Participating Patriots, Volume 53-Issue 3, November 2019

Student Political Activism // 4-5 yOUTH CIVIC Activism in ENGAGEMENT athletics // 15-17 // 20-21

PARTICIPATING

PATRIOTS Volume 53 - Issue 3 November, 2019

Adlai E. Stevenson High School 1 Stevenson Drive Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Scan the QR code to read a Patriot Portrait on Coach Crow!

Policy and Contact The Statesman is a student-run publication

Advertising inquiries should be submitted

published monthly for the benefit of the Adlai

to shsstatesman.business@gmail.com. All

E. Stevenson High School community. WIth

advertisements are subject to the discretion

a print run of 2,800 and a regularly updated

of the editorial board and will contain in-

web page, the Statesman provides high qual-

formation and imagery appropriate for the

ity journalistic content in the areas of news,

Stevenson community. Statesman belongs

opinions, features, and sports. The opinions

to the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Asso-

expressed in the Statesman do not necessar-

ciation, the Kettle Moraine Press Association,

ily represent the opinionsof the administra-

the Columbia Scholastic Press Association,

tion, school board, faculty, or student body.

and the National Scholastic Press Association.

1 Stevenson Drive Lincolnshire, IL 60069 | www.statesmanshs.org | shsstatesman.business.gmail.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS

OPINIONS

04

Student Activism

09

Statesman Editorial

06

Alumni Career Panel

11

Free Speech Column

07

Chicago Photojournalism

12

Fall Restaurant Reviews

FEATURES

SPORTS

14

Involved Artists

20

Athletic Activism

15

Political Participation

22

Pay to Play Column

18

Stevenson on Social Media

23

All About Basketball

TRumping pol

Youth civically disengaged with impeachment inquiry, general November 13 marked the launch of the public impeachment hearings against President Donald Trump, with the first round of witnesses including three public servants who testified behind closed doors. The inquiry was filed under the allegation that Trump used the power of the presidency and repeatedly pressured the president of Ukraine to investigate individuals involved in the 2020 presidential election, including former Vice President Joseph Biden Jr. The House proceeding against Trump marks only the fourth impeachment inquiry against a president in history. But despite being at the crux of such a historic and politically charged event, teenagers are still

4

November 2019 - News

politically apathetic.

According to the United States Census Bureau, only 35.6 percent of 18 to 29 year olds voted in the 2018 midterms, as opposed to 66.1 percent of 65+ year olds who voted. The lack of engagement extends beyond the impeachment inquiry and is a trend cultivated by an environment of apathy.

“Teens, and just people in general, are not engaging in this current political cycle because it can be overwhelming and depressing,” English teacher Melissa Mack said. “But that doesn’t mean you should become an ostrich and bury your head in the sand because that’s not going to help anybody.”

Mack is not alone in her belief that youth involvement in current political and social issues is becoming more crucial than ever. To mitigate political apathy amongst teens, national organizations like Student Voice are dedicated to providing students with the platform to take action against local and national issues relevant to them. Ian Coon, Student Voice associate director, believes that today’s youth has several advantages in creating political change.

“Social media connects us more than ever, and with greater accessibility to information, we can better understand the problems fac-

itical apathy

current events; various students encourage peers’ awareness ing society today,” Coon said. “We are able to come up with solutions that haven’t been thought of by other generations.”

While Coon emphasizes the accessibility of platforms for youth activism, Sunny Gandhi ’20, Debate Team research captain, points to a lack of incentive to engage in politics. This sentiment holds true despite the access to new resources like social media.

“I don’t think we really emphasize political activism; it is seen as more of a later-in-life issue, and there is a mindset that ‘if it doesn’t impact me, why should I care?’”

Gandhi said.

Impeachment is a difficult issue to understand—and not just for students. Surrounded by polarizing opinions, impeachment is just one of many examples of complex political issues that require time and research to fully grasp. Gandhi and Coon both believe that the public school system has a responsibility to ease the process of educating America’s youth on current political

events.

The Illinois General Assembly took steps to improve civic education for students last August with House Bill 2265.

Ta k ing effect in the 2020-21 school year, the state law will require a semester of civic education for middle school students. The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition reports that the instruction is intended to focus on “discussion of current and societal issues, service learning and simulations of democratic processes.”

While school systems are changing to encourage student political consciousness, Mack also notes that political participation is not limited

to the school curriculum. Students can stay up to date on current events, such as the impeachment proceedings, on their own time.

“Read the news,” Mack said. “And I would say don’t just get it from one source. Don’t just look at CNN, don’t just look at Fox News: look at both sides. The only way we’re going to stop the divisiveness in this country is to try and understand each other.”

WRITTEN BY: EMILY KANG, KATIE LEE & CAIMIN XI DESIGNED BY: CHERYL CHEN & HUMZA QAZI

November 2019 - News

5

BLAST FROM THE PAST Students learn about future employment options at Alumni Career Event

S

tudents and parents began filling up the West Auditorium, wanting to learn about careers available to them. 11 Stevenson alumni took their seats on stage to speak about their career experiences.

The Alumni Career Event was on November 7 from 6:30-8 p.m. The alumni came from STEM, business and law fields in order to answer any questions students had about the career selection process.

Organized by Stevenson’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America a n d the College Career Center, the Alumni Career Event is the first in Stevenson’s history. Diane Willock, Stevenson’s Career Exploration Manager, was the event sponsor.

“I was trying to come up with an event that would benefit students and came up with alumni career panel, which has been done in neighboring school districts,” Willock said. “Students can connect to alumni that have gone through their experiences at Stevenson.”

Over 50 attendees came to learn

6

November 2019 - News

from the stories of the Stevenson alumni. The career panel started with general icebreakers about the Stevenson experience, and students were later given an opportunity to ask specific questions. Attendee Joy Qu ’22 asked the alumni about turning points in their high school life that affected their career choice in order to receive advice for her future.

The alumni career event is part of the CCC’s larger efforts to help prepare students for their future.

Willock also helps organize inte r n s h i p s f o r students and the Ca-

reer Exploration event.

“Career exploration is important in giving students a general idea of which field they would like to spend a majority of their lives working in,” Qu said. “They are useful tools for students to begin dabbling in different fields and finding their passions.”

Fritz Colcol ’09 was the featured

speaker at the event. The Alumni Career Event page on the Stevenson website lists him as an “entrepreneur, restauranter, business developer, influencer, and lifestyle blogger.”

He spoke to students about pursuing passions, especially in today’s digital age.

“High school is the perfect time to start leveraging your personal brand, following your passions and embracing your failures,” Colcol said.

Qu is a member of FBLA and was considering a career in STEM before the event. “ M a t he w [panelist and attorney] suggested that philosophy was one of the classes he valued most in his Stevenson education, and after hearing his praise for the course, I’m considering a philosophy class in the future,” Qu said. “My perspective on possible careers has expanded, so my mind is more open to different possibilities.”

WRITTEN BY: VICTORIA FENG DESIGNED BY: JANICE LEE

“Chicago”: Behind the scenes

Cast and crew spend final week rehearsing for fall musical

Billy Flyn (Tomasso Jozwiak ’20) considers how being a lawyer is purely a show put on for the judge. This musical number, Razzle Dazzle, was influenced by the flappers of the 1920’s.

Emmie Ginsberg ’21 prepares for the rehearsal in the makeup room. Theatre makeup is always bold, so it is visible to the audience.

Jonathan Raymond ’20 plays the trumpet for the pit.

For this musical, the pit focused on jazz to enunciate the mood of the play.

Roxie Hart (Ginsberg) sings about her baby while Wyn Thomas ’22 and Monique Furman ’21, among others, dance.

This scene involves a quick-paced costume change into baby suits.

Megan Eisenstein ’22 sits for her wig adjustment.

Actors spend approximately one hour preparing for the play in the makeup room.

Velma Kelly (Rachel Fischmar ’20) talks to Billy (Jozwiak) about her performance in court. Fischmar and Jozwiak are two of the main leads in Chicago.

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY: PAULINA ORNATSKY Velma (Fischmar) imagines her appearance in court. Velma is being tried for the murder of her sister and husband after she caught them in bed together.

November 2019 - News

7

50% OFF

Reach your ACT & SAT Potential

YOUR FIRST SESSION* EXPIRES 12/31/2019

The Academic Approach Difference Personalized Tutoring Programs Beyond Tips and Tricks Experienced Directors and Tutors

105 Schelter Rd. • Suite 205 • Lincolnshire, IL • 847-447-0850

Facade of freedom Columnist believes free speech is currently limited, discusses hate speech growth

L

ast April, Stevenson’s class of 2022 attended an AntiDefamation League presentation for A World of Difference about cultural and social awareness in the community. During the presentation, a primary focus was on how hate speech can affect others, thereby calling for an increased awareness to self-filter words.

However, the strict monitoring of all speech to remove perceived offensive remarks goes against the idea of free speech. Of course, offensive language should not be prevalent in society, but it is important to try to understand why insensitive language is used rather than bluntly label others as bigots.

More recently, movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo have reignited national debates about hate speech. Similar causes that push for equality for traditionally underrepresented demographics contest that hate speech should be limited because it corresponds with an increase in violent hate crimes.

The Supreme Court decided in Matal v. Tam that hate speech demeans on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability or any other similar ground. Despite this, the

Supreme Court also ruled that hate speech is legally protected by the First Amendment.

Opposing viewpoints are often labeled as hate speech to negate their credibility. For example, at liberal-leaning college campuses, conservative speakers are widely protested and unable to

speak.

Similarly, at conservative companies, liberal-leaning employees can be terminated for expressing more progressive viewpoints.

I despise the acceptance of this form of censorship. Indeed, while it is important to shun racist or misogynistic remarks, it is also necessary to engage in civil

discussion of pertinent social and political ideas. Compromise is a prerequisite to progress, and civility is imperative for compromise — without civility, there would be no progress towards modern standards of morality.

Unfortunately, hate speech is becoming a more prevalent problem. In a recent USA Today survey, 53 percent of Americans have reported being targeted by harassment online compared to 17 percent in 2017. Such an increase in hate speech creates a perception for the need of an immediate solution.

Fundamentally, I believe that hate speech is a cultural problem. Calling people out for hate speech may lead them to apologize, but forcing an apology does not change their morals. Silencing those who are perceived to be hateful does nothing but build tension and anger.

In order to truly end hate speech, it is necessary to address its root cause.

If the purpose of hate speech is to incite anger, don’t fall into it. Discuss rather than attack, and construct rather than destroy. Free speech will never be free while opposing opinions are blindly demonized.

WRITTEN BY: GREYCEN REN DESIGNED BY: VAASU KAKUTURU

November 2019 - Opinions

9

A NEW POLITICAL Statesman editorial encourages youth to become more politically

T

he line stretches outside of Vernon Hills Village Hall, snaking into the parking lot. Once inside, eager citizens enter private booths, decide which candidates to elect for the next four years and walk away excited about the future of the nation.

Next fall, this vote-casting will play out in cities across America as the 2020 election will choose the next president. And arguably no voting group will be as significant as millennials — those aged 18 to 35 — who, per the Pew Research Center, comprised 31 percent of the 2016 electorate.

Statesman feels that the best way for teenagers to take a stand is to be politically active —attending rallies and voicing their concerns — regardless of whether they can vote. However, youth face additional difficulties due to the stress of rigorous classes and simply learning to uncover their own identities — concepts that can hinder political participation.

Additionally, Statesman feels that generalizations about youth being misinformed can stem from teens’

10

November 2019 - Opinions

lack of political research or simply inexperience. For example, youth may be viewed as less aware just because they have fewer interactions with “more mature” topics ranging from taxes to employment benefits in their own lives.

Despite fewer encounters than older demographics regarding certain issues, youth are likely more exposed to current issues such as climate change and gun control. With the use of social media as a medium, teenagers may be able to rewrite the stereotype of ignorance.

According to a 2018 Pew study, just 9 percent of teens utilize social media to express their political beliefs.

Statesman encourages more millennials to use the Internet and other digital means to become better informed about politics, as YouTube advertisements and political campaigns’ Instagram accounts are accessible sources of information.

However, never-ending Twitter feeds and fun Snapchat filters have downsides.

Statesman warns that social media can create the false consensus effect and allow

GENERATION active, change perception of indifference youth to feel that their ideas are being universally supported. Additionally, since online users can often either “like” or “dislike” a post, Internet forums may create further divisiveness due to their binary nature.

In order for social media to truly benefit teenagers, Statesman encourages youth to be wary of false headlines and to use posts as a stepping point for additional research.

Though 16- and 18-year-olds may have a similar capacity of general and political knowledge, individuals legally become adults at the latter age; those who are 18 would be more like-

ly to experience greater independence in the real world, such as managing finances.

Though the Internet can be accessed by an extreme range of ages, Statesman feels that the current voting age should stay at 18 despite the desires of politicians such as Andrew Yang and Elizabeth Warren.

A 2019 Hill-HarrisX poll supports the idea that the majority of the country would also prefer to retain the current threshold for voting age. According to the study, 75% of registered voters think that 17-yearolds should not be able to vote. That

figure rises to 84% in terms of permitting 16-year-olds to cast votes via ballots.

No matter the voting age, youth have the power to dictate policies and legislation through even small actions including protests.

Fundamentally, Statesman encourages teenagers to use such actions to rewrite the political perception of youth, ultimately realizing their true political power.

LAYOUT BY: BRADLEY LOCKER CARTOON BY: SAILAJA NALLACHERUVU

November 2019 - Opinions

11

UNBE-LEAF-ABLE EATS Orchard Valley Roll-up

Walking into the cheerful cozy atmosphere of Egg Harbor, it’s difficult to resist settling down to warm up with a fall brunch. The perfect blend of sweet and savory, the Orchard Valley Roll-Up shapes up to be an ideal choice for a hearty meal. While the bacon bits were a tad overdone for my taste, crisp apples and caramelized onions transformed an otherwise ordinary roll into a fresh, autumnal delight.

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

Following the trend of ‘pumpkin everything’ season, trying one of Cheesecake Factory’s iconic pumpkin cheesecakes was a must.

While the classic cheesecake portion held true to its signature smooth and rich texture, the pecans underneath added an unexpected twist.

Whether it was the pumpkin spice or rich flavor, this dessert definitely brought that warm fuzzy holiday feel to the table. All in all, I can say one thing for sure - the Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake was definitely ‘nut’ a disappointment.

Salted Caramel Shake

From all the hype I’d heard about Shake Shack, I had high hopes as I walked into the modern, minimalistic establishmet and ordered the new Salted Caramel Shake. However, unless you’re an extreme salted caramel enthusiast (which I am not), the flavor was overwhelming from the first sip. While the shake was a little too strong alone, I’m luckily someone who dips fries into their milkshakes. The combination of Shake Shack’s crispy crinkle cut fries and the Salted Caramel shake definitely left me shook.

WRITTEN BY: JASMINE SUN DESIGNED BY: NATALIE KING

12

November 2019 - Opinions

TAKING NOTE OF OPPORTUNITIES

Stevenson musicians perform, participate in music ensembles inside, outside class

of: NA MM Co ur t esy

tea

nts de tu

work better

in

s

Da ta

and make s u r e you ’r e coming in at the right time.

Ensembles really allow you to refine y o u r skills.”

Some of these ensembles can be seen in Stevenson’s band program, which has experienced an increase in the number of small ensembles for each instrument. Sonny Petway, Director of Stevenson s

November 2019 - Features

m

have enhanced critical thinking skills

14

grow as a musician.

“The more experiences you have, the more appreciation you have for creating music with others,” Yuan said. ”Different ensembles help develop communication skills with other people and you have to listen to other parts and

Mu sic

S

tanding on his podium underneath stadium lights, Allen Beckwith ’20 feels his pulse for a sense of timing before raising his arm in the air, ready to conduct one of the largest marching bands in the country. Breathing in, he closes his eyes before deeply exhaling and counting off the Stevenson marching band’s second movement of their halftime show.

Beckwith, a drum major for the Stevenson Band and a Jazz Ensemble member, is one of many Stevenson students that participate in fine arts opportunities outside of his scheduled band class. These opportunities can take the form of leadership positions or through different ensembles across the chorus, band and orchestra programs.

“I always wanted to take my passion and share it with the community and see how impactful it can be,” Beckwith said.

Erin Yuan ’20, an all-state violist in Patriot Orchestra and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, also finds value in Stevenson musicians getting more musically involved outside of school.

She finds that different ensembles present unique ways to

Bands, attributes students’ continued involvement to the program’s positive culture.

“You have to build something that students want to be a part of, and you have to create a culture that once they come, they feel welcomed and respected,” Petway said. “As opposed to focusing on enrollment numbers, we focus on culture and then the numbers come later.”

Beckwith says that Stevenson’s Fine Arts program offers no shortage of faculty and resources to help students get involved. He believes that the program contributes to an atmosphere where students want to improve as musicians and help the program grow.

“The faculty and resources at Stevenson cultivate the highest levels of excellence in the fine arts. There’s a sense of responsibility to push yourself and perform well with your peers,” Beckwith said. “The growth of the entire program is a positive thing.”

WRITTEN BY: BEN BOWLER DESIGNED BY: OLIVIA HAN

believes in,” Rubinstein said. “It also gives you more respect for people you may not necessarily agree with because you actually see them as more human, as opposed to when you’re online and you really don’t see anything of them at all.”

Opportunities and activities such as PAC allow students to discuss and engage in politics in person with one another. Like Rubinstein, government teacher Daniel Larsen recognizes the value of student discussion.

“If you stand up in a room and lieves that it state your position, people will lisis ben- ten, and you will have an impact,” s eficial for Larsen said. “I think as a teacher my Timothy Rubinstudents to be- role is to make a government class stein ’21 browses come involved in more than a class, but a lifestyle for through social media, politics in their lives and my students.” stories about #MeToo and Black Like Rubinstein, Amal Naqvi ’22 communities. As a member of PAC, Lives Matter continuously pop up he believes that face-to-face discus- said that since her generation will be on his feed. As Rubinstein scrolls sion with other students has allowed more greatly affected by future polthrough posts about current events him to see new perspectives and dif- icies, it is incredibly important for in politics, he recalls how he had everyone to be aware of what’s going fering opinions. just discussed the same topics at “I think that getting more in- on in the political sphere. She belength with his peers at school. volved with politics at a younger lieves that not many people at SteFrom climate change to gun viage with actual people you know in venson are aware of different issues olence, various issues in the United school gives you more of around the world, so beStates are in uential in making pola perspective of, ing in a club like Debate icy decisions at least in your or Model in Congress. area, what the Increased pose 18-24 o h t f o average person 47% he 2018 ter turn t o t V litical particu o b heard a rom at least out for f ipation allows s m ar midter m of 18-29 ye students to have one for s Young voter (18olds ha edia m l ia c a greater awareso ed 24) turnout was increas ness of these 14 since 20 topics and the movements surrounding them, and many Stevenson students also engage in politics more thoroughly through activities such as debate and Political Action Club (PAC).

Rubinstein b e -

A

36% in 2018

16

November 2019 - Features

!?

United Nations allows people to re- Rubinstein said. “I would say oversearch and increase their political all, people are at least somewhat aware of politics.” awareness.

Besides Stevenson clubs, students “After joining Debate and researching bills on different topics also have the opportunity to pursue like foreign affairs, public welfare political activities outside of school and ecopublic welfare and econom- to increase their civic engagement. ics, it helped me develop my interest Jake Kaplan, political director of the in what was going on in the world,” Brad Schneider campaign, believes Naqvi said. “Having more knowl- that it is extremely important for edge about issues will build you up students to get involved in politics.

“Candidates rely on young peoto make a difference in the world.”

With social movements such as ple’s energy and enthusiasm to fuel March For Our Lives spreading their campaign,” Kaplan said. “It is through use of social media, many great for younger people to take a — especially students and youth — leap into new territory; getting out are becoming informed about poli- of your comfort zone by speaking tics through these digital platforms. to so many new people. Interns and According to the Center for In- staff have a symbiotic relationship. formation and Research on Civic We have interns because they are so Learning and Engagement (CIR- valuable to what we do on a camCLE), 27% of young adults ages paign, and it is also an incredible 18-24 heard about the 2018 mid- experience to intern on a campaign.”

Besides outside opportunities term elections from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat with local politicians and repreand Twitter — not through out- sentatives, some also support more reach groups like political parties school-based activities in politics.

Rubinstein believes that Stevenson and campaigns.

“Most people, because should provide opportunities for of social media, know at students to become involved in politics for least something those who about wish to do politics r a e y so. right 13-17 of teens ve taken % 2 1 “ I now,” 018 ha olds in 2 a peaceful would part in r o h c r a ,m say that protest ion t a r t s n if any demo m o r e 34% of teens opporexpressed tunities political beliefs online

?!

[for political participation] are to be provided, they should probably be student-led because it really is up to the student if they want to get involved,” Rubinstein said. “The school should say these options are available, and if you want to take them, go ahead.”

Along with Rubinstein, Larsen believes that student political participation is the fundamental backbone to the future. Through his government classes, Larsen emphasizes the idea that government is a concept citizens “do”, not just learn about.

He believes that each generation should value and fight for democracy in order to preserve it.

“Let’s give all of our students here at Stevenson the knowledge and skills, and then we can count on the leaders to mobilize them and make them truly an army for democracy,” Larsen said.

For many students, making their voices heard is a critical part of this process. Rubinstein views the younger generation’s opinion as a predictor of what is to come.

“It brings older people more awareness of what we want as the future of the country,” Rubinstein said. “It gives people more perspective on where the country may be heading.”

WRITTEN BY: CHRISTE LEE, EMILIY LU & SERENA MEHTA DESIGNED BY: AYLA DURSUN, MELISSA LIU & SOPHIA ISMAIL

November 2019 - Features

17

sensational socials

Stevenson utilizes social media platforms to communicate with students, faculty, parents about upcoming school events, achievements

C

rystal Maleski, Stevenson’s social media specialist, walks down the hallways at 8 a.m. She scans the halls seeing a group of Hawaiian shirt-donning student-athletes and cuts through the crowd to approach them for a picture. While some might not know her, many have been impacted by her.

Maleski’s responsibilities include running the Stevenson Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Youtube accounts. She maintains Stevenson’s social media presence with up-to-date pages that reach around 31,000 accounts.

With over 72 percent of teenagers using Instagram, according to Smart Social, Stevenson social media has become an integral asset for students.

The posts on these social media platforms provide not only a source of information, but also an insight into the daily life of a student. Maleski’s goal is to capture the day-to-day events at Stevenson.

“While I certainly report on scheduled events coming up, sometimes I’m looking for the unadvertised stories,” Maleski said.

These unadvertised stories include a day in the life of a gym leader, egg drops in physics classes and celebrating student and team achievements. The social media pages are also open to some takeovers for students to showcase clubs

18

November 2019 - Features

or sporting events.

Allison Pokoski ’20, secretary of Student Council, manages the club’s social media and has experience with communications over social networking platforms.

“I try to personalize my posts to interact with the general members that I don't meet that often,” Pokoski said “For certain Student Council events, I contact Mrs. Maleski about taking over the Stevenson instagram.”

Increasing social media involvement can not only inform students, but even improve participation. Impact is not limited to students and clubs, as it extends to the community as well. "[The public information] team is second to none,” principal Troy Gobble said. “They are absolutely phenomenal if you look at the qualit y and

information that goes out to our parents.”

As social media rapidly evolves, Gobble hopes to see the functionality of the accounts adapt more and start shifting towards more educational integration.

“I think we could expand the way that we use it educationally,” Gobble said. “What does it look like to push the ideas of class [on social media] to provide students with extra opportunities?”

Gobble’s ideas for the future may open the door to see social media entering the classroom for increased communication or convenience. But for now, outside the classroom, Maleski uses the social media to inform and excite the student body.

“It’s such a big school,” Maleski said. “There are so many things going on, and I like to tell the story.”

WRITTEN BY: MYLES WOODMAN DESIGNED BY: POOJA JAIN

PLAYING FOR

Place of political activism in athletic events,

I

Photo courtesy of Sean de Asis

n 2016, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick opted to sit during the U.S. national anthem for two weeks to protest the ongoing issues of police brutality that had resurfaced around the nation. After being questioned by the media, Kaepernick chose to continue kneeling on the 49ers’ final preseason game, and was thrust into the national spotlight.

Three years later, the fiery debate that followed Kaepernick’s actions continues. Athletes across all sport-

Members of Students Helping Soldiers hold an American flag at the Touchdowns for Troops football game.

The annual game is dedicated to honoring our troops.

20

November 2019 - Sports

ing levels, whether in the major leagues or high school level, have chosen to follow his example. They have sparked controversies of not only if the playing field is an appropriate place for political action, but also if the consequences are worth the cost.

“Athletes should go and make a change because society looks up to athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Kaepernick,” varsity football player Ean Norenberg ’20 said. “Athletic events provide a huge stage so they are the best platform to get your ideas out. It’s important to be strong in your beliefs.”

While Stevenson students often dress up in support of social activism causes such as at Pink Out and Hoops for Heroes football and basketball games, if an athlete wanted to participate in other forms of activism, such as wearing a specialized arm sleeve, for example, it would need to be approved by both Trish Betthauser, Stevenson’s Athletic Director, and likely school administration as well.

Few Stevenson students have taken other forms of political action. No Stevenson football or basketball player has ever knelt during the national anthem at any conference game. On the contrary, high schoolers across the nation have been kicked off of their respective sports teams for speaking up politically.

“The narrative that political partisanship should be avoided at all costs is really damaging, and social activism just feels like a better packaged version of that sometimes,” said Joyce Bai ’20, a varsity golfer on the 2019 IHSA State Championship team. “But there’s essential conflicts in every issue, and if we’re going to avoid them and we’re going to say, ‘Oh this is political; I don’t want this in sports, because everyone belongs in sports,’ then that’s inherently dangerous.”

Bai’s belief is supported by nationally prominent social activists who agree that student athletes have a duty to stand up for causes they believe in, despite the fear of political controversy.

Free speech activist Mary Beth Tinker, who was at the center of the 1965 Supreme Court ruling Tinker v. Des Moines, believes that young people, especially student-athletes, have an obligation to use the platform which they are provided.

“A lot of young people have paid the price for adults’ action,” Tinker said. “So, it’s absolutely important to speak up for your own interests because it’s not going to be enough for adults to speak up for you. When you have the microphone, use it.”

However, some believe that politics should be kept out of athletics.

Varsity basketball player Matthew

POLITICS Stevenson students opinion

Kaznikov ’20 believes that high school sports are not a platform for political activism.

“The team is smart enough to know that there is really no place for that in high school basketball,” Kaznikov said. “We’re just focused on winning games.”

Some Stevenson student activists have tried to make changes in the athletic community off the court.

However, they feel that they have been met with little acknowledgement from their peers.

Akshita Singh ’20, member of Fostering Intercultural Respect and Empowerment (FIRE), worries that student-athletes may take the opinions of their peers less seriously than those of professional athletes. FIRE speaks about the importance of acceptance and cultural awareness on the athletic field to all athletes at monthly athletic meetings.

“When we were talking, they weren’t willing to listen to what we had to say, and treated it like a joke, when we were just there to tell them the honest truth,” Singh said. “It’s an issue we’re still working on. Hopefully they understand it’s not okay to act immature about these serious topics.”

However, some athletes disagree.

They attribute a lack of political activism instead to the smaller platform that high school athletes have,

in comparison to professional athletes.

“I haven’t seen any chance where using the high school platform is a true opportunity for change,” Norenberg said. “We aren’t taken as seriously because of our age.”

Kaepernick’s original protest was done in a 68,500 person capacity stadium, and millions more watching at home. In for you to speak out,” comparison, 450 Hoops for Tinker said. “Find out Heroes T-shirts were sold. what’s already going on While Tinker realizes that in your community and students face these obstacles use your platform. People that can impede their acare afraid of personal costs tivism, she still encourages but the ironic thing is peostudents to use their voice, ple will respect you more referencing her own acfor taking a stance.” tions as a 13-year-old.

In 1965, Tinker was the subject of a Supreme Court Case involving her school’s attempt to ban black armbands worn in protest of the war in Vietnam. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor, and set WRITTEN BY: TRISHA a precedent that political activism PATEL, OJASVI SAXENA & GRIFFIN was within students’ Constitutional BROWN rights.

DESIGNED BY: NELLIE MALONEY & “You have to decide the best way LILA MAIOLO

November 2019 - Sports

21

PLAYED, NOT PAID NCAA debates allowing student athletes to make money from likenesses; passing legislation in multiple states affects future collegiate athletes

F

ormer University of Cen- other students who have more time ceived no money.

Fortunately, New York and Floritral Florida (UCF) kicker for studying and working. StevenDonald De La Haye ran a son athletes also may not have the da have politicians pushing for similar legislation in their states YouTube channel about his college time to work a job with an that would benefit their football career and made money athletic commitment, let student-athletes. New while under a scholarship, but UCF alone two or three, in O’Bannon York Senator Kevin claims that he violated the Nation- addition to academics, S. Parker has called for al Collegiate Athletic Association clubs and a social life. a bill in which the NCAA Though some athletes (NCAA) rules prohibiting stuwould put aside 15 percent dent-athletes from earning money don’t have to worry about of the money earned from from their image. He was given the tuition costs, not all receive ticket sales for their athchoice to either demonetize his You- full-ride scholarships and letes. Stevenson athletes Tube videos or lose his eligibility and their living expenses may scholarship; De La Haye ultimately not be covered. Without earning that reach the collegiate level could chose to continue his channel at the money from their likenesses, ath- benefit from these rules; however, cost of his collegiate athletic career. letes are cheated out of money they only three out of the 50 states have I think these unfair situations can need that their universities or the proposed acts like these. Until all 50 have rules put into place that can be avoided with the NCAA’s Fair Pay NCAA are receiving instead.

De La Haye’s case is just one reimburse athletes, it is not enough to Play Act, which will take effect by 2023 in California. It will allow of the several where athletes to say that those attending school collegiate athletes to be paid beyond have fought the NCAA rules. Ed in California have these rights, but the cost of their tuition, excluding O’Bannon, former UCLA basket- a student-athlete in any other state ball player, was the main doesn’t. those who attend community With the Fair Pay to Play Act, I plaintiff in O’Bannon v. college. They will be comDe La NCAA when a player think student-athletes who dedicate pensated for the use of that bore an uncan- countless hours and their blood, their image, name or Haye ny resemblance to him sweat and tears to their sports can likeness via sponsorships was in the EA Sports game finally be compensated for their and can hire agents to repNCAA Basketball 09 with- work through earning money from resent them without losing out his consent. During use of their likenesses, rather than their playing eligibility. this trial, Joel Linzer, EA being punished for doing something Student-athletes like Sports Executive, said that any other citizen can do.

De La Haye work 40 to 50 hour weeks, the equivalent of a the NCAA football video game WRITTEN BY: full-time job. This limits their time had been earning about 80 million BAYARMAA BAT-ERDENE to work needed jobs, as opposed to dollars annually; O’Bannon had reDESIGNED BY:

31

19

22

STEPHANIE LEVITT

November 2019 - Sports

“I enjoy spending time with the guys while playing on the court and hanging out on the weekend.

I think that our team chemistry is really special because of how unique the sport is.”

Boys’ Basketball Schedule

-Matt Kaznikov ’20

“The cross over is my go-to move. You switch the ball from one hand to the next while still dribbling.”

-Nikki Ware ’21

Girls’ Basketball Schedule

WRITTEN BY: LILY JIANG DESIGNED BY: ELYSSA GAVENDA

November 2019 - Sports

23