The Voice Of Grant Community High School

Issue Number

III11/26/08

285 E. Grand Ave.Fox Lake, IL. 60020

The Bark

Average America is a commonly heard phrase. It used to represent a high quality way of life in America, but that may not be the case today. The term ‘average’ used to mean suffi cient and acceptable, while today it seems to mean just above failure.

Americans all over the country are redefi ning their ways of life, and for many people that means living just above, or at, average. However, many families are still living life beyond average. Families are buying plasma TV screens, million dollar cars, and other such items that may not be necessary to survive on a daily basis. People in America want a lot. People keep spending, no matter what their fi nancial situation is. As a result of that, many families are facing foreclosure, or declaring bankruptcy. In 2007, the number of fi lings increased by approximately 40 percent, as 1.3 million credit card holders declared bankruptcy. Mr. Van Alstine, social science teacher, says, “The problem is that average doesn’t cut it anymore. Even above average Americans are struggling in the current economy. Many people were unprepared for this [economic crises].” The huge decline in our economic power hit a lot of people hard. Most people were living what they would call an average life, which included purchasing things that were only wanted, not necessarily needed.

Many people were not prepared for how the economy would turn, so they continued to live beyond their means. They now are being forced to choose which bills to pay, the electric or the heating? Students are also being affected by this decline in ‘Average America’. It used to be said that a solid C for a grade was average. Now, people are being heard talking of how they have an average grade in a class, when in fact, that grade is only a D.

In other countries, students in high school are concentrating on the present. They are working to build a solid future, even if they haven’t mapped it out yet.

Van Alstine says that teens in America are concerned with school, cell phones, how they need to fi t in, and for some, hopefully college. When over-hearing a conversation at school, students are busy talking about what parties

are going on this weekend, not what tests are happening next week.

Average Americans aren’t looked at the way that they used to be. Senior Martha Jarka says, “People are expecting less from the U.S. in general. We are more self serving and self centered than other countries.”

This is true of many Americans. Many people are concerned with the way that their coffee is being made in the morning, opposed to whether or not they can help someone out on the street who is struggling.

Jarka believes that when it comes

to politics, Americans have lowered their standards.

Sarah Palin is a huge political icon today, as a result of her involvement in the 2008 Presidential Elections. When Palin gives speeches on live television, she refers to Americans as ‘Joe Six Packs’ and ‘Hockey Moms of America.’ This

is how Palin sees the average men and women in America.

Men are stereotyped to be daily drinkers, and women to

j u s t be mothers. This is demeaning to Average Americans. There are both men and women in America who have worked for years to become CEOs of companies, and have made themselves good money.

The fact that Palin refers to Average Americans that way in most of her speeches shows that even she, a political representative for our country, thinks that average Americans are just that, average.

Some students blame their lack of drive on the teachers here at Grant Community

High School. Senior Chris Hayes says that the defi nition of average is falling in America because “if you look at teachers, they aren’t very good, and when there is a good one, they get fi red.” People going into the work force aren’t going for a lot anymore either. Some people put forth just enough effort so that they can live above the national poverty level. This is not true for all people, but for the Average American, they are not making the big bucks. The average income for a household of four is around $50,000, and the poverty level is

just above $20,000 for a family of the same size. A 2005 study showed that 12.6 percent of the population was living under the poverty level. On the other hand it may look to some people as if averages and standards are rising. In order to get into your dream college, your grades need to be better than a lot of other applicants that you’re competing with. Your ACT scores are also meant to portray you as a hard working and intelligent student. These requirements also represent the lowering averages and standards in America. Due to these requirements, many students in high school are not putting forth the effort necessary to be accepted into a decent college, simply because it is too hard. After college, standards and averages are still a big part of people’s lives. In some cases, you need no education to acquire a certain job, but that is very uncommon. Often times, people need at least a graduate degree in business, just so that they are qualifi ed enough in order to be a secretary

Falling economy affecting the lives of ‘average’ Americans everywhere

Katie LorisStaff Reporter

or personal assistant. Generally, the higher the education level, the higher the pay. As a result of that, some people will go to those great lengths in order to get that desired high salary. The media all over America is also setting standards and examples of Average Americans. Commercials, sitcoms, and reality shows are intended to portray average people in America. They are said to display stories of people fulfi lling the ‘American Dream’. In other cases, celebrities in tabloids, on TV, and in movies are setting a lower example of standards and

averages. Paris Hilton, one of the wealthiest people in America, has barely completed the education that typically rewards a person with that kind of money. C e l e b r i t i e s everywhere affect the defi nition of average in America. If a celebrity, or anyone in the spotlight, is seen living a life below average, it is very easy for other people to follow in his or her footsteps. Teens and even adults look up to celebrities and their ways of life. The amount of money they have may be well above that of the Average American, but their standards of

living may not be. Mr. Schmidt, English teacher, says that pop culture everywhere is affecting the defi nition of average throughout America. America used to be viewed as a hardworking country that was always moving forward. Today, the economy is more than $10 trillion in debt, and is still spending. Americans may appear to have a lot, and be living above average, but when it comes down to it, most people are far from living an average life. Most families have credit-debt that is extremely hard to pull through. In 2007, the United States as a nation owed roughly $2 trillion in credit card debt. The average credit-card holder alone owed between eight and nine thousand dollars per card.

What teens today are going for is not what people would call a bright future.

Average refers to a lot of things, in every aspect of someone’s life. When it comes to Average Americans, the defi nition of average has lost a lot of its stature and value.

The economic slow-down is taking its toll on many Average Americans S. Francisco/The Bark www.parishilton.com

A-Team is on its A-Game. Turn to page 5 to read about how they

are fairing this year.

A change we can believe in?The scoop on the ‘08 out-

come, page 3.

New renovations soon to be made to Paul G. Lewis fi eld. Get the

details on page 6.

New season, new team, and a new coach: Read about the Lady

Bulldogs basketball

team on page 8.

News Perspective

The Bark November 26, 2008

Opinions & EditorialsThe Bark Staff

2

Editor-in-ChiefsMeital Caplan

Rachel Seminara

Section EditorsJordyn L. BoylesCollin Bushing

Lydia Wells

Chief PhotographerShayla Francisco

Staff ReportersAlex Carr

Stephanie DoganKatie Loris

Paul KudowskiHayley PallockEmily Paddock

Monserrat MartinezJeshanah Smith

Meagan StephensonEssence Tillery

Kingston Warren

AdvisorMr. Beverly

Mission StatementIt is the mission of

The Bark to give a voice to students and to provide those students a public forum for

student expression. The Bark is written with the intention to

give students and faculty information fairly and

impartially. We believe that only when a student body is

informed can it be happy, safe, and given the

freedom it deserves.

Submission PolicyIt is the policy of The Bark to be a student newspaper. We value your opinions and you have a right to express them,

especially in the form of writing to this newspaper. If you wish

to write to The Bark, you may drop off your signed

letter and the disk that it is saved on to Room 262 or Mr.

Beverly’s mailbox. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we still need your signature or your letter will not be published.

-The Editors-

Looking around in today’s society, it feels like the country is becoming smaller and smaller. The fact of the matter is that the area is not getting smaller, but the people in it are getting larger. The teenage obesity rate has tripled in America over the last twenty years. About 14 percent of all teenagers in America are overweight.

Is this really something that American citizens should be known for? Living in a country where 14 percent of teens are overweight? Teenage obesity has become such an epidemic that doctors are now performing surgeries on teens as young as 14 years old. This is a serious problem. Teenagers in general should not have to rely on surgery for their overweight problems. When a person is a teenager, they are supposed to be having the time of their of their life. Yet some of them are sitting on the couch at home chowing down on some potato chips while waiting for the pizza delivery guy to arrive. These teens should be out being active with their friends. Being overweight has many health issues as well. For example, being overweight increases the chance of a person developing cancer by 33 percent. These types of cancer are esophageal, prostate, breast, kidney, and colon. All of these cancers can be fatal if not caught soon enough. No one would ever want this brought upon them, a friend, or even a family member. Another serious health issue that can evolve from being overweight is congestive heart

Overweight teenagers are in danger of serious health issuesfailure. This is when the heart cannot pump blood into the other organs in the body, which can lead to death. Another issue to be concerned with is that overweight teens are more likely to develop depression. This depression is due to anxiety problems, people making fun of the overweight individual, and a lack of self confi dence. In some cases, this depression can lead to suicide. These are just three fatal risks that can come about because of unhealthy weight levels. This is a serious problem and should not be taken lightly. Grant Community High School is no stranger to this plague of overweight teens. The medical reasons previously listed could be affecting the students that pass by in the hallways every day. It is understandable that many of the students at Grant don’t like gym class, but it can help solve this health problem. The main cause of teenage obesity is lack of physical activity. So the next time one of the gym teachers is yelling to run another lap, the students should be thanking them, because that extra lap may be saving their life. Also, the food served during lunch here at Grant does not offer the healthiest choices. The main lunch is swimming in a pool of grease, and all those delicious cookies are packing a lot of calories too. In fact, the average cookie has a total of 160 calories. That doesn’t sound like much, but when students eat two or three of them that is a large percentage of their daily calorie intake. There are a few alternatives to the school cafeteria lunch that won’t be turning the students into heavier teenagers. For instance, eating a salad and drinking a bottle of water is a healthier choice.

This should be able to satisfy a student’s hunger. Water has zero calories, and teenagers are supposed to drink six bottles of it every day.

The students that work out every day, meaning 30 minutes of exercise, can eat a little more because they are going to burn off the extra calories they take in. On the other hand, the students who go home and do nothing should not eat large meals or unhealthy snacks. If these students are simply relying on their metabolisms to do all of the work for them in keeping them healthy, they should plan on being hungry for the rest of their life. There are some very simple exercises that can be done to help fi x this overweight phenomenon. Doing crunches or running around the block will help signifi cantly. Those activities don’t sound very fun to most teens, so why not try playing basketball in the driveway with a couple of friends, skateboarding around the block, or playing volleyball in the backyard. Some of the teens reading this are probably saying “I am big and beautiful,” or “I love the way I look.” These teens will not be saying this when they are being rushed to the emergency room because they have had a heart attack. Being a size zero or having an eight pack is not necessary, but being at a healthy weight level is. It will make teens so much happier, and they will be feeling much more active and ready to do different activities. Get up off the couch and become a healthy teen. Don’t be one the 14 percent members, because that can only lead to diseases that can be fatal. Overall, take care of yourself and avoid becoming one of the statistics.

Billboards, magazines and commercials are everywhere, all depicting a nonrealistic view of our society. It seems that more and more people are falling into the trap of the media. Everyone is on the quest for perfection.

Every time I go to the grocery store I see tabloids saying that some star has lost some ridiculous amount of weight, or some athlete has broken a new record. All of these so called “accomplishments” only put more pressure on everyone else. Many people see these tabloids or magazines and feel the need that they too should lose weight or break a new record. Although it could be argued that tabloids, billboards, and all other types of media are benefi cial because they are motivators, many would agree that the media tends to be more negative than positive.

According to Urbanesque Magazine, a study done on the island of Fiji showed that once popular shows such as ER,

Melrose Place, and Xena: Warrior Princess, were introduced, the island’s cases of eating disorders rose 15 percent.

An anonymous junior agrees that the media does play a role in teen behavior. “They have so many commercials about looking young and being stick skinny. I have felt

pressured because looks mean everything these days,” says the anonymous junior. With messages like these posted everywhere, it is no wonder why there are so many self-conscious teens. Although many would agree that the media has a great infl uence on teens, there are those who believe that it doesn’t. Those saying that the media has no affect tend to be a bit hypocritical, because they are usually the ones who tend to focus on

The average person sees about 3,000 ads a day in magazines, covering billboards, or on television. So it’s an easy argument to say that all this is turning our generation into something that resembles a science fi ction plot: people lusting after perfection, whether they be skinnier, smarter, or

prettier. I say no. There is no way that watching America’s Next Top Model will make you develop an eating disorder, or that playing violent video games will make you strap a gun across your back and shoot up the nearest school—kids are surrounded by media and images every day of their lives, but not everyone chooses to be infl uenced. “I think the media tests teens; it doesn’t automatically change their habits. It’s a personal choice,” says freshman Rose Craig. Junior Nick Serdar agrees that the media has zero effects on teens. “The media isn’t the pressure,” he says. “The pressure comes from other teens.” Sophomore Mallory Simmermon also agrees. “The media truly doesn’t affect teens. When I go on websites or watch television, I’m not sitting there looking for reasons to feel bad about myself.

“Personally, I think parents and the environments that each of us lives in infl uences us the most,” Simmeron says. “Our parents raise us and

Emily PaddockStaff Reporter

Does the media play a part in the peer pressure on teenagers?

teach u s

things that, in general, make us the

young men and women that we grow up to be.” In his book, Moving Experiences, author David Gauntlett aims to shed light on the fact that research gathered claiming there is a link between teens and the media is fundamentally fl awed. He says, “The fact fi rst is that if, after over 60 years of a considerable amount of research effort, direct effects of media upon behavior have not been clearly identifi ed, then we should conclude that they are simply not there to be found.” And it’s true: take a look at some of the research, and you can see where people grasp at straws. For example, a study conducted involving both violent teenage offenders and ‘ordinary’ school pupils of the same age concluded that the young violent teens watched less television and played fewer video games than the average teens. Furthermore, the study found that the violent teenagers had less access to technology and showed no particular interest in the violent video games. They also enjoyed non-offensive material, much the same as ‘regular’ kids.

Even more studies found that “children can talk intelligently and indeed cynically about the mass media and that children as young as seven

Lydia WellsFeatures Editor

their appearance the most.People such as junior Kaitlyn Kenney

acknowledge the problem by saying “personally, some things on TV may infl uence me.” However, she continues by saying “I don’t change who I am to fi t-in.”

Those with this mind set are well off because the media in some cases tends to overwhelm some.

Junior Nick Garcia believes that “the media criticizes what you look like and in some cases even your personality.”

With the millions of TV shows, like The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, only portraying one type of beauty makes it hard for many to get past that.

There are also many violent shows on TV that many would claim to be inappropriate and a bad infl uence on kids and young adults.

Although these shows may not be what lead to mass shootings, they are defi nitely one of

the leading causes to the daily fi ghts that occur in schools.

Although there isn’t much that one can do to stop the massive effect that the media

will have on each individual, everyone can be his own sensor and decide for himself how he should look, feel, and act.

can make thoughtful, critical decisions about the media,” says Gauntlett. Gauntlett found even more research to support his hypothesis: many experiments, to begin with, are fl awed, and too often the wrong conclusions are gathered from insubstantial evidence that often points the other way. Ultimately, there are many different ways teens perceive the media. Serdar says, “I feel challenged when I watch shows like UFC. Things like that motivate me to become ‘stronger’. I get the urge to be ‘the best’”. On the other hand, many teens choose to ignore the images thrown at them from glossy magazine covers or blaring from their television sets. “Everyone is an individual and shouldn’t be a copy. I don’t think it’s right to all push to be the same. I just ignore the pressures,” says Craig. Simmermon says she doesn’t feel pressured by the media at all. “Anything I have ever done or am doing

that wasn’t or isn’t necessarily healthy is a personal choice! I decide what makes me happy and I don’t choose to be reminded of that by the media,” Simmeron says. In the end, go ahead and watch television or listen to the radio or read magazines; it’s

up to you, and only you, to decide how you act. “Many people blame the media for ‘problems’ that the American society supposedly has,” says Simmermon. “It’s not the media’s fault that there are several skinny, smart, and beautiful people that are a part of it.”

Pro

Con

Collin BushingOp/Ed Editor

Op/Ed November 26, 2008 3

Teenagers break the rules. It’s a simple fact that no one goes without noticing. Our detention rooms are usually completely fi lled, and dean’s aides are busy retrieving students all day. It’s hard to determine the cause of the problem when sometimes, there

is no effect. The things students do to get detentions are so tedious, that often the rule enforcement is a joke. The deans tell us in the beginning of every year the lowdown of every rule and the consequence that follows when they’re broken. I think a lot of people would agree that punishments are usually not as harsh as they sound. When walking down the halls, especially when it’s warm, it’s clear who doesn’t respect the dress code. Some girls walk around

Students break the rules, but the punishment is inconsistent in their shortest skirts, and boys are being constantly told to pull up their pants. You’re not exactly considered lucky if you get away with it all day. Your punishment all depends on which teachers you run into that day. Similarly, I’ll see students with bandanas on, and get away with it, despite the fact that they are considered ‘gang related.’ Homecoming week especially must be the exception when they suddenly stop being gang related, and the rule seems to disappear. Sitting in a desk for 50 minutes, seven times a day isn’t exactly comfortable, and I’m sure some students have heard of ‘comfy Thursdays’ when track pants and a t-shirt is the cool thing to wear. The handbook states “no pajama pants”, but what draws the line between track pants and pajama pants? Another huge cause of detentions at Grant Community High School is the misusage of IDs. The point of wearing your ID around your neck is supposedly to let staff know if you’re a member of the Grant student body.

For some students, this task is too much to ask, and just a pesky problem.

Is it really even possible for some random non-Grant students

to just come in and walk around? It’s ridiculous,

and if we’re walking around this

place, we are o b v i o u s l y

students.

Everyone knows the hotspots in the halls where specifi c teachers stand spotting kids without red lanyards on, ready to fi ll out detentions. When we aren’t in these hotspots, it’s likely we won’t get caught. It’s common for teachers to just ask you to put it on and let you pass. I’ve also been a witness to the fact that when cell phones get taken away, you’ll get it back depending on the mood of the person who took it. It’s never really clear if you’ll get a warning, or if your parents need to come pick it up. The problem is obvious: inconsistency. If every teacher had the same policy, and stuck to it, there wouldn’t be a reason to laugh at the rule enforcement. The way that children learn is through discipline. Nowadays, it seems to me that kids just shrug off their instructions. If consistency isn’t represented in school, then how could it be represented at all? For instance, if a student ditches a class, and gets away with it, then it’s likely that he/she is going to do it again. I met someone a while back that made the decision to ditch classes numerous times a week. After every other day of in-school for a couple months, his punishments just disappeared. The student handbook doesn’t really refl ect reality, and teens will usually just do what they want. Kids will naturally rebel, or not care enough to follow the rules, but this isn’t a fi xable problem if the staff cares as much about the rules as the students do.

It’s not possible for a person to learn if they aren’t disciplined. Consistency is the key, and as much as I don’t agree with some of the rules, I think that if the faculty of Grant wants them to be followed, they need to follow up with enforcement.

In most high schools today, you will fi nd being your true self a challenge. With all the new fads and fashion it is hard to not fall in sync with everyone else just to be ‘cool’ or ‘in’. But if you have confi dence in yourself, the diffi culty of being yourself won’t be

hard at all.By defi nition, individuality is a person’s

independent nature; one’s unique distinction in character. For me, though, it means something more. To me it means freedom to be yourself, with the confi dence to do what you like without fear; to separate yourself from the average everyday person. To some, the defi nition of individuality may be different, but others may not even recognize the term.

Sometimes kids will do what they do because they think that is what they want. Really, it may actually be because that person’s friend is doing the activity too. This is one example of how somebody might confuse their own uniqueness for something that somebody else is doing.

Shouldn’t you do something because you want to do it, not because someone else does it? Given that it’s hard to fi nd what you truly want out of life or just out of school, it is diffi cult to

Hayley PallockStaff Reporter

get out of the trap that is commonly set by peer pressure.

If you want to change from the typical high school stereotype, don’t ask the “in” crowd on how you should dress and act. You would end up practically being a puppet. Don’t let this happen to you.

Here are some ways that one could resist the uniformity of high school. Come up with your own dress code within the school dress code limitations.

You could take your uniqueness to different levels. You could simply create your own style to how things are done in our school.

Nobody put a ban on the number of piercings you can have, or where they are. If you feel wearing just one ear ring even though you have two holes, that would make a fi ne statement, so go ahead and try it.

Who said make up is a must? If you even have semi-beautiful skin underneath, let it show. It wouldn’t be that hard to use skin cleanser as often as you use cover-up.

Hair styles are as varied as the people who wear them. Try to come up with something that might show some part of your inner self just to keep things spontaneous. You could go with the usual pony-tail, then twist it into something no one has tried before.

If you don’t wear glasses try a non-prescription pair. You would be surprised how

Meagan StephensonStaff Reporter

Be an individual and rebel against the “in” crowd

With the historic election come and gone, millions of Americans still rejoice over the fact that Barack Obama is our elected president. But beyond this, people look to Obama to see what change he will bring about. “He’s going to give us the change we

need because he’s the change from everybody else. He hasn’t been in the political circle enough to be corrupted yet,” said junior Jerrod Ramsey. Neither a Bush nor a Clinton, many Americans see Obama as a breath of fresh air, and with his motto “yes we can” and his plans

America rejoices over Barack Obama’s winof tackling major problems (like the economy) as soon as possible, many Americans are hopeful. “I never thought that he’d screw up in the fi rst place as with most Democrats I have faith in (sans Rod Blagojevich). I like the ideas of Barack Obama better than McCain,” said senior Ben Ranes. Many Americans are thrilled that Obama is our president, maybe even look to him as sort of a savior. But in reality, Obama is still one man, and there are people out there who aren’t completely sold yet. “What I want Obama to do is be the fi rst president to keep all of his promises. I’m very pro change, but I’m also aware that this isn’t going to happen with a snap of his fi ngers,;it’s going to take the cooperation of the whole country. While the Democrats make

[him] out to be our savior, it takes everybody’s involvement [to make things happen],” said junior Vesta Steponaviciute. Of course, while there are people who see Obama as a positive thing, there are always going to be very unfavorable opinions. “I’m not a very big fan of Obama, but if he won, he won,” said junior Brad O’Connor. Other people have stronger feelings about Obama’s presidency, and are vehemently against him. But people have to take into account that Obama hasn’t made any changes, positive or negative, for the country considering the fact that president Bush is still in offi ce. But like him or not, Obama’s here for at least the next four years with the world on his shoulders.

rrrrreressspect the dress cooddeddd . SoSSomem giri ls walk around For some students, this tamummm ch to ask, and just a pesky

Is it really even possiblrararandom non-Grant

totoooooooo j ust come in ararrouoo nd? It’s r

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S. Francisco/ The Bark

No cellphones. I mean the teachers aren‛t stupid, they know we have them. I see

people all the time trying to be all sneaky in their school bags. Come on now, we all

know that blue glow on your face isn‛t from the pen you‛ve been “looking for.”

-Junior Jes Farruggia

What do you think is the most common rule

broken at Grant?

I think the most common rule broken at Grant is not wearing ID‛s. I think that a

lot of people don‛t follow this rule because they don‛t think its necessary. If you‛re

here you obviously go here so you shouldn‛t have to wear an ID around your neck.

-Junior Megan McKinley

The dress code because most people just wear whatever and only certain

people get in trouble for it. Most teachers don‛t really pay attention to

what students wear.-Junior Felecia Robinson

many people go after that look. It could greatly improve your fi rst impression of somebody.

Next is clothes, nobody wants to be seen in rags, but if you don’t have a favorite brand, try to wear something that isn’t popular yet. Shoot to be a trend setter. Just be sure not to go radical with the idea of something extreme, like coming in wearing a chicken suit. You would probably appear more weird than different.

Accessories can also make you seem different. You can also have a bag to fi t your style. You don’t really need twenty different bags to match every different outfi t. One that can go with anything would be just fi ne. Also, maybe you would want a bag that could be used for anything practical.

Maybe you need to always have something on or just something for a special occasion. If simple is for you, that is OK, but if you desire something more noticeable, go for jewelry.

However, try to stay away from the trap that is always there for the unaware. If you feel even the slightest bit off about what it is you are wearing, you probably shouldn’t wear it.

Lastly, the only advice that I can give for those who might listen, is this: don’t get confused and get caught up in the common trap that is always set for teenagers who haven’t found themselves yet. Be who you are and be who you can be.

Essence TilleryStaff Reporter

Hi, my name is Jes Farruggia and I’m a junior here at Grant. I have a statement for Collin in response to his argument for dissection. Actually, I’m almost 100 percent sure that there is no “computer simulation” offered here at school. In fact, I am sure because when I refused to dissect animals in Biology, instead of being offered an alternative, I failed all three dissections. My grade was soon brought to a D, and I ran the risk of failing all because I wouldn’t cut open the inside of a worm, frog, and crawfi sh. I would love to see an alternative here at Grant for future classes. Especially so students (like my sister who will be a freshman next year) won’t run the risk of failing, just like I did.

Letter to the editorAll photos by S. Francisco/ The Bark

Grant’s student handbook lists all of the rules

Jes FarruggiaGuest Writer

Features November 26, 2008

Features4

D o n ’ t y o u j u s t h a t e w a k i n g u p s o m e w h e r e a n d y o u d o n ’ t k n o w w h e r e y o u a r e ?

Y o u r f i r s t r e a c t i o n i s p r o b a b l y “ W h e r e a m I ? ! ” , b u t n o t i f y o u ’ r e s t r a p p e d t o a

t a b l e s u r r o u n d e d b y b a r b e d w i r e , o r i f y o u f i n d y o u r h e a d s t u c k i n a c u b e d b o x w h i l e i t ’ s g e t t i n g f i l l e d w i t h w a t e r . L e a v e i t t o J i g s a w t o a c c o m m o d a t e y o u w i t h s u c h l u x u r i o u s s w e e t s .

A l l y o u h a v e t o d o i s t a k e y o u r l i f e f o r g r a n t e d t o h a v e t h e s e h o r r i f y i n g e x p e r i e n c e s a t y o u r f i n g e r t i p s . Yo u c o u l d b e d r i v i n g h o m e f r o m w o r k o r w a l k i n g t o s c h o o l w h e n y o u s e e a p i g d e m o n i n a b o x i n g o u t f i t a n d b a m ! — y o u ’ r e h i t w i t h a k n o c k o u t p o i s o n a n d y o u w a k e u p i n a b a t h r o o m - l i k e c h a m b e r o r i n a n a b a n d o n e d h o u s e ; i t a l l d e p e n d s o n w h a t J i g s a w ( To b i n B e l l ) p l a n s f o r y o u r r e j u v e n a t i o n . J i g s a w s a i d i t b e s t h i m s e l f i n t h i s m o v i e : “ K i l l i n g i s d i s t a s t e f u l ; t h e r e i s a f a r b e t t e r w a y . ”

Kingston WarrenStaff Reporter

Kingston’s Korner: Saw V: a ‘horror’ to watch“ I a m t h e m a n y o u c a l l

J i g s a w , ” i s o n e o f m y f a v o r i t e l i n e s i n t h e f i l m . I f y o u ’ r e n e w t o t h e S a w s e r i e s , y o u m i g h t w a n t t o g e t c a u g h t u p b e f o r e y o u s e e t h i s o n e , b u t n o n e t h e l e s s y o u c o u l d b e e n t e r t a i n e d . I t h a s a l l t h e g o r e a n d b l o o d y o u h a v e m o r e t h a n l i k e l y h e a r d a b o u t , a n d J i g s a w i s s t i l l t h e m a n o f b r i l l i a n c e a n d t a l e n t b e y o n d c o m p a r e .

We p i c k u p i n t h i s f i l m w i t h a y o u n g m a n n a m e d J e f f ( A n g u s M a c F a y d e n ) s t r a p p e d t o a t a b l e w i t h a n a n c h o r - l i k e b l a d e a b o v e h i m t h a t w i l l s l i c e h i m i n h a l f . J i g s a w ’ s r u l e s t o h i m a r e s i m p l e : h e h a s t o c r u s h t h e t o o l s t h a t k i l l e d D e t e c t i v e H o f f m a n ’ s s i s t e r o r e n d u p w i t h n o w a i s t l i n e . H o w e v e r , t h e m u r d e r w e a p o n i n H o f f m a n ’ s s i s t e r ’ s d e a t h w a s n o n e o t h e r t h a n J e f f ’ s o w n h a n d s .

Yo u m a y r e m e m b e r H o f f m a n ( C o s t a s M a n d y l o r ) f r o m t h e p r e v i o u s S a w f i l m s . N o w w i t h J i g s a w d e a d , h e i s l e f t t o c a r r y o u t h i s l e g a c y . H e h a s h i s h a n d s f u l l w i t h a c o u p l e l o o s e e n d s h e n e e d s t o t i e u p . H o f f m a n n e e d s

t o w o r k f a s t b e c a u s e D e t e c t i v e S t r a h m ( S c o t t P a t t e r s o n ) i s r i g h t o n t h e b a c k o f h i s h e e l s b e c a u s e w i t h J i g s a w ’ s a p p r e n t i c e , A m a n d a ( S h a w n e e S m i t h ) d e a d , H o f f m a n i s l o o k i n g r e a l l y s u s p i c i o u s .

B u t o f c o u r s e , J i g s a w h a s m o r e p e o p l e h e n e e d s t o p u t t o t h e t e s t . F o u r p e o p l e s t a r i n t h i s f i l m : a n i n s p e c t o r , a b u i l d i n g b u r e a u c r a t , a d r u g a d d i c t , a n d a j o u r n a l i s t . T h e y f i n d t h e m s e l v e s i n a f i g h t f o r t h e i r l i v e s i n m i n d c h a l l e n g i n g g a m e s . D a v i d H a c k l , t h e d i r e c t o r o f S a w V, h a s b e e n w i t h t h e S a w f r a n c h i s e s i n c e S a w I I a s p r o d u c t i o n d e s i g n e r . H e t r i e s , b u t f a i l s , t o m a k e h i m s e l f k n o w n w i t h h i s f i r s t b i g s c r e e n d i r e c t o r r o l e . T h e s c r e e n w r i t e r s P a t r i c k M e l t o n a n d M a r c u s D u n s t a n a r e a l s o n o h e l p . T h e y l e a v e y o u h a n g i n g a t t h e e n d o f s e v e r a l s c e n e s i n t h i s m o v i e w i t h n o s u s p e n s e . I t s e e m e d l i k e t h e i r m a i n f o c u s s e e m e d t o b e a c a t a n d m o u s e t h e m e w i t h H o f f m a n a n d S t r a u m g o i n g a f t e r o n e a n o t h e r , r a t h e r t h a n s t i c k i n g t o J i g s a w ’ s m e s s a g e .

A c t i n g s k i l l s w e r e n e v e r p r e s e n t i n t h i s m o v i e e i t h e r . T h e a c t o r s h a d c e r t a i n m o m e n t s i n t h e m o v i e w h e r e t h e y s h o w e d s k i l l , b u t i t w a s m i n d l e s s z o m b i e s a f t e r t h a t . D r a g g i n g w o r d s o u t a n d n o t f u l l y i n c h a r a c t e r a r e o n l y a f e w o f m y c r i t i c i s m s . T h e o n l y e x c e p t i o n w o u l d b e B e l l , a n d i t w a s o n l y b e c a u s e o f t h e f l a s h b a c k s t o t h e o t h e r S a w f i l m s .

J a m e s Wa n w a s o n e h a l f o f t h e o r i g i n a l s t o r y w r i t e r f o r t h e f i r s t S a w . I f y o u a s k m e , i t w a s b y f a r t h e b e s t S a w m o v i e a n d D a v i d H a c k l c o u l d h a v e l e a r n e d a t h i n g o r t w o f r o m Wa n t o m a k e t h i s m o v i e b e t t e r .

S a w V l a c k s a l o t o f t h i n g s t h a t t h e o t h e r S a w m o v i e s h a d : b r u t a l i t y , i n t r i g u e , a n d a g o o d e n d i n g .

A l l i n a l l , t h i s m o v i e w a s f a r b e l o w m y e x p e c t a t i o n s . T h e m e s s a g e w a s t h e r e , b u t t h e s t o r y l i n e w a s h a c k e d t o p i e c e s . H o w e v e r , i t s e e m s l i k e w e ’ l l b e h e a r i n g , “ H e l l o . I w o u l d l i k e t o p l a y a g a m e , ” a t l e a s t o n e m o r e t i m e .

I w o u l d g i v e i t 3 o u t o f 5 c r o w n s .

www.saw5.com

T h i s p a s t H a l l o w e e n , t h e S a w s e r i e s m a d e i t s c o m e b a c k w i t h t h e o n g o i n g s e q u e l t o a h o r r o r p h e n o m e n o n : S a w V . I t t a k e s u s t o a p l a c e w h e r e y o u

n e e d t o a p p r e c i a t e y o u r t a k e o n l i f e , a n d n o t t a k e t h i n g s f o r g r a n t e d .

N o w, i f y o u h a v e n e v e r t u n e d i n t o a n y o f t h e S a w m o v i e s , i t ’ s b a s i c a l l y a b o u t o n e m a n ( J i g s a w ) w h o ’ s d e t e r m i n e d t o m a k e p e o p l e r e a l i z e t h a t l i f e i s t a k e n f o r g r a n t e d , a n d t o p r o v e t h a t p e o p l e a r e s e l f i s h a n d w o n ’ t t a k e t i m e o u t o f t h e i r l i f e t o s a v e s o m e o n e e l s e ’ s . H e a l s o g i v e s t h e m a c h a n c e t o r e d e e m t h e i r p a s t l i f e s t y l e s .

E v e n t h o u g h t h i s s t o r y g o e s i n t o b r u t a l a n d v i c i o u s d e t a i l

Stephanie DoganStaff Reporter

o n s u f f e r i n g d e a t h , i t s t i l l h a s a b i g g e r m e a n i n g b e h i n d t h e s t o r y .

I w o u l d h a v e t o s a y t h a t m o s t p e o p l e g o t o w a t c h i t f o r t h e b l o o d , g u t s , a n d t o r t u r e , b u t t h i s m o v i e i s n ’ t a l l a b o u t t h a t . I t ’ s t r y i n g t o t e l l y o u a d i f f e r e n t m e a n i n g o f l i f e .

T h e s a d p a r t o f t h i s i s t h a t t h e m o v i e d o e s h a v e a b i g g e r m e a n i n g t o t h e s t o r y , b u t m o s t p e o p l e g o t o j u s t s e e t h e t o r t u r e .

I s t h a t w h a t s o c i e t y h a s c o m e t o t h e s e h o r r i d d a y s ? T h a t

t o g r a b p e o p l e ’ s a t t e n t i o n y o u n e e d a c a t c h , b y s h o w i n g t h e b r u t a l d e a t h o f

p e o p l e ?E a c h w e e k t h e r e a r e a l w a y s

n e w r e l e a s e s f o r u s t o g o o u t a n d t u n e i n t o a c o m p l e t e l y d i f f e r e n t l i f e . I m e a n , c o m e o n , w h o h a s n e v e r w a t c h e d T h e H i l l s o r i s a b i g f a n o f G o s s i p G i r l , a n d i f n o t , y o u s t i l l k n o w a b o u t i t .

S o c i e t y i s b a s e d o n d r a m a a n d c o n f l i c t . N o b o d y g e t s

e n t h u s e d b y t h e p e r f e c t l i f e ; y o u n e e d a l i t t l e b i t o f c o n s e q u e n c e . T h i s i s m a k i n g t h i s a b a d h a b i t t h a t s h o u l d e n d .

I k n o w I l i k e t o w a t c h f o r t h e e n t e r t a i n i n g , s u s p e n s e f u l e d g e s o f y o u r s e a t ‘ w h a t ’ s g o i n g t o h a p p e n n e x t ’ k i n d o f m o v i e s , s o I g u e s s i t ’ s a g o o d w a y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e m o v i e w h i l e a l s o g e t t i n g a m e s s a g e o u t t h e r e .

M a y b e t h a t w a s w h a t D a v i d H a c k l , d i r e c t o r o f S a w V , w a s t r y i n g t o e x p r e s s t o u s : t h a t b e y o n d a l l t h e i n t e n s i t y t h e r e ’ s a m e s s a g e g o i n g o u t t o a l l t h e v i e w e r s t h a t w e n e e d t o c h a n g e t h e w a y w e v i e w e a c h o t h e r a n d h o w w e v i e w o u r s e l v e s .

T h a t ’ s w h a t t h i s m o v i e i s t r y i n g t o t e l l u s , a n d i f t h e r e w a s n ’ t b l o o d , g u t s , a n d h o r r o r , w o u l d a n y o f u s w a t c h i t ? I s t h a t w h a t s o c i e t y n e e d s t o d o t o g e t p e o p l e ’ s a t t e n t i o n — w a t c h p e o p l e s u f f e r ?

I t s h o u l d n ’ t b u t i t d o e s , a n d I d o n ’ t t h i n k w e s h o u l d b e

Deeper message to Saw V’s gore, guts, and bloodc o u n t i n g o n a c h a n g e a n y t i m e s o o n , b u t w e s h o u l d w a k e u p a n d r e a l i z e w h a t ’ s s u r r o u n d i n g u s .

M o s t p e o p l e c o u l d r e l a t e . We a l l w a k e u p e v e r y m o r n i n g b e l i e v i n g t h a t w e a r e s u p p o s e d t o h a v e t h i s d a y , t h a t n o t h i n g i s s u p p o s e d t o h a p p e n , a n d w e g o t h r o u g h o u r u s u a l l i f e s t y l e s n o t r e a l i z i n g w h a t s u r r o u n d s u s . T h e r e ’ s a b i g g e r p i c t u r e o u t t h e r e .

We g o t h r o u g h l i f e s e l f i s h l y , w e l i v e i n a “ m e ” s o c i e t y a n d i n s o m e w a y s t h a t ’ s a g o o d w a y t o t h i n k , b u t i n o t h e r s , i t ’ s t r a g i c w h e n y o u o n l y c a r e a b o u t y o u r s e l f . T h e r e a r e s o m a n y s c e n a r i o s w h e r e y o u c o u l d b e b u s y w i t h y o u r l i f e t h a t y o u d o n ’ t e v e n r e a l i z e w h a t ’ s s u r r o u n d i n g y o u .

S t o p a n d t a k e a l o o k a r o u n d t o f i n d y o u r s e l f a n d t o f i n d s a n i t y , b e c a u s e i n t h i s w o r l d t o d a y y o u h a v e t o j u s t t a k e a b r e a k a n d r e l a x .

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Is that what society needs to do to get people’s attention--watch people suf-fer?

It has all the gore and blood you have more than likely heard about...

Features Perspective

FeaturesNovember 26, 20085

AC/DC’s Black Ice cd not rockin’ anymore...

F o r t h o s e a b o u t t o r o c k , w e s a l u t e y o u .

T h a t b e i n g s a i d , n o b o d y m a k e a m o v e t o s a l u t e A C / D C ’s n e w a l b u m B l a c k I c e .

A f t e r a n e i g h t y e a r l o n g

w a i t , t h e n e w A C / D C a l b u m , B l a c k I c e , w a s r e l e a s e d O c t . 1 5 u n d e r p r o d u c e r B r e n d a n O ’ B r i e n , w h o h a s w o r k e d w i t h t h e l i k e s o f S t o n e Te m p l e P i l o t s , P e a r l J a m , B r u c e S p r i n g s t e e n , a n d R a g e A g a i n s t t h e M a c h i n e . F a n s e a g e r l y r i p p e d t h e p l a s t i c o f f o f B l a c k I c e , w h i c h i s a n n o y i n g l y o n l y a v a i l a b l e a t Wa l m a r t , p o p p e d t h e C D i n t o t h e p l a y e r a n d h e a r d a n i n t r o t h a t s o u n d s h a u n t i n g l y l i k e “ S h o o k M e A l l N i g h t L o n g ” . J u s t t h e o r i g i n a l i t y f a n s w e r e e x p e c t i n g f r o m A C / D C … n o t s o m u c h .

T h e l a c k o f o r i g i n a l i t y i n m e l o d y d o e s n ’ t s t o p t h e r e . T h e c h o r d p r o g r e s s i o n i n “ Wa r M a c h i n e ” o f t h e v e r s e a n d t h e c h o r u s a r e e x a c t l y t h e s a m e a s “ G i v i n ’ t h e D o g a B o n e ” , o f f t h e B a c k i n B l a c k a l b u m . “ W h e e l s ” m a k e s y o u w a n t t o b u r s t o u t i n t o “ H i g h w a y t o H e l l ” a n d “ A n y t h i n g G o e s ” m a k e s “ S l a d e R u n ’s R u n a w a y ” r i n g i n y o u r e a r s .

Wi t h a l l d u e r e s p e c t , A C /D C i s o n e o f t h e m o s t i c o n i c b a n d s o f t h e 7 0 ’s a n d 8 0 ’s . B u t t h i s a l b u m s o u n d s e x a c t l y l i k e e v e r y o t h e r A C /D C a l b u m b e f o r e i t . G r a n t e d , t h e r e a r e o n l y s o m a n y o r i g i n a l s o u n d i n g s o n g s y o u c a n m a s h t o g e t h e r w i t h a v e r y l i m i t e d c h o r d s e l e c t i o n .

Wi t h A C / D C n o w h a v i n g b e e n a b a n d f o r 3 5 y e a r s , t h e

Shayla FranciscoChief Photographer

q u e s t i o n c o m e s t o m i n d , s h o u l d t h e y h a v e s t o p p e d w h i l e t h e y w e r e a h e a d ? W h i l e t h e y w e r e s t i l l i n t h e f u l l s w i n g o f t h e i r y o u t h ? W h e n s e x , d r u g s , a n d r o c k ’ n ’ r o l l w e r e t h e o n l y t h i n g s i n l i f e t h a t m a t t e r e d ?

Wi t h t h e r e c e n t c o m e b a c k o f m a n y b a n d s f r o m p r e v i o u s g e n e r a t i o n s , s u c h a s M e t a l l i c a , G u n s ’ n ’ R o s e s , a n d R u s h , i t s s o m e t h i n g o n e c o u l d s e r i o u s l y s t u d y : t h e a r t o f t h e c o m e b a c k .

H o w d o e s a b a n d c o m p l e t e i t s l e g a c y i f t h e y j u s t k e e p t r y i n g t o c o m e b a c k a r o u n d ?

S o m e b a n d s s t r i k e i t l u c k y w i t h t h e i r c o m e b a c k s . Ta k e t h e R o l l i n g S t o n e s , f o r e x a m p l e . T h e i r 2 0 0 5 a l b u m A B i g g e r B a n g h i t n u m b e r t h r e e o n n a t i o n a l c h a r t s .

T h e b a n d h a d s u c h p o s i t i v e f a n f e e d b a c k t o t h e a l b u m t h a t t h e y w e r e i n v i t e d t o p l a y a t t h e

2 0 0 5 S u p e r B o w l w h e r e t h e y p l a y e d c l a s s i c s s u c h a s “ S t a r t M e U p ” a n d “ S a t i s f a c t i o n ” t o t h o u s a n d s o f f a n s

O t h e r b a n d s s e r i o u s l y f l o p p e d , s u c h a s t h e l i k e s o f M e t a l l i c a ’s D e a t h M a g n e t i c , r e l e a s e d i n S e p .

B u t a s f a r a s B l a c k I c e g o e s , p e r h a p s A C / D C s h o u l d h a v e l e t S t i f f U p p e r L i p b e t h e n a i l i n t h e c o f f i n , w h i c h m a d e i t t o t h e n u m b e r s e v e n s p o t o n T h e B i l l b o a r d c h a r t s .

I f y o u ’ v e b e e n w a i t i n g t h e s e e i g h t y e a r s t o l i s t e n t o s o m e t h i n g m e d i o c r e t h a t d o e s n ’ t b r e a k a n y f o r m e r m o l d s , t h i s a l b u m i s f o r y o u . B u t i f t h a t i s n ’ t t h e c a s e , j u s t p o p B a c k i n B l a c k b a c k i n t h e p l a y e r a n d l e t t h e f a m i l i a r l e g e n d a r y b a l l a d s f i l l y o u r e a r s ; d o n ’ t p l a g u e y o u r a p p r e c i a t i o n o f A C / D C w i t h B l a c k I c e .

Grant Community High School’s academic team is already a month into the season, and they have spent their time preparing for this year’s big competition and hoping to do well. Their most current score is 3-3. “I am looking forward to seeing how we

stack up against nine of the best teams in the state,” says Mr. Van Alstine, coach. The general consensus of the team is that Stevenson is going to be the hardest to beat. They are among the nine best teams. Although they will be hard to beat, Grant’s team is confi dent. Senior Hugo Sancen believes that the team is “the equivalent of a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick.” Although everyone on the team is important, the team does have a few key players. Senior Seth Goodwin says, “[The team is] very strong. [Senior] Alex Maskevich, [senior] Andrew Noffke, [senior] Jimmy [Currea], and myself form an indomitable force.” Van Alstine agrees with Goodwin, saying that the returning seniors are the backbone of the team. Noffke is captain, and Maskevich was MVP from last year. The team is fi lled with confi dence, and with all their practice, it is no surprise that they are ready for the competition.

Academic team plans on bringing their A-Game to all their meets

“We practice every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday,” says Noffke. “Personally, I try to get everything but the meet out of my mind so I’m ready to go for the meet.” Of course, each individual prepares for the meets in different ways. “I prepare by coming to school, learning, taking challenging classes, and reading classic literature,” says senior Rachel Varney. The challenge of Academic Team isn’t for everyone. Each member joins for different reasons, which brings a diverse realm of knowledge to the team. “I enjoy the challenge to see what I know and I enjoy learning new things from the questions. It is actually one of the best ways to learn new things in math and science, as well as other subjects, too. It’s a brain exercise,” says senior Ben Ranes. The challenge always brings in more members. “We have a lot of newcomers that are excited to be a part of the team,” says Van Alstine. “Incoming members always give me more options during a meet.” One of the newer members is freshman Samantha Smyth. She joined the team because she likes trivia and “academic team seemed like a good choice.” The team’s next meet is on Dec. 10, at Stevenson. The team will need not only their “indomitable force”, but everyone’s skill, self-assurance, and knowledge.

Random Facts...

One in ev-ery four Ameri-

cans have appeared on television.

Human thigh bones are stronger

than concrete.

Every 45 seconds, a house catches on fi re in the United

States.

The sentence “The quick brown

fox jumps over a lazy dog” uses every let-ter of the alphabet.

Over 10,000 birds a year die from smashing into

windows.

Strangefacts.com

There are over 58

million dogs in the U.S.

One gallon of used motor oil can ruin approximately one million gallons

of fresh water.

A person uses approximately

fi fty-seven sheets of toilet paper

each day.

www.acdcrocks.com

Rachel SeminaraEditor-in- Chief

In Texas, it is still a “hanging offense” to steal

cattle.

Taphephobia is the fear of being

buried alive.

Clinophobia is the fear of

beds.

The placement of a donkey’s eyes in its head enables

it to see all four feet at all times.

A hippo can open its mouth

wide enough to fi t a 4 foot tall child

inside.

Attention Juniors:ACT class begins January 12 from 4pm to 6pm or 6:30pm

to 8:30pm.How to sign up:

Information packets will be sent to your home. Return the registration form by

Dec. 15. Cost is $205.

Questions? See Ms. Corey in the

Guidance Office..

More News 6News November 26, 2008

Taking a good look at Grant Community High School’s stadium fi eld, it is obvious to some people that it is due for some serious upgrading. Approximately 1,700 students attend Grant, and with the number expected to grow, the stadium that

houses the anticipated football games every year will have to grow along with it.

From the bleachers to the stadium light poles, Grant’s Site and Facility Committee agrees that they have reached the end of their useful life.

The Site and Facility Committee is made up of members of the Board of Education, administrators, the athletic director, teachers, and residents of the district. The committee’s purpose is to meet regularly and discuss future facility plans. About fi ve years ago, the committee recognized that the stadium’s bleachers, press box, and lighting needed to be replaced.

According to Christy Sefcik, assistant superintendent, the current bleachers do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements because they do not provide handicap accessibility. So far, the existing bleachers have passed annual inspections, but their maintenance cost is increasing.

Although the modifi cations to provide handicap access will be both diffi cult and expensive, the home and visitor bleachers will provide a total of 36 wheelchair spaces, making it easier for all fans to come out to cheer for their teams.

The stadium’s light poles were also structurally tested. The tests determined that it is time they should be replaced and that the electrical service for the lighting to be majorly improved.

Another aspect of the stadium that is to be refurbished is the press box. Currently, the press box is very diffi cult to enter and exit from. To improve safety while also providing more room for media representatives and coaches, the existing box will be replaced with a 10’ X 36’ box that will also include a new sound system.

Projects and advancements such as this one display how Grant is growing as a whole.

“I think each time we improve any of our facilities, it is a display of our ‘Bulldog Pride’,” said Sefcik. “The new stadium bleachers, press box and lighting will provide improved

safety, accommodate larger crowds to support our teams, and become a showcase for our school as well as the community.”

Five years ago, when this project was discussed, funds were built into the budget to complete the renovations in the 2008-2009 school year.

The money that will be used to pay off all of the stadium’s improvements will come from the District’s operating funds. The entire project will cost a little over 1 million dollars. The new bleachers and press box alone will cost $741,420 and the new lighting will cost $298,500.

Many Grant students agree that these renovations are a good use of the school’s money. “It will benefi t [the school] in the future because more people will come [to the games],” said freshman Matt Spears.

The anticipated reconstruction of the football stadium is expected to attract a larger audience to Grant’s sporting events.

Junior Sarah Mirocha believes that the new bleachers will attract more spectators because “people don’t like the fact that a lot of the times there aren’t any seats.” You also can’t forget how much the

increased space will benefi t the Bulldogs’ loyal superfans. “It will really allow for a full student section. This way all superfans can stand in the same section and not be all spread out,” said junior Jerremy Wiker. Construction is scheduled to begin when fall sports come to an end and will be completed before spring sports begin. “I am very excited for all the improvements to the stadium,” said Mr. Rivette, varsity soccer coach. “The lights and sound system will improve the overall quality of the experience of the spectator.” Mr. Rous, varsity football coach, also agrees and believes that this project is way overdue. “The new bleachers having

expanded seating with multiple entrances/exits along with handicap access will make Grant sporting events more pleasurable for our fans,” said Rous. “All of these new improvements will greatly improve the overall atmosphere at Grant Community High School. Now, if we could only get fi eld turf.” A positive reaction from students, coaches and the community is expected from these new renovations. “It will make the experience [at the games] better and more enjoyable,” said freshman Quinton Quaries.

Monserrat MartinezStaff Reporter

Grant stadium soon to undergo much-needed renovations

Jordyn L. BoylesNews Editor

Gas prices. The economy. Taxes. The housing market. There are some things that will always be considered horrible. For the last several months, these things among others have hurt the general American population. America is in a rut, and

it’s having trouble digging itself out. But some people were in trouble before the housing market crash, before the astronomic gas prices, before the falling economy. Fortunately, there are many positive programs to help those who are facing struggles.

Habitat for Humanity is arguably one of the most infl uential and benefi cial volunteer organizations in this area. This organization is dedicated to providing homes to those who are unable to provide them for themselves.

Through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, countless hours of labor, and numerous amounts of both monetary and material donations, those who participate in Habitat for Humanity work together to build not just temporary houses, but homes that will last a lifetime.

“The primary mission of Habitat for Humanity is ‘Building Homes, Building Community’,” says Julie Donovan, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Lake County. “As we build houses, we build community in the volunteers, the Habitat families, the neighborhoods in which we build, and throughout the world.”

In order to be selected, Habitat for Humanity families must meet a certain criteria determined by the Habitat organization.

“[They] are selected on their need for improved housing, their ability to pay for the house, and their willingness to partner with us,” says Donovan.

Need is determined by living conditions at the time of application. Families living in overcrowded or poor quality housing,

people who have disabilities that require special accommodations, or people who pay too much for their homes might be eligible. Habitat determines the family’s ability to pay by reviewing its credit report, debt, and other fi nancial records.

Families must also be willing to complete 500 hours of volunteer work for the organization and take classes in fi nancial and budget planning.

There are currently 11 homes under construction in Lake County, and it takes approximately six to eight months to complete one house. In order for such a large operation to run smoothly, the efforts of many people must be coordinated.

“Volunteers are the backbone of Habitat for Humanity,” says Donovan. “We welcome volunteers in several capacities.”

These capacities include construction, donations, community service, and behind the scenes work.

“Volunteers assist with many tasks including pouring concrete foundations, framing, siding, insulation, hanging drywall, painting, landscape and many other jobs that get houses built,” says Donovan. “No skill is required, just a willingness to work hard and people who are physically fi t for construction.”

Volunteers are also needed to go out on the Habitat truck and collect donations, and others are needed to unload the truck and organize the donations once they are brought to the fi nal destination.

Yet others are needed to help spread awareness of what is a growing problem in our area.

Currently in Lake County, there are 120 houses that are standing only because Habitat put them together. Many families can benefi t from this non-profi t organization on a day-to-day basis.

“Families who previously lived in overcrowded and run-down conditions fi nally move ahead in their lives as their housing improves,” says Donovan. “Often the parents go back to school and get promotions and the children often do better in school.”

According to Donovan, not only do the families who receive homes benefi t from Habitat, but the volunteers enjoy the positive experience of it as well.

“Even though the work is hard and volunteers get very dirty, most people have a great time and want to come back,” says Donovan. “People really enjoy seeing the result of their work at the end of the day. We fi nd people drive by months later just to see how much work has been done since their volunteer day.”

Teachers and students at Grant Community High School agree that Habitat is a positive organization and is great to be involved with.

“I would defi nitely volunteer my time if Grant did something to benefi t this program,” says Ms. Nortiano, Social Studies teacher. “I think any program that relies on the efforts of community members for positive purposes is benefi cial. I think students who volunteer would get immediate feedback that their efforts were worthwhile.”

Students share this opinion also, saying that Habitat would be a good organization for Grant to partner with.

“I think Grant should get involved with Habitat for Humanity,” says senior Deborah Storm. “It not only brings the community together, but it provides a safe home for a family that needs one.”

Storm also says that she would defi nitely consider being apart of it, because “I really like helping others and being a part of something big like that.”

Sophomore Emily Gasperini agrees. “I would consider being a part of Habitat for Humanity because the process would be life changing and a good experience,” she says.

And if the sense of doing good work in the community isn’t enough, Donovan provides another impressive benefi t, noting that “volunteering with Habitat is a great experience to put on college applications and your resume.”

For more information on Habitat for Humanity, or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www.habitatlc.org.

Habitat for Humanity a positive organization in Lake County

T h e traditional ways of Thanksgiving have always been celebrated in homes, some in different ways than others.

“Thanksgiving is special to me because I see my family that I don’t see everyday and for me, it’s a time to reflect on what I am most thankful for,” said sophomore Mallory Simmermon. However, in recent years some have noticed that after Halloween, stores automatically put up Christmas decorations and forget about Thanksgiving. Decorations play major roles in the holiday seasons. Most people get more excited and involved when they’re a part of it. Some business owners in the area, however, don’t spend a lot of time decorating for Thanksgiving. “We try to keep it low key on the decorations,” said Brent Chizn, assistant manager for Dominick’s in Fox Lake. “When you think about it, how long are decorations going to be up anyway?” To some, people don’t really see the need to go all out for decorations. “You don’t need to go all out for the holidays. It’s a waste of time and money. You should focus on your family instead of decorations,” said junior Joshua Burch. Others don’t really mind if people or businesses put up decorations for holidays. “To be honest, it really doesn’t faze me. I’m not the one for the whole materialistic side of the holidays,” said Simmermon.

Some people have grown up with decorations all their lives and look forward to putting them up for holidays. “I’ve had decorations my whole life, and without them, there wouldn’t be anything to project holiday spirit. Therefore we wouldn’t really feel that the holiday is really there, without the decorations,” said freshman Briana Miller. For some people, decorations for any holiday are just a way of showing what that holiday means to that certain person or family. Others believe in the very bare minimum of decorations, or in some cases, none at all.

Whether families choose to put up decorations or not, many of them can agree that the best part of Thanksgiving is spending it together.

To decorate, or not to decorate?Thanksgiving decorations not

as important as decorations for

other major holidays

Jeshanah SmithStaff Reporter

Grant’s football stadium will soon have a new look www.grantbulldogs.org

Many stores skip over Thanksgiving when putting out holiday decorations

S. Francisco/The Bark

Sports November 26, 2008 7

Fall Sport’s Most Valuable PlayersFootballJohn King

Cross CountryAlexis Capps

SoccerJeff Szelewicki

GolfBrandon Magnuson

andSean Thandupurakal

VolleyballCJ Hill

TennisJessica Ring

Cross CountryRyan Mamerow

CheerleadingRobin Rasmussen

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“Well, when my name was fi rst called I was really excited. I honestly didn’t think it was me because there are people on my team that work just as hard as I do.”

Do you plan to continue your sport in college?

“Yes, I’m really trying to get a scholarship. I’m looking into Bradley University because their team is pretty good. I’m also looking into the University of Central Florida, but I’m still unsure if I want to go out of state.”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“I was actually pretty surprised because I knew so many players worked really hard too. I would of thought for sure that one of the seniors would have gotten MVP. Overall, I was pretty excited. I was so happy because I worked extremely hard to get to this point.”

Do you feel that you earned this title?

“Yes, I think I contributed to the team because everyone pitches in to help out and win a match. ‘What the mind can believe, the body can achieve.’”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“I was speechless for a second; I had no clue what to say to Mr. Rivette. The way I feel now isn’t really easy to describe. All I can look forward to is playing soccer again.”

Do you plan to continue your sport in college?

“I would love to continue my soccer career into college. I have one of my high school games left. It’s the all sectional game, where hundreds of colleges watch some of the best in state perform. I’m pretty pumped for that game because then I’ll be able to sign to a school.”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“I felt honored to be chosen from the many hard-working players on the team.”

Do you feel that you earned this title?

“I feel that I did my role as a senior by being one of the leaders and being a good role model.”

Do you plan to continue your sport in college?

“No.”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“I was nervous at fi rst, but then it felt good when he called my name for MVP and I had to go up and get it, knowing everyone was cheering for me.”

Do you feel that you earned this title?

“I think I did. I worked hard all season and I did what the coaches said. I was always cheering my teammates on after I was done running and I’d always shake the other runner’s hands when I was done running.”

What does this title mean to you?

“It means that you worked hard to receive an award at the end of the season and knowing the feeling you get when you win MVP.”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“I felt honored and surprised.”

Do you feel that you earned this title?

“I do believe that I’ve earned it. I lift, I run, I watch fi lms and I do what I can for the team.”

Do you plan to continue your sport in college?

“Yea, I hope to play somewhere in college.”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

“It was an overwhelming feeling of excitement. It was an honor to be named MVP as a sophomore.”

What does this title mean to you?

“To me it means many things such as giving it all in my practice and meets, being a team player, and overall love of the sport.”

Do you feel that you earned this title?

“I tried to contribute leadership and give back the support I have been given.”

How did you feel when you were named MVP?

[Magnuson] “I felt fl abbergasted. It was a great moment in my life.”

[Thandupurakal] “I was honored to be recognized by my coaches.”

Do you feel you have earned this title?

[Magnuson] “I feel as if anyone could have gotten MVP, but I think I out-worked everyone.”

What does this title mean to you?

[Thandupurakal] “A lot. I aim only for the best and it’s my fi rst big step. I hope to win state senior year and this is a good stepping stone.”

Girls Bowling will ‘spare’ no opponent in their upcoming journey to victory

Lydia WellsFeatures Editor

The Bowling Bulldogs plan on ‘striking’ a new path to greatness—and they’re not ‘sparing’ anyone or anything. Ms. Miller, head coach, says, “I look forward to seeing our returning players, and I also enjoy meeting our new bowlers. As a team,

I aim to defend our division championship and bring home Grant’s fi rst conference title.” Brianna Brugioni, who bowled the fi rst-ever 300 on the team last year, is also looking

forward to a new season. “My goals are to average over 200 and to make it to state,” she says. She also hopes the team “breaks records from the past.” Tryouts began on Nov. 11 and lasted three days; after that, the team was picked and the season began. There are many new bowlers to the team, and the veterans are looking forward to starting the season again. “I’m looking forward to the fi rst [match]!” says senior Beth Bengston. Brugioni, who enjoys the rival teams, says, “I am looking forward to our tournament so we can take fi rst place for the second year in a row.” However, before they can compete, the girls will practice daily to improve where they left

off last season. Bengston wishes to “learn how to throw my ball faster.” Another member of the team, senior Serina Stow, says, “I want to improve my average by 20 pins.” However, as with any sport, there are challenges. “Any time a team loses 60% of its varsity squad, it can be a challenge,” says Miller. “On the other hand, I’m excited to see some of our junior varsity bowlers step up, claim their varsity position, and compete at the higher level.” Even though the season is full of hard work, there are always the fun times that make it worth the hardships.

“My favorite part of bowling is being able to hang out and compete alongside others who feel the same,” says Brugioni. Stow’s favorite aspect of the season is “the amazing people on our team and the memories we create.” Miller also enjoys the season, no matter how grueling it may be at times. “I love watching a team come together—cheering the victories and working past the setbacks. When they truly embrace the fact that we are Bulldogs, win or lose, and that we are proud to represent our school, it is amazing!” The team’s fi rst match is a home game at 4:30p.m. at Lakes Bowling Alley on Nov. 26 against Warren.

The BarkNovember 26, 2008

Sports8

The girls varsity basketball team got a new makeover this season by naming Mr. Eiduke as head coach for the girls varsity basketball team.On top of the new coach, the team will also have an entirely new starting lineup.

For the fi rst time in nine seasons, the girls basketball team is making a coaching change. Eiduke was offered the job last spring and he felt that it was a “great opportunity” to become varsity head coach.

Eiduke knows that one of the largest tasks the team will face this season is to carry on the winning torch from past seasons.

“The biggest challenge we will face is working to continue the tradition that coach Oeffl ing and his players created for GCHS girls basketball,” says Eiduke.

There is already one noticeable change Eiduke has seen as the head coach of the varsity team.

“The difference revolves around having two classes and potentially other younger students creating a team, rather than one class,” says Eiduke.

The team has been very successful over the past few years and Eiduke is trying to maintain the past success. “In order to continue the program’s success, we must formulate a plan and work hard to implement it and execute it,” says Eiduke.

A disadvantage the team has is that it is going to start the season with very inexperience players due to many seniors from last year’s team graduating.

“We lost many talented players,” says Eiduke. “We will have to work on teaching our players what we want from them

Wrestling team hopes on continuing itslegacy with an undefeated season

The varsity boys basketball team has new coaching staff determined to make this basketball season and beyond different from the past. Mr. Bosworth, the new head basketball coach, plans on helping the varsity boys pick up the tempo of their game this year by pushing

the ball up the court on offense and scoring in transition. Ultimately, he plans on making Grant Community High School’s basketball teams the best man defense in the area. Bosworth and the boys are working towards this goal by running fi ve days a week, doing weights three times a week, doing individual workouts twice a week, and participating in open gym twice a week as well. “The more running the better,” said senior Gilbert Sheehan. “I’m out of shape.” Both the athletes and coaches agree that the tough conditioning is just one aspect of what will make for a successful team.

“We’re all looking to build a great program together. The kids are working their butts off every day,” Bosworth said. The boys not only welcome the vigorous conditioning, but are enthusiastic this year about their new coaching staff and see Bosworth as a breath of fresh air. “All I can say is that Bosworth brings a more up-tempo game and that we’re giving 100 per cent every game,” said junior Sebastian Russo. Junior Tommy Bronken agrees: “Our new coaching staff is extremely knowledgeable about the game and will surely help us achieve victory.” Bosworth in particular was not only a player here at Grant for four years, but he played

college basketball as well. Bosworth played at the University of Wisconsin OshKosh for his freshman year of college, then transferred to Elmhurst College and played there for the remainder of his college experience. Next, Bosworth was the assistant varsity coach at North Chicago High School for a year before coming to Grant to fi ll the same position for two years all before he became the new head coach.

In a nutshell, “He’s a former player who really knows the game,” according to senior Austin Spohr.

Besides Bosworth, the other coaches have their own experiences and expertise.

Mr. Duffy, head sophomore boys basketball coach, was a head coach at Antioch High School for four years, a head coach at an Arizona high school for one year, and before that, he was an assistant coach for 10 years.

“I’ve been coaching for forever,” says Duffy.

The newcomer, Mr. Catanzaro, has been working with basketball teams since he was in high school and also played college basketball. The experience and prowess of the coaches, the players’ physical and mental abilities, and their overall preparedness will be put to the test at the Johnsburg Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 25-29. “We will be prepared. With the off season work outs, we’ll be ready,” said Spohr. Bosworth has a positive outlook for the season as well. “We couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff with Coach Behm, Coach Catanzaro, Coach Duffy, Coach Maple, and Coach Oler all on board. We’re all very excited,” said Bosworth. As the Ralston era ends, Bosworth’s era begins. Bosworth’s coaching ability, and that of the rest of the basketball staff, will be watched with scrupulous attention and all will see how truly good everyone is in this upcoming basketball season.

Boys b-ball team gets all-star coach

Essence TilleryStaff Reporter

Girls basketball team gets a make over

For the upcoming 2008-09 wrestling season, the Grant Community High School Bulldogs are expecting big things this year.

C o m i n g off a conference championship last year, Grant is hoping to go further into the season

this year. The team is looking to avenge their loss to Libertyville High School, who defeated them at sectionals last season.

“I’m looking forward to being the Force-of-the–North and get redemption against Libertyville,” says senior Tyler Dempsey.

Other athletes have similar aspirations. Junior Jason Montemayor is anticipating “being all-state and seeing how far we go as a team.”

With the return of many prominent Grant wrestlers this season, there are high hopes for another state championship. Even though Grant lost many valuable seniors from last year due to graduation, the team is still a very confi dent.

“I believe that [last year’s senior wrestlers] leaving can be a positive thing for the team in a sense that we can try or be just as hard working as they were and lead the team to success,” says junior Christian Balderas.

Still, the team will have to work hard to make up for the lost athletes.

“We did lose a lot of seniors from last year, but we have a few three year starters and we have people who have been practicing with us for a while and should help out with no problems,” says Dempsey.

Some key wrestlers to keep an eye on this year are senior Tyler Becker, Montemayor, Balderas, and the return of junior Lee Munster. Lee, who won the 119 lb. state championship his freshman year in the 2006-07 season, missed most of the season last year but is looking to get back to championship form.

“My goal for this year is to receive another state title, and I hope to achieve this

with an undefeated record,” says Munster.This year in particular, Munster has a

lot riding on how his season goes.“I feel that I am going to have to prove

myself even more after verbally committing to a school and because I moved up in weight,” says Munster.

The school Muster speaks of is none other than the accredited Northwestern University where after visiting he “liked the school, the coaches, and the wrestling program.”

Besides the return of several talented athletes, one thing the Bulldogs always have to their advantage is the coaching. Grant’s varsity head coach, Mr. Geist, has earned an astounding record of 192-30 over the years as Grant’s coach and looks to add to his win total with a solid season this year.

Besides a successful record, one of the most important things in a sport is respect, and there is no respect lost for Grant’s coaches and assistants, who have proved themselves over the years for being successful in what they do.

“They really know how to coach individuals and teams,” says junior Jack Kramer.

Montemayor agrees stating that “coach Geist and coach Walls are very serious when it comes down to practices and meets but out of school they’re like one of your best friends.”

Likewise, the coaches feel like the athletes stand out for their work ethic and dedication.

“The kids that don’t give up also work very hard at practice and at

Alex CarrStaff Reporter

meets,” says Geist.The athletes themselves even

recognize the potential within each other.“I believe that there are many

different aspects to the team but one of the most important is to practice hard and push each other during practice to be the best that we can be,” says Balderas.

The team is now expecting to have an easy program until Jan. 2009 when they will be challenged with a line of nationally and state ranked teams.

“We have two nationally ranked teams on our schedule in Glenbard North (5th) and Oak Park River Forest (13th), and several state ranked teams such as Libertyville, Leyden, and West Aurora,” says Geist.

The athletes as well aren’t blind to the fact that different schools will be diffi cult to defeat.

“Oak Park River Forest has a lot of talent and could be a threat to beat us,” says Dempsey. “They’re one of our biggest challenges as a team.”

Even with the tough competition, the team and coaches alike feel that an undefeated record is within their reach.

“If we do [go undefeated], that means we are one of the best teams in the nation; I would like that,” says Geist.

Munster agrees, saying that fi nishing the season with a perfect record “would be a huge accomplishment because every year we stack our line with tough teams in order to get better.”

The season starts on Nov. 26 at home against Antioch High School, so come out and see your Grant Bulldogs dominate.

and then learn from our experiences as the season goes on.”

Even though the team has made numerous changes, the team was still ecstatic to start the season, and see what they could accomplish.

“I’m excited to see how far we can get this season,” says senior Amber Potts.

The Bulldogs know the expectations are high from the previous success, but they are handling the high hopes for this season well.

“Of course there is pressure, but all we can do as a team is try our best and give it our all,” says senior Brittani Schisler.

The players have embraced Eiduke and are excited for this season.

“We played over the summer and got a feel for Eiduke and how he coaches,” says Schisler. “We are looking forward to a new season and a new coach.”

The returning players are also excited about leading the team this season.

“[The best part about playing varsity basketball] is being looked up to by all of the younger players,” says Potts.

Eiduke has the team working on two key principles at practices that are vital for any team to be successful throughout the season.

“Fundamentals and defense will be our primary focus at our early practices,” says Eiduke.

Eiduke is also having the team focus on three key objectives throughout the season.

“[Our] main goals are to win the Prairie Division, win the holiday tournament, and get better every day,” says Eiduke.

There are a few other aspirations that the team has set for this season.

“[The goals are] to win over 20 games, and beat Round Lake and Antioch,” says senior Gina Cellucci.

Come support the Bulldogs as they attempt to accomplish one of their goals Dec. 2 when they face the Antioch Sequoits at home.

total with a solid

ul record, one of n a sport is pect lost stants,over in

The athlhhh eteses as well aren tblind to the fact that differentschools will be diffi cult totoo defeat.

see your Grant Bulldogs dominate.

This season’s team hopes for a successful year even with the loss of last year’s seniors. Guest photographer/ The Bark

Paul KudowskiStaff Reporter