SteinmetzVolume 78, Number 7, Special Senior Issue Star Valedictorians Fanny Reyes and Saul Zamora share #1 spot Congratulations Class of 2013 By Michael Amaya

anny Reyes and Saul Zamora share the prestigious title of valedicto- Frian. They’re extraordinary people, whose motivation and hard work pro- pelled them to the top. Fanny and Saul were part of the In- ternational Baccalaureate (IB) program. Both earned all A’s except a single B dur- ing their four years at Steinmetz. The rigorous coursework of IB is time consuming enough, but Fanny and Saul also participated in sports. Fanny ran track, cross country, and worked out in cardio club. Saul played baseball and softball, and was a member of the swim team. “Sports were a stress relief,” Fanny said. Saul said that the things he learned from competing in sports added to his competitive drive in academics. Not only did competition push them to be number one, but their teachers and parents pushed them to do well in school. Saul attributes his success in part to the promise he made to his father after 8th grade to be the best. Fanny said her parents always wanted her to do her best but never pushed her to be on top of the class. Photo by Kasia by Jalowiec Photo Continued on Page 2 The Top 10 students of the class of 2013: Saul Zamora, Fanny Reyes, Jocelyn Uruchima, Jorge Orduno, Astrid Vargas, Jem Macalisang, Jennifer Czahor, Anna Szczech, Nohemi Colin, Wendy Portillo Be dynamic, eccentric, and Senior class president unconventional — ways to creates legacy dominate your world By Patricia Marie, yearbook staff hen we started school in Septem- By Fanny Reyes ber we all immediately realized Wthings had changed. We had a don’t understand many things — high new principal, a new school name and a new school being one of them. Adults tell us school day. Class president Giselle Jimenez Ithat college is relatively better and I hope wanted the first graduating class of Stein- they’re right. Here’s the thing, it would be metz College Prep to do something big and easy to go on and on in regards to the negative permanent. aspects of the high school experience, but that “I knew Ms. Szulkowski had worked on would take several pages. So the following will a bunch of murals around the building so I be a mixture, always keeping in mind, this spoke to her about designing a mural, maybe is entirely my opinion and you have a right Fanny Reyes using hand prints,” she said. to disagree. However, it is still composed of But then she heard from about another sincere recommendations. idea. Art teacher, yearbook adviser, and se- The ominous air that filled the school had of your actions because it doesn’t matter what nior class officer sponsor Gina Szulkowski repelled any outburst of creativity, for the grade you are in, graduation is just around suggested a different idea. teachers seemed to praise memorization and the corner. The following is a quick list of “I had passed clay totem poles all sum- objectivity. As teenager, one is not necessarily reality busters: mer long on a bike trail near my where I live, the anecdote of either of those things. Any- 1. The whole world is not out to get you. and I had really wanted to have my students Senior class president Giselle Jimenez (in mid- dle) with Tania Jimenez and Norma Preciado time one revealed her true self, that is, showed 2. You’ll never make it on your own. create totems for Steinmetz,” Ms. Szulkowski any sign of spontaneous activity, one was not 3. You don’t have to live life the way other said. “So when Giselle spoke to me about praised. Feeling vexed and apprehensive, one people expect you to. a mural I asked her what she thought of a “It was fun but it was a long process,” chose to limit her impulsive behavior to a 4. Well-rounded may seem overrated, but totem pole instead.” Tiffany Kolodzieji said. minimum, remembering the importance to it still helps. Ms. Szulkowski then wrote an Oppen- It was also heartbreaking for some students fit in with the rest of the rational popula- 5. It’s not enough to have a dream — you heimer Foundation grant to pay for the ma- whose totems broke. tion, which for now is composed of high need to have a plan terials for the totems. Three ceramics classes “I feel like I am a part of the school history school peers. At this point you may feel a bit over- worked on totems. Students had to transform because they will be there for a long time,” See, you wake up one day and you are whelmed or would rather put these ideas on a 10x10 in spheres or cubes in one of three Zurielis Chajon said. a freshman in high school. The next day the back burner. But if you are still reading, themes: nature, Steinmetz or community. We Giselle is proud of how her idea to do you are a sophomore. You turn around and you might as well review these easy steps in learned about how to make the giant cubes or something big worked out. you are junior. You blink — you are a se- order to stay a bit sane and dominate your spheres, how to make them weather proof. , “That is how I wanted everyone to feel,” nior. world. “It was hard because my totem weighed she said. “Like we are a special part of the This is why it is imperative to be conscious Continued on Page 2 like 20 pounds,” Analy Barajas said. school.”• 2 Star Seniors Congratulations to all our graduates! Steinmetz Star

Steinmetz College Prep High School 3030 N. Mobile, Chicago IL 60641 773-534-3030, Star office (x) 25241 Email: [email protected] School website: www.steinmetzac.com (“Steinmetz Newspaper” link)

Principal: Mr. Stephen Ngo

Assistant principals: Mr. Jaime Jaramillo Teacher Rachel Rezny’s daughters with 2013 graduates Kenyatta Duncan, Lucas Uriarte, Saul Zamora, Ilia Tori, Pedro Diaz, Christian Ms. Cheryl Williams Huertas and Aidan Preston Ms. Ruquiyah Rahman-Aquil

Continued from Page 1 tive. I’m proud to have known her and I wish her all the best Star adviser: Ms. Sharon Schmidt In addition to their determination in school and sports, in the future.” both have managed to continue on with side passions. Fanny “Saul’s amazing,” David Henry said. “The most amazing Co-editors in chief: Jennie Czahor and found a love for art this year, winning awards for her work. kid in the building.” Judy Czahor Saul did an internship with Alderman Nicholas Sposato last Confidence and determination radiate from these two summer and worked this year on the weekends. incredible students, who rightfully share the top spot of their Editing Team: Michael Amaya, Moriah Both Saul and Fanny are remembered fondly by their senior class. Belt, Amanda Gidney, Anthony Guerrero, teachers and coaches. Fanny will attend Triton College next year. Saul is going to Katarzyna Jalowiec, Celimar Lopez, “Fanny’s insight and flashes of brilliance never cease to Denison University in Ohio to study biology and chemistry. Rebecca Romanenko amaze me,” Abel Pereyra said. “Fanny’s complex nature is one He plans eventually to go to law school. of her greatest assets as it gives her both depth and perspec- • Journalism class reporters, Room 333 1st period: Michael Amaya, Moriah Belt, Breonn Bland, Makennzee Curran, Jen- nifer Garcia, Lechele Glispie, Arneshia Harris, Serlecia Jones, Anthony Lagunas, Valedictorian is ‘a Valedictorian advises: Elizabeth Martinez, Alejandra Pacheco, Emanuel Pazmino, Phillip Quezada, Abra- living legend’ Expand your mind ham Roa, Heiddy Rodas, Anyssa Rodri- guez, Alan Salazar, Andrea Silva, London By Fanny Reyes Vasquez, Aracely Ventura, Kyle Williams By Renalto Roldan, Continued from Page 1 attendance director 1. You don’t have to fight your 5th period: Steven Abanto, Denzel Brown, own battles alone. Find an adult Taylah Brown, Lexus Castro, La’Keva aul Zamora is you trust and reach out to him Duncan, Jonathan Eustaquio, Brittany that full student or her. Invest in the relationship; Garcia, Iriz Garcia, Amanda Gidney, Vic- Sthat we crave it will be worth it. toria Gonzalez, Esther Grimaldo, Antho- for. He is perfect in 2. Find yourself before others ny Guerrero, Jocelyn Laguer, Lathea Lee, Saul Zamora the classroom, yet try to put a label on you. This Matthew Maggit, Dominic Masciopinto, he is humbled by his label could come from all sources Fanny Reyes Nakita Mccaa, Ivelise Mercado, Norjoria failures. But most importantly, he has the conscious — from a parent who wants you Pratt, Ricky Rico, Brandon Robinson, to care for those around him. to be the best in everything you do to a ‘friend’ who manipulates Govani Rosales, Daniela Vargas, Esther Saul finishes his high school career with an impec- you into doing things you wouldn’t normally do. Instead, find out Velazquez cable 5.28 GPA, a full ride to the prestigious Denison what makes you unique, find out what you love, and don’t settle University in Ohio, and the insurmountable accom- while you’re also finding out what you are good at. This way you 8th period: Selene Acosta, Brenda plishment of perfect attendance for his entire school will find out who you are before someone decides your future, (as Blanco, Norma Carrillo, Katie Christ, career. cliché as it may sound). David Cruz, Judith Czahor, Luis Diaz, Yet, he knows he’s not perfect. His dreams of base- 3. Going back to your identity, if you are still unable to clearly Jackueline Flores, Estefani Garcia, Julian ball championships and accolades were humbled by see who you are, you still have a way to go. But during your journey Hemingway, Katarzyna Jalowiec, Celimar the very reality of the game: You win some, you lose you have the opportunity to surround yourself with all kinds of Lopez, Luis Lopez, Erik Martinez, Jose some. In our case, we lost a lot. Yet he was able to ex- endless opportunities. Be well rounded. But don’t only do things Martinez, Lisette Mendez, Cathy Meraz, tract life-long lessons from these losses: Never give up, that will look good on a college application, do something that you Leticia Mombela, Lissette Monterroso, Ja- realizing your best might not always be good enough. enjoy and that way it will resonate with you. Colleges can sniff out mie Muro, Nathalie Ortiz, Jesus Ramirez, Everybody might be created equal, but some are more if the activity is superficial. You might as well like what you do. Julian Rice, Sergio Rodriguez, Rebecca equal than others. 4. I’m writing way too much at this point. But if you’re still Romanenko, Johann Sanchez, Anthony Saul’s real intelligence was birthed when he noticed reading — great. At this point your plan may be as vague as the Shanks, Vanessa Solis, Kandace Warren those that just didn’t stress or care as much as him. He future or as crystal clear as water but starting small is the key. It had to educate himself on the fact that just because is all about making progress. Find yourself in a hole, find ways to Newspaper club reporters: while he was trying to learn, others were just trying to climb up. Just keep swimming like Dory from Finding Nemo. Marium Amin, Victoria Boccia, Ragina pass — and this changed him. He realized that society 5. Find ways to expand your mind. Whether it is through a sport, Baggett, Mariceli Cadena, Gardenia Ce- is not filled with achievers, rather it’s filled with people reading, drawing, or writing — do it. But don’t just limit yourself ron, Jennie Czahor, Teresa Danko, Jisel who are just trying to get by. to these, there are millions of other ways. Try watching TED videos Garcia, Kala Geralds, Francisco Holguin, Saul is everything you want him to be. He is the liv- on your spare time, and find out how others are expanding their Alejandro Hernandez, Luis Hernandez, ing legend. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Give minds. From pizza controllers, to musical stairs (literately), and Trae Johnson, Ameerae Lunjas, Tridaya me a school full of Saul’s, and I will rule the world. many others, watch the following video to get started: http://www. McGee, Justin Martinez, Michael New- • ted.com/talks/jay_silver_hack_a_banana_make_a_keyboard.html son, Maria Sanchez, Koya Scott, Andres Until then, continue to dominate your world! Suarez, Justyna Szczech, Quijna Walton, • Brenda Villegas, Jalan Veal, Saul Zamora

The Newspaper Clubmeets on Thursdays Many graduates are college bound after school in Room 333. Iriz Ilumin, Luiza Myslinska,Wendy Portillo By Tamara Jabour, counselor Northern Illinois University: Jazmin Alvarado, Asia Davis, The Steinmetz Starwelcomes letters to La’Keva Duncan, Earvie Howard, Tyanna Anthony the editor, corrections, comments, and he Steinmetz College Prep High School Class of 2013 Southern Illinois University at Carbondale: Dominiquetric bylined articles from all members of the will be attending the following universities/colleges Collins, Celimar Lopez, Adrian Bautista Steinmetz community. T University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana: Darryl Northeastern Illinois University: Analy Barajas, Erica Vel- Cook, Daniel Gray, Brandon Steppan ecela, Ivan Gonzalez, Furqan Muneeruddin, Mayra Ocampo, Printing: Mr. Hugh Hefner’s October University of Illinois at Chicago: Victoria Gonzalez, Ge- Cathy Meraz, Mathy Delgado, Erick Lora-Ramos, Rebecca 2012 donation pays for printing the Star rardo Rodriguez, Elirosy Gonzaga, Cristian Rivera, Matthew Romanenko, Aidan Preston, Tracy Flores at Newsweb Corporation, Chicago. Maggit, Elvis Ramirez, Andrew Paramo, Christian Huertas, Continued on Page 4 •

2 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 3 Top Ten of 2013 graduating class kept focused

Photos on this page Photos Judy Czahor by Jocelyn Uruchima Jorge Orduno Astrid Vargas Jem Macalisang

By Anyssa Rodriguez By Anthony Lagunas By Jennie Czahor By Quijna Walton

ocelyn Uruchima achieved the Number orge Orduno, who was one of strid Vargas was still able to maintain a xceptional student Jem Macalisang has 3 spot of the Class of 2013. It wasn’t the captains for varsity of the vol- spot in the elite Top 10 while juggling managed to exceed all expectations aca- Jan easy task, especially when juggling Jleyball team, takes number four Athe weighty responsibilities of being in Edemically. schoolwork and sports. Jocelyn was on the in the entire graduating class. Jorge is extremely tough honors classes and being a When asked how she accomplished this, volleyball, soccer, and bowling teams. academically and athletically gifted. mom. she said very humbly that all she did was focus Jocelyn was able to maintain A’s and B’s In addition to his own athleticism, “I don’t feel any different than anyone else in school. But she was able to excel in other throughout her high school career. While Jorge was a leader on the court. to be in the Top 10,” she said. “I know it’s a activities too, like playing volleyball and main- she wasn’t a big fan of studying, paying her “Jorge’s dedication to our team was place for people who do hard work and deserve taining important friendships. undivided attention in class is what helped her unparalleled,” Coach Darrin Sorokti the spot.” She was captain of the team for three con- achieve such exceptional grades. But even IB said. “Whether recruiting or giving Her favorite class and most important sub- secutive years. students need a break and need to take some pointers to his teammates he never ject was Biology. Being that she has been a hard Jem is going to go to Dominican University time for themselves. stopped trying to improve the whole worker throughout her years in high school, she to major in Biology and will continue to play “Although I always did my work and team.” will be continuing the same pattern in the fall volleyball. turned my work in on time, procrastination Jorge began Steinmetz in AVID, but when she goes to college to begin her studies Her advice for underclassmen: “Manage was my best friend,” she said. then joined MYP his sophomore year to become a doctor, specifically an OB-GYN. your time well, and prioritize.” Biology was Jocelyn’s favorite class, taught because he wasn’t using his true talent. A favorite memory is “when me and Anna See more from Jem on Page 10. by one of her favorite teachers Abel Pereyra. He was easily recognized by the IB com- Szczech would spend days after school in room • He said the following about her: mittee and became one of the students 503 and no one would notice.” “It is not easy to follow an older and very who received numerous scholarships. In 10 years she sees herself with “having ac- successful sibling into the same high school. There was a time when IB got the complished my goal getting through college and But, despite having to suffer through the inev- best of him, he said. There were so many medical school with hard work, being a doctor, itable comparisons to her older sister, Jocelyn times when he wanted to quit, when he and seeing my beautiful daughter grow up.” has definitely managed to carve out her own was overwhelmed with managing time “I would like to thank my IB teachers and unique path. Whether she in in a classroom or while doing homework, writing essays Ms. Ferrarini for helping me out, and Mrs. not, Jocelyn has this uncanny ability to ask all and studying for tests. He would go Jabour for helping me through my pregnancy., the right questions. Her special combination to sleep around 1:00 a.m., and with and Ms. Dominguez, my homebound teacher.” of creativity, intelligence, and warmth is a real sports, at times it felt too much. The Iriz Dominguez responded, “It was a plea- rarity. Her generous nature makes her the assignment that challenged him the sure to be Astrid’s teacher. She is remarkably Nohemi Colin Wedndy Portillo kind of person we would all like to have as a most was the extended essay, which he brave.” friend. Steinmetz is a better place for having had to do well on to get his IB diploma. “I would like to say that you can do anything had Jocelyn pass through our halls.” He said he’s sad to leave his team- in your life and don’t let anyone tell you that By Moriah Belt Rachel Rezny and Rosanna Mark were mates and coaches and the people he you can’t do anything because you have a child. Jocelyn’s other favorite teachers due to their loves at Steinmetz. Don’t let people’s words get to you. Don’t let ohemi Colin and Wendy Portillo prove intelligence, outstanding teaching methods, Jorge will be going to Dominican their words change you into someone who you that IB students aren’t the only ones with encouragement, and for always being there University where he will carry his aren’t because they don’t know everything. I Nall the intelligence. Both girls were part of for her. knowledge and be recognized for his learned this year that friends will always have the JROTC Academy, where they were encouraged Jocelyn’s achievement shows that hard talents. He will join the volleyball team your back, and there are few of them. Also, to continue their drive. work pays off, and that a role model student and will become a Star (Dominican people who talk behind your back are just jeal- Nohemi will begin her career path of becom- doesn’t necessarily have to be all work and team’s name). ous and will eventually fall.” ing a doctor at Triton College. She said JROTC no play. • • taught her how to be durable, and showed her • how to respect adults. She has followed in her However, Jennie didn’t just accept the chang- older sibling footsteps. She has managed her time es. As a journalist/activist she investigated and appropriately around her JROTC responsibilities. advocated for students at Steinmetz and city- “JROTC has made me outgoing and respon- wide. She met with administrators here and sible,” Nohemi said. “Sergeant Hill encouraged made clear in her articles in the Star their plans me to achieve more. He gave me opportunities to lengthen the day while cutting lunch in half. to grow and become stronger. He’s helped me got (Administrators later changed this plan). on the right path to achieve my goals in life. He Jennie Czahor She also spoke out against the plan at a down- Anna Szczech is one of the people I don’t want to disappoint.” town Board of Education meeting, advocating Both Wendy and Nohemi were on the JROTC By Judy Czahor for high school students across Chicago. Her student staff. Wendy was an S-2 Major over Secu- eloquent speech, that she had to wait more than ByJustyana Szczech rity, Nohemi was an S-3 Major over Operations. ennie Czahor has a lot to be proud of. five hours to present, may be found on Page 2 “Nohemi is a outstanding student of mine,” She is crossing the stage with a high of the June 2012 Star (http://steinmetzac.com/ nna Szczech is great role model SFC Billy Hill said. “She has always been very Jclass rank, without being in IB her se- Prod/steinmetzstar.php). for her two siblings. She is feisty, dedicated to her school work and grades. She nior year, and she has been granted $92,000 At the beginning of this year Jennie support- Aa fighter, and a thinker. She just understood early what it would take to have a in scholarship money to her dream school, ed the teachers on the CTU picket line during won’t say everything out loud. She loves successful career in becoming a physician. I never Columbia College. the 7-day strike. She also lead other students in animals, reading and drawing. let her forget that. I was proud to have taught a Jennie is known throughout the school a March city-wide rally against school closings. She obtained several scholarships to student like her.” for her firecracker attitude, quick wit, and “Jennie’s strong sense of justice, combined attend Loyola University, where she will Wendy said that being in the Top 10 has been a genuine sweetness. with her fighting spirit and excellent reporting study marine biology. total shock to her. It wasn’t easy for her to stay on “Jennifer is the type of student that has skills, made her the perfect co-editor-in-chief,” “Anna is a very dedicated student, her grades when basketball season came around. a drive for learning and a focus like no Star adviser Sharon Schmidt said. who strives towards excellence,” teacher She would work hard to finish her homework to other,” teacher Mike Arroyo said. “She is “Jennie and equally valuable co-editor-in- Suzy Sullivan said. “For four years Anna keep up with her grades. personable and has a sharp and witty sense chief Judy Czahor have blessed the Star with has worked diligently to learn and suc- She often thought about giving up, but didn’t of humor that makes her stand out from their enthusiasm, creativity, and communication ceed in all of her classes. It is not enough want to let her mom down, even though her mom the other students. She is also wiser than her skills for two years. I will miss them greatly.” for Anna to do well in class, she wants to always told her to do what makes her happy. years, or as they say, an old soul.” Jennie was ranked number three in the class understand and know the material. Anna “It was lots of hard work,” Wendy said. “I As co-editor of the Steinmetz Star her most of the time during her freshman through is a student who works with justice and will be the first to go to college.” She is going to activist spirit shined. junior years. She was afraid that she’d be knocked integrity, and because of that her class- University of Illinois at Chicago. During her junior year, Jennie sought out of the Top 10 by leaving IB, where grades mates know they can depend on her to She loved art and Ms. Mark, who also admired to learn about economic disparities. She are given additional GPA points. be honest and caring.” Wendy’s skills: “Wendy has a very mature and covered Occupy Chicago, interviewing the “I’ve always wanted to go into music; I left She is self-driven, although she is also insightful approach to her art making that tran- protesters on one rainy, cold day. Later in IB because you can only take one music class in encouraged by our father’s high standards. scends conventional descriptions,” Ms. Mark said. the year, like many students, Jennie became IB,” Jennie said. “I was really happy to still be “There were many sleepless nights, “Her sensitivity to contemporary issues is reflected outraged by the Chicago Board of Educa- in the Top 10, and to know that my two best however I made it,” Anna said. “I worked not only in her products but in her character and tion’s plan to increase the school day. friends are there with me is awesome enough.” • very hard; I am very happy.” • how she interacts with others.”• Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 3 4 Star Seniors Senior year was a blast Shout out to my homies By Jazmin Alvarado By Breonn Bland

hen it was the beginning of senior hout out to my set, my homies, year, I wanted it to go by fast and who have been here since Day Wjust graduate already. I always said SOne. We grew up together. We I wasn’t going to miss anyone or anything family. I love y’all bros forever. about Steinmetz. Now that senior year has I want to give a shout out to the foot- come to an end it has hit me. I’m going to ball team. Shout the dale, boyz. Shout miss high school. out the 118 staff, Mr. Derrick Spencer, It’s time for us seniors to leave the goofing Ms. Sharon Schmidt. around behind and begin to take life serious. I love all y’all. #SQUAD. It’s scary, yet exciting. I think we can all say • that high school has changed us a lot. We walked into Steinmetz being little 14-year- olds who didn’t really take anything serious, Thanks to so many and now we’re leaving as matured adults. By Denzel Brown High school was a big chunk of my life. I met a lot of people, some who I still re- t has been a really long four years at mained friends with and some who didn’t Steinmetz and I just want to thank stick around. I made so many memories with Isome of the people I’ve met. so many people that I will remember for the I want to thank Yessica Franco, Pris- rest of my life. Memories like first period art cilla Alecea, Johana Lopez, Michelle senior year, 2nd period lunch, Junior year Arreola, Jocelyn Villa, Joshua Gomez, chalk fest, prom, and many more. Gustavo “Gucci”, Heriberto Caretto, Steinmetz is also where I met so many great Arelie Ocampo, Edgar Enriquez, Diana teachers like Mrs. Stuber, Mrs. Ochwat, Mr. Preciado, Norma Preciado, Janelley, Stepha- everyone, and sorry to anyone I missed. Oh, Ms. Gerleve, Mrs. Mark, Mrs. Sullivan, nie Presa, Itzel Roman, Pinky, Arneshia Also thank you to teachers who’ve helped Mrs. Perez, Ms. Dominguez, Mr. Pereyra, Harris, Asia Davis, Latavia Brown-Minni- me a lot, too: Mrs. Walker, Mrs.Rezny, Mrs. Mrs. Dunne, and Mrs. Walsh. Thank you field, Breonn Bland, Esmeralda Villa, Ish- Bates, Mrs. Schmidt, Ms.Russo, and to the for being such great teachers and making my mel, Naomi Lopez, Stephanie “Shortiie”, staff. Thanks, Richie, for never writing me high school experience great! Monica Arevalo, Zuleyma Martinez,Grecia, up. Thanks to Mrs.Holly for always making Senior year truly was a blast. I just wish it Andrea Silva, Jenny Hernandez, Esther V., me laugh. And congratulations to Walter didn’t have to end so soon. I remember saying and many more. on becoming a sheriff, and Mr.Washington there was three months until prom. Now we’re Saul, I’m glad I took that Cambridge class All of you have had a part in my life and Al, thanks. already graduating. I just hope that senior year junior year because if it wasn’t for that we and I want to thank every last one of you Thank you all. Hope I see you all coming to an end doesn’t mean that the friend- wouldn’t have met. You truly are the best per- for making my four years. So thank you, again. ships that remained don’t come to an end. son I have ever met. Thank you for always be- • Shout out to Mathy, for being the funniest ing there for me and for making time for me. I girl ever! Thanks for always being there for have to say you’re one of the main reasons why me and for being such a great friend. I really I don’t want high school to end. I really hope I’m going to miss you all hope we can stay friends for a very long time! our relationship is able to last even if we’re far Jessica, even though we started this year away from each other. I love you so much! By Taylah Brown as not being friends I’m glad we were able to And to my other friends who I didn’t men- fix things. You mean a lot to me and I hope tion, thanks for everything and I hope to keep want to give a shout-out to Brandon you don’t stop talking to me even when I’m in touch with you guys! and all my lil ladies Shariah, Kamree, away. I love you! Congratulations Class of 2013! Best class ILexus, Lechele, Melondy, Nae Nae, ever! and Tacori. • This year was fun with you guys and More memories to come I’m going to miss you all! Love you.• By Jenniffer Banderas

ongratulation, guys. You made it! I want to thank each and every one of you that Chas been there for me! Saul Rivas and Brenda Blanco I want to thank you guys for listening me out. Also, for the amaz- Senior year friends ing memories and of course more to come. Israel Ilagorre and Julian Rice, thanks for By Lexus Castro being there for me. Lastly Victor Navarro. There’s so much I can want to give a shout out to Kassandra, say about you! You’re a character you know that. Taylah, Mark, Dejanae and Brandon. We have known each other for about two years IThese are some of my friends this se- now. And we have became close these two years. nior year. I love them all. I am definitely You’re like a older brother to me. You always going to miss them once we graduate. know what to tell me. You always listen me out • when I’m down. You always try to act like a goof when I’m sad. Thanks guys for just being there for me. And also the great memories we have all made. But it’s not the end of it because there’s many more to come.• Great work graduates! Keep working hard in college Continued from Page 2 North Park University: Carlos Estrada, Michael Harris, Quincy University: Dominic Masciopinto DePaul University:Continued David from Canola, Page Jazelyn 3 Viruet, Paul Ligia Nunez Indiana State University: Aramis Pates, Lechele Glispie Santana, Josue Lopez, Faizan Ahmed, Roberto Alarcon, Pedro Illinois Institute of Technology: Alex Camacho Alabama State University: Nikita McCaa Diaz, Ilia Tori Elmhurst College: Sarah Landor University of Tampa: Amaris Alicea Concordia University: Saray Bernabe, Kelvina Taylor, Jose Knox College: Jazmin Morales Dennison University: Saul Zamora Gonzalez, Elizabeth Queen, Jessica Lindsay, Michelle Banda Loyola University-Chicago: Anna Szczech Brigham Young University (Idaho): Brian Moscol Dominican University: Armando Saldivar, Brittany Oc- Aurora University: Giselle Jimenez University of Alaska: Edgar Jimenez ampo, Elixen Ramirez, Jem Macalisang, Jeane Marcelo, Iveria Trinity Christian University: Devante Stevenson University of Columbia (South America): Katherin Ter- McSwine, Jorge Orduno, Claudia Radek Monmouth College: Breanna Taylor ranova Columbia College: Jennifer Czahor, Norjoria Pratt, Wendy DeVry University: Esther Grimaldo Kishwakee College: Jahari Jones Flores, Judith Czahor, Rosanna Quixito, Erica Delgado, Jauan Robert Morris University: Taylor Brown Parkland College: Alexander Cardenas, Julio Parraz Greer Kendall College: Ragina Baggett Continued on Page 5

4 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 5 Sports and friends were fun So much better off now By Teresa Danko

enior year, for me, was fantastic. It was the best experience of my entire life. I Shave made some memories i will never forget. Years from now I’ll reminisce on who I went to prom with, the senior lock-in, and what I did this year. I have made friends that I can see myself never losing touch with. I have found out more about myself that I never thought I would uncover. By Jason Cathey thanks to Mr. Stuphen. He has really been This year has been a roller coaster. I fell in a great motivator. No one on the track team love, moved out on my own, worked two jobs, enior year at Steinmetz, my third high ever wants the feeling of letting him down. and worked myself to the bone to get into school, was great. I had fun playing Putting fake stash in government class. college. I have met my support system that I Ssports and meeting awesome people. Jaxon Alvarez is joining the Marines and I plan on keeping touch with after high school That made it a good year. Track was great, am joining the Air Force. and long, long after that. I am so much better • off now then I was before. Being in Shakespeare this year was the best. I met people i would never have been friends Hoping all the best in college with, and they’re my number ones. Shakespeare really taught me to come out of my shell. I it. Well, I didn’t break. I held on tight, with By Katie Christ plan on chaperoning and being active in future the thought of a dorm and diploma. I didn’t Shakespeare events even after graduation. I do it all on own. You guys have never left my hout out to all the friends I made these just wanted to thank Ms. Russo so very much. side. You mean the absolute most to me. three years — you guys are the best. She’s the absolute best teacher and doesn’t get I hope I never lose contact of my true S I’ve had the best and funniest times enough credit for all that she does. friends and continue on the path i’m on in with all of you and I will miss you all next I also wanted to thank the art department, college. Thank you so much to Mr.Sutphen, year, especially my friends from Spanish class Ms. Schmidt, and my best friends for their Ms. G, Mrs. Mark, Mrs. Bates (Big Me), and Ilse Torres. You guys made my senior support all year long. I have struggled and Tanya Michelle Zajieck, Henny Gonzalez, year better than I asked for. I love all of you overcome a lot this year. Everything from self and Naomi Lopez. and hope for everybody the best in college. harm to striving to graduate. I worked so hard Congratulations Class of 2013. I hope for • to become more than what people have said you all the very best. about me. People said I wasn’t going to make • To Jenny Lee Special shout outs By Judy Czahor By La’Keva Duncan

here is someone beautiful, sweet and want to give a big shout out to my girls. special to me Nakita McCaa, for being there when I T and her name is melodic, Ineed her and just being her. She’s an awe- Miss Jennifer Lee. some friend. She’s more than a friend to me, she’s like the sister I always wanted. Shout Her thick brown hair, grown so long a la out to Unique Macklin. I’m glad we became Rupunzel. friends. You are as cool as ever and goofy. Her warm heart serving goodies by the bundle. Shout out to Lathea Lee for being goofy and always speaking your mind in a hilarious way. I will forever cherish our precious moments Shout out to Kelvina Taylor. She is also like together in my heart, a sister to me. She is goofy just like me if not because our times of seeing each other every- You were the one who taught me the meaning more. Last, but not least, shout out to Amaria to speak his mind on how he feels. He’s a real day are growing short of “big girls don’t cry.” Joiner for always speaking her mind and not down to earth guy. He always instilled in us and we will soon be apart. caring about who is around to hear it. the knowledge to think beyond what society I will always remember our nicknames, snacks, I’m really going to miss you girls. Each wanted us to think or believe. He had some But I do not fret, and little groups. one of ya’ll I have my own connection with. of us wanting to start our own revolution. no, We all shared a love and you, Nina, and I I hope we all stay in contact with each other. Anybody who has him as a teacher will love I do not fear will forever be to each other “foo-foo-cuddly- I love you, girls. him and will learn so much. I have learned nor do I shed a singular tear poops.” I want to do a special shout out to Mr. more in his class than i have in all my four from my eye. • David Gonzalez. He is an awesome teacher years. He is one of the many teachers I will and extremely well educated. He’s never afraid miss truly. • Appreciating a great coach Teachers helped so much By Breanna Fiore By Jacqueline Flores hout out to Ms. Nicole Barnes, who has been coaching me for the past eight want to take this chance and show the Sbasketball and soccer seasons I’ve been admiration and respect I have for teach- here. Iers David Gonzalez, Sharon Schmidt, and She has been there for me since day one. Anna Lesniakowska. We’ve had our ups and downs, but that didn’t Coming into this school as a transfer stop us for having a great season. Thank you student and not knowing how the teachers, for all you have done for me. I really appreci- students, and everyone else was going to be ate it. like, scared me. • Continued on Page 6

Continued from Page 4 Pivot Point: Latavia Brown Military: Joseph Burns, Tanya Zajicek, Jaxon Alvarez, Edu- Morton College: Josue Torres Paul Mitchell: Angie Mayorga ardo Rivera, Jason Cathey, Geovanni Cruz, Kenyatta Duncan, Joliet Jr. College: Kyle Williams, Kenesha Gillespie Mario Tricocci: Selene Acosta, Leticia Mombela Ricardo Diaz, Paulina Ciepiela, Alexa Mercado Oakton Community College: Bryan Ramirez, Leticia Triton College: Eduardo Aguirre, Yessica Franco, Diana City Colleges of Chicago: Michael Garnica, Jocelyn Laguer, Nunez Herrera, Samantha Alvarez, Blanca Bahena, Heriberto Car- Yesenia Merino, Melissa Rialmo, Breanna Fiore, Krystal Haro, College of DuPage: Aracely Ventura reto, David Guzman, Leslie Lua-Rios, Ilse Torres, Marina Kassandra Mercado, Michael Newsome, Ihor Omelyan, Ale- Northwestern College: Ruben Hernandez Turcios, Irianie Melesio, Kimberly Ramirez, Heiddy Rodas, jandra Pacheco, Dejanae Parker, Darius Jackson, Nina Manos, Illinois Institute of Arts: Brittany Garcia, Vanessa Soto, Thalia Rodas, Marshawn Fox, Jennifer Garcia, Arely Trejo, Elizabeth Martinez, Jesus Salazar, Karina Delgado, Maria Julian Cazares, Kevin Lopez, Caron Webb Edwin Ramirez, Nicole Garza, Anais Coello, Anyssa Rodri- Escalera, Santiago Garcia, Leonel Hernandez, Nate Parker, American Academy of Arts: Victoria Castillo guez, Katie Christ, Naomi Lopez, Priscilla Alicea, Tomasz Yesenia Primero, Kandace Warren, Emelyn Balbuena, Brenda Everest College: Judith Fajardo, Luis Lara, Kassandra Garcia Chlebek, Lisette Mendez, Fanny Reyes, Lucas Uriate, Jocelyn Blanco, Kevin Davis, Erik Martinez, Marbella Ocampo, Dar- Lincoln Tech. College: Freddy Gonzalez, Alan Salazar Uruchima, Cynthia Gonzalez, Anna Jawor, Andriy Kukhtyn, tameon Plain, Vanessa Solis, Kryatian Solowiej, Brandi Warren, Universal Technology Institute: Craig Piwowarczyk Maria Landowska, Nohemi Colin Continued on Page 6

Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 5 6 Star Seniors To Momma Bear (my mom) Year couldn’t have been better

By Tracy Flores By Estefani Garcia

want to say thanks to you. I have accom- y senior year could have not been plished almost everything in my life so far. better. I really want to thank all my II know there is still way more to go, but Mteachers for supporting me through- so far you have been the one to make me go out my four years of high school. It has been a through it all. You’re a strong women and pleasure to be your student. Every teacher has fighter for what you want. You taught me and taught me so many different things and thats my brother many things. why you all deserve a thank you. Yes, I know at times I’m a pain in your butt I want to send a special very special shout and could be bipolar, but that’s all because I’m out to Mr. James Greco for being the only like you. We might argue at times and may teacher that has been there since day one in bump heads a lot but we always manage to did it make you a bad person. We just needed Steinmetz. It was difficult to adjust in the get it over with and at the end of the day we to be patient and it got to us. middle of the year but he made it possible. are laughing together. Mom, I just want to say I love you and Thanks a lot, Mr. Greco. Ms. Robin Russo and Two special people who made my senior You’re my #1 role model and seeing how thanks for all you have done for me. It has Mrs. Sharon Schmidt were also essential for year unforgettable are Pamela and Oscar. strong you are and seeing everything you do been 19 years of happiness, and many emo- my senior year. You guys are awesome! Coach Thank you guys. Pamela, you’re there every for me and Emmanuel has been a blessing. I’m tions and many new learnings. Thanks for Pereyra also gets his special shout out. Thank time I need someone to understand what I so happy you’re my mom and I’m very thank- giving my brother and me life, giving us you for letting me become part of your amaz- go through. ful for having you. I hope I could be a cool love, showing us there is more to life than ing teams. Without your support it would Oscar, my amorsito. What can I tell you? mom like you for Baby Cakes in the future. just money, showing us never to give up, to have been impossible to finish both seasons. You are here to make me laugh every time a I’m not giving up on my dreams and goals, be who we want to be and not what others Shakespeare family because we’ve learn to love smile is impossible to put on my face. You are just so you can be more proud of me. I know want us to be, making us strong and always each other with all our flaws. just too special. I love you guys. it’s going to be harder now but that won’t give being there for us. You’re a fun mother and • me the right to give up but to try harder just so friend and I know you’re the one person that you could see me succeed, just like you want won’t give me your back nor disappoint me. Will miss friends and teachers me to, Mom. Thanks to you. Emmanuel and Thanks for everything, Momma Bear, and I have what we have and even though we hit a for all you’ve done. I love you mom since the By Jenny Garcia really bad bump for a couple of years economi- first day I was born and even before that. cally, it didn’t stop us from being a family nor • igh school is probably one of the most important times of my life. You lose Hfriends, you fall in love, you meet Thanks to great teachers new people, you get into trouble, you have Continued from Page 5 enemies, but it’s all just a little taste of how I thought that Chicago school teachers life after high school will be. were going to be bad and not care or just not Right now all I keep saying is “I can’t wait do a thing, but as soon as I got to see how all to get out,” but I feel as soon as I graduate of my teachers worked these three definitely I’ll miss it here. I’ll miss some of my teach- stood out to me. I’m not saying the rest of ers, my friends, and having nothing to worry my teachers were bad at all. They each have about except getting through the day. During their own way of teaching, and I appreciate these past four years in high school, I’ve had what they’ve done. plenty of confusions and plenty of down mo- Mr. Gonzalez is my world studies teacher ments, but I wouldn’t have made it without for 3rd period. In the beginning of the year my brother, Oscar Correa. He’s currently a that class was so crowded with a lot of stu- sophomore, here, in Steinmetz. I might not dents. Literally, some kids had to sit in his tion with her brought me closer to her and say it to him all the time but without him desk or a regular chair. I didn’t think that he her advice made me gain much more respect being by my side, holding me up when I was would be able to handle so many students all towards her. I look up to her for still being down, and giving me advice, who knows what at once, but he proved me wrong. He is the able to teach a room almost entirely full of kind of mess I would be and for that I thank type of teacher that stands his ground. He misbehaving students. him. I thank him for getting me through so I thank all my friends for always being puts his foot down and students respect that. I have Mrs. Schmidt for Journalism class much in life. there. But of course, I like to thank Ms.Sharon Usually teachers get walked over on and can’t this year. I’ve never had a journalism class Recently these last couple months I’ve had Schmidt. Ms. Schmidt is one of the few teach- control their students, but he does. before, and now that I have I would love to some struggles and without my EstherBoo, my ers I know that cares most about her students. I honestly love the way he teaches. It’s take a class like this in the future. This year main mitch Letty, and my lovely Andrea, I She’s always asking how we are, how are we obvious that he loves what he does. Through- she taught me so much about how to write, would’ve been lost. I love them and trust them. doing in school, or if we are okay. She cares so out my high school years I’ve only had a few the appropriate format for a newspaper, and They all earn a place in my heart. No matter much; I love that about her. She understands teachers who actually helped students and did most importantly how to interview others. what goes on in there day I know they will and never judges. I swear I can always come anything possible to help them one on one Being able to actually write something and always be there for me; I know that regardless to her for anything. She cares about our opin- and explain in depth if they didn’t compre- having it published in the student newspaper of where we go in life they will always have ions and how we feel about things in life. She hend and of course he’s one of those few. He feels great. I honestly never thought I’d have a time for me. believes every student has a right to express teaches in a way that I can clearly understand chance, but with her positive comments and Let me not forget about Giselle, my Jel- themselves and I couldn’t agree anymore with and not just hand out worksheets or passages help I accomplished a lot. lyBean. We had our down moments but our her. She’s never greedy, she’s the most sweetest to read and answer questions all the time. If Mrs. Schmidt is just always so full of en- friendship overcame all of that. I will never teacher I know. I will truly miss her so much. he does there’s a great reason behind it and it’s ergy and always eager to teach and just so forget every moment she was there for me. I’ll I will come back just to visit Ms. Schmidt. actually with pictures and pretty straightfor- positive. Everytime I walk into her classroom never forget how she will take the time of her Shout out to my best friend Priscilla, my ward questions in which you need to include (8th period) she always greets me and that day just to be there for me and hear me out. I EstherBoo, my baby Leticia, my lovely Andrea, examples from the document instead of short just brightens my day. I can be in the worst will never forget our memories. We have been my honey Giselle, my Daniela (Daniel), my answers. mood but as soon as I step in that door my friends for too long and just in case I never Bruthaaa (Kristian). He doesn’t sit down and do nothing. He’s mood changes completely. A great example said it, thank you Giselle. • energetic and always ready to teach. He push- can be when I first came to Steinmetz from es people to do better and shows he cares. I Waukegan, she was literally the only teacher just want him to know that I appreciate his that made me feel so welcomed. Others just hard work and dedication. He really is a great let me sit and did not give me a mini intro- Great work graduates! ambitious teacher and I look up to him. duction on what exactly they were working Mrs. Lesniakowska is a General Music on. Mrs. Schmidt took the time to let the Continued on Page 6 jna, Jasmine Cadiz, Cecilia Caudel-Ray- teacher for my 7th period class. She is so class know I was new and introduce myself City Colleges of Chicago: Victor Ali- goza, Guadalupe Garcia, Pamela Guevara, sweet. I know that this year must have been and explain where I came from etc, and let cea, Estefani Garcia, Jenny Lozano, Kevin Jennifer Lee, Lissette Monterroso, Antiona quite difficult for her especially because of me know what the class was about ; what I Mendoza, Brenda Olvera, Luis Pena, An- Thompson, Eric Albino, Karine Kuswik, how some students acted, which I obviously will be doing in there. gelica Ward, Alejandro Carrasco, Anayeli Jose Tomayo, Lorena Garcia, Astrid Var- believe is so wrong. I don’t fully understand I’ve also shared a lot of my personal is- Hernandez, Carlos Lopez, Gabriel Lopez, gas, Aleksander Zbroja, Eliza Czyganow, how people can be that way towards someone sues with her and she’s a great person to talk Jesus Lozano, Andrew Pincsak, Jocelyn Melissa Lopez, Melondy Pierce, Cecilia who is obviously trying to give you an educa- to. She’s always listened to me. I appreciate Ramos, Julian Rice, Saul Rivas, Abraham Leon, Jessica Melasco, Jorge Ramos, Lydell tion in a subject you need, or you wouldn’t every little thing she’s done. She’s been a great Roa, Thadious Scott, Luis Diaz, Jakwon Smith, Allen Bautista, Jovan Shelby, Hen- even be in there in the first place. example. She’s respectful, encouraging, posi- Smith, Oscar Valle, Katarzyna Jalowiec, ry Salgado, Oscar Reyna, Steven Abanto, She’s just so nice and I am happy to have tive, helpful, and is hard-working. Point is, Tania Jimenez, Luis Lopez, Anthony Faviola Jimenez, Jennifer Jimenez, Cecilia had music class with her. She taught me a she’s not only a great person but also a great Shanks, Andrea Silva, Sandra Stankiewicz, Lopez, Annel Sanchez, Betzabeth Velasco, lot as well and I know I can count on her teacher! Keana Taylor, Israel Ilagorre, Natalia Stro- Jose Flores for anything. Having a personal conversa- • •

6 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 7 Awesome track season Art teachers got me through

By Vikki Gonzalez Favorite photos from Santiago Garcia Eliexer Sarabia, Jason Cathey, Erick Lora , and Santiago Garcia y art teachers are the reason I’m ready to walk across the stage for Mgraduation and am prepared for col- lege. They’ve gotten me through these last I won’t forget the impact years of high school. Through them and my amazing counselor Tania Moumji. I’ve learned so much about myself and the world. By Amanda Gidney They are my support system. They’ve given me my childhood back and that is something n the past four years, I’ve learned a lot I will always be grateful for. They are my high about myself. I’ve grown to know who school years. I love them like family. Imy real friends are and who I can and I’ve had the most memorable year thanks can not trust. to these friends in these pictures. Vicky Cas- It feels like just yesterday I was playing tillo is the one friend who has lasted all four flag football during freshmen connection. years with me.. Now waking up every morning and seeing • my friends will be hard. I haven’t started to get all mushy on leaving friends that have changed me over these years, Steinmetz but now that it has gotten down to but to make sure I don’t forget anyone I’ll just the wire, I’ll truly miss this place. say: I love you all and will never forget how Thanks to friends and teachers I could shout out all of my teachers and you impacted me.• By Pam Guevara hese past three years at Steinmetz flew It can be the greatest thing by. I cannot imagine surviving high Tschool without the help of all my friends. All the memories we have made will By Esther Grimaldo stay in my heart. Special shoutout to Estefani because she et me first just start out by saying that was the only one that understood me. high school is almost nothing that Hol- Special thanks to Coach P and the track Llywood portrays. There are no “cool” girls for accepting me as one of them. kids, your school won’t have food that every- Shakespeare class, I will miss all of you. one loves, there are no “cliques,” not every- From celebrating birthdays to learning about out thanking Ms. Gleeson for everything she body has a car, people won’t save you when Shakespeare, we have become a family. has done for me. No words can explain my things get tough, your parents will not leave My favorite memory by far will be gratitude for being an amazing teacher and the house for an unreasonable amount of time 12/12/12 12:12:12 in Ms.Dunne’s class. The friend. You were my hero when I needed to (enough time for you to have a party), not all teachers I will miss the most are Mr. Kotch- be saved, an example of the woman I wish relationships have happy endings, friendships ways be people who you can’t put up with. erha, Ms. Russo, and Ms. Schmidt. to be when I get older. I will miss you dearly. don’t go as you plan, etc. Don’t put yourself into situations that you I don’t think I can leave Steinmetz with- Thank you. You get what I’m trying to say, right? can’t handle or even belong in. Even though • People say that high school is either hard or trouble always finds a way to you. To me easy, but not that it’s easy and hard, unless personally and academically, high school was Friends made me happy you know what you are doing. The first day easy. Dealing with people and a relationship of anything is the hardest, not matter what was the hardest thing to do during this time, By Ruben Hernandez it is you are doing. but it all worked out for the best. But hey, enough of the worst things about I still have my BFFs, Wendy Flores (since ’m going to Northwestern College. I want high school. It can also be the greatest thing 5th grade), Guadalupe Garcia, Samantha Al- to major in criminal justice then become that could have happened to you. varez, and Ruben Hernandez (since pre-k). All Ia homicide detective. You get to meet great teachers, staff, and of these people mean a lot to me, and I know A teacher who inspired me was Sergeant probably your future BFF! I met some won- that we’ll last long. Hill. He has always taught us something that derful teachers during my four years here. So remember, keep your head up high. If we should take into consideration. He showed But there is always that one teacher that sticks not, you’ll miss out on the great things hap- us to be a better person and taught us life out the most. To me, that’s Mr. Abel Pereya. pening around you. And a few more tips: lessons. He is truly a friend to me, more like I had him for two years straight, and yet he Don’t dwell on the past, you get nowhere by a father I would say. He has been a great part still surprises me everyday, what with his witty doing that, learn from your mistakes, try to in my life. comments, sarcastic humor, random singing, make as many friends as you can (as long as I would like to give a shout-out to my best made me happy and I know that I can count and random outburst of anger. He is a won- you know how to choose the right ones), and friends, Erica Delgado, Luiza Myslinska, Eliza on all of you. I just want to say thanks for the derful teacher and a good conversationalist. never go back to something that you know Czyganow, Nohemi Colin, Cynthia Gonzalez great memories and I will miss all of you, I No matter where you go, there will al- will not work out. and Iriz Ilumin. You six girls have been a big love you girls. Take care. • part in my life, each and every one of you •

To three special friends To Blanca Bahena” Sister, I want to thank you for being there for me and al- By Rosa Gutierrez ways making me laugh, always talking about random stuff and making my day. o Julio Parraz: Jayy, your an amaz- We have a lot of fun, sad, and bad memo- ing guy. You’rs one of those few ries, but we still have many more good Tguys that never give up. You’re ones to come. Remember, I’ll always be always trying your best. You’re such there if you ever need me. a great friend of mine. We are always Daniela, thanks for being my friend goofing around and eating. I wish you these four years. You’re one of the only the best in college. I’ll be there if you friends I could count on and I know you’re ever need me. going to be there for me. • Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 7 Star Seniors 8 To a beautiful, intelligent girl Shout out to friends, teachers

By Karine Kuswik

want to send a shout out to all of my friends — Nina, Angelica, Michael, etc. II love you all. Senior year was a time to remember: The teachers, prom, friends, all of it. We did it. Class of 2013, we did it. I would like to send a shout out to all the teachers who helped me through the years — Ms. Mark, Ms. Bates, Ms. Dunne, Mr. Gold- berg, Ms. S, Ms. Gleeson, and Ms. Gerleve and Mr. Sutphen. Even though I didn’t have By Anthony Guerrero class with you guys, both of you were a part of this school, which makes everyone smile. love you, Iriz. You are going to do so great Everyone is going to miss you two. at UIC. • Also, Recycling Club, keep recycling. Third I floor girls, keep annoying Mr. Goldberg. Ms. Dunne, I love you and you know it. I will miss you all. Love you guys. • Wishing the best for y’all By Arneshia Harris Thank you, Changa hout out to the class of 2013: Lala, Asia, Anais, Kenyatta, Jarvez, Brandi, By Jocelyn Laguer SNae-Nae, Craig, Kandace, Bae-Bae, Ja- hari, Thadious, Darius, Mark, Nique, Lathea, hey say people change after high school Nakita, La’Keva, Kelz, Cat, Jovan, Joseph, and you won’t keep in contact with Ron-Ron( Free Him), Alejandro, Breonn, Tthem, but I know that with Irianie Matthew.M, Jerold, Jenny, Matthew.J, Ragina, Meliseo that will not happen. Kadejiah, Lexus, Dashia, Aaliyah, Michael, Changa, I met you freshman year. Since Lissette, Kassandra, Keana, Priscilla, Jasmine, freshman year you’ve been the sweetest per- Ivi! Sorry if I left anyone out. son ever. I would’ve never thought we would We managed to make it throughout the became the best of friends. You have seen year without killing each other. I wish the best me at my worst times and best times. Not a for y’all and I have to say I will truly miss y’all day goes by when we don’t talk. We’re always crazy a**es, despite our differences. texting if we aren’t texting we are right next • to each other. When you aren’t at school I feel so incom- have done for me. I wish you could see yourself plete. I’m so used to you yelling out “Changa!” the way I see you. You are so beautiful, smart, Shout out to teachers: Thanks and running to hug me. I never thought I amazing. You may not think it, but you really would gain a sister in high school, but Changa, are. You deserve the best and nothing but the By Kasia Jalowiec you change my whole point of view in that. best. Any man who wants to be with you has You have been there for me when everyone to go through me first and I’ll give the okay. want to send a shout out to two really great else turned their backs on me and you were My heart will forever belong to you best teachers who inspired me the most dur- the only one who was still there for me when friend. I promise to always be there for you no Iing my senior year — Sharon Schmidt and I needed a shoulder to cry on. matter what. I love you so much, Hunnybun. David Gonzalez, who made me very excited I can’t thank you enough for everything you We made it, Changa. This one is for you. to come to their classes everyday since the • beginning of the year. Mrs. Schmidt: Thank you for being a really amazing teacher. I’m really grateful that I had a Thanks Judy, Jennie, Nina, Karine teacher who was so open to students and made everyone feel welcome in her class. By Jennifer Lee Mr. Gonzalez: Thank you for being a very inspirational teacher. I will never forget your e finally made it! I wish I could passion for teaching especially what I’ve learned mention all of my friends in this from you during the short period of time I Wshout out, but that would prob- spent in your class first semester. ably take up the entire newspaper. To Judy I also want to say a thank you to Ms. Jen- and Jenny Czahor, Nina Manos, and Karine nifer Egan who pushed me very hard to do my best. It was worth it. I will never forget Kuswik: I never would have made it through your cheerful personality and ability to make your students achieve great things. all four years of high school. Congratulations class of 2013! We made it! When I started my freshman year I had al- • most no friends, but now I have so many, and they have done so much for me over the years. Love to friends, I’ll miss you Jenny, Judy, Nina, and Karine, you guys have made me laugh, you held me when I cried, and talk to about the strangest things, knowing I By Giselle Jimenez you supported me through everything I did. I will not be seen as strange. You do so much don’t think I have enough gratitude within me for the school and for me, which makes me can’t believe it’s time for us to graduate! to thank you properly, but I will try my best. proud to say that Shakespeare Studies has It’s been a long four years, but it was so I wish all of you luck in college, and hope- been my favorite class since freshman year Iworth it. fully we won’t lose touch with each other. You and I will be sad to leave it. Anyway, here’s some special shout-outs to are the stones that have kept me from being Mrs. Mark, you are the teacher that I’m those who made my high school years. dragged into the depths of high school drama closest to in this school. You assisted me in To my best friends, Cecilia and Heiddy. A and teenage angst. You guys anchored me reaching my true potential not only as an very special shout-out to Diana and Chole. To and kept me safe within your warm smiles art student, but also as a person. You are like my girlies Briss, Esther, Jenny, Selene, Vanessa, and strong embraces, no matter how crazy my second mom, and I would do anything Letty, Itati and Janelle — love you guys. Shout or weird I became. for you. I will truly miss you, and there is no out to my PB (HIWIWY). As for teachers, I have so many to thank way of repaying all the nice things you have To the guys: Ceja, Daniel (you’re the best) and give credit to as well, and they all know done for me. Pudgy, Piyo, Flores, Gerardo, Gallo, Chori, who they are. I would however, like to men- This may not be the best school, but all of and Geo. Last, but definitely not least, to tion two very special teachers that I will re- you are the best in it. Like the Shakespeare my little ones: Diana H., Arely, Brenda, Jay, member the most. shirt says: “I like this place, and willingly Vyvy, Perla, Jocelyn, and Gabby —I will miss First, I’ll start with Ms. Russo. I have only would waste my time in it.” I wish all of you you. known you for a year Ms. Russo, yet I feel like positive thoughts, and happily ever after’s for • I’ve known you for my whole life. I’m happy all of time. With love, Jennifer Lee. that there is another “nerdy” person that I can •

8 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 9 Girls helped me in tough times Wouldn’t change anything

By Lathea Lee By Luis Lopez

want to shout out my best friend, s my high school career comes to an my sister Unique Macklin. I love end, I can’t help but to think about Ithis girl to death. She is always there Aall the good times and bad times I when I need her. She is always real. I had here. It has been a crazy experience and wouldn’t trade her for the world. I wouldn’t change anything about it. Other shout outs to my goofy sis- I’m really going to miss my favorite teach- ter, best friend Nakita McCaa. She’s ers — Ms. Lydia Ryan, Ms.Sharon Schmidt, the real deal. She tells me the truth Ms. Rossana Mark, and Ms. Melissa Gerleve. even when I don’t want to hear it. I They taught me so much. I wouldn’t be who love her a lot and wouldn’t replace I am without them. I want to thank them for her. My opinionated best friend, my everything they’ve done for me. They made sister Amaria Joiner. This girl doesn’t my time here at Steinmetz worthwhile and bite her tongue even if you paid her. they inspired me to achieve. She definitely speaks her mind. I love her lots. I am proud to say these girls have helped I’m also going to miss the friends I’ve made I will also like to thank my girlfriend. I Lakeva Duncan my goofy, loud, crazy friend me get through my rough times. Times when here. I met some of the best and coolest peo- honestly wouldn’t have made it this far without who is something like me. I’m glad to have a I felt like I wanted to give up and stop trying. ple. I will always remember freshman year you. You truly are my inspiration and always friend like her, when I’m upset she somehow They have stopped me from making dumb and all the good times we all shared together. make me want to become a better person. makes me laugh. I love that girl too. decisions that would have stopped me from We were like a little family. We didn’t leave Thank you for everything. My time here at I love these girls with all my heart — we graduating. Now I am proud to say we all off in the best terms, but I will forever be Steinmetz has been has been a rollercoaster. I ride together, we die together. Girls for life. are graduating together and moving on into grateful that I met you guys. Best of luck to still can’t believe it’s over. We are riding with each other until the wheels the future and focusing on bigger and better all of you guys. • fall off. things. • Going to SIU together Awesome senior year By Celimar Lopez By Erick Lora

am proud to say that I am a graduate of y senior year was awesome. Time the wonderful class of 2013. Now the next really went fast this year. I really en- Istep is college. I will be attending South- Mjoyed being in all of my classes. My ern Illinois University-Carbondale with my favorite memories were all the fun moments boyfriend, Adrian Bautista. I spent with my friends and when Alexis, At first the plan was to go to the University Eliexer, Josh and I broke the school record. of Hawaii at Manoa and we were super excited Special shout out to my appreciated coach- to go, but the sad part was the cost of tuition. es, Norma Preciado, and my main friends It was our dream to go to Hawaii for college, (they know who they are). but things happen for a reason. • We didn’t want to stay in boring Illinois for college, we wanted to explore the coun- career choices like a hundred times. I’m going try and experience new and exciting things. to major in Criminal Justice to be a police We would’ve also loved to attend a school in officer and work my way up to work for the downtown but we don’t like the schools there. government and minor in French to be flu- Learned to get work done first So many buts! ent parce que j’aime parler en francais (which Well, SIU should still be a fun experi- means “because I love to speak in French). But By Matthew Maggit ence since it is five hours away from here (far can you just imagine it, Secret Agent Lopez? enough from home). We already picked out Just kidding... maybe. igh school has taught me a lot about our dorms, we have roommates, and we have We are so excited for the future especially books and people, but the biggest orientation on June 21. since we’re going to experience it together. Hlesson I learned is that nothing stops Adrian’s going to major in Psychology and Only time can tell what’s going to happen and here. We’ve got a whole life ahead of us. We maybe become a police officer. He’s still in- where we would go, but we can only wish for are only 18 and 19 years old. But the decisions Thanks Judy, Jennie, Nina, Karine decisive, but who isn’t these days? I changed the best for us and for our class. we make from now on are going to have a • greater affect on us. So, think things through and make the right decision. My favorite memory over the last four Great memories with family years was struggling to get work done. I learned that you must work first, then play. By Josue Lopez Sports and clubs: Basketball, football, Young Men’s Group he memory I won’t ever forget is the Teachers and staff who inspired me: Ms. first time I walked through the doors Stephanie Walker-Brown, Ms. Rosanna Mark, Tof Steinmetz Academic Centre, the Mr. Toby Urian name at the time. I was driven by my brother Advice to underclassmen: Work first, then Eddy and my mother. I was so nervous at play. Life continues after high school. the time that I didn’t want to leave the car Shout outs to the whole 2013 graduating because everybody else I saw was much older class. and I was afraid that I would stick out. But I • eventually went in, thanks to them. Another memory I have is when I was inducted into the NHS on May 25, 2011, as a sophomore. I was with my mother and much. I learned a lot from my teachers and my second oldest sister, Lily, which made that I thank all of them personally, and I feel very To Elizabeth, a true friend day even more memorable and special to me. honored that I was able to study and gradu- By Elizabeth Martinez Also, I won’t forget the day when my ate as a Silver Streak. My parents and older mother went with me last year to Harlan brothers and sisters are very proud of me. want to give a shout out to one of my good High School for the AVID Junior Scholars I wish the best of luck and love very much friends, Elizabeth Queen. We have known conference. I won’t forget the years I was in my brother Alex Lopez, junior at this time, Ieach other since elementary school, and the Academic Decathlon 2011-13, which and my sister Lety Lopez, freshman at this talked ever since then. She’s always been there went very well for me. time. I’ll miss the times we grouped up to- by my side and is really a true friend. We I’ll miss the days I used to get up for gether in school. All three of us will gradu- always joke around with each other. She’s the school each weekday morning and when ate as Silver Streaks like how all three of us kind of person that is loud and dorky, but will my mother drove me, but I’m ready to start graduated from Mary Lyon. always make you smile. She is also the sweetest something new. Each day I was in Steinmetz A giant shout out and lots of love to my person that will listen to your problems and is unforgettable and I’ll remember the school parents and older brothers and sisters: Jose give advice to you when you need it. and my school days very fondly because to Lopez, Martha L. Ramirez, Rafa, Eddy, Mar- She is a great person and I will miss her. me it’s the the Number One School! tha, Lily, and Mom’s BBQ for all the great But she better say in contact so she can visit I earned a lot of awards. I accomplished food they serve.• me and little Abigail.• Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 9 10 Star Seniors Volleyball was first family Every year was great

By Jem Macalisang By Erik Martinez

hroughout the four years being igh school comes and goes in in Steinmetz, I have taken part a matter of years. Every year Tin the International Baccalaureate Hwas great to me because I got Program (IB). The program was made to to meet new people and encounter be tough but competent. It taught me many new challenges. When I started and the rest of my class to manage our high school on the summer of ‘09 for time wisely and become responsible in football, I felt great being part of a finishing our duties. JV team at the time and showing up Each and every one of us gave our for the workouts. I do regret never fullest potential in the program and de- playing again after that year. serves to be recognized, not just by one I want to give a shout out to Ms. person representing but as a whole class. Mack. She gave me a chance to have a girl- Finally, a shout out to all the friends and Although we had our ups and downs just friend, Aracely Ventura, who I met in her teachers I’ve had over the four years I’ve had like a normal family, at the end of the day biology class freshman year and still in the in high school, mostly to those who supported they are my second family in the school. present we’re together. me in not for what I do, but for what I dream They gave me the preeminent memo- Another shoutout to my bowling crew. Yes, to do someday. I’m sure these few pictures ries throughout the whole four years. I’d like to be captain again. (Pushing glasses explain a bit. Therefore, I want to say thank you to frame into my eyes.) • each and every one of my classmates and say, “We finally made it!” I would especially like to thank my best friend/ Music is essential boyfriend who has been there for me By Jose Martinez ever since seventh grade. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for o me music is almost like medicine. always being there to support me, listen Every time I have a bad day, I turn to to me and understand me. I love you. Tmusic to cheer me up. I never like to tell However, we couldn’t go this far people my problems. I think men shouldn’t without our teachers’ support. I want share their problems; that is something only to take the time and say thank you to females do. That’s why I turn to music; it’s Ms. Chaparro, Mrs. Rezny, Ms. Patel, almost like in some way they were going Mrs. Ochwat, Ms. Iris Dominguez, Mrs. through something similar. Susy Sullivan and Mr. Abel Pereyra. They I actually listen to the lyrics and think are the main teachers that pushed us to about what the artists say. Jay Z once said, a distance can’t tell who is who.” the best of our ability in order to learn. “Do you fools listen to music or do you just “Male should not be jealous; that’s a female Although sometimes it was too much skim through it.” So my advice to the under trait.” work, there’s a reason to it (big day = IB classmen is do not go fighting someone just Listen to music whenever you feel low. It testing). Besides school work, they were because you heard them talking about you. makes you feel better. Music is almost like also the people we each could count on. “How is someone gonna go around and therapy. Words are powerful. Everyone is en- I would like to especially thank Mrs. hate someone they never even met, someone titled to their own opinion, but your own Rezny for always being there, not just they don’t even know?” words could get you killed. for me but for the whole class. Thank “Don’t argue with fools, cause people from • you for defending us and taking us to field trip. We love you. Also, a shout out to Mrs. Sullivan, to Hoping to stay friends our division teacher, who put up with our craziness in division for the three years we By Nina Manos had homeroom and also being our math teacher that we drove crazy during class. want to send a shout out to my best friends Division 340 loves you. Genesis, Karine, Angelica, Michael, Sarah, Although the IB class of ‘13 is my sec- IJudy, Jenny, Jenny L, and Elizabeth. I am ond family, I cannot forget about my first going to miss you guys a lot. I hope that we family in Steinmetz. August of 2009, I stay friends after we graduate. started off as a freshman entering the vol- Love you. leyball team. My teammates along with • my coaches have given the memories I will cherish and love for the rest of my life. Being on the team has taught me to become a leader and molded me to the To those who have been there young women I am now. I am thankful for Coach Sorotki and Coach Chapparo By Dominic Masciopinto for pushing me to the best of my ability, for trusting me to become their captain fter all of these years, I’ve had a lot — a lot of for three years, and for believing in me. people that I’ve been there for and a select few They are like my second parents. Awho actually have been there for me. I just Without them, I wouldn’t have gained wanted to give a small little shout out to the people that the courage, confidence and leadership actually have been here all for years through all the low. that I have now. They both believed in I don’t need to name anyone because they know who me and knew that I could do anything they are. I just want to say that I appreciate everything as long as I put my heart into it. They that they have done for me. are the people I look up to. Coach So- • rokti always told me, “Whenever you doubt yourself, I will always believe in you.” Thank you for everything and I Will miss Mr. Everage love you both. Shout out to the girls volleyball team, By Nakita McCaa to my little ones, and to the boys vol- leyball team. I hope the teams do great want to give a special shout-out to my fa- in the upcoming season! vorite teacher since freshman year, Justin My final shout out goes to Claudio IEverage. Mr. Everage has been my mentor and Julie Mendrano! You two are the for these past four years although he only had best and super awesome. Thank you for me for one year. I went to Mr. Everage with everything as well, especially to Coach almost any and everything. He is definitely Claudio. Love you both lots. someone I’m going to miss. I love you, Mr. Class of 2013 — the day we have Everage. been waiting for has finally come. Con- • gratulations to everyone! • 10 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 11 A chance to bond Thanks to so many for your help

By Iviera (Ivi) McSwine By Cathy Meraz

ypically, senior year is supposed to fly never knew the day would finally come. I by smoothly. However, I seem to have came into Steinmetz in 2009 not knowing Tfaced the road with the most bumps. Ianything, getting lost in the school, not To make it short, transferring to a school knowing where the lunchroom was at. As an far far away was actually a good choice for incoming freshman there were about 500 of me. I’ve had the opportunity to meet tons us, little by little my freshman class kept get- of people, and make a bunch of friends. I’ve ting smaller and smaller. accomplished this 2013 track season success- My classmates from freshman year dropped fully with the help of Mr. Pereya (Coach P), out because school wasn’t for them or simply and my mom. I learned the true benefits of got dropped because they were doing other diversity in a classroom setting. I’ve sort of had things a college experience considering attending a I am the first in my family to graduate high school where I knew no one. school and go to college so this is a big deal to Lastly, my mid-school year transfer has me. I could not have done it if it wasn’t for my brought me closer to my mom. We had a sister Yazmin and the support of my parents. chance to bond more closely prior to my go- I want to be a role model for my sister’s kids, ing to college in the fall. that anything is possible the sky is the limit. Graduating out of the IB program, and If I did it they can do it as well. ready to turn up. 2013 — we did it! I could honestly say Steinmetz back in the • day was crazy. Fights every passing period and food fights in the lunchroom. Nobody was To students and staff ever in class. doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Yours in As I got older I became involved in JROTC By Latanya McSwine solidarity. which changed my perspective in viewing A shout out to administration: I pray that things, with help from Sgt. Hill and Sgt. shout out to my daughter — for com- your leadership continues to grow. Yangas! Col. Baynes and Sargeants Ruiz and Mr. Mink. I learned a lot of what’s going ing to Steinmetz senior year and pro- “A genuine leader is not a searcher for con- Amaro have became family to me, too. Sgt on around the world with all the dictatorship Aducing excellence! sensus, but a molder of consensus.” — Martin Hill is a father to me, always looking out for there are. I hope you teach your daughter the A shout out to the seniors, many of you I Luther King, Jr. me, on top of my grades, making sure I got to same knowledge you taught me. have had the pleasure of having in my class. “A good leader can engage in a debate class and was on track to graduating. I would And for all my other teachers like Mr. Ever- Good luck in all your future endeavors. frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. age, Mr. Goldberg, Dr. Frierson. Ms. Perez, A shout out to the teachers: This has been end he and the other side must be closer, and I ask myself at times if I had taken a different Ms. Ramos, Ms Stuber, Ms. Ward, Ms. L., many of our most challenging year. What thus emerge stronger.” — Nelson Mandela path, where would I have ended up? Would Ms. Moon, Mr. Rittmeyer, Mr. Bagdonas. • I still be in school? Ms. Walker, Ms Gerleve and for those I didn’t I get so emotional when I flashback from name I’m sorry. Each and everyone of you So many memories my freshman year to the present I have came taught me something valuable that now I will a long way. I have matured and become carry on and use it in the real world. I won’t By Lisette Mendez independent with help from the best coun- forget any of you. selor in the world who never gave up on me, Ms. Schmidt, thanks for your encourage- he last final weeks have come to end our high school year. I Ms.Ocampo. She made it possible for me to go ment. I absolutely love writing about different transfered into Steinmetz my sophomore year, the best year to college, helping me in the whole application topics. I have learned to love literature and it’s Tfrom all my three years. There are just so many memories process, giving me a future. I am sorry for all wonderful expressing myself in writing. I have from everybody in this school. There’s some good and some bad. the times I have bugged you in your office. I developed a passion for writing while being a My sophomore year I was the new girl and knew some people just want to say I am so thankful. You have part of your class. from grammar school. been with me all four years. And of course I can’t forget Mr. Ngo. My favorite memories would have to be junior year on Val- Thanks to Ms. Jabour for encouraging me Honestly, I can say you’re the world’s greatest entines Day my boyfriend Emanuel Pazmino surprised me with to apply for Northeastern and Ms. Diaz for principal. You have made many changes to our this huge teddy bear in my locker; he found a way to squeeze it being a shoulder up cry on when I could not school to make it one of the best. You’re dedi- in there. I was so shocked, I wasn’t expecting it at all. find a way out. The whole counseling staff cated and you listen to what we have to say. My best memories would be meeting my boyfriend. Go- were there when I needed them. I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know ing to school together just made us even closer. I met him my Mr. Spencer, you have been my division you and I wish you well in the future. You’re sophomore year; now we’ve been together two years and three teacher for four years and they were the best! doing a great job transforming the school. months. Walking down the hallways just brings back so many You’re funny and have humor and I will miss I plan to go to Northeastern to major in things. I never thought this school year would fly by, but It did. you so much. I am sorry for always giving you sociology and minor in psychology. I plan to High school changes people for the better and for the worse. a hard time in class. get a PhD Pin the future. That’s my goal and Sometimes you meet friends and they just change and become Mr. Ochoa, who is the greatest Spanish go to law school and become a prosecutor in people you don’t know at all. That’s what life is all about — learn- teacher ever, I’ll miss so much! You are a phe- the state of California someday. I totally love ing from your mistakes and moving forward. nomenal teacher. it there and plan to live there once I am all I met some great people my senior year people that helped Ms. Dunne, who would yell at me to wake finished with school. me through my falls: Priscilla, Lexus, Jocelyn, Melissa, and Sa- up in class, and because of you I rocked the I walked out of Steinmetz with one good brina. They were the main people I was always with this year. I ACT in science! friend. Her name is Tracy Flores. She has been appreciate you all. Mr. Roldan, thanks for always helping me my backbone since freshman year. I trust her Overall, you make some mistakes and learn from them. The out when I needed someone to talk to; you with my life. We have so much in common only thing to do now is look forward and not care about what give great advice. I promise to bring you break- and we will both be going to Northeastern anybody else has to say because everybody is their own person. fast often. Thanks for making this happen. together. We plan to be in each others lives Class of 2013! Ms Espinosa, I could say I learned so much in the future, with the new addition to the • from being in your class for one semester. family soon to come — her daughter Camila. Being in your class I learned to love history. My advice to the underclassmen is never Thanks for always being there and being a ever give up. When you feel like you’re going friend. I will miss our second period talks in to give up, think about the future. You’re not your office with Ms Werab. I could say you here to make friends, you’re here to get an both made my day when it wasn’t going well. education to become someone in life. Only Officer Jesse Holden, always, always hav- you control yourself and only you will be able ing my back. You have such high expecta- to do what it is to become someone in life. tions for me. I promise I won’t let you or Don’t cut class. It’s not worth it. I have done it Dave Kosmyna down. I’ll always remember so many times and I regret it. Be on top of your coming into the police room and teasing you work. Teachers are not going to be on top of about playing Angry Birds. I always thought you to make up a test. It’s your responsibility. police officers were mean and scary, but after Take as many honors classes as you can and getting to know you I realized that there are join clubs. It looks good on college applica- good officers in Chicago who want the best. tions. I wasn’t able to do that since I always Thanks for always taking good care of me. I worked since my freshman year. will become someone you will look at and be Other than that you will survive here at proud to say you know me! Steinmetz. You will graduate, just not now. This is our time to shine. 2013!•

Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 11 12 Star Seniors IB got me to my college choice Cherish memories with friends By Wendy Portillo

o Melissa, Michelle, Brittney, and Angie: T You four girls are honestly people that I’ve grown to adore. You guys made four years of what was supposed to be hell, four years of unforget- table laughter. I never thought that meeting you guys would change who I’m becoming. It’s because of you four that I realize By Jazmin Morales what true friends are. It doesn’t get as real as you four. We may fter all of these years, I’ve had a lot — a argue here and there, but it is so uncommon rich to buy you guys mango everyday, and I lot of people that I’ve been there for for us. Our friendship has become basically have a big ol’ heart that holds each one of you. Aand a select few who actually have unbreakable. No matter what anyone says, you guys are been there for me. I just wanted to give a small I am so thankful that I got to meet you truly the greatest thing that has happened to little shout out to the people that actually have guys. I know we all face our personal struggles, me during high school. I don’t know what I’d been here all for years through all the low. but we never let each other face them alone. be right now without you, most likely a bum. Since my freshman year I wanted to get out You guys have been there since day one, and I just want you guys to know that I’m of the International Baccalaureate program. I I promise to be there for you guys as long as honestly so grateful to call you my friends. always complained about the work. If it wasn’t I can. I know relationships don’t last forever, I hope that no matter what the future holds, for my friends and family for motivating me and in the future I might not have him, so I we remain friends. I hope that throughout to stay in IB I wouldn’t be attending a 4-year, hope to at least have you guys. college, our bond only gets stronger. private liberal arts school. We have made so many memories together, I love you. One thing that did help me survive high and I cherish every single one. I may not be • school was me being a talkative person. Since my freshman year I wasn’t a regular IB student, I spoke to everyone. I knew practically all the Truly grateful for your help seniors my freshman year. Sports helped a And a special shout out to my IB class, for ton as well. all our hard work — Faizan Ahmed, Roberto By Norjoria Pratt There’s a good side and bad side to IB. Bad Alacron, Alex Cardenas, Alex Camacho, Pe- side? Not having any free time for friends, dro Diaz, Lorena Garcia, Christian Huer- t has been an awesome ride attending Steinmetz always doing homework, pulling all nighters, tas, Jessica Lindsay, Jem Macalisang, Jeane College Prep from a freshmen to a senior. I not knowing too many students other than Marcelo, Iviera McSwine, Jorge Orduno, Ihad my ups and downs here, but in time it IB and not having classes with other seniors. Aidan Preston, Rossana Quixito, Claudia got better. I’m done with my high school career, Good side? We’re a family, we always help Radek, Fanny Reyes, Anna Szcezch, Ilia Tori, now is the time for the next chapter in my life. each other out when needed, we’re prepared Lucas Uriate, Jocelyn Uruchima, Astrid Var- I will be attending Columbia College to study for college, and we’ve learned time manage- gas, Katherine Terranova, Saul Zamora and art. Many inspired me to do better friends and ment. Aleksander Zbroja. teachers. I’m going to miss Ms. Melissa Gerleve, I don’t regret joining the program. By We made it, you guys. As a class we have Ms. Rosanna Mark, Ms. Jennifer Bates, and Mr. being in this program I’m now going to my been through so much — good, bad, crazy Alex Sutphen for helping me and making me feel preferred college choice. Knox is about three times; but in the end we’re all there for each better when I had a bad day. You truly helped hours away; I’ll be living practically a new life. other. We couldn’t have survived these four me take my art even more further — by helping I’ll be rooming with a complete stranger, I years if it wasn’t for our teachers: Mrs. Och- me enter contests, art galleries/exhibitions, and won’t know anyone on campus. I’m usually wat, Ms. Kokoszka, Mr. Arroyo (Elmo rules!), workshops outside of Steinmetz. If it wasn’t for outspoken and like meeting new people, but Mr. Kotcherha, Ms. Barnes, Ms. Sullivan, you guys I wouldn’t know about many artists, moving into a new town by myself should be Mr. Pereyra, Ms. Chaparro, Ms. Daughen- art colleges and institutions, and the meaning of interesting. I heard it’s better to go away to baugh, Ms. Mark, Mrs. Perez, Mr. Lahey, art. I am truly grateful I had you guys in my life. college, so if you have that opportunity to go Mr. Mink, Sgt. Hill, Sgt. Ruiz, Ms. Russo Ms. Debra Kern you are the best division newspaper. I have gotten a lot of wonderful away to a university, go. I am looking forward and Ms. Rezny. We love you all, thank you! and twirling teacher/coach ever. Thank you for feedback. to this new experience; I plan on majoring in Through the tough times in IB, we all had helping me get my learning service hours. I’m I will really miss all my friends. I wish you Biology to study Pre-Veterinarian Medicine. each other’s support. going to miss you ,too. Thank you Ms. Sharon guys all the best. Class of 2013. A big shout out to my 2013 senior class, Now is the time for 2013 seniors to say Schmidt for putting my work in the school • as well as the boys and girls volleyball teams “goodbye to high school” and “hello to our and bowling team — I will miss you all. futures.” • Be reckless and swag on, but Shakespeare class was best keep your school stuff on track By Jesus Ramirez

By Jaime Muro hout out to the best class ever — the 2012-2013 Shake- y plans after high school are to go Sspeare class! to the Army and serve four years. In the beginning the class was MI’m also looking into construction very awkward. We had to introduce management. Buying a house is the main ourselves and talk much more than goal I have after leaving Steinmetz. in most classes. But once we started My favorite memories are all the times getting used to all the activities we I fought. I enjoyed every moment. Being started having fun and became real- in softball was fun. I showed off my skills ly close. We had to do things to get and got “rookie of the year.” ourselves more comfortable with I have many people that affected my life: one another. We wore red clown Kimberly Roman, Berenice Mastache and noses and got to act silly. Ms. Robin Russo. I want to thank my sister I got to meet new people. I feel Lesha for her support and all the people like we are a close family. These are who believed in me through my senior year. people who don’t talk much outside My advice to the shorties under us is the class. It’s a diverse group, but to be reckless and swag on, but keep your different is good. school stuff on track and on time. It isn’t always all fun and games but at the From the sonnets to zip zap zop, from • end of the day the class is worth it. what’s in the box, to our little scenes and the My favorite part of the class was defi- research paper, this class is the most amazing nitely the field trips. We went to Navy Pier to experience of my high school career, Thanks, watch many plays at the Shakespeare theatre. Ms. Robin Russo. Also, Cannappe! I learned so much about Shakespeare and all • that he wrote.

12 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 13 Bloodline seeks to lead music evolution By Star Staff

or years we’ve seen the consent evo- lution in music, through the 70’s, F80’s, 90’s, and the modern era of rap. And while years go on it will continue to change. Bloodline’s mission is to be the leaders that lead music into that new evolution. “Music is such a big influence in the world today,” Proto said. “It’s like if a rapper tells you to shoot a old lady, the average simple minded teenager would do it. I want to put a positive message Aramis Pates, age 18, aka The-Prototype on Devon Idleburg, aka Kidd Pryde, 18 Earvie Laquan Howard IV, aka Laquan, in music but also still be able to make stage, an android from the city of Chicago who year old, MC started rhyming at 7 years 18 year old lyricist from the west side of people dance. I understand it won’t be a has a Pinocchio type dream “To be up there with young. Learning how to put words to- Chicago. Quan has been rapping since 10 easy task. In today’s society if kids even the big cats and the big dogs” (Dreams Money gether from his dad on long road trips by years old, getting his rap skills from his get a sniff of a positive message in a song Can Buy) in the music industry. freestyling using the alphabet, quickly the father and his favorite MC’s who he cites they won’t listen. It’s all in the matter of He’s a rapper, songwriter, poet, and founder of young MC caught on. As time progressed as NAS and Cassidy. tricking the average mind, make them a group called Bloodline which means the fam- Pryde got better and better to the point Laquan’s rap skills are based around think they’re listening to violence when in ily within music. He got his style from studying now he doesn’t even write his lyrics, “Top creative flows, metaphoric rhymes, hard reality they’re listening about stopping it. who he thinks are the greatest rappers, singer/ of the dome these bars come.” delivery and mind boggling lyrics. He Hit a crazy wicked flow and drop a crazy songwriters, and poets and crafted his own unique Pryde’s lyrics are based on crafty meta- plans to be the greatest at what he does beat, and you got them.” style like no other. phors and life experiences. Pryde is defi- and to influence other rap artists The mixtape “Night After Prom” is He’s known for his remarkable ability to switch nitely a breath of fresh air from today’s scheduled to drop in the month of June his flow mid-bar and his play on play word play. more simplistic rappers. before graduation. This tape has been in This kid is very experimental and very universal. progression for three years so expect noth- Proto wants to make music for everybody so he’ll ing less than a CD you can listen to all the pretty much try anything at least once. way through for years to come.

“Night After Prom” track list: 1. Thrift Shop Intro ft. Kidd Pryde, The Prototype, and 7. Swag Poppin ft. The Prototype and Kidd Pryde 12.Dreams Money Can Buy ft. The Prototype Laquan 8. Swagga Like Us ft. Kidd Pryde, Laquan, and The Pro- 13. Summertime ft. Laquan 2. Lean Wit It ft. Laquan and The Prototype totype http://www.reverbnation.com/theprototype?profile_ 3. Bloodline Anthem ft. Laquan and The Prototype 9. Breath ft. E.Marie, Laquan, The Prototype and Kidd view_source=header_icon_nav 4. Everything ft. Laquan, Kidd Pryde and The Prototype Pryde https://www.facebook.com/pages/BloodlineEnt/157079 5. Mad ft. Kidd Pryde and Laquan 10. Sleazy ft. The Prototype and Laquan 577644166?fref=ts 6. GWBB ft. Kidd Pryde 11. Popular ft. Kidd Pryde, Laquan and The Prototype https://soundcloud.com/lamar-creation-pates • To track team, crew, and prom To Taylah and Lexus By Julian Rice By Brandon Robinson want to send a shout out to the track team. Thank you for letting me become part of would like to give a special shout out to Iyour team. Taylah and Lexus the only two people I’ve Shout out to my crew Saul, Brenda, Hec- Ibeen with through all this year. You can say tor, Victor, Israel, Jenny. loyalty does come in a pact. Also, my people from prom Jesus, Cook, • Jason, Kevin, Pamela, Oscar, Estefani, my prom date Kimberly, and everyone else who was with us on the bus. • To Jocelyn, Vicky, and Celimar

By Anyssa Rodriguez

Shout out to One Piece fans ’d like to give a big thank you to Jocelyn Uruchima, Vicky Rivera, and Celimar Lo- By Ricky Rico Ipez for every moment, every laugh, and every smile. hout out to my fellow senior One Piece You girls are my sanity, my best friends, fans — Eric Albino, Daniel Gray, and and my future bridesmaids.• SVictor Alicea.•

Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 13 14 Star Seniors To my best friend, my other half IB mom stayed in Top Ten By Astrid Vargas By Rebecca Romanenko ost of you may not know me, but iffany, we made it babe. Crazy fights and I’m an IB student. I have been ridiculous drama even still, but here we Min IB for four years. When I first Tare. I love you more than anything, and came to Steinmetz I didn’t care about being I’m so happy to say that you are my best friend, Top Ten, I only cared about having good my sister, my babe, my everything. grades. I didn’t see what IB was going to This summer will be the best of our lives, and do for me. that’s a promise because I’m determined. You are When I entered as a MYP freshmen I the strongest person I know and without you, I came from an MYP elementary school. wouldn’t be as strong as I am today. No matter I didn’t see what was coming, which was what life throws at you, you’re always there to classes that were challenging and teachers take care of me. I wouldn’t want to go to prom that care for you. I went through my first with anyone else. You’re one of a kind. You’re my three years passing my classes now I am ranked me, the piece of me that I need the most. And number 5. Not that I really care about the and I will miss learning in your classes. But I now, we’re going to get ourselves through college number, but I’ve worked hard. My grades and also have to say thanks to Ms. Ochwat. That se- and the rest of our lives, because no one can ever my class rank means a lot to my family. nior award meant a lot to me as I didn’t see that kill our dreams. I came in my senior year pregnant. As coming. Thanks also for your support. And Friends come and go, not always on purpose, people talked about me good or bad I really thanks to Ms. Jabour and Ms. Ferrarini both but I promise you that I will be here forever, didn’t care. I was thinking about getting out of help me so much throughout my pregnancy. because you’re more than my best friend. You’re IB at one point, but I decided to stay. I wanted I can’t thank you enough for believing in me. my other half. So thank you babe, for standing by to challenge myself and I wanted to prove a Shout out to my friends. You know who me always, for saving me from myself, for loving point that you can continue education with you are. I don’t have many, but I have really me even when I didn’t deserve it. a baby. As I had personal problems I went to great friends and my best friend. Shout out to Love, Becca. school during my pregnancy and did what I my family that supported me. And a big shout • could. I remember when I had my baby girl. out to my mother, no longer here but always I found nights of no sleep and a 360 degree in my heart. Always helping from wherever she change in one day. is. I can say she’s my angel and my daughter’s, Can’t wait for more adventures I had become a mom. With the help of my who I name after my mom. homebound teacher Ms. Dominguez I felt like I wrote this to let you know that life is a By Andrea Silva I could do this and I thank her for coming blessing, that things happen... that if I can and spending an hour every day to help me do it, you can do it. I got all this support and want to give a senior shout out first of all continue school. When I came back to school I’m thankful. I am going to study to be an to my honies: Esther, Letty and Jenny. You after homebound I worked hard especially OB/GYN and then further my studies to be Iguys are the best and I have so much love in biology. A hard class but I think the most a neonatologist. Entering this fall into college for you three girls. I love how whenever we’re fascinating subject due to the career I want to and continuing from there. together we have the best times. I can’t wait pursue and I want to thank Mr. Pereyra for But I’ll never forget the people that helped for our future and all our adventures to come. being a great teacher. me through my senior year. I look forward Esther, you’re forever my bachata partner. I am happy to say I am graduating, being in to graduating and having to walk with my I can’t wait till we move in together. Letty, I IB and achieving my goals and enjoying every diploma and my daughter on the side and say love you. No one’s ever going to stop us from minute with my beautiful daughter. Being a I did it. And it starts at my high school gradu- being friends but us. Jenny, we’re forever light- mom isn’t easy but it’s rewarding itself. I love ation through my medical school graduation. I ing on. I’m so excited you’re finally 18 so we my daughter and I’m on cloud nine since she’s know it’s a full plate but having people believe can hit up the clubs with Esthaaa. Love you been born. I went through senior year in IB on me, especially my daughter. three girls and I hope no matter where life takes us we will always stick together. with a baby. I write this to tell you, that all of you have I also want to shout out to all my #TTU people — Edwin, Daniel, David, Lenny, Geo, And I can say I got a lot of support from a bright future if you choose to sacrifice for a Chris, Christian Ceja, Giselle, Selene, Nicole, Francisco, my 7th period boo Chris, and Tha- my teachers — Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Dominguez, better tomorrow. You will feel accomplished. dious. I love you guys. • Mr. Pereyra, Mr. Kotchera, Ms. Rezny, and Never settle for less, or let people put you Ms. Mark. Thank you all. You’re great teachers down. You have to be the fittest.• Will focus on work and running

By Vanessa Solis To Blanca and Rosa By Daniela Vargas would love to give a shout out to my favor- ite teachers: Debra Kern, Sharon Schmidt, lanca and Rosa, I want to thank you IMarco Kalogeras, Colleen Walsh and all of guys for your friendship. I couldn’t my teachers who have supported me through- Bhave asked for better friends; you guys out my high school career and encouraged are amazing! You were there for me through me to get excellent grades and to get a good thick and thin. You made senior year worth education for the future. it. Blanca, thanks for all the advice you gave My favorite high school memory was when me and all the good laughs. A friendship like the pipes broke in the year 2010 and all the yours is one I wouldn’t like to lose. students had to go back home and had the Now we’re about to graduate and start rest of the day off. some new chapters in life. Well, guys this I would love to say to the underclassmen to start on January for now. I’m going to focus isn’t goodbye because we’re still going to see to not slack off and get a good education. on finding a job and keep running with the each other. Wish you the best of luck and I’m not going to college right away. I want marathon team. • take care. • Thanks to teachers So glad to have a great friend By Tabitha Vargas ’d like to give a shout out to my JROTC instructor, By Jocelyn Uruchima Sgt. Billy Hill. Your first day as a Steinmetz teacher Iwas my first day as a Steinmetz student. hen you finally find a really good You’ve always been there for me, through the joy friend in high school you know and the pain. Even on the darkest of my days, you Wthat every moment is going to be believed in me. I wish the best to come for you always amazing. I’m so glad I met you, Anyssa. We and forever. I love you, Sergeant. became literally everything to each other. Shout out to Ms. Sharon Schmidt. Our time has Our freshman year picture above says ev- been short, but I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re erything about us. I just wanted to say I love an amazing teacher. You always see the good in all of you and the next couple of years are going to your students, myself included. You encourage fellow be the best because we are going to college classmates, journalists and myself to be more than we together. I love you. believe is possible. You’ve talked me through so much • and made me appreciate my writing for what it is. I love you, Ms.Schmidt. • 14 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 15 Saving up for college Headed to DePaul University By London Vasquez

hen I was a junior my main issue was how to afford college. Most of Wmy teachers were telling me to not worry about it just yet and apply for schol- arships. I wasn’t totally against applying for scholarships but it was a 50 percent chance. I thought it was a waste of my time. Now I know why it’s important to try, because you never know whether or not you’ll be selected for the scholarship. I work for Wal-Mart, the biggest com- pany in the world that pays 15 percent of my tuition. I love working at Wal-Mart. I just haven’t been at work for a few months because I’ve been onmMedical leave. Now that I’m back in school and soon to be back Advice I would give to the underclassmen is at work they’re trying to promote me to a to stay focused, and remember that the people zone manager. you think will your friends in high school may I’m not going to college this year like I not be your friend when you graduate. You planned to because I’m short $6,885. The might have one or two at the most. college I was going to was Clark Atlanta Research colleges you might be interested University a Historically Black Colleges and in before junior year and make your decision Universities (HBUC). I’m going to leave for senior year. Maintain a 3.0 average or higher, college next year after I save up. and take honors and AP courses. That will My favorite memory at Steinmetz is going increase your GPA. Work hard and pay at- to McDonald’s everyday after school freshman tention in class. Make sure you have great By Jazelyn Viruet my goals. The only advice I can give to the year with everybody meeting up, getting along, attendance, and no tardies. underclassmen is to not sell yourself short, and enjoying themselves and meeting peers Be respectful to your peers and staff in the ePaul University! Yes, the university I believe in yourself. Sometimes goals, test, and through mutual friends. Another memory I building. But always stand up for yourself; will be attending in the fall. Although challenges seem too difficult to overcome, but had was going to the basketball games with don’t allow any staff member in the building DI had many opportunities to go to an everyone has the internal fire or drive that my friends. take advantage of you. Know what’s right, out-of-state university, including my mom could lead to success with perseverance and I share the most memories with my good and do what’s right, never pick a fight. Most trying to push me out the door, I’m still not dedication. friends like, Nakita, Kelvina, and La’Keva. I importantly take the ACT and your GPA seri- ready to leave the comfort of my home just yet. Shout out to my girls swimming team wish that my friend Nakita and Kelvina were ously. They are the important keys to college. Steinmetz has filled me with many memo- and girls track and field team. You girls are as close as they used to be, all of us. I think we On the other hand, never let a teacher tell ries in the past two years. I wish I could have truly amazing. I was honored and blessed to had a bond nobody would ever have in high you that you have to go to college to be suc- spent all my high school years in Steinmetz. compete by your side. I’m going to miss you school. Everyday in 10th grade we walked cessful, if you don’t feel that college is for you. There are so many amazing teachers and girls dearly. to class together because we had the same There are careers that allow you to be success- coaches here. I want to thank every single Shout out to my energetic Shakespeare schedule, and we all had love for each other ful without a degree. There are pros and cons one of them for all of their efforts and commit- class. We are one big happy family; it was a and our love was personal. with college. There are people without college ment to help me succeed and achieve my goals. place where we could all be ourselves. Lastly, a good memory is when I got in- degree that make more than those who have I would not be graduating without my A special thank you to Alfonso, Jaritza, ducted into the National Honors Society, and a degree. mother pushing me to exceed and achieve Emily (my sophomore), Camila (my fresh- my mom was there. • when I didn’t believe it possible. She pushed man), Sarah, and many more of my awesome High school was great experience me to delete limits and continue to surpass friends for always being on my side this year. By Esther Velazquez Class of 2013 — We did it! igh school has been such a rollercoaster. Nothing but bumps, yet a great adventure By Kandace Warren Hfor me. Out of my four years of high school, I won’t ever forget my freshman year. ’m going to miss all my teachers that I’ve Such very great memories that year with my bestie had for the past four years. Shout out to Brissy. My party people from sophomore year, Ithe teachers who had the most influence breaking walls and wilding out every weekend. on me — my old division teacher, Ms. Lydia Those will be the nights that I won’t ever forget. Ryan, and other teachers Ms. Debra Kern, Junior year, where I got extra close with my main Ms. Sharon Schmidt, and the best counselor chick, Letty. We’ve been through a lot, and I ever, Ms. Kim Diaz. I love her so much. She know we will always keep in touch even after helped me with everything since I became a high school. freshman. Senior year was the most stressful. Having to I am going to miss is my 8th period teacher deal with essays, completing college applications Ms.Schmidt. I love Ms. Schmidt. She is so and just having senioritis. It came too fast and it’s cool and outgoing, just her sense of humor true when people say that the four years of high brightens everyone’s day, even when they are school will fly by. But throughout everything I down. can honestly say high school was a very great Shout out to all my real homies, y’all experience for me and I can’t wait for college to know who y’all are. Special shout out to the be another, greater experience. bestest friend in the whole world, Brandi. Shout out to the people who made highschool Shout out to Dartameon, Jasmine, Lissette, worth it: My family for always supporting me, Latavia, Arneshia, Juju, and Bran Bran. Shout Brissy, my bestie of three years, Letty, my main, 5th grade, Geo “el viejo,” David “Holiii,” out to the class of 2013 — we did it! Jenny, my boo/sister-in-law for life, Andrea, my Luis, my BRO, Jebuz, DTP, Big Homie • mitch, Oscar “G.A.B” Montana, my boyfriend, and to everybody else who I missed, y’all Ilsa, my thickness, Giselle, my hooker, Daniel, already know the memories we shared. my little nephew, Christian, my handsome, David Can’t believe its coming to an end al- Thanks to important staff “El Piyo”, Edwin, my “hot” friend, Alejandro, my ready, but to the Class of 2013: We made handicapped, Lenny, my Leonardo, Gerardo since it! • By Saul Zamora his is a shout out to those who nor- To Star reporters, great work! mally don’t get shoutouts. To the To Steven Abanto, Selene Acosta, Brenda Aracely Ventura, and KyKy Williams: Tjanitors, to the lunch ladies, to all Blanco, David Cruz, Luis Diaz, Brittany I miss your byline in this edition of the the teachers who are hated by their students. Garcia, Jisel Garcia, Lechele Glispie, Justin Star. I remember the excellent reporting, and This isn’t really a shout out, but a thank Martinez, Ivelise Mercado, Michael Newson, news, feature and sports writing you did for you for making our school clean, feeding Nathalie Ortiz, Alejandra Pacheco, Emanuel the other papers this year. I enjoyed working us, and even though being tough teachers, Pazmino, Abraham Roa, Sergio Rodriguez, with you and all the other Star staff members. still shaping us and being the tough teachers Govani Rosales, Alan Salazar, Johann Sanchez, Keep in touch. Love, Mrs. Schmidt we all need.• Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 15 16 Star Seniors

16 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 17

Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 17 18 Star Seniors

18 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013 Star Seniors 19

Streaks football players have great memories of Steinmetz

Breonn Bland Michael Harris Matthew Maggit Devantae Stevenson Jarvez Williams

Continued from Page 20 tournaments, the talent shows and pep ral- coming game for the first time in four years, could trust. They never gave up and got me All suffered injuries, but were able to over- lies, friends who I don’t see outside of school, becoming Prom King and graduating. to get in shape. come them. Ms. Brown, Ms. Gleeson, close friends, Dr. Jarvez: Making everything right before I Devantae: We were like brother, especially “The coach taught me more (ice and IV Frierson, security guards. leave with teacher and friends, just leaving Michael, Breonn, Chicken, Ervie, and Adrian. proven) to be the best on the field,” Jarvez said. Devontae: Digital Media, football, and on a good note. I will also miss my coaches All the players said they had improved a hanging out. Ms. Lydon, Mr. Edwards, Fred Jarvez: The players are like family. They lot as Streaks players. the security guard, police officers, Ms. Buck- If you could do one of your high school always have my back when it really matters “I got better in one year,” Matthew said. master, Ms. E., Ms. Walker, all the seniors years again, which one would it be? and they never gave up on the team. “I got faster and got more stamina.” on the football team, my sister Jalan, Brick Breonn: Senior year because we get to go Devantae said his defensive skills got better. Squad, Peace Blood. to prom. How are you going to spend your sum- “I just want to say, ‘got heat, keep calm, Jarvez: The way everyone was always happy Michael: Senior year because of prom. mer and what’s next for college? and Lebron got it all that way,’” Michael said. and the talent shows, Breonn, Matthew, Josh, Matthew: Freshman year because the food, Breonn: I’ll be working and staying in The Star asked the players about their Unique, Dr. Frierson, Nakita (aka baby sister), females and everything was right. training for football, then Malcolm X and Steinmetz experiences, football team experi- Richie the security guard, and Mr. Roqoun. Devantae: Freshman year because it was McKinley College. I’ll major in nursing and ences, and future plans. nothing but fun. football. What were some of the your favorite Jarvez: Freshman year because food was Michael: I’ll be going to football practice What and who will you miss? memories and accomplishments? good and females. I’ve had good friends that and chilling with friends over the weekends. Breonn: I’m going to miss football season Breonn: When I first danced on stage and have been with me for a while and everything I’m going to North Park. and school, Ms. Childs, Mr. Spencer, and had all the girls cheering my name. I achieved was good. Matthew: This summer I’m getting a job Peace Blood Squad and all the staff. having my name to go around the school as and starting on summer college. I’m going Michael: The cookies, the football pro- a super star. How were your relationships with the to UIC to major in business. gram, second period gym, Mr. Oh, Mr. Michael: Winning Homecoming and the guys on the football team? Devantae: I’ll be training for college foot- Ochoa, Coach Mac, Ms. S., Ms. G., Mr. first state playoff game, being one of the Chi- Breonn: We were all in one track and we ball. I’m going to Triton then North Park for Sutphen, everyone, and my special people cago Public League’s “big shoulders.” all wanted to achieve the same goal. criminal justice. — Chicken, Ervie, Tae-Tae, Breonn, Mat- Matthew: Throwing pennies on Freshie Michael: We were like brothers after Jarvez: I’m getting a job, then I’ll start thew, Dejanae, Jalan, Giselle, Tavonna, Kaila, Friday. Playing basketball my senior year. spending so many years and summers together classes at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Milea. Devantae: Hanging out with all the cool on the field. in Chicago. Matthew: Lunch intervention, 3 on 3 people that I got to know, winning the Home- Matthew: They were the only people I •

Special Senior Issue 2013 Steinmetz Star 19 20 Star Sports Goodbye to 18 seniors on track Fighting for success

2013 Captains: By Leticia Mombela Giselle Jimenez, Elizabeth Queen, Diana Herrera, Jazelyn Viruet avid Herrera is excited to pursue his Most Valuable Athletes: dream of being a professional boxer Giselle Jimenez (2nd year in a row), Din two years. He has already accom- Cintia Garcia plished a lot. Last year he made it to the Sprinter of the Year: Golden Gloves semi finals. Elizabeth Queen David recently switched gyms and is now Distance Runner of the Year: training with David Diaz, a great trainer and Fanny Reyes (4-year track athlete) boxer who had beat Erik Morales for a title Most Improved Athlete: and fought Manny Pacquio. Brenda Escalante David has always been active with sports. Most Dedicated Athlete: He had the opportunity to meet his trainer Heiddy Rodas (4-year track athlete) through his former soccer coach Jose Diaz. Student Athlete of the Year: “Boxing is a good sport for someone with Karla Solis a lot of anger,” David said. “Boxing helps Team Spirit Award: you control the anger.” Michelle Garcia •

Awesome boys track season

Streaks football had its best season ever

By Jalan Veal These five — Breonn Bland, #2, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker, nickelback - Dec. 2012 Star (http://steinmetzac.com/ back, linebacker, and cornerback, Michael — are just a few of the players from the best Prod/steinmetzstar.php). he Star interviewed some of our favorite Harris, #9, quarterback, Matthew Maggit, football team Steinmetz ever had, the first in Breonn and Jarvez played for four years. football players, taking advantage of # 6, defensive end and middle linebacker, its history to win a state playoff game. Michael and Devantae played for the Streaks Tthis reporter’s last chance to get to know Devantae Stevenson, #29 (De/Te), “best in For more, see Dominic Masciopinto’s “Sil- for three years. Matthew played one year. them before they leave. the city,” and Jarvez Williams, #22, running ver Streaks Cinderella Season” in the Nov. Continued on Page 19

20 Steinmetz Star Special Senior Issue 2013