spokesman issue #2
DESCRIPTION
Spokesman Issue #2 Color Copy October 21stTRANSCRIPT
Spokesman Wheeling High School 900 S. Elmhurst Rd. Wheeling, Ill. 60090 <www.wheelingspokesman.com>Volume 48 Issue 2 Oct. 21, 2011
whs
Pool becomes second home pg 6-7
Fusion performs pg 10
indexnews 1-2forum 3feature 4-5focus 6-7la voz 8a&e 9-10sports 11-12
online
Forum Teacher student cooperation
News Wheelin’ into the past
Sports Varsity girls’ tennis competes at Sectionals
Two foundations give engineering programs recognition, funding
Two foundations that support engineering and manufacturing programs, the Kern Family Foundation and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), have invested funds in and gave recognition to WHS’s STEM program.
“The external validation of work we’ve been doing for the last several years lends credibility on the school and the focus on STEM. It increases the value of a high school diploma from Wheeling High School,” Dr. Lazaro Lopez, principal, said.
Kern Family Foundation
The Kern Family Foundation, a grant-making organization from Wisconsin that supports engineering and STEM education, evaluated 120 schools. Out of those schools, they chose eight schools, WHS included, for a site visit.
“What they’re looking to do is find an exemplary model of STEM-related curriculum and Project Lead the Way (PLTW),” Erin DeLuga, associate principal of instruction and curriculum, said. “It’s truly an honor to have Wheeling looked at so highly.”
Site Visit to WHSOn Oct. 5 and 6, the Kern Family
Foundation sent two consultants from the Meeder Consulting Group, a consulting group for education and business, to WHS for a site visit.
At the site visit, the consultants did meetings, observations and interviews with math teachers, science teachers, CTE teachers, administrators, counselors, community business partners and students.
According to Yogi Karwal, senior and one of the students interviewed, the consultants asked him questions such as how PLTW has helped him, prepared him for the future and if he has
done internships.“It’s a really good opportunity because
the school gets a reward for advertising that we’re a STEM school,” Karwal said.
The consultants will write a case study about each school they visit.
“They have to be very diplomatic, but they seemed very pleased. They said they could spend three more days here,” Ms. DeLuga said. “They can take our model and help schools starting Project Lead the Way, using ours as a model.”
According to Dr. Lopez, he does not
know what the Kern Family Foundation’s long term plans for WHS entails.
Past Funding for PLTWIn the past, the foundation has supported
WHS by funding teachers to get trained for PLTW, funding PLTW and giving some financial support for purchasing equipment.
“One thing we’re trying to provide at Wheeling is to provide STEM opportunities for all levels. We’re still comprehensive. What we’re doing is a new thing,” Dan Weidner, physics teacher, said. “Two, with the Kern family, there’s lots of possibilities in terms of funding for future programs. But there’s nothing definite yet.”
PRIME School RecognitionThe SME selected WHS for Partnership
Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) recognition, identifying WHS as one of six national model sites in engineering. They gave $16,000 of financial support to WHS’s engineering and manufacturing programs.
In addition, WHS won the “Best High School Overall Industrial Machine Shop Program.”
The SME, which included 20 to 25 corporate leaders from around the country, came on Oct. 14 to see WHS’s accomplishment in the engineering and manufacturing programs. The SME also came to visit WHS last spring.
WPAC sells Cinnabons to plant memorial tree
Connor Leuck and Jami Kahn, juniors, sell a Cinnabon during sixth period lunch on Oct 7. Throughout the week of Oct. 3, Wheeling Political Action Club (WPAC) sold Cinnabons during all lunch periods. Students could pre-order Cinnabons and pick them up on Friday, or they could directly buy them on Friday. The Cinnabons cost $3 each. WPAC plans to purchase a tree and a plaque in memory of Georgia Blyth, deceased and former security. “We’re still deciding on the plaque, but I want something that says ‘a memory of a life well lived’ or something nice like that, but we’re still deciding,” Katrina Gustafson, junior and WPAC member, said.
Rosalie ChanNews Editor
Wheeling Political Action Club (WPAC) prepared a Cinnabon fundraiser in honor of Georgia Blyth, deceased and former security, for the week of Oct. 3.
“We wanted to have some tangible item that students could see every single day,” Jenny Garbarz, senior and WPAC president, said. “We thought of a tree because it symbolizes nurturing. It represents Georgia and how she cared and nurtured student’s lives.”
Using the money they raised during that fundraiser, WPAC plans to plant the sweet bay magnolia tree today by the back of the school. If they do not receive the tree on time, they will plant it on Oct. 28.
“We went on a tree nursery website to see what we could put in the back based on conditions like its need for sun. They were all reasonably priced,” Garbarz said. “We narrowed it down on circumstance and then we chose what looked prettiest.”
At the football game tonight against Elk Grove, WPAC will announce the tree.
In addition to the tree, WPAC will also add a plaque by the tree.
According to Carrie Mattingly, WPAC sponsor, the students planned to hold a fundraiser for Ms. Blyth last year.
They chose to raise money through Cinnabon sales after Garbarz spoke to Rick Watson, counselor and freshman class board sponsor. WPAC ordered the Cinnabons from Golf Mill’s Cinnabon business.
“It went really well because a lot of people pre-ordered and we got extras and sold all of them,” Katrina Gustafson, junior, said.
About the Kern Family Foundation
• Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin
• Supports operations at Project Lead the Way national headquarters
• Hired the Meeder Consulting Group to do site visits to STEM schools. They have chosen eight schools around the U.S. for site visits in Fall 2011.
PRIME School Benefits include:
• $10,000 grant for equipment, software and/or professional development
• $5,000 grant for Gateway Academy summer camp
• Scholarship opportunities
Daniel BrountEditor-in-Chief
Valerie Westin Photo Editor
They are looking at truly doing new and novel things for STEM education.“
Dan WeidnerPhysics teacher”
Infographic by Rosalie Chan
2NewsOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
The Greater Wheeling Area Youth Outreach (GWAYO) students received a $204,000 grant through United Way of Chicago.
United Way aims to help students graduate from high school and stay on track for college. United Way will invest $5.3 million this year in middle school programs and $4 million in early childhood development programs.
GWAYO focuses on tutoring middle and high school students after school.
Students in this program come from four middle schools; Holmes, London, Grove, and River Trails middle schools. In order to aid students, this educational
program provides time to study, social activities and recreational activities.
According to Philip Herman, executive director of GWAYO agency, GWAYO received the grant because of three factors: the partnerships they had, the amount of time they have done this program and the fact that this association helps both middle and high school students to stay on track to get to college.
Additionally, the program will assist students to get a part-time job, and pay up to $5,000 up to four years of uncovered costs for tuition, room, board and books per year.
“We feel very, very excited. It opens up so much opportunities and opens up opportunities for families,” Mr. Herman said.
GWAYO receives grant through United Way
Italian students will have the opportunity to visit Italy with other students learning Italian during Spring Break this year.
On March 23, a number of Italian 3, 4 and AP students will board a flight to Italy. The trip will end March 31.
“(The trip is) a once in a lifetime opportunity for students,” Angela Hawkins, Italian teacher, said.
Ten WHS students will attend. Ms. Hawkins; Tim Hawkins, husband of Ms. Hawkins; and Robert Kupon, social science teacher, will chaperon the trip. Italian s tuden t s f r o m R o l l i n g Meadows H i g h S c h o o l will also join them.
Tori Caringella, senior enrolled in Italian 4, looks forward to visiting Florence the most because of the art and beauty the city provides.
“(It will be) my first time out of the country, so I think it will be fun to go somewhere really far away for once,” Caringella said.
According to Ms.
Hawkins, students will have the opportunity to practice speaking Italian and physically seeing what they learned in class. While in Italy, the students will avoid speaking English as best as they can.
“I practice (speaking Italian) with class mates and my teacher (Ms. Hawkins) when I can just to refresh things,” Cameron DeCoursey, junior enrolled in Italian 3, said.
Both Caringella and DeCoursey have an Italian background so they look forward to learning more about their heritages.
To fundraise for the trip, they will sell pizza from Armand’s Pizzeria, which Caringella’s family owns, and jewelry from Lia Sophia.
Students will sell the pizza and j e w e l r y by order form, and a portion of the
funds will go toward the trip. They will also host an Italian dinner on Feb. 10.
The group has meetings every couple of weeks to discuss logistics and planning.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun because I’m very close with this group of students,” Ms. Hawkins said.
Italian students plan spring trip to Italy
Friends of Rachel, SADD prepare for respect week
After sponsoring a peace week last year, Friends of Rachel, with SADD, plan a respect week for the week of Nov 7.
“We’re planning on having a respect week because it lets people know that you respect what they have done for you and the school. Everyone needs one of those,” Mike Pink, junior and Friends of Rachel member, said.
According to Pink and Katia Monroy, senior and SADD member, a speaker will come in on Nov. 7 and activities will take place during all lunch periods throughout the week as well as a fundraiser selling cotton candy.
SADD and Friends of Rachel do not know what the activities will be, but according to Monroy, they will relate to drunk driving.
“(I want to have) people be aware of what could happen,” Monroy said.
Rome
Florence
Venice
Assisi
VaticanColosseum
Sistine Chapel
Places the students will visit include:
Infographic by Michael Ciavarella
NewsFlashNewsFlash
Circus will host a fundraiser at Barnes and Noble on Nov. 12. If people bring in vouchers and purchase something from Barnes and Noble that day, a portion of the money will go towards Circus.
SHADES currently prepares for its annual variety show, which will take place Nov. 17 to 19.
Student Council prepares for the canned food drive in November. Anyone can sign up to make a team. Classes receive points for the spirit stick by bringing food to the school store. There will be class competitions for every class period and the class with the most cans wins a breakfast or pizza party. The flier day is Nov. 5 and the food pick-up day is Nov. 12.
Jazz Band 1 was selected as the 2011 National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Jazz Honors project for the second year in a row.
Interact with Africa will sponsor the third annual Hoops for Africa at noon on Oct. 28. Tickets cost $3.
Orchesis was selected to perform in the Dance Chicago’s New Moves and Dance Carnival programs for the 10th consecutive year.
Debate won sixth overall on Oct. 14 to 15 at the Dundee Crown tournament.
For more news, like Wheeling Spokesman on Facebook or follow @WHSSpokesman on Twitter.
Krista SanfordA&E Editor
Frida ValdesAsst. News Editor
Valerie WestinPhoto Editor
They are truly interested in what they are going to see.“Angela Hawkins
Italian teachert”
3ForumOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
Spokesman Staff 2011-2012Editor-in-ChiefDaniel Brount
Associate EditorGaby Najera
Web EditorJennie Alcantar
News EditorRosalie Chan
Asst. News EditorFrida Valdes
Forum EditorSolinna Chong
Feature EditorsJasminne HernandezLizz McDaniel
Focus EditorMegan Jones
La Voz EditorJocelyn Torres
A&E EditorKrista Sanford
Photo/Multimedia EditorValerie Westin
Asst. Photo EditorKristina Piamonte
Graphics EditorsMikey CiavarellaJocelyn Torres
Advertising ManagerMegan Jones
Staff ReportersPerla JimenezJes MartinezNicole NeumannRobert PeralesKaren Rodriguez
Staff PhotographersJessie LivingstonJessie Sanford
Staff ArtistKeira Skenandore
AdviserJohn Uhrik
This is the official student newspaper of Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, Ill. 60090. Written, edited and distributed 8 times a year by advanced journalism classes, independent studies and other interested and qualified students. Produced by using desktop publishing and is printed by Son’s Enterprises, Inc., Skokie Ill. Mailed subscription $15 per year.
Letters- Spokesman is a limited public forum and welcomes a free exchange of ideas from all readers. Readers
are encouraged to contribute letters to the staff in room 135 or mail them in care of WHS. All letters must be signed. Letters may be edited for length, style, possible libel, clarity, and adherence to our publication policies. Spokesman’s mission is to report the news objectively and truthfully. We will print any known errors here in the issue following our gaining knowledge of the error.
Advertising- For infor-mation, call (847) 718-7114 Monday-Friday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Corrections-Eric Bobrov’s name was spelled incorrectly on page 1.Harlan Rosen’s name was spelled incorrectly on page 9.
Within the few past weeks of October, WHS has seen multiple organizations visit, observe and possibly grant WHS money for STEM education.
On Oct. 5 and 6, the Kern Family Foundation observed WHS to help decide which of eight STEM schools they will grant money to.
In addition, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) attended multiple presentations by WHS staff and students on Oct. 14 and 15. Like the Kern Family Foundation, SME may grant WHS money to fund STEM education, though their grant would likely
focus on manufacturing and engineering.
Amidst these expanding opportunities for students interested in STEM fields, Spokesman feels WHS must also continue to acknowledge the success of other programs and activities equally.
Spokesman hopes to ensure that the additional money and attention on STEM will not lessen the accomplishments of WHS’s other programs. Based on the current progress, Spokesman believes this balance of accomplishments has the strength to continue.
Not only has the jazz
band been selected as a winner in the National Mark of Excellence Project, but the Wind Symphony received an invitation to perform in the national “Music For All” Festival. M a r c h i n g Band has also succeeded in its competitions, whether it be hosting the Chicago Marching Band festival or receiving first place in multiple categories at the Marengo competition.
Dance Chicago and Dance Moves once again selected Orchesis to perform in November.
Math Team brought home a first place victory at their first meet.
Besides these and other accomplishments
in academics, activities and sports, WHS has also doubled its efforts as far as charity
and volunteering.The Medical Careers
Club raised money for breast cancer awareness. Freshman class board recently completed a service project for the local food pantry. SHADES will volunteer tomorrow at Riley Elementary School
to aid children with disabilities. Last week at Fusion’s 16th annual performance, they added charity to their performance through encouraging donations to Goodwill.
While these possible grants have increased WHS’s STEM education, Spokesman believes the community and school must remain conscious and supportive of all of our programs. WHS must also continue to promote accomplishments equally.
None should overshadow another, especially in such a successful time.
STEM, activity successes blend for balanced accomplishments
Courtesy should be offered, not expected
The brutality of being invisible. It feels like every deed goes unseen: holding the door for someone or allowing a pedestrian to cross at a light. Things that people don’t mind doing, but a little “thank you” would be appreciated.
My deeds are always just brushed aside. I have been in these situations when people do not notice; like people expect courtesy.
For drivers, moving to the left in a lane at an intersection for right turners can be very dangerous, and when the turner just zooms by, the effort seemed useless.
It is the little things done
from day to day that depict people from nice and rude, yet deeds are taken for granted.
I had a friend who would always ask for money during lunch. It seemed like everyday he had an excuse for not having money.
“I”ll pay you back. I promise,” he would always say.
And in due time, he did pay me back (days later); but the point was I never heard a “please” or “thank you” from him.
My friendship with the kid did not last long because I felt like I was always being used, but just one “thank you” could have saved the entire friendship.
People should stop expecting and start showing more courtesy. The next time someone holds the door open or offers a pencil, just say “thank you” and continue on with the day. It is those courteous people who make me feel visible these days and inspire me to continue my good deeds.
Exploration of religions broadens personal horizon to reflect on past
Ever since I could remember, I have always wanted to explore other religions besides my own (Christianity).
My first time in a synagogue was during the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, with Haley Singer, sophomore. I have always been interested in other religions, so when
the chance was offered, I openly accepted it.
The first thing I noticed when I stepped into the synagogue was how I was greeted. There were multiple people by the doors, including the Rabbi, welcoming me by saying, “shanah tovah,” which is “Happy New Year” in Hebrew.
As I went to sit in my seat, the woman next to me introduced herself. I felt a bit overwhelmed due to how many people drew their attention towards me. However, I understood and appreciated their effort to make sure every person felt welcomed.
After the greetings, the service opened with
singing. I stood there a bit dumbfounded until Haley gave me a book called, “The Gates of Repentance.” The book is used only during the ten days from Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippur.
A lot of the book was in Hebrew, but others parts had translations. This is different from the Bible because the Bible is written in one language throughout the entire book.
I looked around and was very intrigued by the way every person was dressed as a sign of respect.
When it was time for the rabbi to give his sermon, I was immediately drawn in because he started the sermon with a joke.
The way the rabbi blended
so many emotions into such a short amount of time really helped me to understand the message of reflection more clearly. Just three simple sentences brought so many emotions into me.
The first question was to think about my family and how I treated them this year. The second question was to think about a relationship that ended this past year; it could be with anyone in my life. The last question asked was what it would mean to me and the other person in the broken relationship if I were to just say “hello.”
The message helped me to consider my relationships in the past year that may have ended. I was also able to think about who I
was as a person and who I want to be in years coming.
Overall, I was very impressed with everything that the service had to offer and how much any one person could relate to it. Just because I am a certain religion does not mean that I cannot learn from other religions. I am Christian; however, I was able to go to a Jewish service and agree with almost everything it had to say.
I was able to gain knowledge and learn something about myself and others from the service.
I think we can all gain a little something from every religion if we are willing to go into it with an open mind and a readiness to learn.
Editorial
Keira’s Kartoons
Thumbs Up...
Thumbs Down...
To the jazz band for being selected as a national winner for the Mark of Excellence project. The jazz band has consistently won and represented WHS’s full music potential.
To the junior varsity volleyball team for placing first out of six schools at the Palatine Invite. Wins like this make WHS proud to sponsor sports who strive to be successful.
To the four National Merit Commended Scholars at WHS. Congratulations to Mike Boom, Daniel Brount, Lester Caramba and Rebecca Way, seniors, who qualified for this award.
For all the skunks in the area. The last thing the school needs is an evacuation due to the stink, and any rooms without an open window can be lethal to students and staff.
To the unwanted critters (cockroaches and mice) roaming the WHS halls. Although WHS is welcome to all, there are a few creatures that the school does not mind leaving behind.
Solinna Chong
Lizz McDaniel
All 14 members of the editorial board agree.
4FeatureOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
Kupon battles cancer, lives happily Robert Kupon, social science teacher,
faces diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2001 at age of 57 through a blood test.
CLL, a type of Leukemia increases bad white blood cells in the body. It is also one of the slowest acting forms of leukemia.
According to PubMed Health, the cancerous blood cells (B cells) spread from the blood marrow to the blood, and can affect the lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver and spleen. According to Mr. Kupon, doctors are concerned that he may become anemic. Though many people do not hear about CLL, it is common. According to Mr. Kupon, 2,000 individuals a year get it.
Mr. Kupon still has the cancer because no cure has been found for CLL. It keeps coming back and sickness and infections can aggravate it. Because of this he pays close attention to what he eats and when students around him are sick. In his situation if he gets a fever and it reaches 102 degrees, he will immediately be rushed to the hospital to receive antibiotics.
According to Mr. Kupon, the cancer does not affect much of his life. What did affect his life was the chemotherapy he received. Even though he was diagnosed in 2001, he did not start chemotherapy until 2009. Before beginning chemotherapy, Mr. Kupon spoke to his students about his leukemia.
“They (students) were very receptive and very understanding. It shows how you are not totally infallible, or indestructible, or immortal,” Mr. Kupon said.
After the chemotherapy, he would have bad days and good days, and the students encouraged him and worked with him.
Haydee Tamayo, senior, said when Mr. Kupon mentioned in class he had cancer, she felt shocked.
“I honestly didn’t believe it, he looks so healthy and always drinks tea,” Tamayo said.
According to Tamayo, Mr. Kupon does not allow people to feel sorry for him, and he keeps living happily.
Tamayo has learned a lot having Mr. Kupon as a teacher.
“ He shows you how lucky we are and what we can accomplish in life,” Tamayo said.
Regardless of Mr. Kupon’s condition he has even gone skydiving a couple years ago for his birthday.
“It’s amazing what he has done,” Tamayo said.
Since Mr. Kupon’s cancer was not critical at the time he did not mention it to his co-workers.
When Louis Wool, social science teacher, he found out that Mr. Kupon had a long term leukemia,
he tried to act supportive and encouraging. “It’s obviously disappointing and sad,
but I try to focus in on the fact that he is teaching and here,” Mr. Wool said.
Mr. Wool feels proud about Mr. Kupon’s positive attitude and determination.
“He shows up everyday and keeps teaching, and I know he enjoys the kids and enjoys teaching, and I think it keeps him going,” Mr. Wool said.
According to Mr. Kupon, he sees his oncologist every three months for checkups and blood work.
He stays healthy by eating proper, exercising regularly and continuing life as he always has.
Having the cancer made Mr. Kupon more aware of what can happen in life, and it has also taught him how to deal with the cancer itself.
Jennie Alcantar Web Editor
You can look at it being negative which is going to cause more problems than anything else, or look at it in a positive way
“Robert KuponSocial science teacher”
Robert Kupon, social science teacher, teaches his ninth period U.S History class about Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Kupon has had Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) since 2001. CLL is a common cancer that affects around 2,000 individuals a year. “I’m very lucky cause they found it (leukemia) on time so they (doctors) are able to watch it,” Mr. Kupon said.
Jasminne HernandezFeature Editor
5FeatureOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
HorchersCountry Flowers: 847-541-3276
Buy a corsage get your boutineer free
910 McHenry Road Wheeling, IL 60090
Welcome Back Specials!-Slice of Pizza only $1.50 every Monday-All You Can Eat Pizza or Pasta $6.25 All Day Monday thru Friday
208 McHenry RoadWheeling, IL 60090
(847)541-6752
Hot Dogs & More!Best Fast food and Fastest in Town
Come all year long to Heffy’s
and get a FREE 1/3 off card!
Hot dog
with fries
$2.49
MC/VisaOpen10 a.m.
Just 5 min away!1520 N Elmhurst Road Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 (847)394-3339
WHEN YOU PRESENT THIS CARDValid throughout the school year - all faculty members welcome
5 minutes away from Hersey, Prospect & Wheeling High Schools
Hot Dogs & More!
1/3 offAny Value Meal
Cheeseburger with fries
$3.49
Pizza Puff
with fries
$3.99 2 Hot Dogs with Fries $3.99
Sarco moves to U.S. from Perú, Italy
Samantha Sarco, freshman, has never lived anywhere for more than four years. Throughout her entire life, she has moved between Perú and Italy. Five months ago, she moved to the United States.
“I was born in Perú. I turned four, and I went to Italy. When I was 8, I went to Perú. When I was 11, I went back to Italy. I was about to turn 15, and I came here,” Sarco said. “It’s sometimes weird because I’ve never been in a place for more than four years, ever.”
In Perú, Sarco lived in Lima, the capital, and in Italy, she lived in Novara, a city in the northern region. She had to move so much because of her father’s work.
Sarco can speak Spanish, Italian, French and English. However, when she came to the United States, English challenged her because she does not know some words.
“Learning English was so hard. I speak a little bit, but it’s hard to understand people,” Sarco said.
Sarco currently takes ESL 3. After this year, she can take a state test that evaluates reading and writing in English. If she passes, she can take mainstream English classes next year.
“She’s (Sarco) picked up well with languages everywhere,” Dian Perkins, ESL 3 and French teacher, said. “It enriched her tremendously.”
In addition to ESL 3, Sarco takes Spanish for Native Speakers 3 and an independent study of AP Italian. Since she knows Italian fluently, she can help her classmates. Angela Hawkins, Italian teacher, enjoys discussing Italian literature with Sarco.
“In Italian class, she’s doing amazing,”
Ms. Hawkins said. “There’s the opportunity for students to practice with her.”
According to Sarco, she has seen differences in schools in Italy and Perú, as well as the mentalities of students.
“Italy’s like so different, even the school. They don’t have lockers. They don’t change classes every period. In Perú, they use uniforms,” Sarco said. “Young people (in Italy) think more about just working and
leave school.”In Italy, after middle
school, students decide what career they want to go into. They do not have to attend high school, but if they do enter high school, they take classes that focus on their career.
“One day she (Sarco) talked about how
different high school would have been for her (in Italy),” Daniela Miranda, senior and Italian student, said. “I think it’s (having her in class) a lot more helpful. I don’t have to ask a teacher for help; I can turn to her.”
Ms. Hawkins shared a similar experience with Sarco because she moved to the United States from Italy at around Sarco’s age. However, unlike Sarco, Ms. Hawkins had more trouble speaking English.
“Our experiences are similar, except she speaks English beautifully,” Ms. Hawkins said. “Just imagine, three languages throughout the day, and she can switch from one to another like it’s no big deal.”
According to Sarco, she misses her family and friends in Perú and Italy. Because her parents got a divorce, she lives with her father. However, since coming to the United States, she has gone through new experiences and seen things she has never seen before.
“I went to downtown Chicago, and it was beautiful. That kind of thing (skyscrapers) doesn’t exist in Italy and Perú,” Sarco said.
She (Sarco) adds a lot to the class because of her background and experience.
“Dian PerkinsESL 3 and French teacher”
Like Wheeling Spokesman online on Facebook to get access to more updated news and let us know your thoughts!
Follow Spokesman @WHSSpokesman to have more updated news such as daily lunch menus, scores of sports events and news around the school.
Felipa Basilio, freshman, receives help from Katherine Konyar, science teacher, during her biology class. Ms. Konyar received the iCon Knowledge Builder Award.
Katherine Konyar, science teacher, received the iCon Knowledge Builder Award given by iBIO.
It is an award for bringing real world experiences into the class, helping other teachers do the same and to continue to educate herself.
Ms. Konyar has taught
at WHS for nine years. According to Ms. Konyar,
she enjoys interacting with and helping her students in the classroom.
“I have always loved teaching; even before I was a teacher I taught swimming lessons in high school, in college and it’s the only thing I have ever wanted to do,” Ms. Konyar said.
Ms. Konyar keeps her students motivated by making class engaging.
According to Aaron Jaimes, senior, he enjoyed the labs that Ms. Konyar provided in Honors Biology.
“She would get us involved and would always be there to help when you needed it,” Jaimes said.
Amber Hall, senior, likes how Ms. Konyar is close with her students.
“She is really nice, and the activities and movies we watched in class were my favorite part,” Hall said.
Teacher of the monthPriority goes to award winning, student-voted teachers
Jennie Alcantar Web Editor
Lou Wool, social science teacher, discusses a movie with his ninth period class.
Jennie Alcantar Web Editor
Louis Wool, social science teacher, has been a teacher at Wheeling for twelve years.
Mr. Wool came to Wheeling because he had the chance to become a basketball coach and because there was an opening in the history department.
“I couldn’t be happier being a teacher here. I truly love the kids at Wheeling and the faculty and the community,” Mr. Wool said.
Mr. Wool feels enthusiastic and passionate about teaching history and law.
“I liked the way he presented things we had to learn and watching interesting movies to learn from them, Rafal Rzepiela, senior, said.
For the full story
<www.wheelingspokesman.com>
Konyar awarded iCon Knowledge Builder Award
Students relate to Wool’s teachings
Rosalie ChanNews Editor
Jasminne HernandezFeature Editor
Jasminne HernandezFeature Editor
6FocusSept. 23, 2011Spokesman
Bell ensures quality of pool with regular maintenance
Are you for or against swimming in physical education classes? Why or why not?
“I would say yes because it’s something different. It gives people the opportunity that don’t have access to pools.”
“I’m for it because because everyone should know how to swim. It’s going to help them later in life.”
The swimming unit is the P.E unit that many students regret. Teachers claim that swimming will put a student into shape and overall, is a great experience. Unfortunately, I see the swim unit as an “aqua torture chamber.”
The first time I swam this year was the last time I would set a toe into the
school’s pool.After swimming during
fourth period one day, my face glowed like an amber light bulb. It began to turn red, blotchy and itchy. I was a red tomato by the time I came home from school.
My parents quickly scheduled a doctor’s appointment to check the conditions of my face. The results: I was allergic to the chlorine in the pool.
At first I was like, “Hallelujah! No more swimming,” then I realized that I could swim, with no irritations to the skin in the past.
My doctor explained to me that the skin on my face
was extremely sensitive, explaining why the rest of my body did not react to the chlorine. This is why my face burns first in the sun, acne swells into golf balls and any bug bite could potentially damage my face permanently. For the sake of my face, I was okay with not swimming for awhile.
Despite the chlorine, I am still able to swim, but only when I swim backstroke because my face does not make contact with the water. Although it is a bit harder to swim backstroke because it puts a strain on my neck, I am willing to endure whatever to not have an allergy meltdown again.
Still, even if I swim backstroke the entire period, any water that splashes up and touches my face will start to irritate it.
For any student who is allergic to chlorine I would advise to get a doctor’s note and not take any chances with the pool. Something that can easily be avoided should be avoided. Sadly, I had to learn the hard way.
I am usually a big fan of swimming; but after my pool episode, my judgement has completely changed. Hopefully the school will switch back the chemicals used before; but for now, I am not in any hurry to get back into the pool.
Solinna Chong
Swimming in school: Friend or foe?
Darian Los, freshman Kamila Krol, sophomore
Gaby NajeraAssociate Editor
“That’s pretty normal, most pools are down for awhile,” Daniel Bell, P.E. Area Assistant in Aquatics, said.
So far this year, the pool has closed three times. Twice, the pool closed for regular maintenance, and once due to the power of the filter turning off.
According to Michael Tice, P.E. teacher, the pool closing has interrupted his swim unit at least one other time before.
Even though the pool may close ever so often, this does not cause a problem with students’ grades for the physical education swim unit or card swims.
The pool gets closed ever so often because it needs some “downtime,”
according to Mr. Bell.The WHS pool gets used
m o r e o f t e n t h a n regular p o o l s . W H S s h a r e s the pool w i t h Prospect H i g h School’s s w i m t e a m s and then has P.E. c l a s s e s using it for swim units and card days.
According to Heather Murphy, senior and varsity swimmer, the pool closing does affect the swim teams.
“Instead of getting to do specific strokes, we have to do dry land,” Murphy said.
The “dry land” swim practices get the swimmers
out of the water and they do a lot of running.
“If we go outside to run the bleachers, that’s really bad because s w i m m e r s a r e n ’ t r u n n e r s , ” Murphy added.
R u m o r s surfaced this year that the chemicals used
to clean the pool changed, however, they have not.
“(The chemical balance) is better this year than before,” Mr. Bell said.
The pool still uses calcium hypochlorite and bromide acid. The calcium hypochlorite controls the
chlorine level while the bromide acid controls the pH level.
A filter in the pump room, located downstairs in the basement, has two probes that check the chlorine’s ability to disinfect and the pH level, if either one goes out of range, the filter calls for attention.
Mr. Bell sets the pool’s pH level to the range of 7.3-7.5.
“It(the pH level range)’s around the pH level of your tears, so it’s comfortable to the eyes,” Mr. Bell said.
According to <poolcenter.com>, pools need to try to achieve the pH level in the range of 7.2-7.8.
The pool’s filter makes sure that the pool cleans itself, it cleans 450 gallons of water every minute.
We are excited when the pool gets shut down because we are in the water 24-7 but before meets we will get bummed out because we will feel out of shape.
“
Haydee Tamayosenior and swimmer”
“The pool is like my family spot. All the girls bond together really well and I’m always so excited to see them and get together like having dinner with your family,” Haydee Tamayo, senior, said.
Like Tamayo, the three other senior varsity swimmers also called the swim team their family and labeled the WHS pool as their second home.
Each girl spends a minimum of two hours a day for six days a week in the pool.
According to Leah Malsom, senior, so much sweat and tears have shed in the pool from the seniors that she finds it hard not to consider it like a home.
“It takes over my life with morning practice, after school practice and meets. It makes you tired and takes you over so your life becomes basically swimming and school,” Morgan Lockwood, senior, said.
Malsom jokes with the younger girls on the team about how she will cry at certain meets because the season is ending.
“It’s rewarding to know that your next race is one of your last races in your high school career and it’s a big motivational push to give it everything you have,” Malsom said.
What’s left of the season includes Mid-Suburban League Conference on Oct.
29 and IHSA Sectionals and State in November.
According to Lisa Hanrahan, swimming coach, she is looking forward to the girls swimming their fastest at sectionals and the team has “alot of momentum moving into their championship portion of the season.”
While none of the girls plans to swim as a sport in college, they plan to continue to swim in their free time.
“It’s really sad knowing that next year I won’t be coming back to be with the girls,” Lockwood said.
While all four swam before competing with WHS, Lockwood started swimming for WHS sophomore year and Malsom, Tamayo, and Heather Murphy, senior, started swimming freshman year.
“Only during the winter am I not in the swimming pool because of water polo season. It’s made me meet new people, work hard and depend on myself since it’s such an individual sport,” Murphy said.
While the team bonds as a whole, the senior girls have created a special bond from being together for so long due to participating in both water polo and swimming. According to Tamayo, they have become like sisters.
“I love them (the senior girls) so much. They are the life of the team. They know when to have fun at the right time and when to
The pool is used from 5:30 a.m. til 9 p.m. six days a week. With the chlorine the pool is fine. So much use is hard on the pool but that just means we use more chemicals. Make up and hair gel gunk up our pool the most. I really recommend that students shower before entering the pool. I hate all the vaccuming I have to do inside the pool to keep it clean since the make up and hair gel really contributes to that.
7FocusSept. 23, 2011Spokesman
Senior varsity swimmers label pool as their ‘second home’
Daniel Brount Editor-in-ChiefLeah Malsom, Heather Murphy and Haydee Tamayo, seniors, cheer on other swimmers during Senior Night at a swim meet against Hersey. “I know I will not be doing this again (swim competitions) so I really cherish every moment,” Murphy said.
Are you for or against swimming in physical education classes? Why or why not?
Photo Opinion by Jessie Sanford , Jennie Alcantar, and Megan Jones
“No, I’m against it cause it seems like a waste of time. During P.E. we just stand there in the pool no one really does anything.”
“It’s not bad so I’m for it but for card days some people struggle to get the full 15 laps since we all aren’t swimmers so they should fix that.”
“I’m in for it because it’s a life long activity that is beneficial for one’s health. It is not difficult on the body either,”
How did you become the Aquatics assistant? How long have you worked at WHS?
I’ve worked at Wheeling for two years. When I was in high school I began working as a lifeguard and teaching swim lessons. For the last 11 years I have worked in aquatics. I almost drowned when I was little and a lifeguard saved me so I grew a desire to help others in preventing that from happening and allowing people to feel comfortable in the pool.
What programs are offered for students who can not swim?
It depends on physical education teachers but generally I will work in a small group with non-swimmers. I focus on teaching water safety, controlling their mechanics, and basic elementary strokes. The goal is for a student to safetly be able to swim a lap back and forth in the pool with no assistance. I love working with kids who can’t swim and knowing when they leave they will be safe in the water.
Do you find the card day program runs smoothly?
Yes, but card days are becoming interesting because students have been complaining that they can not swim the full 15 laps. I believe, especially in swimming, you can always acocomplish more than you think you can.
How do you organize a schedule to allow everyone equal use of the pool?
Q&A
Interview by Megan Jones
with Daniel Bell, PE Area Assistant (Aquatics)
The schedule for gym classes is set by Rita Runyard, physical education teacher. It’s a state standard that if you have a pool in your school, students must be in the water for a certain amount of days. I help organize the schedule for WHS extra curricular activities use of the pool and other schools, like Prospect High School, or organizations use if time is available for them.
work hard at the right time,” Malsom said.
Each girl wishes to keep in contact with each other after the season ends and to not loose touch.
“For the most part the seniors bond well together
due to working together so much. Swimming is more of an individual sport but they are always cheering each other on and encouraging each other as well as the other varsity girls,” Hanrahan said.
Is it hard to maintain the pool with such active use of it?
“I was swimming when I did my flip-turn and my suit got ripped. The girls told me and helped me get out of the pool by giving me a kick board to cover myself. They are there for me and get me out of all my embarrassing moments.”
What is your favorite memory from the swim team and the WHS pool?
Haydee Tamayo, senior
“The memory of meeting everyone from the swim team my freshman year and knowing that I still have those friends today.”
Heather Murphy, senior
“I was getting sad realizing it was my last team relay and we started to do our last cheer to pump each other up. It was amazing to see the support from my team mates and compassion from the younger girls. To know that they have learned from me and will carry on for me when I’m gone is amazing.”
Leah Malsom, senior
“Daily something new happens and adds to my favorite memories, but I loved when Heather (Murphy) and I got to use the lifeguard backboard and tubes. We’ve been wanting to mess around with them the whole season and finally our coach let us.”Morgan Lockwood,
senior
Diamaris Martino, junior Rita Runyard, P.E. teacher
Pedro Hernandez, senior
Megan JonesFocus Editor
IB BREVES
8La Voz21 de octubre 2011Spokesman
Chile: El virus más grande del mundo fue encontrado en el mar frente a Chile.
El virus se llama Megavirus Chilensis y es 6.5 por ciento más grande que el código del ADN del virus anterior, Mimivirus.
Viruses defieren de las bacterias en que por lo general son mucho más
pequenas y necesitan entrar en una celula huesped donde se pueden replicar.
Megavirus sobrepasa muchas bacterias en tamaño y es genéticamente el virus más complejo.
De acuerdo a Jean-Michel Claverie, del Centro Nacional Frances de Investigación Cientifica, el virus “no parece ser peligroso para humanos.”
Ciudad de México: El Partido Revolucionario Institucional de México
acusó al president Felipe Calderon de no actuar adecuadamente en buscando promuevo de los intereses electorales con sus recientes comentarios acerca de algunos sectores de la oposición.
El PRI esta mirando la posibilidad de tomar acción legal contra Calderon quien afirmo que ciertos sectores del PRI han estado disponibles para negociar con organizaciones criminales.
Leal lucha para vivir vida normal a pesar de sus condiciónes médicas
Casí simbolicamente enlazado con su nombre, Corazón Leal, sophomore, tiene una condición médica en cual se descubrió un hoyo en su corazón a los 18 meses.
“El doctor analizó mi corazón y notó que no latía bien. Se suponía que debí morir tres días despues del descubrimiento pero tuve sirugía,” Leal, dijo.
Para sus padres, las noticias fueron surreales. Ni teniendo dos años, su hija estaba a borde de la vida o muerte.
“Cuando el doctor me dijo, me dio como un ataque de risa y luego un ataque de llanto. La risa era como una negación de lo que estaba pasando” madre de Leal dijo.
Despues de su operación el quince de septiembre 1997, Leal empezó a subir de peso.
Sus padres la animaron a ser saludable pues eso ayudaría su condición.
Pagaron la miembrecía para que ella nadara en una alberca para su deporte de natación.
Su corazón necesitaba estar en buenas condiciones para su proxima operación.
“Sabiendo que se podia morir mientras dormia era lo peor,” padre de Leal dijo.
Estuvo bien por algunos años hasta que cumplió los 14, cuando entró a WHS.
“Mi mamá me dijo que todo resultaría bien, me prometió que ya no iba sufrir más,” Leal dijo.
Actualmente, Leal debe estar monitoreando su corazón cada cinco años. Tambien debe seguir una dieta especifica. Pero como cada adolecente, no siempre la sigue.
Lo que si la beneficia es que entró al
equipo de natación para WHS.“Me uní (a la natación) porque me gusta.
Era lo único que podía hacer y lo que decidí intentar a ver cómo era y me gustó,” Leal dijo.
Los deportes la afectan, especialmente cuando hace ejecicios aerobicos como correr. Su condición hace que tenga dificultades con deportes pues la cansan y son difíciles.
Leal toma su vida día a día. No siente presión porque tiene apoyo de sus amigos y familia.
Jose Aguirre, junior de BGHS, es su mejor amigo y se han conocido desde los cinco años. Lo conoció en la iglesia y lo ve cada domingo. Es difícil quedarse en contacto con el porque están separados por la escuela.
“Yo soy como un amigo común. Todos necesitamos alguien en quien confiar,” Aguirre, dijo.
“Mi prima, cuando cumplí mis quince, me dijo que tendría muchos más cumpleaños. Toda mi familia reconoce mi situación y por eso les importó tanto ese día,” Leal dijo.
Con respeto a su futuro, Leal aspira en ser una maestra de kindergarten.
Una sonrisa cruza su cara mientras ella habla de sus planes para el futuro.
“Lo que tengo ahora no impedirá lo que yo quiero ser en el futuro,” Leal dijo.
Aunque es muy estusiastica de sus posibilidades, su padre quiere que ella entre en la profesión de medicina. Le sugiere que tome las clases médicas que WHS ofrece para avanzar en esa profesión.
Aparte de su condición, Leal es como cualquier adolecente de su edad. Es una muchacha alegre con una condición que la hace especial.
Le gusta estar con amigos y practicar deportes si la situación lo permite.
“Yo se mejor que nadie que ella es capaz de vivir una vida normal. Nadie debe vivir su vida con temor de lo que sea porque eso simplemente no es vivir,” Aguirre dijo.
Jocelyn TorresLa Voz Editor
Perla JimenezStaff Reporter
New Movies at Affordable PricesBest Student Prices in Town! $4.25 Matinee $4.50 With Your Student ID For Any Show After 5:30 p.m.$6.25 for Matinee for any 3D movie$6.50 With Your Student ID For Any 3D Movie after 5:30 p.m.
Affordable Concession! Friendly Environment! Convenient Location! Rent the Theater Today to play your Game System on the BIG Screen.Call the Theater Today or Visit our Website for Details.<www.bgtheater.com>-------------------------------------------------------------------Coupon: Purchase any Medium Popcorn or Larger and get $0.50 off any candy
Buffalo Grove Theater located at 120 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 847-215-1221
El club de la literacía académica se reune una vez a la semana durante las horas de almuerzo.
El año pasado fue el primer año que se introdujo este club y su objetivo era dando exposición de recursos fuera de la escuela para los estudiantes.
Este club es exclusivo para estudiantes que
salieron de el programa de ELL (English as a Learning Language).
“Cuando toman el examen de salir de ELL, no quiere decir que estan al mismo nivel que los demás. Quieremos estar seguros que tienen el apoyo que necesitan,” Alan Wahlert, coordinador de la división de las ciencias sociales, dijo.
Los coordinadores de este club, Wahlert, Rebecca Castro, coordinadora del ELL, y Elizabeth Delgado,
maestra de ciencias sociales, les avisan a los estudiantes tres días en avance por correo electrónico de los días en cuales se reuniran.
Los estudiantes tienen la oportunidad de avizarles en cuales materias necesitan la más ayuda y así , los maestros les pueden buscar la ayuda que necesitan.
Los coordinadores estresan que saliendo de ELL no es el final, esto es solamente el principio.
WHS apoya club de la literacía académica
Karen RodriguezStaff Reporter
De una bebé trgicamente luchando por su vida a una joven paticipando en el quipo de natación, Corazón Leal, sophomore, es una pruba de como la determinación puede hacer un impacto.
foto contribución de Corazón Leal
Jocelyn TorresLa Voz Editor
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief
9A&EOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
‘Asylum Xperiment’ scares, entertains due to detailed sets
Valerie’s Four Places to Go: Fall Edition
Although the Fall season means welcoming cooler weather, there are an abundance of enjoyable activities for the season change.
From haunted trails and corn mazes to pumpkin patches and dressing up, the season activities are nearly endless.
Six FlagsCost: $59.99 AdmissionsDates: Now-Oct. 31Location: Gurnee, Ill.
With the horror movie background music and costumed creatures made to scare, Six Flags’ atmosphere during Fright Fest transforms into that of a horror movie.
Even if you are like me and are not willing to go into the haunted houses, the atmosphere of the park still instills thrill.
Enter the haunted hike, “Necropolis,” filled with haunted houses and costumed characters, and beware of zombies and ghouls that love to chase
after you. If the lines to the rides
are unbearably long, you can always watch the show “Love at First Fright” in Hometown Square. They repeat the show every year, but they revise the script to relate to recent events.
Richardson’s FarmCost: $12.95Dates: Now-Oct. 31Location: Spring Grove,
Ill.
When my brother Nick Westin, junior, was in Cub Scouts in middle school, we visited the Richardson’s Farm corn mazes.
Now in high school, these intricate corn mazes would be fun for not only family, but for a group of friends as well.
Richardson’s Farm has 5 different corn mazes on the property, each with its own theme. One such maze relates to the board game Clue.
Along with the mazes, hay rides and community campfires are also some of the activity choices.
Admission includes access to a majority of the farm, for example, the zip line and wagon ride.
Didier FarmsCost: $13Dates: Now-Oct. 31Location: Prairie View,
Ill.
Going shopping for pumpkins makes my fall complete, and the Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms is the perfect place.
Admission includes activities such as a hay ride or the new White Tiger exhibit.
Morton ArboretumCost: $11 for adultsDates: Every weekend
in Oct.Location: Lisle, Ill.
Autumnfest at the Morton Arboretum exhibits a majority of fall activities if you want to relax and enjoy nature.
Along with the color-changing leaves, the Autumnfest Fare can let anyone enjoy the Arboretum’s fall beauty.
At the Autumnfest Fare, you and your friends could enjoy delicious grilled foods, corn on the cob, taffy apples and more.
Along with the Fare, a walk around the grounds would really put me at ease.
Trick-or-TreatingCost: FreeDate: Oct. 31Location: Everywhere
No matter what age, walking the neighborhood on Halloween and viewing everyone in their costumes can always be entertaining, and you also get free candy.
Scotty McCreery, Clear As Day
No. of Songs: 12Release Date: Oct. 4Genre: CountryRating: 5/5Favorite Songs: “Out of
Summertime,” “Walk in the Country”
Sounds Like: Keith Urban, Brad Paisley
A little drum solo
followed closely by a mix of guitars and fiddles starts off Scotty McCreery’s first album, “Clear As Day,” with potential of greatness.
Evanescence, Evanescence (Deluxe Version)
No. of Songs: 16Release Date: Oct. 11Genre: RockRating: 5/5Favorite Songs: “What
You Want,” “Lost In Paradise” and “Secret Door”
Sounds Like: FlyleafEvanescence captured
my attention from the second I started playing their newest album, self-titled “Evanescence.”
Joe Jonas, FastlifeNo. of Songs: 12Release Date: Oct. 11Genre: PopRating: 3/5Favorite Song: “All This
Time”Sounds Like: Demi
Lovato, Justin BieberAfter hearing the Jonas
Brothers throughout the years, I expected Joe Jonas’s album to sound similar to the pop him and his brothers did. Listening to “Fastlife,” I found out Jonas took on a more pop rock vibe.
YOUTOPIA
It doesn’t matter how many times you watch this video, you’ll still laugh.
* Gift Certificates Available* Waxing Service Available
Aquaroma Facial $35 (Regularly $50)
Updos and make up for $65 (Regularly $75)
Full Head Highlightsfor $60 (Regularly $70)
Haircutsfor $10 (Regularly $13)
Dine-In Carry Out Delivery CateringFree hotdog with purchase of one hotdog (must show ad)
Valerie Westin
Megan Jones Jennie Alcantar
“Smosh” makes fun of the ridiculously obvious and unrealistic elements of “scary movies.”
What Caffeine Does If Scary Movies Were RealSophia Grace & Rosie - Cover Super Bass (Nicki Minaj) The Ellen Show
It is impossible to watch this video without smiling. You can skip to 4:00 to watch the girls perform.
Krista Sanford
Jennie Alcantar Web Editor
Like a video? Send it to [email protected] to see old videos? Visit www.wheelingspokesman.com.
For Full Reviews...
<www.wheelingspokesman.
com>
As we began our drive to the “Asylum Xperiment” Haunted House located in Villa Park, approximately 30 minutes away from WHS, our hearts were already racing. After running out of the building, our hearts were still racing during the drive home.
The “Asylum Xperiment,” consisting of two sections, beginning with a “Black Out” portion using sensors, sounds, lasers and air effects to scare you in a pitch black maze.
With one step, pads triggered effects, walls closed in to create a “claustrophobic effect” and sounds that included screams, whispers and little children’s laughter.
The house consists of
30,000 “scare” feet and takes around 30 minutes to complete the tour.
Both houses were created by Mike Skodacek and Dave Link, haunt creators, who have been creating haunts since they were 15.
Link is older than Skodacek, which make their creativity in themes different. While Link is into older horror movie themes and monsters, Skodacek is more influenced by psychological haunts like what happens when you are home alone.
“Our haunted house is unique because it is a mix of old and new school haunts due to the blend of both creators influences,” Ben Friberg, actor, said.
Leaving the black out portion, actors led us into an elevator that rocks back and forth and uses noises such as a wire breaking to create the illusion of an elevator falling and crashing.
The asylum portion of the house was based off the story of Dr. Paine, a made up character, which is told by an actor when entering the living room
of the asylum. The story describes how a house used to be placed there. Dr. Paine hosted several experiments in this house to see what people feared.
The rest of Dr. Paine’s house was combined with haunted rooms such as hospitals, radioactive rooms and backyard terror scenes.
“This has all accumulated in my head. My job consists of driving a tow truck so these ideas are all in my head while I drive,” Skodacek said.
The details of the sets impressed us the most, due to the props. Crew members laid everything out perfectly for the best effect. It took the crew members five years to accumulate all of the props used and two months to set the house together.
As we went through hanging toys, we were led into the toy room, which contained the two creatures that haunted our childhood- E.T. and Gremlins. Later serious screams erupted as creatures terrorized us by jumping around on the sets and according to Skodacek “go crazy.”
“It’s fun and sometimes a physical challenge with all the running, chasing, and jumping around on all of the stuff,” Friberg said. “The best reaction we receive is crying and we back off because we don’t want to over do it and ruin people’s time at the house.”
Scary rooms to us consisted of the bedroom
with an “exorcism gone wrong” theme including a mental patient, a shed with deranged bodies which used props to make an actor look like their spinal cord was being extracted and a cockroach kitchen using rice dropping on you to make it feel like maggots were on you.
Here’s a warning: do
not let your guard down at all during the house. When you least expect it, a creepy creature may appear.
The Haunted House costs $20 per person to get in and $35 dollars for a VIP pass. If you are looking for the perfect Halloween weekend activity, we would definitely recommend going to this unique haunted house.
Mike Skodacek shows a prop of a fake body that an actor will lay inside to create the effect of their spinal cord being ripped out. “There are some people who come here to be scared, but others who come for the scenes and the effects so it relates to all ages from 13 to 60 instead of the average houses aimed for 13 to 30,” Skodacek said.
Al u Arc ives
10A&EOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
Fusion organizes donations with performance
With the theme “Bits and Ends, Odds and Pieces,” Fusion performs their 16th annual show on Oct. 13, 14 and 15. “We wanted different things so everyone could put in their own ideas of a thrift shop,” Arianna Perales, senior, said. “Everyone put in their input and ideas on how to use things in ways we don’t normally use.” Top: Breton Spiller, freshman, and Tia Allen, junior, point into the audience, who they call aliens, after pretending to travel into space. Left: Sammi Lopez, sophomore, plays the guitar to serenade Anika Friedman, freshman. Far Left: Clancy Nush, junior, and Lisette Rodriguez, freshman, talk about the unicorn blood they plan to put into their tea. Nush and Rodriguez’s characters owned the thrift shop where the show took place. “We brainstormed off things we got from a thrift shop. For the tea party, I remember saying to Lisette ‘that makes too much sense; let’s think of something else’ a lot,” Nush said.
RAMMY’SNOVEMBERSPECIAL!
EVERYTUESDAY
$2.99SUBS(EXCLUDESSKYSCRAPER,MEGA,RAMMYSBBQ)
WWW.RAMMYSSUBS.COM
WHEELING,ELKGROVE,DEKALB
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief
Jessie Livingston Staff Photographer
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief
11SportsOct. 21, 2011Spokesman
Kern, Thong earn full ride scholarships
Sara Kern, junior and varsity softball player, received a full-ride scholarship to attend the University of Missouri in St. Louis for her accomplishments in girls’ softball.
With over nine years of experience, Kern has grown to love softball and is now extremely committed.
“At first, softball wasn’t such an important part of my life, but then I became close with my team, and I grew to love it,” Kern said.
Mike Caringella, varsity softball coach, said he was excited to learn about Kern’s scholarship.
“I was very proud. She (Kern) deserves everything she gets,” Coach Caringella said.
In order to prepare Kern for college softball, Coach Caringella plans to “keep giving her advice, keep pushing her and help her whenever she needs it.”
Like Coach Caringella, Kern’s family
also support her. “My family was speechless at first, but
then their feedback became extremely overwhelming,” Kern said. “It became a bit stressful.”
Before visiting the college campus over the summer, Kern had mixed feelings.
“I visited twice, but the major trip was about a month ago, and I sat in on a practice and spent the night with the team,” Kern said. “I was also able to shadow a girl through all of her classes.”
Despite Kern’s level of stress, she visited the university to get a better feel of college life.
“While flying there, I was freaking out because college is a bit intimidating, and I was really shy, but I felt more comfortable at the end of my trip. I felt like I knew the girls all of my life by the time I went home. Overall, the trip was a success.”
Kern plans to attend the University of Missouri in St. Louis to play softball as well as study Biochemistry when she graduates from Wheeling High School in 2013.
Playing baseball since the age of seven Kalvin Thong, senior, received a full-ride scholarship to Kankakee Community College, where he will be studying physical therapy.
Since his freshmen year, Thong has played as shortstop for the Wheeling baseball team.
“Baseball means a lot to me. It’s like another life to me; the bond there is like a family (with the WHS baseball team),” Thong said.
On Jan. 15, the official signing will take place at WHS.
Thong’s father brought him into the sport, which he grew to love and developed an obsession for.
“My dad brought me into baseball and after a few years I began to like it and now I love it,” Thong said.
As the first member of his family to go to college, Thong said he made his parents proud.
“I practice and have that motivation that keeps me consistent because I know that it’s a waste to throw out all that hard work,” Thong said.
Michael Tice, physical education teacher and former varsity baseball coach, has coached Thong since his sophomore year.
“He is the best infielder, by far. He has high expectations for himself making him work harder,” Tice said.
David Shapiro, junior, has played baseball with Thong at Wheeling since Shapiro’s freshman year, though they played beforehand as well.
“I’ve known him since fifth grade and played with him since then,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro called Thong’s scholarship a huge accomplishment due to the rarity of it.
“It’s (baseball) fun and it’s something you have to work hard at, not many colleges in Illinois give baseball scholarships, but there are good colleges that have a good schooling and is worth the distance,” Shapiro said.
Robert PeralesStaff Reporter
Kristina PiamonteAsst. Photo Editor
Girls’ Volleyball 5 p.m. today at Buffalo Grove
Football 7:30 p.m. today vs. Elk Grove Sportswhs
upcoming events Volume 48 Issue 2 Oct. 21, 2011
Wildcat football defeats BisonLast weekend, the varsity football team
won against the Buffalo Grove Bison with a final score of 31-14.
“It was pure euphoria. Buffalo Grove does not respect us. They were talking smack all week and disrespecting the team and our student body. It was also my birthday and I scored a touchdown,” Charlie Kirk, senior and varsity football player, said.
According to Leo Giordano, senior and varsity football player, the football team played differently this game than others.
“Since we were out of the running for playoffs, and we both had records of 1-6. Us and the Bison were both playing like everything was at stake,” Giordano said.
Now with a current record of 2-6, the Wildcats struggled this year.
According to Jeremy Frederick, senior and varsity football player, he enjoyed winning against Buffalo Grove due to it being a “tough season.”
“I’m so happy that they won. I think they have all put in so much time and effort so they deserved to win,” Jenna Schwartz, senior and varsity cheerleader, said.
During half-time Wheeling had an advanced score of 12-7, which kept the crowd anxious because the Bison still had time to catch up.
“I felt the need to win. After losing to our other rivals (Hersey) last week, this was our chance to win bragging rights against BG, who we all hate, on their homecoming,” Giordano said.
Cross country struggles at Wildcat Invite
On Oct. 8, the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams raced at the Wildcat Invite at Heritage Park. Senior recognition for the cross country teams also took place at the invite.Above: Jordy Arriaga, senior, competes during the invite. Arriaga placed 28 in his varsity race. The first 30 runners in each race received a medal. Top Right: Nick Modlin, José Ortiz and Arriaga, seniors; and Alfonso Figueroa and Mason Forgue, juniors, prepare for their race. The boys team did not place overall. Bottom Right: Along with her sister and mom, Maria Tinajero, senior, receive a bouquet of flowers from Meredith Silverman, girls’ varsity cross country coach, during the senior recognition ceremony. “If you have passion for the sport, you are willing to do anything,” Tinajero said.
Boys’ golf finishes fourth in Conference
According to Mark Menich, boys’ varsity golf coach, boys’ golf struggled this year due to challenging competition.
“We had tough competition. For us to come in fourth, that was phenomenal,” Coach Menich said.
The team finished fourth out of twelve teams in Conference with a record of 8-3.
Coach Menich said the overall accomplishment was finishing as high as they did in Conference.
Unfortunately the Wildcats did not compete in Sectionals, but ended with an overall record of 12-3.
According to Coach Menich, Jack Ferguson and Zach Nauert, juniors and varsity golfers, did outstanding this year and are both capable of going to the Mid-Suburban next year.
After struggling through the middle of their season, girls’ golf “turned out great,” according to Peggy Ellsworth, varsity coach.
“We’re not really a deep team, but we did have two conference wins this year and a non conference win (against Regina High School) and we had two (players, Cassi Rothbart, senior, and Kaitlyn DeBusk, junior) win a medal for the Rolling Meadows invite,” Joanne McNamee, assistant varsity coach, said.
DeBusk had contrasting emotions about how the season went.
“I was happy because I took sixth at the Rolling Meadows Invite, but I was mad I didn’t do my best at Regionals,” DeBusk said.
Girls’ golf competed at Regionals on Oct. 5 and missed advancing by one point.
“We did not advance in Regionals, but we played a tough regional,” Coach McNamee said.
Girls’ golf ends with narrow Regionals loss
Finishing the drive, Eddie Scanlon, senior, runs for the touchdown. Scanlon scored two touchdowns during the game against Buffalo Grove, which took place on Oct. 14. This game was one of two wins so far this season, bringing the team’s record up to 2-6. They will compete against Elk Grove at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
Nicole NeumannStaff Reporter
Frida ValdesAsst. News Editor
Krista SanfordA&E Editor
Mikey Ciavarella Graphics Editor
Valerie Westin Photo Editor
Megan Jones Focus Editor
Arriaga stands out as only Wildcat to receive medal