Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School 2111 W. 47th St. Chicago, IL 60609 Volume 1 - Issue 4 March 2016
Chicago’s Rippling Crimes News
Book club members attempt to solve Ms. Baez’s mystery game.
pg.4
Arts & Entertainment
Barbie experiences a radical transformation. pg.7
Sports
The
Rudy Calderon
Gage Park neighborhood has others fearing Visitors created a memorial to remember the lives of victims lost.
recent murder of six people in the
their own life.
for
Basketball wraps up another successful season. pg.8
Chicago Crime:
The Never Ending Nightmare
By Rocio Gonzalez and Yuan Liu
Rudy Calderon
T
he recent crime in Chicago seemingly has everyone fearful. With a 76% increase in shootings and homicides, according to a poll from USA TODAY, our city is definitely on the edge. Such high rates are unacceptable to many and have only driven the Chicago Police Department to stand out and make more changes. This year, the department is moving more than 350 officers from foot patrol to vehicles. There were a total of about 300 shooting victims and 51 murders only in the first month of 2016. The Chicago Tribune has confirmed that from the start of January 1st to December 31st of 2015, there were a total number of 2,987 shooting victims.
That’s nearly 3000! From the the start of this year through printing, 430 Chicagoans have been recorded as victims of gun violence. The stats collected predict that shooting rates will continue to rise. Each of the shootings that occurred in January of 2016 are individual events that have shaped and ended the lives of many individuals; however, victims are not the only people who are affected by these scenarios. The victim’s family also get affected mentally and emotionally as they attempt to cope with this tragedy. Each shooting has the potential to touch hundreds of lives. When asked about mental and emotional challenges faced after being affected by crime, a
sophomore at BOYCP named Aeshianna Moon stated, “I have dealt with very emotional and difficult losses to a few people, such as [my] 2 cousins and many others. I’ve also been in the middle of three shootings and I was scared for life. I thought my time was over and I couldn’t finish reaching for my goals.” This shows that one simple action can change someone’s life by facing emotional damage on a daily basis. The reaction of Miss Moon is shocking to many but it is not typical. As a city we need to spend more time studying and coping with the trauma that is brought on by gun violence. Not only do the people who lose a loved one gets affected, the victim of the shootings
who survive get affected too. Survivors can face various life threatening conditions depending on where they get injured, yet what people don’t realize is that survivors can also face mental damage such as anxiety, mental flashbacks, and nightmares. These are medical issues that quickly become societal issues. As Chicago continues to face many challenges each day, citizens have engaged in numerous protests such as the Black Lives Matter protest that occurs on a daily basis. Our fellow citizens aren’t afraid to stand out because they want to have their voices heard. It is now an issue of will they be heard and will anything be done to control and fix this issue.
What’s With The Red String Bracelet? By Citlali Pérez
Y
ou are probably familiar with the red string bracelet that many are seen wearing on their wrist. But have you ever wondered why they wear it? Where this trend started? Or the story behind it? The red string bracelet is worn many ways. Some people twist it, tie it in seven
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knots, wear it with an amulet, or simply tie the string on their wrist. The bracelet has many histories. In the Jewish religion it is known as the red string of Kabbalah. In the Hindu religion it is known as Kalava and worn on the right wrist for men and single women, and the left wrist for married women.
Both religions believe that the red string’s purpose is to keep off negative energy received from the evil eye. This is known as “mal de ojo” in many hispanic cultures. “It’s very common in my culture (Argentina). Families just put a little red strip or lace or you know something soft
that is suppose to stop all that energy from affecting the baby,” explains Ms. Dignani, a Spanish teacher at Back of the Yards. As you can see many religions and cultures use the red string but what they all have in common is that they all believe it to ward off negative energy and keep people safe.
Who is Mr. Ortiz? By Miranda Serna
D
o you know Mr. Ortiz? If you do not, I would like to introduce you to this very remarkable man. Mr. Ortiz grew up in the Gage Park neighborhood. He attended Brother Rice High School and The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for college. Mr. Ortiz has come very far. He began working as a security guard when BOYCP first opened; now, he is the College and Career Coach. Mr. Ortiz will be helping students in the college application process and as they apply for programs to help expand their resume. Mr. Ortiz also works with the DREAMers at BOYCP, any student with an
undocumented status. Mr. Ortiz is certainly doing his best for each student in anyway he can. He wants to see all of the students become successful in their future. He loves that he can help such wonderful students like the ones attending BOYCP. Mr. Ortiz cares about every student’s future and, in general, every student attending. For sophomore and freshman students, Mr. Ortiz will be looking for different programs for the students to apply for. He wants to ensure that they will be ready and will have something on their resume, once the time comes for applications. Mr. Ortiz’s advice to you
is to get involved! Volunteer outside of school, at your local charity, your elementary school, or any service that will benefit your community. This will not only look great on your college application but also your job application. Mr. Ortiz is very passionate about his job, he is a hard working person who deserves to be recognized for his work at BOYCP. Not only is Mr. Ortiz hard working, but he shows his passion and devotion for his job through his work for the students.
Joshua Preciado
When you see Mr. Ortiz in the hallway please stop him and say hello. Introduce yourself to a man who is wildly excited to guide you through the process of getting into the school of your dreams.
The Dream for Higher Education By Jaqueline Almaraz and Abigail Duarte
Artwork by Odalys Flores
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reams. No we don’t mean the ones where you’re riding a unicorn down a rainbow river. We mean the kind of dreams that people strive for the aspirational kind. Someone can be the brightest student in school but, because he or she is undocumented, they are turned down from college opportunities and a better future. In 2001 the Dream Act was first introduced in Congress. The main mission of the Dream Act is to help undocumented
students and their families have a better arrived into the country as children, and it future in the United States by providing allows DREAMers to apply for work and them with legal immigration status if they be worry free about deportation. This is interesting, but it may not become a reality. reach certain requirements. Even though the bill is important, Recently, the Supreme Court it has some restrictions. The people who announced that it will hear a lawsuit from apply for the program can not get federal multiple states against President Obama’s grants but then can receive student loans 2014 plan. If the Supreme Court turns and do work study. The student also must against Obama’s plan it could not only have been living in the U.S for at least put the extra privileges for the DREAMers five years and they had to be younger than at risk but also the DACA program. If the the age of sixteen when they entered the DACA program goes down the thousands country. of people that have benefited from it can Even with all the advantages the face new obstacles with their privileges no Dream Act already provides, President longer present. Obama introduced a plan in November Editor-In-Chief: Liliana Leon 2014 to make The Co-Photography Editors: Joshua Preciado, Emily Romero Dream Act even Writers: Jackie Almaraz, Rolando Arroyo, Jennifer Aviles, Sielina Castillo, better. President Abigail Duarte, Giana Elizade, Rocio Garcia, Rocio Gonzalez, Marlen Obama wanted to Gongora, Nubia Gonzalez, Yuan Liu, Daniela Mendoza, Alex Ortega, Citlali Perez, Adriana Rueda, Miranda Serna, Esquipulas Santoyo, Zaima Torres, build on an already Marco Vazquez existing program Artists: Angelica Cortez, Odalys Flores named DACA. That Photographers: Rudy Calderon, Nancy Chen, Juan Cruz program also assists Graphic Designers: Juan Cruz, Dhamar Diaz, Jazmin Espana, Jesus Garza, Selene Vital undocumented Faculty Sponsors: Mr. Matthew D’Agostino, Mrs. Madilyn Strentz individuals who
The Maroon Staff
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Book Club Shows Off Their Dramatic Side T By Rolando Arroyo
here’s a book club at BOYCP. Ms. Baez runs the book club after school on Wednesdays and Fridays. The club finished reading The 5th Wave and went on a field trip to see the m o v i e adaptation of the book on the 4th of February. “I attend book club because I have a passion for reading and I get a chance to discuss books we’ve read with other students who also enjoy reading,” said Liliana Leon. “I feel positive vibes at book club since everyone is fan-girling over the hot guy characters and we all share similar reactions to certain events in books.” The book club doesn’t just read! They put on a “murder mystery” on the 12th of February. “This particular game is called Zombie Cannibal Asylum Murder Mystery Game. Most people use them for gatherings or birthday parties. We are taking a break while we wait for our next books to come in,” said Ms. Baez. The
book club engages literature in unique, yet enjoying ways. When asked how the murder mystery game played out, the book club members declared it was great and that they want to have another one. With a great smile, Makiah Watson said, “It was fun, different, and wild. It got the shy people out of their shells and lots of laughs.” Mauranda Keyes mentioned, “We got to see the actor’s side of people and how dramatic they can be.” It is clear the Book Club values the smile and humanity of each person.
All photos on this page by Joshua Preciado
Ms. Baez explains the Murder Mystery Game (top left). A kind nurse helps a sick zombie (above). Zombie prevention procedures are given to book club members (bottom).
Donated Human Body Educates BOYCP Science Club By Marco Vasquez
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cience Club has been around since the beginning of time… for BOYCP that is. It is the club that fostered in students a love for science that is much more significant than they originally thought possible. Ms. Morris, the club moderator, works hard to try and help all participants in the Science Club get their questions answered through the designing and executing of experiments. Science Club meets every
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Thursday after school, from 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM. Anyone can come and be a part of the club so long as they have a desire to use science to answer their questions. They study any field of science that can be explored through careful and thoughtful experimentation in order to expand their knowledge. Some of Science Club’s recent experiments include the dissection of a cat, hatching of chicks, and a weather balloon
that is still in the process of being completed. Recently the science club traveled to The National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois where they were able to sit in on an autopsy of a cadaver (a dead body). The body was donated per the request of a deceased person who decided their remains would be best used as a study tool for scientists and students in the medical field.
Many of the students feel that the club has been a tremendous learning experience, and they were thrilled to have been given the opportunity to attend the trip. It is definitely a perk of attending a school like BOYCP. Science Club is a great place to be if you feel like expanding your scientific horizons with the help of a teacher that doesn’t shy away from a challenge that can be met with science.
Asked and Answered - Bobcat Voices
By Sielina Castillo and Rocio Garcia
Why do we say that life is short when it is the longest thing we’ll ever experience?
Mr Cobban
I think because so many things happen in your life in such a short amount of time. Next thing you know you’re in your career and then you’re trying to start a family. And before you know it you’re going to be dead in the ground, so I think that’s why. You know life gets in the way when you’re in high school. Everything seems to happen a little bit slower, probably because you have less responsibilities. I think it’s all about perspective.
Mr Salinas
You know sometimes there are deadlines we have to meet, and then sometimes those deadlines are not moving and if we wait until the last minute then we are out of time. So I think it is just trying to reorganize the way we think at times, and trying to plan it out at first. [Planning it out] would be best, but some people like that [last minute] rush. And when they finally get it done, [they feel a sense of accomplishment].
Zorian Flowers
Vianey Rodriguez
Well we say life is so short when it’s actually the longest thing we’ll ever experience because some people take life for granted, they don’t go out and explore everything and they could. Though some people might go out and have a lot of fun and be really adventurous and some people might stay at home all day and do nothing and play video games all day. And then you never know when life could just end so I guess that’s why they say it.
We say life’s too short even though it is the longest thing we’ll experience because we want to do so many things in life that we don’t have enough time to get to and we feel like we should have had a longer life to live it out to the fullest. People have goals that they never get accomplished because their life was shortened due unexpected events in life. I agree that life is short just because we never know when our last day will be.
All photos by Joshua Preciado
The Struggle: The Running of the Hallways
By Angelica Cortez
Opinion 5
Confidence Makes A Women But A Little Makeup Never Hurt Anyone
By Adriana Rueda and Zaima Torres
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ho cares about makeup? We interviewed women to get their perspectives about it. We wanted to see the purpose of makeup and why people truly wear it. Makeup shaming happens everywhere; no one should be criticized for wearing it. The most important thing to know, is that it’s not all about trying to make yourself look better or because of insecurities. It’s
Ms. Colon
Mrs. Cox
No makeup
Wears makeup
Opinion: “I am not a fan of makeup. I feel like it covers up your natural beauty. I only wore it for prom and special occasions but I don’t feel comfortable. I’m not against those who wear it either.” Tips: Be yourself and enjoy your natural beauty!
Opinion: “I like makeup and I enjoy it.”
Victoria Santillan Wears makeup
Tips: Try out the Bare Minerals Lip gloss. Don’t over wear it. You’ll look fake.
Ms. Smoot Wears makeup
Opinion: “Makeup shouldn’t be shamed.
Opinion: “Makeup is very fun. I really enjoy wearing it and feeling pretty with it. I don’t think it’s necessary for many but if you’re talented with it you shouldn’t feel bad about wearing it either.” Tips: Be yourself and love your natural look.
Some people find that it takes a lot of talent and express themselves through makeup. Also, not all people wear makeup because they feel ugly, in fact they wear it because it’s something they enjoy doing.” Tips: Remove waterproof makeup with oil based makeup removers. Use green correcting concealer for red spots. Coconut oil + sugar = perfect lip scrub.
Ms Ward
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also out of pleasure, fun and talent. Those who wear it should feel beautiful with or without it. We shouldn’t shame because it’s “fake” or because it’s “not natural.” According to the women we interviewed, we know that when someone wears it, it’s not to impress others or to feel better themselves. Be yourself and try to love your natural beauty as well as your flaws.
Ms. Wu
No makeup
Sometimes wears makeup
Opinion: “Personally, I think makeup is fun to pick out and to play around with. However, no one should be criticized or judged for their style, whether they wear makeup or not.” Tips: Everyone needs to figure out what their own look is, and what makes them feel good about themselves. If you feel good without makeup, that’s awesome - more power to you! For makeup users, choose colors and tones that compliment your natural beauty. Also, quality counts. Try different brands!
Opinion: “I don’t really use makeup. Only some days with eyeshadows, concealer, or chapstick. I don’t think it’s necessary. I think people who know how to apply makeup are so talented.” Tips: Don’t wear makeup. Be yourself. Do what you desire and just be natural.
An Iconic Change to an Iconic Toy By Marlen Gongora ince the Mattel toy company launched the Barbie doll in 1954, the doll has been an iconic toy for many young girls around the world. The creator of the Barbie,
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Ruth Handler, said, “My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be.” To accomplish this goal, each doll was made with
Juan Cruz
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different clothes and accessories to fit different careers. After visiting the Barbie website, The Maroon found out Barbie has had over 150 careers from nurse to rock star. Can Barbie be any more perfect? Although the doll encourages girls to pursue their dreams, it has also been criticized for portraying unrealistic features that influence young girls in an unhealthy way. Statistics show that among high school students, 44% of girls attempt to lose weight due to low self-esteem. Did Barbie’s unrealistic features contribute to these problems? The Maroon has decided to look for an opinion within the student body. When we asked sophomore, Aimee Lopez, to give her opinion on the Barbie
she said, “I believe that at a young age children wish to look like Barbie. This causes problems like depression. Some teens are still influenced by this, but others are not.” After years of negative comments, Mattel has made drastic changes to its doll, and it would be wonderful for those changes to cause an increase in the self-esteem of its buyers. The toy company has recently released a new line of Barbies that come in different shapes and sizes. They come in Petite, Tall, and Curvy with different skin tones, eye colors, and hairstyles. “If I ever have kids I’d prefer for them to play with the new Barbies because they’ll know beauty comes in all shapes and sizes,” says Aimee. What do you think?
And the Oscar Goes to...
By Alex Ortega and Esquipulous Santoyo
ilm, motion picture, or movie, whatever you call it we’re all exposed to the glories of stories represented in cinema. These glorious films are made to entertain the general audience with outstanding performances by some of Hollywood’s finest talent. Eddie Radmayne, who you probably know best for his Oscarwinning portrayal of Stephen Hawking in,
“The Theory of Everything” last year is once again nominated for this year’s awards. Acting veteran Leonardo Dicaprio is nominated for the fifth time for his brutal and gritty portrayal of the frontiersman Hugh Glass in “The Revenant.” Matt Damon has also garnered critical acclaim for his comedic and honest portrayal in Ridley Scott’s science fiction fantasy “The Martian.”
Bryan Cranston shocked the world with his “Breaking Bad” role due to his past comedic effort in “Malcolm in the Middle” and now has critics stunned with his portrayal of the screenwriter Dalton Trumbo in “Trumbo.” Michael Fassbender, the stunning actor best known for his “X-men” and “12 Years a Slave” role, has culminated praise for his cunning and edgy portrayal of “Steve Jobs.”
According to our student poll, this year’s winners are: Best Actor Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Revenant”
Best Visual Effects “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence in “Joy”
Best Animated Feature Film “Inside Out”
Best Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for “The Revenant” Best Picture “The Revenant”
Best Cinematography Emmanuel Lubezki for “The Revenant” Best Original Screenplay “Straight Outta Compton” Arts & Entertainment 7
Lady Bobcats Step into Varsity with Tenacious Attitude By Daniela Mendoza & Nubia Gonzalez
T
he BOYCP girls’ basketball team did an amazing job this season as they persevered through many obstacles. One thing that really motivated the girls’ effort was staying positive and reflecting on their achievements. Ms. O’Hara, the assistant coach for the girls basketball team stated, “...from what I saw from the beginning to now, they made a huge improvement and I think staying positive with them definitely helped motivate the girls...” Together, the team focused on ways they could positively motivate and uplift each other rather than bring each other down. This season was a special one, especially with it being Back of the Yards
Rudy Calderon
very first year of having a varsity team. Ms. Maxwell, the head coach of the girl’s varsity basketball team, showed pride in the team as she said, “This is our first year, our first Emily Romero year as a varsity team and we only Head Coach Maxwell rallies up the team to motivate them to do their have freshmen, best and win the game. (Bottom-left) Junior Maria Macias plays defense on a player from Amandla. (Bottom-right) Sophomore Daisy sophomores, and Mendez is protects the ball while looking for an open player. juniors. Normally varsity is juniors and seniors so the girls as a whole opposed to what I’m doing.” have done really well.” Both the junior By experiencing these events throughout varsity and varsity teams showed huge the season, they proved themselves to be balanced risk-takers! Keep it up Girls! improvements and made strides. The girls have expressed their dedication and toughness throughout the season. Although basketball may not be an easy sport for all people, the team persevered and kept on going even though it was hard at times. Ms. Maxwell expressed this when she said, “What makes you a team is going through hardship together. Fighting in games, having to fight to win, and working together and having to depend on someone else on your team. Kind of pulling yourself back from it and focusing more on what the team is doing Rudy Calderon
Boy’s Basketball Takes a Giant Leap By Daniela Mendoza & Nubia Gonzalez
T
he BOYCP boys’ basketball team ended their season well. The team was very determined to win and the team captains were key motivators for the boys. Mr. Gorney stated, “I think it was more our captains and the leaders of our team. They showed up and worked hard everyday. Kelvin Valentin is one of my captains and Peyton Hutchins is the other. Those guys, they showed up everyday to practice, They worked hard, set the example for everyone else, and I think everyone else followed their lead.” This shows how much the team relies on each other. They have a sense of trust and respect for the leadership and they know their potential. 8 Sports
The team has had a very important season this year, especially knowing how young they are. This year they had a chance to prove that they can play with the big kids. They are no longer fooling around. They have become a whole new group of people, with each knowing that they have a game to win. A big part of their success this year is the support they offered each other. The boys seem to know when to be there for each other. When to motivate the other in the moment. As for the coaches, they had to help the boys improve their skills and continually move on past any setbacks. They had to continue the game.
The boys showed their dedication by improving themselves and learning that they can improve at any task laid in front of them. That sense of achievement will only come if they work hard. Basketball is a sport that allows for improvement. It constantly asks you to prove that you are giving the most effort possible. All sports seem to be connected to the idea of effort, but these boys put in more than that. They put their soul and whole-being toward becoming tougher and more intelligent. They know what it means to be a team! With a regular season record of 7-12, they have an eye firmly pointed toward a magical next year.