if your look is more clean. But if these sneakers are in good condition and are presentable, then they are a great option for everyday outfits. An outfit without a sleek gym shoe like this can come out bland and messy. A good, versatile shoe like this can only “make” an outfit.

Earrings

Littlestuds and tiny hoops are the easiest way to add some sparkle to your outfit without doing too much. They work best when they follow the curve of the ear in a way that feels intentional and clean. It starts to look a bit messy when the styles are all over the place or the spacing is off. If you mix a thick hoop with a thin one, or even dip into mixing three or four metals, the look can become very messy. A curated stack can add the finishing touches to an already impressive fashion look. Sometimes, the look of a bare ear can take away from the elegance of a dressy outfit; however, an earring stack can add just that. With the perfect combination of hoops and studs, earrings can top off any outfit. Earrings can also enhance other pieces of jewelry. Jewelry brands often make bracelets and necklaces that have earring pairings. Leaning into matching those jewelry pieces adds a layer of organization and coordination to an outfit. No matter the metal or jewels, a good set of earrings can add countless possibilities a fashion look.

Bracelets

Anelaborate, chunky set of bracelets or a few delicate chains on the wrist can really ground a sleeveless look. It can bring the jewelry on your ears and neck together, all while adding a nice flash to your wrists. Bracelets are often not given the recognition they deserve. Imagine trying to elevate a sleeveless fashion look with no glamorous jewelry to slip on your wrists. However, when you start to wear heavier bracelets, something to watch out for is the noise level. If the sound of metal clicking and clacking is the only thing you hear every time you reach for your phone, you might want to leave a few at home to keep it simple. Overall, bracelets, like other jewelry, are never a bad idea. With a variety of styles and colors, from bangles to chains, silver to gold, there are limitless options for outfits when bracelets are styled correctly.

Purses

Tucking a structured bag under your arm creates a very polished and chic silhouette. It is a great way to lean into the luxury while staying functional for your essentials. Purses are the perfect companion to house necessities while adding glamor to an outfit. The trick is making sure the bag size matches your frame. If the bag is so tiny it looks like a wallet with a string or so big it hits your elbow awkwardly, the balance of the outfit gets thrown off. In addition, if a shoulder bag is worn as a clutch bag or vice versa, the outfit can start to dip into failure. However, if worn correctly, this is an accessory that will, without doubt, elevate a bland outfit.

Alumnae Excel in the field of Fashion

Audrey Becker & Bart Dabkowski

Editor-in-Chief & Features Editor

Ms. Stephanie Inserra, through her fashion class curriculum and FCCLA competitions, has helped students to grow their passion for fashion. The program is so successful that several Maine South alumnae are now making an impact in the fashion industry around the world.

The fashion class at Maine South had a major impact on Becky Pabon’s (‘16) decision to go into a fashion career. After graduating from the University of Missouri, she aided in the launch of the first 250 Sephora at Kohl’s stores and has been a buyer at Kohl’s and Crate and Barrel.

“Maine South fashion class will forever be my favorite, most memorable class I have ever taken,” Pabon said. “Mrs. Inserra did an incredible job of not only exploring our likes for sewing and design, but also gave us a look into other avenues to pursue outside of design.”

Fundamental skills that are required for a successful career in fashion are a foundation of South’s fashion program.

understanding of garment construction, taught me how to select fabrics and work with color, and showed me the importance of meeting project deadlines,” Associate Designer at Karl Lagerfeld Paris Julia Belz (‘18) said. “All of these skills are so important for success in the industry, especially with it being so fast paced.”

Additionally, some found new interests and talents for the technical parts of the design process while at Maine South.

“When I was learning how to sew at Maine South, I also fell in love with the technical process of fashion,” Thome Browne fashion designer Maria Beniaris (‘14) said. “I loved learning how to make flat fabric and patterns into a three dimensional garment.”

Outside of just sewing or design skills, the lessons focused on the business side of fashion interested Pabon the most.

“Mrs. Inserra’s lesson on what retail buying is truly inspired me, and was the sole reason I became passionate and focused on pursuing a career in the industry,” Pabon said. “If it weren’t for Maine South fashion class, I am not sure I would be where I am today.”

Fashion, for many of the alumnae, started as an integral part of childhood, and their interests grew as they continued to pursue more fashion classes and took it more seriously.

“I can remember loving fashion since I was a kid,” Beniaris said. “I would design my Halloween costumes and outfits for my Barbies. The interest never faded, and as I got older, my pursuits became more serious.”

Even when it seemed like it was only a dream for them to pursue a real career in fashion, the Maine South fashion program allowed the students to realize they could follow their interests into their careers.

“Before taking those classes, I didn’t realize that something I loved — like sewing — could actually turn into a viable career path,” Kohl’s Decorative Bath Associate Buyer Morgan Lasso (‘19) said. “By my junior year, it became clear that fashion wasn’t just a hobby; it was

my passion.”

Former student Kaela Katz (‘12) has since started a textile waste recycling business based in London called FibreLab in order to lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Much of her desire to pursue a fashion related career can be traced back to Maine South and Mrs. Inserra’s fashion class.

“Reflecting now, [Maine South’s fashion class] also helped me gain entrepreneurial skills,” Katz said. “I had friends commission me to make them custom homecoming dresses, which might have been the very start of my fashion career.”

Hard work and self-confidence are believed to be the key ingredients to a successful career in fashion.

“If you’re interested in a career in fashion, it’s important to believe in yourself and set goals,” Belz said. “Focus on learning the skills you need, building a strong portfolio, and gaining experience through internships or projects. Don’t be discouraged by challenges because these are opportunities to learn and grow.”

Careers in fashion can come with both positive and negative aspects, but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives.

“A career in fashion can be a lot of hard work, but it’s certainly worth it to enjoy the positive impact you can have, along with the occasional glamour of fashion week,” Katz said. “Take up every opportunity that comes your way, it could be that an unexpected experience sparks your interest in one

SUSTAINABLY CHIC

SHOW IT OFF Morgan Lasso (‘19) (left) stands in front of the Kohl’s table at the Kent State career table. Lasso is an associate buyer at Kohl’s after having graduated from Kent State with a major in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Business Management.

SEW CUTE Maria Beniaris (‘14) is adding the finishing touches to a white, sparkly coat. Beniaris works with the luxury fashion brand Tom Browne Inc.

STRUT YOUR STUFF As a fashion buyer, Becky Pabon (‘16) attended fashion shows like this one. By pursuing a career in retailing, Pabon has been able to visit a variety of fashion stores and shows in search of apparel.

FibreLab is a textile waste recycling business based in London started by Maine South alumna Kaela Katz (‘12). After working for a large fast fashion brand as a designer, she wanted to reduce the environmental impact the fashion industry had.

PHOTO COURTESY BECKY PABON

PHOTO COURTESY MORGAN LASSO

PHOTO COURTESY KAELA KATZ

Costume crew: designed for the stage

Alisa Durkee Features Writer

While actors perform on stage, the costume crew works behind the scenes to bring every production to life. From tracing patterns to constructing full garments, the crew’s efforts shape the audience’s visual experience.

The program is supervised by Ms. Beth LaskeMiller, the school’s costume designer, who guides students through the process of designing, constructing, and maintaining costumes for every production. She came to Maine South after hearing about the opportunity from an actor.

“I have been a costume designer in Chicago for a few years and an actor that I worked with was directing the winter play here at the time,” LaskeMiller said. “He knew that they were looking for somebody, and he called me, and I just so happened to be looking at the time.”

She has since led the costume crew through many productions, including the musical “Six.” Costume crew’s work on the musical required detailed construction and was inspired by the Broadway designs.

“Everything they wore in ‘Six’ was completely constructed by us,” Junior Ellie Reuhs said. “We made it all by hand... There’s a lot of materials you don’t use in your average, everyday clothes… Just constructing all of that was really cool.”

Junior Audrey Demott, a costume crew head, said embellishments were a major part of the process.

“‘Six’ was a lot of our work,” Demott said. “It was bedazzling stuff, adding trims, and embellishments.”

Much of the foundation came from Ms. LaskeMiller’s guidance.

“[She] did a lot of the base construction work and then gave us free will to glue and sew whatever we wanted,” Demott said.

When designing costumes, Ms. Laske-Miller often researches past works and makes it her own.

“I like to do a lot of research and I like to do things that are unexpected, so I might start from what has been done before, but then take it somewhere totally different,” Ms. Laske-Miller said. “I get a lot of inspiration from fashion, movies, and literally everything out there.”

Sophomore Eva Berko, also a costume crew head, focused on the finishing details for the production.

“I did a lot of work with trimming on the costumes,” Berko said. “I also did a lot of work with the shoes, like hot gluing all the embellishments on the shoes, which was fun, but also very hard.”

After “Six,” the crew shifted to the fall play “She Kills Monsters,” which required both fantasy and realistic costumes.

“I had to trace a lot of patterns,” Berko said. “I sewed a few things, but it was kind of a lot of pulling from what we already had.”

Productions require several weeks to months of preparation.

“Usually it kind of depends on what it is, but usually a few weeks,” Berko said. “Some things are more complicated than others. Larger productions require more commitment.”

Reuhs often helps backstage while also performing in the show.

“I helped with pulling accessories, tracing some of the patterns that we used to make garments that we needed to make by hand, pulling some stuff that we already had,” Reuhs said. “I helped measure the actors a lot.”

Many of the costumes begin as sketches made by Ms. Laske-Miller.

“I like to do a different style for every show and try to get the most important big colorful images out first, then base everything else off that,” Ms. Laske-Miller said. “I like using a lot of different media too. Sometimes I draw, sometimes I do digital, sometimes paint.”

Demott’s journey in the crew started with a friend encouraging her to give it a try.

“I started during winter play my freshman year,” Demott said. “One of my friends was trying to persuade me and a couple of other friends to come to crew with her, so I went to the crew interest meeting for Little Women.”

She quickly realized costume crew was the right fit.

“I remember everyone was just so nice to me there,” Demott said. “They were so accepting and just such fun people. I was like, ‘This is my stuff. I’m going to stay here.’”

During “The Laramie Project”, Demott discovered she had taken on a leadership role without realizing it.

“During ‘The Laramie Project’ last year, my mom sent me a photo during the actual show of the playbill, and I was under costume head,” Demott said. “I was like, ‘What? I don’t remember applying to be a costume head.’”

Leadership in the costume crew is typically given to seniors or to those have put in a lot of effort for productions.

“For costumes, it’s just whoever’s really committed to it and close to graduating,” Demott said Gaining experience over her first year also naturally led Berko to a leadership role.

“Last year, we had three crew heads,” Berko said. “Two of them were seniors, and when they graduated, I applied for a crew head this year.” “[Ms. Laske-Miller] said that since I had a lot of knowledge about where everything was and how it works, she asked me if I wanted to be a crew head, and that was really exciting.”

Reuhs said joining costume crew allowed her to stay involved in theater.

“I’ve always been interested in theater as a whole,” Reuhs said. “When I auditioned for the fall play my freshman year, I didn’t get in. I wanted to join a crew to still be involved.”

Many crew members appreciate the welcoming environment that often leads to new friendships.

“My favorite part of costume crew is probably the friendships we all formed with each other,” Reuhs said. “We’re there every day after school, so we all talk to each other a lot. They’re some of my best friends.”

Even with sewing skills not required, crew members said a positive attitude is key.

“What’s nice about costume crew is we do so much that I don’t know how to sew, and I have a very basic understanding, and that’s still enough,” Berko said. “Just being willing to show up and do the work and have a good attitude is all you need.

Despite the challenges the costume crew faces during productions, the community at the costume crew often makes things easier.

“I feel like it’s such a great community that the struggles don’t affect you,” Demott said. “You’ve got everyone there to help you and be there for you.”

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN Audrey Demott cuts fabric by tracing a previously cut paper outline. This costume is for one of the three fates in South’s 2026 spring musical, “Hades Town.”

PHOTO BY ANDREW GEORGE

Who wore the iconic HOLLYWOOD look?

Karin Flensborg, Andrew George, & Gabi Shaw Entertainment Editors

This strapless pink dress was later worn in Madonna’s “Material Girl” video in tribute to the celebrity who debuted the outfit in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

These two fashionable dolls took the box office by storm in summer 2023 as they rocked cowboy attire when visiting the human world for the first time.

Through films, television shows, and music videos, Hollywood has brought many iconic outfits to life. Test your knowledge on memorable looks; fill in the blanks below with the character or celebrity name who wore the iconic look. The answers are below, but no cheating!

Here's a clue: this famous yellow plaid outfit was worn by a rich, popular teen who went to Beverly Hills High School in a 1995 teen movie.

Made from real meat, this dress left the 2010 VMA awards attendees and the paparazzi in shock. One could say she was "living for the applause."

Go back to the 1980s when the protagonist of a popular time-travel film layered denim, a patterned button-up, and an orange vest.

This red outfit with black accents from an ‘80s music video commonly watched during the Halloween season is sure to give you a thrill.

The star of this 1986 film wandered in Chicago in a leopard print vest, yellow jacket, and brown pants, making a memorable outfit for the movie poster.

The character from the newly ended hit Netflix series wore a blue uniform for her ice cream parlor job in her introductory season; the third of the show.

Fashionably difficult CROSSWORD

Emery Yates Editor-in-Chief

ACROSS

1. Roblox fashion game

Complete this fashion-themed crossword and e-mail a clear photo of your completed copy to southwords@maine207.org. The first person to submit will receive a Southwords t-shirt! DOWN

4. The style of headband popularized in the early 2000s but is currently making a comeback

6. A preppy clothing brand featuring rainbows

8. Fashion style or a turn-of-thecentury computer bug fear

9. A brand that had “The OC” and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Chris Carmack’s face on its bags in the 2000s

15. $130 mock neck sweatshirt with an influencer’s name across the front

16. Type of jacket seen on high school jocks in movies

19. $40 hair clip

22. Article of clothing that is winter for the torso, summer for the arms

23. Acronym made popular on TikTok to show off the day’s style

24. Cubs player best known by an acronym who currently has the bestselling Cubs jersey

25. A store that recently brought back its “2000s Collection”

27. Name of the most popular Ugg at MSHS

28. Worn on the neck of VSCO girls

32. City of tea parties and clogs

33. Abbreviation of the Big Apple’s biggest week

37. An influencer who styled a Maruchan Ramen hoodie

38. A jewelry brand that always has gimmicky 90% off sales

40. 2020-2021 headwear that remains popular on safaris and fishing trips

42. Pants that are full of pockets

43. Informal name for shoes named after a famous Chicago sports star

45. Denim that is opposite of skinny

2. Fashion style of men who read feminist literature and listen to Clario

3. Color worn by Regina George on Wednesdays

5. A style associated with band tees and baggy jeans

7. The nickname of a certain Bears player who has festive nails

9. Bracelet for the foot that is often worn at the beach

10. Popular cork-bottomed summer footwear

11. An item of clothing featured on lumberjacks and hipsters

12. Patterned bag brand mostly found in a middle school lunch room

13. Expensive athleisure brand with a sour ending

14. A spaghetti strapped item of clothing that was layered in multiples in the 2000s fashion scene

17. The brown boots worn by many Maine South men

18. Army print on hoodies and cargo pants

20. “We don’t wear Nike Techs, we wear________”

21. A jean brand with items like 502 and 501

26. A controversial online fast fashion brand

28. Fluffy dog breed on a popular 1950s dress

29. Adidas shoe coming back into style

30. 2020 animal print micro trend that is also seen on a farm

31. A festive movie in which a MSHS letterman jacket is featured

34. Most iconic and edible red carpet garb worn by the singer of “Applause” and “Abracadabra”

35. Popular sorority girl jewelry brand

36. Type of hat worn by Jug Head Jones in Riverdale

39. An underwater activity that doubles as a sweatshirt

41. Worn by frat bros and ancient Greek philosophers

44. Type of pants bought by every MSHS freshman at the bookstore

Maine South athletes sport unique looks

Riley Story Sports Editor

On game day, the uniform might be assigned, but everything else a player wears is a choice. From arm sleeves to wrist tape, many Maine South athletes use fashion as a form of preparation and expression. For many of the players, what they wear is not about style points — it’s about performance, personality, and comfort.

Across football, baseball, bas ketball, and golf, ath letes use what they wear as a reflection of their mindset. Sports performance fashion shows up as a balance between self-expression and func tionality.

“Personally, I care more about what feels good than what looks good,” senior catcher Luka Stoja kovic said. “Arm sleeves and wrist tape really help with throwing when on the field.”

Functionality is an overarch ing factor for many athletes and is often overlooked.

“For me, I cut my leg pads to keep my legs as loose as possible and to make me feel faster, not for decoration,” senior

running back Niko Kokosioulis said. Golf makes it even clearer that functionality and comfort come first.

“Socks are crucial in keeping my feet dry and comfortable during a wet round,” senior golfer Peter Corthinos said. “Poor weather conditions come up often, and having to walk for hours with wet feet can

A simple approach to sports performance fashion often says more than a flashy one. Players like Kokosioulis, who keep their gear minimal, usually prioritize mobility

“I’m very straight to the point, I don’t care what others think about me. I’m strictly here to play football,” Kokosioulis said. His minimalist approach reflects his personality. Staying with a simple and put-together look is a popular approach for baseball players because it

“There is definitely a correlation in confidence when you see guys wearing flashy gear in contrast to guys with simple and clean looks,” Stojakovic

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES

Senior Luka Stojakovic practices his swing with new JAX batting gloves. These gloves help his grip.

While the baseball team actually prohibits athletic accessorizing, teams like flag football encourage it because it allows athletes to reflect a sense of individuality on the field.

“I always like to wear arm sleeves and eye black with pops of color to make things feel more positive and appealing,” junior wide receiver Emerson De La Cruz said. “You see so many girls in flag football with fun and colorful ac cessories or hair styles, which carries a happy vibe.”

This kind of approach is common throughout sports in all areas.

“Our matching team shoes this year, which are pink, are so fun and different,” junior point guard Hayden Fahy said. “It is nice to switch it up from the basic team colors.”

Whether minimal and clean or bold and expressive, these intentional decisions help Maine South athletes feel confident. Overall, sports performance fashion goes far beyond appearance, with choices reflecting personality and preparation.

MAKING IT RAIN

Junior Hayden Fahy shoots a three against Lane Tech in the post season. This season the team picked the Jordan Luka 4 'Hcerka' as their shoe.

Student section themes: fashion meets spirit

Sydney Hollingsworth Sports Editor

While Maine South students are naturally drawn to support the football team every weekend in the fall, student section themes certainly generate even more excitement for the games. Whether it is home or away, students show up and represent according to that theme. According to a voluntary school-wide survey of 154 students, the reported favorite theme this fall was pink out, winning by one vote.

“The pink out game was definitely my favorite theme because I like the awareness it brings to breast cancer and I love getting the new shirts every year,” senior Jenna Kokkalias said.

Many students wore pink wigs and the pink-out shirt on Oct. 17. Every year, Hawk Nation designs a different shirt for the pink-out game.

“I feel really proud and happy when I see other people wearing it,” senior Hawk Nation leader Sophie Burda said. “The experience was very exciting because I don't get to do something like this often, and it's cool seeing people wear my work to this day.”

The students' second favorite theme was USA. On Sept. 12, students wore red, white, and blue to support the Hawks against Palatine.

“I loved this theme because you had some freedom to wear what you want but our student section still looked like a cohesive group,” senior

Payton Hurley said.

Hawk Nation puts a lot of effort into choosing themes for each game so students remain engaged and are excited to come out and support the Hawks.

“Together as a group at the start of the year, Hawk Nation compiled a list of themes we wanted to do throughout the year,” senior Hawk Nation leader Maja Matic said. “We would try and go along with current events, so if it was Labor Day, we’d choose USA theme, or if it was Halloween, we’d choose costume theme.”

Finally, the students’ third favorite theme was: all-black. On Sept. 26, students dressed in all black in preparation for Homecoming. As part of the

Homecoming tradition, this football game is highly anticipated for many reasons, one being the student section full of energy.

“The [Homecoming] game was electric and it is fun to look around and see so much school spirit,” Hurley said.

The whole point of student section themes is to show your school spirit and support your team, so it is crucial that everyone fits the theme.

“It feels motivating knowing you have all of your friends in the student section cheering and supporting you by wearing the themes,” senior football player Jake Cantal said. “It’s the reassurance of ‘yeah, these are our fans.’”

THINK PINK Seniors lean up against the fence at the front of the student section sporting their pink-out shirts. These pink shirts were sold to raise money for breast cancer.

THE BLACK SEA A packed student section stands with their hands over their hearts for the National Anthem. This Homecoming game had an all-black theme.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

PHOTO BY SAM HIGGINS

Girls’ track is off and running

Gabby Tajalle Sports Writer

With a large number of athletes on the roster, the Maine South girls’ track team is balancing growth with high expectations as the season begins.

“We have 185 girls on the track roster and there are challenges that come with the large number,” Coach Kathleen Durkin said. “While we are happy about the huge interest in the sport, it is hard to get to know their names and have enough space for them to all be in the fieldhouse.”

With Maine South having such a small fieldhouse in comparison to other schools in our conference, the coaching staff has had to get creative by adjusting practice logistics to accommodate the much larger group.

“We have utilized the hallways a lot… and it takes flexibility to make sure everyone has space to train,” Coach Durkin said.

The team’s youth has been a defining factor early in the season.

“Our biggest challenge this season is how young the team is,” junior distance runner Tessie Bradley said. “The freshmen who have never run track before are still learning how to run and pace at certain events, but we know that experience will help them improve over time.”

Maine South’s indoor facilities are difficult to run in, making runners have slower times. This motivates the team when attending away meets.

“Maine South’s indoor track is small, and running on a smaller track makes it difficult to run a very fast time because of all the turns,” Bradley

said. “I realize that when I get the opportunity to run at meets such as Gately, my training and hard work will pay off. The track there is much nicer than the one that is provided here.”

Injuries remain a primary concern across all events, so recovery is implemented to avoid muscle and bone injuries.

“The biggest obstacle that track athletes face is injuries,” Coach Durkin said. “We hope to balance our practices so that the girls are not overusing their legs. To overcome that obstacle, we have great trainers who give advice for stretching certain muscles and allow for ice baths after practices. Taking care of their bodies is a priority.”

The 4x400 relay will need to adjust after key athletes graduated last year.

The team ran a school-record time of 3:56 at the IHSA state meet in 2025.

“I think it is just finding a strong 4x4,” junior Sarah Mendoza said. “With two of our runners gone because they graduated last year, that is

going to be our obstacle. Finding two other runners who will help us get to where we want to go is important. We can overcome this by working together as a team.”

Runners are already starting the season off strong with fast times and even personal bests.

“The moment I am most proud of this season is running a PR in the mile at a preseason meet,” Bradley said. “I let the competition pull me and, to my surprise, I ran a 5:12 mile.”

The team has high hopes for the season, mainly winning conference.

“The team goal is to win the conference,” Coach Durkin said. “The mindset must be that we believe we will win.”

Individual runners also possess goals that extend beyond the conference level, and all the way to the state level.

“My personal goal this season is to make it to my first finals at the state meet,” Bradley said. “I believe anything is possible.”

Unified Dance performs at State competition

Ellie Wasielewski Sports Writer

The Unified Dance team competed in the IHSA State Final on Jan. 30.

Unified Dance is a dance team in which students pair with another student with a disability to choreograph a two-minute performance.

The goal of this team is to form new friendships between students and promote inclusivity.

“I am all about trying to make something more inclusive for everyone,” team sponsor Ms. Michelle Dwyer said.

At the beginning of the season, practices can be difficult because everyone is learning new choreography and skills.

“The beginning of the season is always pretty interesting,” Ms. Dwyer said. “I always say, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to come together.’”

Within the team, they are put into partners and stick with each other throughout the season. Building trust is critical as are the friendships made along the way. This leads to success and cooperation as a team.

“The partners get to know each other, and that’s where the growth really happens,” Ms. Dwyer said. “It’s really the relationship building happening too, because once we know their dancers’ key words or how they move, we can move together a lot easier.”

Spandiary plays at NFL showcase

John Dobrinska Sports Writer

Senior flag football quarterback

Aribella Spandiary was invited to play in the NFL Flag Girls’ High School Showcase at the 2026 Pro Bowl on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

She was flown out to San Francisco to represent the NFC against the AFC in the Pro Bowl games that were televised on ESPN.

Spandiary was one of only 32 high school flag football players in the nation selected to compete.

“I think earning Player of the Year, my stats, and the fact that we won the state championship this year really put my name out there,” Spandiary said.

In addition to these accolades, she was named Player of the Year by the Bears and won the IHSA state title in October of 2025. She was also selected by the Chicago Bears to play with and meet multiple NFL players.

“I met a bunch of NFL players, which was surreal” Spandiary said. “I’d say that some of the top players I met were Christian McCaffrey, Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott. I also met some of our Bears players there, like Nashon Wright and Kevin Byard.”

During the game, Spandiary played a position that she wasn’t used to.

“[The game] didn’t go as I originally expected,” Spandiary said. “I didn’t get to play quarterback, but I did get to play defense, and it was fun. I think I got two flag

Since the season started in November, the team has been consistently practicing.

“We practice after school on Wednesdays, and during practice, we review what we already know in the dance while also brainstorming new ideas,” senior Lauren Geier said.

Geier, having not danced in competitions before, found it to be an exciting new experience.

“I’ve never danced in front of that many people, and I’m sure other people on the team haven’t either,” Geier said. “So, our goal as a team was to go out there and kill it on the state floor, which we did.”

Although there were unexpected changes, she still had an amazing time playing on as large a scale as the Pro Bowl Games.

“It was a really quick game, but it was overall it was just a memorable experience,” Spandiary said. “It was super memorable to be able to meet so many new people, and the environment was very fun.”

UP, UP, AND OVER Senior Alana Ciancio places first in the pole vault with a height of 8’6’’ at Maine South on Feb. 10. The Hawks came in first place at the meet.

PHOTO BY LIZ PALMER

EYES UP Senior Aribella Spandiary runs from the defense while playing quarterback. The Hawks beat Taft 33-0 on Sept. 8.

PHOTO BY LIZ PALMER

Boys’ track has five new coaches on staff

Scarlett Schembeda Sports Writer

This year, the boys’ track and field team is expected to break new records with the assistance of five new coaches. With these new coaches, the boys are learning new techniques and are pushed to their limits through innovative coaching methods.

Coach Jalen Moore joined the team to help students participating in jumping events. Acting as a role model and leader, Coach Moore is helping new and veteran jumpers beat records. Junior Constantin Ursache is four feet away from beating the long jump school record.

“I want to be able to train as hard as I can, and the new coach will help push me to do better,” Ursache said. “Hopefully, with him, he can help me learn new drills and techniques to beat school records.”

Joining the team as a hurdle coach, Mr. Jorge Perez is helping the athletes advance their skills while building endurance. With the addition of Coach Perez, some of the boys are already seeing improvements in their performance.

“Our new hurdle coach is well respected, and I think that he is really

helping me get more advanced with my hurdling,” sophomore Henry Ward said.

Mr. Scott Tumilty has joined the team as a running coach specializing in the 400m and 800m runs. Coach Tumilty is helping athletes like junior Alex Czerwionka find ways to prepare for meet day while also changing their mindset for their runs.

“My personal goal for this season is to break 2:05 for the 800, ” Czerwionka said.“With Coach Tumilty on staff, he has been helping me personally stay on track and ready for each meet.”

Along with a mid-distance coach, there is also an assistant helping the distance athletes. Coach Angel Macias is helping the distance runners push their limits and reach many of their goals while also staying away from injury.

“Because we have our new coach, many of the distance runners are feeling confident about their chances at making it down to State,” Czerwionka said.

Mr. Owen Mathes, a teacher at Frost Academy, has joined the team as the new throwing coach. Coach Mathes has almost a decade of experience as a thrower and is helping the team throw farther.

Girls gymnastics competes at State

Sydney Hollingsworth Sports Editor

The girls’ gymnastics team competed in Sectionals on Feb. 10 as a team and had two state qualifiers, senior Katie Saviski and junior Maya Raczynski. After competing at State on Feb. 20, the girls’ gymnastics season came to an end.

“I got a 9.375 on vault and finished in 10th place, which advanced me to compete in State Finals the following day,” Raczynski said. “I am really happy with how it turned out and am very proud of myself for accomplishing this.”

After a tough season full of injuries and intense competition, having two gymnasts compete in the State competition made the team proud. In order to accomplish this, Saviski and Raczynski worked hard to perfect particular skills. While physical health is important, this year the girls also focused on their mental strength.

“I saw a lot of mental growth in my girls,” Coach Cristina Defilippis said. “They learned how to manage

FLYING HIGH Sophomore Henry Ward jumps over a hurdle in his 55m hurdle race. Ward currently competes in both hurdles and sprint races, including the 55m Hurdle race, 60m dash, and 200m sprint.

“At the start of the season, I was having trouble with my spin technique, so Coach Mathes told me to try a different technique, the glide,” junior thrower Danny Podolski said. “In our first meet, I ended up using the glide and beating my personal record by over half a meter.”

As a team, they are excited and feel confident about the upcoming season. With a long indoor season

followed by an outdoor season, the team hopes to stay committed and healthy, competing to the best of their abilities.

“I'm proud of the daily commitment so many kids have made to the track program thus far,” Head Coach Jason Kacprowski said. “I hope the athletes stay healthy, happy, and well rested to perform the best at track meets.”

Sophia Fortis makes Maine South history

pre-competition nerves, handle pressure, and stay composed during competition. Their resilience and ability to adapt helped them perform with more confidence and consistency.”

This season, the team was able to break a Maine South scoring record. This new high score has helped remind the team of what they are capable of throughout the season.

“This team has done so much to make me proud this year, and I truly feel honored to say I am their coach,” Coach Defilippis said. “On the varsity level, we broke a 137 team score which is an incredible accomplishment.”

In order to generate success, a positive environment is important. Throughout the season the team worked together to cheer each other on and lift everyone up during challenging times.

“They celebrated each other’s successes and created an encouraging team environment,” Coach Defilippis said. “Seeing them come together and grow as a team was incredibly rewarding.”

James Biagi Sports Editor

Junior Sophia Fortis represented Maine South at the Individual Girls’ Wrestling State Finals on Feb. 27 and 28 at Grossinger Motors Arena. She went 1-2 in the tournament, ending a historic season for the program.

“I am truly proud to be one of the people representing Maine South at the state level,” Fortis said.

Fortis became the second girl in school history to qualify for State, following her coach, Angela Lee, who placed fifth at State for Maine South back in 2023.

“The girls’ [wrestling team] has never truly had that many girls, and the one who started it all for us was our coach, Angela Lee,” Fortis said.

Fortis not only became the second girl to qualify for State, but she also made history in another way.

“I am the first girl to become a Sectional champion, two-time Regional champion, as well as a three-time Conference champion,” Fortis said.

Alongside Fortis, the girls’ wres-

tling team had one of the most successful conference performances in program history.

According to Fortis, she and eight other girls placed in the top five for their weight class, with Fortis and freshman Annika Lee placing first in their respective weight classes.

Having such a powerful team helped Fortis thrive, but her hard work and dedication to wrestling also drove her success.

“My biggest key to success this year was surrounding myself with people who believe in me and would push me to do better,” Fortis said. “On top of that, I’ve taken practice more seriously, and I’ve started going to another practice in addition to school practice to get more hours in.”

With a final record of 37-4 in her junior year season, Fortis is proud of the improvement she has made since she began.

“I started wrestling my freshman year here at Maine South, with a losing record,” Fortis said. “I'm grateful for how far I've come since [then].”

Girls’ basketball wins Regionals

Riley Story Sports Editor

After defeating New Trier on Thursday, Feb. 19, 67-54, the girls’ basketball team secured the regional championship for the sixth year in a row. However, they lost in the sectional final 32-48 to Loyola a week later on Thursday, Feb. 26.

“We had already beaten New Trier twice, and we knew [beating them again] wasn’t going to be easy, which made it so exciting,” senior post Addie Kopf said.

Coming out of the gates hot was a prominent goal for the team, and despite the pressure, the team has stayed focused on the goals they established towards the beginning of the season.

“I think the way we started the game was the biggest factor in winning — the score was 19-2 in the first quarter, allowing us to maintain that lead the rest of the game,” senior post Emily Currey said.

Extending the CSL regional championship winning streak, they continue to keep the standard high.

“It felt very rewarding to win another regional championship and keep the streak going,” Currey said. “The game gave us a lot to reflect on and tune up for the playoffs.”

The team’s main focus was to not get distracted and play like

themselves. With each round of the playoffs, the competition strengthens, and every matchup becomes tighter.

“Making sure we take one game at a time and stay super energized from the start was essential to making it to Thursday,” Kopf said. “Our first game against Lane Tech was intimidating, especially after they upset DePaul Prep, which gave them a lot of confidence and momentum.”

Maine South hosting the Sectionals came with a lot of pressure and anticipation. After hosting the Sectional Championship against Loyola in 2024 with over 2,000 attendees, the chatter surrounding the game was loud.

“The crowd was loud, and it was something we were expecting,” Currey said. “It is awesome to have people support us, but it can also get distracting, so we had to stay focused and calm.”

Even as their attention turned to the postseason competition, the team hasn’t overlooked how far they’ve come since the start of the season. The steady growth throughout the season has been the foundation for their confidence and positivity.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth,” Kopf said. “Everyone is having so much fun. Doing their part and working as a unit has built so much team chemistry.”

Outside of just team chemistry, they’ve developed significantly in the technical aspects of the game.

“I think specifically our shooting and defense have improved so much from the beginning of the season,” Currey said. “Knowing how to work with each other more and our team bond has helped us pick up a play when it falls apart easily.”

Tuning in to that team chemistry and new skills, the Hawks were able to overcome a 12-point deficit against Lane Tech in the game on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

“It is definitely hard to look up at the scoreboard and see that we are down by so much, but we were able to cut it to seven before half and eventually won by seven in the end,” Currey said.

The team lost at Sectionals to number-one ranked Loyola, ending their season earlier than they had hoped.

“We played so hard this season and ended with an impressive record of 25-9 overall and 8-2 in our conference,” Kopf said. “We have so much to be proud of in the end.”

Boys’ wrestling sends five to State

Shannon Ottow Sports Writer

In2025, only two players advanced from Sectionals to the IHSA State tournament: Tyler Fortis (‘25) and senior Jake Colleran.

This year has the highest number of wrestlers advancing to State in school history: five.

Seniors Jake Colleran, George Georgiev, Brett Harman, Gavin Hoerr, and Caden Ljubenko all earned themselves a State berth.

“We had a good weekend with a record number of wrestlers winning matches in the [sectional] tournament. All five qualifiers are seniors who have been outstanding leaders, wrestlers and people,” Coach Kevin Hansen said.

The athletes rigorously prepared for this tournament. They had a

challenging postseason journey that required focus and effort.

“Regardless of any struggle or obstacle they always wrestled with honor and courage,” coach Hansen said. “They persevered and wrestled well to advance.”

In anticipation for State, which took place from Feb. 19-21, they continued to go to practice and watched their opponents’ film to not only prepare, but also learn their movements.

“You want to be prepared for each opponent, but not make significant changes to how you wrestle,” Coach Hansen said.

Following the same steps for State, studying opponents and working on counters is key. Before Sectionals, the team took different strategies to prepare.

“I would go and swim laps at the

community center after practice,” Hoerr said. “It helped make a better workout and prepare me.”

State training is also a difficult time to keep everything balanced. Staying consistent and focused is challenging.

“Getting the little things straight, like my diet and my sleep schedule and balancing my school work, was the hardest part,” Ljubenko said. “We practice a lot and it can be difficult to make sure that everything is done and in order before getting to the mat.”

However, wrestling isn’t just a physical battle; it’s a mental one. Throughout the season, there are many challenges to overcome.

“The biggest challenge we had was a lot of injuries,” Coach Hansen said. “Luckily they were resolved by

Sectionals but still we had a lot of guys out.”

Due to the extensive number of injuries, the starting roster of 14 wrestlers soon turned out to be 30 because so many were out.

“A lot of kids gained experience as we recovered, and they can now bring that for the next couple of seasons,” Coach Hansen said.

The seniors were able to end their high school career on a high note.

“All of the qualifiers were seniors, so it was great to end the season at the State championship,” coach Hansen said.

The boys were glad they stayed with wrestling for as long as they did.

“It’s awesome to see the same group of guys stick together since middle school and all reach their goals,” Harman said.

BANK SHOT Senior Addie Kopf shoots and drains a three-pointer in the sectional semi-final against Lane Tech at home on Feb. 24. The Hawks won 55-48.

PHOTO BY KATIE JOHNSTON

SpecialIssue!

March 6, 2026

Culture Week celebrates diversity and variety

Ally Lobo News Writer

Maine

South celebrated cultural week from Feb. 9 to Feb. 13. Cultural week hosted a number of events to celebrate students’ cultural identities.

“I think whenever a school makes an intentional effort to consider the cultures, the languages, the races, the nations, we are acknowledging that we come from all walks of life, coming together under this condition of public schools to learn together,” principal Dr. Antwan Babakhani said.

Many South staff feel similarly.

“I think it has been really wonderful to see the support from both staff and students, ” Assistant Principal of Student Supports Ms. Aimee Hoffman said. “I think this week is really bringing people together. It’s bringing people out of their spaces to talk about why they’re so proud of their cultures and to really just share culture. That’s been really great to see.”

Throughout the week, there were cultural announcements in various languages to honor and celebrate diverse backgrounds. Some activities lasted the entire week, like the bilingual stickers, which were offered in the commons. In the cafeteria during all lunches, pulseras created by different Central American artisans were being sold for five dollars.

“This is something we’re doing to promote just different cultures, different

HERITAGE DANCES

artists that are around the world, and as an opportunity just to expose students in Maine South to some different backgrounds and some really cool bracelets and bags,” student services counselor

Dr. Michael Wartick said.

On Friday, Feb. 13, there was a performance during B lunch in the auditorium. Cultural clubs, such as the Chinese and Filipino clubs, performed dances along with the Hiplet Ballerinas.

Mr. Michael Edwards, the Associate Principal of Student Experiences,

played a huge part in the organization of culture week and in bringing the Hiplet ballerinas to South. The goal of the Hiplets was to provide students with a original experience and introduction into other cultures.

“We wanted a performance aspect, and I was hoping we could do something a little different,” Mr. Edwards said. “I had heard about [the Hiplet Ballerinas], and what makes them unique is that they blend ballet with all of the other cultural African American

Mr. Park named ‘Outstanding School Educator’

Samantha Baynes News Editor

Earlier last month, Mr. Leo Park, Maine South’s orchestra director, won the Outstanding School Educator award from the Illinois American String Teachers Association (ILASTA).

This is a highly competitive and prestigious award given out every year to a deserving candidate from Illinois.

“This award is presented annually at the ILASTA Luncheon held in Peoria, during the Illinois Music Education Conference and All-State Music Festival,” Mr. Park Said. “ILASTA seeks nominations for the Outstanding School Educator award from orchestra educators across the state, then the membership votes for the nominees.”

As the nominee who received the most votes, Mr. Park was named the recipient for this year. This was

not the first time Mr. Park has been recognized as an educator. He has also received numerous awards over the years for his directing, his innovation in teaching, his commitment to community outreach, and his dedication to his students.

“I am fortunate to have been recognized over the years by the Golden Apple Foundation, the State of Illinois, and the Grammy Foundation for my work as a public school educator,” Park said.

Winning the Outstanding School Educator award in particular sticks out.

“I have always held the American String Teachers Association in such high esteem, as the membership of the Illinois chapter is made up of respected orchestra educators and private studio teachers from across the state,” Mr. Park said. “For them to recognize me and my work as an orchestra educator means so much.”

dance and music types that had come to America since America was formed.”

This week of celebration was created by a small group in student and family services in October. The overall intent of the week was to bring people together and let different cultures shine through.

“I think the goal [was] to help all of our students feel represented and seen, and to really celebrate all of the diverse backgrounds and cultures that make up our school community,” Ms. Hoffman said.

Corrections

In the Jan. 22 issue of Southwords, the article “ILMEA recognizes All-State Hawks” recognized only band members who earned All-State recognition. The following choir and orchestra students also earned All-State honors: freshman Isabella Roszko, sophomores Rose Hassman and Hanna Seol, juniors Emma Erickson and Nathan O’Brien, and seniors Ola Nawrocki, Peter Sagmeister, and Audrey Wilson.

Also in the Jan. 22 issue, the “Band program travels to Disneyland for the first time” article mistakenly noted that this was the first time the band had traveled to Los Angeles. The band actually traveled to Los Angeles in 1992.

Southwords regrets the omission and error.

1111 S. Dee RoaD • PaRk RiDge, illinoiS 60068

The Hiplet Ballerinas performed at the assembly on Friday, Feb. 20. During the assembly, Chinese classes and Filipino Club also showcased cultural dances.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL HIGGINS