Volume 40 Issue 2 - October/November 2012 - Hoffman Estates ...

THE
Hoffman Estates High School 1100 West Higgins Road (847) 755-5600
HAWKEYE VIEW
October/November 2012 VOLUME 40 ISSUE 2
Khrystal
Johnson
Staff Reporter
Bullying has been recognized
as a serious problem
nationwide. It has a negative
impact in people’s lives and
has become a domino effect in
which either someone has been
bullied or has witnessed others
being bullied; this can start as
early as grade school and even
go into adulthood. Bullying
seems to be everywhere.
Here at Hoffman Estates
High School, there is a unique
system of events and people
to advocate anti-bullying.
Andres Acosta, HEHS social
worker, is one of the many
who was involved in the Anti-
Bullying Week that took place
in early October. The central
theme for Anti-Bullying week
was Unity Day.
“It’s important because
as a student, you have a strong
voice in influencing your peers,
our educators, and administrators
within our school.,” said
Acosta. “Our student body
also can persuade lawmakers
to explore changes in laws to
protect students. Bullying is
Anti-Bullying Week unites Hoffman
an issue that directly affects
all students and the school culture.”
“When students become
actively involved, they have
the opportunity to lead the
cause to show that they care
about their peers and their
school—they become a powerful
voice for change,” Acosta
continued.
The HEHS student body
is encouraged to speak up for
themselves and for others. Becoming
involved with those
around you, school, home, and
your neighborhood to make it
safe not only makes you acquire
a taste of leadership but
also a sense of knowing that
you are speaking up for those
who may not be able to.
Wednesday, October 10,
2012 was Unity Day. Acosta,
regarding what would take
place that day, said, “Unity
Day is the first of several
events that we at Hoffman
have planned to roll out this
school year. Unity Day’s
purpose was simple: initiate,
educate, and propagate. We
wanted to initiate the start of
our anti-bullying efforts for
the 2012-13 school year. It
had to start with something;
so why not start with students
making a commitment to stand
up against bullying. Hoffman
Estates High School puts itself
on the national map by having
close to 500 of its students
sign an electronic petition indicating
their stance against
bullying. We also wanted to
educate our student body on
the resources both locally
and nationally that assist with
making changes. Lastly, we
wanted to spread the news,
“tell it on the mountain” if you
will, that bullying will simply
not be tolerated at HEHS!”
Unity day was a great
success. Close to 500 students
in Hoffman Estates pledged to
be against bullying maybe next
time more students as well as
teachers will pledge as well.
To many it’s a great feeling to
see your name on the electronic
pledge saying they pledged.
Those who are bullied know
that they are not alone.
Hoffman Estates High
School is consistently trying to
advocate to students that there
are resources available when it
comes to reporting bullying.
“Any teacher or staff
member would be more than
happy to listen to and assist
any student in addressing any
bullying situation both in and
out of the school setting,”
Acosta said. School shouldn’t
be a place students dread for
fear of being bullied.
Students must speak out
and get help, no matter how
minor the situation or how major.
Bullying is bullying and it
needs to be prevented.
“The overall message is
that at Hoffman Estates High
School, it is our mission to assist
all students in feeling like
regardless of their situation in
their past, in their community,
or in their home. We are going
to take this aspect of their lives
and make it a place where they
feel safe and supported to be
all that they can be and dream
to be,” said Acosta.
Hoffman Estates High
School is a place to learn.
Learning is so much more
than academics. Learning at
school is not just about learning
Math, English or Science.
You can also learn how to be
a leader and stand up for yourself
and others. Anti-bullying
week was a success along with
Unity day. Let’s SOAR above
Bullying!
Election 2012: Students get involved
Hitomi
Tanaka
Staff Reporter
During this year’s
presidential election, HEHS
students had opportunities
to get politically involvedfrom
a mock debate to political
discussions in class.
The Mock Debate,
held Friday, November 2 and
Monday, November 5, right
before the official presidential
election, students had
the chance to debate issues
representing eitherPresident
Barack Obama, democrat,
or Mitt Romney, republican.
Each panel was made up of
3-6 students each block, researching
different aspects
of the candidates’ platforms;
this ranged from topics such
as health care, energy independence,
foreign affairs,
and education. Matt Dowd,
social science, was the head
coordinator of the democrats,
and Bill Scully, social
science, was the head coordinator
of the republicans.
The basic structure
of the debate consisted of
student representatives sitting
at a table on the auditorium
stage, facing the
audience and the moderator.
The moderator asked
questions– none previously
discussed with the participants
– that one candidate
had 90 seconds to respond
to. There were five sections
of the debate: opening statements,
moderator questions,
cross examinations, audience
questions, and closing
statements.
In terms of providing
data, teachers merely explained
where the students
could obtain online information
on their candidate’s
official position, and left the
rest of the research up to the
students. “The researching
process can be hard when we
don’t have the advantage of
teacher involvement to lead
us in the right direction,”
Democrat Representative
Esther Cho (‘14) said. But
students remained confident
that this was an aspect of
the debate that was for their
benefit. Republican Representative,
Devi Shastri (’13)
pointed out the positives
of being urged to research
alone: “It’s important for us
to individually research and
develop our own stances on
issues. When we are 18, we
won’t have teachers or parents
hovering over us in the
booths, saying who to vote
for.”
Due to the independent
nature of the debate,
there were varying degrees
of preparation among the
students. Along with no real
age qualifications that may
have filtered the number
of participants, a freshman
could be put up against a senior,
or one with “pages and
pages of notes” could havedebated
against one who
was planning on “winging
it”. Democratic Representative
Tim Coukart (’13)
Continued on page 6
INSIDE
the Hawkeye View
News
Sports
Election
Arts

2 News Hawkeye
View October/November 2012
iPads pilot the future of HEHS
Jasleena
Singh
Staff Reporter
In today’s society,
technology is becoming
increasingly important
and ever-present in
our daily lives. HEHS
will know the vital role
that technology plays in
the classroom due to the
implementation of iPads
this year. District 211
has adopted the idea of
a “one to one” program
which means that for every
student, there would
be a device (either a tablet
or computer) for them
to use. These iPads greatly
enhance education and
facilitate stronger communication
between students
and teachers.
Many teachers
have started to use Schoology,
a class portal,
which allows them to
post everything a student
needs for the class in one
location. Tanya Katovich,
science department, said
“Schoology is a website
where I post all of my
homework assignments,
my videos, handouts, and
labs. Students can find
everything they need in
one location. Students
that miss class for field
trips or absences can
retrieve anything they
missed during class time.
I love using Schoology
because it eliminates excuses.”
Teachers using
this technology believe
that iPads and the use
of this class portal have
greatly enhanced learning
and made it much
easier focus on more difficult
concepts in class
rather than building the
foundations
The learning of
concepts is made easier
because iPads allow mobility.
The iPads are very
user friendly and allow
students to learn concepts
before they come
to class. The teacher can
focus on more complicated
concepts as opposed
to spending time
on the basics. Brian Harlan,
science department,
does this by creating an
astronomy map on the
iPad.
Though there have
been some drawbacks
with the iPads, the faculty
is confident that they
will soon be fixed. As a
pilot program, the iPads
are still working on technical
issues which have
resulted in lost time, but
once iPad use becomes
more common, the problems
will lessen and the
program will become
more efficient. The biggest
problem with the
iPads is that they do not
run Flash. Flash is software
that many websites
still use so students will
not be able to get the
same high quality materials.
However, Flash
is slowly starting to become
replaced which will
eventually lead to this no
longer being an issue.
“The most important
change we have seen
is that students are more
active in their learning
because they have a device
in their hands - they
are looking up answers
and trying to solve problems
before the teacher is
even done with the discussion.
I’ve had
teachers tell me that there
are students who are coming
into class who have
already watched the videos
or read the material
before they even arrive,
which is giving them a
head start on the day,”
said Keith Sorenson,
head of the education and
technology department
for District 211. It is clear
that iPads have greatly
made a positive impact
on the learning environment
at Hoffman and are
expected to be seen with
even more students next
year.
Nancy Camacho
(‘15) shows a
classmate a game
on her new iPad
(left). Nidhi Shastri
(‘15) and Carlos
Garcia (‘13) study
vocabulary and
browse the internet.
Hawks are taking
great advantages
of the resources
given to them.
New Grading Creates Infinite Chaos
Shashank
Saxena
Staff Reporter
A brand new grading
system and student portal
have gone into effect this
year at Hoffman and the
other shools in the district.
The new 12 point scale is
meant to help students because
it replaces the entire
F range of 0 through 59
percent with just 0 out of
12. Letter grades, or a number
from 1 through 12, will
be used instead of percentages,
which will help students
boost their grades.
Although the new
system is meant to help
students, some students
have found the changes
challenging.
Eddy Barraza (‘14)
is definitely against it.
“The new system is
not informative and lots of
kids dislike it. The app (for
Infinite Campus) on both
Android smartphones and
iOS smartphones is very
buggy and sometimes does
not show updated grades.”
Kids like Barraza wish the
old system would return.
Another big dilemma
many students have
found is that percentages
cannot be seen. Sangrag
Ganguli (‘13) is another
student who dislikes the
system. “If passing is all
you aim for, then the new
grading system will benefit
you.” Ganguli thinks
that it doesn’t exactly lower
the standards, because it is
harder to maintain an “A”
letter grade, but he believes
that the new system makes
life easier for some people.
Also, he thinks that the 100
point scale is more accurate
than the 12 point scale
because the 100 point scale
gives percentages, whereas
the 12 point scale only
gives a letter grade and
doesn’t tell the full story.
Some students, however,
find the new grading
system as a better system
than the 100 point scale.
Zoe Dorband (‘14) says, “I
believe it makes any student
have an easier task of
picking up their grades due
to this new system.” Students
do benefit from this
system because recovering
from a low grade is much
easier. It removes the range
of 0 through 59, replacing it
with the letter grade of an
F. This lets students recover
more easily, and it generally
leads to higher scores.
The new student
portal is also big talk in
Hoffman. Students and even
staff members are talking
about it. Ms. Jackson, from
the Spanish department,
says, “The new student portal
system is more complex
than the last one, but it also
gives a lot more detail. I
believe that there has to be
time for adjustment.” The
new system will definitely
affect how students perceive
their grade and also
how teachers enter in their
grades.
Another student,
Thomas Doonan (’15) is
completely against the
system. “It’s very buggy
and the navigation is complicated.
The homework
assignments are also disorganized.”
Students, like
Doonan, prefer the old
system rather than the new
system. The old system also
showed percentages, but the
new system does not. Percentages
are a big problem
to many students, because a
range is not as accurate.
Hoffman is taking
time to adjust to the new
changes made this year, and
most realize it will take time
and patience. As everyone
works to improve the system,
student and staff input
allows for improvement,
and ultimately makes our
school a better place.

Aiswarya
Baiju
Hawkeye View October/November 2012
Hoffman’s readers S.O.A.R.
Staff Reporter
The Abraham Lincoln
book lists are the
books selected annually
by the high school students
and a board of teachers.
The author of books
voted as most outstanding
receives an award which is
named after Abraham Lincoln,
one of Illinois’s most
famous residents. Lincoln
was himself an avid
reader and noted author.
The awards are sponsored
by Illinois School Library
Media Association (ISL-
MA).
The list includes
all kinds of genres for all
kinds of people. Diane
Mankowski, one of the
chairpersons of the committee
stressed the variety
of the books on the list:
If you like chick lit, start
with Anna and the French
Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
or Allie Condie’s Matched.
Guys interested in gaming
will love Cory Doctorow’s
Little Brother or those
looking for a non-fiction
title should pick-up Sebastian
Junger’s War. Older
Hitomi Tanaka
Daniel Heydari
Staff Reporter
teens looking for an edgy
book should look to Ellen
Hopkins’ Impulse. Are
you a Gleek? You’ll love
John Green and David
Levithan’s Will Grayson,
Will Grayson.” There are a
total of 22 books to choose
from. A student board even
chose four of those books,
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra
Clare, Impossible
by Nancy Werlin, Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld,
The Monstrumologist by
Rick Yancey. Students are
encouraged to get involved
in any way, from voting
to helping determine the
master list.
“Eight students
from across the state help
determine the master list
each year. These students
are selected over the summer.
Any interested student
who is an avid reader
can apply online at this
address: www.islma.org/
lincoln.htm,” Mankowski
told us, “At this time, recommendations
for books
that you want on the list
need to be given to your
school librarian, English
teacher or reading
specialist depending on
what adult in your build-
Though the anticipation
for a great Scholastic
Bowl season has just begun,
the promising potential
working to create that anticipation
has been ever-present.
While Hoffman has
numerous clubs devoted to
the arts, athletics, and community
service, Scholastic
Bowl is an activity that
falls under the category of
academic competition. It
is similar to the TV show
Jeopardy in which players
use lock-out systems,
or “buzzers”, in order to
answer various trivia questions
before their opponents
do. Two five-person teams
compete, ideally with each
player specializing in one of
four major areas: literature,
math, science, or history.
Teams also prep in subcategories
such as sports, religion,
pop culture, and geography.
At both the Varsity
and JV level, members show
signs of definite promise.
In terms of numbers, the
JV team has significantly
grown. “As of now, we have
15 members at the freshman-sophomore
level, and
that’s more than ever,” JV
Coach Justin Oneyami said.
In addition to mere attendance,
Oneyami also looks
for members who show sincere
dedication. “We really
want committed players in
the game.” It is the combination
of brains and hard
work that creates a strong
member.
This dedication is
valuable, considering the
time, effort, and preparation
a Scholastic Bowl team
needs to devote in order to
succeed. During their twohour
Monday practices, the
teams go over old matches
ing manages the program
for your school.” Students
across the state are having
their voice heard in each of
these many ways.
“The Abraham Lincoln
Award is designed
to encourage high school
students to read for personal
satisfaction and become
familiar with authors
of young adult and adult
books,” said Mankowski.
As libraries across the
state participate, this goal
is closer and closer to succeeding.
After reading, you
can complete the online
review form, which will
enter your name in a biweekly
drawing to win
some sweet treats and much
more. If you read four or
more books from the list,
you will be eligible to vote
for your favorite book in
a state-sponsored election
and if you are one of those
who want to read all of the
twenty-two books, then
you will be acknowledged
and recognized with a certificate.
So start reading
today.
You can find more
information at http://www.
islma.org/lincoln.htm.
and review over all categories
of questions. They practice
in a setting that closely
simulates a match with another
school, down to using
real buzzers and time
restrictions on answering
questions. This way, they
can best prepare for future
matches with their opponents.
Scholastic Bowl requires
much time and brain
power, but its members
never forget to have fun and
value what the competition
has to offer.
The spontaneity
of Scholastic Bowl is an
aspect that keeps its participants
coming back for
more. Colton Jenkins (‘14)
says he particularly enjoys
the vast possibilities of the
type of questions that may
come up in a future match.
“It’s very open-ended and
mostly about how one is
on the spot rather than just
preparing for anything,” he
said. “There’s nothing you
can really study to become
better at it, you just need
lots of practice!”
Though a club that
heavily depends on individual
knowledge to buzz
in answers, it is the teamwork
that creates a strong
and competitive team. During
bonus questions, for example,
students are given 30
seconds to confer with teammates
in order to answer
each part. It is these time
strains that help create efficiency
and communication
among players. This leads
to the formation of a close
bond between students. “I
like how the majority of my
close friends participate in
it too,” says Rahul Kalluri
(’13). The unexpectedness
of what questions will be
asked keeps it fresh, while
the familiarity of friends
keeps it fun and sociable.
Over the course of
News 3
Wizard’s Chess? The
Next Best Thing
Barathkumar
Baskaran
Staff Reporter
The Chess Team
held tryouts for this year’s
team and this led to the
addition of four excited,
new rookies, eager to begin.
These fresh recruits
include Shreyas Gandlur
(’16), Edgar A. Barraza
(’14), Shaurya Patel (’13)
and Milan Patel (’14).
Many former HEHS Chess
Team members agree that
the turnout for this year’s
tryouts has definitely increased
from last year.
The team is looking forward
to eradicating the
competition this year.
“We are going to
pawn the other team,”
said an enthusiastic Shaurya
Patel (’13). The team
members assist each other
by pointing out flaws and
errors in their strategy
and aid in the improvement
of their technique.
This helps in the evolution
and development of
successful tactics and
reduces the likelihood of
making mistakes during
the competition.
The team then
participates in competitive
meets against other
schools around the district.
Though the first
meet did not go well for
the team, they had one
win, two draws and five
losses, they have worked
hard to improve and are
still determined to defeat
the other teams. Contestant
Shreyas Gandlur provided
the statistical information
on the second meet
held on October 11th. The
second meet this season
ended in two wins and six
losses. The members of
the Chess team are some
of the most strategic and
analytical minds of our
school.
Chess Team and
Chess Club meet every
week on Tuesdays and
Thursdays after school.
This enticing opportunity
to learn and improve
in Chess has been one
embraced by many students
over the years, and
this year’s tryouts are
the greatest reflection of
that.
HEHS is eager for
the victory of this year’s
excellent team.
Scholastic Bowl bound to “buzz” towards success
each season, Hoffman Estates
competes for the Mid
Suburban League conference
championship in January
and February, as well as
for the IHSA state championship
in early March. Preseason
starts in December,
and the actual season starts
in January. There is still
much work to do before
then, but even in the face
of obstacles the team may
need to overcome, their hard
work and dedication is sure
to pull through. “New members
still need to learn the
rules and strategies required
to succeed in Scholastic
Bowl,” Oneyami explains.
“But we obviously want to
win by having competitive
and committed players.”
Kalluri adds, “I hope we
advance to Regionals like
last year!” This seems like
a definite possibility considering
the positive energy
this year’s team exerts.

4 Sports
Hawkeye
View October/November 2012
Girls’ golf keeps sights on individual, team goals
Courtney
Lang
Staff Reporter
Girls’ golf always
makes sure they have a
team goal in mind. Head
Coach Tim Teegarden
said, “My goal is for the
girls to shoot as a team
under 200. The girls
know that is our goal
and we are getting closer
each year.”
Even though they
set out to accomplish
team goals, they also
have set personal goals as
well. Haenah Kim (‘15)
said, “My goal is to have
a much more consistent
score so I can become a
better contributor to the
team.”
Kim’s teammate
Kailee Keyser (‘14) also
had a personal goal in
mind. Keyser said, “My
goal for the season was
to break 60. Which I did!
My next goal is to break
50.”
Those goals also
contribute to achieving
their team goal. In order
to get a team score under
200 Teegarden stated,
“We need two girls to get
in the 40s and two girls
to get in the 50s.” He
also added, “The most
improved this year are
Haenah Kim, Kailee Keyser
and Hannah Brostoff
(’14).”
Girls’ golf is truly
a mental sport from
the moment you step on
the course. Keyser said,
“If you have a bad shot
or a bad hole, you feel
like the worst golfer out
there. But the next thing
you know, you shoot a
par on the next hole and
you feel like a pro.”
Kim added, “A lot of
people say golf is such
an easy sport because we
don’t have to run miles
every day or do conditioning.
But while other
sports depend on physicality,
golf depends on
your mental state.”
Golf is a great
sport but requires a lot of
commitment. Kim said,
“Coming home at nine
two or three times a week
to do homework isn’t
easy. It takes sheer determination
and love for
the sport.” The girl’s golf
team is always looking
for new committed players
to join their team.
Keyser said with
enthusiasm, “If you’re
thinking about joining
golf next year, you should
TOTALLY join! I’m not
going to sugar-coat it,
golf is a hard sport. But
if you’re willing to put
in the extra effort and
practice, then you’ll be
a better golfer. If you’re
that type of person, you
should definitely join the
girls’ golf team!”
Left: Aubrey Van
Kurin (‘13) returns
the ball to her
opponent during a
match.
Right: Alice Kim
(‘14) runs up and
takes a swing at the
ball .
Left : The entire girls’
cross country team
sets a solid pace for
their run.
Right: Solome Haile
eyes the finish line
(‘14).
Girls’ Cross Country sprints to new heights
Roshni
Patel
Staff Reporter
Dedication and passion
is what The Hoffman
Estates Girls Cross Country
Team is about.
The Hoffman Estates
Girls Cross Country
placed 4th out of 50 teams
at their meet in Peoria.The
best times for three miles
were 18:14 – Alondra Aguirre,
18:17 – Solome Haile
“We go all the way
to Peoria to practice for the
state meet, the point of going
to Peoria is to be successful
for the state meet,”
said Coach Kirk Macnider.
“We are very close
to the top teams at conference,
our conference is the
most competitive conference
in the state,” said Macnider.
“Every year our goal
is to qualify for the state,
meet we have qualified for
the last three years and expect
to do it again. Every
week, every race we are trying
to do the best that we
can, we can’t control other
teams,” said Coach.
“I am very pleased
with our growth and level of
maturity, every couple years
a new team takes over the
program and this is a new
generation, we’ve been very
successful this season we’ve
won the Oak Park Forest Invite
and we’ve earned trophies
at three other invites,
and we are currently ranked
in the top 25 in the state
which is something we are
very proud of,” stated Macnider
about the way he feels
about the team.
The team is very
proud of how far it has come
and will strive to improve.
Interview with Alondra
Agurrie:
Q) How do you feel about
the meet at Peoria?
A) “I feel that everyone on
the team did really well and
as a team we did solid,”
Alondra said.
Q) Why do you love to
run?
A) “Because it’s my passion,”
said Alondra
Q) How do you think you
can improve?
A) “By not letting distractions
get to me,” said Alondra
The team feels proud
of themselves and cross
country team makes them
feel like they have a second
family. Also, they feel that
they are representing Hoffman
Estates High School
through all their hard work,
effort, and how far they’ve
come.
They feel that
they’ve shown that they’re
a competitive team and that
they show people that they
will work 100% every day
to reach for their goals.

Hawkeye View October/November 2012
Sports 5
Skyhawks are gearing up for a stellar season
Lubna
Hashim
Staff Reporter
The Skyhawks,
also known as Hoffman’s
Flags team, have just finished
tryouts; their season
is already under way. The
team consists of hardworking
girls who are beginning
to prep for their
competitions and games.
Their coaches have high
expectations for the season,
including qualifying
for State in March.
On October 16th
and 17th, girls trying out
for Flags had clinics. And
even before clinics and
tryouts, the coaches for
the team sent out an email
asking all the teachers of
the girls trying out about a
couple of things. In an interview,
the JV coach Britany
Westby said they were
looking for basically four
things. They asked about
the girls’ work ethic, reliability,
cooperation, and if
they had passing grades in
their classes. Throughout
tryouts, Westby said that
they wanted girls that had
control of the flag and enthusiasm
because “smiling
is very important.”
Clinics for Flags
are challenging and unlike
any other sport. A varsity
Flags member performed
a routine to “Good Time”,
and then the girls trying
out had to practice and
learn the routine by tryouts
on October 18th. Chris
Jenkins (English) said that
throughout tryouts, they
were basically looking
for girls who learned fast,
worked well, and didn’t
give up. Even though
there is only a varsity and
JV team, the 10 girls who
tried out performed so well
that they all made it, with
one even making varsity.
Diana Ponce, (‘13), who
is on varsity said, “we’re
excited because a new girl
made varsity even though
she has never done Flags
before.”
An ideal team
member is one who has
good character and loves
to be in Flags. After being
asked how Westby felt
about her team, she replied,
“[the girls are] determined
and know what
they want, are very hard
workers, and very responsible”
says Westby.
The varsity coach,
Jenkins, said that the
young team is “a nice
group of girls who are really
committed.” When
asked how she felt about
her season, Ponce said, “I
loved to spend time with
the team and watch the
football games. It’s a great
way to relieve stress.”
Girls who are ambitious
and enjoy their team’s
presence are often a group
that will work hard to do
great at games and competitions!
The first varsity
competition is on December
15th, and the first
JV competition is on December
21st. “Everyone
is looking forward to the
season,” said Jenkins.
“Everyone involved is
very excited.”a
The team has been
very busy prepping for
these big events. They rehearse
2-3 times a week,
and have already learned
a new routine to “I’m
Shipping Up To Boston”,
which was performed at
the Homecoming Game,
the Marching Band Concert,
and Cupcakes for a
Cause. JV, right now, is
learning the basics and
knows one routine. Ponce
told us that, “We’re getting
new costumes, and are
changing from lyrical flags
to open flags. This means
we don’t use a tarp and
we can use more flags.”
In addition, the uniforms
have already been chosen,
and they are pants this
year. Everyone involved
is excited, especially the
coaches, because the girls
will look great, and do superb,
in the competition!
Six years ago, in
2004, Flags won State,
and has gone to state every
year since. The coaches all
say they have high expectations
for this year too,
considering their personal
experience in performing.
Jenkins was actually in
Flags in both high school
and college. The new JV
coach, Westby, though
never in Flags herself,
helped out in Dance Club,
saw the open job, and took
the position. This is Westby’s
first time with her
own activity and is doing
a great job.
These girls have
already done tryouts,
shown their character, and
begun prepping for all the
competitions and games.
The coaches expect great
things to come out this
season, so show your support
and wish them luck,
as the Skyhawks season
takes flight.
Tennis competition at the state level
The Hawkeye View staff interviewed
Courtney Lang
for this month’s issue about
her experience competing
at state. Lang is focused
on consistently improving
her game.
Q: Describe your experience
at state this year
A: This year at state had
its ups and downs. On the
up side, it wasn’t as cold
as it was my freshman and
sophomore year. Plus we
didn’t have a rain delay,
which was a nice surprise.
I ended up winning a match
and losing the next two. I
always feel that I can do
better than the end result.
It’s just my competitive
nature. I am getting over
an injury and the fact that
it was cold outside didn’t
help. I did my best to fight
through it because I knew
my school was counting on
me.
Q: How do you prepare for
competition?
A: Tennis is the type of
sport where you can’t just
step on the court and expect
that you are ready.
Preparation for one match
takes a couple days to even
a couple weeks. I have to
slowly get into the right
mindset. Tennis is as much
a mental sport as it is a
physical sport, maybe even
more in some cases. The
day before I always have
pasta and make sure I get
enough sleep. Fifteen or so
minutes before a match, I
stretch. I want to stay loose
and also prevent any more
injuries.
Q: Do you play tennis outside
of school? How has it
helped you?
“Tennis is as
much a mental
sport as it is a
physical sport.”
Lang (above) says she
will definitely miss seeing
all my teammates almost
every day now that the
season is over.
A: I play tennis year round
and compete in USTA
(United States Tennis Association)
tournaments. I
compete for Chicago, Midwest
and National rankings.
I take tennis lessons
and do groups every single
week. It helps me a lot because
when high school
season starts I am in shape
and ready to go.
Q: How will you prepare
for next year’s season?
A: I am working with my
tennis coach who I have
had for over a year now,
trying to improve my game
to its full potential. I also
have a conditioning coach
to help keep me in shape,
so I am ready for anything.
I am going to work ten
times harder to make sure
I improve and do better
for my final season in high
school tennis.
Whether it was a
game or a practice, it was
so much fun. It was also
the last season for Aubrey,
who I have known since
freshman year. I know our
whole team will miss her
next year during the season.
Q: What do you look forward
to for next year?
A: I am mostly looking
forward to next year to see
how much I improve. I am
a very competitive person
and I like to see improvement
even if it is small. I
also am just looking forward
to being on a team.
Because I play out
of school I am used to being
on my own unless I
play doubles. That only
happens once in a while.
I love the fact that other
people count on me and I
count on them.

6 Politics Hawkeye
View October/November 2012
Election 2012 teaches HEHS students real-world lessons
Continued from Front Page
stated, “I was prepared for
it overall, but I wasn’t prepared
for the specific questions
that would be thrown
at us.”
In addition to being
knowledgeable on their
own candidate, students had
to be familiar with their opponent’s
viewpoints in order
to acknowledge the counterargument.
Krupa Kadiwala
(‘14), a 1B Democratic representative,
explained how
this acknowledgement was
crucial in the preparation
process of her team. “There
were 5 topics for the 5
people in our block, so one
person specialized in each
area. Not only did we need
to know our own case inside
out, but we also needed to
know each other’s and our
opponent’s.” “The internet,
newspaper articles, and past
presidential debates were
the common sources when
it came to research,” Sam
Balogun (’13), a republican
representative, said.
Though the debate
required time and effort on
the students’ part, the benefits
reaped outweighed the
struggles faced.
For several students,
this type of activity coincided
with both their current
and future interests.
“Even though I was
a little nervous about not
knowing what questions
would be asked, I knew it
was something I wanted to
do because I’m interested
in debating and politics,”
said Krupa. Aashna Singh
(’15), an Obama representative,
added, “This is a very
exciting chance to familiarize
myself with the political
arena- which is something
I am interested in possibly
Barack Obama
Party: Democrat
Age: 51
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
ECONOMY
President Obama says that his tax cuts, funds in health care,
education, unemployment benefits, and job creation funds
helped save the country from falling into depression. He
also says that his rescue of Wall Street helped ensure that
people who needed jobs got them.
TAXES
President Obama plans to raise taxes on the wealthier class
as an efficient way to take care of the federal debt, which is
growing exponentially day by day. As of now, the federal
debt is $16,209,429,155,799.14.
AFGHANISTAN
President Obama plans on bringing back U.S. troops this
year, and making sure that all troops are safe at home by
2014.
HEALTH CARE
President Obama says his goal is to achieve affordable
health care. He promises to alter health care to give people
more affordable access to medical resources.
ENERGY
President Obama plans to increase U.S oil and gas production.
He is considering using renewable energy.
IMMIGRATION
President Obama has stopped deporting illegal immigrants
who have come to America as children. He plans to allow
them temporary work permits.
SOCIAL ISSUES
President Obama believes gay marriage should be legalized.
pursuing later on.”
The politics of this
year’s election have not
been limited to the debate
but play a role within the
classroom as well. U.S.
History Teacher Kevin Mallon
says the size of this role
varies among classes. “In
regular classes, teachers use
more of what’s happening
now to create lessons. In
AP, it’s just used for further
understanding.”
In a more general
context, teachers are always
trying to tie the past with
the present. “Otherwise, it’s
kind of pointless to learn
about the economic policies
of Hamilton and Jefferson,”
Dowd explained. “We owe
it to our students to teach
about the election because
it’s living history.”
Teaching certain
history classes during an
election year has its own
Election
Quick Facts
1. President Barack
Obama’s campaign raised
$934,000,000 and spent
$852,900,000 of those funds
up to this October. (New
York Times)
2. Governor Mitt Romney’s
campaign raised
$881,800,000 and spent
$752,300,000 of those funds
up to this October. (New
York Times)
3. Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin
became the first openly
gay candidate elected to be
elected to the Senate. (The
Economist)
4. Maine, Maryland, Minnesota,
and Washington
voted to legalize same-sex
marriage, and Colorado
and Washington became the
first states to legalize marijuana
for recreational use.
(The Economist, New York
Times)
5. President Obama won
302 electoral votes overall,
while Mitt Romney won
206. 270 votes were needed
to win. Obama also won in
the popular vote, 62,608,181
to 59,130,484. (New York
Times)
6. The fiscal cliff, a series of
tax hikes and spending cuts,
could be detrimental enough
to push the U.S. into another
recession. It is President
Obama’s greatest obstacle.
(The Economist)
benefits and challenges.
For example, US History is
a class that is hard to teach
because the curriculum literally
grows with each year.
“It’s difficult, because
on top of teaching
the regular, expanding curriculum,
we need to take
time out of class to learn
about the elections and go
watch the debates, which
is important to do. Survey
classes even switch around
their political units to match
with the election time,” said
Dowd.
So why is it that
politics are so important for
high school students, a majority
of which are under the
age of 18? Why is it that we
take the time to organize and
present mock debates, and
rearrange curriculum to coincide
with current political
happenings?
Dowd explains that
by being involved in such
an activity, students can
gain a general understanding
of the process of a democracy,
even though the
issue is complex.
“Politics can be
messy at times; this is a
great way to get students interested
and involved. They
are going to become adults
very quickly, and start voting
soon,” he said.
“It’s our job as a
Social Studies Department
to give them a minimum
understanding so they can
make adult choices,” Dowd
continued.
Students gained this
very chance to be a part of
the political process when
they went to “the polls”
on Infinite Campus, where
Barack Obama won with an
overwhelming 85% of the
votes.
Mitt Romney
Party: Republican
Age: 56
Hometown: Belmont, Massachusetts
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
ECONOMY
Governor Romney says he wants to reduce government
spending and regulations. He claims that the high unemployment
rate is the immediate consequence of the president
failing to get the economy back on its feet.
TAXES
Governor Romney wants to lower taxes for both the
middle class and businesses owners. He plans to use this
to start economic growth.
AFGHANISTAN
Governor Romney says that withdrawal of U.S troops
depends on the military’s advice and the situation in Afghanistan.
HEALTH CARE
Governor Romney claims he would repeal “Obamacare”
and turn to a different route.
ENERGY
Governor Romney says he supports increasing domestic
oil and gas production.
IMMIGRATION
Governor wants to reform the legal immigrant system. He
is ready to jump in and better regulate illegal immigrants.
SOCIAL ISSUES
Governor Romney believes only marriage between a man
and a woman should be legal.

Alyse
Leonard
Hawkeye View October/November 2012
Madrigals showcase
a performance
that is of a most
“Medieval” caliber
Staff Reporter
Everyone was extremely
excited for
homecoming this
year, but who thinks
about those who don’t
end up going? One
such group not seen
at homecoming is the
Hoffman Choir. Every
year, a small group
of students from Mr.
Schlesinger’s choir
class takes a trip to
Oregon, Illinois for
a great, medieval
style event at the local
renaissance fair,
Stronghold. Thanks
to the generous help
of the choir director,
Mr. Schlesinger, this
reporter has the updated
information on
this event.
Q: What exactly is
Madrigals?
A: Madrigals are a
Renaissance style performance
that features
performances with
themes such as love,
heartache, happiness,
and importantly “love
is a battlefield” while
dressed in the attire
common in that era.
They perform in front
of thousands, utilizing
immense team effort.
Basically, Madrigals
are the “pop music” of
the Renaissance.
Q: Who participates
in Madrigals?
A: The top performing
singers and
actors of the Hoffman
Choir take part in this
celebration. The effort
put into this event always
makes it such a
wonderful and appreciated
experience.
Q: Where and
when does Madrigals
taking place?
A: The first event
is October 6th and 7th
at Stronghold, which
is an hour west of Oregon,
Illinois. Also,
they will be having a
Madrigal dinner here
at Hoffman, from December
7th to December
8th in the cafeteria.
There will be a 3
hour-long show consisting
of entertainment,
such as dancing,
and an elaborate
dinner consisting of
flaming pudding and
even a boar’s head!
Tickets will go on sale
this November for
$24.
Q: What is the best
part of Madrigals?
A: The music and
the performing has always
been a favorite
part of the process for
me, but the students
also enjoy the camaraderie
between them
after working from
6- 12 hours a week.
They become a very
tight knit group from
the effort that they put
into this performance.
Q: Are you excited
for this year’s Madrigals?
A: Yes, they have
been working very
hard and putting a
lot of focus into their
work. In fact, they not
only have everything
already memorized,
but we are even ahead
of the schedule from
last year.
Though Stronghold
is over, the group
is still working hard to
prepare for the Madrigal
dinner, the next
goal in their sights.
Alyse Leonard
Amyra Ramos
Staff Reporters
This year’s variety
show, “The Show that
Never Sleeps”, was an
exciting spectacle of ballads,
break dance, jugglers,
and comedy. The
show was a true reflection
of the theme, as a wide
variety of acts painted
the diversity of every big
city. From all genres of
music, HEHS students
danced and sung their
way through the evening.
All were impressed with
the exciting instrumental
pieces by guitar, violin,
and the HEHS drumline.
Matt the Juggler dazzled
the crowd with an exciting
light show of juggling
fun, and for the spaces
in between, the audience
laughed their hearts
out with HEHS comedy
troupe’s skits, “Redneck
Spelling Bee”, “Awkward
Moments to Break into
Song”, and the “Hoffman
Olympics”.
Considering these
talented individuals only
had three weeks to prepare
for their performance,
their feat is even
greater. “The number of
students that auditioned
for v-show went up from
46 students last year, to
58 students this year. It’s
fantastic to see so many
kids displaying their
talents,”said Erika Bromley,
English department.
Arts 7
This year’s Variety Show brought
diversity, fun to the HEHS Stage
Not only did students
work hard to create such
a successful show, but
many teachers helped
make it all possible. The
wonderful teachers who
made this possible were
Jason Stevens, head director,
Christina Ordonez,
tech director, Juan Medina,
assistant tech crew,
and Bromley, assistant
director. “This city-building
set really sparkles on
stage,” said Medina. The
hours of work in set design
and rehearsal finally
paid off. The turnout was
incredible and the crowd
was enthusiastic
HEHS loved “The
Show that Never Sleeps”
and can’t wait for next
year’s show.
The humor in the fall play is “all in the timing”
Amy
Liu
Staff Reporter
It is time again for the
traditional Hoffman Estates
fall play. This year,
the chosen play is known
as All in the Timing. However
this play has an interesting
twist where there
are a total of seven plays
combined into one. The
names of the individual
plays are “Sure Thing”,
Left: The orchesis team
flaunts its new moves in
their high-energy performance.
Right: Chris Bloomfield’s
(‘15) style and passion for
dance amazed all who attended.
“The Philadelphia”,
“Words Words Words”,
“The Universal Language”,
“English Made
Simple”, “Variations on
the Death of Trotsky”, and
“Philip Glass Buys a Loaf
of Bread”. Within these
short plays are a variety of
different forms of theatre
that contain an abundance
of laughter. The plays use
many forms of comedy
such as physical and use
of word play.
Not only does a seven
part play provide entertainment,
but it also suits
the needs of the actors
and actresses. By having
a play that contains seven
separate plays, more students
are given a chance
to obtain a lead role. With
this, actors and actresses
have the opportunity to
challenge themselves to
improve their roles. They
are able to take ownership
and concentrate on their
acting abilities. Each student
has a responsibility to
create a plan on how they
are going to memorize
their part. By doing individual
research, students
are able to look more in
depth into their characters.
This upcoming play
doesn’t concentrate on
the work of the directors,
but the combined work of
each actor and actress.
In this play, there are
a variety of experienced
and inexperienced actors
and actresses. There are
four seniors, four juniors,
eight sophomores, and
four freshmen. Each come
from different levels of
acting and wants to contribute
their talent to All
in Good Timing. Actors
and actresses play an important
part on stage, but
it is the combined effort of
the people behind the curtains
that make the play
what it is. The tech crew
and the costume team also
support the play by offering
hours from their own
time and dedicating it to
the play. “There are many
people involved. There are
about twenty-one on stage
and thirty back stage” said
Ms. Ordonez, the director
of the play.
The fall play is quickly
approaching and will
premiere this week on
November 15th, 16th, and
17th at 7 p.m. Seeing that
there are seven plays in
one, the price you are paying
for is a steal. Prepare
and buy your tickets soon
because the show never
waits.

8 Collage
October/November 2012