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Steinmetz StarVolume 80, Number 5 May-June 2015

www.steinmetzstar.com

The Top Ten students in the class of 2015 (left to right, front to back): Andriy Suden (left photo), Husna Afzal, Cintia Garcia, Maria Vargas, Paloma Salazar, Karolina Jaworowska, Justyna Szczech, Stephanie Escobar, Roksana Ste-fanek and Alondra Rebollar. See pages 4 and 5 for their stories.

In this Issue

Congratulations class of 2015!

Opinion, 2-3

By Andriy Suden, valedictorian

Although a big part of me is rooting for academia, another part wants to stay away from it. In my eyes,

being in the Top Ten doesn’t signify suc-cess. Rather, it signifies an ability to follow instructions.

Andriy Suden and Husna Afzal finish 1st and 2nd in class

By Husna Afzal

Sixty-three new members were inducted into the National Honor Society on May 27. NHS is the nation’s premier organization established

to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll for good grades, NHS

serves to honor students who have demonstrated excel-lence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

This creates an intricate paradox: intellect requires pro-cessing abstract matter, not following directions like a ma-chine. Although I dislike this method of classifying students, I owe it for teaching me to go out of my way and explore the world with a fresh pair of eyes.

Many of my teachers helped me gain this understanding. I thank Ms. Ochwat for always encouraging her students to do more, for encouraging a thirst of knowledge and a deeper understanding of the complex world around us. I thank Mr. Amdouni for showing me that only a small fraction of true

knowledge is learned at school, and that a lot more has to be done at home. I thank all of my teachers, who taught me like a child of their own.

The biggest struggle during my years at Steinmetz was dealing with loads of purposeless work. The workload that my classmates and I encountered was never difficult and never required excessive amounts of time for me. However, at most times, the work followed a simple pattern of “the more you do it, the more you will remember.”

Continued on Page 4

By Desiree Erturk

From a large field of wonderful candidates, Jerry and Islam won the most votes for Prom King and Queen. But the introduction of the prom court and the announcement of the winners at

about 10 p.m. was just a small part of the many wonderful parts of the 2015 Steinmetz prom, “A Night at the Oscars.”

At about 6:30, seniors entered the ballroom at the Hyatt. There was photography, along with beautiful red, gold, white and black

Illinois State Scholars recognized for top grades and test scores

NHS inducts 63 new members

By Husna Afzal

It is an honor to recognize seven of our Illinois State Scholars with awards presented by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

Student test scores and class ranks are converted to Illinois Standard Test Scores (ISTS) and Illinois Standard Rank Scores. Based on these scores, a cutoff is determined by ISAC, so those with an ISTS of 30 or higher are designated as State Scholars. Congratulations to my fellow state scholars. •

Brandon Pozos creates winning designsBy Valeria Huerta

After winning the North-west Side

Housing Association banner competition for his depiction of the Belmont-Cragin community, senior Brandon Pozos also created Steinmetz College Prep High School banners.

Jerry Koziarski and Islam Barakat crowned Prom King and Queen

Steinmetz Fest rocks, 2-3 Jaren Jackson wins tournament, p. 7Shout outs, 10-20

Prom, 11-12 Cintia Garcia’s museum exhibit, p. 21 JV and varsity softball, p. 21

News, 1-9 Special Features Arts & Entertainment Sports, 21-24

“It was the first step towards getting my art ex-posed to the world,” Brandon said. His digital media creativity and photography are also showcased in this year’s yearbook.

Both banners will fly over streets throughout the neighborhood.

By itself, having a 4.0 is not enough

Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 7

Continued on 3

Maria Vargas, Andriy Suden, Paloma Salazar, Cintia Garcia, Remah Abuhashish, and Husna Afzal. Not pictured: Justyna Szczech

Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch, Principal Stephen Ngo

Brandon Pozos

Andriy Suden

2 Steinmetz Star May-June 2015

Star News2Steinmetz

StarSteinmetz College Prep High School

3030 N. Mobile, Chicago IL 60641

773-534-3030, Star office (x) 25241

www.steinmetzstar.com

Email: [email protected]

Principal: Mr. Stephen Ngo Assistant principals: Mr. Jaime JaramilloMs. Cheryl Williams Ms. Ruquiyah Rahman-AquilBudget director: Mr. Paul ChaseStar adviser: Ms. Sharon Schmidt

Faculty help: Ms. Rotondi-Cole and Ms. Espinosa

Co-editors-in-chief: Dalia Mena and Jalan Veal Opinion editor: Edmund Dones

Arts & Entertainment, Sports editor: Koya Scott

Photo editor: Leslie Carmona

Journalism class reporters, Rm. 333, Per. 3Jacara Adams, Alexis Bamber, Aaliyah Collins, Felisha Cordero, Angel DeJesus, Desiree Erturk, Elizabeth Garcia, Kamari Joiner, Joslyn Hermosillo, Matias Kirk, Jennifer Liera, Angelica Lopez, Rosemary McGurn, Gissel Mendo-za, Estephani Paredes, Li Nguyen, Jennifer Padilla, Delilah Perez, Maria Purisima, Marisha Reynolds, Teresa Rodri-guez, Emily Santiago, Emony Tate, Devion Thompson, Jailene Torres, Tatiana Turcios, Yureli Velazquez, Claudia Vidalon

Newspaper Club reporters: Yadira Abarca, Rayna Albelo, Agape Alfaro, Yeovanni Al-varado, Lesli Avila, Karen Bahena, Maria Barajas, Christian Baylon, Victoria Boccia, Leslie Carmona, Kimberly De-gante, Edmund Dones, Kimberly Degante, Kala Geralds, Brian Geans, Ahmad Hamdan, Harrison Hardy, Rikeya Hargrove, Alejandro Hernandez, Luz Herrera, Jaharri Jackson, Ashley Komperda, Monica Laddaran, Jemeka Malone, Nayeli Martinez, Gerardo Martinez, Jayline Ma-tias, Dalia Mena, Carmelita Mendez, Destiny Nedohin, Jane Nero, Elizabeth Patino, Jennifer Padilla, Koya Scott, Malwina Smosna, Julissa Tello, Jalan Veal, Marty Vician, Brenda Villegas

The Newspaper Club meets on Mondays after school in Room 333.

The Steinmetz Star welcomes letters, corrections, com-ments, and articles from all members of the Steinmetz community.

Printing: Mr. Hugh Hefner’s December 2014 dona-tion to the Star covers the costs of printing the paper at Topweb in Chicago. •

Best wishes to graduating Star reporters and editors; we’re glad many underclassmen remain on the staff

To Jalan, co-editor-in-chief:I have so much affection and admira-

tion for you. Your joyous spirit and extroverted

personality connected with so many. You brought out even the shyest student’s stories. I loved how you led the staff this year and gathered in new students.

You’re an incredibly resilient person in the face of much tough stuff. I’m amazed at the gifts you have.

Believe in yourself and keep the good people in your life. I can picture you in the future as a strong woman, being able to care for others in a way you didn’t always receive yourself.

Thank you for so many years of work on the Star. I was able to count on you for any reporting or photography task. I loved spending time with you because you are such a wonderful person.

Please stay in touch with Ms. Kern and me. We’re both big fans. I’m proud to be your Steinmetz mom! Love always,

Sharon Schmidt

To Leslie, photo editor:You were a surprise gvift to

the Star and me this year. I was thrilled by your energy and ex-cellent eye for photography. I’m also completely impressed by your personal courage in explor-ing all the possibilities out there.

You a great student – accept-ing of instruction, willing to fol-low suggvestions and eager to do good work. With all those attri-butes, you are going to thrive in college. Much love and gratitude,

Sharon Schmidt

To Dalia, co-editor-in chief:It was great to see you these

past two years lead so many stu-dents in the work for social jus-tice I’m proud to know such an intelligent, hard working young woman who is committed to im-proving our communities. Just like with Jae and Leslie, I’m glad you were never in one of my classes, but a staff person I could lean on. You served others well by telling the truth. To me, that’s what it’s all about.

Much love, Sharon Schmidt

Congratulations to new Star editors

After three years of sports re-porting and writing award-winning movie reviews as a

Star staff member, junior Alejandro Hernandez will become a Star co-editor-in-chief.

“I’m excited to have Alejandro leading the paper next year,” Star adviser Sharon Schmidt said.

Entire community enjoyed creative fun at Steinmetz Fest 2015

Jalan Veal, Leslie Carmona Sharon Schmidt, Dalia Mena

Alejandro Hernandez

“He’s studied and practiced good journalism. He does an excellent job reporting facts, conducting inter-views and incorporate quotes into well-crafted stories that inform and entertain his readers.”

In addition to the Star, Alejandro published a sports feature story in a Chicago magazine last year after

studying journalism at Columbia College in a summer program.

Alejandro will share editing duties with junior Zaneta Marcinik.

“I have a hunch Zaneta will be one of the best editors we’ve ever had,” Ms. Schmidt said.“She amazes me with her excellent language skills. I’d be impressed with any student

who writes and reports stories so well, but with Zaneta it’s all the more im-pressive because she only recently learned English.”

Zaneta is a talented student in-volved in many school activities. She will add insight and depth to the Star’s coverage.•

Zaneta Marcinik

While the Star loses many wonderful reporters from the Class of 2015, so many fantastic freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will remain on the staff. Shout out to Felisha Cordero (’15), Brian Geans (’16), Koya Scott (’15), Everett Jennings (’17), Matias Kirk (’15), Jacara Adams (’16), Jalan Veal (’15), Edmund Dones, (’15), Jennifer Padilla (’15), Jailene Torres

(’16), Matt Gascienca (’14), Joselyn Hermosillo (’15), Desiree Erturk (’16), Emily Santiago (’15), Emony Tate (’15), Natalia Soto (’15), Malwina Smosna (’15), Jennifer Liera (’15), Liz Herrera (’18) and Agape Alfaro (’18).

May-June 2015 Steinmetz Star 3

Star Opinion 3

What do you appreciate about your mom and dad?

By Abby Alvarez

Im happy to say that I’m a high school graduate. Over these four years, it hasn’t been easy

for me, due to how my father’s passing changed my view in life.

I applaud my mother for the motivation she had to handle my sister and me through these three years.

Even though my father won’t physically be there to see me grad-uate on stage, I know somewhere up there in Heaven he is watching over me.

I had my ups and downs, yet I came out on top. I just want him to know that I’m proud to call him my dad and that everything I do is for him and my mom.

Love you, Dad. RIP •

“They support me and give me what I need for school. They tell me to keep my head up.”

Matias Galarza, senior

“I really appreciate how my mom does everything I ask her to do, how she gives me everything I ask for, and especially how she loves me.”

David Jones, senior

“My mother makes sure I have what I need. She’s my best friend; she gives me advice. She always supports whatever it is I plan on doing with my life. She has my back and I have hers.” Bianca Pena, senior

“I am grateful for my dad because he played two roles in my life and for giving my two brothers, two sisters and me everything we need.”

Brittany Barragan, junior

“I love my mom and dad because they’re amazing. They are always sup-portive of me and they’re basically my rock. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far in my life without them. They’re my motivation and blessing to my life. Having them as my parents is a blessing.”

Carmelita Mendez, senior

“I’m grateful for my parents be-cause they’re always there for me. They buy me shoes and clothes and keep money in my pocket. My par-ents have always been there to talk to me a about anything. My mom is like my best friend.”

Ashanti Davis, freshman

“My mom and dad support me at my soccer games.”

Yadira Abarcasenior

“My mom loves me just the way I am.”

Tariq Huntersophomore

“I appreciate my mom because she is a single mom, working hard.”

Clarence Taylor junior

“I’m grateful to have both of my par-ents till this day. They have made me the child I am today and helped me made the right choices throughout high school.”

Giselle Soto, senior

“My mom gives me love and mon-ey.”

Dominique Parks, senior

“My parents have helped me with homework, projects and support-ing throughout my years of high school. I am grateful for having wonderful parents that have taught me to challenge myself in life and that have given me good advice.”

Yolanda Salazar, senior

“I am thankful for my mom helping me along the way, helping me to stay strong and face the challenges that come my way.”

Jazmine Marie Rivera, junior

“I appreciate how my mom tries to make me happy at all times, even when it’s just something like her buying the Chip Ahoy cookies that my girlfriend wanted.”

Fabyan Ahumada, senior

“My mom is the one who gave me life. This year has been an amazing year for me, all I can do is cherish it.”

Jacquez Hoffman, senior

Letters

The unknown solutionBy Bryanna Lyons

Beautiful pink flowerWaiting to be taken care ofWaiting to be pluckedOf its last remaining leavesIt’s so out of luckWithout leavesno barriersno guardsnow it’s prone to many scars

Surrounded by bugs and maggotswaiting to steal its pollenwhat makes it laugh what makes it smile now it wants to be forgottennot having anymore companyneither good or badnow it hasn’t got a single ladWhat’s nextdoes it shrivel updoes it keep going well we’ll never know it’s the end of this poem •

[Editor’s note: We received the following poem this month. Poets should plan to send us their best work next spring. The Steinmetz Star sponsers an annual contest and publishes poetry in April, in honor of National Poetry Month.]

May 2, 2015Today I witnessed the best

of humanity through individ-uals giving selflessly to make sure Steinmetz Fest 2015 was a success. I am humbled by the dedication the Steinmetz community demonstrated.

The event was a bigger success than I could have ever imagined. I have never seen so many students with their families on our campus.

We had approximately 70 cars participate in the car

show. The neighbors enjoyed it tremendously. Strangers were telling me how much Steinmetz has improved and how grateful they were for the event. And, of course, our students. Our students performed, participated and brought the energy that kept me going throughout the day.

Thank you, everyone. Now, let’s start planning Steinmetz Fest 2016!

Jaime Jaramillo, assistant principal

Steinmetz Fest was a success thanks to dedicated volunteers


Top Ten of 20154

Continued from Page 1

Although this type of learning is great for memo-rizing the terms for the upcoming exam, it was worth little in the long run. A stockpile of such work created many distractions and took away much of the valuable time I had.

At the same time, it taught me to work efficiently. Analogous to a human, a processor working hard ac-complishes nothing if the algorithm is inefficient. The students that are and will be successful are those that look for novel approaches that lead to transparent, efficient solutions.

My advice to others, for whatever it’s worth, is to stop being a robot. The point of school is to learn, and if the teacher isn’t teaching you, go teach yourself.

Don’t strive to achieve an A, because it’s worthless. Gain a true understanding of the topic under study, and finish the assignments efficiently. Explore the countless topics not explained in school, read a book every few weeks, and be a student of life. Education is different from school. Do not rely on the latter to get the former.

As to my aspirations, I want to be a great person, husband, father, and most importantly, a true man. John Lennon said it concisely:

“My teacher asked me what I want to be when I grow up, I said happy. She told me I don’t under-stand the assignment, I told her she doesn’t understand life.”•

Andriy Suden

Only way to succeed is to keep tryingSeeking truthBy Husna Afzel, salutatorian

Being an MYP/IB student for four years allowed me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses. I had to

sacrifice a lot to get to where I am today. I learned that the only way to be successful is by trying and never giving up. Complaining only sets you farther from achieving your goals, and in order to accomplish some-thing, you need to motivate yourself to keep going.

Extra curricular activities allowed me to maintain a balanced life. Although I thought this was extremely difficult at first, I realized how important it is to try some-thing new, do something you love, and succeed academically.

I participated on the Streaks soccer team for three years. I was also the manager of the girls’ basketball team, president of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Garden Club. I also had the oppor-tunity to start my own anti-bullying club during my sophomore year, and one of the few lucky girls to travel to the Dominican Republic for a service trip last year. Outside of school, I also volunteered once in a while at the Muslim Community Center and as-sisted 1st – 10th graders in Islamic studies

During my high school years I struggled a lot, but these struggles allowed me to real-ize that I have to do what makes me happy. High school can be extremely stressful and coming from an Indian background, the pressure seemed a bit too overwhelming at times. My parents’ expectations were always very high and it was important to meet their expectations or go even above.

Whether it was pulling all-nighters to finish packets of homework assignments, creating lab reports, completing internal assessments, studying for exams, or other

rigorous components of the IB program, I can honestly say it paid off. To many, it may seem nerve wracking, but I promise you that it is worth it.

I remember when I started off as a fresh-man I would get lost in the building and all-nighters/loads of homework came to me by surprise, but when you are dedicated to

achieve something in life, and you set goals to work your way through, the years pass by so fast. It is important to always stay true to yourself and recognize areas where you may need to work on so that you can grow as a person and inspire others as well.

Being Muslim, I faced a lot of racism and criticism. I also went through the typi-cal high school drama; however, I refused to let it get to me. There are going to be many incompetent people attempting to watch you fall in the trap hole, but don’t give them your time. It is important to understand that you go to high school to work towards your goals and build upon your future, be proud of who you are and focus on what you plan to achieve.

The thing I struggled most with was self-confidence, as do many of us. It was a big shift for me coming from a small elemen-tary school to a large high school. I always felt like my work was never good enough or as if I myself was not good enough, whether it was for the IB program, an extra cur-ricular activity, or personally.

In the beginning I was shy and always afraid to ask questions because I did not want to seem clueless or stupid. I struggled with believing in myself and honestly, there was nothing to be afraid of. I realized that I have to speak up, and the only way to get what you feel like you deserve is by pushing yourself to get it. Guess what? You’re not the only one.

In order to rank second in the class of 2015, I had to push myself to get out of my comfort zone, and that is probably one of the most important thing a high schooler should do. Rarely does one get opportuni-ties like this. Just step up and be you. Doing this allowed me to grow from my mistakes and build on my confidence, which we all need, especially in our future.

Continued on Page 6

By Stephanie Escobar

Being in the Top Ten has

been one of my greatest achieve-ments, but this is just one of many to come. It wasn’t an easy task. I wanted to accomplish this not only to make my family proud, but to achieve some-

By Roksana Stefanek

When I first came into this school,

I had only negative thoughts. I thought that I wasn’t going to make any friends, that I would fail my classes and that people were going to beat me up.

During orienta-tion, a counselor who was helping me intro-duced me to JROTC and IB. My mom and I argued about which one I would go to. I decided to go into IB because the JROTC uniform and waking up early wasn’t my thing.

I was in IB for three years. I ended up leaving and I am really glad I did. I would not be able to go through

thing greater for my future.As a student in the IB

Programme, I challenged myself everyday. Being part of a rigorous program requires dedication and sacrifice. There were times when I wouldn’t sleep to study for an exam or to finish homework. At times (most of the time) it was very stressful, and I felt like I wasn’t smart enough for this program or capable of han-dling all of the stress. Yet my parents always pushed me to do great academically, and I thank them for that. They’ve always told me to work hard and to believe in myself. Every time I was having a hard time

with something in school, they always encouraged me to not give up.

My closest friends and I also had our own support sys-tem. When times got stress-ful we encouraged and helped each other. I am thankful I had them with me during my four years in high school. With the help of my family and closest friends I was able to achieve a lot. In addition, my constant reminders to my-self to not give up and believe in myself helped me believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

Becoming a leader through JROTC

Thankful for opportunities

Get out of your comfort zone

the stress and work that my IB friends went through this year. But because of IB, I get to go to North Park University with my whole tuition paid plus half of my room and board. So I’m thankful for that.

Overall, high school was awesome and fun and I’m sad that it’s getting closer and closer to the end. That’s my story, and I think the end turned out better than I imagined. High school can be how you make it to be if you really care about education, so it doesn’t matter where you end up. • Continued on Page 6

By Alondra Rebollar

Iam happy to know how much I have matured and grown to become the kind of young adult that I am today. Yes, I will surely miss the years that I have spent at Steinmetz,

but I am willing to make more memories by moving on with my future. I am happy to say that I will be attending DePaul University in the fall to pursue my career in health and in Japanese studies.

Everything starts freshman year. How important it is to start strong and remain that way until the end. It’s all about paying attention and making sure to always ask questions, study and be patient.

It may be difficult but I know that it is possible for everyone to do it. There is no need to follow the crowd but to only focus on yourself and on your future. High school consists of a lot of distractions, but try to do good always, because there is a way for you to change for the better.

Continued on Page 6


Top Ten of 2015 5

Education offers view of world

Teachers gave hope and helpMotivated by mom and dad

By Cintia Garcia

Through education we can turn a mirror into a window, an object that will not only allow us to see ourselves, but the

world around us. But sometimes the window becomes dirty

and we find ourselves saying “now what?”We have to snap out of the moment and

make a decision, and remember that we can do something but not everything.

What we use to clean our window does not matter only if it is reasonable. For example, we can choose to use Glass Plus instead of Windex because where we start does not determine where we end.

I want to say thank you to those who helped me convert my mirror into a window. I also want to thank the person who made me realize that there is no shame in using Glass Plus. •

Inspired by parents’ dreamsBy Maria Vargas

Wthen I was a little girl, my father al-ways talked about

the dreams that my mother and he had for my siblings and me. They wanted us to succeed in life and become the people that they would be proud of, and also become the people who we ourselves would be proud of.

Everyday in the back of my mind and in my heart, I hold the memory of my mother. I always think about what she would want me to do with my life and if what I am doing will benefit me in the future.

My mother and my father have been my inspiration to do well academically because I

want them to be proud of me. With my father’s opinions and the memo-ry I have of my mother, I have strived to reach the goals that they have set out for me.

The people who have supported me are my family members, my siblings, my niece, my close friends, and my best friend Stephanie Es-cobar. They have all been there for moral support and have helped me deal with any stress or issues that I had been facing at any time. Stephanie has been there for me for as long as I can remember.

By Paloma Salazar

There is no grand secret to being a Top Ten student – it’s dedication towards one’s education. Being a top student is

not easy. There were many nights in which I did not get any sleep and had to come to school the next day. There were times in which I thought, “I can’t do it, I’m just going to give up ... nope can’t do it.” But I would always come back to that staggering problem and solve it.

My motivation to not give up during these four years was my father. He is the person I most admire. He will do anything for my siblings and me in order for us to become successful. My father has been there for me up until now, never quitting on being my father and providing the family with what we need. If it were not for this man I would not be here. I owe him everything I have and what I have been able to accomplish.

The other important person who has given me tremendous support and amazing advice, which helped me get where I am, is my mother. She is the energy source for my well being, she does things that are out of my control, just like a superhero. My mom is my world, my best friend, and I don’t know what or where I would be without her.

Due to the encouragement from my mother and my father and their efforts on my behalf, I am a Top Ten student. Of course I had to be very persistent with keeping up with my workload and coming to school every single day. I can say that I tried to do my best, and I also prioritized my education over things like socializing excessively (e.g. FaceBook).

My mindset is to reach my goal, which is to become a successful surgeon or OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynocologist). Next year I will be attending UIC. I am so excited to go there, since they have magnificent programs that help students like me to reach our desired profes-sion. Hopefully, I stay the four years for my bachelor’s degree and continue on with medi-cal school.

Going back to the concept of succeeding in school, there are also the academic relationships that I built with my teachers, which gave me the initiative to participate in class and succeed in that class. I was comfortable with all my teachers; they were all friendly and helpful. But I want to specially point out my favorite teacher, Mr. Amdouni. He is extremely helpful and caring for his students. I enjoyed being in his class.

Because of teachers like him, there are suc-cessful people in this world. He is realistic, funny, supportive, and just amazing. He helps with anything that is in his reach. There are just not enough words that can express my

By Karolina Jaworowka

I have been on the Top Ten list for the past four years, and I must say it was a chal-lenge to stay there for that long. Every time

I walked down the hall and saw my picture hanging there on the wall, it made me so proud and honored to be recognized.

I have been in the MYP and IB program, which is why I had the opportunity to be rec-ognized as one of the Top Ten students. There were many challenging obstacles I had to over come and many struggles I went through, but at the end it all pays off.

There were many days when I would not sleep because of lab reports or research papers. There were many days when I just wanted to call it quits, but luckily I did not. As I look back now, I see how much I changed and how much work it took to stay on the Top Ten and to achieve all my goals.

The next big step in my life will be going to college and attending University of Illinois at Chicago where I will be pursuing my career as a physical therapist.

I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the struggles and obstacles I had to over-come. Life is not easy, but you can make it easy. All you have to do is try and not give up.

I would like to thank my entire family, friends and especially my teachers for being there for me every step of the way. They gave me hope and helped me out on this crazy journey. •

gratitude to this teacher. Along with the mo-tivation of my parents, Mr. Amdouni helped me to stay in spirit and succeed.

Even though I prioritize my education, I participated in a few extracurricular activities. I was a member of the Academic Decathlon team during my junior and senior year. It was a whole new experience since I had never par-ticipated in any other activity my freshmen and sophomore year.

This experience helped me polish up my interactivity. I had to talk to other people that were out of my daily interactions. At first I only knew three of the team members. It all went well, and I know the whole team now. The competitions were fun. They took place on Saturdays in other host schools.

This was my only activity until I joined the Senior Ambassadors during my senior year. This activity is different from decathlon, in that I have to speak for myself and gladly volunteer to help the school whenever needed. Through this activity I was able to attend the Steinmetz Fest this year for the first time. I was helping, but I still got to enjoy it.

So I have learned to be cooperative and also work in groups for projects and things like that. Because of this I would like to thank Ms. Diaz, my awesome counselor who is super generous and supportive. She gave me the chance and here I am, a current senior ambassador.

I would also like to share my favorite mem-ory from this school year – my visit to UIC (Ignite), in which I went with my squad. It was helpful so that now I am able to go around campus and not get lost.

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Star News: Top Ten6

What helped me get to where I am today is time management. I never missed a homework assignment in my life, even if I was absent. I was actually the opposite of procrastina-tion, where if I got an assignment ahead of time, I had to do it the day it was given...yes, even if it is a 67-page packet. I am not advising others to do that, but that’s what pushed me these four years. A lot of the time, I sacrificed hanging out with friends or going to lunch and all the fun stuff to put my academics first and finish my work. Doing so allowed me to have fun afterwards, like playing sports and not having to worry about what I still need to do.

Try to balance your life and in-corporate good work ethics into it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t walk into a new class with a negative attitude. You’d be surprised how much more fun a class is and discover hidden talents when you do your best because this is what hap-pened to me for many classes.

I want to thank my parents, who although they made my high school years super stressful with their pres-sure, got me to where I am today. Though it was overwhelming, it did truly help me do the best that I can and be proud of my accomplish-ments. My parents are, without a doubt, my life. What motivates me to keep going is to accomplish all that I can so that I can pay them back for everything they did for me and to always make them proud.

I’d like to thank all of my IB teach-ers for believing in me and pushing me every day. They have taught me so much, especially the reality of life, and I’m so grateful for this opportu-

nity of having them as my teachers. Steinmetz should be very proud of these hardworking teachers that have inspired so many of us in this school.

I would not have been able to push myself as much as I did these four years without the help of my amazing friends, so shout out to my lovely five ladies: Ariana Colula, Karolina Jaworowska, Adrianna La-tuszek, Guadalupe Santana and Ber-enice Vara. Thank you girls for always being so supportive through the good and bad times. My high school years would definitely not have been the same without you girls and I’m grate-ful that we each had the opportunity to push each other to keep going. Oh, and thanks for laughing at my jokes even though I know you guys didn’t think they were actually funny. We’ve had the best memories, and I can’t wait to bring them with me as I start my journey in college.

I will be attending Loyola Uni-versity as a biology major on the pre-med track and I am going to be volunteering at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital over the summer. I aspire to become a pediatrician and I am hop-ing my hard work during Steinmetz pays off in the future years.

Regardless of whether you are an IB student or not, it is impor-tant to acknowledge and take pride in all that you have accomplished. For those still in high school, enjoy your high school years, participate in school events and always keep in mind what you’re trying to achieve. I promise you that these are the memo-ries you will never forget or will be able to repeat. As always, the most successful way to accomplish your goals is through dedication and self-motivation. Remember – fall seven times, stand up eight.•

We see each other everyday. We are in the same classes so it’s easier for me to deal with the stress that I face from schoolwork because we are both in the IB Programme.

We understood what we had signed up for after we entered the IB Programme our freshman year of high school. There are always days when our teachers give us a lot of homework, and then there are those days when the workload is not a lot. We may complain about it, but in reality we know that in the long run that the work our teachers had given us will benefit us. We may not see how it will benefit us now, but we will eventually see it.

Through my fours years in this

school and in this program, I have struggled with test taking and with my studying skills. I have learned that if I just focus and if I really want to pass a test, then I can set my mind to it and just do it. It may not seem easy, but it actually is if you set your mind to it and if you really want a good grade. You can accomplish anything as long as you set your mind to it.

I was involved in volleyball for all of my four years in high school and it benefited me a lot. It was a way of releasing the stress that had built up inside of me from a day of school. It was also a way of having fun and giving myself a break from thinking about other things that would stress me out besides school.

My advice to others is that if

you’re having a stressful time in your life, join a sport that you like. Join some type of after school activity that you believe will help you deal with any stressful event that is occurring in your life.

You may hear of students dislik-ing the teachers that they have be-cause of silly reasons. I do not dislike any of my teachers, even though I know that some days I might disagree with them, but I do not dislike them. They are all good teachers in their own ways and they all have their own ways of teaching us. They may have some days when they are either sick, emotional, or having a bad day, and we as students have to understand that instead of disrespecting them. We also have to remember that our

teachers are humans, too, so they will have their bad days as well.

This upcoming fall, I will be at-tending the University of Illinois at Chicago and I will be majoring in architecture. My goal is to stay in college and receive my bachelor’s de-gree in architecture and then later on pursue my master’s degree. Another goal I have is to return to Steinmetz when I can to visit my teachers and the volleyball team.

Shout out to my IB family – Sur-vival of the Fittest.

Shout out to all of my teachers – you are all awesome and I will miss you guys.

Shout out to Tamaya, Paloma, Stephanie, Molly and Justyna. Love you, peeps. •

We took a tour of the housing and the campus in general. I love the library; it’s huge and comfortable look-ing.

Going back to my squad, we had tons of fun. And if they are reading this, remem-ber the food dilemma? It was funny and a bit frustrating. But we rewarded ourselves with cupcakes. It was my second time on the train, and like the third on the CTA. I love to explore and this was amazing. I felt independent and I loved it.

And with this I want to name my peeps as I call them Tantalum, Magnesium, and Strontium. They are the best people, supportive and hilari-ous. We bully each other with love and affection.

There is also another per-son I would like to name, Potassium. She is amazing and fun to be with, and our junior year was the best. I still remember the flavor of Hoot-er’s spicy boneless wings, and the funnel cake from the Sox game. It was the best, even though I’m a Cubs fan.

If it weren’t for the people that care for me who were there for me, I would not be where I am currently. Thank you to everyone for helping me and for being amazing!•

During high school I considered myself to be very shy. I did not want to join sports or clubs at all. Yet my sophomore year, I decided to start taking piano lessons since I’ve always loved music and I became more confident by performing at my recitals. I never thought I would do that. My junior year, I decided I would join the swim team, and it was one of the best things ever. I had so much fun being part of the team and basically gained a second family. I just had to go back my senior year.

I also joined After School Matter and did that for three years. I was part of the painting and drawing, printmaking and jewelry design. All these things I did taught me how to balance out my time. It was hard but I was still able to succeed.

I have always loved the idea of working for a big magazine company like People or Vogue or a broadcast-ing station like BBC. Writing is one of the things that I love to do and obviously English was my favorite class.

This upcoming fall I will be going to the University of Illinois at Chicago to major in communications. I’m currently thinking about double majoring. I want to become a journalist and a graphic designer. They’re two of the things that I feel passionate about and excited about mastering in my college career. I would also like to minor in photography.

Overall there are so many things that I want to do and hopefully I will achieve them in the long run. When I finish college I hope to be working as a journalist and traveling as well, since it has always been something I’ve wanted to do.

My advice to others would be to not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Don’t hesitate to join a club, sport or any other thing that would benefit you. In the end you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget to work hard and aim to achieve great things. At the end, all your hard work pays off. Trust me.

I want to thank all my teachers, my best friend since kindergarten who stayed by my side, and my parents for their amazing support. •

It’s all about putting in a lot of effort, but most of all contributing to your school and community. I will also be grateful for being part of the JROTC program.

Being in JROTC, I was able to become more involved in my community. Through the years I was able to have the confidence that I have today. I was happy to finally become a leader and support those that always need my help. It is a blessing to be the only JROTC student to be part of top ten. All it takes is maintaining a good grade (A’s) and to challenge yourself with honors and AP classes.

What I really enjoyed about JROTC was par-ticipating in the drill team and being a staff as-sistant for three years.

Also, there are great events that we do such as parades, Military Ball, Cadet Challenge and more. I thank the Sergeants and Colonel for always motivating students to keep moving forward and to prove that Steinmetz has best JROTC program.

A great decision that I made sophomore year was joining karate. I have put so much effort to strengthen my mind and my will to prestige. After three years, I have finally earned the rank of 1st degree brown belt. I can’t wait to reach black belt even if I won’t have the time to do so, but I do appreciate my students for always looking up to me and supporting me. It is great to try something unique and to know that you can learn so much from it. I really encourage many to try new things and to have fun.

I just can’t believe how far I have made it with the help from my family, friends and teachers. It is a blessing to be in Top Ten and to know how close I am to reach my goals: college degree, traveling to Asia and martial arts. Without the support I wouldn’t even think about having great aspirations. My parents were able to give the things that they could and I am willing to give them something even greater.

Most importantly, always remember that ev-eryone has his or her own struggles and there is no need to judge. It is important to be kind and to appreciate the things that you have and the people who care for you. Every single person is important. Always have a smile on your face; it is up to you to make every single day the best. •

Husna AfzalTop Ten students of 2015, stories continued

Stephanie Escobar

Maria VargasPaloma Salazar

Alondra Rebollar


Star News 7

As the years go by, the number of students who demonstrate these essential qualities continuously increases.

These past years, we were able to collect more than 100 coats through a coat drive, volunteer at a retirement home, bring smiles to the unfortunate at Shriner’s Hospital, and help out in other school events. It is an honor to recognize these students who serve as leaders in our society.

As president of the National Honor Society, I encourage


Teacher Gina Szulkowski was instru-mental in Steinmetz’s involvement in the neighborhood banner competition, which also included Foreman, Schurz, and Prosser.

“I announced that I would work with any interested student,” Ms. S. said. “Both Mr. Edwards and I worked with Brandon Pozos.

“It should be noted that this was a very difficult assignment, over 20 stu-dents started working on these banners and only three Steinmetz students even completed their banner designs by the final date – Emily Santiago, Brandon Pozos, and Joanna Colin.”

While there were 100 designs from students outside Steinmetz, our school swept the competition: Brandon came in first, Emily second, and Joanna third.

Following the Belmonth-Cragin community competition, Brandon cre-ated the Steinmetz banner. •

By Colleen Walsh, teacher

Seniors in Colleen Walsh and Abel Pereyra’s AP classes trav-eled to Utica, IL to explore

Starved Rock State Park on May 19. After reading Into the Wild by Jon

Krakauer and studying Transcen-dentalism in AP English, and after studying conservation in AP Biology and AP Environmental Science, the students put their knowledge to work hiking and exploring one of the most beautiful state parks in the Midwest.

We all felt the burn as we climbed to the lookout points to see the ma-jestic bluffs and the Illinois River. We traversed streams and woods to hike down into the canyons to see gorgeous waterfalls. We experi-enced nature firsthand, and we had an amazing time doing so. We had a great group of students, and we were lucky to have an awesome group of chaperones, many of whom are Steinmetz graduates.

We highly recommend visiting Starved Rock yourself – it’s only two hours away, it’s free, and it will be an experience like no other. Many students are already planning their next trip back. •

AP classes go ‘into the wild’ at Starved Rock state park

these students over the next few years, whether they’re graduating this year or not, to continue their tradition of excellence in academics, character, service and leadership. Upholding these standards can lead to greatness in your life.

I trust that each and every one of you will strive to live up to the expectations of your community, your school, but most importantly, yourselves.•


Brandon Pozos creates banners National Honor Society induction May 30

NHS president Husna AfzalPrincipal Stephen Ngo

Chess offers beneficial fun; new players welcome to join clubBy Lexi Bamber

Junior Jaren Jackson won the chess tournament held on June 2, sponsored by teacher James Saunders.

“Jaren emerged victoriously from a field of formidable chess players,” Mr. Saunders said.

Seven students participated in the tournament. For this tournament, Jaren said he played three games including the final match.

Jaren finds chess fun to play. He’s been playing since the fourth grade. Jaren said he’s gotten so good over the years be-cause he kept practicing.

“Mr. Saunders is a good instructor,” Jaren said. “He helped me fix the mistakes in my game I usually make.”

Jaren said that anyone who enjoys playing chess or is inter-ested in learning the game should join the chess club next year.

“I recommend chess.com as a resource to learn and practice chess,” Mr. Saunders wrote in an email. “The site allows students to compete on a global level. Also, it has many features such

as forums, tactics trainer, videos, online tournaments. You can also watch others play. It’s a free website that will definitely benefit our students.”

Mr. Saunders encourages all students to join the club and

to play chess for a variety of reasons:1) Studies have shown that students who play chess tend to

perform better academically. Chess strengthens your ability to focus, which is essential to

reading, writing, doing mathematics and science. 2) Chess teaches planning and foresight. Having teenagers

play chess might just save their lives. It goes like this: one of the last parts of the brain to develop is the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for planning, judgment, and self-control. So adolescents are scientifically immature until this part develops.

Strategy games like chess can promote prefrontal cortex de-velopment and help them make better decisions in all areas of life, perhaps keeping them from making a stupid, risky choice of the kind associated with being a teenager.

3) It increases problem-solving skillsA chess match is like one big puzzle that needs solving, and

solving on the fly, because your opponent is constantly chang-ing the parameters.•

Anahi Reyes, Jaren Jackson, Zaneta Marcinik, Alexis Grimaldo


GSA honors teacher Gayle Gibbons

Star News8

‘Half Cap’ inspires class of 2016

Free the nipple campaign...

Communities United neighborhood schools fair

Music department concerts

After a year of actions in Chicago and Springfield, working on campaigns for

• restorative justice• get out the vote• Black lives matter• fair funding for neighborhood schools• and the fight for $15,

Steinmetz student activists with Communi-ties United took to the streets to march with 5,000 teachers, students, parents and Chicago residents in the Rally for A Just Chicago and Fair Contract on June 15.

After rallying at the Thompson Center, students marched down LaSalle Street to the Chicago Board of Trade, “where the crowd

Activist students rally with teachers for a just Chicago

By Jacara Adams

The Half Cap celebration to honor the Class of 2016, organized by teacher Jennifer Egan and counselor Kim

Diaz, was amazing. The event was for stu-dents and their families on May 16.

When we first got there we signed our name and got a raffle ticket for pictures. We received a green/white goodie bag, which consisted of a brochure of main events for our senior year next year, Steinmetz pens, a stylus/screen cleaner toy and Life Savers.

There were many games for the families to enjoy. People mingled and talked to staff. There was a fun photo booth where you and your family take pictures with props for us to use. Then it was time for lunch, which included hotdogs, burgers, chips, pop, water, and many snacks.

We heard information from counselors and school administrators about what’s com-

ing up for next year and how important it is for families to really get involved with the school and their children for next year, mainly because senior year is the most important for us.

The best part about the half cap was when luncheon tickets, graduation tickets, gift cards, VIP seats for graduation, and prom tickets for next year were given out to many juniors. Lots of people won gift cards and they were so excited. The people who won the tickets were also excited and couldn’t believe their names were picked in the raffles.•

By Dalia Mena

More than 200 people attended a cel-ebration of neighborhood schools organized by Communities United

at Hanson Park elementary on June 4. Participants attended workshops on

Deferred Action, Scholarship Information, Renters Rights, Restorative Justice, School Fundraising, and Access to Healthcare.

Many students from Steinmetz attended and helped lead the education conference.

Even Principal Stephen Ngo came out.I won one of the four bikes that were raffled

off by Bikes’N Roses, a youth-led non-profit organization created, with Communities Unit-ed, to create a happier, healthier community by promoting the use of bicycles instead of cars. See www.bikesnroses.org. I am grate-ful for the transportation option it gives my when I’ll be on the campus of Illinois State University next year. •

demanded that the city’s wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, and that elected and appointed leaders look for new revenue streams in lieu of repeating their tired mantras of ‘budget deficit’ and ‘financial crisis’” (CTUnet.com).

“The rally also provided an opportunity for teachers to let politicians and Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s handpicked Chicago Board of Edu-cation know the truth—that they are fed up with claims that the district cannot afford basic necessities for Chicago’s neighborhood schools, and that they remain embarrassed by scandals and privatization failures that have given hun-dreds of millions of dollars to well-connected businesses instead of schools.” •

Junior Jacara Adam with her grandfather, teacher Minni Sangha, and mom

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) honored teacher Gayle Gibbons in the first Allies and Friends Reception on May 7.

“Gayle is an advocate and supporter of the LGBTQ students,” GSA sponsor Beth Zaluba said. “She is always sharing information that helps our students.”

Ms. Zaluba said Ms. Gibbons helped with the Out in Chicago exhibit in 2011 and is an encouragement to the GSA, regularly sharing information about LGBTQ issues.

Students, staff and GSA alumni enjoyed the reception, which included gifts of flowers

and a certificate for Ms. Gibbons. In a letter Ms. Zaluba shared on Facebook, Ms. Gibbons thanked the GSA.

Ms. Gibbons said it was an honor to be recognized by “people who have the courage to be who they are. You are all truly special.”

Freshman Dalia Velazquez said that Princi-pal Stephen Ngo told the GSA members that he was proud that the club is continuing.

Daria said that at times she has been bullied, but that she is able to ignore it. GSA offers a safe place for students who want to talk about anything. •

Music dept. concerts April 17, May 28


Star News 9

Polish club celebrates Constitution Day; enjoys karaoke night

GSA honors teacher Gayle Gibbons

JROTC honors fallen soldiers in Memorial Day Parade

By Zaneta Marcinik

Polish National Constitution Day on May 3 is celebrated pompously and proudly by Poles around the world. The parade

in Chicago, held this year on Saturday, May 2, is the largest Polish parade outside of Poland.

Constitution Day is not an Independence Day, as many people may think. Polish In-dependence Day is celebrated on November 11. The beginning of May is important in Polish culture, and this long weekend is called ‘Majówka’.

May 1 - Polish Labor DayMay 2 - Polish Flag Day and Poles Living

Abroad DayMay 3 - Polish Constitution Day

This year was also special because on May 10 the Presidential Elections were held. These are organized every five years. Poles living out-side the country are able to vote. The Polish Constitution of 1791 was the first Democratic Constitution in Europe and the second in the world, followed by the American one.

This year the Chicago Polish Parade was held on a new route, along Dearborn Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. It was the 124th Chicago parade to honor Polish values, history, traditions, and culture.

This was my first parade in which I’ve par-ticipated. We arrived at about 9:30 a.m. and everywhere I looked there was a wave of white and red. The parade gathered thousands of people devoted to Polish culture, and even

those who aren’t Polish, during that one day everyone is Polish. Many Polish-American or-ganizations, societies, clubs, schools, businesses and individuals participated in this patriotic event. This year’s motto is “I love Poland and you should too!”

Everyone knows copious stereotypes about Poles, but they don’t apply to everyone. I’m proud of my heritage and proud of being Pol-ish. Our beautiful history and culture goes back to medieval times.

Unfortunately, a lot of young people have to emigrate abroad to study or to find jobs because the situation in the country is harsh. However, even if you don’t agree with the government, you shouldn’t be ashamed of the country you come from.•

By Roksana Stefanek

Students in the Polish club had a great time watching and enjoying the Con-stitution Day Parade on the sidelines

together downtown with club sponsor Anna Lesniakowska

The club and Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) combined to show off singing skills during karaoke night.

A few shy students wouldn’t perform at first, but in the end everyone ended up singing to-gether and enjoying themselves with pizza and Polish chips. •

I love Poland and you should, too Paluszki! Join the Polish Club

Did you know the Steinmetz Alumni Association is one of the largest, most active high

school alumni associations in the United States? We could not have earned that reputation without ev-eryone’s help.

Why join? We hope to help con-tinue friendships developed while in school. It costs only $25 for five years or $12 for two years. You will then receive at least three newsletters per year which will enable you to keep informed of classmates, alumni activities such as the free annual pic-nic, notice of class reunions, school

activities, e-mail listings and other information in which you may be interested.

We also try to assist the reunion committees with the class lists and help in locating addresses of “miss-ing” classmates

Check out our web site: www.steinmetzalumni.org. You can join via paypal or make check out to the Steinmetz Alumni Association.

Mail to: Steinmetz Alumni Asso-ciation, 3030 N Mobile, Chicago, IL 60634. Or just drop your application (name, phone, address, year of gradu-ation) and money off in the office.

Any questions? Contact Dan Al-tobello, 708-567-7709, [email protected]•

Class of 2015: Keep class spirit alive; join the Steinmetz alumni association

Alumni, staff and family are invited to

the 62nd annual alumni picnicWe hope to see everyone at our

free alumni 62nd annual picnicSunday June 28, 2015 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.Catherine Chevalier Woods (East River Rd./South of Bryn

Mawr) Grove #2We have a pavilion, tent, tables

and chairs and food available at a modest cost

A clown for the kids, face paint-ing, and balloons

All it costs is a little of your time.

Pass the word around … bring out the family

Stay all day or just drop in to say hi. Want to volunteer that day? We always need a helping hand.

ANY QUESTIONS CON-TACT:

Dan [email protected] •

Students on deck the Mystic Blue during the senior luncheon, June 15. Dr. Mojgan Majdzadeh’s students enjoying Hawiaan day and dress to impress day during senior spirit week, June 9 - 12.

By Amy Carmona

The Memorial Day Parade on May 23 was an amazing expe-rience. It was a day to remem-

ber. I was honored to march in re-membrance of the soldiers who have died for our country and freedom.

The parade began at noon and proceeded south on State Street from Lake to Van Buren.

The most memorable part of my experience was marching with the junior staff and my sister Leslie. I felt anxious and exhilarated.

“These awesome cadets repre-sent more than just a bunch of kids showing up for a parade,” said JROTC instructor SFC Tammy Amaro.

“They showed dedication to a time honored tradition of showing respect for all the service members who have paid the ultimate sacri-fice and have died while serving this great nation. It’s the least we can do to show our gratitude for that sacrifice. Thank you, cadets, for your dedication.” •

www.steinmetzalumni.org


Faculty / Senior Shout Outs10

To Steinmetz 2015 graduates:I am writing to you because I will

not be able to attend your graduation ceremony this year. I was scheduled to be your guest speaker but due to the change in the graduation date, it conflicted with my work schedule. I was really excited to be asked to be the commencement speaker and to see you along with all my friends there at Steinmetz. So, I figure what better way to say congratulations and use the Steinmetz Star to let you know.

I would like to take a moment to thank Principal Steve Ngo and his staff for inviting me to be your guest speaker. It was an honor and a plea-sure to be asked, and I wish I could have be there for your special day.

To the ROTC class of 2015:Thanks and best of luck in your

future endeavors. It’s been great to work with you and for you. Keep in touch, stop by and see us, and and don’t forget to join the Steinmetz Alumni Association!

Colonel John Baynes •

When they said all four years of high school would fly by I didn’t believe it. But now I realize we have just a few days left of high school and it is amazing. I can’t wait to see what life has for us.

Thanks to all the teachers who would provide help to their stu-dents, even after school. Also a huge thank you to the wonderful teach-ers I met. This goes to Ms. Egan, Mr. Kalogeras, Mr. Kotcherha, Ms. Serritella, Mr. Foster, Ms. Zaluba and Ms. Dunne and many other teachers, who would gladly always be there helping their students out if they ever needed anything.

Thanks for being amazing, re-spectful and fun teachers. We finally made it – Class of 2015!

Congratulations class of 2015! Jessica Fajardo •

You are, and forever will be, my freshman babies. It was my honor and pleasure to be your teacher. Thank you so much for the memo-ries, and good luck in the future!

Ms. Jotwani (but to you, I’ll al-ways be Ms. Patel!) •

To the JROTC students from SFC Billy Hill and SFC Tammy Amaro; Good luck JROTC seniors from Colonel Baynes

To JROTC Cadets/Class of 2015:

You have made your mark on this school now it is time to make your mark on this world! Please think about how you will make that mark. Think about your future and set some short term and long term goals. Think about what you may be doing five, ten, maybe even fifteen years from now. Where do you think you might be? Raise that bar and reach a little bit higher to be bet-ter than you were the day before. And for heaven’s sake don’t EVER let anyone tell you that you have a disadvantage because you went to a Chicago Public School! Accept that comment as a challenge and prove them wrong; prove to them that you are much better than what they per-ceive from a Chicago Public School student! Don’t EVER let anyone tell you that you can’t be what you want to be! You are the only one who can make that decision! You are the only one who can choose what you can and cannot be in life. Make that a challenge for yourself and get out there to make your mark on this

world! Make a difference in your life and maybe even in the lives of others!

I have two important quotes that I would like for you to think about and to help prepare you for the fu-ture: “obstacles are the things you see when you take your eye off the goal”, Henry Ford. And the second quote is from my favorite author, Dr. Seuss “be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

It has been an honor to have worked with all of the senior cadets in the JROTC Program this year. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of you through daily interac-tions in class, our quarterly coun-seling sessions, and through your personal essays! You all have matured through the year and are ready to be young adults in the big kids world! Please make sure to come back for a visit and let us know all of the awesome new things that you are doing with your lives!

Sincerely,SFC(R) Tammy Amaro •

Graduates, you graduate soon on the precipice of the future. It’s not a distant reality anymore. It begins here. It begins now.

You began high school as chil-dren, but you’re leaving Steinmetz as adults. You’ve completed a basic edu-cation that will serve as the platform you will use to launch yourselves into your futures. Some of you will go on to college, or the military, others will go straight into the work force, but each of you will travel your own path.

No matter where you go or what you do, there are challenges ahead of you. What I’m asking from each of you is to meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open. It’s not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn’t move the world forward. You must try to excel in everything you do, strive for excellence in every task, large or small.

Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment you achieve is added to the world’s ac-complishments. Your individual successes benefit society as a whole because when you succeed, you lighten the burden on your fellow man. When you succeed, you are in a position to give rather than take.

One of the many things I learned in life was to imagine, what if, every individual lived up to his or her own potential? Think about how amazing that would be, and how much better off this world would be.

Many of you, know what my life

was like at your age. My situation was not too much different than most of yours. I grew up in the inner city of Chicago without a father, and a mother who worked three jobs to take care of four children and went to CPS schools. I could have given up on life and just accepted what I was dealt because of my economic status, but I didn’t. I decided for myself that the military was the best choice to help make a better life for me.

Then, in what seemed like a flash, it was time to leave the military. As much as I wanted to stay in and never leave, I had to retire. I came to a crossroads my life. What can I do now? I’m too young to not do anything. How can I be a benefit to society? A friend of mine mentioned JROTC to me and told me about how I could help make a difference. So, I pursued that option and as we know it brought me to the great school of Steinmetz.

What I did not know in the four years I spent there was not only was I able to bring a lot of knowledge to share with you in preparing for your future, that you, also, taught me many things. When you’re an adult you do not realize what the younger generation is experiencing. You remember being young and how you did things in the past but, most refuse to acknowledge that times do change. While some things remain close to being the same, the majority of things have changed. For example: technology, the way people interact

with each other, clothes, music, etc.You kept me up to date with all of

that and you also taught me a lot on what teenagers experience in today’s world. I listened to every word you said and watched your every move-ment to understand how it affected you in your daily lives. That helped me gain your respect and you be-came more interested into wanting to learn more.

What you taught me helped in my personal life with my own daughter and in my new school I’m currently at. I thank you for that. I would like to think we helped each other grow and I do sincerely hope you go out into the world and strive to make some amazing contributions to society.

Now, you may not have the power to inspire the entire world to strive for success, but you do have the pow-er to try to achieve it. My challenge to each of you is to do all that you can do to reach your full potential.

If every student in the 2015 grad-uating class is able to do that, just imagine the effect that would have. The future is truly in your hands, so make the most of it.

Thank you all for the wonderful memories we shared while I was at Steinmetz and will have in the future with some of you that stay in touch. I wish you all the best in life.

Class of 2015, the world awaits you! This is your chance to shine. Seize the moment!

SFC(R) Billy Hill•

To current and former IB seniors

To Ms. Scolire and Ms. Russo

I want to give a shout out to Mrs. Scolire and Ms. Russo.

Mrs. Scolire has done so much for us; she helped us complete ap-plications for college. She pushed us to do better because she knows what’s best for us.

I’m going to miss her so much. Take care! I hope we can still keep in touch after high school. Thank you for being the best since sopho-more year.

Now Ms. Russo, she’s the best teacher I’ve ever had. She would al-ways make 1st period the best class. I’m definitely going to miss her.

I hope we could still keep in touch after high school. Thank you for making senior year the best.

Yesenia Segovianov •

From Ms. Russo to seniorsI love teaching seniors. I love

senior English and teaching Shake-speare. I even love teaching the re-search paper unit (though maybe not so much grading the papers). What I don’t love is that I only get one year with the seniors. Just when I start to really get to know my students as individuals – their habits, their quirks, their lives – they graduate. I know that that is how the world works, but I wish I could hold onto all of them just a little bit longer.

To all of the seniors in my classes, please know that each and every one of you has made me smile or laugh at some point over the past year. You have all filled my year with joy, frustration, purpose and laughter. I will hold you in my heart as a very special group of people.

To my Shakespeare class, thank you for taking the journey with

me that is Shakespearean Studies. Through field trips, movies, raps, great conversations, art projects and in class performances, you allowed me to share something I love with very special individuals, and I am grateful. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. Remember: Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

To the entire senior class of 2015, thank you for a wonderful year: homecoming, holiday movie night, Lock In (the biggest and best ever), and prom (never a bet-ter prom or more beautiful people) and luncheon, 2015 has been a year for the record books! I wish you all the joy and happiness that this life has to offer. Be true to yourselves, have faith in yourselves, and know that we at Steinmetz love and will miss you. Go Streaks!

Robin Russo •

From Ms. WalshTo all of my seniors: Thank you

for being such amazing people. It really has been a pleasure teaching you this year. Each year, my stu-dents teach me and inspire me, and this class was no exception. You are a group of intelligent, thought-ful, and passionate young men and women. I loved hearing your thoughts through the discussions we had; you never ceased to amaze me!

I hope you feel like you learned a thing or two in class, but most importantly, I hope that you come away from this class questioning everything around you. Don’t just accept things as they are – look for

To wonderful teachers

the real meaning and purpose. Remember, our world doesn’t make you who you are; you do that. Like

Thoreau says, “You think me the child of my circumstances: I make my circumstance.” Look inside of yourself and listen, live a life that makes you happy and proud, and be kind and forgiving to yourself and others. And get out to experience nature once in a while!

Mrs. Walsh •


Faculty / Senior Shout Outs 11

Shout out to my baby girl, Bobbi. She received the CTU scholarship last week.

She’s an honor student, ranked number 5 in her class and on her way to University of Illinois in Champaign this fall. I love my Stein-metz students and wish them the best, too. Yet this one is mine, and as both an educator and a mom, I couldn’t be more proud.

Latanya McSwine •

Big thanks to Mr. Ochoa for being the most supportive teacher.

Isabel Rios •

It was my pleasure to meet you. We didn’t have enough time for longer conversations but you seem to be extremely smart and responsible. I am so proud of you and I am convinced you are going to have a bright future.

Go girl! Please stop by any-time.

Mrs. L. •

To my seniors,You hold such a special place in my heart. It has

been such a pleasure watching you all grow from the unsure little freshman you were, into the confident and mature young adults you are now.

Thank you for being a daily reminder that I love teaching and that teenagers are the best kind of people.

Thank you for being who you are, for being true to yourselves and for always being so kind to one another.

You will go far, you can do anything you want and you can be anyone you want to be. If you ever need anything, know that I am here for you. I will never forget you and I will always be missing you. I love you!

Ms. Lydon/Scolire •

All your visits in my office and fourth floor hallway jamming were truly joyful. You have a special place in my heart. It won’t be the same without you next year. Best of luck in the future.

Mrs. L. •

Congratulations to all of the graduating seniors! You will go far. No doubt about it. Live your dreams. Nothing can hold you back.

Mr. Mink •

Peoplee always stress the impor-tant of getting an education. While it is important to attend class everyday and give your undivided attention to your teacher, it is also important to have a good teacher.

By “good” I don’t mean a teacher who is laid back, jokes around with the kids (while joking is important for a relationship with student, there is a fine line before going to the point where a student looks at their teacher as a friend rather than a teacher), and doesn’t care about missing as-signments.

A good teacher is a person who sets a great example for the ado-lescent, someone who shows that though a student passing or failing doesn’t affect him or her too much in the long run, he or she still cares and wants a great future for the student. It’s about the present as much as it is about the future.

Coming to Steinmetz from a high school better known for its academics and athletics allowed me to obtain a different first impression than oth-ers at Steinmetz. I came into school thinking that none of the teachers would care because it seemed that none of the students did either. Even-tually I began my senior year.

When my senior year began I had already been fighting a huge obstacle with all of my personal problems. And they didn’t end there. I started living on my own, and working dou-ble shifts a couple times out of the week. Then I started having problems with my family’s health, which made me miss more days, and so on. My attendance was dropping and it was dropping quickly.

With all of my situations, it wouldn’t have made much of a dif-

ference if one teacher helped me; I needed a whole team behind me to al-low myself to completely rise against all obstacles I was facing. My softball coach and Shakespeare class teacher Ms. Russo was always someone I could go to. She extends her help whenever need be and I confidently think she will be there for me until I can completely handle the outside world by myself, and then some.

Then I met an extra remarkable teacher named Ms. Walsh, my AP Language teacher and someone who is one of the most understanding and hard working people I know. Ms. Walsh is more than an amazing role model; she’s someone who deeply cares about my well-being.

Then I met my ceramics teacher Ms. S. When I first met Ms. S I didn’t think she was going to have much or any influence on my life until I started to talk to her more, get to know her through her strategies of teaching, and joke around with her more often. Ms. S was especially important to me being as she saw the strong individual I was and she didn’t pity me. She advised me to understand that whenever outside problems are happening one needs to find their strength to pull themselves out of the hole.

There is one teacher who without a doubt is one of the biggest reasons

I am where I am today. Mr. Roldan has bent his back for me; he has lis-tened to me as I cried; and he has understood me and helped where he can. Mr. Roldan has lent a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on when-ever I need it. He has showed me my worth and how proud he is of me. He has granted me with the confidence I sometimes doubt.

And now, at the end of senior year, though my personal problems haven’t slowed down or stopped, I have found the strength in myself to push through everything going on and make myself proud by graduat-ing high school and extending my educational career elsewhere.

Without having a team of ex-tra ordinary teachers behind me, I might’ve ended up as a statistic and dropped out.

No matter the school a student is at, there is an amazing teacher somewhere in there. And I cannot stress the importance of such great teachers who go above and beyond to make such a change in mine and other students lives. Without the powerful role these teachers play in high school lives I’m not sure what our future would be like.

Remind yourself it is about the present as much as it is about the future. I am so thankful to each of my senior year teachers because without them I couldn’t have accomplished this much, let alone a full ride to Monmouth College. I have risen to becoming this woman I thought I’d never be.

I am so thankful for the opportu-nities and support I have found with the senior teaching staff at Steinmetz High School. •

I want to say thank you to the best teacher in the world, Ms. Walsh! She was not only a teacher to me, but a mother figure and friend in my life.

She was so supportive since the day I walked into her class senior year. Ms. Walsh made a huge impact in my life by motivating me and showing me not to be afraid to be who I am. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Giselle Soto •

My favorite moments from Steinmetz were my good grades and meeting new people. I loved playing basketball and driver’s education.

I plan to go to Wright College for two years. I give a shout out to Ms. Espinosa, Ms. Eshoo, Ms. Scolire,

Mr. Ngo, Mr. Torres and all the other teachers and staff.

I give Jasmin, Jocelyne, Vanessa, Maria, Justin, Christina, Gisselle, Irma and everyone in the senior class a big shout out.

Deon Davis •I want to shout out to Ms.

Lydon for being the coolest teacher I have ever had!

Diego Garcia •

To Ms. Walsh From Ms. McSwine to her daughter Bobbi

To Mr. OchoaFrom Ms. L to Roksana, Li, Luis, McKenzie and Carlos

From Haley Silvestri: Thanks to Ms. Russo, Ms. S., Ms. Walsh and Mr. Roldan

From Ms. Scolire to her students

From Ms.E

I want to thank to all the teach-ers who helped me through these years. Without their help I would never be in the place I am now.

I really want to thank them be-cause whenever I thought I couldn’t

do something they will push me for-ward so I could do it, especially Ms. Mocek and Ms. Espinosa. They were always there for me. And this year Ms. Perez that taught me a lot.

Elizabeth Garcia •

Shout out to teachers

To Ms. Scolire

To Ms. Mocek, Ms. Espinosa and Ms. Perez

From Mr. Mink More shout outs to and from

teachers in this Star


Star Prom12


Star Prom 13

decorations. The DJ already had music playing. Nearly 30 minutes upon arrival, there were already people dancing on the dance floor.

“It was like my own version of Cinderella,” senior Ashley Torres said.

Everybody looked great in their elegant dresses and suits.“Walking into prom with one of the most beautiful

girls I have ever met made me feel like a king next to my queen,” senior Matias Galarza said. •

‘A Night at the Oscars’



Star Reporters, Class of 201514

My four years at Steinmetz have been wonderful. I’ve had some ups and I’ve had some downs, but the good outweighed the bad. I’ve learned a lot throughout the years and got to know more people each year. I have grown relationships with many of my teachers. I have really had some fun times in Steinmetz, and I had times when I wanted to just say forget everything.

It seems as though I was just a freshman walking through the halls lost and excited at the same time. These four years went by really fast. I’ve had times when I thought I couldn’t get through it and wanted to give up, but I pushed harder. I told myself it wouldn’t be easy. The harder it got, the more I motivated myself to do better.

Dropping out was not an option. At times I told my mother I couldn’t do it and I didn’t want to go back. She wasn’t accepting it, and I thank her for that because she stood on top of me making sure I did what I needed to.

Look at me now, a proud gradu-ate from Steinmetz, but it doesn’t stop here. High school was a suc-cess. •

Throughout my years at Stein-metz I could say I enjoyed every bit of it – all the people I met freshman year to senior year, teachers, and all the fun events that happened.

I was nervous to start my first day; that’s something I will never forget. I was scared that people were going to bully me because of my height. I thought I would never have friends, but I ended up meeting the coolest people I could ever meet.

Things changed throughout the years I started to see people’s true colors and I lost touch with a couple of friends, but that’s the true mean-ing of life and growing up.

Seeing these freshmen here to-day I wish I could tell each and every one of them to enjoy and ap-preciate all the staff members and teachers because they don’t know that they’re the ones trying to help us. If I could go back and change things I would. I didn’t notice how wonderful Steinmetz was till junior year when I started to grow up and

I’d like to give a big shout out to all my senior friends who let me experience some of the things with them. A big shout out to Emily San-tiago, who has not only been a great friend to me, but a motivator and a mentor. Your prodigy will make you proud, Emily.

And, of course, my boyfriend, Brandon Garcia: I can’t wait to see you walking across the stage. All my yelling has finally paid off. I’m going to miss art with you, and getting walked to class. I’m going to miss you in general. I love you, and con-grats! •

Looking back over my four years at Steinmetz is a very moving exer-cise. I’ve learned so much and expe-rienced so much.

During the summer before it all began, I took freshman connection, and I met so many amazing people. Walking into Steinmetz halls as a freshman was a terrifying feeling. I didn’t know a lot of people and the people I did know I didn’t have any classes with them. But then it was easy freshman year – whoever you had in your division was with you in all your classes so you weren’t feeling alone.

Everyone got along and had their own crowd of friends. The people I mostly hung out with were Angelica, Jamilah, Elizabeth, Ashley, Rayna, Isaac, Erick, Jesus, Alberto, Ivan and many more. I made so many memories, and I met a lot of amaz-ing teachers and students.

Till this day I still remember how Ms. Rieger gave me in school sus-pension for talking during DEAR (drop everything and read). In the paper it said to be at the school at

Angelica M. Lopez

understand things more.I enjoyed the teachers, even the

ones I didn’t get along with. Soph-omore year wasn’t that exciting. I already knew my way around and I started to get used to the school.

There were also conflicts. I had problems with multiple girls and I wish I could have settled them another way, but I was young and didn’t think. My junior and senior year would have to be the most complicated years. I struggled a lot because I had made wrong choices but today it’s different.

I have learned lessons at Stein-metz and I met great people and gained and lost friends. Steinmetz is a big part of me and leaving this

school is a bitter-sweet feeling.As I walk on these floors these

last couple days of school I think to myself how time went by so fast and how I’m going to miss all the memories I built up with people and teachers. Going into the auditorium and knowing I’m going to be up there one day and that day finally came. I’m not going to see my class-mates every day anymore and it’s a bit sad because we won’t be in the same room and cracking jokes and annoying the teachers, but I wish all of them the best and hope we all find a place in this world. My high school years were the best years so far, and I know I have many exciting years to come. •

Aaliyah Collins Felisha Cordero

7:00, so, me having the first sus-pension in my whole life, I came to school at 6:50. It was pouring rain that day and I came to school extra soaked.

I saw how every senior was able to leave school 8th period, and they were just having so much fun. I al-ways told myself, “I can’t wait to be a senior.”

Then came sophomore year and junior year, one of the toughest out of all. I never took an AP class before junior year, and it was something different.

I meet an amazing senior whose name was Anissa, also known as Nani. When I was at the point of giving up or always needing a friend to lean on she was there.

Throughout my entire junior year all I did was study my life away. Having that big ACT test was one of the main reasons why everything was so difficult. All we did through-out the first half of the school year was ACT practice every single day. It helped some people, taking after school classes and even Saturday classes just to get ourselves prepared for the ACT.

Like always, there was drama ev-erywhere. I had my first fight sopho-more year and it is something I re-gret happening. The one main thing through junior year is you finally start realizing who’s real and who’s not. Your crowd of friends starts get-ting smaller, and you start realizing your senior year is next year, and

you’re no longer going to be a little kid anymore.

At last comes senior year, the year everyone has been waiting for to happen. It’s such an amazing feel-ing being able to say you’re a senior.

I wouldn’t say senior year is dif-ficult, it was just really stressful hav-ing to deal with FAFSA, choosing what college you’re attending, deal-ing with family money, just basically planning your whole life ahead of you. You have prom coming up, you have your luncheon, senior picnic, and then you know its graduation! Having to have a 92 percent atten-dance in order to graduate on stage wasn’t easy, but wasn’t difficult.

You’re no longer considered a little kid anymore, and things in life are going to start changing.

I will be leaving a lot of amaz-ing teachers like Mrs. Scolire. I wish I would’ve met her earlier because she’s just an amazing teacher and she motivated me to do so much better throughout my whole senior year. I never thought I would be getting into a university or even going to a good college, but I made it and I’m glad to say I will be a Golden Eagle attending Northeastern University this fall.

I want to give a shout out to all the amazing friends and staff mem-bers I met this year and throughout my whole entire school year. You guys made my high school journey an awesome year. •

To Emily and Brandon

Heroly Rodriguez she is my best friend, like a sister to me. She has a very spe-cial place in my heart. We have such great memories together. She has been by my side since day one and never left me. She knows everything about me just like I know everything about her. I’m so blessed to have her in my life. She’s always supporting me and making me laugh even in the worst moments.

When we first talked to each other I knew we would always be friends

Our friendship kept on growing and I’ll be here till the end

You listen when I have a problem and help dry the tears from my face

You take away my sorrow and put happiness in its place

We can’t forget the fun we’ve had laughing till our faces turn blue

Talking of things only we find

funny, people think we’re insane … if they only knew

This is my way of saying thanks for catching me when I fall

Thanks once again for being such a good friend and being here through it all.

Our friendship will be till forever and no one is going to be able to break it. Your best friend, who loves you unconditionally and forever. •

Yureli Velazquez

Senior year went by so fast. I want to thank my parents for

all the support they been giving me throughout high school.

I also thank all my teachers, who I will truly miss. •

Claudia Vidalon

Estephanie Paredes

Jennifer Liera is a beautiful per-son with a caring heart. I’m glad to have her as a friend.

Francisco Bolanos is a funny, perverted kid with a good sense of humor. He’s the best friend I could ever ask for.

I’ll miss you both. Good luck in life. •

Christina Higuera and Andrea Garcia are the nerdiest girls I got to know throughout high school. Chris is not only my friend, she’s my best friend for life. I love her and I am so thankful that I got to meet her here.

When I first got here my fresh-men year I came in knowing just a few people from my middle school, so just like any other freshmen I was lost. But then I met two great friends, Cristina and Andrea.

Both of these girls helped me without even noticing it. Their pres-ence was just good for me since I was going through that freshman phase of cutting class and all. They helped me get my s**** together because they are nerds, and since freshmen year they have been on top of things.

I am so grateful that I got to share high school with the amazing people that have kept it real since day one. I’m thankful that I didn’t let bad influences cause me any harm, just taught me lessons. •

Jennifer Liera


Star Reporters, Class of 2015 15

Where do I start with you? So many memories we have made. We have so many more to make. I am beyond proud of the man you are growing to be.

From talking to you about the mistakes you made freshman year at Aspira to watching you parade around about getting your grades up this year, being friends has been the best experience.

I know we have only been in each other’s lives for a short period of time, don’t worry, we have the rest of our lives. We are inseparable. Typing this I want to cry, but I know I’ve got to save my tears for the 13th.

You have grown into such an amazing poet and I hope you con-tinue to write in college.

I will miss seeing you in hallways and our picture taking. I know you are on to doing bigger and better things. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do. I will always be here to support you. I love you.

Emony Tate •

Senior year was jumpy. Every-one was stressing about what college they wanted to go to, their FAFSAs, and last minute classes they needed to take to graduate.

My senior year was hectic. I had to catch up on the credits I didn’t have because I had transferred schools so many times. I went to four different high schools –Urban Prep, Uplift Community High School, DuSable, and Steinmetz.

I didn’t know how stressful high school would be or how fast it would go by until it happened and it’s end-ing so fast. I don’t want it to, and I’m going to miss it. •

My parents have always pushed me to achieve more in life. Graduat-ing from high school isn’t the end for me. I will be attending Elmhurst College. On August 25, 2015, I will be moving out of my parents’ house and will be living on campus. I could have stayed home, but I decided that it will be for the best if I just keep my distance. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, but sometimes it gets out of control.

I am beyond excited to go to college because I honestly always wanted to further my education and be someone in life. At first I thought about joining the military and then starting college, but my parents never approved of it. So I started looking more into colleges. I visited several campuses. My coun-selor told me to go visit Elmhurst College, but I didn’t listen to him until a few days prior to National Decision Day.

When I first stepped on the cam-pus I was excited because it was my first time that my parents came to visit a college with me. When we got a campus tour, I fell in love with the school. My parents were happy about the school, but weren’t sure about me staying on campus. When my sister heard that she told them all the negative things that would happen if I stayed at the house. She said that she wanted to help me but honestly I think she just wanted the room for herself. But I am thank-ful because she helped me convince them.

And now I just can’t wait. I am so happy and grateful because without the help of my parents I wouldn’t be able to go to college. Being a first generation student means that I will

be able to do much more, but I have to work twice as hard as I did in high school. I am determined to be someone in life and achieve much more because I will be attending El-mhurst College and will be studying to become a nurse.

Now that that I am heading out of high school I can say the only thing I am going to miss from it is the JROTC program and the in-structors because they had helped

me be the person I am now. I will al-ways be grateful with the instructors because without them this program wouldn’t be the way it is now.

Even though I am leaving I know that they will always be there for me and for my sister. That’s why I pushed her to get more involved because I went through there and no one else was there to push me to do well. I don’t want her to look back and see all the things she could have done just like I did. I want her to be a part of something that will change her life, just like it did for most of the seniors and me.

In conclusion I can honestly say that the JROTC Program has given me the necessary life skills that helped me transition from child-hood to adulthood. And I will never forget about my reckless days; they’re always a reminder of where I came from. I will always consider the JROTC program as my life changer.

Also, I would like to give a shout out to Ms. Schmidt and Ms. Egan for always being there for me and believing in me, and to my great friends Mako, Alfonso, Brandon, and Andres. You guys will always be in my heart and I wish you nothing but the best. I love each and one of you guys. •

Shout out to my best friend Natalia being my go to person, my prob-lem solver and always being there to make me laugh on my hardest days. Together we have made our last year at Steinmetz the best. And I can’t wait to graduate with her by my side.

Devion Thompson Leslie Karina Carmona: Just the beginning

To Nate Calderon

Emily Santiago: Dear future gays

Since we weren’t blessed with the benefit of being born on the green side of the fence, life is always go-ing to be very challenging for our community.

High school is definitely one the most challenging and difficult times for teens who are unsure about their sexuality. It’s such a confusing and emotionally damaging time for de-veloping young minds.

Yet, what no one ever seems to mention in high school is that it’s okay to be yourself.

Your true friends who love you and care about you will always sup-port you.

It’s the ignorant people who re-fuse to understand who will harass and bully you. Yet, no matter how hurtful the comments may be, just ignore them and move on.

In most cases, LGBTQ teens struggle with acceptance from their own homes. I wish I could promise you that your parents will find it in their hearts to love you for you, but, in all honesty, some of them won’t.

It’s hard for parents to deal with their children growing up in such dangerous times. Life isn’t easy for gays when we struggle for basic free-dom rights and from homophobia.

The world is a dangerous place for us. We’ll be judged and discrimi-nated against. We’ll be made fun of and stared at.

Yet, no matter all the bad things

that happen in our lives, things will get better. Life always gets better when you give it time.

Be the people my generation was too afraid to become. Be stronger than we ever were and speak louder than we ever could.

Be proud of who you are and em-brace the beautiful inner you. The most important thing I could ever pass onto you is the gift of learning how to love yourself for you.

Once you learn how to love yourself, you’ll be able to love the world. •

When I started high school as a freshman I was afraid. I was scared that I was going to get into fights for no reason just because of the way people talked about the school as a whole.

During my first year here I was surprised about how big the school was and how others treated each other. As time went by and the years kept going I just went with the flow. School has always been a big thing for my family. There was no choice between staying in school or drop-ping out.

As much as some days I felt like giving up, I knew there would always

be a light at the end of the tunnel, which has happened: I’m here, writ-ing about my last couple of days of high school. I don’t know whether to cry because it’s over or because life has just started.

Good or bad, I just want to give a shout out to those who actually stood by my side for the four years. Big thanks to my parents and sib-lings for pushing me to become someone better. As of now, because of all the help, I’m happy to say I will be attending Dominican University. It will be a bit of a challenge, but the feeling is amazing. •

Tatiana Turcios

Delilah PerezThis has been such an amazing

year. I’m really excited to graduate and get this diploma.

I want to give a special shout out to all my teachers who pushed me to do better and always stay on task.

My parents have always been my motivation and I’m glad that I will be the first to graduate high school. This is such a bittersweet feeling, but I’m more than happy to start this journey.

Congratulations, class of ’15. •

Joslyn Hermosillo

From Joslyn Hermosillo to Natalia Soto


Star Reporters, Class of 201516

My favorite memory in Stein-metz would be the first time I ever saw my girlfriend Claudette Puri-sima. It was in 1st period algebra in Mr. Foster’s class. I remember making up an excuse of not having a pencil just to talk to her.

I just want to say I love you baby and I hope when you read this it puts a smile on your face.

I want to give a shout out to my counselor Ms. Ocampo and to Ms. Lydon and Ms. Egan for helping throughout all four of my high school years. I also want to say thanks to all of the sergeants for let-ting me play basketball. My future plan is to keep playing basketball.

Hector Pavon •

It was a fun time at Steinmetz. I will miss my teachers and my friends, too. I had a very nice time. I want to say thanks for Mr. Ngo, Mrs. Mocek, Mrs. Dunne, Mr. Stummer, Mrs Espinosa, Mrs. Ser-tilla and Mrs. Scolire.

Everyone was very nice with me. I really want to thank Mrs. Ngo And I would like to say that you are such a great man, you did a lot of favors for me and helped me.

Also, I won’t forget all the nice people in school. I will come and visit you. I can’t keep calm; I am graduating! I love you, everybody. •

These four years in high school have created memories that will stay with all of us. my best memory was back in my freshman year, the first time that I ditched. Peer pressure and $10 made me ditch.

I regret it so much, but it’s my fa-vorite memory because when I came back into the building my mom was waiting for me. She wanted my house keys. She was upset after seeing me. That day at home I got a real bad yelling. •

Esta vez solo quiero despedirme de todos mis amigos, decirles que estos cuatro años son los mejores que he pasado en compañía de todos los que aún siguen siendo mis amigos y a los que por cualquier motivo nos distanciamos. Les quiero decir a todos que los voy a extrañar mucho y que los voy a llevar en mi corazón por siempre. Todos ustedes saben quiénes son.

Pero en especial te quiero agra-decer a ti que a pesar de todo han estado conmigo en las buenas y ma-las y me has aguantado tanto tiempo y si hablo de ti Jessica sabes que te quiero y que siempre voy a estar aquí para lo que me necesites.

Otra persona a la que le quiero decir gracias es a ti Mayra porque a pesar de que pasamos algunos mo-mentos en los que no nos queríamos terminaste siendo una de las mejores amigas que he tenido y que sé que puedo contar contigo en todo mo-mento, te quiero mucho y no es un adiós es un hasta luego.

Por último pero no menos im-portante estas tu mi Lupis tu que en tan poco tiempo te ganaste mi cariño y mi confianza, a ti te tengo que agradecer que siempre me escuches cuando lo necesito y que me apoyes en mis locuras y sobre todo que me aguantes por qué no debe ser fácil aguantar tanta tontería que te digo gracias por todo. •

I have always wanted so much for myself at a young age. It’s all about knowing what you want to do and making it happen. I’m proud to say that I accomplished every goal I have set in the four years of my high school career.

I wanted to work and make my own money, so I spent my free time searching for a job all freshman, sophomore, and junior year. Finally I was hired at Mariano’s, where I’ve been working for a year and some months.

Then my goal was to get my li-cense and buy a car with money I earned on my own. I did that.

Last, but not least, I knew I want to be a registered nurse, so I enrolled in the dual enrollment program dur-ing my junior year and began taking the general courses at Malcolm X College, where I will be attending college this fall 2015. When I go back to college in the fall, I will only have to take two more classes to get into the nursing program.

I am proud of myself for doing so much at the age of 17.

Underclassmen -– stay focused and hungry for success. You can do whatever your hearts desire. •

Kamari Joiner: Determined to succeed

To Claudette PurisimaIslam BarakatElizabeth Garcia Elizabeth Pineda

To Danielle Stencel

Dalia Mena

To Valeria Huerta

To these girls who helped me through my years at Steinmetz. I wouldn’t have been able to survive without you guys and I wish you guys nothing but the best!

Shout out to Schmidt, the best and my favorite person in Stein-

metz! You’ve become more then just my teacher, you’ve become someone I can trust.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and for all your con-stant encouragement. I’ll miss you.•

To an excellent Star reporter and all around fantastic person,

I enjoyed having you as a stu-dent. Your intelligence and drive stood out so clearly. The story you reported about Venice and Valerie’s mom was important. I remember the care you took in interviewing them and writing. I was impressed by your sensitivity and empathy.

I loved publishing the above picture for the story Marium Amin reported about your figure skating. I hope you’ll have a chance to get back to it.

Ms. Schmidt •

To an excellent Star reporter and yearbook staff member,

I enjoyed having you in class very much in journalism in your junior year. I was thrilled to see your contribution in this year’s excellent yearbook. I’m proud of you. Thanks for your service to our school.

Ms. Schmidt •

Dear Lovely Teachers,I will miss you all and thank you

for your support. Ms. Egan, I know I drove you

crazy and you wanted me out of your class, but thank you for tol-erating me.

Mr. Greco, I am going to miss you. Thank you for all your jokes and your patience with me, for help-ing me out and teaching me Italian.

Mrs. Dunne, I adored your class and I enjoyed your sarcasm. I loved learning with you.

Mr. Amdouni is a teacher who helped me until I understood math. I will miss your class.

Last, but not least, thank you Mr. David Gonzalez for teaching me how to love history. It was a class I never liked to be in, but this year I learned because of you.

Over all, thank you for having me in your class and I promise to visit. I appreciate every teacher I had that took the time out of their day to help others and myself learn. Thank you once again. •

Jennifer Padilla to Ms. Egan, Mr. Greco, Ms. Dunne and Mr. Amdouni

Dear Mr. Powell, You’re the best counselor out

there. You have helped me through so much that I never knew I could get help with. You’re my motiva-tion to keep moving up in life and become a counselor myself. I ap-preciate you and our talks and I’m sure going to miss you so much. I’ll visit of course. We Cancers have to stick together.

Thank you so much for showing me more to the world than I knew about. Thank you for opening up my mind even broader. You’re a very intelligent human being, and I’m so proud of you as well for being here every day helping all of us through a different struggle.

Dear Ms. Russo, Thanks for having an attitude

that drives me insane. Thanks for giving me random attitude and smart remarks. This senior year wouldn’t have been anything with-out you, and having you as a teacher? It taught me how to not care about what anyone thinks and to stand my ground.

You’re a great teacher. Thanks for being something different and show-ing us your true colors.

Dear Mr. Foster, You’re such a wise man; it’s in-

sane. You go beyond the limits. I know we didn’t have division much this year, but when we did our con-versations were phenomenal and opened up my mind as well. Thank you for being you and knowing so much and passing it on to others.

Dear Ms. Stuber, Thank you for being a great per-

son in general and dealing with my weird remarks junior year when I first started coming to Steinmetz. Thank you for being there for me in a hard time in my life. I never thought I could open up so much to a stranger at that moment. You were the best stranger ever. Thank you for teaching me so much about English, too beneficial. You’re great and I just wanted to leave this here for you.

Dear Ms. Egan, You’re the bomb. You tolerated

me at my worst, man. You’re the definition of a strong woman. You’re outgoing and so weird it’s unexplain-able. Just keeping it short and sweet, thank you. •

Teresa Rodriguez to Mr. Powell, Ms. Russo, Mr. Foster, Ms. Stuber, Ms. Egan

Have fun and stay safe,

graduates


Star Class of 2015 17

Meeting our freshman year has brought us closer and closer. We have had our moments, but learned to overcome them together. Now as gradu-ation gets closer we slowly say good-bye. As we grow up we realize it is less important to have lots of friends, and more important to have real ones. Class of 2015! •

This goes out to my girls who have been there for me from the very beginning.

Special shout out to one of the girls who I literally consider my best friend more like a sister Sayra Dircio. I love you Sayra! F

From the very first day of fresh-man connection we got close (7’6’11). Time literally flew by, but we managed to make these years’ worth it! It brings back so many wonderful memories. Thanks for always being there for me, for always listening to me, for welcoming me to your house every time, for telling me to choose what was best for me every time. You know you are very, very special to me! Where would I be without you?

Years will come and we will still be best friends! You are a part of me! You’re smart, beautiful, friend-ly, humble and a great cook! I am blessed to have someone like you be part of my life! Te quiero best friend! I’ll always be here for you whenever you need anything. May God bless you and your family.

Also, to my girls, Jennifer, who I met freshman year, and Carmen, we go back to elementary school, and Itzel, who I just met this year. I wish you ladies nothing but the best in these upcoming years! I know you guys will be successful in anything you set your minds to. I love you girls and I know we will keep talking to each other after the years pass.

Always remember to stay focused on the right path and many blessings will come your way. You ladies are all very smart and beautiful. Thanks for always being my friends and for this amazing adventure through high school, I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Also, to some old friends who I considered best friends back to 7th grade. Sinclair, you know I’ll always be a phone call away. I’ll be there whenever you need a friend to talk to. I always try catching up with you when I see you. You always seem to know how to stay focused and with a positive attitude always. That beautiful smile of yours, girl. You’re so determined on what you want in your life and I admire you for all the things you been through and always staying strong! You know you can count on me with anything just ask. Wish you nothing but the best in your future love.

And to a gorgeous girl I met back in 8th grade – Maria! Sadly we went our own ways in high school but I still consider you a friend. I still remember all those times back In 8th grade. You have always been so friendly and thoughtful of others. I wish you the best. Good luck in

My best memory would be meeting Yesenia. She has been such a good friend since freshmen year, until we had our downfall, but got back at being good friends junior year. It might have been a while before we start talking, but that doesn’t matter as long as our friendship is strong.

We had our good moments this year and I’m just glad to go to col-lege with such an amazing person I can truly call my best friend.

Elsie Ocegueda •

My one true best memory that I will never forget would be meet-ing my boyfriend Eldin. I can still remember the first time I saw him at lunch and we started talking. Since then we became close friends and it escalated into something more special.

I have the best time with him, with a person who makes me smile every minute of every day. He’s been there through my worst times and struggles and hasn’t given up on me. I look up for him since he helps me find myself on the worst days and just puts a smile on my face when I feel down.

He’s such an amazing person I truly love and can count on every little thing. I love him for who he is. He’s my best friend and I know I can trust him with anything and go directly to him when I need help.

He’s the best and I’m glad to say he’s my boyfriend!

Elsie Ocegueda •

Jessica Fajardo

college and all your future plans. I know you will get very far with anything you set your mind to.

Congratulations to you girls for making it this far, love you ladies. Keep being as wonderful as you always been. We made it! Class of 2015!

Your friend, Jessica Fajardo •

Elsie Ocegueda Isabel Alfaro

I want to give a shout out to my best friends Trae and Raul. One of the best memories I have had during my high school years is every day I am with these dorks. They mean so much to me and I don’t know what I would do without them. I just can’t imagine how my life would be if I never met them. We’re like the Three Muske-teers; we’re inseparable. Throughout high school, I’ve gained and lost a lot of friends, but these two stuck around me.

I want to give a shout out to my amazing boyfriend Cristopher Ri-vera. Thank you for sticking around me and being always there for me. Thank you for dealing with all my flaws. I’m sorry most of the time I’m such a pain, but then again no one is perfect.

I just want you to know make me the happiest girl in the world. I am glad you came into my life. I will

Ameerae Lunjas

I will miss you both so much, Trae and Raul, when you guys leave for California. Even though both of you will be miles away from me, we’re still going to be best friends no matter what.

I love you guys. I hope we’re still going to be this close even when high school is over. I will never forget all the things we did together, our stupid little fights, our inside jokes, and most importantly you guys.

Just be there for me on graduation because I will be bawling my eyes out.Ameerae Lunjas •

To Cristopher

never forget all the memories we had together in high school and everything we have been through. You are one of the people who have made my high school years memorable.

Two years and seven months of being together and guaranteed more to come. Now we’re finally graduating, and even though we’re taking different paths, that will not break us apart. Don’t ever forget that. I love you to the moon and back.

Ameerae Rose Lunjas • Desiree Reyes

Christian Torres

Shout out to Jocelyn, Jasmin, Francisco, Carmen, Edwardo, Regi-na, Christina, Taliyah, and Joslyn for being the bomb.com in 7th period.

Shout out to Matias and Dezarae for being the greatest best friends a person could ever ask for.

Love y’all! •

Steinmetz has brought me so much hap-piness and experience. I was able to meet so many great teachers and made new friends. Of course, with a lot of support, I was able to strengthen myself to focus on my future. My best time at Steinmetz was attending fresh-man connection and was able to have a great time in the summer before entering school. I really appreciate the support; it really means so much to me.

Alondra Rebollar •

Alondra Rebollar Andrea Garcia

Shout out to myself because I never gave up. •


Star Class of 201518

Dear Ms. Espinosa,I’m happy that you were my

teacher this year. I enjoyed each les-son you taught. As my role model, you inspired me to dream and to work and to reach my goals. With your kindness you got my atten-tion; everyday you planted a seed of curiosity and motivation in me that inspired me to grow and succeed. You helped me fulfill my potential. I’m really thankful for all that you’ve done. I admire you, and I just want to say that as a teacher, you are num-ber one.

Jhoan RecaldeDear Ms. Scolire,You empowered us with the

power of knowledge. You motivated us with the best guardianship. You helped us move ahead with unend-ing motivation. As a leader and a human being, you are a true inspi-ration. Although I have not said this to you aloud, you have made a beautiful impact in my life without a doubt. I just want to say thank you for having a kind demeanor and the biggest of hearts. Love you and I’ll never forget you. I promise to come back and visit you.

JhoanRecalde •

Isabel Rios Josh Medrano to instructors

Patricia and Aleida

Maria Samano to friends and teachers

I would like to give a shout-out to all of the JROTC instructors. Ever since freshman year they have helped guide me to stay on the right path. They taught me many things to carry on past high school.

Joshua Medrano •

My family and boyfriend, Brandon, have been the ones who pushed me to do my best, and I don’t know what I would have done without them. Most people say that high school is the worst experience, but I loved all four years of it.

I met my boyfriend and made lifetime friends freshman year. I’m going to miss all of my friends, but especially Jackie, Li, Luis, Kat and Carlos. You guys are friends I hope to have in my life long after high school, and I could not be more thankful to have gotten so close to you all. High school is not the end for me.

Isabel Rios •

I want to give a shout to my friends especially Desiree, Jasmin, Regina, Francisco, Jocelyn, Sayra, Jessica F., Lucy, Nicole, Jennifer, and Jessica Z.

I want to thank all my teachers that I had throughout the three years I have been here at Steinmetz. Especially Ms. Dunne, Mr. Pereyra, and Ms. Gleeson. They are the best of all and I’m thankful for their help as well as their support.

The best memory would be the one when we went to a field trip to Starved Rock State Park. It was the best field trip ever.

Maria Samano •

One of our favorite moments of senior year was the Homecom-ing game.

Patricia and Aleida •

Raul Ceja

Shout out to all my teachers that helped me through high school, my friends who were by my side, and to everybody that made this adven-ture fun.

Raul Ceja •

Vanessa Villarreal

I want to give a shout out to my amazing squad – Jasmin, Jenni, and Corona. You guys were honestly the best thing that happened to me in Steinmetz. All the memories and the fun times will forever be in my heart. I know we will stay in touch after graduation. I love you guys so much.

Vanessa Villarreal •

I would like to give a shout out to Jocy for always being there for me since freshmen year. She was the first friend I made at Steinmetz. As our high school years passed, we grew up together like sisters. Thank you for everything and I love you.

Love, Yali •

Yali

While I have admired your ser-vice to the school and hard work all year, my favorite memory of you will always be your comment after you shadowed the student board member at the Board of Education meeting.

When I asked you if you saw my husband, who covers the board meetings for our newspaper Sub-stance, you said, “Yes, he was ador-able.”

Thanks for giving all of us in the Schmidt home big smiles for that!

Sharon Schmidt•

To Emily SantiagoTo teachers from Jhoan Recalde

To teachers from Leandro Marquez

I would like to give a shout out to Ms. E for always getting us food when we were hungry and thank you for always being there.

A shout out to Mr. Edwards, for teaching me everything that I know to pursue my career and become suc-cessful.

Leandro Marquez•

To counselor from Maria Hernandez

Shoutout to Ms. Dejesus!She’s been a great counselor. She

has been there to help me in personal situations and also to get back on track. If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t be graduating on stage. She’s the best.

Maria Hernandez •

To team and coach from Jocelyne Segovia

Shout out to my teachers I’ve had these past years, for always pushing me to do my best.

Shout out to Mr. Pereyra, both my cross country and track coach. To my teammates, thank you for being there for me. You girls are the best and I love you. I always looked forward to after school, working out with you all and making memories outside of practice.

Shout out to my three main friends –Yalitza Jimenez, Evelyn Pa-dilla and Edwardo Gonzalez. Thank you for never leaving my side, I see us still being best friends after high school and wherever our future de-cides to take us.

Lastly, shout out to the entire class of 2015! Jocelyne Segovia•

Francisco SandovalTo friends and teacher from Jasmin Griffin

Juan Rodriguez

The activities I looked most for-ward to were the Senior Lock In and the trip to Starved Rock because they were activities that seemed the most fun and something new to me. Vol-leyball was also another activity I looked forward to and it’s a sport that really relieves my mind.

Francisco Sandoval •

I remember my freshman year when I joined the Steinmetz cheer-leading team. I was so happy as a freshman to be a part of something big and to be noticed. I also liked when the gym class would get in the pool for a grade. I will miss the flaming hot Fridays.

I want to shout out to Mr. Am-douni, for being the best math teacher I had my whole four years at Steinmentz.

Jasmin Griffin •I thank Alisson Castellanos for being there for me and encouraging me to do my best.

Juan Rodriguez •

I had an interesting four years here, but I am glad they’re coming to an end. I’m going to a great college and I am excited to leave Steinmetz and start the next chapter of my life.

Haley Rosch •

Haley Rosch

“There’s only one rule...damn it, you’ve got be kind.” – Kurt Vonnegut


Star Class of 2015 19

My favorite memory was when I became a senior. Since freshman year I was looking forward to be-coming a senior, also because my junior year I dropped out of school and was never planning to come back.

In my freshman and sophomore year I was in the MYP program. I re-ally enjoyed my time there because I met a lot of great people.

Next year I am planning to go to Wright College. I want to shout out my friends Jaime Bello, Ignacio Martinez, Christian Baylon, Chris-tian Corona, Leandro Marquez and Przemek Stasik.

Diego Garcia •

My future plans are going to Northeastern University and to keep on working at the same piz-zeria I’m working at now. I hope to study law and become a lawyer. I can’t wait to see Jaime and walk holding hands throughout campus!

Christian Corona

Lucy Tolayo

I love you

Regina Baggett to teachers

Thanks for the good times! Arely Morales •

Arely Morales

Victoria Renteria to teachersI have gone through a lot of

changes in my four years at Stein-metz. I’ve had best friends who have been there for me and I’m grateful for them – Sandra Morales, Lesly Popoca (left), Taliyah Wilbourn, Alondra Silva and many others.

With my transition, I may have some criticisms and problems, but now I’m happy with my four-year long roller coaster ride.

I can count on many teachers like Mrs. Scolire, Ms. Egan, Ms. Rivera, and especially Ms. Zaluba. Thanks for the best four years of my life. It was a fun roller coaster ride.

Victoria Renteria •

I have so many memories at Steinmetz but my favorite was meet-ing Elsie and Luis Ortega. Elsie was the first girl I met freshman year. We have a bad history but we became so close senior year. I really don’t know what life would be without her being a part of it. She’s my best friend and I will regret losing her. I can’t wait to spend another two years in school with Elsie. I love you, El-sie. Thanks for everything you have done for me.

Luis Ortega is also my best friend. I’ve known Luis forever but junior year was when we became close. I really don’t know what I would do without him being a part of my life. I’ll regret losing him. Ever since last year he changed my life for the better and I thank him for that. He changed my life and I

changed his. God brought us close and knew we would become weird/awesome best friends. I don’t know how to explain our friendship. Well that’s how we know our friendship is special. I love you, Luis! I hope you succeed in life soon.

My future plans after graduation are to continue going to school. I’m going to Robert Morris University Chicago to get my associate’s degree in surgical tech. I’m hoping to finish in two years and get a job right away. I know I will accomplish my goals in the future.

I’m really going to miss Stein-metz especially the friends I made freshman year. I hope everybody succeeds in life. Good luck in the future.

Yesenia Segoviano •

Yesenia Segoviano

I want to shout out and thank Ms. Dunne, Ms. Egan, Ms. Stuber, Ms. Walsh, Ms. Sullivan, Ms. S., Ms. Lydon, and Ms. Johnson for always supporting me and helping to enhance my knowledge. I want to give a special thank to Ms. Rivera for being a good listener.

Regina Baggett •

Diego Garcia

Christian Corona

Giovanni Cadena

Yolanda Salazar

Jasmin Sanchez Harrison Hardy

Ignacio Martinez

My favorite memories during my senior year were all the senior events.

I would like to give a shout out to all my senior teachers for helping me get through this year.

I would like to give a shout out to Desiree, Jaritza, Jocelyne, Carmen, Nayeli, Lucy, Maria and Edmund for being great friends!

Jasmin Sanchez •

I would like to give a shout out to Charle Arrieta. He’s been my bro since elementary school till now. We’ve had each other’s backs throughout the high school years and I’m finally glad to see us gradu-ate and head on toward the future.

Harrison Hardy •My favorite memory form Stein-

metz was when Tello was dying of laughter because we made him laugh when he was drinking water and everything spilled on the floor and on himself in class.

Ignacio Martinez •

I want to give a shout out to Gisselle Soto for being there for me and always giving me good advice. And she has been a really great friend and I’m so happy we’ve gotten so close.

Yolanda Salazar •

My greatest memories are of the people I have met through these four years of high school. It was great meeting everyone, from teachers to fellow students and other faculty members. I have made great friends like Jose Maceda, Justin Fernandez, Tatiana Matias, Francisco Villanueva and more. It was great meeting ev-eryone and I hope it won’t be the last time I see them.

Giovanni Cadena •Jaime Bello

Oscar BeltranMy future plan is that I want to

be an accountant or I want to be a high school math teacher because I have always liked math.

Oscar Beltran •

My favorite memory during these four years of high school was meeting all my friends. Now that I know them I know that they are there for me, and I am there for them as well.

Jaime Bello •Tania Bueno

I am so happy to graduate and start my own life in college spe-cially to start my Medical Assis-tant Career at Lincoln College of Technology.

Tania Bueno •

This was a great year at Stein-metz. We had a bunch of fun end-ing with the lock in, luncheon, and stink bombs in the hallway.

Juan Ramirez •

Juan Ramirez

Enjoy even more stories and photos:www.steinmetzstar.com


By Alejandro Hernandez

They say good things happen to those who wait. That certainly is the case with the Mad Max film franchise, which just

released its fourth installment 30 years after the third.

Mad Max it is a post-apocalyptic, action film series from the early 80’s that takes place in Australia, and it made the now controver-sial Mel Gibson into a star. The basic story behind the series is that Max Rockatansky was a highway cop in a violent near-future, and he did his job better than anyone else, until one day he failed to protect those closest to him. He now roams the abysmal Wasteland with nothing to lose, struggling to keep the pieces of his sanity together, while also running into people in need of his help.

It is not necessary to watch the original three movies before watching “Fury Road,” since it isn’t like today’s movie franchises, which are basically all connected via one big, convoluted storyline that you must keep up with in order to know what’s going on (I’m looking at you, Marvel Cinematic Universe). However, I rec-ommend you watch the original when given the opportunity, not only because you will gain better understanding of how the titular character develops from perfectly sane to mad, but also because the original movies are just plain awesome.

The only piece of background knowledge you should know is that modified automobiles are not just the main means of transporta-tion, but they are also pure death machines. The movie begins with a fast pace as a bunch of chalk white, deranged war boys chase and kidnap Max in order to use him as a human blood bag because of Max’s universal donor status. Max is taken captive in a place called Citadel, ruled by a tyrant named Immortan Joe (played menacingly by Hugh Keays-Byme), and it is clear he has his people in the palms of his hands merely because of his access to water, which is sparse.

Joe sends an oil rig and a small crew of his war boys to get resources from neighboring civilizations, and the crew is led by Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). Furiosa decides to take a detour, causing Joe to send an army after the rig. The only reason Max gets dragged along is because one of the war boys needs a blood transfusion, so Max is literally chained to the hood of a car with a catheter tube connecting him to the war boy, who is driving. In an insane sequence of events that would kill an ordinary man, Max finds himself assisting Furiosa ac-complish her mission of saving herself and Joe’s wives (basically his sex slaves) by going to a place called the Green Place, which is supposed to be one of the last remaining oases in the Wasteland.

The movie is basically one giant, action-packed chase scene, and I mean that in the best way possible. It is epic, it is violent, and it is beautiful. One of the best parts about the film is that what you see is what you get. According to IMDb, 80 percent of the movie involved practical effects, meaning that a lot the explo-sions and death-defying stunts were real.

One scene in particular features Max’s head barely hovering above the ground while he

Pro-feminist, non-stop action Fury Road is a must see movie

Star Arts & EntertainmentJay Z rap shows racist double standardBy Matais Kirk

King Hov spit an epic freestyle depicting the

things he sees wrong with the music industry and how race plays an important key by not giving artists their props and not paying them the way they should be paid on his Tidal concert on May 16.

The freestyle was rooted with the new re-lease Tidal, a new music and video streaming service created by Jay. It costs $9.99 or $19.99 a month. This system differs from Pandora and Spotify in that the revenue goes back to the artist.

Now, what could be the problem with Jay’s latest project? People are saying that he’s already rich, why go make another thing to pump more money into his account.

Jay responds by saying, You bought nine iPhones and Steve Jobs is rich, Phil Knight’s worth trillions, you still bought those kicks, Spotify’s nine billion and they ain’t say sh**.

He also attacks Youtube saying that they only pay artists one tenth of what they are supposed to get.

Jay believes that the only reason

why he isn’t getting instant respect is because of the color of his skin. He goes on to say: Lucyyy you got some splainin’ to doThe only one they hatin’ on look the same as you.“You know n*ggas died for equal pay, right? You know when I work I ain’t your slave, right? You know I ain’t shucking and jivin’ and high fivin’ You know this ain’t back in the days, right? But I can’t tell by the way they kill Freddie Gray rightShot down Mike Brown like the way they did Tray, right? Let ’em continue chokin’ n*ggas , we gon’ turn style I ain’t your token n*gga”

Jay Z makes a point in this poetic, race related rant.•

20

hanging from the side of a speeding oil rig. Most filmmakers wouldn’t even think about their star lead in that much danger, thus using green screen. Director George Miller, who has been making movies well before the time of special effects, figures if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So Tom Hardy literally puts his head on the line for that specific scene. CGI was used mainly to polish some parts of the movie and make the set larger than what it really is, and for Furiosa’s robotic prosthetic arm.

Another thing that separates “Fury Road”

from the rest of today’s action movies is that it isn’t some dumb action movie that just looks for any excuse of violence. There is an actual story behind it, and it features some heavy themes. One of the themes of course is redemption for Max, trying make up for his fatal mistakes. The huge one in the movie though, is female empowerment. Yes, you read that right. The latest installment of the Mad Max franchise, considered to be one of the great manly action film series, is extremely pro-feminist. Who says both genders can’t play on a level playing field?

The title says it’s Mad Max’s movie, and Tom Hardy headlines it, but Charlize Ther-on’s Imperator Furiosa is the driving force of the movie. Furiosa’s plan would probably fail without Max’s help, but Max would likely die without her saving his head. Max is a quiet man, speaking only when absolutely necessary. So Furiosa does most of the talking and planning, forcing Max to figuratively and literally take the backseat to her because the oil rig can’t move unless she is driving it. Theron plays a strong female lead who doesn’t take crap from anyone,

even when her life is in danger. Fury Road is one of the few action mov-

ies where women are treated as actual heroes instead of damsels in distress/sexual viewing objects (I’m looking at you, Michael Bay).

Mad Max: Fury Road is a movie worth its price of admission. It is a unique viewing ex-perience. It isn’t just a fun action flick, it is a great film, period. One of the taglines for the movie is “What a Lovely Day.” Finding the time to watch this movie would certainly make it a lovely day, indeed. •

Fetty Wap is coming upBy Joslyn Hermosillo

Coming in as a new artist in

2014,Fetty Wap made his way to the top with his new single, one of the hot-test singles out this spring, “Trap Queen.”

While some artists have to work for many years just to have a decent hit, Fetty had a different outcome. Fetty Wap has only been rapping for two years. He just started music pe-riod and already has great songs out that come close to “Trap Queen,” for example “RGF ISLAND,” “My Way” and “Mine Again.”

“As soon as I heard the beat, en-

ergy and feel to his first song I knew everyone was going to love it,” senior Natalia Soto said. “I instantly knew he was going to go far.”

Already Fetty Wap has partici-pated in the MTV Music Awards doing a collaboration with Fall Out Boy. And Kanye West has brought him on stage to perform.

As his career and reputation con-tinue to go far, Fetty Wap does not plan to slow down anytime soon. •


In an exhibit that featured the work of talented artists under the age of 21, senior Cintia Garcia’s work stood out as the largest and most joyful. Her giant sculpture suggests

a message of innocence and inoculation from society’s “Mil-lion Diseases.”

The 21 Minus exhibit took place at the Museum of Con-temporary Art on May 30. Visitors saw Cintia’s work as they entered the atrium, the busiest part of the museum.

“‘A Million Diseases’ is an impressive icon and fun ritual interaction that will infuse 21 Minus with an awareness of the issues that plague our society in a playful, unexpected way,” stated the explanation Cintia generated in collaboration with the 21 Minus organizers.

Visitors touched Cintia’s 10-foot baby, and held her life-size babies, took pictures, and asked questions. Some people wanted to hear her explain the “Million Diseases” project, and learn about Cintia’s ideas of social ills and how reconnecting with our inner innocence is a way to cure ourselves of disease.

Cintia and her friends, who wore physician’s lab coats, passed out colorful bandages for an interactive experience of healing.

Hundreds of visitors delighted in the sculpture, touching it and posing by for pictures. Visitors also played with the smaller babies, which, just like real babies, delighted and inspired.

Many Steinmetz students, administrators and staff visited the exhibit, including teacher Molly Gleeson, who had helped Cintia figure out the proportions of the sculpture.

For two months, Cintia, her friends and teacher Roseann

Cintia Garcia’s work “A Million Diseases” in 21 Minus exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Remah Abuhashish, Karla Colula, artist Cintia Garcia, and Ariana Colula helped visitors who wanted to interact with the giant baby and the smaller babies. Giovanni Landa (below) also spent the day at the exhibit.

Art teacher Roseann Mark and Cintia Garcia spoke to the many Steinmetzstaff members and many other museum guests who visited the exhibit.

Star Arts & Entertainment 21

Mark buidt the 10-foot baby, made of paper mache on the inside and covered with more than 350 rolls of packing tape.

Cintia had worked with her theme of “A Million Diseases” for more than a year before her creativity was discovered by the Teen Creative Agency that sponsors the 21 Minus exhibit.

Cintia had created clear, life size, scotch tape babies to rep-resent the innocent, unaffected by society’s diseases.

“I use found objects, such as old toys and empty paint buckets to give each sculpture its own spirituality, form and focus,” she said in an artist’s statement (April-May 2015 Steinmetz Star).

Eighteen images, showing Cintia’s exploration of her theme, are available on the Star website: www.steinmetzstar.com. Search under Arts & Entertainment or Cintia’s name. •

Star SportsVarsity softball has winning season; JV makes a turnaround mid seasonBy Kimberly Degante

Varsity softball finished the conference season with a win-loss record of 10 - 4.

The Streaks overall record was 12 - 6. Coach Robin Russo awarded the following players honors:

Rachael Feazelle - MVPKiana Robinson - Best Offensive

Player Amanda Pagan - Best Defensive

Player Abrianna Martinez - Rookie of

the Year JV lost the first four games in a

row, then started to win the next games to finally end the season with a record of 4 wins, 6 losses.

For the first time in ten years of coaching at Steinmetz, Marie Chap-arro gave out three MYP awards:

Brianne Marcisz (pitcher)Jalia Cruz (catcher) Erica Toro (2nd baseman) During

the season she hit two grand slams

and three additional homeruns. Best Defensive player went to Jaz-

min Rodriquez (shortstop). The Star interviewed JV captain

and MVP Erica Toro. What were your troubles in the

beginning of the season? I think it was trying to get used

to the routine of late nights, going home with so much homework to do and activities at school.

What can you say about the team where we stand now?

The team was new to the sport. We needed a lot of practice on ev-erything: throwing, fielding, batting,

base running. But we improved at each and every practice and game.

What’s it like to win? It feels great to win. In the begin-

ning we lost a couple games and it was frustrating, but we kept on going. All we needed was the one game that would change our perspective. Once we got it, we got so much better and started enjoying the game.

What made you push yourself to the limit to do your best?

I love the game, as well as my team. I give my all to set an example, that if we do our best it will reflect on us.

Best part about this season?Hitting my first grand slam. And

not only that it was two. •

Kiana Robinson Erica Toro Jalia Cruz

Fetty Wap is coming up


By Yadira Abarca

Playing in the premier division for the first time, the Streaks faced the toughest schools in Chicago. It took courage to go up against powerhouse teams like Whitney Young and Lane Tech, but the girls pushed themselves and their

efforts showed.Three players, pictured on right, were recognized on our team. Gabriela Caudel

and Ana Rodriguez won All-Conference form the top conference in the city. Yadira Abarca won 2nd Team All-City and All-Sectional for State.

Every game was played with dedication and hard work. Thanks to Coach NICO Kotcherha for giving the team the motivation that we needed. Throughout this season, the girls learned to keep on playing and not give up. •

We made the best memories on the soccer field. I absolutely loved being part of the Steinmetz’s varsity soccer team for my four years of high school.

I love all my coaches and thank you for believing in me and always being so encouraging, Ms.Barnes, Mr.Lichaj, Mr.Kotcherha, and Mr.Haskens.

I also want to tell Kimberly Monterroso that I love her and thank you for being there for my

through the hardest time of my life. I’m going to miss you so much.

Also, thank you to all my teachers for always making us work hard. It was stressful and even though my classmates could be annoying, I wouldn’t have trade my IB class for anything else.

Big shout out to Jalan Veal, my baby. I love you! Yadira Abarca •

Football team’s top players sign

Star Sports22

Best wishes to all my senior students, and special shout outs to my senior boys basketball players who I’ve had the privilege of coaching: Matt Rivera, Ray McBride, Darvell Lindsey, CJ Dukes, Juan Sanchez, Chris Robinson, and Manny Chavez.

You all were major parts of us winning our fourth conference championship in the past nine seasons, and for the most part have

exhibited great character and good decision making.

There are a couple of you that need a little work in that area but otherwise have good hearts, so I’m sure you will make the entire Steinmetz community proud in the years to come.

Coach Brad Dowling •

I want to give a big shout to my soccer team. We had an amazing season, and although we didn’t have the chance to win many games as we would’ve want to, we never gave up, we got it together and always gave our best in the field.

Also, big shout out to our amazing coaches Kotcherha and Hasken. They pushed us to our lim-its, and motivated us to always think we’re better at whatever we’re doing.

Heilly DeJesus •

Best wishes from Coach Dowling to 7 senior basketball players

Diego Hernandez led the 2014 Silver Streaks in receptions and receiving yards. Jefferson Paz was the leader for the 2014 Silver Streaks. He played multiple positions well. He was an all conference selection.

Coaches Tim McNulty and Garry Frank pose with the seniors as they sign letters to play football at North Park College •

Players showed courage against the best teams in city

Seniors Diego Hernandez and Jefferson PazCoaches Tim McNulty and Garry Frank

CJ Dukes, Matt Rivera, Ray McBride

Gabriela Caudel (left), Ana Rodriguez (right): All ConferenceYadira Abarca (middle): 2nd Team All-City, All-Sectional in State


Star Sports 23

Surprise, volleyball-themed promposal energizes players for last match

Outstanding athletes on track and field team honoredBy Abel Pererya, coach

We bid farewell to 15 senior athletes including our amazing captains Jaritza Delgado, Arely Morales,

and Diana Herrera at the girls track and field team banquet on June 2.

We honored our first ever, three-time most valuable athlete, Cintia Garcia, in a ceremony filled with heartfelt moments.

It was one of our largest, most enthusiastic groups in years with more than 60 people present, which made for a brilliant, albeit emotional, evening.

We are incredibly grateful to the many athlete family members who were on hand for the occasion. 2015 Varsity awards:Most Valuable- Cintia GarciaMost Improved- Jenny GonzalezBest New Athlete- Elizabeth RamirezMost Dedicated- Diana Herrera2015 Junior Varsity awards:Most Valuable Athlete- Maria FigueroaMost Improved Athlete- Areion SmithBest New Athlete- Jahira DamianMost Dedicated Athlete- Leticia Perez•

Strongest water polo team school’s had

Continued from Page 24Paris was waiting outside with a bouquet

of roses in his hand on the front campus while other students helped by holding a poster that was about 5-yards long.

“As I was waiting for her to come out, I was nervous but happy at the same time,” he said.

Paris came from behind Melissa, who was walking down the stairs and surprised her with-out her knowing he was even there.

“I was really shocked,” Melissa said.

“I was not expecting it at all because I was just trying to find Tamaya since she called me down. Then I saw the poster. Then that’s when Paris came out and I was really surprised and happy. I can’t believe he did all that for me and I just love that he did that.”

The promposal video is on Youtube titled Steinmetz Highschool Promposal 2015| Melissa & Paris. Check it out.

With all the excitement piled up from the promposal, the adrenaline was sky high for the game.

During the game, fans and players could feel the tension on the court. Both teams were handling the ball aggressively wanting to des-perately win to have the title and bragging rights of defeating one another.

The teams played three sets in the match. In the end, the boys defeated the girls. “We are just faster and taller,” Miguel said. “Skill-wise we were right there with them.”

Captain of the girls varsity volleyball team, Adrianna Latuszek, gave her last words for both teams:

“I was glad to go against the boys volleyball team again, but I was much more glad to play with my girls for the last time. I will miss vol-leyball with my team, but I will still cheer for them. As for the boys, I congratulate them on a successful season, and wish them the best next year, whether in college or at Steinmetz.”

Volleyball has become a part of their lives and made them closer. The memories they made with each other will stay forever and never be forgotten.

Good luck to all the seniors.•

Continued from Page 24Aaron, also a sophomore, transferred

from Florida. Coach Bagdonas put him as a thrower, despite Aaron never throwing prior to this year. He started late because of his transfer papers, but by the end he was hitting north of 40 ft. in shot put, impressive for a lot of upper classmen, and more than 120 ft. in discus, putting him in range of the school record.

Coach Bagdonas is looking forward to next year, believing that that team will perform much better overall.

“Next year, I think we finish in the top 10, if not the top 5,” he said.

“Coach Gonzalez will have more expe-rience so he can help the throwers more. It all just depends on the commitment of student-athletes.”Varsity AwardsDamion Brown-Mr. Track and Field, Lenner Brown - Outstanding in Track Events, Aaron Austin - Outstanding in Field Events, Raul Costilla - Distance Award, Mr. Steady. •

Boys track team plans for next year

Healthy choices result in big weight loss

By Rosemary McGurn

Sophomore Kejuan Carter made an amazing accom-plishment this past year after

deciding last year he needed to make a change.

By reducing his serving sizes and exercising more he has been able to lose 120 pounds. He said he cut down on his proportions by using smaller plates and bowls. He increased his workouts to 30-40 minutes of cardio with the rest weight lifting.

“When I went to football try-outs this spring I noticed a differ-ence right away,” Kejuan said. “I had more wind.”

He plays offensive guard and defensive tackle for the Steinmetz Streaks football team.

Kejuan said he hopes to inspire the rest of his family to follow his new habits.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing and I’m looking forward to working with him this summer,” said his dad, secu-rity guard Greg Carter. •

By Gerald Cole, coach

We were excited to have a girls team after several years of try-

ing. They were so dedicated that coaches and officials continually were shocked that we were a first year team.

Vicky and Delanie offered a killer pair who controlled the game and combined to make several scores per game. All the freshmen girls were shocked by the first game, but stayed with it and grew into amazing players.

The boys team was the strongest team this school has ever had. We were short players and this is the only factor that stopped us from having an undefeated season.

John was able to find the openings in each game to score while “Timmy” (Carlos Sanchez) grew into our most powerful defensive player. All the boys showed great dedication and drive.

Coach Sullivan and I hope that we see next year’s teams come in with the same drive and ambition combined with a larger group of players to draw from. Boys varsity awards:

John Boland - Offensive MVP Carlos “Timmy” Sanchez - Defensive MVP Kacper Sip - Most Improved Girls varsity awardsVictoria Jackson - Defensive MVP Delanie Preston - Offensive MVP Katie Marin - Most Improved •Kejuan Carter,#72, before and after losing 120 pounds

John Boland

Class of 2015 track and field team members

Senior Lenner Brown

Melissa and Paris


By Claudette Purisima

The boys volleyball season for varsity and junior varsity finished strong. Five play-ers – Carlos Tello, Edwardo Gonzalez,

Francisco Sandoval, Trae Johnson and Carlos Marquez – will be graduating on June 13 with their heads held high, leaving Steinmetz proud.

With a record of 4-5, the varsity players still had smiles on their faces.

A score doesn’t make a team, skills and quality work does. Francisco Sandoval always drenched with sweat, knows what’s up about quality skills when it comes to the starting six.

The varsity team might have had a couple obstacles along the way but they still pulled through.

Throughout the whole season, Carlos Mar-quez was not able to compete in any of the games due to a leg injury. He might have not

Streaks celebrate excellent season

Star Seniors24

Track team builds for future

Boys v. girls game, a great ending for volleyballUndefeated JV team wins conference

By Angel DeJesus

Just like the season, the base-ball banquet was a success. The team celebrated the

season with a banquet at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. Team success led to a well-earned ban-quet.

Coach Renato Roldan awarded seven players with honors.Cody Torres - Mr. BaseballJordan Gonzalez and Raymond Perez - Rookies of the YearXavier Aguirre - Most Improved Issac Marshall - Cy Young awardBrandon Starbeck - Silver Slugger and MVPJosh Mendrano - Most Dedicated

I’m sending a shout out to all the seniors – Brandon Starbeck, Cody Torres, Josh Medrano, Isaac Marshall, and, of course, me.

Hope all you guys have suc-cessful careers and continue to play.

From Coach RoldanTo the best team I’ve had since

2008...We weren’t built to win the city

championship, much less the state championship ... We’re built for much more than that; we’re built to bring fun back into the game, build relationships and create re-lationships that will last a lifetime.

While we didn’t fulfill all our dreams, we were still able to live that baseball life ... and it doesn’t get much better than that.•

By Alejandro Hernandez

The boys track team was unable to repeat the same success as last year’s team.

“There were some high hopes in beginning,” Coach Paul Bagdonas said. “But there was disappointment in eligi-bility with kids transferring in and kids with potential trying to get their grades up. As a team we could have done a lot better if those student-athletes could have performed.”

For a majority of the meets, the team finished in the middle of the pack, but in a sport where many of the finishes are marginal, eligible student-athletes could have made a positive impact that would have put the team in the top five, and even in first place at some meets.

There wasn’t a lack of trying for those who were eligible, though. In the end, however, it just wasn’t enough.

The season for the most part was viewed as a rebuilding one. The goal is to be more competitive next year. Many

competitors focused on beating their previous personal records instead of trying come in first. Many competitors broke their PRs on a consistent basis.

The development of the weight room also improved, which contrib-uted to the student-athletes improving.

“When guys who come to the weight room start seeing their personal records get broken every week they stay more committed to the team,” Coach Paul Bagdonas said.

“For Varisty City Championship, I was glad guys performed, and hit a lot of PRs,” Coach Bagdonas stated. “For Frosh-Soph, I was impressed by some individual like Damion Brown, and Aaron Austin. In the state meet, Damien and Aaaron performed well and got the team recognized.”

With student-athletes like Damion and Aaron, the future of the team looks quite promising. Damion was a stand-out last year as a freshman, so the team knew what he was capable of coming into this year.

Continued on Page 23

played on the court, but he still came to sup-port his team.

Another mishap during the season was when Carlos Tello broke a part of his glasses as he was playing during a game. With a few bloody scratches near his left eye, this soldier still played.

Junior Miguel Tapia, captain of the var-sity team, supported his team no matter what happens.

“We would always rise to the level of com-petition of other schools that we lost to,” he said. “I was always proud of the team for trying their hardest.”

Senn was the Streaks hardest competition, but everything is tough at the beginning.

“It was our first game,” Miguel said. “We

were all nervous and we didn’t know how each other played yet. We didn’t have good chemis-try at the beginning of the season.”

JV on the other hand, killed the game. Round of applause to an amazing 9-0, unde-feated season.

Captain Luis Fernandez couldn’t ask for anything more.

“Right off the bat I feel accomplished,” he said. “I never thought we would make it this far for the JV team. I did my job being the captain. My duty was to always stay positive. Just another example of how effective teams are when they’re communicating and supporting each other no matter what happens on the court, which is what I’m going to bring to varsity next year.”

Steinmetz’s volleyball varsity team is well taken care of for the future. With a sigh of relief from the seniors knowing that it is in good hands, they will still miss everything about it.

Being one of the best servers on the team, Edwardo Gonzalez, has been a part of the team since freshman year. Finally leaving the team is surreal to him.

“I’m going to miss the fun practices that we all had and being part of an amazing team at this school,” he said.

It was Trae Johnson’s first year playing and he wishes it didn’t have to end so early.

“It was fun and very competitive,” he said. “I always wanted to join volleyball, but I didn’t think I would be good enough for the team. Coach Soratki and all the other members of

the team helped me become a lot better than I thought I could be, and I regret not joining freshman year.”

At the end of the season on May 26, the long awaited girls versus boys volleyball game was on. With the boys having a lot of practice from their season, they were very confident they were going to win. The girls finished competi-tive play in the fall.

But before we go into the game, let’s go into something very sweet and loving first.

As the girls on the varsity volleyball team were changing in the third floor bathroom, two other girls from the team, this reporter and Tamaya Levy, were helping senior Paris Santiago set up a promposal for his girlfriend Melissa Tomayo.

MVP Brandon Starbeck Most Improved Xavier Aguire

JV was 9-0 in regulard season playClass of 2015 volleyball players

Sophomore Aaron AustinJunior Justyn Williams

Continued on Page 23

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