Romeoville High School
SPARTUSSPARTUSSPARTUSDecember, 2019 Vol. 56: #3 Proud to be Spartans
Win in the SPARTUS “Design the Holiday Cover” Contest (page 11) HOME PAGE 2 Editorial: It’s a Wonderful Life In this reality show life we live Enter Clarence, the guardian in today, it’s easy for all of us to lose angel sent to look after George. focus on the truly important things. When he can’t convince George to SPARTUSSPARTUS So, in keeping with our desire to change his plans, he decides to show Managing Editors make this holiday issue a celebration him instead what Bedford Falls would Joshua Lee of the best things about the season, have been had George never existed. Aryanny Ramirez our editors would like to introduce And that is the heartwarming and you to a holiday classic that deserves important message of the film. Reporters to find a whole new audience. If you can sit through a film Nathan Ashfield, Michael Bunch, In 1947 (yes - a long time where people don’t fly, or things blow Donovan Dehoyos, Erika Garcia, ago), Director Frank Capra released up, or animated characters break into Zach Gibson, Kayla Harris, a movie that captured the hearts of song, we highly recommend spending Amanda Kitchens, Andrew the nation. The movie was called “It’s a few hours of a far too busy life to Koroma, Emily Leahy, Alyssa a Wonderful Life.” Since that time relax and enjoy “It’s a Wonderful Leonard, Amanda Listermann, the movie has become one of the most Life.” Maybe it will make you smile. Jenna Mandrelle, Greg watched movies in the history of Maybe it will change your perspec- Mazurkiewicz, Isabella Hollywood. Today, and especially tive just a little. And maybe you’ll McLoughlin, Michelle Mendoza, during this season, you can find it understand the sign on the wall in Mirko Miocic, Marcos Miranda, showing constantly on one cable George Bailey’s office that reads: “All Elizabeth Montoya, Madeline channel or another. you can take with you is that which Oderio, Antonio Orozco, Jose The movie focuses on the life you’ve given away.” Pacheco, Edith Perez, Jayden of George Bailey, a small town banker Happy Holidays! Perkins, Tyler Rehbock, Ian in Bedford Falls. He has spent his life Rennert, Krystina Robinson, helping the citizens of the commu- Paulina Rojas, Samantha Ruano, nity by being a fair and often too Taylor Sanders, Destin Whitaker generous man. He was the best friend Photographers to everyone in need, even if it meant Nathan Ashfield, Samantha some tough times for his own family. Ruano, Aryanny Ramirez When his Uncle Billy puts the business in dire straights, George Advisor decides the only way to save the Mr. Chuck Niebling company, and the customers who Literacy Administrator trust and need him, is to commit Ms. Kristin Augle Department Chair suicide since he will be worth more Ms. Elizabeth Birmingham dead than alive. On Christmas Eve, Special Thanks to he sets out to do just that. The Print Shop The SPARTUS is the student newsmagazine of Romeoville High School and is published for the students, staff, and residents of the RHS atten- dance district. Editorial content is solely Have a Safe and Terrific Break Everyone! the opinion of the staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, or any organi- zations other than the SPARTUS. As the SPARTUS is an open forum, letters to the editor, independent features, and guest editorials are invited and encouraged. They can be given to any SPARTUS member or placed in the mailbox outside room 42. Names must accompany all submissions; but, they can be withheld on request. 3 NEWS & NOTES Tips for Getting Through Finals Seasonal Mood Changes By Aryanny Ramirez By Samantha Bestwina With finals coming, students know definitions and concepts. If it’s As the seasons change, many are swamped with homework, tests, going to have essay questions, focus people suffer from the winter blues. reviewing. All add to the stress. Here on your understanding of the con- Seasonal Affective Disorder are some tips to help make studying cepts and have examples in mind. (S.A.D.) is a type of depression that’s for finals a little easier: * Reward yourself: After every bit related to the change in seasons. This * Organize yourself: Clear off your of information you study, give yourself phenomenon is so common that it has study area and free yourself from any a little piece of candy or a little snack recently become a diagnosable distractions. Set out everything you to help replenish yourself. Make disorder. It is caused by your biologi- will need to study. studying a little more fun this way. cal clock (reduced sunlight may * Stay well rested: Sleep is very Good luck everybody. disrupt your internal clock and cause important. Be sure to get a good depression), serotonin levels drop- night’s sleep so you can stay awake Random Facts for ping, and melatonin levels. and focused for the finals. Avoid all- Symptoms of S.A.D. are over- nighters because they just add on to the Holidays sleeping, appetite changes-including the stress and you are less likely to By Edith Perez craving more carbohydrates, weight retain the information you study. Here are a few facts gain, and tiredness or low energy. You * Test out many studying methods: to amaze your family and friends this may feel depressed most of the day, Try out different strategies and see holiday season. nearly every day, lose interest in which one helps you remember the * Americans spend more than $7 things you used to enjoy, feel slug- information the best, such as putting billion on wrapping paper each year. gish and agitated and/or have diffi- the information in a song or rhyme. * “We wish you a Merry Christmas” culty concentrating. * Color Code: Color Code your was originally a threat. If not treated, S.A.D. can lead to notes, highlight the most important * Jingle Bells was written for Thanks- social withdrawal, problems in work information in one color and the less giving, not Christmas. or school, substance abuse, mental important in a different color. * Iceland has 13 Santas and one old disorders, and suicidal thoughts or * Prioritize: Prioritize your study lady who kidnaps children. behavior. time. Focus on spending more time * In Germany, Christmas Eve is said Some ways to help treat sea- with the most important information to be a magical time when you can sonal depression are: or class first. Obvious, maybe. But too hear animals talking. 1. Therapies like cognitive many put this off to last instead. * Each year more than 3 billion behavioral therapy, Chronotherapy, * Study for the style of the exam: If holiday cards are sent in the U.S. and light therapy (Phototherapy). the exam is going to be multiple alone. 2. Self care and exercise. choice, you’ll most likely need to * All the gifts in the 12 days of 3. Medications. Christmas would equal 364 gifts. 4. Specialists like a clinical Stop the * Christmas trees usually grow for psychologist or a psychiatrist. about 15 years before they are sold. 5. Spending more time with Bullying * Three new evergreen trees are friends and family. planted for each one harvested. Reprinted from Dec. 2018 *Visa cards are used about 6,000 times every minute during the Let’s Be Careful holiday season. Out There * The busiest shopping day is not Under pressure from many Black Friday, but two days before fronts, including the government, Christmas. Uber has released an internal audit . * One in three men wait until Christ- In it they documented over 6,000 mas Eve to do their shopping. assaults by drivers on customers over For more information or to * The world’s biggest snowman was the past two years. One problem - Report Bullying & 113 feet tall and was built in Maine. Safety Concerns insufficient background checks that * Rudolph’s red nose is probably the allowed a few thousand convicted result of a parasitic infection of the criminals to become drivers. respitory system. The takeaway from this report is www.vvsd.org/rhs Happy holidays everyone! or talk to a staff member simple: Don’t ride alone. A LITTLE HOLIDAY HO HO HO 4 The History of the Beloved Fruit Cake By Ian Rennert Now About that Elf on the Shelf Fruit cake, with its dried candied fruits and By Michael Bunch deceivingly tough texture, is a food that has records The “Elf on the Shelf” was originally a children’s tracing back to the ancient Egyptians. book created by Carol V. Aebersold and Bell Chanda. Fruit cake nowadays is typically associated with The elf serves as a “Scout elf” there to observe children’s the Christmas season, as great of a gift fruit cake can be, behavior as Christmas approaches. The reason the elf however, records show that fruit cake was sometimes moves to a different spot in the house every morning is made to place on the coffin of loved ones to represent because it flies back to the North Pole each evening and eternity or afterlife in ancient egyptian times. However reports the child’s behavior. this cake hadn’t gained popularity or common use until There are rules to the Elf on the Shelf: he or she the Roman times, in which fruit cake was typically the needs a name, NO ONE CAN TOUCH THE ELF, and food of choice to send to the soldiers. On top of that, when the elf will not speak or move while the kids are awake. the Crusades were started, many crusaders were sent this Bell Chanda said that the Elf on the Shelf idea cake as a gift from home. dates back to a 1970’s family tradition her family had. Throughout the centuries fruit cake has under- This allows kids to tell the elf the good things they have gone various changes on how to make it: pomegranate done everyday so they are not put on the Naughty list seeds, pine nuts, and barley mash in the Roman times, to when the elf goes back to report to Santa. Kids are also preserved fruit, spices and honey in the medieval era, and very exuberant in the morning as they wake up and eventually adding larger amounts of sugar as cheap search for the new spot where the elf may be hiding. resources poured in with the discovery of America. In addition, fruit from the Mediteranian area were candied and thrown into the mix as well. Even alcohol was added to the cake in the Victorian era. Despite the cakes (interesting?) flavor, it contains one of the richest histories of all our Christmas Having Some Fun on a “Snow Day” dishes. By Destin Whitaker Building a snowman can be difficult if you don’t have When Frosty Came to Town the proper technique. Many people fail starting off, but By Marcos Miranda the more you try the better you will get. The correct way During the holiday season of 1950, a new holiday to make a proper snowman is: song was introduced that told the tale of an inanimate * Choose the right snow (can’t be too dry) snowman that was here to spread good cheer. * Start packing. Take the snow and pack it into a ball, Written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, then, put your back into it and roll the snow across the “Frosty the Snowman” became an international hit, and lawn to make the base an everlasting part of many peoples’ holiday celebrations. * Repeat, do everything again but now make the second The lovably jolly snowman, who possessed “a button ball a little smaller. Then do the same thing with a third nostril, and two eyes produced from coal,” became as one. recognizable as other non-religious holiday symbols like * Stack em. Start from largest to smallest and pack snow Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in between the snow balls which similarly went on to appear on TV. * Now it’s time to accesorize. The 1979 holiday season showed the first display- A good way to make your snowman stand out and be ing of Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July. This TV stronger is spraying some water on it to make it harden special teamed the snowman with the Red-Nosed and glisten. Clothing your snowman Reindeer in a journey where they faced the evil wizard and decorating him can be fun and Winterbolt. In this Frosty episode, it’s revealed that adding food to your snowman can be Frosty and Crystal now are the snow-parents of a snow- beneficial to birds in the winter. A top man family.In 1998, Michael Keaton starred in Jack hat with bird food wrapped across the Frost, a live-motion movie that is based partly at the rim, orange slices for eyes, carrots for Frosty tale. The movie tells of a neglectful dad who dies noses a scarf wrapped in bird food and is returned to life as a snowman in his and a couple buttons to top off the son’s front yard. snowman. And finally some good, Now, more than 70 years later, we strong twigs for the birds to sit on while still have the jolly jingle of Frosty stuck they wait their turn. in our heads - and our hearts. So be creative and have some fun! 5 & JINGLE JINGLE Some Gift Ideas for the Season Around the World with Hot Chocolate By Zachary McGladdery By Antonio Orozco Christmas the most joyous day of the year and it Around the world, a universal treat during the is the day for giving to others.The hottest gifts to give cold months for many is hot chocolate. It’s traditional for this Christmas for children would be a Nintendo Switch, many cultures to make this treat differently. Harry Potter invisibility cloak, Treasure X Aliens,and , In Germany their version of the drink is called Kakao DreamWorks hatching Toothless.Finding gifts for teens is just as simple as finding gifts for children. Some of the but it is not the same as the hot chocolate we are used to. gifts that teens would want for this Christmas: Apple You can drink this drink with it being hot or cold and it AirPods, wireless charging pad, 12-in-1 arcade cabinet, LARQ will still taste as good. It is only considered “hot choco- self cleaning water bottle, cell phone stand,and an Xbox One S. late” when actual chocolate is put into the drink from a Those are the gifts that makes this season the chocolate bar. Milk or water can be used due to greatest gift giving season of this year. the preference and there is often an added sweetener. Spain also has their own way of making the Holidays Around the World famous drink. Spaniards make the drink dark brown and By Isabella McLoughlin thick, made from milk and bitter chocolate. It is also All around the world, Christmas is celebrated in thickened with a bit of corn or potato starch. unique ways. If you are from the United States, you more People from France will melt their chocolate in hot than likely are familiar with Santa, a happy old man who water and then add milk and mix it all together. comes out once a year, bringing children presents if they They mix it until the liquid starts to get creamy, which have been good and coal if they are bad. These types of is a rather time consuming process. Not only is the hot “traditions” vary from country to country. chocolate being served, but they will also have a glass of In Austria, there is a creature that everyone water along with the drink. knows as Krampus who roams the streets during Christ- And in America, just buy the Swiss Miss. mas time and frightens kids and punishes the ones that are bad. In the first week of December, young men dress Looking Back a Decade up as the Krampus (especially on the eve of St. Nicholas By Greg Mazurkiewicz Day) frightening children with clattering chains and In 2010 the holiday season was tampered down bells. Krampus is not the only tradition in Austria: St. by the recession compared to this years holidays sitting at historic highs in the economy. Nicholas rewards the well-behaved children, whereas Technology gifts in 2010 were the iPhone 4 and Krampus captures the bad ones and hides them away. iPad. The most wanted technology this year is smart Another tradition comes from Iceland. During the 13 watches, Air Pods, iPhone 11, smart tvs, and in- home days leading up to Christmas, 13 troll-like figures, called assistants. the Yule Lads come out to “play.” For each night of The average amount of money spent on gifts per Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window person in the 2010 holiday was $714 but this year it is and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts for nice girls projected to be on average of $920 per person. In 2010 and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. Clad real trees cost on average $36.12 with fake trees costing in traditional Icelandic costume, these fellas are pretty $64.61. This holiday season it is predicted for real trees to mischievous, and their names hint at the type of trouble cost on average $80 with fake trees costing $110. they like to cause. In Norway, there is a tradition that goes way back, and that is to hide your brooms on Christmas Eve. This is done because many years ago, people believed that Over 600 Food Items collected for needy witches came out on the night before Christmas and it families in our area was believed that hiding your brooms would ensure they families in our area kept their distance from you and your loved ones. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christ- NHS mas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day, many NHS people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen by the witches. Thanks RHS! Compared to many countries around the world, jolly old St. Nick is looking pretty good. LET IT SNOW 6 A Little Winter Fun: Part 1 Fun: Part 2 By Amanda Kitchens By Amanda Listermann Deciding what you can do with your signifi- Winter break is a full two weeks to enjoy ourselves cant other or best friends during the holidays because of and it’s just around the corner! There are so many activi- the weather can be a struggle. Holidays can be ex- ties that the winter could have in store for you. Finals will tremely fun and can make a very cold day very enjoy- be over and all your hard work will have paid off, so find able! Here are five fun dates to share with someone something you like to spend the break and enjoy the special. season. 1. Go Ice Skating * Let it snow! If it snows during the break, make Ice Skating downtown is one of the best things to the most of it. Find a big hill to go sledding down and feel do in the winter. The McCormick Tribune Plaza, which the breeze in your face all the way to the bottom. Maybe is in Millenium Park, is a great way to take in the heart even try snowboarding. You could also build a snowman of downtown. Another favorite is the Maggie Daley with the perfect carrot nose, make snow angels, or have a Park ice skating ribbon which is near Millenium Park, snowball fight right in your front yard. but the difference is the rink is a ribbon and curves * Stay inside. It may be cold outside but inside through snow dusted pine trees and city lights. Both there is plenty to do. Watch movies with your fuzzy socks rinks have free admission only with a cost of skate on, your whole body covered under a blanket, and a hot rentals! ($13 weekdays and $15 weekends) cup of hot cocoa. Maybe have a movie marathon. Other options include a board game with your friends and family or doing a jigsaw puzzle. You could also find a good book to read from the school library before break or at the White Oak Library to read all break long. * Make food. Try out a new recipe and have your family or friends taste test. You could bake cookies, make pies, or cinnamon rolls. Or you could cook a casserole, soup, or chilli. But you could also make a gingerbread house and deco- rate it with frosting and sprinkles and anything 2. Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Festival else you could think of. Then eat the masterpiece after- The Zoo Lights Festival is held annually at wards. Lincoln Park Zoo which displays over 2 million lights. * Holiday cheer. You could carol holiday music, put This is a perfect winter date night destination, drinking up decorations, or make homemade gifts for friends or some hot chocolate and observing the dazzling lights family. Use Pinterest, other ideas found online, or your while taking a nice walk with your loved one! This is a own creativity to make either the decorations or the gifts. free event that has multiple themed activities such as * Go out. There are plenty of stores and malls all carolers, ice carvings, and a music and light show. around to enjoy an afternoon looking around and maybe 3. Gingerbread House Competition even get to see a showing of a Christmas tree with lights What’s better than a little competition while dancing to the Christmas music. There are also things to having some fun? It could get messy but you’ll have do like ice skating. There is one just in Bolingbrook called some really cute outcomes. You can also taste your Rocket Ice Skating Rink. Bowling is another option and creation. there are tons of bowling alleys around such as 4. Holiday Movie Night Romeoville Bowlero, Joliet Town and Country Lane, and Watch classic holiday movies for a little mara- Plainfield Lanes and Escape Room thon. This is a no expense date that only requires a * Chill with your friends. Haha, get it, cause it’s blanket, some snacks, and a special someone you want cold outside? Anyway, find time to spend with your to share your favorite christmas movie with. friends and spread the holiday cheer. You could do any of 5. Drive Around the Neighborhoods to See the these activities with your friends and have a super fun day. Best House Decorations Fill winter break with tons of memories and fun Very simple but festive. Find what neighborhoods times. Enjoy the break from school and happy holidays have the best decorations while sipping your favorite RHS! warm holiday drink. It’s very nice to see the different ways people decorate for the holidays! 7 SENIOR SNAPSHOTS Ms. Osa Igbinovia Ms. Jocelyn Holland By Elizabeth Montoya By Maddie Oderio Osa Igbinovia is the most specular person you Jocelyn Holland is one of the kindest people you’ll will ever meet from her pure kindness to her strong ever meet, with an upbeat and outgoing personality to academics morals. She has it all for a true representation show for it, making her an exciting senior to highlight in of a Spartan, making her a perfect person for this month’s our last issue this semester. Senior Snapshot! “Jocelyn is hands down one of the kindest and “Osa is the type person who hits your car on the smartest people I’ve ever met. She brings happiness first day of school but will also send you money because everywhere she goes and I’m so glad we’ve gotten closer you’re hungry or stay up on the phone with you all night this year,” said classmate Kristina Djordjevic (12). cause you’re sad.” said Isabella Nkemeth (12). Jocelyn is a hardworking student with a full and Osa’s schedule consists of the following: PE 3, challenging schedule starting with Ceramics, followed by AP Lit and Comp, AP Euro, AP Calc BC, French 3, and AP Spanish Language, Pre-Calculus, AP European Honors Anatomy and Physiology. As she takes on AP History, AP Literature and Composition, and then ending classes, as well as being top 10%, she is still able to be actively involved in clubs. Not only that but she is also her day at WILCO in the CNA program. She is also the involved in a sport. She is involved in the following; One of Vice-President of National Honor Society, and has been the Presidents for DECA, Vice President of Senior involved in Senior Council and AP Council. Council, Representative in AP Council, NHS, and Outside of school, she is also a swimming instruc- Badminton. tor for children and a Recreation Aide for adults with RHS teacher Mrs.Paulus said, “Osa is an disabilities. amazing person. She has a great attitude not only towards “Jocelyn is an amazing young lady who always her studies, but also towards life in general. She has comes to class with a smile on her face. Her intelligence, displayed a genuine caring spirit for others.” And as her work ethic, and dedication to learning will lead to much friend, Evelyn Rodriguez (12) said, “Osa’s spirit makes success in college and life. Simply put, she is awesome!” RHS a memorable and positive environment for everyone said her AP European teacher, Dr. Moro. around her, and she pushes HARD for everyone to be the In the future, Holland will attend Aurora University best they can be - in the nicest way possible.” to major in nursing and then hopes to become a Pediatric Everyone deserves an Osa in Oncology Nurse, to make their lives! Something she would like to an impact on peoples’ lives let everyone know: “Surround yourself after watching her father with people who make you a better overcome his own journey version of yourself. If they aren’t with cancer. contributing to any happiness, they As for RHS, she wants aren’t worth it, life is too short. If they to leave it with this: “Al- aren’t helping you hop out your feel- ways, always, always treat ings and hopping into your bag, let people with kindness. You them go sis!” never know how much you impact a person’s life just Mr. Praise Osinloye by being kind and caring.” By Elizabeth Montoya Praise Osinloye is someone who represents a he wants to be an engineer, but is undecided in what person with growth with his kindness, leadership, and college to attend, but we all know wherever he goes he’ll academics and he will make you laugh by the littlest do great! jokes. He’s a perfect choice for this months senior snap- His schedule is currently: Wind Symphony, Jazz shot! Band 1, AP Lit and Comp, Health, Pre-Calc Honors, “I’ve known Praise since middle school and it’s Anatomy and Physiology Honors, and Spanish II. His AP amazing how close we’ve gotten and how much he’s Lit and Comp teacher, Mrs.Budreau said, “Praise is an grown! He’s one of the most talented and most kind awesome student! He is humorous, hard-working, and hearted people I know. Praise represents what it means to genuinely kind. He has the coolest dance moves, and he be a Spartan and you’ll never catch him without a smile,” sets the bar high for our class. I have no doubt that he will said Michelle Gacek (12). change the world!” Praise is involved in many school activities: March- As senior year is coming close to an end, Praise ing Band ( section leader and field show soloist ), Jazz wants to let all the Spartans know: “Make sure your Band 1 and Wind Symphony ( 1st chair ), AP council, school experience is Divine because you will Prosper. NHS, and Key Club. He also volunteers in Highpoint Even if you’re not the Victor, you will always be worthy of Summer Club, and plays solos in Pep band. In the future Praise.” CHATROOM 8
Mini-Opinion #1 SPARTUS SURVEYS What is the best/worst gift you ever received? #1. Who is your favorite reindeer? Talia Makowski (12) - Best: my dog. Well, OBVIOUSLY, it is Rudolph, Chloe Belbis (12) - Worst: an empty gift card. followed by Prancer and Comet. Ania Muniz (12) - Best: Sam Smith tickets. #2: Dasher is retiring. Name the new kid. Isaac Pena (11) - Best . . . and worst: a toy truck because Votes for: Stinky, Bacon, Peanuts, my Dad gave it to me and said, “Here’s a brand new car.” Jose, Fidget, Boomer, Theodore, Olaf, Stanley, Mrs. Hill (staff) - Best: Oklahoma University pajamas. Ringo, Jingles, Gaser . . . and Milo. Abdullah Shoaib (12) - Best: a pink rubber chicken. Paige Principe (12) - Worst: when I was 10 I got a season pass to Great America . . . but I was scared of roller Mini-Opinion #3 coasters at the time. What is your New Year’s resolution? McKinley Underwood (12) - Best: a Stanford sweatshirt. Rochelle Rocha (12) - Worst (or Best): A box of mac-n- Elizabeth Vasquez (12) - To get a job. cheese. Miguel Ballesteros (12) - Improve my time management Jaela Foster-Burns (12) - Best: my Pandora bracelet. skills. Miguel Ballesteros (12) - Best: a big boy Lego set. Megan Mandrelle (9) - Be more organized. Ashanti Warren (12) - Worst: my brother bought me a Austin Turner (12) - Less attitude. colorful furry shirt. Jovanela Baez (12) - To relax more and make more time Jessica Cecchi (10) - Worst: a weird face wash thing. for myself. Mr. Rause (staff) - Best (or worst) - Jelly-of-the-Month Caitlyn Baisden (11) - To pass junior year. club. Carolina Lopez (12) - To actually start saving money. Mo Al-Shawaiyat (12) - Worst: a bingo game. Hannah Shaikh (11) - No more hot Cheetos. Ali Arreguin (10) - Best: I got a niece. Sarah Coffman (12) - To be more confident. Helena Null (11) - Worst: a box of granola bars. Nick Anderson (11) - I don’t do resolutions because, if I Milo Rodriguez (12) - Worst: when I was younger I got a fail, it ruins my vibe. Lego Slave 1 and I cried because I lost one piece and it Alyssa Rodriguz (9) - To get out of my comfort zone and couldn’t be built without it but - Best - three weeks later, and do things I’ve always wanted but was too scared. when I found it and finally built it, it was the best gift ever. Laisa Garcia (12) - To get to sleep earlier. Michael Lane (11) - To stop procrastinating. Mini-Opinion #2 Weronika Tokarska (9) - To live my best life. What are you looking forward to in the next decade? Karina Ortiz (12) - For my card to not be declined.
Marcella Milazzo (11) - Graduating college and living in Italy. Anayelli Hernandez (11) - Having kids. Monica Saravia (10) - All the new tik toks. Over 120 Holiday Cards Hailey Bischoff (12) - New opportunities and memories. sent to Veterans of the Josh Moore (12) - Elon Musk’s Cybertruck. Armed Forces Karina Ortiz (12) - My card not being declined. Mr. Saenz (staff) - Retire. Interact Kyra Savage (12) - Doing what I love. Interact Gannon Orfino (11) - I’m excited to see what happens. Club Whatever happens, happens. Emily Leon (12) - Everything. Thanks RHS! . . . lots looking forward to college - and money. 9 CHATROOM Mini-Opinion #4 CHEF’S CORNER What do you regret from 2019? Part 9: Pizza Time By Master Chef Joshua Mark Lee Sarah Hassan (12) - Wasting my time with toxic people. Nothing screams Christmas Jaela Foster Burns (12) - Not participating in more like a hot and crispy pan pizza, but if things. you’re not a money tree and only have Daniela Magana (12) - Not appreciating things - not $l0 in your pocket, what can you get? Well your two options are Pizza Hut learning from previous mistakes. or Domino’s. But which option is the Steph Hernandez (11) - Running into a celebrity, freezing best? That is why I, Master Chef Joshua up, and missing taking a picture. Mark Lee, have taken it upon myself to try both of these Ana Cervantes (11) - Paying too much attention to things pizza chains’ pan pizza and to let you know which option that don’t matter. is the best. Welcome to Chef’s Corner Part 9: Pizza Time. The first stage of this operation was research. Ashley Harrison (12) - Speeding tickets. Both places offer an online deal where you can order a Kyra Savage (12) - Letting other people determine my three-topping large pizza, for 7.99 + tax. The only differ- self-worth. ence is that Pizza Hut charges a dollar extra for you to Helena Null (11) - Too many things. upgrade to pan pizza and Domino’s doesn’t, but Domino’s Ms. Fehrenbacher (staff) - I try to not to live my life with pan pizza is only available in a 12 inch size compared to Pizza Hut’s 14 inch pan pizza. regrets, but . . . maybe this haircut. Pizza Hut A.K.A. “The Hut” Alberto Macias (12) - Eating too much fast food. Though I was disappointed that I had to spend an Paola Ruiz (12) - Dying my hair. extra dollar just to get their pan pizza, but I was going to Talia Makowski (12) - Nothing. Everything was worth it. give it a shot. I got chicken and meatball as my toppings . . . and just a lot of “trusting the wrong people” and “no rather than my usual sausage and pepperoni, as I wanted to switch it up. I walked into this with an open mind and regrets.” mediocre expectations. The pizza did meet those medio- SPARTUS SURVEYS cre expectations. The crust was more crunchy than crispy, and the bottom was rather soft. The sauce was oddly #1. Favorite holiday song? sweet, and the chicken was tough and bland. It was an “All I want for Christmas is You” honest 6/10 for pan pizza. I ate half of it as I was very Other favorites: “Mistletoe,” “Baby it’s hungry and saved the rest for later. The leftovers changed cold outside,” and the classic “Jingle Bells.” a mediocre experience to a disappointing one: the crust tasted stale yet oddly moist, and the cheese tasted like dried glue. It was a disappointing experience for $9. #2: And to put this question to bed - NO, Domino’s Pizza Die Hard is not a Christmas movie (64%) As I said, this pan pizza sacrifices two inches compared to The Hut, but it’s a buck cheaper, and two inches isn’t that much. An added bonus with Domino’s in their three topping deal is that extra cheese, even double cheese, counts as one topping. To get extra cheese at Pizza Hut, it always costs +2 dollars, a deal breaker because then my total would be above $l0. So I got sausage, pepperoni, and double cheese. I picked up my o those in need, pizza and couldn’t resist eating a slice on the way home. It To those in need, was heavenly. The toppings and cheese went to the edge over 50 pints of and the crust was crispy and delicious in all the right life-saving blood ways. This pan pizza was so tasty that I went through the effort to eat another slice while driving home with it, then proceeded to eat another two slices. If you’re on a limited The students budget this holiday season, Domino’s pan pizza is the way to go. I award it the Master Chef Joshua Mark Lee Seal of and staff Approval, or as I like to call it, the MCJMLSoA. In conclusion, someone does in fact out-pizza Thanks RHS! The Hut, Domino’s Pizza. I wish all of you, my fans, a Happy Holiday, and a happy New Year. A LITTLE GROUPWORK 10 News from the RHS MCJROTC The MCJROTC Marksmanship Team competed in the River Valley Open Shooting competition in Kankakee on 23 November. Individuals placing were: Gifts and Good Cheer to 15 Families and Shawn Davis - 3rd place with a score of 488 with 8 bulls 40 Children Benjamin Jewell - 4th place with a score of 460 with 5 bulls Aliya Kazmi - 5th place with a score of 460 with 4 bulls The Clubs & Anthony Russo - 6th place with a score of 455 with 4 bulls Activities of Brittney Newton - 7th place with a score of 445 with 6 bulls RHS Jose Gutierrez - 8th place with a score of 445 with 4 bulls Amelia Vidad - 9th place with a score of 443 with 2 bulls Thanks RHS! Mila Gedzhova - 10th place with a score of 429 with 2 bulls All of these shooters qualified for the State Championships in January 2020. Spreading Holiday Goodwill By Jenna Mandrelle The MCJROTC Drill Team competed in the Adopt a Family is something that RHS has been Portage Drill Competition at Portage High School, participating in for years. It’s not just a schoolwide Indiana on 7 December and placed in the following: program though, it’s a nationwide program. Many people throughout the U.S. participate in Unit Inspection commanded by Cadet Ricardo Alfaro -1st Adopt a Family, which is where someone can give disadvan- Place Trophy taged children and families gifts around Christmas time. Unarmed Drill Platoon commanded by Cadet Brittney Many families don’t have the ability to spend a lot of Newton - 3rd Place Trophy money for gifts around the holidays, so this program Armed Drill Platoon commanded by Cadet Amelia Vidad - allows others to help them out and make the holidays 3rd Place Trophy exciting for everyone. “Adopt a Family is a meaningful way to not only Great job during the competition everyone! spread holiday cheer, but to give back to a family in our community,” said RHS staff member, Rebecca Finke. Many clubs at RHS are adopting a family and are looking to give back to the community during this time of the year. Anyone can adopt a family. Sometimes the organization will give a list of items, but other times people will have to just take the recipients age, gender, Lockport #1 Driving School and interests into consideration and brainstorm ideas for gifts. 30 hour class & Participating in this 12 hours BTW: $399. program can sprinkle kindness through the holiday season and promote giving to BTW only: $299. those who are less fortunate.
Classes Available All Year Long $20 OFF with this ad For more information call: 815-531-2651 11 SO LONG 2019 The Highs and Lows of Another Year Gone By By Michelle Mendoza The decade definitely ended with a bang as Celebrity Drama: R. Kelly had a tremendous 2019 had iconic moments that those living in it will fallout this year and was full of drama. Tati Westbrook remember forever. To wrap up the year, here’s a list of the and James Charles also had a public feud. Lori Loughlin, top pop culture events from this year that you cannot the famous Aunt Becky, was caught up in a crime and is forget. heading for jail, and finally Jordyn Woods and Kylie Big Moments: Two Instagram records were made this Jenner had a best friend breakup. year. We had the world breaking egg that beat Kylie Who We Lost: We lost actors Cameron Boyce and Jenner in having the most liked photo, and Jennifer Luke Perry. We also lost icons Allen Thicke and Grumpy Aniston finally joined the app and became the fastest user Cat. to gain a million followers. Memes: Countless amounts of memes could have One joke in Avengers: Endgame became popular made this list. But when it came down to popularity (and this year (especially with the girls) as Captain America’s appropriateness for the sake of this paper), it came down behind was acknowledged. Chris Evans rocked the well- to just these: appreciated America’s “backside.” * “Some of y’all______and it shows” Movies: We had throwbacks such as the renewed * Anything with Spongebob Aladdin and Lion King. We also had Toy Story 4, It Chapter 2, * “Ahh say less” Good Boys, Spider-Man:Far From Home, Avengers: Endgame, * Joe and Yuri and lastly, Joker. * Kylie Jenner’s “Rise and Shine” Trends: This year was all about bringing old ones * How Boys Do Things vs. Men back. Scrunchies made a huge comeback as well as hair * Anything with Minecraft clips and bangs. Others included friendship bracelets, And with that the year comes to an end. Hope it was glossy lips, biker shorts, and (a big one) denim. a good one for all of you. If not, it’s up to you to make the Songs: Many started listening to classic love songs next one better. Good luck. (we can thank Tik Tok for introducing Paul Anka to many young girls). However, other modern songs included: Old Town Road, Bad Guy, 7 Rings, Suge, La Cancion, Sucker, Highest in the Room, Ransom, Senorita, Circles, 223’s, and Truth Hurts. Many of these were written by new artists that we were The SPARTUS 2019 introduced to this year including Lizzo, Da Baby, Lil Nas Holiday Cover Contest X, Jonas Brothers (again), Summer Walker, and of Okay all you creative people, this ones for you. The course, Megan Thee Stallion. challenge - design a holiday cover for the SPARTUS. It Challenges: The top five of the year started as early can be pictures, sayings, or a combination of both. It can as January with the Bird Box challenge. Following this be simple, or as intricate as you would like. It should be were the vacuum/trash bag challenge, the bottle cap colorful. The question simply is - as 2019 comes to a close, challenge, attempting to put a pen through a fidget what message would you like to send to our readers? spinner, and finally, Tik Tok dances. The rules are also simple: Using the back page of Sayings: Phrases this year were pretty limited. We this issue, create your original cover. Then sign the have the annoying sayings that died down as soon as they bottom, put your 3rd HOUR CLASSROOM after your were associated with VSCO girls, (“sksksksk” and “And I name (ex: Fionna Hughes (68)), and cut the page off oop-”). Then we had those that were associated with girls along the dotted line. Then put your cover in the gift box who claim they lived a “hot girl summer” that included outside room 42 before 3rd HOUR on Tuesday. any variation of the word “period.” And finally, to avoid The SPARTUS staff will select the winner and our vulgar language in the school newspaper, the last one is Editors will deliver a $25 Chili’s Gift Card to the winner’s the simple “yessir.” room. Have fun - eat free food. Good luck to all and Happy Holidays from the SPARTUS! Romeoville High School
SPARTUSSPARTUS Proud to be Spartans SPARTUSSPARTUSSPARTUSDecember, 2019 Vol. 56: #3
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from: