May 2017

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Hiding
in plain
sight
Chicago’s gems
offer students a
world of summer
exploration.
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1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
The Maine West student voice for more than 50 years
NINA PALMER
May 12, 2017
Volume 58, Number 8

2 news May 12, 2017
W
Westerner honored with
national writing awards
With four national writing awards and more than a
dozen state and regional honors, the Westerner newspaper
staff celebrates a successful year of reporting on student
life, as well as local and national issues.
The Westerner editors won the Gold Key, a national
first place award, for team in-depth reporting from Quill
and Scroll Society. They won for their series of articles
on the risks of technology distorting both reality and students’
personal psychology, as well as how propaganda
and “fake news” are challenging American democracy.
“I believe we received the honor because we did what
a lot of other publications have difficulty doing—finding
professional sources,” senior editor-in-chief Stefan Balaban
said. “It is easy to get an educated source within your
school, but to get a professional expert on the specific topic
you are writing about is much a more arduous task. Not
only did we manage to get one of these experts, but we
were able to track down and interview about a dozen of
them. As a result, our work was more professional, more
credible, and more detailed.”
Senior in-depth editor Ben Heim and junior digital
media editor Bhagirath Mehta won the blue ribbon for
feature writing from the Northern Illinois School Press
Association for their article on the district’s initiative to
enroll more students in AP classes. “I think our ‘Push
for AP’ article won because of the quality of the research
that was put into it, and because it effectively informed
students of what is going on behind the scenes in our
district. The policy changes are something I’m quite passionate
about, and Bhagirath is as well. I think that drive
to inform other people of things that are going to affect
them was reflected strongly in our article, and I believe the
judges recognized and respected that,” Heim said.
NATIONAL
QUILL AND SCROLL
WRITING COMPETITION
• Gold Key Award for sports writing
- Stefan Balaban and Acacia Hernandez
• Gold Key Award for opinion writing
- Sanha Lim
• Gold Key Award for team in-depth reporting
- Westerner editors
ILLINOIS WOMEN’S
PRESS ASSOCIATION
• 1st place in news writing - Anita Jasinska
• 1st place in opinion writing - Sanha Lim
• 2nd place in editorial writing -
Caty Buchaniec
• 2nd place in sports photography -
Danny Fowler
• 3rd place in editorial cartooning -
Kara Dempsey
• 3rd place in feature writing -
Matthew Montanile
NORTHERN ILLINOIS SCHOOL
PRESS ASSOCIATION
• blue ribbon for feature writing -
Ben Heim and Bhagirath Mehta
• blue ribbon for editorial writing -
Caty Buchaniec
• blue ribbon for sports writing - Stefan Balaban
• blue ribbon for graphics - Matthew Montanile
• four additional honorable mentions
Fest for West
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS PREP FOR ANNUAL FUNDRASING CARNIVAL
BY ASHNA THOMAS
reporter
Sponsored by the Maine West Athletics Boosters,
West Fest—an event that aims to earn
money for the school’s athletic department—
returns this June 22-25.
West Fest, held in C-wing parking lot,
will offer various forms of entertainment, from rides to
music to carnival stalls. Last year, the event raised more
than $20,000 for West’s sports teams.
West Fest “puts us in a position to provide for
[sports] programs the equipment and supplies they
need that aren’t covered by the district budget,” athletic
director Jarett Kirshner said. “We are in a conference
where communities have a lot of resources, and this
helps equal the playing field.”
The athletic boosters hope that West Fest maintains
a tradition of being by students, for students. “Our
main goal this year is to have the students lead most
of it. We want the performances and booths to be held
by the students,” Ron Burton, head of the Maine West
Athletic Boosters, said. The Boosters, who are partnering
with West’s Cheer Team to organize the event, have
been looking for student talent to perform at West Fest.
Much like a small-town homecoming, “it’s a true
community event: you have the coaches, the players,
the parents all working and lots of Des Plaines families
and incoming students coming for the fun and entertainment,”
Kirshner said.
Many West Fest volunteers are students who are volunteering
to support their teams. “Last year, I worked
as a gate opener for the parking lot and a gate keeper for
some of the rides,” sophomore Luke Rothweiler said.
“There were a lot of rides. It’s kind of hard to get bored
there because there is so much to do.”
Sophomore Clara Cupuro volunteered as a member
of the girls golf team last year and explained that West
Fest accommodates the interests of all ages. “I think it is
a very fun atmosphere. There are a lot of people there,”
Cupuro said.
Many students, family and community members attend
the event every year as it’s something new to do
in the summer. “I really liked just hanging out with
friends,” sophomore Dhruvi Patel said.
Having gone along with her friends, Patel says people
of all ages can enjoy the Fest. “When I went last year,
I saw all kinds of rides for all ages, from kids to adults.
Plus there was music and places for people to just relax
if they did not like the carnival ride scene,” Patel said.
Senior Sanitha Mathews said West Fest is a great
way do something different than the usual weekend
activities. “Usually when I hang out with friends, we
always tend to go somewhere else to find something to
do. West Fest was great because it was fun and close by.”
Stomping the
competition
EIGHT ORCHESIS MEMBERS
PREPARE FOR SHOWCASE
BY MALAIKA ZAIDI
reporter
Dancers will soar across the stage
as they perform in the Illinois
High School Dance Festival
(IHSDF) tomorrow at Maine
West, showcasing numerous finalists from
around the state, including Maine West’s
Orchesis troupe.
For the student showcase, an ensemble
from Orchesis will perform “Stomp in the
Swamp,” which was choreographed by senior
Nataley Grimmer and junior Greta
Sorenson. The dance will be performed by
seniors Nikki Burgraff, Ali Tworek, Megan
Swanson, juniors Ella Kurutz and Lynn
Anama, and freshman Kimberly Fairhead.
“It’s really exciting that my and Greta’s
dance got chosen to go to state. We’re really
happy all the hard work has paid off,”
Grimmer said. “It’s a good experience for
all of us dancers since the showcase displays
the top dances in Illinois.”
No matter whether a senior or freshman,
the dancers were excited to get the
news of their win. “Just being picked to go
to state is a big deal. Once we found out we
were picked, it was the best feeling in the
world,” Fairhead said.
As for the IHSDF experience, “It’s
all about art, it’s not about a prize. It’s all
about learning, it’s all about growing, and
it’s about dancing and collaborating with
other high school kids from all over the
state. It’s an amazing day of dance,” said
Lisa Jacob, Orchesis sponsor and co-chair
of the state dance festival.
This year, the event is being hosted
by Maine West, with Orchesis welcoming
the other schools with a performance
of their dance “Lost Boy.” Afterwards,
the dancers will participate in sessions of
master classes led by professional choreographers,
followed by a lunch break and a
professional performance to be led by the
Chicago Dance Crash company. The event
will conclude with the student choreography
showcase, which consists of 12 dances.
These dances were selected by judges to be
performed in the student showcase. Jacob
believes the classes are a way for all the
dancers to bond over what they love and
gain valuable lessons beyond just dance.
They’ll have the option of trying vogueing,
jazz, dance fitness, West African sance, musical
theater dance, improv, and ballet.
“We’re learning more dance techniques
that we probably wouldn’t know,” freshman
Teresa Wastyn said.

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May 12, 2017 news 3
Rock On!
BY CATHERINE BUCHANIEC
editor-in-chief
Sophomore Alex Gonzalez performed
“Say It Ain't So" by Weezer in
the closing act at last Thursday's rock
concert put on by the Guitar 1 and 2
classes. Gonzalez also opened the show
with "Fade To Black" by Metallica.
“Opening act is a terrifying concept.
You're the face to remember, you
are the expectation of the concert, you
are what gets the crowd hyped, you basically
define how the concert is going
to go down for the audience and other
BALL ME
MAYBE
ATHLETES TEAM UP FOR SUMMER COMMUNITY SOFTBALL
BY MASOOMA SULTAN
reporter
Jumping into summer break, the
park district’s Co-Rec Summer
Softball League will begin their
season with their first games on June
10 at Rand Field Park. Teams made up
of high school students from around
the Des Plaines area will compete
against each other throughout the
course of an eight-game season.
Following the first out of the first
game, a flag ceremony will
take place. Performed by
veterans, the ceremony
22%
OF STUDENTS PLAN ON
PLAYING CO-REC PARK
DISTRICT SOFTBALL
*From a Westerner
survey of 81 students
is aimed at honoring
those who have
served in our military.
Most of the games
will be held on Saturdays
throughout the
summer and are open to
the public. “Former students are
able to see their friends play while
maintaining their relationships even
after high school,” Des Plaines Youth
DANNY FOWLER
performers,” Gonzalez said.
The students faced a lot of pressure
as the performance date drew closer.
"None have ever performed with each
other before and some groups have
never even performed before," Gonzalez
said. "You have a month to get the
song to work, you spend about two
weeks memorizing your song, and the
rest of the time cramming to sync up
in time with your drummer, bassist,
singer and other guitarist."
Commissioner Mary Dankowski said.
Along with friends, many others
supporters also come out to watch the
games and have a great time. “It’s not
just the kids that come out; many families
come out also, including brothers
and sisters,” Dankowski said.
Not limited to the bleachers, the
excitement extends to the field as
well, according to junior team captain
Grace Tomenillie. “It's really exciting
to play and watch everyone play
together. Even though it's just for fun,
it does get competitive between
teams which makes it really
interesting to watch,” said
Tomenillie.
Senior Alex Zimmerman
also added, “the
games are so fun since
we get to play with our
friends and against our
friends.”
Leading up to their Aug. 5
playoffs, many other exciting events
will be held, including a barbecue. “It’s
one of our best events and people love
it!” Dankowski said.
counting down
the days
NEXT WEEK'S EVENTS CELEBRATE SENIORS
finals
BBQ
assembly
prom
graduation
BY CATHERINE BUCHANIEC
editor-in-chief
“I am tired. I’m done. I want to graduate. It’s
been a fun ride, but there comes a point when
you start realizing this is it: your final set of finals.
I know the new finals rule is a numbers
game, but it’s a mutually beneficial move. It
takes the stress of performing on finals and
gears it onto the AP exam, which, in essence,
is more beneficial," senior Nathaniel Rodriguez
said.
“It’s the last time we are together with our class
interacting. At prom, you're with your friend
groups and it's more secluded," senior Deana
Wijas said. At the barbecue, Class Council reveals
the superlative winners. "Everybody votes
on who they think should be what superlative
through a mass email. [Class council] only has
one person win one superlative. If someone
won two, they would choose the one you got
the most votes on," Wijas said.
“I think it is nice that the seniors have recognition,
but there's a lot of people who don't
receive any even though they worked hard. I
know a lot of people ditch because they know
they're not going to get recognized or they want
to get ready for prom," senior Izabella Lach
said.
“Everyone should go to prom in high school,
because it’s an experience you won’t forget, and
you’ll regret it if you don’t go. I thought that
everyone had to have a date, but it’s ok not to
go with one. It’s fun being with friends, especially
since it’s two days before graduation; it’s
the last weekend we’ll all be together,” senior
Kayla Reeves said.
“I thought there would be a lot more buildup,
whereas now it’s just a lot of tests and not a lot
of 'oh you’re graduating.' I think we are more
excited to be done rather than we’re glad this
journey is over. I’m so glad the stress is done. I
think [graduation] is important because you’ll
have your walking partner and your diploma.
It is pretty cool to be recognized for your four
years and to have it all wrapped up," senior Allison
Wallin said.
Tues. & Wed. Wednesday Friday Friday
Sunday

4 news May 12, 2017
W
BOGUSZ IS BACK
FOLLOWING THE ELECTION, STUDENTS SAY BY OLIVIA BITCON
reporter
WHAT THEY WANT NEXT FROM THE MAYOR
After his victory over Alderman
Malcolm Chester and events, especially with its location in More people would be flowing into said. Having partial private owner-
and make it a destination for regional local restaurants and shops succeed. Plaines, it’s just underutilized,” Patel
receiving 63% of the vote close proximity to the Metra station. Des Plaines,” freshman Samantha Bahena
added.
the current owner, or others, could be
ship, from either the Rivers Casino,
in the recent mayoral race, “If you compare downtown Des
Mayor Matt Bogusz can carry out his Plaines to the other urban centers of However, the current owner of an advantageous way to fund work on
plans to further improve the city of local suburban municipalities, you the 92-year-old theater said he’s in the theater.
Des Plaines.
don’t see people just walking around too much debt to pay for the renovations
During his campaign, Bogusz said,
Out of his many goals for Des Des Plaines for the day,” Patel said.
to the theater. So, Bogusz pro-
“The property tax levy in our neigh-
Plaines, one primary goal is to help the “You don’t see people like, ‘Hey, let’s posed a public-private partnership. boring competitive communities has
growth of the city. Freshman Zaphillia go shopping or take a walk.’ It’s more “I think a public-private partnership increased on average 20%, while Des
Yost said, “Bogusz has been accused like, ‘Hey, look, there’s a massive would be the best way to fund the Plaines has held the line.” Des Plaines
by Chester of not helping the development
train.’”
rebuilding of the theater, because we has been the exception when it comes
of the city,” but one of Bogusz’s Others agree. “Bringing life to the already have a great theater in Des to property taxes, and Bogusz stated
main focuses for this upcoming term Des Plaines Theater and downtown
that he intends to keep it that way
is helping the progress and revitalization
Des Plaines would help
during his next term while also
of “The City of Destiny.” bring revenue to
working on other proj-
“I think he’s trying to get downtown
Des Plaines back up and run-
help
Plaines.
the city and
100 days
ects around Des
ning, and to get Des Plaines to become
a more major metropolitan
center,” senior Runal Patel added.
With this goal of making
Des Plaines more attractive
BY SARAH SMAIL students and staff alike reflect on
to visitors and tourists,
reporter
President Trump’s first term so far
Bogusz is hopeful
to revive the Des
Plaines Theater
GRAPHICS: DANNY FOWLER
innocent
people,” McClure North Korea
between tests its Russia, missiles in America prepara-and
North tion. Korea “He was increase critical as of Russia how Obama con-
said. Tensions
With With tinues had to handled side with Russia Syria and following now he’s saying
the strike relations and North are at an Korea all time tests low,” its
the
President April 29 missile
Trump’s having 100th marked day missiles social in science preparation. teacher “He Randall was critical Harper
in office Donald having Trump’s just of said. how Obama had handled Russia and
passed, 100th Americans day in range office, now he’s Others saying believe the relations Trump are made at an the all
from supporting there have his been presidency
controversial to fearing his views actions. ranging Harper Michael said. Soria said, “Makes me feel
many time right low,” decision social with science the teacher missiles. Randall Senior
Whether from good support bad, of his each presidency
is being to affected fear of differently his actions.
proud Others that believe my president Trump took made action the
citizen right to decision what Assad with did. the He missiles. used Senior chemical
weapons Soria against said, “It his makes own civilians. me feel
due to Whether their race, good background, or bad, each or citizen
Michael
gender, causing
is being
an
affected
uproar and
differently
rift proud President that Donald my president Trump took took action
among
due
many.
to their race, background or
to
and
what
fired
Assad
those
did.
missiles
He
to
used
destroy
chemical
weapons against his own civilians.
the
gender, causing an uproar and rift
Currently, only 18% of Maine chemical weapons, which are completely
illegal, by the way.”
among many.
West students approve of the job President
Trump is doing, according to a
His recent military action against
President Donald Trump took action
Trump’s U.S-Mexican border-wall
Syria left people in fear of another and fired those missiles to destroy the
Westerner
has split America right down the middle.
“What we have now protecting our
world
survey
war, while
of 75 students.
the rejection of his chemical weapons, which are completely
illegal,
His
healthcare
recent missile
bill has
attack
arisen
in
doubts
Syria and
of influence.
in troops “I would in say Afghanistan the first 100 has days can Trump’s easily jump U.S-Mexican over. The wall border will wall help
border
by
is just
the
a
way.”
metal gate that anyone
increase
left people have been in fear tumultuous,” of another social war, while science has that. split And America not only right that, down but it the will middle.
bring “What a lot we of have more now jobs protecting to Americans. our
also
the rejection teacher Matthew of his health McClure care said. bill “What has
increased we have doubts now about are inexperienced his purpose. people “I border Of course, is just the a metal wall won’t gate that stop anyone illegals
would in say cabinet,” the first added 100 McClure. days have been can from easily coming jump in, over. but The it will wall help will reduce help
tumultuous,” On April social 7, Trump science fired teacher 59 missiles
towards McClure Syria, said. instilling “What worry we bring However, a lot of more some jobs feel as to if Americans. it’s discrim-
that. the And numbers,” not only Soria that, said. but it will also
Matthew
also across have the now nation. are inexperienced
“His attack may Of inating course, to the others. wall won’t “His whole stop illegals stance
people kill in 50 the of cabinet.” the bad guys, but it from on coming immigration in, but reform it will help bothers reduce me
might On April still hit 7, 50 Trump innocent fired people,”
missiles McClure towards said. Tensions Syria, migrants However, from some Romania, feel as if it’s and discrim-
I know
the so numbers,” much because Soria said. my parents are im-
59
instilling between worry Russia, across America inating about to the others, hardships impossible they went to actually through
the and nation. North “His Korea attack increase
build, to build and outrageously a life here,” expensive. junior Elizabeth “His
may as Russia kill 50 continues of the to
whole Sofinet stance said. on Personal immigration experience reform and
bad side guys, with Syria but it following
bothers family me relations so much similar because to my Sofinet’s, parents
have are been immigrants the source from of Romania, discontent and for
might
the
still
missile
hit 50
strike
I know
many.
about
McClure
the
said,
hardships
“I think
they
[the
went
wall]
a n d
through
is a complete
to build
waste
a life
of time
here,”
and
junior
sends
the wrong message.”
Elizabeth Sofinet said.
The formerly proposed
Personal
Travel
Ban, and
experience
family signed
relations
similar January 27, to created
additional been the con-
source of
Sofinet’s,
have
discontent
flict among
for
families.
many.
“I
Mc-
Clure
believe
said,
it’s totally
“I think
understandable
to want to provide
[the wall]
is a complete waste of time and
Americans security and that’s
sends the wrong message.”
what the president is supposed
The executive order for a travel
to do, but I don’t think that important
ban, signed
issue
on
is best
Jan.
served
27, created
by singling
out
additional
conflict
certain countries
among families.
and then
“I
believe banning it’s people totally of understandable Muslim descent to
want from those to provide countries,” Americans Harper said. security
and Another that’s what action the that president has gotten is supposed
people’s to attention, do, but I don’t especially think regarding
women, issue is is the best cutting served of by planned singling
that important
out parenthood certain countries funding. “One and then man banning does
people not have of Muslim the right descent to decide from what those
countries,” women can Harper or can’t said. do with their bodies.
Another Whether actions you believe that it’s have right gotten or
people’s wrong, it’s attention, their choice,” especially said Sofinet. among
women, “Planned are Parenthood attempts and to cut other Planned clinics
provide more funding. than “One just abor-
man
Parenthood
does tions—they not have provide the right women to decide with
what mammograms women or can plain or old can’t check do
with ups that their are bodies,” essential Sofinet to women’s said.
“Planned
health,” Sofinet
Parenthood
added.
and
other clinics provide mammograms
and check ups
that are essential to
women’s health.”

W May 12, 2017 features 5
the road best
traveled
Traveling to visit family members,
touring new locations
and experiencing new adventures,
students look to summer to escape
their daily lives and hit the road
with their families.
Students and faculty members
agree that vacation allows for precious
time to be spent with your loved ones.
“During the week everybody is too
busy to be together, even to just talk,”
librarian Geoff Greenberg said.
Because of busy schedules during
the year, unwinding from the stress
can sometimes be challenging. “My
parents stress about work too much.
[During our vacations], I make sure
my parents relax and forget about all
the work from back home,” sophomore
Sona Lukose said.
Just as no family’s traditions are
exactly the same, every family finds
their own way to enjoy their vacations.
‘“We eat, visit new locations and have
lots of laughter and smiles together,”
Greenberg said. “There’s also constant
complaining. We pass the time
by playing games such as the license
plate game, or my kids will play on
their iPads while my wife and I listen
to music in the front.”
With the opportunity to escape
from their mundane daily routines,
students can create lasting memories
with their families while on vacation.
“The best trip I’ve had with my
family was going to Florida over
spring break. It was the only trip
where we went as a whole family. I was
able to visit different parks, ride roller
coasters and meet the different Disney
characters. I loved the warm weather
there and the kind people,” freshman
Maggie Sanchez said.
After a long, stressful school year,
families use their time in the summer
to visit loved ones, who they might
not have the opportunity to see otherwise.
“Last year, we drove to St. Louis
for a wedding. It was fun because my
entire family came; we messed around
BY ARLINE VARGAS
reporter
by pulling annoying jokes on each
other. We had visited other family
members, and we all celebrated together,”
Lukose said.
While traveling with family can
be fun and memorable, Sanchez explained
how it can be a hassle due to
bickering between siblings. “I have a
family of seven, which makes it stressful
since everyone wants to do something
different all at once. We’ll end
up arguing on little things and wasting
our time,” Sanchez said.
In other cases, for parents, traveling
with children can be another
tricky task to handle. “A lot of people
say you can’t travel with young
kids, but you just have to figure
out what works for their ages,”
English teacher Charles Gray, a father
of two young girls, said.
Gray explained how, as his
kids have grown older, the activities
they do as a family change to suit their
interests. “In the future, we won’t be
going to amusement parks as much,
like when they were kids. We’ll let
them choose what they want to see
or what restaurants they want to try,”
Gray said.
Gray recounts a story of when
his two daughters took a trip abroad.
“When we traveled to southern France
for a wedding, we had to make an
overnight flight from Miami to Madrid,”
Gray said. “While people were
trying to sleep, my youngest daughter
had gotten irritated and was making
repetitive loud noises for six straight
hours. It was hard for us and everybody
on the plane.”
Despite the struggles that arise
when it comes to traveling with family,
students still value the time they get
to spend with those they love. “I don’t
think I would want to travel with anybody
else. I just feel better when I’m
with my family, and I wouldn’t trade
anything for that feeling,” Lukose
said.
MONEY DOESN’T
GROW ON EASE
BY ABIGAIL
MILOVANCEVIC
reporter
HOW TO GET AHEAD IN YOUR SUMMER JOB
TO PLANT YOUR FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
While summer is a time to relax and enjoy the sunshine, a student
can also gain valuable ideas about future careers and
build their professional skills through even the most ordinary
summer job.
No matter where you work, students should seek new opportunities
by asking their boss for more responsibility. “Tell your boss you want to
challenge yourself; that you were wondering if there are any openings in
that [new] position. In this way a student will be able to get more out of
their job experience,” Assistant Career Coordinator Kayla Hansen said.
Even asking to shadow a corporate manager or office leader during your
day off can open doors to more possibilities now and later.
Kristin Mazanowski, the Internship teacher at West, explained how
there are many ways that a summer job can help students pick a career.
“Success in your career is dependent on networking and who you know.
If you work and have a supervisor who gets to know you, that’s someone
who, when you need an internship or job later, can recommend you to
another employer,” Mazanowski said.
Through the experience of an internship, many students are also able
to see whether a career is a good fit for them. “Sometimes an intern
changes their mind after they have their first experience
on the job. They realize it’s not
what they thought it would be, which
is completely normal,” Mazanowski said.
Junior Prachi Patel described how the
experience of interning has also
helped her learn how to work
with people. “I interacted with
people with different personalities; I
learned to respect everyone for who
they were,” Patel said.
Even though having a summer job
may be great for teenagers, an internship
is different because it is targeted toward
careers students want. “We do our best
to place you in something related to your career,”
Mazanowski said.
Narrowing down a student’s career options through an internship
or job can help prepare them for college as well. “It’s better to figure
out what you don’t want to do and go down a different path in high
school than to major in something in college, pay a tuition, then change
your major after a year,” Mazanowski said.
Contrary to most beliefs, students can participate in multiple summer
activities and still have a job. “As long as students negotiate and
work with their boss, they should be able to keep their job without any
problems,” Hansen said.
Social science teacher Diane Littlefield Lanham, recounts how a summer
job helped her decide on a career. “As a teenager, I was convinced
that I didn’t particularly like kids,” Lanham said. “However, I took a job
as a YMCA camp counselor, and after a few weeks, I realized how much
I enjoyed the energy and creativity of young people. I would have never
realized this if I would not taken the job.”
Getting out of one’s comfort zone, as Hansen explained, will help
students gain valuable experience while in a job. “It’s okay if you don’t
feel so comfortable at the start. Students should try a job or internship
just for the experience,” Hansen said.
To find information about an internship or a job, students can go to
the CRC any day. Students can also go to a “Walk in For Work” clinic
that is held in the CRC on Wednesday mornings to get their careerrelated
questions answered.

6 entertainment May 12, 2017
W
GET OUT
Is the city calling to you?
Check out what West students
recommended in a
Westerner survey of 85 students:
“American Science and Surplus”
• “Chicago’s music
scene is fantastic, and many
people don’t recognize that.”
• “Stan’s Donuts” • “The
Pullman neighborhood”
“Lower Wacker Drive at night
on the weekends. The are car
meets almost every weekend,
including but not limited to,
shows, drifting competitions,
racing, and just plain having
fun!” • “the Chicago lakefront
bike path” • “Honey Butter
Fried Chicken restaurant”
• “Maggie Daley Park” • “Fatso’s
last stand, in Ukrainian
Village. The food is the best!”
•
BY CORINNE BELLOT
asst. entertainment
editor
AND JELENA PEJOVIC
reporter
Movies in the Park:
When nighttime comes and it cools
down, that’s when the city comes alive.
“During the summer there are Movies
in the Park, which provide something
for students to do at night if they have
nothing else to do,” sophomore Danny
Rice said. While Movies in the Park may
Restaurants:
Thanks to the diversity of Chicago’s citizens, a trip
to Chicago offers the chance to explore a world of food.
If you’re searching for traditional Chicago cuisine, “Jim’s
Original Maxwell Street Polish has been open since 1939.
There’s no seats, so you’ve got to eat standing up or eat in
your car. It’s dirt cheap and is authentic Chicago style food,”
Walsh said.
As for other global cuisine, “Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is a good
place that has Spanish tapas, so you can go there and order
these appetizer-like things in a group and try different
foods. With tapas, you can get these small portions, and
share them, as opposed to going somewhere else and having
to decide on one thing,” Social Science teacher Randall
Harper said.
Seeking comfort food? “Southport Cafe sells cupcakes,
but they also do breakfast. They make cupcake pancakes,
which are so good,” Rice said.
When people think of Chicago and its various tourist attractions, many often
associate it with the “Cloud Gate” Bean or North Avenue beach—places
everyone is familiar with. Having the city at our feet all summer long,
though, allows Maine West students to explore beyond this sea of tourist attractions.
be well known at Millennium Park, they
are also offered in many of the neighborhood
parks of Chicago. This summer,
movie showings will range from family
friendly movies such as “Snow White,” to
newly released box office hits such as “La
La Land” and “Hidden Figures.” Movies
will be shown every Tuesday night at
6:30 p.m. from June 13 to Sept. 5. “It’s
one thing to Netflix a movie from your
couch but to get out into the city and to
be in that setting just to watch a movie
outside, there’s something novel about
it; there’s something romantic about it,”
Literature of Chicago teacher Joel Walsh
said.
Activities:
Chicago is famous for its multitude of museums and beaches;
however, there are many enjoyable activities that could be added
to a summer bucket list. “Stray Boots scavenger hunts are sent to
your phone and cost about $5 per person. You pick a neighborhood,
and it takes you different places, where you take pictures
and explore,” Harper said.
If running around the city doesn’t appeal you, there are many
hidden parks and gardens that can help you escape the hectic
hustle and bustle of Chicago. “Behind the Museum of Science
and Industry, there’s the Osaka Garden which serves as a little
oasis of peace in the city. It goes all the way back to the World
Fair in 1893 and has grown since then. It’s this really beautiful
and serene place to go check out,” Walsh said.
If an indoor activity is more your speed, “the Zhou B Art
Center in West Chicago is interesting because it houses really
unique art pieces. It hosts the Illinois High School Art Exhibition,
which features student art, so many students would have a
personal connection to the center,” junior Carly Ross said.
Architecture:
Known as the city of skyscrapers, Chicago offers many architectural
feats such as the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Building; however,
it also holds many lesser-known architectural gold mines. Built 120
years ago, “the Chicago Cultural Center is beautiful. It was the original
main branch of the Chicago Public Library, and the architecture is magnificent.
Inside, it has these two domes made of Tiffany glass and mosaic
tile,” Walsh said. The Cultural Center may appeal to students who are
interested in neoclassical styles of architecture and its free concerts and
art exhibitions.
“If you like movie scenes, the Great Hall of Union Station is great
because, when you think about all the movie scenes from Hollywood
hits such as ‘Night At The Museum’ or ‘The Untouchables’ that have
been shot there, it’s awesome, and of course it looks better in person,”
Harper said. And the cost? Not a penny!
Coffee Shops, Ice Cream Shops:
A perfect summer day may include an iced coffee in one hand
and a picture-perfect scoop of ice cream in the other, but exceptional
ice cream parlours are few and far between. “When it
comes to ice cream, there’s only one: Margie’s Candies in Bucktown.
It’s an old-timey place that’s been around for a really long
time. Interestingly, the Beatles went there when they first came
to Chicago in 1963. It’s a little run-down, but the ice cream there
will curl your hair; it’s phenomenal,” Walsh said.
As for the coffee, little shops such as Stan’s Donuts have begun
to slowly rise in popularity among tourists and Chicagoans.
“Stan’s Donuts is a classic and authentic donut shop chain in
the heart of Chicago. It’s nothing like your typical Starbucks or
Dunkin Donuts because of the never-ending list of options and
the unique atmosphere it provides,” Ross said.
Festivals:
Chicago as a whole is known for it’s diversity. “Many neighborhoods
have street festivals where the food is local and delicious, not
unlike the Taste of Des Plaines, but the city setting goes a long way.
Not only are you in this new place and trying something different,
but they all have places where you can buy artwork and clothes,”
Walsh said.
“Some of the places have bands that are playing, so you can experience
the local groups. The coolest part is just walking around
and seeing stuff you wouldn’t typically see,” Harper said. So, when
looking for fun on a smaller scale, “if people check out neighborhood
community calendars, there is so much stuff that’s going on,”
Harper said.
Sights of the City
Hidden gems lure students to Chicago

W May 12, 2017 entertainment 7
Unplug to Reconnect
BY KARA DEMPSEY
feature editor
AND JENNA ROBBINS
reporter
Whether it’s taking
a trip to Indiana
Dunes or Starved
Rock State Park, or staying
close to home at Lake Opeka or
Busse Woods, there are countless
places to go and enjoy nature.
Not only does nature give
us a sense of wonderment and
awe, but it helps us unplug
from a world constantly immersed
in technology.
While it may be hard to
step away from technology and
spend time outside, there are
benefits that come with it. “I
think people in general, especially
teenagers, can’t live three
minutes without their phones
on, so that’s where the unplugging
comes into play.” Adventure
Education P.E. teacher
Maureen Moeller said. She noticed
that the kids in all of her
P.E. clases are in a better mood
when they can go outside,
even for just one class period.
“When the sun’s out and everyone
can go outside, everyone is
so happy,” Moeller said.
Technology and social media
are very important in daily
life, but there is a world outside
of cell phones and Netflix. “We
use technology every day, and
I think it’s nice to go outside
and get away from all of that,”
sophomore Ashley Gibbons
said.
Spending time outsides
gives countless advantages.
“It’s a way to hang out
TAKE A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY TO EXPLORE NATURE
with your friends, and it’s free,”
Gibbons said. “You don’t have
to spend any money to hang
out in nature.”
Not only is it a fun, free
way to enjoy time with your
friends, it also works as a stress
reliever. Taking time to enjoy
nature allows for time to relax
and separate yourself from the
stress that comes with everyday
life. “I found it was a good
time for me to reorganize my
thoughts and get away from
the hustle and bustle of the
daily life,” P.E. teacher Stacy
McCluskey said of her experience
at the Des Plaines River
Trails. “I think it decreases
stress and anxiety just to get
outside instead of being inside,”
McCluskey said.
As teenagers, especially
with finals coming up
in the near future, it’s
good to look to nature to help
reduce stress. “Being in nature
just balances you a little bit. It
helps with reconnecting and
reducing stressors,” Moeller
said.
Being outdoors is a way to
destress that shouldn’t be reserved
for just finals. “I go for
walks when I have [to prepare
for] a big test; it makes the job
feel so small, because the world
is so big,” freshman Sydney
Schroeder said.
You don’t have to go on a
road trip just to get into nature.
Whether close or far,
the options are limitless. Just
down east on Oakton Street,
in Algonquin Woods, the Des
Plaines River Trail runs almost
the entire length of the forest
preserve and is a popular
place to walk, jog, ride bikes,
cross-country ski and take in
the fresh air, river scenery, and
picturesque forest.
Another option “close to
here is Lake Park; just take a
walk. They offer boating, golfing
and fishing,” Moeller said
of the options down Howard
Street at Lake Opeka. “There’s
a walking trail, soccer fields
and volleyball courts. And
that’s only blocks away.”
While exploring the woods
or lake can bring peace and
serenity, it can also give you a
work out. “I prefer rollerblading;
that’s my big outlet when
it comes to physical activity,
[and] I love going biking with
my kids and my husband,”
McCluskey said.
If looking to go a little farther
away, consider some
state parks, “like Rock
Cut State Park, near Rockford.
There’s also the Indiana
Dunes, and a little farther into
Wisconsin, there’s Governor
Dodge State Park,” Moeller
said.
Starved Rock, a natural
wonderland about 100 miles
south of Des Plaines in Utica,
Illinois, features waterfalls
and hiking trails down into
sandstone canyons. On one
of the trails, “you’re basically
just standing on the side of the
cliff,” junior Julie Brizzolara
said. “It’s interesting because
there’s a lot of history there, so
you can learn about it throughout
the hikes. It also has a lot of
different kinds of wildlife there
which is always really cool to
see.”
You can also do a little exploring
of your own if you are
looking for a new adventure. “I
found the places I like because
I went out of my comfort zone
and found them,” Schroeder
said.
Gibbons shared the same
view, saying, “Explore new
places because it opens your
options of places to go.”
especially
with friends, create
Adventures,
long-lasting memories
that will make you want to explore
nature more and more.
“In my mind, I would say I
love exploring new places, but
due to busy schedules and all
that kind of stuff, I tend to go
back to the close-by places that
I know well,” McCluskey said.
Even if you are restricted
by a busy schedule, exploring
can also be done in a place you
regularly go to just by slowing
down and looking for new details
with the changing of each
season. “Exploring new places
is always fun because it’s something
you’ve never seen before
which is always cool, but going
back to the same spot is fun
because you know a lot of the
place already and you already
have memories there,” Brizzolara
said.
Stress is mounting as finals
loom closer, but nature relaxes
the mind and body. “[I have]
peace of mind. [I feel] relaxed,
less stressed,” Mc-
Cluskey said.
GET OUT
Looking for more ideas
to explore in the big outdoors?
Check out what
West students recommended
in the Westerner
survey:
“Maggie Daley Park in
Chicago” • “The Chicago
Botanical Gardens” •
“The Grove” • “Lake
Michigan” • “Go to a
summer camp, in the
woods, with no technology.
Best experience.” •
“Mammoth Cave” • “Any
national parks and bike
trails” • “South Haven,
Michigan” • “Starved
Rock State Park” • “Kolkata,
India” • “Rocky
Mountain National Park”
• “Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin”
• “Baraboo,
Wisconsin” • “Grand
Canyon” • “Arches National
Park” • Vail, Colorado”

8 in-depth
May 12, 2017
43%
OF STUDENTS
DESCRIBED THEMSELVES
AS EXTROVERTED
BY IVONNE SANCHEZ
reporter
ex•tro•vert
“I’m in water polo, a sport where you have to communicate
with - Capri your Stricker, teammates Sophomore the entire time. Since
I’m extroverted, it’s also easier for me to talk to people
and to get things done, especially in group projects.”
-Sophomore Capri Stricker
TALK
OVER
Extroverts are widely known to be loud and to speak their own
thoughts, but they’re more than that. They draw energy from
talking to people and enjoy social gatherings where they can
engage in conversations. “Being an extrovert is just one trait of your
personality -- you can be an extrovert but at the same time you can
have other personality traits that make you a unique type of extrovert,”
assistant principal for student services Dr. Claudia-Rueda
Alvarez said.
Being an extrovert may contribute to qualities found in a leader,
“I think it makes me more of a leader than a follower and somebody
who’s not afraid to step up and contribute my ideas,” sophomore
Josh Conte said.
Extroverts enjoy activities where they can be around other people,
talk and interact. “An extrovert may love to be in clubs, or be in
competitive sports,” Alvarez said. “One environment where you are
most likely to see an extrovert is at a party. They can be very at ease
talking to their large group of friends and introducing themselves to
new people. Meanwhile, an introvert might be the one who wants
to get their Coke and stands away from crowds.”
For some people, being an extrovert makes activities with audiences
easier to manage. “I had to talk to a group of over 300 people
last year for Model U.N. and to me, it was fine; I really like that. For
an introvert, though, it might drain their energy quicker and make
them uncomfortable,” sophomore Josh Conte said.
Extroverts also tend to draw more attention to themselves in
classroom environments. Whether the response is correct or not,
“extroverts aren’t afraid to get stuff wrong and might answer more
quickly,” sophomore Sierra Brannan said.
BY MATTHEW MONTANILE
in-depth editor
What do leaders like Albert Einstein, Rosa
Parks, Bill Gates and Eleanor Roosevelt
all have in common?
Aside from being revolutionary leaders of
great social change, these four share another
similarity not as widely known: their personalities.
Each one of these figures described themselves at some
point as an introvert, and they’re not alone. While we cling
to the notion that extroverts change the world, reality tells a
different story. History and our modern society continues to
be shaped by both introverts and extroverts alike—each trait
being unique, every individual different from the next.
Why, then, do introverted individuals in our Western
school system experience pressure to change their reserved
ways?
In her bestselling book Quiet, author Susan Cain answers
this question, describing what she has termed as Western society’s
“Extrovert Ideal.” The Extrovert Ideal, as she calls it,
describes society’s current proclivity towards promoting the attributes
of extroverted individuals over quieter ones. This bias,
however, has not always been the case, nor is it beneficial now.
Stemming back to the American Industrial Revolution,
when the urban population drastically increased, the
American value of character changed. Life was no longer
centered around a familiar community, but around strangers
and industry. Many were required to work by not only selling
products, but by competitively selling themselves.
As a result, outgoing and marketable characteristics became
the standard. From this point on in American history, life for
the quiet would forever be changed.
Well-acquainted with the unique nature of this societal
phenomenon, AP Psychology teacher Patricia Montgomery
Peng explained how introvertedness is valued more in nonwestern
cultures, specifically in China—where talkativeness,
for the most part, is discouraged.
“In my own experience, there were more talkative students
who just couldn’t hold it in and, because of this, were actually
talked to by professors and counselors to make sure that they
would stay in line because if you speak out, and not necessarily
out against things, it was perceived differently,” Montgomery
Peng said of her experiences in China.
Unaware of its industrial roots, Western culture has continued
to abide by the Extrovert Ideal, often without much of
a good reason. Extrovertedness and introvertedness both carry
FINDING VALUE WITH
with them their own merits, y
high school life, this has large
Westerner survey, 54 percent of
to act more outgoing and talk
The first of many problems
in high school begins in
centered heavily around
to encourage sociability and c
ask the question of whether o
fact, the best one when 25 pe
either somewhat dislike or stro
In the case of Socratic sem
themselves when introverted s
press their opinions to the gro
I didn’t have an opportunity t
had been talking so much. It’s
you’re quiet,” junior Sarah Nu
students agree with her.
Without an assertive voic
might also fail to be recognize
ers who are unaware of student
ation holds true in group disc
often determined by participat
“Students who do all the t
because they are the ones putti
the introverted students may b
and he or she may not get any
To help eliminate these d
Department Chair Dr. Pappag
approaches being put to effect
was like a traditional graded d
channel online so that the stud
es as part of the experience,” P
In addition to establishing
es, teachers can simply help t
aware of the student’s differen
have. “I think a lot of teache
cepting quieter students,” sen
society and the school system
when some people just want t
extrovert-geared learning.”
The Extrovert Ideal has a
classroom as well, partic
all expected to have an e
either have to put that on when
times they’re seen differently,”

in-depth 9
THOUGHT?
IN OUR DIFFERENCES
et within the specific context of
ly been forgotten. In fact, in a
students said they felt pressured
ative in school.
that the Extrovert Ideal presents
the classroom. With classrooms
class discussion and group work
ollaboration, one must begin to
r not this current practice is, in
rcent of West students say they
ngly dislike group work.
inars, difficulties often present
tudents are unable to equally exup.
“There are many times when
o talk just because other people
hard to get your voice in when
scher said. 30 percent of West
e in class, introverted students
d for contributions from teachdifferences.
This particular situussions,
when the final grade is
ion, instead of preparation.
alking seem to get all the credit
ng themselves out there—while,
e the one putting in all the work
credit,” junior Norris Tran said.
ifficulties, teachers like English
eorge have observed alternative
ive use. One particular example
iscussion, “but there was a back
ents could type in their responsappageorge
said.
alternative classroom approachhe
quiet student by being more
ces and, for the most part, they
rs can be really good about acior
Katie Lane said. “But with
right now, it’s just ‘turn and talk’
o work on their own, so it’s still
lso developed itself outside the
ularly on a social level. “We are
xtrovert persona—so introverts
they leave their house, or some-
Montgomery Peng describes.
XIAO LIN HE
When it comes to functioning in
Western society, an extrovert persona
can be quite helpful. Often, this social
adaptation can help individuals appeal
to the standards of different students and
organizations—specifically, in the case of
leadership.
However, this is not because introverts
lack the specific qualities to be a leader. Instead,
introverts are commonly overlooked
for leadership positions due to their introversion
and perceived limitations, forcing
students to once again, fit the script.
Take, for instance, Maine West Principal’s
Leadership Team (PLT), an organization
that has in the past, presented a bias
against the quiet type. “In the sense of the
application process, introverts might get
fewer nominations. However, I think
that once an introvert becomes part of
the PLT, they will not have any difficulties
fulfilling the responsibilities,”
Principal Dr. Audrey Haugan said.
Mindful of student differences,
Haugan and the PLT have made
changes to their past admission criteria.
“We’ve tried to make the process
better each year. I’ve started to weigh
the writing portion more than I have
in the past. Last year, we did a longer
essay and I got a lot more insight into
what the students were like,” Haugan said.
Unfortunately, some introverts might still
find themselves needing to change—not for teachers,
but for their peers. “Sometimes the introverted road can be a
little lonely if you’re not realizing that you’re just not that kind
of person,” guidance counselor Gilit Abraham said.
Similarity, as much as it may be desired, is simply not
true of life in general. Diversity is important to both
high school and life beyond it. “It’s not interesting to
have everyone who wants to do the same thing making
up your student body at college. They want different
types of students—students who are passionate
about different things,” Abraham said.
BY GRACE YUE
reporter
Remember those kids even back
in elementary school who
seemed to prefer more time to
themselves? He or she was probably
introverted; however, understanding
the character of introverts can be more
complicated than meets the eye.
Not all introverts are necessarily
shy; even the shy kid can be an extrovert.
The defining characteristic of
introverts is that they need time to
themselves. Social interactions leave
them worn out and in need of some
alone time.
Introverts generally do not speak
out as much, and there is a good reason
for this—they are physiologically
different from extroverts, according
to AP Psychology teacher Patricia
Montgomery Peng. While extroverts
blurt out answers with ease, introverts
spend more time processing information.
They refer to long-term memory
(stored in the cerebral cortex) and to
the brain’s frontal lobe (for decisionmaking)
before they decide to speak
out. Extroverts don’t reflexively refer
to neural networks or the frontal lobe,
so responses naturally come more
quickly to them.
Unlike extroverts, who are energized
by other people, introverts are refreshed
by “quiet time.” As sophomore
Elizabeth Rovegno put it, “I always
need some down time at the end of the
day. Whether it’s watching TV or just
being by myself, I need some time to
recharge my batteries.”
Introverts usually have a few close
friends rather than a group of acquaintances
because of their preference for
solitude. They generally are not comfortable
in a talkative, large group. This
can put introverts at a disadvantage
in classroom collaboration; since they
are quiet and dislike interactions, their
voices can be drowned out by the extroverts.
However, this trait of reclusiveness
makes introverts more independent
learners. Since introverts find social interaction
tiring, they don’t rely on others
as much - for example, in school.
Junior Alexandra Juszczyk, who identifies
as an introvert, said, “You learn
pretty quick how to teach yourself [academically].
You don’t have to make
a schedule around
other people.”
57%
OF STUDENTS DESCRIBED
THEMSELVES AS
INTROVRETED
in•tro•vert
“I would definitely describe myself as an introverted
person—I wouldn’t say shy, though. There’s a fine line
in distinguishing between a shy person and an introverted
person.”
-Junior Norris Tran
Reporting contributed by
Ashley Dwy, asst. editor
*ACCORDING TO
A WESTERNER
SURVEY OF 93
STUDENTS

10 features
May 12, 2017 W
WHEN COMMON BEHAVIORS AND
THOUGHTS CROSS A LINE AND BECOME
A MEDICAL PROBLEM
From rumors spreading throughout the media
that our own president may have one
to often misidentified behaviors in our own
lives-- personality disorders can seem mysterious
and complex, and though they are often talked
about, they are also frequently misunderstood.
“Personality disorders are behavior patterns that
interfere with daily living,” school psychologist,
Lynn Groeling said. “They disrupt relationships
with family, friends and employers.”
Personality disorders, like most diseases, are
out of a person’s control and have purely medical
origins. “They are brain dysfunctions and they are
not clear behaviors that a person has control over,”
school psychologist Christina Ramirez said. “When
you have a personality disorder, you have an obsessive
or compulsive need to do something, and it’s the
only way you feel right.”
Groeling explained how a personality disorder --
such as narcissistic personality disorder -- is difficult
to self-diagnose because to someone with this personality
disorder, their behavior seems rational.
“If you have a personality disorder, it
brain
is more common for [other] people to alert
you of it because you think that your own
XIAO HE
behavior is normal,” Groeling said.
Like any illness, a diagnosis should not
be based on online quizzes, but instead
drain
needs a professional evaluation. “It has to
be diagnosed by a medically licensed mental
health professional because there is certain
criteria you need to meet in order to be officially
diagnosed. Often people think that
normal behavior patterns are a problem
when in reality they are not,” Groeling said.
One might notice different symptoms or characteristics
of a personality disorder and think they
themselves have the personality disorder. However,
there has to be consistent disruption in one’s life in
order for it to become a problem that requires professional
help.
“It is completely normal for somebody to check
the stove before going to work; even though this
is a characteristic of a personality disorder, it does
not become a problem until it disrupts their life,”
Groeling said. “If this person checks the stove to the
point where they are late to work, or it disrupts their
daily life in any way, then they should get a diagnostic
evaluation.”
Misconceptions that follow personality disorders
can cloud our judgement and our true understanding
of these disorders, as AP Psychology teacher Suzanne
Savard explained. “A lot of people think antisocial
behavior is you not wanting to talk to others
and withdrawing from social situations. People even
think that being an introvert is somehow being antisocial,”
said Savard. “However, antisocial behavior is
when you are averse to society and act against social
norms in an aggressive and violent way.”
Adolescence is a time when teenagers try to find
themselves and extreme feelings can be normal.
“Someone with a personality disorder might focus
on only negative thoughts; we may have thoughts
like this but we eventually move on, whereas some-
BY MARTYLINETTE SANCHEZ
AND NATALIA WOLNY
features editor
and asst. features editor
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
UNMASKED
Paranoid Personality Disorder:
A person has trouble trusting family and
friends. They also have trouble building relationships.
A person is always suspicious
and looks for ways to confirm ideas of
distrust. They are also easily humiliated
and hold strong grudges.
Antisocial Personality
Disorder:
A person does not follow
social rules or responsibilities, is
easily aggressive, never feels guilty
and does not learn from experiences.
They can appear sociable, but in reality
they do not have substantial, long-term
relationships.
Borderline Personality Disorder:
A person lacks confidence, fears abandonment,
is emotionally unstable and gets angry
easily. Suicidal thoughts are common and often
result from earlier childhood experiences.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
A person feels a lot of self importance
and feels the need to be admired. They lack
the ability to empathize with others and use
other people to meet their goals. If they feel
like they have been humiliated, they get extremely
angry.
Dependent Personality Disorder:
A person lacks confidence in their abilities
and constantly needs help making
simple decisions, regularly leaving these decisions
for others to make.
Avoidant Personality Disorder:
It is common for people with this personality
disorder to also have an anxiety disorder.
A person with this personality disorder
avoids interacting with others, due to the fear
of rejection.
Source: Psychology Today
one with a disorder becomes fixated on these things,”
Savard said.
Ramirez explained how personality disorder terminology
is seen in our daily lives, but that it’s often
applied incorrectly. “It’s common to use these disorders
as labels. It’s a way of labeling things and identifying
feelings that we are not sure of,” Ramirez said.
“It’s great that we’re using this terminology because
that means more people are aware of these disorders,
but we also have to be careful not to make normal
life experiences into mental health disorders.”
According to Professor Allen Frances, the psychiatrist
who wrote the defining clinical characteristics
for narcissistic personality disorder, although
it might be tempting for one to say that President
Trump has a narcissistic personality disorder it, “is a
stigmatising insult to the mentally ill.”
“He may be a world-class narcissist, but this
doesn’t make him mentally ill, because he does not
suffer from the distress and impairment required to
diagnose mental disorder,” Frances wrote in the New
York Times.
Because of the possibility of misidentifying mental
health issues such as personality disorders, “people
should refrain from making conclusions because
only a medically licensed professional can diagnose
it,” Groeling said.
Personality disorders often change people’s perception
of normal life events. “People with personality
disorders interpret events differently and their
sense of self is often quite skewed,” Savard said.
At Maine West there is a psychology department,
consisting of three psychologists and three social
workers. “There is always help available, and there
are treatments within our community that are lowcost
or free,” Ramirez said. “Adolescence is a time
that’s really hard, and there’s a lot of feelings. Many
have a hard time controlling their emotions; we understand
and want to help.”

W
May 12, 2017
EDITORIAL POLICY
The student-produced newspaper of
Maine West High School, the Westerner,
is dedicated to maintaining the
values of truth, integrity, and courage
in reporting. The Westerner provides
an open public forum for free
and responsible expression of student
opinion, as well as balanced coverage
of issues of student interest. The staff
encourages discussion and free expression
between all members of the
school and community and maintains
its responsibility to inform and educate
the student body.
Unsigned editorials represent the
majority viewpoint of the editorial
board. Letters to the editor, which
are subject to editing for length and
clarity, must be signed by name and
may be published upon approval from
the editorial board. Opinions in letters
are not necessarily those of the
Westerner, nor should any opinion
expressed in the Westerner be construed
as the opinion or policy of the
adviser, the Westerner staff as a whole,
the school staff, the school administration,
or District 207 school board.
EDITORIAL BOARD:
Editor-in-Chief:
Catherine Buchaniec,
Bhagirath Mehta
Associate Editor-in-Chief:
Matthew Montanile
News Editors:
Chris Rios, Catherine Buchaniec
Features Editor:
Martylinette Sanchez
In-Depth Editor:
Matthew Montanile
Sports Editors:
Amaan Siddiqui,
Dominik Bronakowski
Opinions Editor:
Bhagirath Mehta
Entertainment Editor:
Kara Dempsey
Photo/Art Editor:
Danny Fowler
Assistant Editors:
Corinne Bellot, Olivia Bitcon, Ashley
Dwy, Natalia Wolny
STAFF MEMBERS:
Sarah Smail, Malaika Zaidi,
Ashna Thomas, Masooma
Sultan, Arline Vargas, Abigail
Milovanicevic, Jelena Pejovic,
Jenna Robbins, Ivonne Sanchez,
Grace Yue, Destiny Onyeise, Suzanna
Linek, Alexandra Malewicz,
Nana Agyarko, Monroe Torkelson,
Vincent Parcelli, Sarah Lane,
Greta Sorensen, Nina Palmer,
Suzanna Linek, Xiao Lin He
ADVISOR:Laurie McGowan
VIEW FROM THE BOARD OF STUDENT EDITORS
testing the limits
As crunch time approaches and final grades loom ahead, which means there is considerable duplicate
students are steeped in fervent studying. This year, however, instruction and assessment happening. The
more semester grades will reflect the fine print of new policies Westerner also asked, “When you retake
implemented at Maine West.
or redo a summative, are you
Policies introduced at the beginning of the school year, mainly motivated by wanting
to learn more or wanting
such as the 40% policy and a new retake policy, have come
under the magnifying glass due to their promise to aid students
in their quest for a straight-A report card.
percent said they wanted to learn more,
to raise your grade?” Only 5
This semester, the district also added another policy: the while 95 percent of students said they
privilege of being allowed to skip the final for a class if students
take the AP exam. This provides an incentive for stu-
Hidden beneath the shiny veneer
were in it for the grade.
dents to not only sign up for AP classes, but also to make of comfort that these new policies provide
lies an unpleasant truth—these
sure that they take the AP test for each of the AP classes that
they are in.
policies influence students
However, there is a loophole for certain teachers to administer
tests that essentially serve as finals. The policy allows policies may have ap-
to slack off. While these
teachers to give summatives before AP tests, if they are used peal to students, they
to assess students’ preparedness. In itself, this may not seem are impractical and encourage
unsound study
bad, as teachers often provide extra practice for the AP test.
Unfortunately, this means that practice tests are not always habits. Providing motivation
optional and students must come in on weekends and before
or after school on weekdays to earn points, regardless of the first time they are given
for students not to study for tests
whether or not they are taking an AP test.
Although AP preparation should definitely be offered and
encouraged during those times, students should not be required
to come outside of school hours for assessments. A far
better time for many teachers to give these mock AP tests —
that count for scores in class — would be on the juniors' SAT
day, as freshman, sophomores and seniors had no school.
Just as frustrating, if teachers merely rebrand “finals” as
“summatives” in order to give them early or slide past the
no-exam rule, the policy serves little purpose as certain teachers
will administer tests, no matter what. If you’re going to
create an incentive for students to do what you want them to
do—take the official AP test offered by the College Board—
then students should get the perk they were promised.
With great changes in policies, there appears to come
greater creativity in applying or using them, which has been
the case for both the 40% and retake policies, too. Every
teacher and department has different interpretations of how
to carry these rules out, while students take advantage of the
policies far more than administrators may have expected and
largely for other purposes.
The 40% policy refers to the district-wide mandate that
the lowest grade for any assignment, quiz or test—complete
or incomplete—is 40%. According to the district, the policy
helps students avoid “killer zeros” that lower their grades
and diminish a student’s hopes of passing. In addition, every
teacher now must allow students the opportunity to retake
summative tests after meeting various retake criteria.
Some students who miss more than a single assignment or
test often do not have any inclination to make them up, especially
if they can receive forty percent of points for no work at
all. Expecting a policy that automatically pays student nearly
half of the points for a given assignment to serve as anything
other than a deterrent for many students to finish all their
assignments, reveals a distinct lack of understanding into the
inner workings of the typical teenager’s mind.
Purportedly, the retake policy allows students to take a
test again if they had a bad day or weren’t fully prepared the
first time they took the test and just want another chance to
improve. Many students, however, want to retake far more
than just a few tests and instead, retake every test possible
to try to boost their grade. In a Westerner survey, only five
percent of students said they hadn't taken a retake this year,
opinions 11
79% - YES
DID THE AP EXAM
EXEMPTION POLICY
MOTIVATE YOU TO TAKE THE
AP EXAM IN ONE OF YOUR
CLASSES?
21% - NO
or do their homework
promotes a culture of not
putting forth the best effort
the first time, and we end up rewarding
irresponsibility.
Yet, it is not only the policies
themselves we take issue with; it is
also the lack of consistency with which
they are implemented.
A number of teachers have used the policy as an opportunity
to motivate students to do better: they replace assignments
that received a grade higher than a 40%, but still not
an A or a B, with a 40% until the students decides to correct
or re-do the assignment. Other classes implement a policy
where homework is marked for completion, but has no
weight towards students’ final grade. If students show themselves
capable of putting in the effort to complete homework,
they are eligible for a retake.
As far as retakes go, some teachers make sure students get
the help they need and give plenty of opportunities for their
students to ask questions before their retakes. Others, however,
neglect to bring up retakes, if students do not ask, or
instead, provide mainly quizzes, which are not subject to the
retake policy. For the sake of consistency, some teachers use
the same tests for both the original test and the retake, but
this often means that students either make the same mistakes
again or use the time in between to research the exact questions
and answers online.
We sympathize with teachers who are trying to accommodate
the individual requests and needs of the 100-150
students they see each day. However, inconsistencies lead to
confusion among students, as well as gaming of the system.
These policies should be used consistently, if they are to
exist, rather than how a few individuals see fit. That being
said, if teachers have concerns about the way students take
advantage of these policies, the policies should be changed to
take account of that.
School should be about the joy of learning, not the joy
of figuring out how to beat the system. Until these policies
are rectified and implemented meaningfully in a way that
both students and teachers can appreciate, students will suffer
from being graded seemingly objectively with the policies
that are interpreted subjectively.

12 opinions May 12, 2017
W
The struggles and chaos of trying
to navigate your way between
classes in a stream of students,
especially around the mouth of upper
B-wing, can make you feel like you are
trying to navigate your way through
Grand Central Station. But when
you have to deal with PDA, slow
walkers and people blasting their
music, too, it is a recipe for disaster.
The most prominent hassles
in the hallway are PDA:
public displays of affection.
We all know how stomachturning
it is to see two people “hopelessly
in love,” no matter whether they
try to “hide” in plain sight in stairwells
and doorways or just park themselves
on the side of the hall to make
A CULTURE OF ENTITLEMENT
RUINS CHANCES OF REAL
SUCCESS
out. The most aggravating part, though, is when—as
the minutes tick closer to the end of the passing period—they
act like Jack and Rose on the Titanic, clinging
to each other as though it's the end of the world
when they have to separate and go to class. It is just
one class period—a total of 45 minutes—before you
can see each other again, so please keep your romantic
desperation in check or do it on your own time.
Even if you aren’t slowed on your path to math
or social studies by Maine West’s Romeos and Juliets,
you’re probably going to get stalled by another major
problem throughout the halls: slow walkers. Some
people are naturally fast walkers, so to them it may
seem that everyone walks slowly, but when people
are moving slower than sloths, something needs to
change. Plus, if you want to talk to your friends, go to
the side of the hallway; you don't need to have a dramatic
moment because you haven't seen your bestie
since yesterday. Just. Keep. Walking. Also, if you are
walking with a group, don't create a fence by walking
Anyone who has attended sporting
events for children has seen
two things: number one, a parent
on the sidelines, screaming at his or her
star child to catch the ball, run faster, hit
harder, kick further and, number two,
the participation award.
They could even be passed out by
those exact same parents..
I know what you’re likely thinking:
“Hey! Don’t talk smack about this
baseball trophy I got during my
Little League years! It has been
sitting on my desk for the last
10 years as a reminder of my
glory days!” Well, there’s a reason
why your eight-year-old
self was the pinnacle of your
BY DOMINIK BRONAKOWSKI
“Glory Days.”. That worthless
sports editor
piece of plastic helped you aspire
to be the person you are
part of later success, and in these
struggle to get better is a necessary
today:the person who does
moments, parents teach their child
mediocre in math and gets a
the values of hard work and perseverance.
And why would they put in
2.5 GPA!
Why is that a problem,
extra effort to improve if they are going
to get a participation award any-
you may ask? After all, if
everyone was to become a
way? The process of handing out a
future top cancer-curing
medal to every child on the field is
doctor or some fancy
like Oprah Winfrey’s classic line,
human-rights lawyer, then
“YOU GET A CAR AND YOU
who’s going to flip my burgers
and ask me “Would you like some fries with CAR!” The award itself is self-destructive as kids are
GET A CAR AND YOU GET A
that?” Could having too many people in the future taught that just by showing up they get the credit.
aspiring to do great things and make a difference in Instead, credit should be given to a child when the
this world cause more harm than good?
proper effort is in place and he or she has met the
The participation award is given out because of requirements of the achievement.
adults who are afraid of their young athletes facing
defeat. We all know that the award itself has no the real-world of our own school community. It is
Unfortunately, we can see this same trend in
meaning behind it, but to a child, it has great value. a rule that is blissfully praised by some, and bluntly
By fooling children into thinking they have achieved frustrates others: the “40% Rule” that we see put in
levels of greatness, we teach them that no matter place at Maine West.
what, everyone’s a winner!
Our system of participation awards and handing
Teaching this causes kids to learn that any them out for every childhood activity is a mirror of
effort they put in can still win something at West students feeling entitled to get something in
the end. Learning about mistakes and how to return for their mediocre skills or effort. If the base-
Just. Keep. Walking.
ball team loses 10-2, the CSL doesn’t say they scored
four runs. The same should be true for academics.
Simply put, the 40% is the school’s way of saying to
us students “Hey, um...You tried, I guess..Take this
as a our gift from us, to you! You deserve it, buddy!”
Kids learn at a young age that any type of effort
can result in a type of reward or gift, and in this case,
the 40% rule our school has in place is that “reward.”
Showing up for an exam and filling in random
bubbles will get a 40% score for one student, while
another student who comes to school, studying all
night, may fail the test and earn a 40% as well, but
in the books, their efforts are recognized as equal.
How is it fair for one student who did no studying
at all to be able to match with another student
who unfortunately earned a 40%, but still had a
much higher level of effort and knowledge of the
topic due to his preparations for the test? These results
don’t add up because both students are given
the same score even though one had a higher level of
participation and willingness to learn, yet the other
student put in zero effort and “earned” the same
grade as the first student.
The participation award has created a generation
of people who are going to grow up expecting something
for their efforts when they are at just a subpar
level or are just not trying at all. Those around them
are going to get larger scholarships, bigger paychecks
and in the end, better opportunities, while the other
person is left behind, wondering why they don’t have
the same. The award itself is a device that is going
to make a generation of spoiled, disillusioned brats,
expecting everything and giving subpar effort in return.
What must happen is that we bring participation
awards themselves to an end. By doing so, a few
little children may shed tears for not getting another
meaningless trophy to collect dust on the shelf, but
we will create people who aren’t afraid of failure and
have the sense of self-respect and responsibility to
put in a fair effort.
As the famous Thomas Edison once said “I have
not failed, I just have found 10,000 ways it doesn’t
work.”
We should take this to heart the next time somebody
thinks of handing out participation awards.
with three or more people in a row. You aren't the only
ones in the hall and, coincidentally, the people that
walk stretched out across the hall so you can't get past
are the slowest walkers.
But, wait. What’s that I hear?
Oh, it’s someone who thinks he’s the passing period
DJ, blasting his music in the hallway. Nobody
should have to complain about this; just keep your
music to yourself. It's actually pretty easy now, thanks
to this nifty new invention called headphones. And
they are available
practically everywhere—even
the
vending machines!
For those new to this
technology, headphones
allow you to
listen to your music
as loud as you want
but no one else has
to hear it. You get
your music; we get
our sanity.
BY SARAH LANE
columnist

W May 12, 2017 opinions 13
A: “I hate that class.
It’s black as hell.”
B: “Tell me about it.
And that teacher?
He’s so black.”
C: “I kind of like it
actually. It’s sort of
fun.”
A: “Are you kidding?
Man, you’re so
black.”
C: “No I’m not, okay? You’re black!”
If reading that conversation made you shocked, confused, angry, offended
or any other similarly revolted feeling, good. It should have. Using
the word black to describe something that is stupid, lame, or something
bad that you don’t like is offensive. It is racist and insulting. If we replace
the word black in the above conversation with Muslim, Christian, Mexican,
Polish, feminine or masculine, it is easy to see how obscene those
sound in this context. It is rude, and it is not okay.
Now, replace the word black with gay. Reread that conversation with
the word gay instead. Sounds more familiar? Sounds like a conversation
you would hear on a typical day? For some reason, the word gay is used
to describe things that are “uncool,” “rubbish”
or “lame.” If we understand that it
is wrong to do that with the words black,
Muslim, Christian, Mexican, feminine or
masculine, then why is it okay to do with
the word gay? It is not.
It has become watered-down to the
point that people think it isn’t derogatory.
But it is. Whether it is meant or not, when
one uses the word gay to describe something
that is bad, lame, or weak, what they
are implying is that gay means bad, lame
or weak even if they do not agree with that
statement.
The original meaning of the word gay
was something to the effect of “joyful” or
What did
you say?
BY MONROE TORKELSON
columnist
“carefree”. The word gay did not become a word for homosexual males
until the 1920s and 1930s. Even then, it was still used to describe happiness
or being carefree. The first time it was used as a pejorative, in a
derogatory way or as an insult, was in the 1970s and 1980s by people
who were not accepting of the LGBT community.
It is 2017. We are a more tolerant society today and we recognize
gay people as equal members of society. The thing is, the language hasn’t
caught up to match that. People get lazy, and it is used as a sort of throwaway
word.
I don’t believe that anyone using the word “gay” to describe something
that is “rubbish” or “lame” really means to say that gay people are
garbage or lame, but that is what is implied. If someone is gay and hears
that word being used as an insult or used to mean “stupid,” wouldn’t they
start to think of themselves differently? If you are Polish and you heard
people using the word “Polish” nearly everyday to describe things that
are “lame” or “dumb” wouldn’t you feel a bit offended? I would think so.
The same goes for the word “retarded.” If you replace the word “stupid”
in conversations with “retarded”, it may sound more familiar, but
you know that it is not okay. Society today has denigrated this usage of
the word “retarded” and more and more people are stepping up to shut
down people who use “retarded” in a derogatory way.
The usage of the word “gay” to mean “bad” or “lame” needs to stop. It
hurts me to hear it, and I cannot imagine how it would feel to be gay and
have your friends—or any other human being, actually—use the same
word that describes you to describe something annoying or unlikeable. I
know it may just be a bad habit for some, but I ask us all to do something
simple: start using the words we actually mean. How hard would it be
to replace the word “black” with words like “annoying”, “bad”, “lame”,
“uncool”, “atrocious”, “trashy” or “absurd”?
We have to stop ourselves from using these words and say what we
mean instead.
It all starts within us.
Sleepless nights, endless frustration
and back pain: all are part
of the average high school goer’s
guide to success. “Get more involved
in clubs and activities. Do more
for the community,” they say. With the
homework load continuously increasing,
how could anyone even consider
doing anything outside of school?
From a young age, parents and teachers
strongly emphasise the need to do
your homework, do it well, and do it on
time so that you can best situate
yourself for the long run, whether
it be college or the work force.
But does increasing the load of
homework on students really
help us become better suited to
go to college? According to the
Los Angeles Times, “On average,
high school students are assigned
3.5 hours of homework
per weeknight, or more than 17
hours a week.” Add this onto
extracurriculars and there is just no room
for anything besides school.
However, there is an alternative to the
amount of homework: less homework!
I’m sure that homework has its benefits
as it helps reinforce what is taught
in the classroom. However, homework
that takes longer than the class itself is
not a good way to help students enjoy
learning.
Success is defined as the accomplishment
of an aim or purpose,
according to the Oxford Dictionary.
Being taught from a young
age that the most important task that
lies in front of students is to do well in
school in order to be successful in life by
going to college and getting a job leads
to stress and frustration as students push
themselves to reach this goal. Feeling the
need to reach the ultimate goal, whether
it be straight A’s, going to the most prestigious
college or getting a perfect score
on your ACT, students do whatever it
takes to finish their assignments on time,
even if that means pulling an all-nighter
or sacrificing their social life.
Last time I checked, colleges didn’t
check off a box for applicants who completed
four hours of homework every
night. Adding more homework to students’
busy schedules, while still expecting
them to study for tests, is a recipe for
disaster. How can you squeeze in three
hours of homework, two projects and
three tests to study for while still going
to bed at a reasonable time? Add on extracurricular
activities, and now you’re
looking at a horror movie.
Second on the list of what we
are told from a young age, is
that it is very important to get
involved in extracurriculars in
order to go to college. Not only are our
parents preaching this, but colleges as
well. Being involved in extracurriculars
BY VINCENT PARCELLI
buried
columnist
ALIVE
helps students enjoy things they are passionate
about and allows them to express
themselves. Do teachers and administrators
just expect us to quit things we like
so we can complete the 10 page packet
for the next day?
No, because then we will not be able
to be successful because colleges want
students who participate in a lot of activities.
But with the activities, there just
is not enough time in the day to do the
homework. It is an endless loop of exhaustion
and adding to the homework
load just isn’t going to solve it. Maybe we
should just add more hours in the day.
The excessive homework load also has
numerous negative health implications.
These include spinal compression from
the 30 pound backpacks we carry around
all day and unhealthy stress levels.
On top of these, doctors and school
administrators always feel the need to
stress the importance of getting enough
sleep, but how can someone go to bed
early enough and have all of their homework
done? Maybe there should be a
warning label at the front of school which
says, “School may cause back pain, sleep
deprivation, agitation, stress, frustration
and tears—lots and lots of tears.” While
I am not saying that we should eliminate
homework completely, teachers should
take steps to reduce the sheer amount
of it so that students can maintain their
health and wellbeing. Homework that
takes just 15 minutes a day could help reinforce
what was taught in class that day
and help take the load off students both
physically and mentally.
The administration often stresses the
importance of developing the whole student—not
just as an academic scholar,
but as a person, as well. Because of the
homework load, though, our whole
selves bear more resemblance to stumbling,
confused zombies than successful
teenagers.

14 sports May 12, 2017
W
GIRLS AIM FOR ONE LAST TALLY
IN THE WIN COLUMN TONIGHT
Ending the season tonight at
Grant High School in Fox Lake, girls
soccer looks to recreate the magic they
found during last Monday’s dominating,
rain-soaked performance over
Wheeling.
The Warriors beat the Wildcats
7-2. “We were taking more aggressive
shots,” sophomore Sarah Magnoni
said. “As a whole, everyone played
their best,” as the Warriors netted four
goals in the first half alone, maintaining
an “upbeat tempo and intensity.”
The team started the season with
three of their first four games rained
out, casting a cloud over their early
season energy. “We all grew irritated
because we wanted to get on the
field,” Paluch said. But at the Maine
East game on April 27, the girls finally
got their time to shine.
Despite the game’s slow start and
signs of another rained out game,
the girls persevered and finished on a
strong note. “The Maine East game
was a turning point in our season. We
won 7-0. One of our star players that
game was sophomore Maddie Roppel,
our strong center, who thanks to
her, she found gaps in East’s formation
and got the ball to our offence,”
Magnoni said. With the 7-0 win, this
game helped the team realize their potential
teamwork and cooperation.
“We were
pretty confident,
knowing
their record,
but not
trying to be
overly cocky
going into the
game,” Magnoni
said.
The Warriors
have spent
the season trying
to find their footing and capitalize
on opportunities to nail down wins.
Having a largely underclass varsity
roster, the Warriors are relying on key
upperclass leaders to set the tone for
future growth.
“The biggest difference from this
season compared to the last is how
young most of our players are,” junior
defender Meghan Paluch.
Though four of the six sophomores
have varsity experience,they are
still trying to work on strategies
“We are starting to learn from
our mistakes to correct ourselves in
games,” Magnoni said.
While their record might not be
FORCE
FIELD
BY NANA AGYARKO
AND DOMINIK BRONAKOWSKI
reporter and sports editor
NINA PALMER
Sophomore Sarah Magnoni goes in for the challenge in the
Warriors’ 1-0 loss to Vernon Hills on April 18.
what they would hope, their in-game
performance tells the story of a much
more tenacious team. “We’ve lost a
few games that we were so close to
winning. There’s been times where a
bad call doesn’t go our favor, or the
other team just had one more penalty
kick,” Paluch said.
For one, they planned to be more
assertive facing down top opponents
this season. “The team goal for this
season is to become a more communicative
team and to be a more aggressive
team,” returning sophomore
Vanessa Reyes said.
With their game tonight at Grant,
the girls raise their heads high in
hopes of another victory for the record
books.
SERVING UP SENIOR NIGHT
BY AMAAN SIDDQUI
sports editor
DANNY
FOWLER
Against Deerfield on May 4, the Warriors lost 25-20, 25-17, despite the efforts
of junior Shivam Patel (above), who defends West’s floor against the Deerfield
front row, and senior captain Kevin Lee (top and bottom right).
Hoping to finish their season on a high note at their senior
night this Tuesday against Vernon Hills, the Warriors aim to avenge
an earlier loss.
Faced with a defeat against Vernon Hills in late April, the Warriors
(7-22) aim to improve on their mistakes for next week. In
their first meeting, West had early leads in both sets and gave up
four point runs at the end of each set. The rotations that gave up the
points caused the Warriors to come short of victory by four and
two points in the first and second set, respectively. “We’ve been
working on the two rotations that gave up points. If we
succeed in making those two rotations stronger, we will
have a better outcome on May 16,” head coach Randy
Tiller said.
Although it ended in a loss, the Maine East game
brought one of the most thrilling sets of the year, according
to Tiller. Going in, the Warriors faced an uphill
battle against the Demons, who are ranked in the
top 25 in the state. Losing a close first set, the squad
came into the second set even closer at 9-9. Two serving
streaks by juniors Jack Collins and Faraz Bashir brought
the Warriors up to 27-27. Bashir then closed the set out
with two serves that were returned for kills by juniors
Michael Bilotich and Liam Skinner.
Although the Warriors lost the last set 25-16, they
took a lot away from the second set. “[That set] showed
how well [we] could play against a top team; no question it
was a highlight of our season,” Tiller said.

W May 12, 2017 sports 15
H 2
GIRLS FOCUS ON CREATING MORE UTILITY PLAYERS
O
Wh a!
Winning conference, the girls water polo team
not only accomplished their number one goal,
they also can lay claim to starting the season with
a 5-0 streak. In this last week of the season, they
hope to go an extra round in sectionals, which began
on Wednesday.
Intent on making each player a well-rounded
contributor, coach Drew Schneider has implemented
a coaching plan to benefit the whole
team’s performance. “Our coach really focuses on
us playing all of the positions because you never
know based on other team whether we’re going to
need to play a different position. It’s always good
to be prepared. For example, post up drills help
us with our driving offense as it teaches us how to
post up. Typically the center does this, but if we
are all well versed, it makes us a harder team to
beat,” senior captain Kristen Burger said, who will
be playing Division 1 water polo at Siena College
in New York
Being on the water polo team is rewarding
in more ways than one, as Burger has
Junior Corinne
Bellot warms up
for practice on
May 2. Bellot is
one of several JV
players to step up
and help out on
varsity this season.
Double conference titles for girls, boys
water polo boost hopes for post-season
BY DESTINY ONYEISE
reporter
learned that ‘patience is a virtue” as well as more
ways to connect with her teammates. “Recently at
senior night, one of my teammates wrote on my
poster the only reason she kept playing water polo
was because I helped her with treading. This is a
key component of the sport and can be frustrating
and discouraging to learn so it was very rewarding
to see that I could help someone improve,”
Burger said.
The competitive intensity of varsity water polo
was an enticing challenge for senior Rachel Roxas.
“I chose varsity over JV because of the title of being
on varsity meant it would be more of a challenge
which I craved. Swimming is one of most
difficult parts but being on swim team helped me
for waterpolo since I would work on breathing allowing
me to keep up with varsity. Varsity games
are much faster, so you can miss everything in the
blink of an eye,” senior Rachel Roxas said.
Hard work truly does pay off which is something
head coach Drew Schneider wishes to inculcate
in his athletes.“I instill the value of hard work
to be successful. Integrity with sportsmanship,”
head coach Drew Schneider said.
While experiencing many satisfying wins, the
girls water polo team has also experienced some
losses. By keeping a focused mentality and staying
positive, the team plans to overcome their
adversities. “Our team motto or saying is: ‘to
play our game, play Maine West water polo’.
Whenever we don’t play as well, our coach tells
us to ‘play the game that we know how to play,’
and that’s MW waterpolo,” Martin said.
After games the girls team discuss their mistakes
as well as recognize the achievements an
individual made during a game. “We recap
ourselves and think about our mistakes and
cheer each other up by signing the ‘baller
ball.’ If someone does well they sign their
name on the ball which builds up our
team spirit,” Roxas said.
CHANGES TO OFFENSE LEAD
BOYS TO WINS
Defeating Deerfield in their last conference
game to clinch the conference title, the boys water
polo team has improved tremendously thanks to
strategic changes in the pool.
Junior Paul Loewes attributes the team’s success
to a change in offense. “The coaching has
made us a much more active team and has contributed
to our wins so far. We’ve been working
more on drawing defenders away with more motion-based
plays. This took GBN by surprise due
to our change up in offense as teams are used to us
playing in net,” Loewes said.
With this refinement in the offensive aspect
of plays, the team has learned to reflect on their
games and continue to look forward instead of
looking back. “We are still a young team and
growing everyday, so we take all game experiences
as a chance to grow. Even during a loss we have
to look at some growths instead of a loss,” head
coach Bob Bruggeman said.
Being a goalie for water polo can prove to be
difficult at times as it requires skill, calculation,
and coordination. “It’s fairly difficult being goalie
because you have to read where the shooter is
looking and you have to try to figure out where
they might shoot. It comes down to defense being
there and if they’re doing their part. That being
said, one of my personal goals is to get a shutout,
when the other team doesn’t score. By improving
my skills as a goalie and strengthening my treading,
I hope to achieve this,” senior Sam Ure said.
“Working as a team is by far the most important
aspect of water polo as it is more beneficial
and easier to work with others. This is important
because sometimes I want to do everything because
I don’t trust others to do it right, but now I
realized I don’t have to do everything. A team that
plays well together can beat teams that are more
skilled, because there are 5 other guys out there
to help you (plus the goalie). There is one play we
run where if it’s done right, it causes confusion for
the other team and the misdirection helps us score
without having everyone have to sprint the whole
length of the pool,” senior Richard Sevic said.
GRETA SORENSEN

16 sports May 12, 2017
W
Freshman Angela Dugalic takes the baton from
freshman Lena Albo as she helped the team
come in fourth in the 4x100 team relay at the
CSL meet at West on May 4. Dugalic also placed
second individually in the 400 meter event.
DBALL
HARDBALL
SOFTBALL LOOKS TO UP THEIR
INTENSITY FOR CONFERENCE
BY SUZY LINEK
reporter
Feeling confident they could win conference
for the first time since 2014, softball faced
down their last conference opponent yesterday
at Highland Park after being 5-1 in conference
through mid-season. Tomorrow, the Warriors
will host Schaumburg for a double header at
10 a.m.
Senior Megan Swanson cited the 2-0 win
over Glenbrook North, their first conference
win of the season, as an exciting game -- one
that helped lay the foundation for their hopes
of a conference title.
As one of two varsity freshmen, Jessica Steingard
has been a frequent opening pitcher for
the team this year and has felt the pressure to
lead the team to victory. She has relied on her
teammates to give her the confidence she needs
to in order to be successful. “I feel like I’m
responsible for a big part of the game. I have
to trust my teammates to pick me up when I
make a mistake and know that the whole game
doesn’t only depend on me,” Steingard said.
“My teammates don’t treat me any differently
for being a freshman except for when they need
someone to carry equipment,” Steingard jokingly
said.
As senior Grace Feldkamp gets ready to
head off for college, she reflected on her memories
with her teammates.
“I will miss being and playing on this team.
The one thing I will miss the most is the great
relationships I have with everyone,” Feldkamp
said. Feldkamp’s passion and drive has led her to
pursue a career in softball beyond high school
at North Central College. “I’ve been playing
softball basically ever since I could walk. I love
the game and I am very competitive and want
to continue to get better and take my abilities
to the next level,” Feldkamp said.
The team was coached by James Dvorak,
who is new to Warrior coaching although he
has been a dean here for many years. “This team
has a good variety of girls from each class and
that positively impacts the team because they
all truly believe and trust in one another, which
allows them to get over hurdles that might slow
them down throughout the season,” Dvorak
said.
While tomorrow’s double header is at the
front of their minds, this last day on the home
field also brings nostalgia for the graduating
seniors. “I will forever remember my freshman
year playing on the varsity field in our last game
of the season and hitting a homerun. It was the
first time I hit a homerun over the Maine West
fence,” senior varsity captain Megan Swanson
said.
SENIOR CAPTAINS READY FOR TODAY AT STATE
Track aims to soar in
sectionals this week
BY AMAAN SIDDIQUI AND
DANNY FOWLER
sports editor and photo editor
Girls track hopes to take on one
more day of sectionals after competing
at Loyola yesterday against the best
teams in northern Illinois.
With many girls looking to stand
out, one that has risen above the rest
is junior thrower Alisa Fallon, according
to head coach Greg Regalado. As
for sectional success, Fallon “is a hopeful;
she’s doing an amazing job,” Regalado
said, “Alisa has been throwing
state-qualifying distances for both shot
put and distance, but all that matters
is how she performs that day” at sectionals.
“This season has gone really well
and we have come such a long
way. I love how the track team,
especially the vaulters, have
grown together like one big family,”
senior pole-vaulter Lauren
Bechtolds said.
Order on the Court
BY ALEXANDRA MALEWICZ
reporter
At state today, doubles partners
and senior captains Megan
Kalinowski and Brooke Gorski
will compete at Eastern Illinois
University for the second year in
a row, hoping to bring home the
doubles title.
Finishing the season with an
overall record of 9-4, ending fifth
in conference and third at sectionals,
girls badminton has had a
wide array of success this year. Varsity
placed second at the Palatine
Quad, second at the Maine West
Invite, and first at the Wheeling
Blue and Gold Invite. “I think
this year is the best we’ve been in
a while. Each meet, we are getting
better scores than years past and
the team members are arranged in
spots that benefit us most,” Gorski
said.
Head coach Mike Murin and
the team are all especially pleased
with their highly-anticipated victories
over West’s closest rivals.
“We’ve beat both Maine East
and Maine South so we consider
ourselves the District 207 champions,”
Murin said. “The overall
performance on the team this year
has been fantastic. We have a lot of
senior leadership, players that have
been in the program all four years,
and their enthusiasm and skills
lead everybody else by example.
They have been working so hard
in practice, and the effort they put
forth shows in matches. Win or
lose, they are upbeat.”
The team worked hard to
condition and be consistent in
matches and improve their performance
throughout the season.
“Personally, freshman year was my
first time playing badminton, so
I’ve just been training throughout
the year and working hard on my
shots. I’m more powerful, stronger
and faster, and it’s the same with
everyone else on the team. We all
work hard,” Kalinowski said.
With an emphasis on effective
training, the girls’ teamwork has
become stronger.“We’ve grown as
a team this year by coming into
the season strong and then realizing
how good we can be. I think
we all internally decided to be our
absolute best for ourselves and the
team,” Gorski said.
Through the season, the team
enhanced their individual performances
in addition to their teamwork
when encouraging and supporting
each other. “(I’m) most
proud of the way they’ve become
a family; they cheer, help, and
coach each other on,” Murin said.
“Their dedication to this sport
and practice, and the way they’ve
performed this season” are things
Murin values most.