Volume 3 issue 1 by mastrentz

Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School 2111 W. 47th St. Chicago, IL 60609

Volume 3- Issue 1 September 2017

Loaded Athletic Agenda T

GIRLS’ TENNIS

he girls’ tennis team had an amazing run last year, and they intend to keep that vibe going. The girls’ tennis team had their tryouts this Monday, and there’s a lot of potential for the arising girls’ tennis team. Coach Maxwell seeks to do her best with the girls to ensure they reach their highest potential. When people envision a sport, they many not consider tennis at first. It is an incredibly

difficult sport, but one that is follow extremely closely in many parts of the world. Oftentimes people believe it doesn’t require the most strength or speed, a belief that is quickly changing, but it does rely heavily on mental strength, reaction-time, and reflexes. It is very hard for a person to have all the three. But, just because the sport demands such traits does not mean that it is unsuited to newcomers or

Aimee Lopez

beginners. It’ll be fascinating to discover just how far our girls’ tennis team will go with new members. They are surely

putting in the work with a great coach. So, as a family, let’s go support this dedicated team!

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

Courtesy of Mr Anderson

ith a brand new school year in session, the beginning of BOYCP athletics

begins. The Bobcats never disappoint, especially the girls’ volleyball team. For

GIRLS’ SWIMMING

s the first week of school comes to an end, fall sports can finally get back on track, or should I say back in the pool? The girl’s swim team kicked off the school year with tryouts, and were welcoming both old

and new swimmers to join the team. Sports, like swimming, are highly recommended to help students both socially and emotionally; Theresa Kenny, a Junior, can agree. Kenny has been on the

the past four years, the girls’ volleyball team has progressed immensely and reached great achievements. Just last year, the girls were extremely close to winning a regional; their defeat has become a main source of motivation. This season will definitely be a one to keep an eye out for as the ladies prepare to take down any opponents necessary to reach one of their goals.

Besides winning a regional, the girls’ volleyball team plans to prove that as a team they deserve a challenge. Team member, Victoria Gonzalez, stated, “The teams we have been playing for the past five years...made us feel like we deserve to be put in a higher conference.” This stellar team is determined to win by using their secret weapon- communication.

swim team for almost three years. When asked about what she loves about swimming, Kenny stated, “There’s so much I love about swimming, but what I love the most is watching the improvement among my teammates and helping them out.” Kenny describes her team

and coach as another family, since they all bonded while training in an effort to improve their swimming times. “Swimming helps me both socially and emotionally because we create bonds together, and the people I met on the swim team mean everything to me.”

Carrying on a Legacy By Josephine Sulls ew school year, new team. This year, the BOYCP boys’ soccer team is adjusting since the class of 2017 graduated, considering they formed the first team. Although the varsity team lost 11 players, junior varsity gained new talent with the incoming freshman. To get an insider’s view, Hector Munoz, varsity goalie, was asked how the team runs with the previous seniors gone, “I feel like the vibe is a lot better this year compared to last year. Don’t get me wrong, I love the

seniors from last year, but we are a lot more compact and have a lot more chemistry.” Hector also commented on the team’s performance, “Varsity started off on a bad foot, but we played amazing soccer against really good teams. We’ve turned that around and are focusing on winning [our] conference and doing well in the tournaments. JV has been playing good too. The future of BOYCP is in good hands once the current seniors leave.” The teams start

off their season with varsity having 1 win and 3 losses and junior varsity with 2 wins and

While both athletics are physically demanding, they aren't the same. In track, one must run for a short distance-this means that speed and strength are required--usually more than once. On the other hand, XC involves a single, longer run--where endurance and consistency are key. XC is a great athletic sport for those who seek the physical benefits of a sport but are not too fond of joining a major sport right

off the back. It's a mentally demanding sport, and it's painful to get the feel for it. But, once you've had a week's worth of training, you'll be amazed by the wonderful achievements. Want to know what's even better? The fact that our school has its own XC team

we did not quit. After we were trailing 20-0 in the first quarter, we came back and cut down the lead due to our relentless effort. This attitude is what keeps the team together and hungry for victory as we continue the rest of the season competing for a spot in the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) playoffs.” By halftime, the Bobcats made the gap in points smaller, instead of giving up, they

continued to push onwards, while this push did not result in a win, it shows the moxie of the players. Even after the team has taken their first loss, they still aspire for greatness. With the determination of the

Mary Chen

1 loss. If history can be trusted this will improve.

Running Into History By Fernando Soto

f you're anything like me-don't like the idea of joining a sport team or the sensation of embarrassment--, then you might be surprised to find out that there's an amazing athletic activity that can suit you: cross country (XC)! What comes to mind when you hear the term XC? Running? Sweat? Speed? Well, that's somewhat correct, but don't be put off by such ideas. People generally confuse the term of XC for that of Track.

Mary Chen

hosted by Ms. Johnson! You can train alongside your friends and Ms. Johnson while pushing each other's boundaries. Cheeky, but whatever!

New Conference, New Challenges By Eleazar Martinez

oming off of the first loss of the 2017-2018 football season, the Bobcats took a heavy blow. After the previous seasons perfect 9-0, and after achieving one of the longest winning streaks in the CPS football, the Bobcats reflected on the experience and ended up having an overall positive attitude. Kelvin Valentin, senior, stated, “T.F. North has a good football program, but 2 Sports

Bianca Jones

Bobcat football team, the best is yet to come.

The Future of Politics By Citlali Perez

eronica Rodriguez is a high school senior and an activist. She is involved in the Student Voice Committee where students gather to discuss and work on topics that will create change for the better of all students. You might have heard her before on the intercom delivering messages. Besides her involvement in the Student Voice Committee, Veronica is also involved with organizations outside the school like the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and Pilsen Alliance. It is through this organization that she fights for issues like school funding, violence prevention, immigration, and gentrification. Using her voice and strong attitude, Veronica set out to make a difference this summer. She stated to have attended teach-ins and protests. She also recognizes that “these actions might have felt small, but in the end had a state-level impact because now Illinois

residents are affected by the Trust Act since it was passed.” Through her brave actions, the young leader was also recognized on The Chicago Tribune for delivering a message in front of Governor Rauner’s house. She was accompanied that day by many like-minded people as they fought for school fundings. After working for two months this summer with BPNC and learning “about student power, youth power and women power”, Veronica moved on to work with Pilsen Alliance where she discovered more about her identity and roots. She puts this experience as being “educated in ways textbooks can’t teach. Where history wasn’t whitewashed.” Veronica is a constant student of this world. When she found out about her indigenous background she became curious to learn more and to empower other individuals about what she has discovered.

By Kimberly Franco ow on their 6th season, the Back of the Yards Cheerleading program continues making great progress! With a humble start back in the winter of 2014, the program solely cheered for the boys’ basketball t e a m . S i n c e then, the team now p ar t a kes in football games by cheering at the

sidelines. Although recently, they have done more than just cheering for teams. They also now focus on coming up with new routines and choreography after they were awarded Open Division City Champions at the start of the year. Their goal as a team is to be even better than last season and make a name for our school. In the summer, they also partook in a summer program to grow as a team, by learning new dance moves, stunts, and tumbling skills. The program is also looking forward to performing at halftime for a Northwestern University football game coming up soon! The team is excited to partake in this, for the program has also participated at a halftime at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Coach Smoot and Coach Senjanin could not be any prouder of how far the Cheerleading team has improved, yet this is only the start.

Stunting Across Chicago

Bianca Jones

The Maroon Staff

Calling all performers and those who love watching live performances! Join us at the next Open-Mic Coffeehouse Thursday, September 14th in 200G at 3:15PM

Editor-In-Chief: Liliana Leon Art Director: Jazmin Espana Website Editor: Dhamar Diaz Photography Editor: Bianca Jones Editors: Kimberly Franco, Rocio Gonzalez, and Eleazar Martinez Writers: Jaqueline Almaraz, Abigail Duarte, Marlen Gongora, Citlali Perez, Fernando Soto, Josephine Sulls Photographers: Mary Chen and Aimee Lopez Graphic Designer: Diana Duarte Faculty Sponsors: Mr. Matthew D’Agostino and Mrs. Madilyn Strentz News 3

Painting Positive Reflections

By Abigail Duarte

here are things as a child that bring us comfort and let us have hope. But as we gradually grow up, those things drift away. Citlali Perez, a student at Back of the Yards High School, has taken action to spread hope and comfort in her own neighborhood. In the community of Back of the Yards there is much diversity, and in the mix of diversity there are parts where immigrants live in fear through the society that they live in. T h e community has many murals that each share their own story, but Citlaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can be distinguished because of her drive to leave a message of comfort for everyone. Giving comfort to others through the mural is shown through inspiration of change. Back of the Yards community there is much talk about violence but through the murals around in the community it brings color the black and white world. The design that is trying to be distributed to the community signifies the rainbow after a thunderstorm. This design portrays what Citlali is doing herself, to stand up and make a difference

Aimee Lopez

to make a change in the community. The vibrant colors that Citlali has chosen brings out the bright future and colorful outcome of the solution that comes from the fighting. Citlali has taken steps forward to make a change and she has her community to continue this work.

Letter From the Editor By Liliana Leon

o all Bobcats, congratulations on surviving your first week of this school year! Now there are only 39 left to complete. For the first time, some of you walked through the busy halls, ate in the cafeteria, and met our wonderful teachers. While for others, this week began their first of many lasts they will have in high school. There are many challenges you will face this year, such as finishing college applications or adjusting to rigorous courses, but the ways you approach these challenges will not only build your character but also teach you valuable lessons. When difficult tasks cross your path, do not run away from them because you never know what you are capable of until you accomplish those great things! One piece of advice I will share with you all is to get involved. Whether your interests include playing sports or joining extracurriculars, there is a lot to do at BOYCP. The times you share with your teammates will be some of the most memorable. Plus, it is an excellent way to find out what you are passionate about

4 News

and fun ways to make friends. There are also possibilities to be active in the community and other organizations. Personally, being greatly involved throughout my high school journey has helped me academically and increased my networking pool. If you ever need help, talk to your peers or teachers because here, at Back of the Yards College Prep, we are a family. Calling all writers, designers and photographers! The Maroon needs you! No experience needed! Come to our meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays Room 200B 3:15-4:15pm