Volume 49 Issue 3

Student found with gun Page 4 // Sarah Verschoor

Volume 49 -Issue 3 december 18, 2015

Adlai e. Stevenson high school 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire, Il 60069

STATESMAN POLICY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

News

On Dec. 4, a student was arrested at Stevenson for unlawful possession of a firearm. Read the article on page 4 to learn about the events that occured that day at school.

To our readers: The student in question was not named in our story. Some may question our decision not to publish it, but ultimately he is a Stevenson student, our fellow student. While other newspapers have released his name, the Statesman believes in preserving his anonymity here at school.

Purpose

Statesman is first and foremost a student-run publication with seven annual issues distributed to students, faculty, staff, and community members of Adlai E Stevenson High School with a press run of 3,000. The primary goal is to serve as a public forum that delivers the news and provide content deemed to be newsworthy and timely, to the Stevenson community. The opinions expressed in Statesman do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, school board, faculty, student body or community members.

Statesman tic Press sociation, tion, and

Affiliation

belongs to the Northern Illinois ScholasAssociation, the Kettle Moraine Press Asthe Columbia Scholastic Press Associathe National Scholastic Press Association.

Responding to Statesman

Letters to the editor may be e-mailed to shsstatesman.business@gmail.com, placed in the mailbox of Dean Bradshaw, or submitted to Room 2712. All letters must be signed. Letters must not contain personal attacks and may be edited.

Advertising

9

Opinions

Statesman discusses whether the new heroin antidote, Evzio was needed for in the school and be administered by the nurses. Read the editorial and students’ voices on page 9.

Arts & Entertainment

10

Three students traveled to Naples, Florida to take part in the NPR radio show, “From the Top.” Turn to page 10 to hear about the creation of the trio and their musical backgrounds.

Features

12

Statesman reflects on the impact that various races have on high school and college education. Look at page 12 to learn more about the diversity created in a school environment.

Sports

19

Sports columnists discusses the upcoming varsity boys’ basketball season and their chances of going to state.

Head to page 19 to read some different point of views.

Businesses may advertise in Statesman.

Ad content is subject to the discretion of the editorial board and will contain information that is appropriate.

Contact

Mailing Address: One Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 Phone: 847 415-4000, ext 4354 Website: www.statesmanshs.org Email: shsstatesman.business@gmail.com

STAFF SARAH VERSCHOOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NAMRATA SRIDHAR & IZABELA ZALUSKA MANAGING EDITORS OF PRODUCTION BRENDA REYN MANAGING EDITOR OF DESIGN SHUBHANGI JOSHI BUSINESS MANAGER KAYLA GUO & JOYLYN YANG COPY EDITORS CINDY YAO NEWS EDITOR SABRINA SZOS OPINIONS EDITOR NIKOL SAFRONOVA FEATURES EDITOR SAMI SPARBER SPORTS EDITOR ALEX SHAFRAN GRAPHIC EDITOR LARA IRIARTE & BELLA GREENSPAN CONVERGENCE DIRECTORS MAX COHN AMAN GROVER EMMA ISMAIL LAWRENCE KREYMER CHARLOTTE RONSON KARAJ SINGH ANNIE WU STAFF REPORTERS DEAN BRADSHAW ADVISER

Volume 49-issue3

4 NEWS

Student brings gun to Stevenson, removed before causing any harm Administrative operations team responds within minutes to parent tip, Linconshire Police Department takes junior male student into custody At 9:55 a.m. on Dec. 4, a tip from a concerned parent came into Stevenson administration stating a student had a gun at school.

At 10:14 a.m., the student was removed from his classroom and taken to the Lincolnshire Police Department.

Within these 19 minutes, the administrative operations team enacted a specific plan to remove the potential threat. The team consists of principal Troy Gobble, Ken Latka, assistant principal of operations, officer Tom Branick, dean Kathleen McCauley, dean Steve Tucker and dean Daryl Wallace.

The team convened four minutes after receiving the tip. They discussed everything from the possibility of a lockdown to how to remove the student. They also contacted Lincolnshire police.

“We quickly assembled within minutes, and then officer Branick called for two units from Lincolnshire Police Department that came with lights and sirens,” Latka said.

When the additional officers arrived, Latka, Gobble, Branick, five officers and the deans gathered and traveled down the main upstairs hallway of the old building, clearing students out of the hall. As the group reached the 2900 hallway, they climbed down the stairs lead by a visibly armed officer.

The group entered the classroom and immediately cleared out the other students out of the room. The student alleged to have the gun was handcuffed

and removed from the building.

Justin Cohen ’17 witnessed the group traveling as he sat in the Information Learning Center (ILC).

“I didn’t hear anything; I just was sitting in the ILC and saw five police officers with [guns] march down the hallway, and five minutes later they were dragging a student down the hallway,” Cohen said.

The other students in the classroom were lead to room 2104 where deans, social workers, counselors and psychologists helped them debrief.

“What the kids witnessed was scary, so we wanted to make sure they were taken care of,” Latka said.

Some students were released after fifth period, some choose to stay the rest of the day and process and others went home.

At 11:30 a.m., information was released about the incident to the community through posts on Stevenson’s social media pages and phone calls.

An email was sent to all Stevenson students.

“I didn’t feel unsafe,” Cohen said.

“I knew that we have great staff and security at Stevenson. It was actually reassuring how well they handled this situation.”

Most parents and other community members were supportive of the school’s actions but others were concerned for the safety of their students, leaving some to question why there was no lockdown in this situation, accord-

ing to Gobble.

“The purpose of a lockdown situation is to get a school under control,” Gobble said. “At this time, things were not out of control and a lockdown could have forced the student into other horrible action.”

In the days following the event, the student’s motives for allegedly bringing the gun to school came into question.

Sarah Bowen, director of student services, offered her perspective on why a student may bring a gun or other weapon to school.

“There are a variety of reasons a student may bring a gun to school,” Bowen said. “The worst case scenario would be that a student intends to use it, however a student may also be trying to intimidate others or show off.”

Bowen also said that while each student has their own personal background that may influence their decision making, it is never okay to bring a weapon to school.

This was the first time in Stevenson’s 50 year history a student brought a gun to school.

“We live in such a closed community that always seems pretty perfect and out of the blue to have something this dangerous come this close to our school was crazy,” Cohen said. “I’m thankful no one was hurt.”

by SARAH VERSCHOOR

NEWS 5

Campus Report Finals Finals are coming up after winter break from Jan. 12 through Jan. 14. Next year, finals will be before the break.

Odyssey Odyssey 2016 will be taking place Feb. 9 and 10. Over 160 different artists of all kinds will be visiting and sharing their artistic knowledge with the students through presentations, performances and workshops.

The Importance of Being Earnest The freshman-sophomore play “The Importance of Being Earnest” is to premiere on Feb. 5 and 6 in the Little Theatre. The play is a romantic comedy that takes place in 19th century England. Sam Litwin ’18, AJ DePew ’18 and Hayley Brenner ’18 star.

Teacher applies, receives grant

AP Physics C will use the award money from Toshiba to buy new equipment

S

eeking to improve the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C course, AP Physics C teacher Sheila Edstrom applied for and received a grant from the Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) through TAF’s website.

TAF is a corporation that offers grants to math and science teachers throughout the nation with a purpose of helping fund projects and materials.

With a $9,000 grant from TAF, Edstrom and AP Physics C teacher Ryan Fedewa plan on purchasing new equipment, such as rotational motion instruments.

“Mr. Fedewa and I want to use the money from the grant to help make the course more engaging for students,” Edstrom said.

“We have a couple of exciting experiments planned, such as oscillation and uni-

versal gravity experiments.”

In light of receiving the

grant, Edstrom and Fedewa also have a shared goal to expand the AP Physics C program to attract more female students. Research shows that girls tend to like the stories that tie into the history of science.

It makes them feel more connected, which ultimately leads to increased interest in the subject matter as it becomes a topic they’re more likely to internalize and understand, according to Fedewa.

“Currently the ratio of

boys to girls enrolled in Physics C is about 3:1,” Fedewa said. “We would like the ratio to be evened out as much as possible; we would love to see active involvement from all genders.”

While there are more

boys enrolled in AP Physics C than girls, the course it-

self has grown considerably over the years. Originally, the course began with less than 15 students but now includes around 112 students.

“There are more girls taking the AP Physics C than ever before,” Steven Wood, director of science, said. “The course as a whole has continued to grow more popular.”

As AP Physics C is closely related to engineering, encouragement for students to study both the AP Physics C course and the Engineering course is another goal for the science department, especially for students looking to major in engineering.

According to Fedewa, the hope is to be able to do so through active encouragement and personal contact with students both inside and outside AP physics courses.

“Ultimately, we want to

keep this course interesting,” Edstrom said. “We aren’t afraid to try new experiments and approaches in physics with our growing number of students.”

photo provided by Jim Conrey

Edstrom will be one of the teachers using new equipment in the AP Physics C labs, using the grant.

by JOY YANG

6 NEWS

Give-A-Thon

Stevenson celebrated its thirty-first Give-A-Thon on Dec. 1 in the Wood Commons.

On Collection Day, students brought in canned goods, baby products and presents wrapped by volunteers. Gifts will be given to over 300 needy Lake County families and all food will go to the Vernon Area Pantry, stocking its shelves for the next 6 months.

Sabrina Szos

NEWS 7

Devices combat opioid overdoses Live4Lali donates Evzio auto-injectors after Heroin Crisis Act passes, Stevenson nurses now trained in using naloxone to reverse effects of heroin overdose

R

ecently ranked the top public school in Illinois by Niche, Stevenson now has become the second high school in Lake County to have nurses trained by Live4Lali in the use of naloxone to treat overdoses in opioids including heroin.

Heroin abuse has become a prevalent issue among young adults in Lake County and surrounding counties. According to a 2014 Rob Paral and Associates report, 18.9 percent of 18-25 year olds in Lake County participated in illicit drug use in July.

In order to combat this growing issue, Live4Lali founder Chelsea Laliberte ’03 worked extensively to pass the Heroin Crisis Act which covers multiple reforms such as enabling pharmacies to dispense naloxone to drug users.

Shortly after the act passed in the Illinois House 105-5 on Sept. 4, Live4Lali sent representatives to train the nurses.

“In the Heroin Crisis Act is a section named after my brother Alex called Lali’s law,” Laliberte said. “After the law passed, Cortesi asked me to train the nurses.”

Laliberte founded Live4Lali after her younger brother died from a heroin overdose in 2008. Live4Lali offers multiple programs including overdose prevention training for anyone 18 or older in the use of Evzio auto-injectors.

Heroin is an opioid that binds to opioid receptors in the brain. The antidote naloxone in the Evzio auto-injectors removes the chemicals from the opioid receptors, temporarily reversing the effects of an overdose. Naloxone will only have an effect on a person if opioids are in the system.

“This is an irreplaceable medication that will literally save someone’s life if they overdose on opioids,” nurse Peg

Cucci said. “There needs to be more people who know about how safe and easy it is to use.”

Donna Burress, Live4Lali recovery coordinator, believes Stevenson will greatly benefit from the Evzio auto-injectors. Burress has battled with prescription pill addiction in the past and currently is in recovery.

“No one is immune to addiction,” Burress said. “The most rewarding part is helping those in the shoes I use to be in. When you decide to become sober, it’s the scariest thing in the world, so I’m there to tell them they can achieve it.”

Burress said she knew two coworkers’ family members who have been saved by the Evzio auto-injectors.

Beyond its life-saving benefits to overdose victims, having Evzio auto-injectors ready on hand primarily acts as a precautionary measure.

“I think one of the biggest benefits is that in the event [of an overdose], we are prepared,” Cristina Cortesi, substance abuse prevention coordinator, said. “In the same way we hope a student will never have any heart issues, we still have AEDs [in case of an emergency].”

Although heroin abuse is an issue among 18-25 year olds, Cortesi said that she does not see heroin use being an issue at Stevenson or other high schools in Lake County. However, Burress believes that heroin abuse may be prevalent in minors.

“No addict wants to come out and state they have an addiction problem because of the stigmatization it brings,” Burress said. “Therefore, some may try to battle it in silence without reaching out for help which can be a life or death situation for that addict.”

Information provided by evzio.com Graphic by Brenda Reyn

Currently, Stevenson High Schooland Wauconda High School are the only high schools in Lake County Live4Lali has trained in using naloxone.

Cortesi hopes to get every high school in Lake County involved.

“Cherish your life, freedom, and wonderful things you’re allowed to do,” Burress said. “If you know anyone suffering, Live4Lali is always here. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Live4Lali, and there isn’t anything Live4Lali wouldn’t do for me.”

by ANNIE WU

8 OPINIONS

Editor reflects on years spent living in conforming CA town

F

rom the time I turned six until just before my twelfth birthday, my family and I lived in Valencia, California, an affluent neighborhood in Los Angeles County.

Growing up in Valencia was a completely different world, especially when it came to religion. Here, almost everyone I know is Jewish. There, I could count the number of Jewish families that I knew on one hand.

My school didn’t have off for the High Holy Days, and since I didn’t want to ruin my perfect attendance record, I went to class for half an hour until my parents came to pick me up for services. My teachers never wished me Happy Hanukkah or even

Happy Holidays — but they always remembered to wish me Merry Christmas.

For six years, I played the part. I went Christmas caroling with my Girl Scout troop and said Grace at friends’ houses. For six years, I wondered what it would be like to go to CCD on Wednesdays with everyone else. For six years, there was a good chance that I wouldn’t have corrected you if you had asked me what my Easter plans were.

I know a girl who, three years ago, started telling people that she was Christian just because it was easier than explaining to them what it means to be Jewish.

That’s what a place like Valencia can do to a person.

When you live somewhere where different is synonymous with bad, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are.

We’re lucky to live here.

We’re lucky that we can do, say and practice what we want without wondering what the consequences will be. Not everyone is so fortunate.

The time I spent in Valencia has made me who I am.

I stand up for what I believe in because I’ve seen what happens to those who don’t.

I stay true to myself because I’m proud of where I come from and I have only the highest of hopes for where I’m going.

We all deserve to feel appreciated within our communities, and if you don’t,

then I hope you find it in you to leave that place behind because trust me, Valencia looks a lot better in a rearview mirror.

by SAMI SPARBER

Staffers consider benefits of additional security after recent handgun situation

P

utting a sticker with an ‘x’ over a gun on Stevenson doors isn’t going to stop a gunman from entering our school.

Two weeks ago, a student from our school was arrested for having an unloaded gun in his possession. Stevenson

already takes great measures to ensure our safety, but the fact that a weapon was able to enter our school and go unnoticed for a certain amount of time should make us question our existing security.

In an age where mass shootings are commonplace, we need to take more precautions. Of course, the cost of protection doesn’t come cheap; but in the end, we should not compromise anything for our safety.

by CINDY YAO

S

tevenson already goes to great lengths to keep the students and faculty safe. If we were to increase security for our school, we would be adding things like metal detectors, ID checks at every door and increased backpack checks by security.

Is that really what we want? It would be an invasion of students’ privacy, not to mention expensive and inconvenient for everyone.

We already have security guards every ten feet, security cameras at every possible location and self-locking doors. Is anything more really necessary?

Increasing security would compromise our privacy, cost a fortune and create a great inconvenience for the student body as a whole.

by EMMA ISMAIL

OPINIONS 9

STUDENT VOICES Should the nurse’s office at high schools carry heroin overdose devices?

“No because then people will take advantage of it which is not good.”

-Sophie Herrejon ’19

“Yes if a person has an eating disorder and they treat that, they should be able to treat drug problems too.”

-Ishana Vora ’18

School nurses should keep opioid antidote in their office

R

ecently, a non profit drug association, known as Live4Lali, donated Evzio to the nurse’s office at Stevenson High School. Evzio works similar to an EpiPen but it reverses the effects of a heroin overdose through the release of an antidote called naloxone into the body.

Statesman believes that it is a good idea for schools to keep such an anti-drug remedy in the nurse’s offices and to train nurses in the proper use of such devices. When a student is at school, it is the school’s responsibility to keep that student safe.

In a life or death situation, any school would do whatever it takes to keep their students out of danger. Why should a heroin overdose change that? It is not debated that using narcotics during school hours is wrong; however, students

should not have to be punished for their wrongdoings through suffering or death.

Students are at school for at least eight hours a day, so those who are addicted to heroin may bring it to school. Ultimately, Statesman believes that this antidote, for the most part, will aid those who already struggle with addiction.

The school is not encouraging the use of heroin just because they now carry a reversal medicine. Students are not tempted to start fires after practicing fire drills.

Holding this type of antidote for heroin overdoses helps more students than it hurts.

While it is unfortunate for schools to take these sorts of measures, it is the responsibility of the school to take as many precautions as necessary to ensure student safety at all times.

May it be looking for an

escape from an overly demanding life, trying to have a good time or succumbing to the weight of peer pressure, teenagers are no strangers to drugs. High school is undeniably a time when kids begin to experiment with all sorts of narcotics.

Whether they are troubled by outside stigmas against drugs or fear the wrath of their parents, many students will not seek the help that they need in the event of a substance abuse problem— even when their problem gets too out of hand.

Statesman believes that Stevenson keeping Evzio in the nurse’s office in case of an emergency is just another way that Stevenson can help ensure that all 4,000 students are safe when they are at school.

STATESMAN EDITORIAL

“No because if it is publically known to the school’s students that they have heroin overdose devices then students would not feel as hopeless if they do happen to overdose at school.”

-Ben Kofman ’17

“Yes, because you can’t stop people from taking it no matter how many preventative measures we take. In case someone does overdose it is better to be prepared than not.”

-Ariel Feldman ’16

editorial cartoon by Brenda Reyn

10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Winter break starts to morrow.

Don’t fo rge tweet ab t to out it.

A record of servic number e hours , I mean gifts, were collected for Givea-Thon this yea r.

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to set your goals for the next year. You can try quitting all your bad habits, but remember, no one likes a quitter.

m etball tea The bask ir e th lost already s e rv e S e. first gam g in tt e g for us right . e n ri h s n’s rid of Jale

its is on ht y e s g s Ody ime to fi e T cak way. the r e class. ov g n i t a r deco

Students perform on radio show Piano Trio Royale appears on “From the Top,” discusses their musical journey

R

oyalty has always been symbolized by purple, and now it is also symbolized by the musical group Piano Trio Royale.

The trio tries to wear the color for every performance.

The group, consisting of pianist Derek Chung ’18, cellist Haddon Kay ’18, and eighth grade violinist Masha Lakisova, recently went to Naples, Florida to record a musical piece for the National Public Radio (NPR) show “From the Top.” The show will air during the week of Jan. 4.

The original trio formed in 2012 when Kay and Masha Lakisova met at Midwest Young Artists (MYA), a pre-college music school.

“When Masha was 11, Dr. Allan Dennis, the founder and director of MYA, suggested that she join the Chamber Ensemble, but I said she was too young,” said Lyudmila Lakisova, Ma-

sha Lakisova’s mother and Piano Trio Royale coach.

“He said, ‘How about you coach them?’ so that’s how she started performing with Haddon Kay and their former pianist Daniel Szefer.”

In 2013, Kay and Masha Lakisova needed to replace Szefer after he left for another academy and were introduced to Chung through his piano teacher, forming their current group.

While the trio does work together, they also have solo careers. Masha Lakisova was on “From the Top” in Oct, 2014, giving Piano Trio Royale the chance to be on NPR. “I got an email from NPR saying ‘we would like Masha’s group on our program,’” Lyudmila Lakisova said. “They said, ‘We know Masha, and we know her group from Fischoff,’ There was no official application for this group.”

photo provided by Derek Chung

The three perform at the 2015 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Through practicing their music and performing in competitions, the group has learned lessons that apply to their musical and personal lives. They have learned from the people they meet and from each other.

“I’ve learned how to communicate better because as a trio we have to learn how to listen and to play off of each other,” Kay said. “I think musicality and emotions in music have helped mature me more because you have to go to a deeper under-

standing to be able to play at a certain level.”

Similar to how Kay has learned from playing his instruments, Masha Lakisova feels that meeting people at competitions has shaped the passionate person she is today.

“I really love to meet these types of people who have the same mindset, and I love playing for people who haven’t been introduced to it.” Masha Lakisova said.

by KARAJ SINGH

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11

Featured guest artist Amy Tian takes on “War on Christmas”

Annual holiday coffee cup design seen as insufficiently festive by many, interpreted by vocal critics as an attack on Christmas and the holiday season

“War on Terror is fighting over international security, War on Drugs is fighting over national drug addition, War on Climate is fighting over a better future Earth, but War on Christmas is fighting over red cups,” Tian said about her artwork.

FEATURES 13

12 FEATURES

Statesman explores student racial demographics Stevenson received a B+ rating in student culture and diversity from Niche, a website that analyzes rankings of thousands of public and private schools across the country. The Stevenson students below represent the current diversity of our student body.

Melanie Blake

Junior White

Nastia Kuzmina

Freshman White

Dina Gluzman

Freshman White

Alen Shchekin

Freshman White

Thomas Daigler

Sophomore White

Ally Silverman

Senior White

Nathan Cha

Junior Asian

Alexis Valdez

Yojan Shah

Chucky Sullivan

Hispanic

Indian

Black

Senior

Senior

Senior

14 FEATURES

Movements encourage diversity National and local programs promote acceptance of minority backgrounds

A

s students walk down the hallway, they see faces of different backgrounds, cultures and races. In a school of over 4,000 students, many ethnicities and religions are represented.

Recently, movements across the nation have pushed for acceptance of minorities and diversity. Nationally, a campaign using #blacklivesmatter has transformed into #alllivesmatter as a push to promote equality regardless of race.

At the University of Missouri, a movement to promote racial equality sparked the resignation of chancellor Timothy Wolfe and the placement of an interim vice chancellor.

As of right now, the interim vice chancellor is meeting with various student groups

and those who have voiced concerns, said Christian Basi, spokesperson for the University of Missouri.

Changes have also been enacted such as the development of a cultural awareness presentation for students.

Some of these changes are short term, and some will take effect in this next school year.

In efforts to promote diversity at Stevenson, an annual program in April called A World of Difference (AWOD), is conducted for freshmen. AWOD hopes to promote acceptance of various cultures and backgrounds.

Through a series of activities and a guest speaker, AWOD hopes to build pride in a student’s heritage and background in a safe space, Zara Dittman, Freshmen

Demographics of the United States

Mentor Program (FMP) coordinator, said.

“There is so much that we don’t see in each individual and their journey,” Dittman said. “Through AWOD, we hope to see the differences in each students’ background but also find the similarities between students.”

At Stevenson, there is diversity that reflects the community as a whole, college counselor Susan Biemeret said. Likewise, every college wants a student body that represents the larger community it embodies.

With the world being so diverse, colleges want to have a representation of different backgrounds in order to prepare students for the real world.

While the College/Career Center does not have a specific program that focuses on race, students are able to discuss diversity when individually meeting with the

counselors, Biemeret said.

However, this is not necessarily the case with the rest of the nation. According to University of Dayton professor Vernellia Randall, racism is still a major problem.

Randall has been researching racial discrimination in the law. On her website, Randall publishes articles that show the injustice minority races such as African Americans face everyday. Through her programs and presentations, Randall hopes to create equality for all races. Randall has been focusing and using this website since 1995.

“As the University of Missouri interim president has communicated to all of our campuses, this issue will not be solved any time soon,” Basi said. “It is going to take years to fix.”

by NAMRATA SRIDHAR

Demographics of Stevenson

FEATURES 15 Statesman’s Izabela Zaluska sat down with Jordan King, Shukran Moheddin and Priya Vaikuntapathi to discuss race at Stevenson and how each of their respective clubs try to educate Stevenson students about diversity. King is a leader of the Black Association of Stevenson Students, Moheddin is a leader of Muslim Culture Club and Diversity Council and Vaikuntapathi is a leader of Indian Student Assocation.

What is the purpose of your respective club?

Jordan: There’s a very small percentage of African American students in Stevenson, and that’s been true for all the communities I’ve lived in so far, like the schools in Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina that I’ve attended. I think it’s important to find people to build a community within Stevenson not only so African American students get to know each other but also to inform other students. Even though people might be of the same race or religion, they’re different people with different ideas. It’s not about surrounding yourself with people that are the same as you.

Shukran: The purpose of Muslim Culture club is similar to what Jordan said about his club. We want to unite Muslims in the school even though it’s really hard since students might be too busy or even afraid to admit they’re Muslim because of the stigma. However, it’s definitely worth it in the end. We want students to feel like they’ve learned something new and educate them, which is what we tried to do with the video on the morning announcements regarding ISIS. Diversity Council has a similar goal in that we want to unite people of all races.

Priya: The purpose of ISA is to celebrate and spread Indian culture throughout Stevenson while also working to give back to the Indian community. This year we are supporting a charity called Ekal Vidyalaya which builds schools for children in rural India.

How does your club focus on educating Stevenson students?

SM: Our main goal is to educate Stevenson about different kinds of Muslims or how each Muslim practices Islam. We try as much as we can to hit any kind of recent topics that have come up in the media in an effort to fight discrimination or negative ideas that go around Islam. We try very hard to pinpoint stereotypes and focus on how we can break those stereotypes. We try to bring comedy into it, so it’s not too serious.

JK: We try to pick a topic to discuss, such as ‘finding your identity’ and talk about it as well as share experiences. We try to create more of an understanding of what it means to

be an African American in an effort to battle ignorance since there’s no standard definition of what it means to be black.

We also use videos and comedy to lighten the mood; it’s not all serious, and we try to have fun.

PV: People think that ISA is mostly about dancing and culture, but it’s more than that. This year we’re trying to look at stereotypes as well as give back to India. Recently there have been a lot of floods in India, so we’ve been trying to see what we can do to help.

How does race impact you or members of your club at school academically/socially?

JK: I think it’s a common thing at Stevenson where people say stereotypes and think it’s a joke or say it because they don’t think anyone is going to stop them. Numerous times me or my friends have been called the ‘n word’, and whoever said it as a joke and thought I would be okay with it; I don’t even use it. Wherever I go I feel like I have to act a certain way in order not to penetrate a stereotype. Everyone is going to make mistakes, but sometimes I feel like I can’t make mistakes because I’ll mess up the perception of African Americans. Through this club, I hope to battle ignorance. I try not to look at blaming the person who said it and get angry, but instead, take a deep breath and try to have a calm conversation.

SM: Personally, I take more of a comedy approach to things. In my opinion, whenever you bring a joke or spin a situation around a joke, it’s understood better. I try to surround myself around people who are more educated about Islam or understand better because Stevenson is big enough where you can choose who you want to be around.

for more of the interview, go to statesmanshs.org

by IZABELA ZALUSKA

16 FEATURES

National Honor Society president reflects on passion for service

photo provided by Tiffany Sheu

The National Honor Society Executive Board stands with the gifts collected for Give-a-Thon. The annual event provided gifts for a record 320 families this year.

M

y high school journey changed significantly when I was inducted into the National Honor Society two years ago.

Through NHS, I have been given the opportunity to bond with hundreds of other members, help plan school-wide events, and engage with the local community. I think the greatest thing NHS has given me, though, is the ability to be more than just a student.

As I became more and more involved in NHS during junior year, I realized how important it was to stay cognizant of the world around me. At the time, it was so easy for me to get wrapped up in the stresses of school, but at NHS, my stress was always driven away by an uplifting, positive environment. I loved

that I was defined not by my grades or GPA at NHS but by my compassion and dedication to bring about change.

Indeed, I was more than just a student; I was an active citizen of the world, one that had the power to make a lasting difference.

This year, I serve as the President of our school’s National Honor Society. While this role is one of the most rewarding commitments I have taken on, it is also one of the most difficult.

There is a lot of work done behind the scenes of big events such as Spirit Fest and Give-A-Thon, but planning these events from the ground up with an amazing executive board and chapter has taught me invaluable lessons about being a service leader.

Thus far, our chapter has completed three events, Spirit Fest, Fall Blood Drive, and Give-A-Thon, and what amazes me about these events is that they all had the power to bring our school together for one mission: to serve those around us. My hope is that every student in our school takes it upon themselves to engage with the world around them, learning that the amount of community service hours earned is not what makes service worthwhile—it is about making an impact on the world that will last for generations to come.

by TIFFANY SHEU

FEATURES 17

Special\Education\Spotlight

Stevenson special education division helps eligible students develop independence, learn life skills with wide range of programs for all academic abilities

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ith over 60 staff members, eight different programs and 11 percent of the student population, Stevenson’s special education division is designed to provide all eligible students an equal opportunity for success.

Students are able to receive the help they need, whether it be medically, cognitively, emotionally or physically.

“Our goal is to get them as close to independence as possible,” said Jay Miller, director of the special education division.

Within the division, the different programs reflect the range of students in special education.

According to Miller, students in the program range from those who need support in the most basic skills to those who are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. In fact, last year alone, there were over 100 special education students enrolled in AP classes.

“Some may be in special education, and you may not even know it,” Miller said.

The more specialized programs in the division focus on overcoming functional and/or cognitive challenges. For example, students in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resource Program participate in social skills development and receive academic support, among many other benefits.

Educational Life Skills is another specialized program that is designed to develop academic skills, but has an emphasis on developing daily living skills within the context of academics.

If determined by the student’s support team, most of the students in this program will go on to the Transition program, which helps students focus on maximizing their independence until the day before they turn 22.

Other programs provide assistance in instructional courses, in which students are given more individual attention. According to special education teacher Jean Kell, there are different versions of core classes and electives that are geared towards different levels of learners.

In addition, special education students in certain programs have opportunites during class to take mobility trips outside of Stevenson to practice essential life skills such as ordering food, figuring out transportation and navigating the various components of adulthood.

“There’s never a dull moment in class,” Kell said.

Behind all the courses and activities, coordination is key when it comes to special education. This involves managing paperwork and communicating with parents to ensure that each child is receiving the best education possible and meeting their goals stated on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

The IEP exists at the core of each student’s journey with special education.

“An IEP is a plan for students who qualify for Special Education services,” Lauren Avers, special education teacher, said. “The IEP is created by the student’s team, which consists of the student, their parents, the case manager and any oth-

er necessary staff members such as the school social worker, counselor, psychologist, or occupational therapist. This plan is intended to provide any necessary supports to help students reach their educational and social emotional goals.”

The IEP is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that requires states to give children with disabilities a free public education that meets their needs. According to understood.org, there are 13 disabilities IDEA covers, such as autism, intellectual disability or emotional disturbance.

By this law, anyone from the age of three to the age of 22 or whenever he or she graduates from high school is eligible for an IEP and entitled to services.

“No matter what the challenge is, we will come up with a way to support [special education students],” Miller said.

by CINDY YAO

Eight\different\programs\for\over\400\students

18 SPORTS

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

by MADISON WICKLUND ’17

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hen I made varsity basketball as a freshman, I’ll admit, I was terrified. Here I was, some tiny freshman (not literally; I was still probably 5’ 10”) on a team with girls who were all-conference athletes.

Yet, much to my surprise, those girls and our captains especially, were not only good basketball players, but they were good people.

For example, my freshman and sophomore year we decided that each “bench” player would get water for one of the starters. So I (an extremely talented and dedicated bench player) would dutifully get water for Sophia Way (one of our old captains) every time she came out of the game.

Much to my surprise, one time after I came out of the game, though I had only played about a minute and a half, there was Sophia with two paper cups full of water. In more photo provided by Madison Wicklund ways than one, I really depended on my captains, and I knew Madison Wicklund ’17 prepares to that no matter what they always had my back. take a shot from the free throw line.

I think that’s why I’m so excited to be a captain. It really is an honor, albeit a huge responsibility. Being a captain is about leadership and setting a good example, but more than that it’s about having your teammates’ backs.

At the end of the day I just want the girls to know that I had their back. If the season ends but they leave knowing that I was 100% there for them, then I’d call that a win.

SPORTS 19

Staffers debate chance of boys varsity basketball winning state championship After winning the class 4A state championship title last year, Stevenson is predicting another succesful season with a second consecutive title run.

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tevenson is coming out of their best basketball season ever with a 30-3 record and a class 4A state championship title. However, Jalen Brunson and many other key members like Connor Cashaw and Matt Johnson have graduated.

With talented returning players and some key transfers, Stevenson still has a lot of hope for another run at a state championship title. Justin Smith ’17 is now the power forward of the team and has the potential to be a star. Just last season, Smith averaged 10 points and four rebounds per game. Smith was also playing alongside standout seniors Brunson and Cashaw, but with both of them gone, his numbers should skyrocket, helping Stevenson in its quest for another state title.

Rodney Herenton ’16 and Willie Herenton ’17 are two new transfers from Whitney Young. They are both experienced guards who play great defense. Both of them provide great leadership and experience to this team.

Stevenson’s 2015-2016 Varsity team also has a lot of experienced players such as Kevin Yang ’16, Ryuji Aoki ’16 and Jordan Newman ’16, who each provide great energy and do anything they are asked by Coach Ambrose. Aoki is a good shooter and is able to stretch the floor. Yang is a big man who can get a lot of rebounds and help on the defensive end.

With so many talented players, Stevenson will give opponents during the regular season a run for their money.

This Patriot’s team has a lot of potential, and Stevenson’s schedule only features four teams that had more than 20 wins last season. Also Stevenson doesn’t play any out of stateteams. Last season Stevenson played Findlay Prep, and Chaminade who ranked number one and number two in their respective states. Stevenson also had to play Simeon last season. Even though Stevenson lost to those teams, Stevenson was able to handle their business against the other opponents. If they can take care of the teams they play this season and secure a high seed, then they can make a run for another state title.

by LAWRENCE KREYMER

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ast season represented the definition of a perfect season for the Patriot Nation as our boys’ varsity team was able to accomplish a feat they had been striving for the last three years––winning a state title. Led by the best point guard in the country, Jalen Brunson ’15, it was no surprise how successful that team was. But as the seniors graduate, Stevenson not only loses experience but an immense amount of talent, leadership, and experience.

With the 2013-2014 season also an outstanding one (finishing third in state behind a Jahlil Okafor led Whitney Young squad), boys’ basketball was presented with a tough schedule for 2014-15, consisting of two out-of-state tournaments and a matchup against Illinois’ powerhouse basketball school, Simeon Academy. Although this year we do not have any tournaments against tougher opponents such as Chaminade and Findlay Prep, our schedule is no cakewalk, as we still face Lake Forest and Zion-Benton. Our roster only returns three players that have played starter minutes against top tier programs. It seems unlikely that Stevenson can beat teams that are loaded with returning players, as made obvious by a 19 point defeat at the hands of Hinsdale South.

Only one starter returns from last year’s team: 6’7” forward Justin Smith ’17. Of Stevenson’s four captains, he is the only non-senior. We are not yet sure what to make of this year’s team; judging by the 11 to 12 guys that Coach Ambrose has been playing each game, he is still figuring out which lineups work best. What we do know is that Smith is developing into that star that we have all been envisioning since he joined the roster freshman year. The one game in which they have played a team that has state hopes was against Hinsdale South, which was also the one game Stevenson shot less than 25 percent from the field. Even if Smith lives up to that ESPN top 100 player hype, it just might not be enough for Stevenson to be considered an actual contender for back-to-back state titles.

by MAX COHN

20 SPORTS

SPORTS 21

Athletic department addresses football team favoritism rumors Accusations concerning expensive meals, laundry services found to be false

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tevenson students rally behind the football team when decked out in camo or crowded in the glass commons for another state send-off. While students tend to be show more support for football than for most other sports, students may wonder whether the athletic department also displays favoritism towards the football team over other varsity teams.

Rumors have surfaced that the football team enjoy steak dinners and do not have to wash their own uniformsprivileges that most sports teams do not receive. Although both these advantages have been confirmed, they are not reasons to accuse the athletic department of sports favoritism.

Each week during the season, the football team will have a nice meal together, Jacob Findling ’16 confirmed.

However, these meals are hosted by players’ families and are paid for by the $200 fee that each player must contribute at the beginning of the season.

“We look forward to the meals because we get to eat together, and there is a huge emphasis on team unity,” Findling said.

The purpose behind such dinners is team building, and they are not funded by the athletic department. While other varsity teams may not be enjoying steak dinners, Cameron Bernstein ’16 explained that the varsity lacrosse team also hosts bonding events such as pasta dinners before a big game.

As for getting their uniforms washed, football coaches are responsible for collecting each player’s’ jersey at the end of each game. All other equipment and pieces of uniform must be washed by players themselves.

“It’s necessary for the athletic de-

Football jerseys are the most expensive uniform to replace, so Stevenson takes extra precautions when cleaning them. partment to keep track of jerseys and make sure they never go home with the players,” equipment manager Barri Solomon said. “Football jerseys, unlike any other uniforms, are made out of thicker, more durable material that make them very expensive to replace.”

Replacing a lost football jersey would cost around $110 and allowing players to take home their jerseys would only increase the chances of a jersey being lost or damaged, according to Solomon. Uniforms are collected by the school, washed and hung up after each game to maintain their quality and to be cost effective for the athletic budget.

Some students might continue to view this as special treatment, but Ber-

nstein argued that while it would be nice for all teams to get their uniform washed for them, it is logically impossible. Since the football team is seen as a representation of school spirit, it makes sense budget-wise but also that they should look nice in their uniforms, according to Bernstein.

“Part of [the responsibility of] playing a high school sport is taking care of the equipment yourself,” Bernstein said. “That involves [players] simply throwing their uniform in the wash.”

by KAYLA GUO

22 SPORTS

SPORTS 23

SSC grows in size and popularity

Stevenson Strength and Conditioning workouts provide preseason training opportunities, athletes motivated by challenging atmosphere

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eniors, freshmen, boys, girls, lacrosse players and football players. Where can you find a place with all of these people and more under one roof at 6 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Dec. to May? Stevenson Strength and Conditioning (SSC).

SSC has been around for almost seven years, and each year it has become more popular. Not only are more female athletes participating, but also more sports programs are getting involved.

The recent changes in the program are mainly due to the fact that, “more people [have joined] because automatically there’s girls that are going to it consistently.” Sarah Walker, girls’ varsity lacrosse coach and SSC coordinator said.

“Last year track joined on it as well and softball joins in this year for the girls because everyone used to have their own off season training and now we’re all coming together into one big group.”

Every day is a different workout and athletes get the chance to improve on their skills before their seasons begin.

“It’s nice because the guys are able to push each other, the girls motivate each other, especially all the juniors and seniors who are older,” Walker said. “All the while, we’re in the same gym. It’s not just the girls versus the guys, it’s that feeling of being a Stevenson

Photo provided by Emma Degen

Athletes train inside the Sports Center for Stevenson Strength and Conditioning during an early Thursday morning workout athlete which is really cool.”

As the program continues to grow, the need for space is becoming more and more apparent. Currently, SSC is held in the Sports Center and averages anywhere from 170 to 200 athletes.

One of the reasons so many students show up is because no matter an athlete’s age, gender or experience, everyone can benefit from the workouts, Walker said.

“Whether you’re a guy, [a] girl, [part of] varsity, [or a] brand new freshman who’s never

played a sport at a high level before, everyone’s in the same room,” Walker said. “Because of that, you see the older kids motivating the younger kids and the younger kids go through a huge transformation as a result.”

As for the students, waking up at 6 a.m. twice a week isn’t something to smile about, but the added bonuses outweigh the early morning wake up. Nicole Jeon ’17 is in her third year of SSC and likes that it gives athletes a chance to get better and stronger with their teammates.

“A lot of people think it’s really brutal because

they hear stories of people throwing up. Yes it’s intense, but it’s not like that,” Jeon said. “If you play a sport, it’s just really any other conditioning practice.”

At SSC, athletes of all kinds get a chance to dip their feet into something new. According to Jeon, they’re not only growing as athletes but they are also strengthening or forming new relationships with other athletes.

“I like SSC because it’s hard to get gym space, and it’s encouraging to condition with a group of people who want to work as hard as you do.” Jeon said.

by CHARLOTTE RONSON

Breaking down

NSC

In March 2015, the Stevenson boys’ basketball team took home the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A State Championship title. Here’s a preview of the conference teams the Patriots will face this season.

North Chicago 7:00 p.m. Jan. 19, at SHS 2015 record: 13-16 Key player: Captain Simon Henton is a 6’3” junior who can play either guard position. His size creates matchup nightmares for opposing guards due to his natural talent for dribbling the ball with his large guard frame.

Niles North 2:30 p.m. Feb. 20, at NNHS 2015 record: 20-11 Key player: Crishawn Cook, a 6’2” senior, is the star Vikings point guard. He is an extremely well-rounded athlete and the leading scorer of the team. His athleticism allows him to drive the lane with ease.

Libertyville 7:00 p.m. Jan. 15, at LHS 7:00 p.m. Feb. 19, at SHS 2015 record: 15-13 Key player: 6’4” Wildcat Drew Peterson, only a sophomore, has already established himself as one of LHS’s best players. He’s a natural scorer who averaged 18 points for his AAU team last season.

Zion-Benton 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9, at SHS 7:00 p.m. Feb. 12, at ZB 2015 record: 17-9 Key player: 6’0” junior Damarquies Henry was the starting point guard last season as a sophomore. He’s known for his lock-down defense, but has also made some big shots from outside.

Vernon Hills 7:00 p.m. Feb. 23, at VH 2015 record: 26-5 Key player: Eric Weiler, a 6’7” senior, is the starting center. He is the best rebounder and defender on the team, known for shutting down opposing post players. His shot blocking presence is a challenge for oppenents.

Mundelein 7:00 p.m. Jan. 27, at MHS 2015 record: 3-25 Key player: Aaron Woolford, a 5’11” junior guard, is a key player for the Mustangs. Not only is he leading the team in scoring, but on a team consisting of five sophomores, he is one of MHS’s best leaders on the court.

Warren Township 7:00 p.m. Jan. 22, at SHS 2015 record: 11-3 Key player: Brandon Ellis is an up and coming sophomore on the team. On any given night, Ellis contributes 10-15 points a game, along with excellent three-point shooting percentage.

Lake Zurich 7:00 p.m. Feb. 9, at LZ 2015 record: 22-10 Key player: Nick Penny is a 6’1” senior and LZ’s starting point guard. He’s a pass-first player, so he’s always looking for the open man. Penny is also an amazing rebounder and one of the team’s best rebounders.

Lake Forest 7:00 p.m. Jan. 5, at SHS 7:00 p.m. Feb. 5, at LF 2015 record: 28-3 Key player: 6’7” LF senior Lorenzo Edwards plays power forward. Last season, he averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks but was playing under Evan Boudreaux (now at Dartmouth).

Mount Prospect 7:00 p.m. Dec. 19, at PHS 2015 record: 13-13 Key player: Frankie Mack, though only a junior, contributes to 43% of Prospect’s scoring. After drilling two free throws to seal Prospect’s win over Conant on PHS’s opening night, he has been nothing short of excellent.