SteinmetzVolume 81, Number 5, May-June 2016 Star www.steinmetzstar.com Valedictorian Ashley Komperda tops outstanding group of graduates Congratulations, Class of 2016

Ashley Komperda Photo by Brian Geans by Photo

By Alejandro Hernandez

n addition to being known as a fun, dependable and generous person, a Ivarsity athlete, captain of the cheer- leading team, Homecoming Queen and one of the people responsible for booking comedian Hannibal Buress as commencement speaker, Ashley Komperda has achieved one final goal – graduating at the top of the Class of 2016. “It is an opportunity I never Nunez Steven by Photo thought I would have,” she said. “I The Top Ten graduates of the Class of 2016 (front row): Zaneta Marcinik, Karla Miranda, Ashley Komperda, Kienna Bariso, Alicia Urquizo, Magda Hernandez; (back row): Jose Padilla, Alec Reyes, Venice Gonzalez, Lukasz Kuczynski. See Pages 8-20 for features on these students and dozens of other seniors. actually didn’t realize I could be num- ber one until sophomore year, and I really fought for it since then.” She was on the cheerleading and softball teams for all four She credits her work ethic to her grandma, who she calls The fact that Ashley maintained the highest GPA in the class years, a member of the National Honor Society and a reporter her biggest inspiration. is incredible considering how involved she was in numerous for the Steinmetz Star. She also worked on the weekends at Continued on Page 8 activities in and out of school. Rich’s Fresh Market. Excellent drama club performances Inspiring music at Spring Showcase

of witty, original work by Mr. Cole By McKenzie Lacefield By Elise Guillen he Spring he production of The Showcase, the Case of the Burning Tchorus and TTest was held on Fri- band classes’ last day the 13th, but the unlucky performance of the date had no effect on the great year, was held on play. It was an outstanding Tuesday, May 24. production that was put to- The four begin- gether by some of Steinmetz ning band classes, finest students and faculty. which include only It’s fantastic that there was a a few students who Photo by Brian Geans play this year due to the un- played instruments before taking the class, Teacher Josh Hasken arranged each song.

certainty of finding someone Nunez Steven by Photo played “La Bamba,” “My House,” “Love “This made each band sound their best,” new to run the drama club. Seniors McKenzie Lacefield and Melanie Rolon star as Winter Yourself” “Rather Be” and others. music teacher Beth Zaluba said. Watson and Sherry Holmes in “The Case of the Burning Test,” Continued on Page 20 a play written for Steinmetz by teacher Gerald Cole. Continued on Page 20 In this Issue News Senior Features JROTC Shout Outs Arts & Sports Entertainment 2 Steinmetz Star Staff Star editors shout out their appreciation

The Steinmetz Star staff poses at Millennium Park following the March 2016 McCormick Media luncheon where both editors received “Superior” awards and the Star won “Superior Overall Newspaper.” From Zaneta Marcinik From Alejandro Hernandez From Ms. Schmidt

I have too many people to thank. I guess I have to start off with the Big Man Upstairs. All praises go to Him. All my blessings Shout out to my co-editor-in-chief, Ale Hernan- come from Him. Everything is written, and I just have to trust in A shout out to all the graduates in Journalism class and dez. I hope you will have a great time in college and His plan. Newspaper Club, especially to the MVPs on the Star team pursue your career in writing. Remember to send Shout outs to my teachers, Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Pereyra – reporters and editors McKenzie Lacefield, Jailene Torres, me your first book that you will write. hands down two of my favorites and two of the wisest men I Brian Geans, Alejandro Hernandez, Zaneta Marcinik and Also shout out to Mrs. Schmidt for giving me the have ever met. Thank you for all the interesting, funny, insightful Ashley Komperda. opportunity to be a part of the Steinmetz Star and conversations. Shoutouts to Ms. Ferrarini and Ms. Doyle, two of I will miss Brian’s amazing photography, joyful activism choosing me as the editor-in-chief. It was an honor! the wisest women I have ever met, and another two of my other and pride, Jailene’s work ethic and ability to do anything You work very hard to make sure that Steinmetz favorites. Thank you for all the reality checks. I don’t know how I needed to be done, Ashley’s topnotch reporting of so many has its own paper and the voice of teenagers and will survive college without the both of you. important stories, Ale’s great writing, Zaneta’s kindnesss and staff can be heard. Shout out to Ms. Schmidt for seeing my potential when I was integrity and everything about McKenzie. Shout out to everybody who was, is, and will just a timid freshman. I used to be insecure about my writing, but You all did a great job this year (and for years before this be involved in the Steinmetz Star newspaper. I’m cocky as hell now, and I owe that to your constant praise of one). You made the Star a fantastic paper. Thanks on behalf Love, Zaneta my work. Thank you for feeding my ego. Every great writer has of all the readers who enjoyed every issue. I wish you the one. very best and I’m so happy you will stay in touch. More from Zaneta on Page 26 Continued on Page 26 Sincerely, Sharon Schmidt

The Steinmetz Starwelcomes letters, Journalism class reporters: Kimberly Degante, Maria Figueroa, Van- Steinmetz corrections, comments, and articles from Class of 2016: Jacara Adams, Juan Cebal- essa Garcia, Elise Guillen, Luis Huerta, all members of the Steinmetz commu- los, Valery Champion, David Ciecha- Everett Jennings, Jeremy Lugo, Monica nity. nowski, Yesenia Deluna, Kara Dziadosz, Marroquin, Keren Mendoza, Jamara Mc- Star Brian Geans, Paris Glispie, Luis Gomez, Garry, Arianna Plascencia, Alina Qureshy, Co-editors-in-chief: Venice Gonzalez, Gerardo Jerez, Dan- Jacquelyn Rodriguez Steinmetz College Prep High School Alejandro Hernandez (2016) and iel Lozeau, Rosemary Mcgurn, Gisel 3030 N. Mobile, Chicago IL 60641 Zaneta Marcinik (2016) Mendoza, Wiljalisha Mollfulleda, Olivia The Newspaper Clubmeets on Tuesdays 773-534-3030, Star office (x) 25241 Nunez, Camila Pina, Flor Renteria, Maya and Thursdays in Room 333 during 3rd Section editors and copy editors: Robinson, Aleksander Samulak and 4th period lunch and after school. Website: www.steinmetzstar.com Class of 2016: Ashley Komperda, Email: [email protected] McKenzie Lacefield, Jailene Torres Newspaper Club reporters: Star faculty adviser: Underclassmen: Agape Alfaro, Lesli Class of 2016: Karen Bahena, Jaren Jack- Ms. Sharon Schmidt The Steinmetz Staris a student publi- Avila, Steven Nunez, Daria Velazquez son, Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch, Diana cation of Steinmetz College Prep High Lagunas, Gerardo Martinez, Josh Marti- Membership: School. Our goal is to inform the Stein- Journalism class reporters: Underclass- nez, Tyffani Quintero, Emony Tate Scholastic Press Association of Chicago metz community of news affecting the men: Ronald Evans, Rikeya Hargrove, students of our school. The opinions Angelo Jones, Izabella Kulik, Anthony Newspaper Club reporters: Underclass- Printing: Mr. Hugh Hefner’s November expressed in our articles are not necessar- Morgan-Kitch, Elizabeth Patino, Lisette men: Lara Banez, Frank Cabrera, Ezra 2015 donation to the Star covers the ily those shared by the editors or faculty Pravinchandra, Kinga Tarasiewicz, Imari Chavez, Karla Colula, Caitlin Cortez, costs of printing the paper at Topweb and administration. Walker Samantha Cortez, Frederick Crittendon, in Chicago. •

2 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Opinion 3 What are your favorite memories? Photos by Lisette Pravinchandra, Pravinchandra, Lisette by Photos Brian Geans

“Being in baseball with “Making new friends.” “Having teachers I could “Northside versus Southside “The Homecoming games “I will miss Mr. Torres for a lot of different people, Jaren Jackson trust.” during cross country.” and meeting new people being pretty cool. Also, Mr. but doing things as a fam- Courtney Chandler Angel Quintero were highlights. I will miss Arroyo, for being an amazing ily.” Ms. Seritella and the security teacher and an inspiration.” Elias Nieves guards.” Maya Robinson Omar Jacinto Letters from our Readers Poetry in April issue was very moving Star reporter to attend summer workshop

May 20, 2016 May 14, 2016 You will also be travel- The Steinmetz Star is Dear Ronald, ing to a professional news- such an outstanding paper. I am so pleased to offer paper for two days for a I can’t imagine how some my congratulations on being hands-on internship. high schools get along with- selected to participate in the The bulk of funds for out a student-oriented paper Illinois Press Foundation/ the workshop is provided to give students a necessary Eastern Illinois Journalism by the Illinois Press Foun- voice. The Star gives Stein- Workshop, an 11-day resi- dation, with significant metz students a chance to dential program that pro- contributions from the be heard by other students, vides an intimate look at McCormick Fund and the faculty and the principal. journalism as a career. You Eastern Illinois University I was very moved by the will be introduced to the Journalism Department. pain expressed in the poetry complete process of produc- As a result, all expenses in the March-April 2016 pa- ing news: gathering informa- Ronald Evans received a $1,000 (including housing, meals per. I hope it was cathartic tion, writing news, editing, fellowship from the Scholastic and tuition) are paid. Press Association of Chicago to for the writers and that it designing, and producing a study journalism this summer; I look forward to meet- gets kids thinking deeply news and online publication. however, he won’t need to use ing you later this summer. I the money. He received a free, about how to respect, ap- This workshop includes 11-day opportunity at Eastern know this will be an amaz- preciate and genuinely care field trips, reporting on Illinois University from the Illiinois ing experience. Again, con- for each other. Some of the poets who entered the 2016 Steinmetz Star National politicians in Springfield, Press Foundation. gratulations! Sincerely, Jean Griffin Poetry Month contest, including winners (front row) Alejandro Her- developing a photo essay and Sincerely, Joe Gisondi nandez, Alina Qureshy, McKenzie Lacefiled and Jason Valtierra. writing other stories. IPF/EIU Director Steinmetz Fest 2016 was a great success, thanks to staff and student volunteers

Photos by Frank Cabrera

Photos by Steven Nunez

May 16, 2016 tion, CPD vs. Students basketball it to Facebook. Usually, a posting clusive about what they include on me to the account. Hello everyone, game and the CPS pep rally was a on the Steinmetz Facebook page their timeline and we had about six I look forward to Steinmetz Fest Thank you for your support of hit. More than 70 car show partici- receives about 200-250 views. I am different clips on the timeline. The 2017 and working with everyone Steinmetz Fest 2016. Everything pants attended. Each year gets better proud to say the basketball clip, so clips included the pep rally and the again. went smoothly and the outpouring and better. far, has 6.6K views and the pep rally break dancing competition. The Once again, from the bottom of of help was incredible. All the smil- On Saturday night I was watch- clip has 5.3K views. Those num- campus looked stunning and you my heart, thank you. I’m just in ing faces, laughter and camaraderie ing WGN and saw a clip of Stein- bers are truly amazing and each view could really feel the excitement in awe. This event is possible because served as testament that everyone metz Fest and the pep rally, and I means one more positive thought in the videos. of all the volunteers that pour their gave from the heart. I am truly grate- was very excited and proud of our someone’s mind about how great our If you would like to see pictures hearts into supporting Steinmetz ful and I know the students are also school. I recorded the clip on my students, teachers and community or videos please visit the Steinmetz Fest. I can dream up the impossi- grateful. phone and uploaded it to Facebook. members are. Facebook account. The Alumni As- ble but all of you make it possible. Despite the weather being a little A few minutes later they aired an- In addition to the television at- sociation uploaded an album of over Thank you everyone. Thank you. chilly, we had an estimated turnout other clip, but this one was about the tention, we made Snapchat’s Chi- 100 photos that chronicles Stein- Gratefully yours, of 700 people. The new addition of CPD vs. students basketball game. I cago Story for Saturday. From what metz Fest 2016. I also uploaded pic- Jaime G. Jaramillo Jr. a block party, double dutch competi- also recorded that clip and uploaded I understand, Snapchat is very ex- tures which have been shared with Assistant Principal

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 3 4 Star News Seniors up all night, chased by zombie teachers in annual lock in

Photo by Juan Ceballos

By Juan Ceballos “The only thing that I didn’t like was being caught because I really wanted to he Senior Lock In, held Friday survive. I wasn’t able to tell the teachers night through Saturday morn- apart from the student in the dark, but Ting on May 5- 6, was incredibly that’s what was so fun about it.” fun. The 125 students enjoyed it. At the end we went to the fourth floor We played volleyball, basketball to go to the roof to see the sun rise. We and other sports. We also played see anything. We had a DJ in the big gym. No one slept. took pictures up there. The view was nice. games in teams like tug-of-war, scavenger A former student from the class of 2004 There was lots of food, drinks and ice cream. “My favorite part of the Lock In was prob- hunts, dancing and video games. created cool zombie art designs on some teach- Everyone was happy and laughing throughout ably going up on the roof during the sunrise The best part was the Walking Dead game ers and students. The art work looked real. the night. with the entire senior class,” Ashley said. “It is we played. We were followed by teachers as “I really liked how there were makeup art- “I really enjoyed how there were so many something I will cherish forever.” zombies. When the lights went out that’s when ists there that were able to make the students activities to keep us awake like video games, • the zombie attack started. We had to run fast look like they were attacked by zombies,” group activities and occasional zombie apoca- and with a flashlight because we could not Ashley Komperda said. lypses,” Ashley said. Patrice Mikolajczak retiring after 22 years of Ms. Siva to retire after friendly service to Steinmetz students great teaching career with, and I will miss that. By Jailene Torres What are a few words that de- scribe her? atrice Mikolajczak will be Mr. Bezold: Patrice is extremely retiring this summer after knowledgeable about all facts of Pworking at Steinmetz for 22 student services, coupled with a years. That’s 22 years that staff and zany personality and weird sense of students have been able to enjoy humor. her uplifting spirit. She works in Ms. McCollum: She is always student services helping kids who happy and has jokes to tell. She lifts pay for debts or events. our spirit. “Now that I know I won’t be Ms. Jimenez: Patrice is funny, coming back to work here next year loving, caring and sweet. I honestly have mixed emotions of Ms. Russo: Hard-working, kind, happiness and sadness,” she said. joyful. She said that her favorite parts of Photo by Jailene Torres How has she helped Steinmetz? the job were being able to “help people when needed” and Mr. Bezold: She has provided con- “laugh with so many students and co-workers.” scientious, efficient service to thousands of students over the Ms. Mikolajczak remembered that on her first day working course of her career. here she felt a bit lost and scared, but that changed quickly Ms. McCollum: She always helps out with events for the Ms. Sivasubramaniam’s daughter joined her and the Stein- as she soon felt at home at Steinmetz. students. We need more people like her to help out. metz teachers union members on the picket line on April 1. “I’m going to miss the students and staff,” she said. “I had Ms. Jimenez: She has contributed many years of dedica- Ms. Siv’s other daughter is working in Peru. Both are doctors. a good relationship with a lot of people. I won’t miss getting tion and very hard work. up early and taking the CTA!” Ms. Russo: I think it has been important for Steinmetz iology and chemistry teacher Therese Sivasubra- She pointed to meeting Hugh Hefner, Forest Claypool kids to have a friendly face to see in Student Services. She maniam is retiring this year after teaching here for and many other visitors as significant moments, as well as has a happiness to her that adds to the atmosphere in this B16 years. enjoying the sugar cookies at all the Chalk Fests. building. We as human people don’t always seem happy to “Ms. Siva was a cool teacher when I had her sophomore The Star interviewed Patrice Mikolajczak’s co-workers be at work, but she brings a positivity to her job that I think year,” senior Jacara Adams said. “She was so nice and gentle Chuck Bezold, attendance; Joan McCollum, lunchroom is infectious. That kind of spirit will truly be missed – and and very helpful. She was one of my favorite teachers ever.” manager; Laura Jimenez, attendance and teacher Robin Russo. hard to replace. Prior to her teaching career, Ms. Sivasubramaniam What will future students be missing? What is a significant moment you shared? worked as a geneticist. Mr. Bezold: Future Steinmetz students will miss her pa- Mr. Bezold: I routinely drive Patrice home from school. “She did her research in applied genetics, reproducing tience and humor while she is processing debts and payments. We’ve shared so many laughs. different species of grasses,” teacher Dorota Ochwat said. Ms. McCollum: Seeing her smiling face. She knows her Ms. McCollum: I will always remember her riding her “She is a very smart and hard working person. She always job in student services and gets it done daily whether she bike to work! thinks about her students and how to make the teaching has help or not. Ms. Jimenez: One day Patrice came into work and I loved material more approachable for them.” Ms. Jimenez: Her attitude, always laughing and telling the shirt she was wearing, I remembered it from before. But Ms. Sivasubramaniam said that in her retirement she jokes. She is one funny person. something was wrong – it was on backwards. will continue learning Spanish and French and cultivate Ms. Russo: I think that there will be a lot of happy laughter Ms. Russo: Patrice is a truly compassionate person. I can her garden. missing from the halls of Steinmetz. She is not only an im- think of so many times when I have gone through difficulties “She is a great colleague,” Ms. Ochwat said. “We all portant person to have in Student Services, but she is someone with my pets when she was right there with kind words or a wish her well on her retirement and hope to keep in touch. we can always count on for a smile and a joke. hug. She loves animals as much as she does people, and I have All her friends from the science department will miss her How do you feel about her retirement? been grateful for her kindness and support in so many ways. a lot.” Mr. Bezold: I’ll miss Patrice; we worked well together. Is there anything else we should know? • Ms. Collum: It makes me feel sad. She truly makes my Mr. Bezold: I’ve known Patrice for over 14 years. She’s a day: she’s a very happy person. good friend,. Interested in joining the Star staff? Ms. Jimenez: Sad, because now I have to do her job. Ms. McCollum: We’ll miss her very much. The people of Steinmetz will be busy this summer. We need reporters Ms. Russo: It is sad knowing that she won’t be there. Pa- Ms. Jimenez: Something else you should know is that she and photographers to tell their stories. See newspaper faculty adviser Sharon. Schmidt in Room 333 before school is out. Can’t make it to trice and I have built up a great working relationship over the is a very caring mother. Room 333? Email [email protected]. years. Every event I plan ultimately has gone through her at Ms. Russo: I love that she, like me, is a real White Sox fan. Student Services, whether it is homecoming, prom, luncheon, There aren’t that many of us around, so that makes another athletics or one of my field trips. She has been a joy to work special bond we share.• 4 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star News 5 Outstanding students recognized in National Honor Society

hirty-five students will be inducted into the Na- Current junior and senior NHS members are Karen tional Honor Society on June 9. The NHS is Bahena, Jessica Banderas, Navjot Banipal, Kienna Tsponsored by teacher Elizabeth Perez. The fol- Bariso, Klaudia Batko, Marisol Bernardino, Ingrid lowing seniors serve as officers of NHS: Candia, Ashley Caraballo, Allison Castellanos, Gabri- President – Marisol Bernardino ela Caudel, Courtney Chandler, Eyerusalem Coleman- Vice President – Ashley Komperda Kitch, Milena Collazo, Adriana Cortes, Raul Costilla, Service – Adriana Cortes Catherine Delgado, Javier Delgado, Jenny Gonzalez, Secretary – Zaneta Marcinik Rikeya Hargrove, Alejandro Hernandez, Raziel Ilumin, NHS is the nation’s premier organization established Renziel Ilumin, Ashley Komperda, Lukasz Kuczynski, to recognize outstanding high school students. Stanley Kurian, McKenzie Lacefield, Diana Lagunas, The new inductees include sophomores, juniors Sylvia Madej, Zaneta Marcinik, Joshua Martinez, Gis- and seniors: Jacara Adams, Agape Alfaro, Ryan Alli- sel Mendoza, Kimberly Monterroso, Elias Nieves, bone, Alvaro Blancas, Juan Ceballos, Alexander Colon, Patrick Oasin, Jonathan Ovalle, Angel Quintero, A’Shanti Davis, Elise Guillen, Michelle Hernandez, Flor Renteria, Maria Reyna, Maya Robinson, Mela- Madison Isidore, Steffin Kurian, Emily Martinez, nie Rolon, Mikayla Roman, Lukasz Rudka, Michael Jennifer Martinez, Teresa Martinez, Anahi Mendoza, Rusnaczyk, Carlos Sanchez, Lissette Sandoval, Karla Alexander Paszkowski, Cristina Perez, Liana Perez, Solis, Vanessa Sotelo, Karrina Stevens, Piotr Szczech, Christopher Pineda, Delanie Preston, Yahaira Rangel, Kinga Tarasiewicz, Emony Tate, Melissa Tello, Erica Briana Raper, Cari Russell, Weronika Rybarska, Cindy Toro and Alicia Urquizo.• Salgado, Vanessa Sotelo, Julissa Tello, Yahaira Villatoro, NHS president Marisol Bernardino (front row, center) poses with some of the Imari Walker, Angelica Wasilewski, Matrice Young. senior NHS members. Seven students earn After reading Beowulf, students go Medieval

‘State Seal of Biliteracy’ eachers Mojgan Majdza- deh and Vince Caputi Ttook their juniors and se- niors to Medieval Times in May. “The horses and swords were great,” junior Keosha Cum- mings. “It was reminded me of Beowulf, with the sides fighting a battle.” This trip was the celebration of accomplishment of taking Alisson Castellanos (above), Zaneta Marcinik and Kacper Sip attended the ACT and moving toward the Biliteracy Awards Ceremony at UIC on June 1. exploring programs and colleges to apply for in senior year. It was even seniors recieved a Seal of Biliteracy this year: Kaudia Ada- a trip for the students to spend mus, Alisson Castellanos, Saul Hernandez, Lukasz Kuczynski, time with one another, get to SZaneta Marcinik, Kacper Sip, Mercedes Velasco. know the ones they don’t know “This is a great achievement for our students,” counselor Perla and just be happy and experi- Del Valle said. ence the “epic battle of steel and According to CPS, “The State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition steed.” given to high school seniors who have studied and can exhibit the “The students were super ability to communicate in two or more languages (including English) excited and happy to go to a by the spring of their senior year of high school. The State Seal of field trip since the majority of Biliteracy is a statement of accomplishment for college admission them said they were not in a field and for future employers.” trip since elementary or middle In order to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, students needed high school,” Dr. Majdzadeh said. ACT or ACCESS score in English and had to show proficiency in the One of the student’s parents ACTFL or AAPPL tests or in an AP exam in their world language. wrote to Dr. Majdzadeh: “Thank • you for this awesome opportu- nity. Medieval Times is a great, fun place.”• Another blood drive helps save lives No pep at ACT rally

By Caitlin Cortez after one of our team members, Justyn By Rikeya Williams, had checked up on how she was Hargrove eacher Paul Bagdonas ran the third doing. It was pretty scary, but everything blood drive this year on May 11. was kept in control and she was laid down he ACT pep TMore than 100 people gave blood. to make sure she’d be okay to go on with rally on May Many students weren’t really informed her day. T2 did not well before they signed up and we only Senior AB Delcid helped us out and leave juniors confi- know so much to inform you the day of put us back on track when hosting the dent in testing. signing up. Maybe the following informa- blood drive. Here are a few words he “It wasn’t short and sweet; it was short and boring,” tion can help out for next year’s drive: shared with the Star: Kinga Tarasiewicz said. Basic qualifications for donating blood “I did not donate blood, which is very Many students felt that they were dubbed, especially is to be at least 16 years or older and weigh upsetting. I enjoyed helping out with the when they were promised prizes but didn’t get any. at least 110 pounds. signing up and setting up and setting my “There was no pepping,” Jazmilette Machado said. You should definitely be in good health team up to work hard. “It seemed last minute.” the day you are donating. So stay hydrated Drawing by Tony Morgan-Kitch I believe teachers should donate blood Many students noticed that their teachers didn’t and eat well. new things for Steinmetz. From getting because it’s saving lives. I only know one know about the pep rally, which made it seem last For you weight lifters out there – people to sign up to volunteer, to giving teacher who donated – Paul Bagdonas. minute and not really important. Some of the decora- strenuous activity the day of isn’t recom- out food, and finally signing people in – it If more teachers were to donate then we tions were leftover from the senior “Decision Day” mended. was quite an experience. would have been close to our goal and it event of April 29. For the safety of the recipient of your I never thought about how much would help with those in need of blood. Other complaints from juniors were that the as- blood, you shouldn’t donate if you have patience one needs to do these types of Teachers should sign up and help because sembly was a waste of time because it did not contain the cold or tthe flu. events. You have to deal with many dif- there are many students who can’t because any useful information, as well as being boring. You save three lives with your dona- ferent types of people and you have to be of their age and weight.” “There was no pep in that rally,” Catera Shanks said. tion. very mature. Special thanks to everyone who par- The Star asked the counselors about the pep rally. As for my experience participating in There was a point during the day of ticipated and volunteered to donate blood They said they they were not in charge of the event. the blood drive for the first time, it was donation when a girl dropped due to her this year. Hopefully, you can continue and Next year, juniors will be required to take the SAT a good way to introduce myself to doing blood pressure. It had suddenly dropped you can save more lives. • instead of the ACT. • May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 5 6 Star News JROTC instructors Col. Baynes, 1SG Ruiz and SFC Amaro to retire Col. Baynes, a great leader By Lisette Pravinchandra

olonel John Baynes is retiring this year. The Star interviewed him about his Ccareer, both in the Army and as the JROTC coordinator at Steinmetz. What are you going to miss here? I’m going to miss the cadets, staff, the color guard and being able to see them get better; It’s always fun to see them grow. What would you say about this job? This job takes a lot of time, energy, and dedication. It consists of giving up nights and weekends to help cadets. How do you feel about the cadets and them wearing their uniforms? It’s great seeing the cadets in their uniform, and I really hope they see what it does. They should be wearing the uniform with pride Photo courtesy Leslie Carmona, 2015 Carmona, courtesyPhoto Leslie because anywhere you work you’re probably Students and staff have a hard time imagining JROTC at Steinmetz next year without Col. John Baynes, 1SG Roberto Ruiz and SFC Tammy getting a uniform; get used to it. Amaro. Fortunately, SFC Phillip Yangas and SFC Robert Davis will remain. What has your career entailed? I was in the Army for 21 years and in the reserves for 16 years, a total of 37 years. Work- 1SG Ruiz, my SFC Amaro, dedicated to her ing at a school is a much different situation than on active duty. In the 10 years of working biggest influence cadets here, I learned you have to just do the job. What I really appreciate is the support the By Gissel Mendoza By Kara Dziadosz this mission of earning your high school teachers give to the students. diploma. The feeling of accomplishment What was your favorite part about being ROTC instructor 1SG Roberto Ruiz is retir- FC Tammy Amaro is retiring is exhilarating and you should be proud in the Army? ing from Steinmetz this year, after helping from Steinmetz this year, after of your accomplishment. But this is only The responsibility, working with the sol- Jmany students since he began working here Sfour years of excellent teaching one of many finish lines that you will cross diers and generals. in 2011. at Steinmetz. in your lifetime and I hope you will finish What was the hardest part of this job? I came to 1SG Ruiz as a sophomore who SFC Amaro pushed her students and proud and strong every time. Getting the kids in uniform and to actu- wanted to be more than just a regular cadet in celebrated their acheivements. As I walk through the halls of Stein- ally appreciate it. It’s hard to get them to take the JROTC program, and that’s what he pushed She sent the following letter to the metz College Prep I realize that our days pride in the uniform and understand that it’s me to do. Star to shout out to her students: are numbered here. We will both be leav- a large part of their grade. Any time I’ve succeeded in high school, I can To the graduating Class of 2016: ing Steinmetz College Prep after your How do you feel about leaving? guarantee he has had some input on it or some You have finally made it to the fin- graduation ceremony. You will be moving It’ll be hard to leave, definitely a big change kind words to say about it. It’s to him I owe my ish line. The senior classes in the JROTC on to bigger and greater responsibilities for me. But I have no regrets. success. Though he’s only worked at Steinmetz for Program have been counting down toward like the military, college, and even the • about five years and known me for three, he has this day since we came back from Christ- workforce (the adult world!). made an impact on all of us that will last a lifetime. mas Break and boy did that time go by I will be leaving Steinmetz College Now being the Brigade Commander, I reflect fast (well maybe not at first)! Prep this year as well to move on to a back on all my choices in the JROTC program Some of you may have been crawling to new home in another state and meeting and know that without him and his guidance, reach that finish line and some of you may new people and new students. I may be love and care none of it would have happened. have felt rejuvenated once you saw that moving on, too, but I will not forget the I still remember my first drill practice as a you were near the end and made a mad faculty, staff and students at Steinmetz sophomore, and I still remember asking him, dash to that finish line. It doesn’t matter College Prep. It has been an honor to have “What can I do to get to the top?” Well, here I how you got there. The most important worked with you all. am and I owe it all to you. thing is that you completed your goal; Best of luck to you all in your future Sgt. Ruiz, I thank you for all you’ve done for you made it. endeavors, Col. Baynes with Rubi Trujillo, who said, “I’m going to miss him very much. He’s inspired all of me and this program; you were my biggest influ- Remember how it feels to accomplish Sergeant First Class (SFC) Amaro the cadets to be leaders and to never give up.” ence. • Shout outs to JROTC retirees: Pages 22-23. • More JROTC news on Pages 22-23 JROTC passes inspection with honors the staff – Executive tion, we ended up up from four members to 14, per- By Joshua Martinez and Officer,Gabriela Cau- passing with a 95 out formed three times and went from Kimberly Degante del, Command Sergeant of 100. We are one of good to outstanding during that Major Ivan Rico, our S-1 only two schools out time. May they get better every year he star that’s worn above ev- Camila Pina, S-2 Joshua of 12 that passed this and never regress. Shout out to the ery JROTC Cadet’s name tag Martinez, S-3 Adrian inspection. Class of 2016 for bringing the flips Tmeans a lot to those in the Garzon, S-4 Noe Barce- Congratulations, to Steinmetz JROTC. program – Honor Unit with Dis- nes, and S-5 Cindy Sal- cadets, for all your Many awards based on academics tinction. It’s a star we earned again gado. All were in charge time and effort. Now were given out. this year after our federal inspection, of making sure our brief- we wait for the next Fabian Reyes received the value which comes every three years. ing covered everything inspection in 2019. of $180,000 from the Navy for his The cadets put a lot of heart about the Continuous Those who accom- enlistment, which includes his mili- and effort towards this inspection. Improvement Plan. plished a lot this year tary occupational specialty. We all had to have our uniforms The service learning in our JROTC pro- The new staff for next year was looking sharp to get the points the group of Katie Marin, gram were awarded also announced at the Spring Cer- points we deserved. Our staff had Yurida Galaviz, and and celebrated at the emony: to brief the inspectors about our Kimberly Degante briefed the in- tors. The Color Guard also had to spring ceremony on May 18. B.C. Cathy Delgado Continuous Improvement Plan and spectors on our canned food drive, set up a performance to show them Our Drill team did outstanding XO Chiya Loyd our program, including our Drill which raised 3,504 cans. what we’re made of. They did very at the Citywide Drill competition, S-1 Lissette Sandoval Team, Rifle Team, P.T Team and We had a performance from the well on both and the staff is very winning 2nd overall Drill, 1st in S-2 Melissa Tello Color Guard. Drill Team, which was led by sopho- proud of both teams. Platoon Commander which was S-3 Julissa Tello Brigade Commander Gissel more Chiya Loyd, who had to go At the end, with all the hard Chiya Loyd, and 1st in IDR which S-4 Datxy Dircio Mendoza led the charge, while gather 12 members and set up a drill effort and work and all the time it was Victor Barajas. S-5 Yurida Galaviz also getting help from the rest of team to demonstrate to the inspec- took us to prepare for the inspec- The Rifle Team, which we built S-6 Kimberly Degante • 6 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star News 7 June 26 Pride Parade is rich with history LGBTQ youth By Brian Geans welcome at ay pride today is different than Halsted Center it was in the past – we party, Gdance, have a drag show. But By Daria Velazquez in the past it was crazy. There was a lot of hate and people didn’t understand he Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, the LGBTQ community. has programs for 13-24 year olds who The first Gay Pride Parade was on Tidentify themselves as lesbian, bisexual, June 28,1970. Gay pride was all about gay, transgender, questioning and even allies. marching for freedom and equality. It It’s a a safe space where help is available to took courage. This day is so powerful those who are struggling. for LGBTQ people to have a voice “Our youth program creates a safe and to tell people that they are here for confidential environment for young people,” equality and have the same rights as ev- (centeronhalsted.org/youth). eryone. They marched to be who they The center offers many opportunities. For are and to not have any fear about it. example, a program called Youth Workit! pro- The environment wasn’t the same vides youth with support around developing then; people weren’t as open as they employment related skills like completing are today. In our generation people and submitting job applications and writing are more accepting than they were in resumes. the 1960’s and ’70’s. Our generation The Youth Center has a medical clinic, of- of pride is often about partying and fering free HIV testing, counseling and transi- having fun. But the Gay Pride Parade tioning information, on Mondays. It provides Star reporter Brian Geans (left) with Steinmetz graduate Dino Masciopinto at the 2015 Pride Parade. Chicago Teachers is also about freedom and getting the Union officer Kristine Mayle (right) with the CTU float. The Gay Liberation movement took off in the late 1960s after a legal help on Wednesdays. Founded in 1978, rights that you deserve, because no one three-day rebellion against police harrassment at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. the youth program first started off with only 10 should be treated less than a person. members, now more than 1,600 young people In the past, a lot of people thought being across the Chicago area are served there. Every gay or lesbian was a sign of a disease. Ho- Friday is “free hangout day” for teens. mosexuailty was illegal in America and gay • people were considered “sexual psychopaths and insidious threats to the statues quo,” Jeff Transgender info Dobbins writes in his blog Walks of New York. “They were frequently institutionalized By Daria Velazquez and subjected to shock treatment, steriliza- tion, and even lobotomies.” he Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) wel- There were many gays and lesbians in comed several speakers this year who New York City, but there wasn’t safety. Many Tshared their experiences. Katy Thomas people were blackmailed, beaten up and ar- and Carol Averhart spoke to GSA in January. rested. The environment was so bad, gays Katy Thomas talked about how she’s been and lesbians had to hide in fear and meet wanting to be who she really was since she was secretly. four. She said she “wished to be a girl.” She “The gay bars were the center of the social spoke about her goals to transition. She was life, but they were constantly raided by the only able to truly start her transition while she By Sharon Schmidt, Steinmetz Star adviser “Chris, with brick in purse.” Tommy is the man (below) police,” Mr. Dobbins reports. He summa- Brian did a great job with this rerpot on the Pride in the purple shirt, with Gay Liberation Front founder was in her 50’s. Because she has three kids and rizes the Seonewall Rebellion, when gays Parade (and in so many stories over the years in which Jerry Hoose, at the White House when the Obamas a wife it was a struggle for acceptance, but she fought back, and the Gay Pride movement he’s celebrated diversity at Steinmetz). It’s wonderful that began reaching out to the LGBTQ community. said that her wife knew since they were very the Gay Straight Alliance, sponsored by teacher Elizabeth The Gay City News quotes Tommy on how acceptance and the June parades began: Zaluba, continues to offer a place at our school for fun at the Stonewall Inn in the violent, homophobic 1960s young who they wanted to be. On June 28, 1969, a crowd gathered in and education, including the history of gay liberation. helped empower LGBTQ youth to fight back: Katy has joined many trans communities Sheridan Square to watch a routine raid of I apologize to student reporters for taking up space on “The Stonewall allowed [same-sex couples] to slow- and has been a speaker in seminars to help this page, but I wanted to share some information about dance... This changed everything about the way you felt a popular gay bar, The Stonewall Inn. This Stonewall that I learned because my brother-in-law, artist about yourself because you were having an affectionate others who may be going through the same, time, rather than meekly submitting to arrest, Tommy Lanigan Schmidt, was there. moment with someone else, so you felt totally humanized to show they were not alone. A reminder: No- many of the men, women and drag queens Tommy is the young man (above) in the striped shirt in a complete way that can’t even be described... the vember 1 is Trans-Parent Day. with the other gay youth and drag queens who fought revolution happens in the person before it happens in fought the police while being forced into paddy back against police brutality in the rebellion. the street.” – http://gaycitynews.nyc/tommy-lanigan- Sharon Lua, a 2013 Steinmetz graduate, wagons. When the officers beat them, the grow- In a Facebook post he identified them, including schmidt-stonewall-romantic-revolutionary/ • spoke to GSA in March. Sharon described be- ing crowd became incensed and overwhelmed ing bullied from middle school and throughout the NYPD. A riot broke out as gays, lesbians, high school, once even sent to a psychiatrist and drag queens gave vent to their rage over for wearing makeup to school during their perpetual harassment. Over three days windows middle school years. were smashed, fires set, protesters beaten, cops A note about Gender Identity Pronouns attacked, and tear gas ignited on the streets of (GIPs): Sharon Lau chooses the pronouns they, Greenwich Village. For the first time, NYC’s their, them. Steinmetz GSA member junior gay citizens came together to fight, and for Jade Aguilar said “a big thing in the trans many of them there was no turning back. community is names and GIPs. For example: LGBT activists vowed to continue striving She/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/their or for dignity and equal rights. The Gay Rights ze. This is very important if you want to be Movement was born. trans-inclusive. We are now living in a world The next year a protest march was held where we have so many people who identify to commemorate the Stonewall Rebellion. using different pronouns. Education is key.” Since then the march has become a parade Sharon had huge support from their mother held all over the world for gay pride. which can be unusual. “Not that many people The LGBT community is here and we have that type of support,” they said. Their are not going anywhere. We are people just mother knew about everything since Sharon like everyone else. Today, the generation of pride is different. was younger and supported them the whole We party and have fun in the open. way. When it comes to advice, Sharon said that June is Pride Month. The Stonewall Riots occured in June; transitioning means to show who you are; it’s gay marriage became legal throughout the United States on not all about medicine and “it’s how you care June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that any state’s ban for yourself.” on gay marriage was unconstitutional. “A lot of people think that if you don’t This year’s Chicago Pride Parade will be on June 26. This get surgery you are not transgender or trans is the 47th anniversary of pride. It’s very important to the enough,” Jade said, “but transgender is an LGBT community to show who we are without being afraid. umbrella term, which means it can mean a Gay and straight people support the LGBT community. Steinmetz graduate Michael Newson (right) with his husband John at the Pride Parade, lot of things and just because you don’t want The location of the Pride Fest is Boystown. The parade 2015. Gay marriage became legal in Illinois in June 2014 and in the nation in 2015. surgery does not make you any less trans. Some begins at noon on Sunday, June 26 at Montrose Avenue and people feel comfortable with the sex they were Broadway in Uptown and ends near the intersection of Diversey and alumni were in the parade with the Chicago Teachers Union. assigned at birth, like me. I have found a lot Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. The best viewing spots “We march with the CTU float,” teacher Elizabeth Zaluba said. of other ways to express my identity, like by are on Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street. “I think it’s the idea of being a participant in the greater LGBTQ wearing makeup or clothing of the gender I Last year’s Pride Parade was awesome. Steinmetz GSA members community is just plain fun. You feel like a rock star.” • identify with.”• May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 7 8 Star Seniors: Top Ten Valedictorian Ashley Komperda embraced learning and many activities Continued from Page 1 What sets her apart from a lot of students is that “She came to the U.S. illegally from Poland and she tries to internalize and use what she is learning. was only allowed to stay because my dad was born She is active and puts into practice what she hears, here,” Ashley said. “She worked three jobs. She really sees and learns. She has left an impact on IB and this raised my dad her own since she lost two husbands, school by being a role model for students she has one in Poland and one in America shortly after my come in contact with. dad was born. She’s told me stories of all the hard How would you describe her as a person? times, including going out on the street and asking Lovely, thoughtful, generous. She has been gener- people for money, but she said it was all worth it when ous with herself, her time, her feelings and concern. she sees me being so successful in life and at school.” She is well-rounded. She’s a good friend and has solid Her babcia has every right to be proud because time management that has allowed her to from many Ashley is going to pursue a career in nursing at Illinois oppurtunities. Ashley has been a true friend and State University. Ashley plans to fully immerse herself helped others with their learning and experiences. in the school and culture just as she did in Steinmetz How do you think she will do in college? by joining as many activities as she can handle. I think Ashley will embrace all opportunities col- Through all the good and bad times in high school lege will provide. She will do well and behave just as she learned a lot, calling high school the “training she did here, but better, because she will be exposed wheels” years part of life. She said she regrets letting Nunez Steven by Photo to more opportunities. Cheerleading team captain Ashley Komperda (right) and other seniors receive flow- stress get to her, but she knows that high school is ers from Coach Emily Holley. Ashley shouts out to her squad on Page 27. How has Ashley changed over the last few year? supposed to be most “sucky” part of life. Ashley walked through the doors of Steinmetz “Ms. Doyle taught me that high school is supposed as a freshman with a good head on her shoulders. to be the worst part of life because of hormones, drama and and the most important person her life, her dear and lovely She has only become more focused and determined over the our inability to do certain things, but I should not have let friend, Alejandro Hernandez, for being such an incredibly nice years. Each year brings all of us unique challenges, and she is problems get to me,” Ashley said. person and for volunteering to write all this nice stuff about no different, but it is refreshing to see a young person meet “I realized during senior year that high school prepares her when she is secretly a pain in the neck. each one head on, with persistence and character. you for the real world because you have to learn to work with The Star interviewed Karla Miranda about Ashley. What type of impact has she had on IB? people that you don’t agree with, or even like, but you just How would you describe Ashley? IB is a holistic education. The individual subjects push stu- have to focus on yourself and be able to depend on yourself She is very independent. She has always been a leader and dents to work at the college level. TOK (theory of knowledge) to get the job done,” she said, offering excellent advice for very helpful. Knowing her for nine years, there have been introduces students to philosophy. CAS (creativity, action, the underclassmen. plenty of times I have wanted to slap her because she can be service) allows for experiential learning. And the extended essay As for the people she wants to thank, Ashley shouts out somewhat controlling while planning, but I still love her be- simulates post-secondary research. You have to be ambitious to to the following: cause she will always be there to help no matter what you do allow yourself to be pushed in all of these ways simultaneously. Assistant Principal Cheryl Williams, cheerleading coach to her. She will always try to help you, and even if you don’t For Ashley, IB wasn’t a set of requirements; she really saw each Emily Holley and IB and MYP coordinators NancyAnne tell her what’s wrong, she always knows and will do whatever of these components as opportunities for learning and growth. Ferrarini and Katherine Doyle, for having a strong impact on she can to make you happy. Are there any anecdotes you can share? her as mother figures in her life; How would you describe her as a student? I once put Ashley to work with group of her colleagues to Zaneta Marcinik, whom Ashley calls her love and wants She knows how to get work done. She is definitely not a accomplish something for our program, and one of the people to thank for being such an amazing friend; procrastinator. She has great time management skills and is she was working with had a hard time completing the assigned Lukasz Rudka and Bart Labno, for being two of her favorite really good at focusing, which is unlike a lot of IB students. task. You might expect someone in that kind of situation to people and best friends; In what ways has she influenced you? step up and handle the task, and I expected Ashley, being a Karla Miranda, her best friend since the fourth grade and She taught me that if you want something done, you don’t natural leader, to do just that. But that is quite not what she did. with whom she can’t believe she is still friends; ask any people. If you want any job to be done right, you have Instead, she talked to that student about his character and Kienna Bariso and Alicia Urquizo, lifelong friends with to do it herself. reminded him about his own abilities. She laughed with him whom she cannot wait to make new memories; over shared experiences. She helped him find the ability to Her parents for being strict for good reasons; The Star also interviewed Ms. Ferrarini. excel in the situation. Her leadership was in helping another Her boyfriend Colin Quaglia, for all the sweet things he How would you describe Ashley as a student? student realize he had the confidence to lead, too. That showed does for her, like pack her lunch or help her with homework; She is wonderful, hard-working and thoughtful. me how sincere and genuine Ashley is.• A great friend whose initiative led to world-famous comedian Hannibal Buress

agreeing to return to his alma mater for graduation fter vale- gone with anyone else besides Ashley Bashley. dictorian By Alejandro Hernandez At that moment, I knew that we were going to AAshley be two peas in a pod for a long time. Komperda have officially known Ashley for two years, Since that time, she has grown to be one of reached out in but we have grown close in such a short the most dependable people I have ever known. the fall, come- Itime. I always like to joke that we are two She is one the few people I go to whenever I dian Hannibal Buress agreed to be the peas in a pod because of how well we get along, just need to vent. She has been so kind and keynote speaker at this year’s gradua- no matter how much we annoy the crap out generous and she even baked me cupcakes as tion. Mr. Buress (33) is recognized as of each other. I think our chemistry works so belated birthday gift. one of the funniest men in entertain- well because we’re similar, yet different enough She can be a total pain in the neck, espe- ment. See www.steinmetzstar.com for to keep our conversations interesting. cially when I owe her money (in the words of information about his TV shows, movie We have debated silly subject matters like the great Martin Lawrence, “I don’t have no appearances and stand-up performances. why my beloved dogs are much better than her money and I don’t have no ends! I’m ass-out! The idea to invite him was conceived precious kitties, whether or not I said certain I’m going through something right now! I done by Alejandro Hernandez, but it was Ashley things (I swear this girl always puts words in told you that!”). However, I know that at the who took the initiative to email him and my mouth, or exaggerates what I said) and end of the day she cares about me and she just follow up with him. Mr. Buress agreed Ashley poses with one of the Star’s awards Kanye vs. Taylor Swift. (You cannot tell me at the McCormick Media luncheon in March. wants to see me happy. only if he received the yearbooks he lost that T-Sizzle is a better artist than Yeezy. I’m She definitely keeps me down to earth by as compensation. sorry, but you just can’t. Ashley will tell me the point, we ran out of chips or drinks or some- always bursting my bubble, but I still love her His memories about his days in the same about her girl.) thing. We both volunteered to go to the nearby to death. When I say she bursts my bubble, I late 1990s at Steinmetz, quoted in a 2014 Our debates really go nowhere and our re- CVS and pick some up. I knew the area better mean she either trolls me just to annoy me or Chicago Magazine article, include: buttals usually consist of childish teasing, but than her, but not as well as I thought. Being she just makes me look at the bigger picture, “My group of friends at Steinmetz were they keep us entertained and we mock each the stereotypical male, I decided to lead the which may not always be something I agree real f___ups. They were real f___ups. They other out of love. At the end of the day, we’re way without bothering to look up directions. with. In a way, she has been my conscious were cutting class, smoking weed, stealing, both just kids at heart. I ended up taking a wrong turn, and in our because of the how she always makes me look flipping the desk—a lot of crazy stuff.” The first time I really got to know her was “adventure” to find a CVS that was only a few at the ramifications of my decisions. She is the While everyone is eagerly anticipating on the last day of school sophomore year since blocks away, we walked more than a mile before Jiminy Cricket to my Pinocchio. the June 15 graduation speech, no one she was throwing a party at her house, which is realizing we were lost. We just kept wander- I wish you nothing but the best, Ashley. I really knows what to expect. literally two blocks away from mine. I honestly ing, somehow winding up at the Walgreens see only good things in your future, but only Hannibal tweeted in late March about went to the party just to spend time with a by Hanson Stadium which is way off course if you keep a positive attitude. You can get real the event after the Chicago Tribune re- mutual friend who I liked at the time, but I from our original destination. A five-minute pessimistic at times, and I won’t be there to ported it: “I’m speaking at my high also became acquainted with Ash. We talked trip turned into a 45-minute trek. cheer you up in college. Also, don’t let critics school’s graduation. This was a bad deci- regularly throughout the summer, but I like She was a good sport throughout. At a time get to you. I don’t know how many times I have sion by all parties involved.” to think that we didn’t officially become best when most people probably would have been to remind you, if you ain’t got haters, you ain’t On June 8, he responded to Star re- friends until during November of junior year, calling me an idiot, we were basically laughing poppin’. Stay bubbly, sister-girl, and stay out of porter McKenzie Lacefield’s Twitter mes- in my favorite shared memory with her. the whole time at my mistake. That trip would trouble. Worst case scenario, I can bail you out, sage to him about his speech. “excited to We went to a friend’s house, and at some not have been as entertaining as it was if I had but I expect you pay me back plus interest.• do it,” he replied. “it’s gonna be weird.” • 8 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors: Top Ten 9 Alec Reyes, inspired to succeed Alicia Urquizo, all-around dedication

By Alec Reyes By Ashley Komperda

bet you all have heard of the saying, “Never here are many seniors who could be settle for less than your best.” I certainly have recognized for different things that Iadapted that phrase to multiple points of Tthey do here at Steinmetz College my life, both in and out of school, and many Prep. Students could be recognized for their successful things have come out of the things athletics, academic excellence, and their abil- that I have accomplished. ity to manage things. If there is one student I was inspired to continue pursuing a high- who is the perfect example of all three, it er degree of knowledge of everything being would be Alicia Urquizo. taught, and on the side, developing relation- Alicia is an IB student who is ranked ships with the people that I met throughout number three in the senior class and contin- my four years here at Steinmetz. Alec Reyes, #2 ues to participate in after school activities. Alici Urquizo, #3 I was so grateful to come across many boys She attended Steinmetz for all four years and girls who have treated me with so much and managed to maintain a high rank on respect and admiration, and in the process I Life itself is one of the biggest journeys we the Top Ten board every year. During her Do you have advice for underclassmen? have developed so much, due to their support will ever take. Just like with roller coasters, first two years, Alicia was able to advance Listen to the adults in your life. As teen- and encouraging me to do new things. there will always be a few twists and turns on to the regional, city, and state science fair. agers, our first instinct is to choose not to I can still think back to the very first day of the path to excelling and succeeding, but we Her dedication towards her academics is listen to them, but as we get older we realize school, as a freshman entering this new world can choose to continue going straight and nar- admirable. that they are right. for the first time. From not knowing what the row in order to achieve our goals. I know that When junior year came along Alicia de- heck ‘mods’ were, to having to interact with I have become a greater person over time, due cided that it was time for a change, so she Interviews with others new faces and walking into the wrong class- in part to making good decisions and giving joined cross country, cardio club and track. Alicia became captain of the track team room for 1st period (yes, I actually have done others the kindness and same support that has Aside from all of her after school activi- and the president of the cardio club her se- that). But in all honesty, it’s the support that been given to me. ties, she also works during the week and the nior year. The Star interviewed her coach brought me to be where I am today – at the My family has been with me all the time, weekends. Abel Pereyra. top 10 and very confident about the future. and we progressively help each other to be the There have been many things that she has What made you choose Alicia to be Let’s face it, being a bit shy can be a little best that they can be, no matter if the task is had to overcome this year. Many obstacles your captain? rough around the edges at times, especially a cinch or burdensome. Even as it comes to were thrown her way, but she was able to It’s a combination of things that I look for me. But that’s not to say that we all have homework and projects, my dad has always rise to the top. Alicia is nothing less than a for in a captain and Alicia shows that com- a little exciting factor or hidden knack for say been very supportive and always informing smart, strong young lady. bination. Her team trusts her and recognizes singing, or playing the guitar, etc. And most of me to continue focusing and working hard to The Star interviewed Alicia, who shared her leadership skills. I’m lucky to have her. these things are usually revealed in due time. achieve anything. He has always said he would some her unique insights She knows what needs to happen and she Quoting directly from one of my closest be proud of me in everything as long as I loved What is your favorite memory of high makes it happen. I don’t have to follow up friends from outside of school: Most things it and worked hard at it. This is the reason why school? with her. She knows what to expect. If we worth having don’t come easy or quickly, when I decided to join drama club, doing something My favorite memory would have to be are at a meet she takes over things for me in fact, it seems to be a long, drawn out process that I have always loved ever since getting to going to Japan. It was an amazing experience so I don’t have to worry about them. She testing our faith time and time again. As we read out of Shakespeare books during class and it opened up my eyes to a lot. It was a eases the weight on my shoulders. I have use our patience and continue putting in so when I was an MYP student. new experience for me because I had never set the bar for these girls and she jumped much trust throughout the storms of life, we I want to grow into an influential man and been out of the country before nor have I over that bar. can find joy in the journey and not only walk have a wonderful family with people who help ever been on an airplane. The trip contained What is your favorite thing about Ali- through the rain, but dance in it too. each other and offer many suggestions. Know- a lot of new things for me to try. cia? Becoming successful really requires you to ing that one day I will be a father is exciting Why did you choose DePaul for col- It is difficult to have one favorite thing put in every ounce of effort in you. As long as because then I will get the chance to share what lege? about her, so I have to pick multiple. I appre- we continue to persevere, then anything can I have learned and build up my children’s minds DePaul is in my hometown. I love Chi- ciate her ability to look at a problem, see the be accomplished, with a little help along the with everything they need to know. cago and I think that the area that DePaul big picture, and offer solutions immediately. way of course. Even if the workload may have been over- is in is absolutely beautiful. I have been to She offers solutions quickly. It’s kind of like I would like to send shout outs to literally whelming at times, especially getting into ju- DePaul for a few IB workshops with some she has this other intelligence that I don’t every single one of my teachers that I have had, nior and senior years, all the time spent work- of my classmates and I fell in love with it. I have. Many times at competitions, she will including those that I have met out of the blue ing on it has its benefits. I encourage all of think DePaul has great opportunities for me. say these suggestions that will ease my mind. and gotten to know a bit. More prominently, you reading this to never give up, stay focused I want to take my first year to look into the Another thing is that she has this sensitiv- these are a few teachers that I really want to to the task and strive to do your best and at routes I want to take for the future. ity towards others and it is amazing. I think address for they have given me a lot of support least get a passing grade rather than blowing What did you enjoy about participat- that if you have one or two Alicias as friends, and encouragement as well. off the whole assignment or test or anything ing in sports? then you are set. If she believes in you, you To Ms. Rezny, my homeroom teacher, for on that matter. I like that you get to meet people’s true know you can count on her. all she has done during my first few years here Every graduating class of the school year personalities. People don’t really show who at Steinmetz; to Mr. Mink for being the best is the future of the nation of the U.S. and we they are in the classroom. You kind of meet The Star also interviewed Alicia’s boy- history teacher ever; to Ms. Ochwat, for always should be proud of doing service to the coun- the real them outside of the classroom, en- friend Angel Quintero. telling me and my classmates to never give up; try in any way we can. From love, laughter, gaging in something that they love. Sports What are your favorite things about to Mr. Ochoa, for always giving the students a and strength, as long as you are doing what is the perfect example of that. Alicia? great amount of understanding and support; you loved and thought about becoming ever Do you want to thank or send a shou- She is great at handling things. She is to Ms. Mark, for all the extremely useful tech- since you were little, then there will always tout to anyone? both gentle and strong. niques and tips in creating artwork. be success. I want to thank Angel Quintero for being I have many favorite things about her I wouldn’t know where I would be without I have been so grateful to have come across there for me every step of the way. When actually. I think that her eyes are beautiful. any of my teachers. But of course, I need to so many people in both drama club and during things were tough, he was always there for They change color during different types of also give a shoutout to Principal Stephen Ngo, school who have shown so much kindness to me. I also want to thank the IB seniors for weather. It’s really unique. She also has these for making this school the best it can be and me, and I will always keep those memories being there for me when I needed them facial expressions that no one else has and I putting so much dedication into creating more inside of my heart. And that’s a promise I will the most. really like that about her.• great years for the yearbooks. never break.• Photo by Steven Nunez Steven by Photo In addition to the work they put into academics, both Alec and Alicia participated in extra curriculars. Alec was a member of the drama club and acted in the school plays. Alicia ran track and cross country. Both will be attending DePaul University where Alec will be studying game design and Alicia will major in pre-med.

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 9 10 Star Seniors: Top Ten Karla Miranda, Zaneta Marcinik’s faith keeps her focussed

upbeat and By Izabella Kulik “Zaneta is a hard working, dedicated, help- ful student; determined in what she is doing,” tough aneta Marcinik is graduating in Ms. Espinosa said. “She is very positive with all the Top 10, an incredible accom- the students. In the future, I see her graduat- Zplishment after moving here from ing, reaching all her goals and becoming an Poland her sophomore year and knowing engineer.” only a little bit of English. Over three years, Zaneta has participated “Everything is possible and possibilities in a variety of activities at Steinmetz. She won are out there,” she said. one of the school chess tournaments, com- She said she was not scared her first day peted with the Academic Decathlon team and of school in the United States because she participated in PRAA Latin Music Project, knew she could handle whatever would After School Matters Spanish Dance. She has happen. However, she said, “I felt like in been a member of the National Honor Society, prison because of the uniform policy, metal acted in the drama club productions of “A scanners, security all over and wild people; Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth” but after time passed I got used to it.” Zaneta Marcinik, #5 and reported stories for the Star. This year she After learning English, Zaneta did not served as the Star’s co-editor-in-chief. feel like she belonged in regular classes. Another one of her honors was earning the Karla Miranda, #4 “One of my teachers told me about IB, how people have a State Seal of Biliteracy. Star portraitsStar Brian Geans, on pages 9 - 18 by Nunez and Liset Pravinchandra Steven positive attitude for life and work, which is the key to survive and Outside of school she spends time with my family and friends, succeed,” she said. “IB gave me better preparation and challenged listens to music, plays the guitar and does origami. She is also a By Venice Gonzalez me to think differently. When it comes to my classmates and my part of Lednica 2000 Association, which is a Catholic movement teachers they have always strived for more and pushed me to my gathering teenagers to deepen their faith. n addition to Karla Miranda’s dedication to ac- strongest. I could always count on them, not only when I struggled “My favorite quote is by Pope John Paul II: ‘You must make ademics, shown in her class rank, she is known with academics but also with personal life. Even though sometimes demands from yourself, even if others make no demands from Ifor always being cheerful. Senior Kienna Bariso I did not like IB, it made me stronger, because I felt that I was you,’ Zaneta said. characterized her as “realistic and positive.” wasting my time in regular classes, while trying to complete the An attitude like hers is amazing. Her faith and religious beliefs “When it comes to problem solving, Karla pointless worksheets.” make her stronger. Zaneta swims through the struggles with the doesn’t think about the bad things, she thinks Zaneta explained further, that everyone should seek the best support of her mom and her little brother. She is a student you positively, with reason,” Kienna said. course for themselves. can count on. She knows what is right and strives for it. Karla has a tough and bright spirit. During “I am not saying that IB is for everybody. It was a right path for She is a one-of-a-kind, very dedicated and honorable. She her years at Steinmetz she played volleyball and me, and everybody who has a goal and tries to reach out for it, is appears happy, even in hard times. She is loyal to her peers and participated in ASM. She worked at Kmart dur- somebody to me,” she said. “Sometimes academics and 4.0 GPA teachers. ing her senior year. She will be attending UIC. do not guarantee the success. Some people are good at music, art “Zaneta is one of my good friends,” Bart Labno said. “She is Her career goal is to be a nurse. or sports. My message for the under classmates is that they should always there for me and I am always there for her.” The Star interviewed Karla earlier this year. never stop and always push themselves, to show that they can be • What do you like to do in your free time? better from the people they were the day before. Our mission is I like to watch movies, specifically action and to find the best solutions.” comedy. I also like to listen to music and create She can now look back and see how she made it through chal- stipple [an artform made with dots]. lenging times. What’s your favorite song? “My senior year brought a lot of struggles and disappointments, My favorite song is “Feel Real” by Deptford but I started to discover myself and from the perspective of time Goth because I like mellow songs; it’s peaceful. I can see my mistakes and who my friends are,” Zaneta said. “I If you could have dinner with anyone, who met a lot of people who pushed me to work my butt off. Not only would it be? my great teachers and awesome friends, but also people who told My grandmother, because the last time I me that I will not accomplish much because it will be ‘too hard.’ planned to go see her I didn’t get to see her and Well, I am proving them wrong.” she died shortly after that. In college she wants to study engineering “because it is an If you could be an animal, what would it be? innovative field with countless possibilities and I like being chal- I would be a tiger because they’re fast, scary lenged,” she said. “I have been accepted to engineering pathways and cool. at Wright College and after two years and maintaining the 3.6 If you were a fruit, what would you be? GPA I have a guaranteed acceptance to University of Illinois at A peach because they are fuzzy and my fa- Urbana-Champaign. After getting my degree and being done with As part of her art installation, Zaneta encouraged people who viewed vorite fruit. the school, I want to travel the world” it to take a hat to remind them of the plight of the homeless. If you could choose a different first name, The Star interviewed one of her teachers, Yurida Espinosa. what would it be? I wouldn’t because I would be very confused. What is your favorite memory here? Sophomore year during art, I got accepted to an art contest and got to show my stipple janiform Kienna Bariso, happy to have participated in a which I called, “Hopes and Fears.” A favorite memory from your childhood? variety of Steinmetz activities I was around 8 years old with my cousins, all Kienna will be attending UIC in the fall, different ages, sitting on the front steps of my By Kienna Bariso majoring in nursing. house when we saw two white bunnies with red “She is one the best people I know,” Kienna’s eyes. They let us touch them and they eventually ntering high school was not exactly friend Karla Miranda said. “She is selfless and will always go out of her way to help others. became my pets. It’s my favorite memory because something I was looking forward to, Whenever you need help, she’s there for you. it was after a really fun day with no worries and Edue to how I was not expecting to Having met her four years ago, I am incredibly I got two new pets out of it. go to Steinmetz. Four years here has re- grateful to have gotten to know her. The Star interviewed Kienna Bariso,who ally toughened me up, in a good way. I “Kienna is talented and beautiful with an has known Karla for four years and became good have more confidence in speaking, reaching amazing soul. She is smart, knows how to friends with her at the beginning of junior year. deadlines and staying up to finish assign- innovate and loves you regardless of your What is your favorite memory with Karla? ments, yet I do believe that I missed out decisions. She’s rare, the kind of person you It was on an ASM field trip. We were starting on “high school.” never forget.” to get close and she wanted to take a picture with I was in MYP/IB throughout the whole me, which surprised me. four years and I have seen people come and I was not expecting or planning to go If you could tell her anything what would go, and I have seen it myself that people to Steinmetz, but I realized none of it mat- it be? toughened up. The program is not easy, Kienna Bariso, #6 tered at the end. It’s not what school I go Life goes on and everything will be okay. it makes you work hard. I do believe that to, but what I do here. I could go to a top The Star interviewed Karla’s boyfriend Ste- there is a fine line between enjoying your academic high school in Chicago, and do ven Nunez. high school life and just doing work. Yet, I was able to join many programs and nothing, or I could do all of these things What makes Karla wonderful is that she’s one I think it got to the best of me. teams here at Steinmetz. After School Mat- here, and it would mean so much more. of a kind.She thinks about things nobody has ever If I didn’t work hard, I would not have ters Painting and Drawing improved my Hard work does pay off at the end if thought of and it blows my mind every time. been able to go to Japan on a foreign ex- skills in art, Half Marathon Team gave me you’re patient, and at the end of these four She’s very smart, with a sense of humor like call- change or to the college I’m going to attend. a start for my passion to run, and Cross years it’s worth the wait. ing people cheese-balls. She’s an amazing artist, My hard work paid off, but outside the Country and Track and Field gave me a • who has a lot of patience when she’s stippling in classroom mattered just as much to me. push to keep going. her sketchbook. • 10 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors: Top Ten 11 Jose Padilla Lukasz Kuczynski, intense athlete and scholar enjoyed many By Yesenia DeLuna The Star interviewed teacher Re- nato Roldan, who had many great sports and clubs ukasz Kuczynski is a JROTC cadet, gradu- things to say about Lukasz: ating in the Top Ten of the Class of 2016. He’s exactly what you want in a stu- LHe will be attending the University of dent. He’s respectful, concerned, honest, Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, majoring in in- very pragmatic, intense to raise the expec- ternational business. tation that you have of him. He always While at Steinmetz, he played soccer and ran sets the bar and standards of the class. cross country and track and worked at Rich’s He’s not just stuck in the books and Fresh Market. A favorite memory of his was in his studies. He’s an all around athlete going on the trip to Japan. and in the beginning stages of becoming The Star interviewed Lukasz about his suc- a B-boy. cess. He’s not easily distracted and knows What do you do to maintain your grades? how to focus and remove himself when Do all my work on time, never wait till he needs to centralize his studies. Give last minute. me a thousand Lukaszes and I’ll rule Advice for underclassmen? Lukasz Kuczynski, #8 the world. Having good grades isn’t enough, you have • to do way more. Get out there and participate. Jose Padilla, #7 What do you do on your free time? I either hangout with friend or workout. Jose will be attending UIC. His career goal is to What are your hobbies? become a pharmacist. In addition to sports, Jose I like to running, playing music and breakdancing. participated on the Academic Decathlon team. His How do you balance sports and education? advice to the underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to take risks.” I put education first before sports. By Jose Padilla Lukasz Kuczynski with Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS ransitioning from my elementary school to CEO Forrest Claypool at the Auditorium Theater on May 22. Lu- kasz earned a $1,000 scholarship, the 2016 CME Group Center Steinmetz was a big change. I didn’t know for Innovation Mayoral Award for Student Achievement. He and Thow high school was going to be, but I was 77 other CPS students were honored at a luncheon. ready to do my best. I started my freshman year by taking regular classes. I was doing well in my classes, and some of my teachers started to notice that I didn’t be- long in their classes. They believed that I should Magda Hernandez, caring and responsible be taking more rigorous classes. My computer Ms. Chaparro believes Magda will suc- teacher Kim Daughenbaugh recommended me By Zaneta Marcinik ceed: “She will do great in college because to the IB program. IB prepared her to be an independent and I joined the MYP/IB program in the second ue to her hard work, Magda Her- focused student.” semester of my freshman year. It was difficult in the nandez is one of the best students To gather more information about beginning, but I eventually got used to the courses. Din the Class of 2016. Magda took Magda, the Star interviewed Magda’s best I’ve always liked to play sports. I joined the honors classes her freshman year then friend Stephanie Alonso, who has known Half Marathon club in my first three years of high switched into the MYP classes her soph- her for three years. school, the volleyball team for my last three years omore year and was in the International “Magda is a really caring, and respon- and soccer in my senior year. Baccalaureate Programme (IB) her junior sible person,” Stephanie said. “She never Playing sports in high school was a unique expe- and senior years. gives up. She is close with her mom. I rience. I enjoy every part of sports, and I definitely She will pursue her education in Ani- think what makes us best friends is I look recommend every student to try out a new sport. mal Science at University of Illinois at up to Magda with appreciation and take The classes that I had, the sports and clubs I Urbana-Champaign because she loves ani- upon her characteristics. Maggie helped joined, and the people that I met in high school mals and wants to help them by becoming and supported me on my way and never have made high school a great experience. I will a veterinarian. left me alone, she always has my back.” never forget the memories I made in Steinmetz. She enjoyed her high school experience Magda Hernandez, #9 “What makes us the best friends is the • because of the people she met in the IB random and awkward stuff that happens Programme and she hopes to stay close every day,” she added. “We understand with her friends. 9have never been outside the United States each other and laugh at each other’s jokes. “I encourage people to join the IB Pro- and it is something I will never forget.” To maintain a friendship like this you need College-bound gramme because it enriches the academics Magda’s teacher and volleyball coach to always be truth and honest towards each and study skills and you can make new Marie Chaparro praised Magda for her other. I will never find another Maggie and graduates prepared friendships,” she said. many great qualities. I do not want to replace her with anybody Being successful in IB is a huge ac- “Not a lot of people acknowledge stu- else. We will still be in touch once we are for more success complishment. She needed to focus on her dents like Magda,” Ms. Chaparro said. in college.” studies and do a lot of work. She said that “She evolved from a quiet, shy freshman Noting Magda’s interest in becoming a academics were her priority, then sports to a leader that she is now. She is a hard- veterinarian, Stephanie said: “She is very and social life. working person with a big heart. She has sentimental towards animals, even insects, Magda was on the volleyball team and always focused on her studies, trying to and she feels hurt when somebody does the captain of the varsity team her senior be perfect. We need more students like something harmful to them.” year. Joining the team gave her the oppor- her. Volleyball made her even a stronger Stephanie has a message for her friend: tunity to meet new people and compete leader. She played no matter what, even “Maggie, never give up. Always reach against other schools. with the sprained ankle.” for the best. I know you are a strong One of her academic honors was win- Ms. Chaparro said that Magda is “shy person, who loves laughing at my jokes. ning the first place in the regional science and sensitive at the beginning, so that’s We are a duo and always get each other. fair and advancing to the city science fair. why some people might not see that she Thanks for understanding me and loving “It was a great experience because I had has the characteristics of the leader. People me for who I am. You are the best. One the opportunity to compete and be closer usually do not see this side of her.” and only.” with other people, as well as spend time • with friends,” she said. “I could develop my skills in microbiology and it was a fun experience.” Magda’s favorite memories of Stein- metz are the senior corn maze event and the trip to Japan. “I remember the corn maze because we had to stay until 3:00 in the morning and a lot of things were going on,” she said. “It was raining and we were trying to hide. Japan was an unique experience because I

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 11 12 Star Seniors: Top 10 and Top 20 Venice Gonzalez, striving for Raul Costilla, fighting for beliefs

academic excellence By Raúl Costilla Matters, National Honor So- ciety, cross country, track and t has been four years that went field, half marathon club and By Rikeya by fast, like nothing ever hap- student voice committee. Hargrove and Ipened before. And today, when There are always good Imari Walker you’re doing something and time people around, even though goes quick, know that our lives many of us have a hard time enice Gon- may not last long but our stories finding a new habit. It feels zalez has never end. really hard for me to take the Vbeen a great Ever since I came to Stein- next chapter. inspiration to many metz, I heard the terrible things For many years, I haven’t people throughout that people said about this school, been an outspoken person; I’m her high school ca- Venice Gonzalez, #10 which made me feel like I didn’t always shy and quiet, and I reer. Many people want to go. But things have really don’t participate much love her, not only changed, thanks to the people Raul Costilla, #11 nor take action. I always keep because she is smart She joined poetry club to help bet- around me. In high school years, thinking to myself about the and talented, but because she is a ter express herself. drama comes along but we live past that haunts me, although loyal and trustworthy friend. Venice is able to express herself through it. I managed to change that. She made the Top Ten because when she feels anger and hurt. Her As an IB student, high school was complicated, This brings me to what is called a paradox which of her outstanding grades both as an blog posts and poetry bravely show but it gave me the motivation of challenge for years. I’ve never been before. MYP student and after she left the such strong emotions. Venice said she The program helped me to prepare for my abilities, When there’s a problem I focus my issue and program in her regular, honors and loves music, writing, drawing, eating, but it was very stressful to accomplish when dead- evaluate my purposes, although this is not what I AP classes during junior and senior sleeping, playing video games and tak- lines were due. As a track and field, cross country experienced when I wrote this article for the Stein- year. She will be attending the Uni- ing pictures/videos of her friends on and half marathon athlete, I experienced my life metz Star. It’s my first time doing this, but I did my versity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Snapchat. running far away from home and back and con- best and sorry I didn’t mean to break the fourth wall. in the fall. Venice’s friends think very highly tinuing my journey. As an artist, sketching brings I’ve received help from many great people like “She always had straight A’s,” said of her. Jailene met her freshman year me the mistakes to practice my failures and succeed my teachers, classmates, coaches, teammates, staff, her older sister Valerie Padilla (2014). when they were both in MYP classes. in my abilities. and many more, and as well for my family. “She has a sharp mind. I’d even call her “When we started talking Venice But what brings the passion in four years of high Find something to believe in and find it for your- a genius. She always loved being on told me that she was scared to ap- school happens like the speed of light. It wasn’t easy self. When you do, pass it on to the future. It’s not time. She never let anything stop her.” proach me at first because I seemed for me when many things happened very quickly, about changing the world, it’s about doing our best Venice and her siblings had to deal mean,” Jailene said. “That always and many things happened very dramatically. I to leave the world the way it is. It’s about respecting with the terrible loss of their mom makes me laugh because she pointed saw others transferring or leaving the school. I saw the will of others and believing in your own. Marisol Mercado, who was killed in out certain things that I would do and some losing their loved ones, and I started losing And this is why I will continue like this in the a car accident in July 2013. Venice I would’ve never realized I did those my mind when things were going bad and nothing future. It may be a challenge but possibly what’s said she owes her academic success things if she hadn’t said something.” going right. However, I continued my education there to challenge if you’re doing it every day from to her mother. With her honor roll grades and her and activities, from accomplishing excellent grades yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I always fought for “If my mom wasn’t as pushy as she intelligence Venice has been a great in my IB classes and participating in After School what I believed in and so should you. was, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” source to go to when help is needed. • she said. “Venice has been a great role model Ms. Mercado participated in the for me,” said Jailene. “She’s always the schools her children attended. At first person I go to when I need help Melanie Rolon’s advice: Cherish it now their elementary schools and then with homework. Whether it be her at Steinmetz she served as a parent intellect in math or her creativity for representative on the Local School art she knows how to do everything.” Council (LSC). After her death, the Although her intelligence is very newly created Parent Resource Room much appreciated, it isn’t the only was dedicated in her memory. thing her friends love about her. Even though Venice went through “Venice is an amazing friend; she this loss, she held her head high and has had many struggles but she has focused on her school work. never let them get in the way of giving “One of my biggest accomplish- great advice,” Jailene said. “If there’s ments in my life was learning how one thing that I absolutely love about to move past difficult things in my her it’s that she is always around to life,” she said. help someone else feel better. No mat- Others have learned how to handle ter what situation she’s in, she puts such hard times by seeing Venice. others first. Another thing I love about “Venice lost her mom just three her is her cute voice!” months after I lost my grandpa,” said Many teachers have treasured her friend of four years Jailene Torres. knowing Venice, who is an excellent “Being there to support her was hard, student, as well as a kind, friendly, but I knew I had to because she was helpful, honest and trustworthy per- there for me when I needed it just a son. Ms. Stuber responded to the short while before. I still don’t know Star’s request for a comment by speak- how she managed to get good grades ing directly to her student: even though she had lost the most “Venice, you have a really good important person in her life because support system here at Steinmetz and when I lost mine, I fell apart. Venice in your family. You should also trust inspired me to get myself together.” in yourself because you have a great Venice also has had to cope with head on your shoulders and you can the serious illnesses of her grand- accomplish whatever you believe in.” mother and uncle and the death of When asked why Venice deserves her aunt. In addition, for years she to be in the top 20 of all seniors Mrs. was separated from her father and Stuber said, “Venice is really smart and her siblings – older sister Valerie, her she been in a IB program. She really younger brother Carlos and younger took on a work load, she deserves it.” twin sisters Marisol and Adelina. Venice’s teacher and softball coach “Even though we are not all to- Marie Chaparro also spoke to the Star. gether physically, we are still a family,” “I love Venice,” Ms. Chaparro said. Venice said. “She is smart, sweet, determined, car- Her prized possessions are a shirt ing and thoughtful of others. Since she her mom made and a photo of her was a freshman the on-going joke was mom. she was my twin (from twin day). I’m Over the years at Steinmetz, Ven- going to miss my twin.” ice joined a variety of activities. She She added: “All the best, Venice. I played softball and basketball and know you will go far in life.” participated in the drum line. •

12 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors: Top 20 13 Hard workers obtain high grade point averages Teresa Martinez, all A’s and perfect attendance

Teresa Martinez, #13

By Teresa Martinez

have had many people encourage me to strive high. Those have been my family and teach- Iers; they have always been there for me. My family always told me throughout these years to give it all I had because at the end of the day it’s going to pay off and it has. Being in the top 20 isn’t easy. It has been a big accomplishment for me and my family because their motivation has helped me reach Above: Students ranked in the Top 20 of the Class of 2016. The class ranks celebrated in this newspaper, and at the June 15 Class of 2016 gradu- ation ceremony, are based on students’ weighted GPAs only through first semester senior year. The final class rankings, which will show up on to that point. Also getting scholarships for UIC students’ final report cards and transcripts, will include grades from second semester of senior year. The final 2016 1-20 placements could change. and almost getting a full-ride has been a huge blessing for me. I plan to major in nursing. Having straight A’s throughout all my four Alejandro Alonzo, chill in his academic success years of high school here at Steinmetz wasn’t easy, but also not impossible. When one wants By Alejandro Hernandez sometimes to do his work, which he does to succeed, everything one wants to desire can always do, even if it is late or not done right,” happen – with dedication and effort. I always lejandro Alonzo, better known as she said. “As for his role model, Drake, I stayed busy with homework and class work and, Alex, leads a somewhat oxymoronic think he can look up to better people because most importantly, studied for tests because those Alife. He is humble and hardworking, while Drake is a hard worker, the way he are a big chunk of our grades. Having perfect but also manages to be one of the biggest treats people is bad.” attendance all these four years has been a big slackers amongst his group of friends. As she said all of this, Alex sat beside her, accomplishment, also. He likes to describe himself as laid-back staring in a stunned silence. His best friend I have been part of the track and cross coun- and chill, which is also a fair assessment, yet Jose Padilla has been with Alex longer than try teams as well as the cardio club. he loves to party and has one of the highest anyone at Steinmetz. All the effort I put in at Steinmetz to be motors of anyone you will ever see. “I have known him since the 6th grade, where I’m at today is the effort I’m going to take He considers his philosophy toward life and he’s always been obsessed with Drake,” with me to college to be successful. as nihilistic, but you could never tell he was Alex Alonzo, #12 he said. “But in all seriousness, Alex is good My advice for others is always start strong apathetic toward anything just from the way friend, and even though he can be lazy at and end strong, take every assignment seriously, he tenderly holds his girlfriend like a precious school, he is very smart.” because it matters, and stay out of trouble. flower, or how he embraces the fun that life of his carefree life, which he says is based off I have had the great pleasure of know- I want to thank my parents and siblings as offers. Either way, Alex lives his life the way of apathy toward everything in life, which is ing Alex for the last couple years and there well as every single teacher I have had for help- wants to, and he’s succeeding at it. not entirely true. is never a dull moment with him. He is a ing me and motivating me to be the person I Not a lot of students can excel in sports Once you get to know him, you will learn constant source of entertainment. He can am today. and academia while also being able to go that he just chooses not to get caught up in make you laugh with the littlest things. He • on “bangers with his boys” every weekend, unimportant issues. Anyone close to him can also be serious at times and be a great but then again, most students are not Alex. will say that he is a good friend that is always source of help and advice. “I’m not the best student, but I’m clutch willing to lend a helping hand. His Drake fandom can get a bit annoying Maria Reyna, when it matters,” he said, referring to his “He is very kind,” Kienna Bariso said. “It at times, but I cannot blame him since we openly-admitted procrastination problem. If may be biased for me to say that since I’m his are are one the same in that way. Much like strong effort you know him, you’ve probably heard him girlfriend, but even before we were dating, how he is a proud Drake Stan, I am a self- say, “If you wait until the last minute, it only he was always kind and helpful. He helps me proclaimed Kanye Stan. Together, we annoy takes a minute.” with me math all the time because I hate it.” the hell out of a lot of our friends with our He was recently named an Illinois State Alex is still human though, and his girl- musical preferences. I know that even after Scholar, along with a handful of other Stein- friend is not afraid to put him in check. graduation, we Alejandros will continue to metz students. He excels at math and science, “He is lazy and I have to motivate him look out for each other. and will go to UIC for software engineering. • He also loves running on his free time (he is one of the best long distance runners on cross Top graduates are college-ready country and track), while also maintaining a healthy social life with his friends (he goes out on “rodeos” with his friends at least once a week). He has carried this lifestyle all the way to a top finish in the class. Maria Reyna, #18 He credits his strive for success to a couple of closely related role models, along with an By Maria Reyna unlikely one. “I’m influenced by my parents to apply uring my four years at Steinmetz I never myself in school, and they pressure me to Marc Villapando, #14 Milena Collazo, #15 Melanie Rolon, #16 expected to be placed as one of the top always succeed more, but my role model is D20. This whole experience was so dif- Drake,” he says. “He’s always seeking revenge ficult that for awhile I didn’t even bother to by being more successful than his haters.” compete for the spot. But as I got closer to my Don’t let his laid-back persona and goofy senior year, I noticed how I changed in the way sense of humor fool you. Alex takes his work I saw students aiming for the top. and life very seriously, but he chooses not You don`t have to be perfect in order to get to focus on any of the negativity. He opts on the list, just manage to get your grades on to stay positive and appreciate the moment. check and to put effort in your work. The IB Another one of his catchphrases is “it’s program does give an advantage for GPA. lit,” which he will say in moments of fun as Eyerusalem Coleman- Overall, it’s great that we pushed ourselves Javier Delgado, #17 Kitch, #19 Kacper Sip, #20 well as moments of distress. This is indicative and are recognized for it. • May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 13 14 Star Seniors Bart Labno, Illinois State Scholar, Gissel Mendoza, JROTC leader

good friend By Camila Pina

By David Ciechanowski and issel Mendoza is a lovely person with a great Aleksander Samulak personality and awesome leadership skills. She Gwill be attending Concordia College next year. art Labno is a hardworking student Her career goal is to become a doctor. who is always working to do better She transferred to Steinmetz at the beginning of Bin school. This year he was one of sophomore year. She joined the JROTC academy and the 12 students designated Illinois State right off the back took on a leadership roll. She ended Scholars, based on his grade point average up as Brigade Commander. through junior year and his high ACT Gissel has also been in track, cross country, on the score. He was also part of the Academic Star staff for two years, National Honor Society and Decathlon team. senior amabassadors. He is going to attend University of “I love my school,” she said. “It’s really accepting Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is very and you can really make something out of yourself if happy with his college decision and says you want to.” he is going to strive for greatness there. Sgt. Tammy Amaro says Gissel is “simply amazing.” He loves to socialize and do things out- She is the only daughter of of two children. Her mother and father, Laura and Arturo side of school, such as running in the park. Mendoza, are very proud of her. She ranks 27 out of 336 seniors. He had been a member of the Marthon Congratulations to Gissel on all your accomplishments. club and the baseball team. He worked at AP Biology. • the Montrose Deli. Hobbies? He likes to go out with his friends and Reading, running. Brian Geans, proud journalist have a good time, and at the same time Pets? he is always learning from his peers and I have a dog named Daisy and a name- his teachers. less turtle. By Wiljalisha Mollfulleda “Bartus has been a great support for What influences you? me since we met,” Zaneta Marcinik said. Rap music videos. rian Geans is a funny, caring person. I “I can always count on him. Even though What are your future goals? met him my first day of high school. sometimes he is lazy, I am sure he will To make more than $100,000 a year BHe made me laugh and after that we do amazing in college because he is able in dirty money. clicked. We’ve been friends for four years and to motivate himself to do better. I just How was your childhood? many more to come. hope that the struggles he will face in the Beautiful. He likes to watch movies, draw, sleep and future will not result in the lack of his What superhero would you be? cook. He’s a strong person. He never had a motivation.” Bartman problem coming out. He has a lot of support Everyone who knows Bart always had If the zombie apocalypse came, who from his friends and family to be who he is good things to say about him, never any- would be on your team? and not to be afraid to show who he is. He thing negative. He is going to great in col- Rosie McGurn, Abel Pereyra, and Aleks doesn’t take anyone’s unnecessary comments. lege and great in life. He studies a lot so Samulak. Brian has been a good leader with Com- he can make his family proud. How do you feel about being an Il- munities United and Voices of Youth Chicago He is from Illkowice, Poland, a small linois State Scholar? Education, an organization that helps youth personality so much.” town on the outskirts of Tarnow. His par- Accomplished and shocked. have a voice and stand up for what they be- Brian is going to Northeastern Illinois ents and sister all care for him and push Is there any advice you would want lieve in. University to get a good education and start him to do better in school. He says they to tell the underclassmen about doing Brian has also been a key member of the building his career and life. help him push himself to the limit. well in school? Steinmetz Star staff for three years. He always participated in the Pride Parade The Star interviewed Bart earlier this Just get your life together. “Brian has made the Star a superior paper,” with the Chicago Teachers Union to show year. How do you prepare for college? adviser Sharon Schmidt said. “He reports on his leadership and to help others not to be Favorite class? Take four AP classes. interesting events, reviews fascinating shows afraid about being a part of the LGBT com- • and takes amazing photos. I will miss his munity. contributions to the Star and his wonderful • Desmaria Langford, staying postitive and speaking up Jessica Buzawa, planning a future

By Maya Robinson career in fashion

he Star interviewed outstanding se- By Kinga Tarasiewic nior Desmaria Langford, who will Tbe attending Illinois State Univer- essica Buzawa is an accomplished senior. sity. She has managed to maintain her grades What do you like to do? Jand get accepted to more than ten col- Eat,chill at home, go out with friends leges with scholarships. and get my nails done. All of this did not come easy to her. She Future goals? worked very hard. With dedication and de- My future goal is to be a lawyer or to termination, goals will be achieved. work for a big business. I want to make a Jessica’s goal has mainly been to be in the lot of money and have a house with my fashion industry. A quote that kept her going future husband and kids. was, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails How was your childhood? to work hard.” My childhood was pretty lit. I’ve been While being involved in drama, pageants, on a lot of vacations. parades. I wish I had been more involved and multiple clubs, Jessica was motivated to Where do you see yourself in the fu- in JROTC. be involved in college activities as well. ture? Do you have any intentions of playing “Everything will payoff in the long run,” I see myself being financially stable and sports at your college? she said. “The decisions you make now, if it’s teacher Stephanie Walker said. “She preserves happy. I have thought about doing sports like hanging out with a specific crowd or skipping and never complains when it comes to doing What do you do to maintain your cheerleading or something new that I’ve a couple of classes, will reflect upon who you hard work. Jessica is truly unique; she has her grades? never did before. will become in the future.” own style. She is who she is.” I participate in school events and ask What are important life values to you? The Star interviewed Monika Buzawa, Jes- The Star asked Ms Walker and Jessica’s for extra credit. It is important to stay positive and sica’s mom, who said that Jessica has always friend Daniela Blas where they see her in ten What do you do on your free time? speak up when something isn’t right. been a hard worker. years. During my free time I go out with my What have you learned at Steinmetz? “She always did her work and wanted to “I definitely see her in the art world, creat- friends and my boyfriend. I learned leadership in ROTC and how make the family proud,” Ms. Buzawa said. ing new fashions and styles,” Ms. Walker said. What extra-curricular activities did to build friendships over time with new “Jessica has always been determined so I’m Daniela said, ”I see her owning a business.” you do? people. confident she’ll follow her dream.” “Jessica is a very loyal friend,” she added. Yes, I participated in cheerleading since What was a favorite memory? Her teachers have also seen something “She always wants to know what’s going on. freshman year and track my junior year. I The Senior Lock-In was my favorite. I special in her. Her grades are up and she is always dedicated marched in the Hillsdie and Memorial Day wish I could do it again.• Jessica is “determined and dedicated,” towards her work.” • 14 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors 15 Melissa Gonzalez, senior class Justyn Williams, easy going president and Prom Queen athlete and Prom King

By Kara Dziadosz

enior class Presi- dent Melissa Gon- Szalez is graduating with much success. She has been in JROTC since freshman year and she finishes high school with all As and Bs. Her favorite class was anatomy. She will be attending Northeastern Illinois University in the fall to study nursing, although she had won acceptance to Norwich College, a military college in Ver- Melissa to be an awesome student who is out- mont. She works at Fresh Market Place. spoken in a positive way. She also works well Melissa has an amazing attitude when she with other students. walks in the halls at Steinmetz and shows other “Melissa is successful because she has great students what it takes to be successful. Melissa communication skills and she’s always looking By Jacara Adams advises students to start off strong. out for other students,” Sgt. Amaro said. “Melissa Science teacher Chris Javier was one of Me- has no problem correcting students on their raduating senior Justyn Wil- lissa’s favorite teachers. uniform or in general in class and that makes liams impressed many people “He always saw the best in me,” she said. her an amazing leader.” Ghere with his loving personal- She has shown much improvement in Melissa stands out in class when she presents ity and athletic skill after transferring JROTC, rising to the rank of Captain. She was well. Melissa gets really involved in school with here from Saint Joseph. very committed to the program, which she cred- the JROTC events and being class president and At Steinmetz, Justyn played foot- its for teaching her how to be organized. with the sports challenge and drill team. And ball and basketball and was a member Melissa sends a shout out to friends Jenny because of her standing out so much that helps of the track and field team. He was Gonzalez, Olivia Nunez, Gissel Mendoza, Mat- other students follow her lead. part of OneGoal. thew Cintron, Luke Kuczynski and Miguel Miguel Tapia has been friends with Melissa Justyn will be attending North Tapia. throughout high school. He said she’s really car- Park College for engineering. He was Friends and teammates say Justyn is “They’re always there for me, regardless, and ing and she’s always putting people first before recruited to be on the football team. a cool guy. He has much potential and I love them,” she said. herself. He comes from a big house of funny is easy going. He just a smooth guy who Melissa said her family, which includes her “Melissa is successful because she’s always people. They have five turtles, ten fish does what he has to. mom, dad, and four younger sisters, expects her looking at the outcome in situations,” he said. and also a dog. He said that Steinmetz “He’s helpful and friendly,” Karrina to be a good role model. “Melissa is a really friendly person. She gets along taught him to not be lazy and to never Stevens said. “He’s a people person, very Melissa served Steinmetz as a Senior Ambas- with everyone very well. Melissa stands out be- be shy. easy to along with.” sador and JROTC recruiter. cause she’s so outgoing. She’s trustworthy and • Sergeant Tammy Amaro said that she finds always happy.” • Alejandro Hernandez, Star editor, to continue his writing at DePaul Life values for Alejandro are “helping By Frederick Crittendon Jr. people, accepting myself for who I am and dispelling stereotypes.” hile Star co-editor-in-chief Ale- Friends jandro Hernandez has already His co-editor-in-chief of the Star and Wshared much personal writing – in friend Zaneta Marcinik describes Alejandro his piece last month about why he chose to go as a “deep thinker,” who is a great writer. She to DePaul University, in his article this issue said he is helpful and open. about his friendship with class valedictorian “He’s different, in a good way,” friend Ashley Komperda, in his shout outs and in Ashley Komperda said. “He’s unique and his music and movie reviews of the past four he’s always there for people. He is able to years – there is even more to say. tell when someone is down. He is very pas- After this issue of the Star is old news, Ale- sionate. Ale expresses his own opinions, but jandro will keep on saying it. He’ll be studying respects others’ opinions. He’s dependable English and journalism in college. He intends Alejandro Hernandez poses with Pat Motto, his mom Maria Hernandez and IB coordinator Nan- and he’s a good sport.” to be a writer – for newspapers, freelance or cyanne Ferrarini on May 16 when Ms. Motto visited the school. Ale is the grateful recipiant of a Ashley’s favorite memory with him was even a novel. renewable $1,000 scholarship created by Ms. Motto and her late husband Michael McGhee for a getting lost at a party around Prosser and “It’s not about the money,” he said. “I’m “worthy student who worked on a high school paper and wants to pursue a journalism career.” finding out more about Alejandro. passionate about writing.” “We were looking for a CVS and ended up Ever since the beginning of his freshmen and an interesting person, who is interested models at home. He lives with his parents getting lost,” she said. “I had left my phone year, Alejandro regularly submitted sports and in other people and big ideas,” Ms. Schmidt and older brother, who attends Columbia at the party and he didn’t know how to work entertainment articles to the Star. Even then said. “His humor, insights and passion shine College, and his sister, who graduated from his. We were lost for about a hour and during his writing was strong and he had a distinct through in his well-crafted work. Publishing DePaul. He calls her “the most influential that hour, we got to know each other, and I voice. his excellent writing for the past four years in person” in his life. got to see the goofy side of Alejandro.” “When I got his first movie review in the the Star has been a delight.” He admires the outspoken Kanye West as Future fall of 2012, I searched the Internet because Academics and sports well as Puerto Rican heroes Roberto Clemente Alejandro is outspoken and intelligent. He it was so good I thought he must have plagia- After graduating from Sayre elementary, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. made it through a bad case of senioritis this rized it from a published review,” Ms. Schmidt Alejandro began Steinmetz in regular and hon- Along with his friend Ashley, Alejandro was year and now has nothing but positive vibes, said. ors classes, then transferred to to the Middle instrumental in getting world-famous come- something people love about him. This re- In the summer following his freshman year, Years/International Baccalaureate program in dian Hannibal Buress, a Steinmetz alumnus, porter thinks he is a once-in-a-lifetime person. Alejandro participated in Columbia Links his sophomore year. to agree to be the graduation speaker this year. At the close of his poem published in the and was published in the city-wide magazine He was named an Illinois State Scholar If there were a zombie apocalypse, Ale- April Star, Alejandro credits many people he R-Wurd. this year after keeping up excellent grades jandro said his survival team would include said used “their platform to speak out against As both a junior and a senior, Alejandro through his junior year and obtaining a high Chuck Norris, Goku, Vegeta, Rhonda Rousey, the negativity that plagues this world:” won “Superior,” the top honor at the Mc- ACT score. He participated in sports all four Dave Chappelle and Chris Kyle. “Thank you to anyone out there using the Cormick Media Awards, surpassing all other years, including football, basketball and track In addition to books, movies, music and stage God gave them to stand on to preach Chicago students who submitted pieces for and field. His favorite teacher at Steinmetz sports, Alejandro’s hobbies include “anything a good message,” he writes. “This poem is the review category. He also picked up an was science teacher Abel Pereyra. productive” and video games. dedicated to any and every person out there “Excellent” award for his sports reporting. Influences He said he will do any type of work that who gives a damn. Good will always outweigh “Alejandro is a great writer; he is a reader He has a lot of support and great role interests him if it’s something he’s devoted to. the bad. Peace & Positive Vibes.”• May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 15 16 Star Seniors A bright future for Steinmetz Class of 2016

What are some of your favorite memories?

“JROTC” “My favorite memory of the past “I think one of my favorite memory “My best memories are the people “My favorite memory would have Kara Dziadosz four years are the times I got to is when I joined cross country and I’ve met since my freshman year up to be the corn maze.” spend with friends who have become got to go to the meet with my team to my senior year.” Melissa Gonzalez “Journalism class was great” family. I’m going to miss the idea of and my coaches, even though I was Juan C. Padilla Aleksander Samulak high school in general. ” the only freshman.” “Going to Japan my senior year, Camila Pina Adriana Espinoza “Meeting my bestfriend.” corn maze.” “When I met my creatures Emony Emony Tate Magda Hernandez and Desiree” “The lock-in.” “Always having fun and laughing Jailene Torres Kacper Sip in class.” “Senior Lock-In was my favorite. I “My first day… it was weird.” Milena Collazo wish to do it again.” Zaneta Marcinik “Winning my journalistic awards, “My favorite memory was being Desmariah Langford My time in football and track, sleep- with my best friend in Lock In.’ “All the plays I’ve been in, making “Being with Jacara all four years, less nights writing essays & Articles.” Gissel Mendoza new friends and joining sports.” “Getting to perform for everyone in same now, same way.” Alejandro Hernandez Melanie Rolon the play and the Lock-In.” Rosemary McGurn “A memory that I will never forget Alec Reyes “On a field trip with Ms. Hank and was when we went on a trip to navy “The experience of being on the “Having Ms. Stuber go to my house Ms. Eshoo, two friends Arnold and pier. That was pretty fun.” football team and creating a bond “Running away from the staff at the for 6 (six) weeks, keeping me up Fernando showed up at the bus with Gerardo jerez with my teammates.” senior Lock In” with my work.” tamales and champurrado.” Aldair Murillo Gerardo Martinez Flor Renteria Karen Bahena “A memory that I will always have is the senior lock in. It was fun hang- “Meeting my amazing friends and “Having all the home coming danc- “One of the homecomings.” “The Steinmetz Star. I’m going to ing out with my friends all night. I forming cool memories with them.” es and pep rally and just having fun” Jacara Adams miss the way we design the paper. will miss my journalism class, both Victoria Boccia Wiljalisha Mollfulleda Being in the newspaper and taking my teacher and friends.” “Spending it with my friends this photos for it. Being with my friends Juan Ceballos “Meeting my friends who are now “My freshman easy classes” year; they are all good memories.” and building close relationships. I in college and participating in senior Olivia Nunez Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch am a little scared being on my own “The Homecoming games and get- events.” but I know I will be alright”. “ ting to meet new people were the Maria Reyna “Being on the cross country team.” “Achieving for my best from IB, Brian Geans highlights of my high school years. Perla Ramirez ASM, NHS, Cross Country, Track I will miss Ms. Seritella and the se- “Being a part of sports teams and & Field, etc.” “My favourite part of the past four curity guards.” getting certificates for it. Meeting “Being with Jacara all four years. Raul Costilla years has to be caroling around the Maya Robinson great friends and staff who were Same now, same way” school before winter break with a always there to support me and Rosemary McGurn “Track with Coach P.” few chorus students. I’m going to “I will miss Ms. Chaparro and checking on how I was doing aca- Karrina Stevens miss being able to help with choir having fun with my friends in the demically.” “Doing fun, stupid stuff my fresh- and journalism. I’m going miss a lot halls. My highlight from the past Teresa Martinez man year” “Lunch with the math squad and of the teachers, like Ms. Schmidt four years will have to be going into Yesenia Deluna Nike North vs. South with my cross and Mr. Greco.” Chaparro’s class and having amazing “The Japan trip.” country team.” Mckenzie Lacefield conversations.” Lukasz Kuczynski “When I scored and put up the most Alejandro Alonzo Venice Gonzalez points in a Steinmetz game.” “Going to the cheer competition “Being embarrassed by Ms. Ochwat Paris Glispie “Playing in the alumni game and and competing with my favorite “Lunch with my friends.” for writing a very poor lab report.” getting MVP.” group of girls.” Jose Padilla Bart Labno Antonio Agee Ashley Komperda “3 point contest.” “Being on stage at the pep rally.” “Going to Japan for our foreign Luis Gomez Justyn Williams exchange.” Kienna Bariso

16 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors 17

Photos by Steven Nunez

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 17 18 Star Seniors Adriana Espinoza, athletic student Aldair Murillo, a ‘delight’

By Gissel Mendoza By Juan Ceballos and Gerardo Jerez

driana Espinoza is one of Steinmetz’ ldair Murillo has been very suc- outstanding seniors, who exceled in cessful during his high school Aacademics and atheltics. She partici- Ayears. He played football and pated on the cross country, basketball, soccer, volleyball and participated in OneGoal. track and field and softball teams. He worked at Party City and Zam Zam’s She will be attending Northeastern Illinois Banquets. University. The Star interviewed Adriana ear- Aldair’s favorite memory of Steinmetz lier this year. was “being on the football team and cre- How did you get involved with sports? ating a bond with my teammates.” I kind of went for it since elementary He knows what it takes to succeed and school. My mom and younger brother and offers advice to others. I were really active and liked to be energetic. “Stay out of trouble, go to class and I didn’t even know what the sports were but do your work,” he said. “Get involved I still tried and went for it because it was fun in sports.” and new and helped me connect with people . Aldair’s friend Marcin Malyszko, who How does it affect your personal life? Russo who have always said that in being a has known Aldair for the past six years, Aldair cares very much about others, es- It just takes a lot of time and hard work. “student athlete” being a student always comes since they were at Locke school together, pecially his friends and his mom. He is not Although more than once it kept me from first because being in any sports as an athlete said Aldair “is just an awesome friend.” afraid to love deeply, and is an incredibly seeing my dad, but he understands especially is privilege not an obligation. Aldair is “really good at Guitar Hero,” supportive friend to all who are lucky enough because he was athletic himself once. What do you do on your free time? Marcin said. His favorite thing to eat is to be one of his. How do you maintain your grades? If anything, I’ll help out with school events enchildas. He works incredibly hard in everything I don’t find any excuses for work to inter- or just hang out with friends. His goal is to graduate from North Park he does, from studying for his classes to play- fere with sports. To play, you have to keep What do you want to major in college College and work in nursing and physical ing football. He has been so successful with your grades up. That’s what good about sports, and why? therapy. both that he has been offered the incredible if you really love it, you’ll do anything to be I’m leaning towards being a vet because I Teacher Tara Scolire wrote many nice opportunity to play football while earning able to participate. love animals and I love caring for them. I even words about Aldair: his college degree at North Park University. Who are your influences? try to care for animals now. My grandpa has I am so thankful that Mr. Greco brought I am blessed to know Aldair, and I am My mom and dad, just because they always brought home a baby squirrel and a bird, then him to me for OneGoal. He is an absolutely excited for him to continue to be successful, tell me they wish they would have gone down gave them to me to care for. But then he set delightful student. He is one of the most genu- spread his love and positively impact the lives a different road, to not struggle, to care for them free with made me mad. ine, kind, and polite young man I have ever of people he meets. us, so it would be easier for them with food Is there anything else I should know taught. He greets me every single morning, • and clothes. They never got the affection I get. about you? always asks how I am doing, and truly cares So they encourage me to succeed where they If I had a superpower it’d be telekinesis. about my response. couldn’t. That’s what influences me to do well. Then I’d be able to manipulate people and Two other influences are Coach P and Ms. convince them to do good. • Victoria Boccia, on quest to learn Juan Padilla, organizing for By Anthony Morgan-Kitch ictoria Boccia is a Steinmetz suc- stronger communities cess story. She took full advantage By Brian Geans Vof the variety of programs here and grew so much academically, socially and an Padilla is an outspoken advocate for in her extra curricular activities. She is on justice. The Star interviewed him about her way to prestigious, four-year liberal Jhis work as an organizer with Communi- arts college. ties United. She charms her friends and teachers How did you get involved with Com- with her awkward, yet fun and lively, con- munities United? versation style. Victoria’s kind nature and At first, I didn’t want to get involved. I went acceptance to everyone is the reason for to their meetings with a friend of mine during the relationships she has with almost every my sophomore year and I wasn’t interested teacher in the building. at all. Fast forward to my junior year, I got “Victoria is a bright student,” teacher involved with a program called GOTV (Get Seth Patner said. “She is going to do ex- Out To Vote) and at first I was just doing it for tremely well, if she learns to relax.” Because the story was so well-sourced and the service learning hours, but then I started She has a hard-at-work curiosity for factual, it won a McCormick Media Award to learn about the work that Communities learning. Victoria has taken things from for reporting. [See page 7 of the Sept.-Oct. United was doing and I really felt like joining her teachers that don’t just pertain to the 2013 Steinmetz Star in the “Newspaper” and getting involved. What do you do on your free time? class subject matter. She has learned about link on the school website.] What kind of work do you do? I usually play video games like Pokemon leadership, perseverance and professional- As a freshman, Victoria’s Steinmetz Star I’ve been involved with the Fight for $15 and Super Smash Bros. ism through her teachers and mentors, and opinion columns created a lot of contro- and Black Lives Matter movements. I’ve been If the zombie apocalypse came, who she applies these things with her time, in versy. to rallies alongside the Chicago Teachers would be on your team? and out of the classroom, such as in class “Victoria was a good writer, with a Union and I’ve worked with other students I would have want Daryl, Glenn, and Rick projects she leads in AP Biology. strong voice, as a freshman, but she was in Springfield, Illinois to help pass a law that from “The Walking Dead’’ on my team be- It wasn’t easy for Victoria to find the abrassive, missing a thoughtfulness that ends the zero tolerance policy. cause they’re so good looking. right academic fit. She was a straight-A she has since found,” Ms. Schmidt said. Will you continue this work? • student her freshman year in regular and Despite the rejection she faced of not I see myself continuing the work I do to honors classes that seemed too easy, but getting accepted to her college of choice, create a change. If Communities United con- her grades went down after she transferred Victoria moved forward. She learned tinues making changes, then I probably would to MYP. She said she felt out of place that “you’re not always going to get what you work there forever. Forever might be a little year in the program and didn’t do as well want ... but there are always other options.” exaggerating, though. Thinking about Com- as she could have. Accepting her situation and moving on munities United continuing to accomplish In her junior and senior years she found has helped her to see what she really wanted new things makes me hopeful for the future success in honors and AP courses, as well to do and the place she wants to do it at. work that has yet to come. as in college courses at Wright. Victoria had a strong interest in her AP Where did you come from? She joined several extra-curricular ac- biology class this year. Although I was born in Chicago, I always tivities over the years, including Academic “I think with this interest in genetics say I’m from Puerto Rico because I was raised Decathlon, ASM, track and field, cross lately, it might be shaping my goals for over there for 13 years. My hometown is Coa- country and newspaper club. the future”. mo, which is in the south area of Puerto Rico. Victoria reported one of the most inter- Victoria will be shaping her future at What superhero would you be? Juan Padilla speaks with Chicago Teachers esting stories ever published in the Star, an Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Mr. Union President Karen Lewis at the “Genera- I’d probably want to be Raven from Teen tion All” launch of an action plan to revitalize investigation of ghost stories at Steinmetz. Patner encouraged her to go to this aca- Titans because I think she’s so cool and her CPS high schools on April 13. She talked to many people in the build- demically excellent, small school where she powers are cool, too. I want to move things ing who experienced paranormal activity. can pursue her interests. without touching them. •

18 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors 19 Jenny Gonzalez, future teacher Jacara Adams, ready for what’s next

By Olivia Nunez By Jacara Adams

utstanding senior Jenny Gonza- ’ve been to Steinmetz all my four years lez has done a great job managing and it’s been a rocky road. But I still made Oschool, work and sports. Iit with all the changes and obstacles in “It hasn’t been easy, but because I enjoy my life and I’m so proud. doing sports I keep it on it,” she said. “Soc- I went from being in MYP my freshman cer was a great sport to do my freshman year to transferring into honors my sopho- year; it let me meet new friends and ease more year. That’s the best choice I’ve made into high school way better. Track kept me in high school. The work wasn’t hard, I just motivated to be in shape and keep up with didn’t like not being conjoined with the my good grades. That’s why I continued entire rest of the school. That wasn’t for me. doing it sophomore through senior year.” I’ve gone through friendship breakups Jenny will be going to the University of attire, being on time and managing time, that back then I felt some time of way about Illinois at Chicago. She wants to be there considering that the job is downtown.” to not caring about it. It happened for a Jacarra Adams, Karrina Stevens for four years. Being very confident she will She said her favorite memories at Stein- reason. I met some of the greatest, funni- succeed, she plans to become an English metz are having classes with her friends. She est teachers here: Mr. Arroyo, Ms. Perez, teacher. wishes she would have done more extracur- Ms. Schmidt, Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Edwards so happy that it’s coming to end and that I At the moment her job is being an intern ricular activities. She offers excellent advice and also my caring, wonderful counselor, can start a new chapter in my life – college. at JP Morgan Chase, which she obtained to the underclassmen: Mr. Powell. I’m excited, but scared because I’ll be through Urban Alliance. “Do not slack off, not even your fresh- My four years went by so fast. I still re- away from my mother. What am I going “It’s really an enjoyable experience,” she men year, because it will come back to member my first day, walking up and the to do without her, coming from school and said. “I have learned many things – work you.” radio station was here passing out those seeing her? But I’m ready. • black shirts. I remember everything. I’m just • Diana Lagunas, professional McKenzie Lacefield, beautifully By Flor Renteria bold and expressive iana Lagunas is an outstanding grad- uating senior, who achieved success By Sharon Schmidt, teacher Din athletics and academics. Her favorite class was yearbook, where cKenzie values expression. She she took pictures, wrote copy and laid out sings, plays music, plays sports, pages. Macts, takes pictures, draws pic- “I’m a professionalist; I like everything tures, listens, reads, talks and writes – po- to be nice,” she said. ems, columns and news stories. What she loves about Steinmetz is the She refuses to be censored. When the teachers: She doesn’t really remember her child- Star had an interesting, factual and timely “They’re genuinely nice; they take care hood, but she knows that she cried a lot. news story ready to publish in December of us,” she said. “I like talking to them.” One time she cried in pre-K so loud after 2015, but halted by administration af- Diana ran cross country and was on the she was dropped off that her mom heard her ter CPS higher-ups questioned the story, track and field team and the soccer team. outside the school McKenzie instinctively knew that she She lives with her parents, and has two Now when she gets home she tries to help could do something about it. With no younger brothers and an older brother who out in the house, such as washing dishes. prompting from me, she created her own stays in college. They help each other when On her free time she likes to clean her website and published the story herself. matory threats about McKenzie’s future. they need each other, although they do ig- room and reorganize it while watching Keep- She probably didn’t know she’d make Through her defence of free speech, she nore each other sometimes and sometimes ing Up With The Kardashians. local and national news. She just thought developed even more courage and made they argue. She values all the education that she’s had, that since the Star staff had worked so some really cool journalist friends. “My dad is obsessed with pozole,” she her shelter, family and that she’s a healthy hard on the story, and the information But being awesome isn’t new; she’s been said. person. was available, that others should have a like this for awhile. • chance to read it. The first piece of hers that I read this She boldly practiced her First Amend- year blew me away – a column about My baby, Aliyah April Torres ment rights and, with the help of her mom, choosing to be happy. Her premise and withstood an ugly attack by an outside well-written explanation were so wise for adult bully who tried to scare her into tak- such a young woman. By Flor Renteria ing down her website by making inflam- •

eing a teen mom isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it isn’t the Involved in one of the greatest Bhardest thing either. Managing school, studying and be- ing a mom is a struggle, but nothing I can not manage to handle because Ali- yah’s blessed with a good father and both our families are supportive and helpful. It’s also my senior year and things aren’t as tough as I thought they’d be. Teachers take it easier and help us out if we need to catch up. That helps me stay My whole day was dedicated to her. If up to date a lot. I didn’t have time to myself it didn’t really I’m blessed with a beautiful, good and bother me. Watching her grow day by day healthy baby girl. She sleeps throughout the is my favorite activity. whole night so I don’t really struggle with Everyday she does something new. Feed- being tired in school. She’s my total happi- ing time is my favorite part of the day, not ness, my motivation for everyday. I would only because it happens every three hours, do anything for my little princess. but because watching her do cute little faces Everybody talks about how being a mom while she eats makes me smile. at a young age will take away all the fun. When I do get to go out to the store Actually being a mom is a lot of fun: you there’s no way I’m getting out of the baby’s have to cherish every moment. section until I have at least four different Having my baby girl. Aliyah, was truly outfits for her. By Olivia Nunez a blessing. When I was home from school Now, it’s hard to leave her in the morn- for six weeks after she was born I enjoyed ing and throughout the day I miss her so hout out to Brian, Flor, Diana,and Rosemary. They’ve been great to me and I’m every single second of my day with her – much, but I look forward to going home glad I was able to interact as much as I did with them. Senior year was great. Being learning her little tricks, watching her get to her everyday after school. • Sable to learn and incorporate journalism was a different experience. I will always be funnier and funnier. glad to say I was involved in one of the greatest high school newspapers. • May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 19 20 Star News Drama club performs the Case of the Burning Test Photos by Steven Nunez Steven by Photos Continued from Page 1 burned and Noel is falsely accused. It’s all “Originally, I hated the character of Tem- performances, the costumes and the crew were The play was written by Mr. Gerald Cole, there for Sherry Holmes to solve the case and pest and I tried out for every part I could other such a joy to witness. directed by Ms. Patti Stuber, and co-directed save the day. than Tempest,” she said. How weird to think At the end of the play, it was strangely by Ms. Jennifer Egan, who also played Mason Spoiler alert! Sherry does solve the case that one of the best performances of the night emotional for me to see the curtain call. The the bully, with dazzling student actors and a with Winter and the rest of the main cast. almost didn’t happen. play was so important to everyone involved great stage crew. It ends up being the one no one expected, Ryan Allibone’s portrayal of Aaron was because many worried it wasn’t going to hap- Other staff members involved were Mi- thirsty and quiet Paul. Sherry figures out many quite great, too. During his speech when he fi- pen. They credited each other and it showed chelle Mottram, costumes, Gina Szulkows- of the character’s back stories, like how Le- nally stood up to Mason t, the audience began the bond of hard work and how important ki, sets, Mr. Mendrano, lights and sound, nore’s grandma is in a nursery home and in cheering for Aaron, but also for Ryan, because drama club is. There should be a play every Ms. DeJesus, coaching and acting, and Mr. desperate need of an electric wheelchair and he nailed the moving speech. I thought that year at Steinmetz because many people love Hasken, music. the reason why Tempest is so worried about was the best scene in the whole play. being involved in something special. The Case of the Burning Test followed the the tests is because they determine if she gets Melanie Rolon, who is such a natural, was It’s amazing how so many people were a main character Sherry Holmes, brilliantly into Harvard or not.The ending also calls for perfect as Sherry Holmes. Rolon, who has had part of this special night and behind the scenes played by Melanie, who is new to a school touching closing stories like when Aaron the many great roles during her time at Steinmetz, of it all. Everyone involved deserves a standing filled with some interesting characters: Tem- bullied and Mason the bully become friends sadly won’t be in another production due to ovation. The play was so great and it would pest, played by freshman Sam Chafai, the se- at the end and when Winter and Noel end the fact that she’s a senior. Many of the great have never happened if many people didn’t cretly smart lyrical genius; Paul, junior Alvaro up together. Overall, the play was one great talents of this year were seniors and it is very stand up to the plate and involve themselves Blancas, a shy guy who loves himself some mystery that hides many secrets within it that sad to see them all go since they have found in it. The Drama Club especially wants to gatorade; Aaron, played by Ryan Allibone, need to be revealed. a bit of home on the stage. The Drama Club state how much they’re grateful to Ms. Stuber a very fabulous male to female transgender; I was an audience member for The Case of is sad to see them go but looking forward to and Ms. Egan. It truly blows my mind to how Lenore, sophomore Alina Qureshy, a money the Burning Test, mostly to support my friends support their future careers. much hard work was put into The Case of hungry hustler, Winter Watson and Noel, but, also to finally appreciate the hard work the Burning Test and how much it paid off. seniors McKenzie Lacefield and Alec Reyes, that occurred for this play to even happen. I Funny and relatable The Case of the Burning Test just reminds pretty much the most sane people at Sherry’s really enjoyed the play. I think that Steinmetz For me, The Case of the Burning Test was me how drama club is so important because new school and who are both secretly crush- is lucky to have such amazing talent in their good. Being a little cheesy and tad confusing it’s an outlet for creativity. All of these actors ing on each other. Jesse Bronski played their halls and it needs to be talked about more. at times didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I are given challenges and face them with such teacher. still saw it as a very special play displayed grace. The actors portray things they never With a school filled with interesting people, Memorable performances some great themes. The characters were all imagined they had the courage to do and they who are more than their weird characteristics, There were amazing performances but a funny and even relatable. The subject of test- create so much beauty through that. Drama Sherry knows there are secrets to be discovered few do stick out to me. Sam Chafai as Tem- ing is too real for everyone because we have club is a place that they are able to create about them all and a case will soon arise. Surely pest was one of my favorite performances of all faced the anxiety and stress from it. Also precious memories and strong bonds with it does when they are all forced to take an im- the night due to the quick and long poetic the theme of secrets and the ultimate message each other. The drama club needs to live on portant test that “determines their whole entire monologues that Tempest spits out to offend of how the truth will always be revealed so because Steinmetz’s talent shouldn’t be hidden. future,” according to the character Principal people. Sam played her excellently, which is it’s best to be honest was great to remind the The Case of the Burning Test was a great and Hartey, played by sophomore Agape Alfaro. funny due to how she wasn’t very fond of the audience. The whole production overall from important production that reminded me that So, of course all of the tests are mysteriously character she was portraying. the stage design, the music, the spectacular theatre is amazing.•

Spring choir and band showcase Continued from Page 1 Students from the two choir classes sang Yonder Come Day, Gaudeamus and Love Yourself. The choir is directed by Anna Lesniakowska. “Anna features her singers in the most flattering way possible, capitalizing on their range and stylistic talents,” Ms. Zaluba said. The showcase also featured soloists. Marqishia Flowers sang “One + One” by Beyonce, Jessebelle Bronski and Max Solorio sang “Riptide” by Vance Joy, Michelle Santoyo and Luis Ortega sang “Impos- sible” by Shontelle, Deja Poole and Luis sang “Powerful” by Empire and Andy Lagunas sang “Nightingale” by Demi Lovato. More pictures, Page 28 Please, remember to sign up to take band and choir classes in the 2016-2017 school year.• 20 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star News 21 Advice for the incoming college freshmen By McKenzie Lacefireld

iven that the school year’s almost up and most of the graduates will be Gheading off to college, the Star took the opportunity to sit down with some Stein- metz alumni to learn about their experiences. The Star interviewed Anthony Guerrero, a sophomore at Concordia University of Chi- cago, Li Nygun, a freshman at Wright Col- lege, and Gardenia Ceron, a junior at Robert Morris. What are classes like? Anthony: Classes are always interesting, Alumni Anthony Guerrero, Gardenia Ceron and Li Nygun share great advice about college in this story, based on their experiences at Concor- especially when your professor is really chill. dia, Robert Morris and Wright. Anthony speaks to the majority of graduates at Steinmetz who were not IB students or in AP courses: “Don’t be Li: Classes are different. There are never discouraged if you didn’t take AP, IB, or honors classes. You’ll do fine in college. Everyone can be a Dean’s List student. I myself was in regular assigned seats. classes in high school, and I am a three-time Dean’s List student with a 3.9 GPA. Make the most of your education.” Gardenia: Classes always depend on your professor and attitude towards the subject and, studying exercise science, and in the future my friends were there and I wasn’t. and I am a three-time Dean’s List student with most importantly, your organization skills and I will attend graduate school to become a Gardenia: I think I would have traveled, a 3.9 GPA. Make the most of your education. time management. physical therapist. maybe even take a year off. There’s no shame in Li: Future college student – don’t procras- What kind of classes are there? Gardenia: Even now, I don’t know what I taking a while to start, as long as you are plan- tinate and get your sleep. Anthony: There are a variety of classes want to do. I’m scared I might not know for ning to go back to school, maybe even start Gardenia: Become involved with your in college. Classes for your major, general a while, but it’s not a fear that I face alone. I off at a community college instead. There’s no school. If you have an opportunity to join education or just electives. I attend a private know that a lot of young people don’t know shame in community college either, because an activity, sport, or any club, you should university where the class size is usually 10 - what they want to do, and there’s no shame once you graduate, it’s all about finding a job because it helps you network within your age 15 people. in not knowing what you want to do right to pay those college loans. group. Always make sure you make friends Li: The sizes of classes vary. Some may be out of high school. with at least one kid in class, in case of any only 10 people, but larger ones can be about How’s picking your own schedule? What’s your advice for the future fresh- actual emergency you need someone to take 20-25 people. Lectures are also not too dif- Anthony: Picking your schedule is pretty man attending college in the fall? notes. The most important thing, though, is ficult if you pay attention. difficult your first year, but your academic Anthony: My advice for the future fresh- to always have some sort of time management Gardenia: The classes that I had at my advisor is always there to help you. man is don’t be discouraged if you didn’t take because it’s easy to get lost within yourself, school were more towards my major, which Li: Scheduling is hectic because it’s first AP, IB, or honors classes. You’ll do fine in col- with homework and being social. was culinary arts, and my school had a big come, first serve. There are many students who lege. Everyone can be a Dean’s List student. • thing about class sizes, so the most I ever had are also trying to get the same class. I myself was in regular classes in high school, in a class was a little over 30. I had a class with Gardenia: I actually love that my school more, but attendance wasn’t part of the grade, actually has our academic advisors make up so it was mostly empty. our schedules to ensure we only take classes we My school has more unique options. You need in order to get our associates or bachelors. Looking back at the fun could take art classes, architect classes, even We have input. In my freshman year, I traded a class about zombies for humanities. It just English for News Writing. By Paris Glispie depends on how much space you have in your Do you remember your first day? schedule. You take at least four classes per Anthony: My first day of college I was re- y older sister, Lechel Glispie, semester. ally nervous. I thought I would end up with was a great influence on me. Did you have an idea of a major when a lot of homework. MShe graduated from Steinmetz you started? Li: My first day was more towards finding in 2013. Anthony: Yes, I did. I wanted to be a com- my class, but I had an older classmate give For three years she attended Indiana puter scientist. me a tour. State University. I missed her a lot when Li: My idea of a major was “art” so that I Gardenia: I remember my first day hav- she was gone. Now she is back in Chicago could be an animator. If someone is unsure ing trouble, as any other student, finding my to finish college at UIC and work at Rush what to major in, then my suggestion is “lib- classroom and feeling nervous. But thanks to Hospital, living in her own apartment. eral arts” which is a mix set of courses. marching band, I had the opportunity to make How was Steinmetz for you? Gardenia: When I first started college, I friends way before classes actually started, so I High school was really fun. I made thought I wanted to do culinary arts, and I didn’t feel lonely and I had a group of friends a lot of friends there and it was a great love it, but it’s not something I need a bach- already. My school operates in cohorts, so I experience. elor’s for, so now I’m starting to look at para- was surrounded by all the same people; it made What has changed? legal and even forensic in my school. It’s hard it easier to adjust. It had a very different bell schedule, to pick what you want to do with the rest of If there was one thing you could’ve done I’ll tell you that much. We used to get out favorite. They always made me laugh and your life when just a few months ago you had in high school before you graduated, what at 2:45. I don’t know what is going on now would make my day. to ask to use the restroom. Always know that would you have done? and what happened with that. Do you miss high school? we’re young and we have time to decide what Anthony: The one thing I would’ve done Who were some of your favorite people? Yes. Of course every day I think about we want to do with our lives. before I graduated would have been to save My favorite teacher would have to be going back to high school. I wish I could Do you have a differnt major now? up money for books. Mrs.Schmidt and the staff, of course, security go back and do it all over again. Anthony: As I took classes for computer Li: One thing I wish I had done before guards Mr. Sam and Burt. They were my • science, I realized it wasn’t for me. Now I’m graduation would be the “lock in” because all College plans include Chicago, downstate, beyond

Thank you to the seniors who participated in the Star post-secondary plans survey. Our list of where students are headed and their intended majors is on our website: www.steinmetzstar.com.

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 21 22 Star JROTC News Seniors recognized at JROTC Spring Ceremony

Cadets send best wishes to retiring JROTC instructors

Thanks, Colonel Baynes, for tak- I want to send a huge shout out Ain’t gone yet. Sgt. Amaro helped me a lot I want to send a shout out to ing me in when I came from Prosser. to 1SG Ruiz from JROTC. He is Sgt. Davis throughout my years in JROTC and all three instructors. Throughout Thank you for understanding my a big part of why I’ve grown as a she saw me grow as a person. I’ll all four years you all pushed me to religious convictions and for being person and have changed so much I’d like to send a shout out to miss her very dearly and I wish her become the confident and outgoing so nice and wise. You’ve been the throughout four years. When I came Sgt. Amaro. I remember her coming the best in her new chapter in life. person I never thought I would be. best and I am going to miss you. to him sophomore year he believed to Steinmetz my freshman year and Sincerely,, Gabi Caudel Breaking through my shell hasn’t Alisson Castellanos (Skirt Girl) in me before I believed in myself not being too happy about not hav- been easy, but you guys never gave and I’m so grateful for that. May ing Sgt. Yangas anymore, but when Shout out to Colonel Baynes, up on me. You all taught me the two To the youngest man I know, your future be bright wherever it she became my sergeant I began to 1SG Ruiz and SFC Amarro for be- most valuable qualities – motiva- Col. Baynes. You’re one of the cool- takes you. Farewell and hope you like her very much. Thank you for ing great instructors in our JROTC tion and commitment – and I’m so est guys I know. I hope to see you stay well. being there for the senior class, for program. You will all be missed. grateful for that. Thank you for the back here. Sincerely, Joshua Martinez motivating us to figure out what we Melissa Tello support all these years. Wish you David Montes de Oca want to do after high school and for all the best. I’d like to send a shout out to pushing us to do better. I hope all Sgt. Amaro, thank you for be- Cindy Salgado Dear Colonel Baynes, 1SG Ruiz for being with me since goes well after you move. I’ll miss ing my sergeant this year. You are I hope you have a good time and my sophomore year, and for push- you. the best. We’ll miss you. Goodbye. I will definitely miss you. Make sure ing me to do the Tawani Scholars Jocelyn Sanders Victoria Lara Leo Villegas you come and visit. essay. Thank you for being there for Natalie Palomares me, for pushing me to do my best To 1SG Ruiz, I would like to send a shout out Colonel Baynes was the most (Your favorite student) and for not giving up on me. I’m It’s been an honor and awesome to Sgt. Amaro. She was my teacher understanding and warm-hearted going to miss receiving your hugs to have you as an instructor and a freshman year and I believe she has person ever. Sgt. Amaro always I would like to say thanks for – frown emoticon – and you always teacher for some time. I appreci- seen me grow from a hooligan into kept me motivated to keep moving everything you’ve done for this pro- asking how am I doing. I remember ate everything you’ve done for the who I am today and that’s why she forward and I appreciate the things gram. Thanks for the experience in when you had to leave us for a while JROTC program. Have a wonderful was so proud of me. I’m really sorry she has done for the JROTC com- JROTC, Colonel Baynes. earlier this year and crying when retirement. for the mistake I made and I really munity. And 1SG Ruiz is one of the Nicole Espinoza you came to visit us. Thank you for Noah Garcia do wish her the best in her future strongest people I know. He fought everything, 1SG Ruiz. I’m going to down in Kentucky. She contributed through his heart attack and came Really going to miss you, Colo- miss you. Shout out to SFC Amaro for all so much to the program; it’s sad to back to the JROTC for Steinmetz nel Baynes. Thank you for taking us Jocelyn Sanders of her daily Facebook pictures and see her leave so soon. Hopefully she and I want to thank you for showing on those field trips and getting us ice updates. Thank you for keeping me keeps her positive attitude down you care for us all. We will always creams, subs and donuts. You made Exfoliating, which is the key to motivated during PT and thank you there and spreads it as well as she have you in our hearts. Thank you my two years of high school great. success, was taught to me by 1SG for the bagels and doughnuts. has here. for helping us improve:, it means a Michelle Villanueva Ruiz. Chiya Loyd Joshua Martinez (Curly) lot. Noe Barcenes Damien Torrentt

22 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star JROTC News 23 Time capsules reveal Gabi Caudel honored by goals of freshman year Chicago mayor

Submitted by SFC Amaro

n January 2013 the then-fresh- man class known to be the Class Iof 2016 created a time capsule. There were two freshman classes that conducted this lesson on goal setting and long term planning. The lesson on goal setting showed students how to create some goals and how to reach their goals. We also talked about graduating and had students think about what they may want to do once they completed high school at Steinmetz College Prep. Each student was asked to write a letter and address it to themselves where they would open the time capsule at the end of their senior year of high school then read the letters that they had written. abi Caudel (third from the left) was one of 11 Chicago JROTC cadets recognized at Mayor We also added a Chicago Sun- Rahm Emanuel’s Resolution Ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, May 18. The Mayor Times Newspaper, Steinmetz Star Gcongratulated Gabi for receiving a tuition waiver from the Senior ROTC Program at the Newspaper, a JROTC Newsletter, University of Illinois, Chicago. She will be majoring in Criminal Justice. and a letter from SFC Amaro. • On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, the seniors from the JROTC Class of 2016 opened their time capsules. •

Cadets send best wishes to retiring JROTC instructors

I’m going to miss all of you guys. Thank you to Colonel Baynes, and please come and visit us. Love Thanks to all of the JROTC in- To Sgt. Amaro, 1SG Ruiz, and Thank you guys for everything Sgt. Amaro and, mostly, 1SG Ruiz you. structors for all your help and dedi- Colonel Baynes. Thank you for be- you’ve taught me. for motivating me this year to be- Kimberly Degante cation towards the cadets and the ing our role models and the most Juan Soto come a better cadet, physically and JROTC Program. caring people. You have all entered mentally. Thank you for your service. Ashley Caraballo our lives for a valuable reason, to I want to thank you for being Colonel, you really made me step Come back and visit. I’ll always keep show us unique point of views and great, Sgt. Ruiz and Colonel Baynes. up my game and made me realize a in touch with you Colonel Baynes. I want to say thank you for ev- succeed physically, mentally, and ac- I have learned a lot from you. You’re bunch of things in life. SFC Amaro, Sgt. Amaro, I know that you are a erything that you guys did. It was ademically. You have all seen us grow really funny and I could talk to you thank you for always making me great teacher who will be missed. I truly an amazing experience and day by day, working to improve our- about anything. Thank you for mak- smile and helping me come out love you both. Have a great summer. not having you guys next year will selves. Thank you for making our ing me a better citizen and I’m grate- of my shell by actually talking to Kiante M suck. You will be missed. In my two program great and motivating us to ful for the great experience. the other sergeants other than Sgt. years I have learned a lot. Thanks to the fullest. Thank you for making us Emily Martinez Davis. Really going to miss Colonel Sgt. Amaro, Sgt. Ruiz, and Colonel who we are today. Thank you 1SG Ruiz for helping Baynes and Sgt. Ruiz. Hope you Baynes Sincerely, Sandoval & Delgado Thank you for acknowledging me become a better leader and help- guys have a good life. A.A. Sincerely, Cinthya Ruiz me. Ivan Rico ing me when I was stressed out a lot. I hope the best for your future

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 23 24 Star Seniors

Shoutout to Gerardo Martinez, I would like Esmeralda Martinez, Arnold Cocte- to take this op- con, Jackie Saldana and Fernando portunity to Sandoval: give a shout Thank you for all those laughs and out to my girl- moments we shared that made senior friend, Kim- year the best year of all. I must admit, berly Degante. most of Fernando’s jokes were pretty I met you this funny, although I said otherwise. I year and you’ve always enjoyed those moments when easily been the we would laugh so hard our stom- best thing that’s achs would hurt and no sound would ever happened come out. I know it’s probably going to me. Having to be difficult for us to hang out dur- to graduate and ing the following years because we are leave you behind is breaking my all going our separate ways but I hope heart, but I know we will be great graduation day is not a goodbye but because I love you and you love me. a “see you later.” I hope that we still Here’s to seven months so far and keep in touch. years to come. Forever and always: Thank you guys for everything, 10.22.15. I wish you the best in life and I will Joshua Martinez + Kimberly never forget you. To Gerardo and Esmeralda: I want to give a special shout out I know I don’t need to say good to my one and only love, Joshua bye to you guys because you aren’t Martinez. just high school friends, you are fam- I want to tell you how much ily to me. I will always stay around I’m going to miss you next year. for the big moments in life, even if Sucks. I have two more years to that means bothering you guys. I’ve go, but I will do my very best for known both of you for nine years you, baby. You’ve grown so much now, and although we weren’t always since I’ve met you, love. You’re the together, I feel like we grew up with only person that will cross my mind eac hother. Especially you, Gerardo; when I’m walking the halls next we did grow up together. I hope to year. Thanks for making my sopho- keep doing so for the following years. more year the best. I love you, baby. You guys are my best friends and Go and make me even more proud graduation will not stop us from be- in college. ing that. I think Esmeralda and I Love, Kimmy 1O-22-15 can agree that we both enjoyed your jokes, Gerardo, because that mind of yours comes up with the wildest things. Thank you for everything that I would like to give a shout out happened these past four years. to my sister Gabriela Reyna. Love you, Karen Yes, I may argue with her and we both have our differences about school and other things, but she is the one that was able to encourage Shout out to my family, first of all. me both at home and at school. She These four years have been challeng- was the one that helped me under- ing and without their love and sup- stand between IB and JROTC. I port I couldn’t have made it. My sib- was able to at least fix myself when lings, Brenda and Bryan, thank you it comes to trusting her and to let guys for always pushing me to do my her grow up. I know that I get really best. My dad and mom, who would over protective, but it’s just that I do their best to cheer me, especially wasn’t ready to see her grow up. in those moments of frustration. My She is the total opposite of me one and only mom has always been – very energetic and loud, putting there for me and has always shown herself out there and being true to her best to me a strong and caring her friends. I’m going to miss see- woman who has loved me endlessly. ing her in the hallways and having the weirdest conversation walks after school. Also my friends Maggie, Marisol, Of course I would see her at home, but school is where we got to know each Yesenia, Kim, Alex, Jose and Javier: other more with our differences. You guys are amazing. Words can’t So Gabby, make sure you keep on getting your grades up and never let anyone express how much I appreciate you ruined your last two years at school; not everything will be like this forever. guys for always understanding me Maria Reyna and accepting me for who I am. I’m not going to say I’m going to miss you because we are still going to keep in touch. You guys are irreplacable. Thank you for creating the funniest memories with me, love you guys. My IB classmates, spending these four years together with all of you have been the best. To all the IB teachers thank you so much for the dedication you have all put towards us these four years. To all the IB teachers: Thank you so much for teaching me new things and helping me grow as a person mentally. Thank you for helping me grow as a person. I would first of all like to send a shout out to the most important people who Shout out to Mr. Ngo and the were with me in high school, which are the MS. They made my high school years chaperones for making the trip to full of excitement and laughter and I will truly never forget that. They are the Japan possible, thank you. Who most real people I will ever meet and I really want you all to know that you are would’ve thought my first trip ever all irreplaceable. I will forever cherish all of the moments that we had together was going to be Japan! and I hope that our friendship lasts for a lifetime. Love you guys. Stephanie Alonso I would also like to send a shout out to the bestest friends in the world, which are Stephanie and Marisol. I would have been so lost without you guys and thank you for always being so cheerful and constantly making me laugh. Maggie Hernandez shout out continued on Page 25

24 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors 25

I want to shout out to David Pravinchandra, someone who’s not just my brother but one of my closest friends. Congrats on making it through these past four years. No matter how tough things got at home, you always kept your head up and never let anything get in the way of your educa- tion. I’m really proud of you, not only because you kept your I want to give a shoutout to my friends Kim, Perla, Vivian, Olivia, Jenny, Melissa, Vanessa and Victoria for being grades up all these years, but because you just always tried great friends. your hardest in everything you accomplish and got back up Love ya, Jessica Banderas every time you fell down. Thank you for being such a big inspiration to me, always being here for me, helping me not to be anxious about life and teaching me to stand up for what I believe in. I hope I’m going you continue to strive for the best for yourself and stay on to miss you so the right path. much, Camila. This isn’t said much, but I really love you to the moon and I have some back and once again. I truly am proud of you. great memo- Lisette Pravinchandra ries with you and I wish I could’ve met you sooner. I hope you don’t forget about me. But you are moving on I’d like to send a shout out to my mom for motivating me in life and you everyday and being the best. To my dad, for helping me with won’t have time to look back. all my projects and making them stand out from the rest. A I wish you the best in life and I bet Javier is go- big shout out to God for giving me wisdom and strength to ing to miss you the most. I am proud of you and I keep going. To my bae, Juan, for being my number one fan am always here for you no matter what. (Crying.) and making my high school experience better. And, of course, I’m going to miss you tons, Camila. my second mother, Ms. Laura. You have been my guardian Johnny angel here at Steinmetz. Love you guys. Alisson Castellanos

It’s been a long four years. I’ve I want to say thank you to Mel. I met you in Mr. Bagdonas’ met so many amazing people. I 4th period biology class. I’m so glad I didn’t sit somewhere would like to thank all the in- else. Instead, I sat right behind you. I’m glad I made that structors in JROTC: Sgt. Ama- choice. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have you ro, who has become my second in my life. You’re my best friend. We’re Kit and Kat, and mom, 1SG Ruiz for supporting nothing can stop us. Thank you for being here, thank you me, Sgt. Yangas for caring for for sticking with me, but most importantly, thank you for me since freshman year, Sgt. Da- being you. Here’s to years to come. vis for always telling me things McKenzie Lacefield straight up and last, but not least, Colonel Baynes. He has moti- vated me all four years, pushed me to the limits and showed me that there are so may possibilities to accomplish anything I want. Thank you. I will miss all of you. Also my best friends and JROTC family, you guys mean the world to me and I love you. Gissel, we’ve gotten so close over the last year. I’m proud of you and all your accomplishments. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You know I’m here for anything. Lisette, you’ve grown up so much this year, I know you’re going We’ve had our ups and downs, but the great thing is that to be great next year, keep working hard and everything is going to we have kept this friendship going and I am sure it will last. pay off. Thank you for all your help and support this year. Stephanie, thank you for always being there for me, en- Jonathan (Panda), thank you for be so goofy and crazy. You always couraging me to do my best and just being the greatest friend made me laugh when I was down. I know you’re going to do great anybody could ask for. Marisol, thank you for always helping things. You know how much I appreciate everything. I love you, Fam. me in any way you can and giving me reality checks. I truly Lastly, my babe. Junior, you know how I feel about you. Thank appreciate it. You guys are seriously the best in the world. you for always putting a smile on my face and even though we I love you both so much and I know that we will still keep haven’t been together long, you have given me so much support in contact after high school and continue to make great and encouragement. I couldn’t ask for anything better. You know memories. Love you both. how proud I am of you. Te quiero mucho. Maggie Hernandez Camila Pina

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 25 26 Star Seniors

Shout out to the most important person Shout out to in my life, my mother Beata. She always Desiree, Jailene, makes sure that I have everything I need and Brittany, Emony, more. Even when sometimes I do not agree Yesenia, Cynthia, with her, it always ends up that she was right. Eyerusalem, I just want to say: “Kocham Cie!” Ashley, Bart, Love, daughter Zaneta Maya, Genely, Shout out to my younger brother Aleks. Amanda, Ana, This small, young man has taught me some- Ms. Chaparro, thing very important – to appreciate every Ms. Schmidt, day and be happy because of the small things Ms. Walsh, Ms. To an amazing teacher: that happen to me everyday, even though Stuber, Ms. I want to give a special shout out to sometimes it is hard to see them. Scolire, Mr. the most amazing person. If it wasn’t for Love, sis Zaneta Pereyra, Ms. L, this person I think I wouldn’t have made it Special and huge shout out to the IB Class Ms. S, Ms. Russo through my senior year. I am so thankful to of 2016. I am glad that I became very close and everyone else have met this person. She helped me a lot, with my classmates. I know each one of you I have known at always pushed me to the extent. Never did will accomplish great things in college and this school. she let me give up or say “I’m done.” A big, will become someone in the future. Just keep It has truly special shout out to Ms. Stuber. She was on pursuing your goals and never give up. It been a long jour- there for me since the beginning. I don’t was not always easy, but I am grateful that ney, but I have no know what I would’ve done without her. I had the opportunity to met you. It is an regrets whatsoever. Thank so much for everything. You are the honor to know you, share the memories and Venice Gonzalez best. Flor Renteria call you the family. Zaneta Special thanks to all of my teachers that I met throughout my three years at Steinmetz. The list is pretty long, but I just want to say that you always have pushed me to do more. I am thankful beyond words for your help and understanding. Because of the great teachers we have at Steinmetz, today I am who I am. It will be hard to hard leave, but it is time to move on. Love, Zaneta Shout out to staff members who make sure that our school is clean, that we have food to eat and that we can feel safe most of the time. Your hard work is highly ap- preciated. Zaneta Shout out to first period journalism seniors Shout out to Newspaper Club reporters Shout out to Bart Labno and Kacper Sip. Jacara Adams, Juan Ceballos, Valery Cham- Karen Bahena, Desiree Erturk, Kayla Geralds, I just wish you the best at U of I. Do not pion, David Ciechanowski, Yesenia Deluna, Jaren Jackson, Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch, party too hard and hopefully I willI you there Kara Dziadosz, Brian Geans, Paris Glispie, Diana Lagunas, Gerardo Martinez, Josh Mar- in two years. Brian Geans, Luis Gomez, Venice Gonzalez, tinez, Tyffani Quintero, Karrina Stevens and Zanetka Gerardo Jerez, McKenzie Lacefield, Daniel Emony Tate. Lozeau, Rosemary Mcgurn, Gisel Mendoza, It was a privilege to get to know you. Keep Shout out to the best event-planner and friend, Ashley Komperda. I hope all your dreams Wiljalisha Mollfulleda, Olivia Nunez, Camila up the good work in college.Paragraph often will come true and ISU will be the best school choice you could have made. Pina, Flor Renteria, Maya Robinson, Alek- and proofread, proofread, proofread. Zabcia sander Samulak and Jai Torres. Sincerely, Sharon Schmidt

Big shout out to Mrs. Del Valle. Your as- guys that looked out for me. the best writer to ever come out of Steinmetz. tough times in order to recognize and appre- sistance on the college process was invaluable. This is starting to feel like “Last Call” from Thank you to all of my friends. I can’t name ciate the good times. Steven better keep on Thank you, Ms. Motto, for the scholar- Kanye. Oh, how can I forget Yeezy? Shout out you all, but just know that if I don’t, I’m still treating you right (shout out also to Steven ship. I hope to honor you and your husband’s to him for his awesome art and for reminding thankin’ ya in my heart. I’ll start with Angel Nunez for his awesome photography). Wish legacy. me that it doesn’t matter if no one believes in and Alicia, aka my favorite couple. They be- you all nothing but the best. Thank you to my football coaches – Coach me. As long as I believe in myself, I will go grudgingly accepted me as their third wheel Shout out to Maria for being one my go- Mac, Coach Ochoa, and Coach Frank. You far, and for also teaching me to be mindful and I am grateful for that. Angel, you’ve been to helpers. She has been extremely generous guys should have kicked me off the team, but of who my real friends are, and to stay away my A1 since day 1. You are the only guy who and kind these past few years, mainly helping decided not to. For that I am grateful. from wolves. Oh, and shout out to Chance has shared classes with me since freshman year. me with my art projects, including designing Thank you, Coach Bags, for seeing this The Rapper for being the only artist I listened Alicia, you are like the sister I would have had my prom poster. marshmallow soft kid four years ago and de- to who matured along with me in high school. if my biological was my age. You tease me, Shout out to Isabelle, who might not even ciding to make him your personal project. I I came into Steinmetz bumping 10 day, so it but also look out for me. I hate how you’ve even read this because she goes to Lane. Thank know I did not reach my full physical poten- is only fitting that I leave while jamming to always been there for me whenever I want be you being such a lovely prom date. When I tial, which is my fault, but you have literally Coloring Book. sad and alone. was getting prepared to ask, I didn’t think you helped shaped me into the young man I am Shout out to Steinmetz’ two coolest alum- Special shoutout to three of the most lovely would say yes for a second, but you did to my today. ni. Thank you Hugh Hefner, for donating trolls in my life; Ashley, Kienna, and Karla. pleasant surprise. And big ups to Kowalczyk. Even though your money to fund this paper, which I have Ashley, I already talked about you in your To my two favorite Polish people; Bart and you weren’t my official coach, you took me had the pleasure of being an active member of profile, but thanks again for all of your help. Zabcia. Bart, we don’t talk as much anymore, under wing during your junior year, and for all my four years here, and for also being a Nothing but love for ya, bruh. Kienna, you’re but you are still one of my best friends. I love helped me so much. I’ve always considered pioneer in journalism. Can’t forget Hannibal like my little sister. You’re cheerful demeanor you to death, I’m gonna miss the shit out of you the Obi-Wan to my Luke (that would Buress. You’re one of the funniest dudes out always makes me smile.You have also been a you while you’re in Champaign. Zaneta, you mean that Bags is Yoda), and thank you being there, making me laugh and for making the fountain for good advice, which I am not sure barely joined my BFF list in January but you someone around my age that I can personally graduation ceremony more than tolerable. I I can ever repay. Karla, you know that you’ll have been so lovely, amazing and trustworthy look up to. look up to the both of you for achieving so always be one of the most special people in ever since. One of the smartest people I know, Shout out to Coach Lefty and Mr. Wash- much success coming out of our high school, my life. You are truly a great friend, and you and you will go far. ington, too. Thank you for just being cool but with all due respect, I’m planning to be taught me that people have to go through

26 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors 27

To my support system that I get to call when I was at my worst. You always put my best friends: my happiness first, and for that I cannot Words cannot even describe how much thank you enough. I appreciate all of you and will miss all of Kienna- I am so lucky that we met. There you. I am going to miss seeing each of you, have been many obstacles that I had to over- but I promise to come visit every chance I come during my four years here at Steinmetz get. I also promise to always have an open and you were right by my side through all door for you all whenever you find yourself of them. There are many things I probably in Normal, Illinois. would not have been able to get through Karla- I have known you since the 4th without your guidance. Thank you for all grade and I still can’t believe how much our the times you would check up on me and friendship has grown. You have been one of for all the little things you do to ensure a my best friends since the very first day I met smile on my face. I love you! you. We have been through so much together. Zaneta- I know that moving here from Next year will be the first year that I will not Poland was a big step for you. I am thrilled have any classes with you since the 4th grade. that we met sophomore year because I have It’s crazy to think about. I love you to death! never had a friend like you before. You are I’m so lucky to have you. always so happy and you know how to make Ale- When you first joined the IB pro- others laugh. You care for those around gram, I questioned your presence. Since we you and you are aware of the decisions you never had classes sophomore year I had no make. You are so dedicated towards every- clue you were in the program. I thought you thing you do. Not only are you one of my were just some random kid that was in my best friends, but you are also an inspiration homeroom. It wasn’t until the last day of to me. school that I found out and it wasn’t until Lastly, I want to thank Colin Quaglia for the last day that you and I started talking. always being there for me when I needed I am so glad that you somehow found your him. Meeting him my freshman year was way into my life because you have been an the highlight of high school for the simple amazing friend to me. fact that I was able to meet my best friend. Luke- You have been one of my best Although he left high school in 2014, he friends ever since I came to Steinmetz. I know has always been by my side. These last few that I can always depend on you and I just years would not have been as memorable want to remind you that you can always de- if it wasn’t for him. Ashley Komperda pend on me. You have been there for me

Out of all my four years of being a cheer- Shout out to my XC/TF team. Man, leader, this has been my favorite team. You it has been one lit year with you guys. guys knew how much competition meant to We’ve been on some Travis Scott stuff me. You all pulled through to make sure that you know, party on a Sunday do it all it happened and I cannot thank you enough. again on Monday. I won’t forget these You have made my senior year memorable experiences I’ve shared with you guys. just for that reason. Your dedication amazes Bless up, guys, and keep grinding and me. I want to thank you guys again for being partying. part of my promposal and staying all those Oh, it’s dat boi Jose! My right hand times after school when you didn’t have to. I since 6th grade, although he says more could not ask for a better squad. I am going like 8th, but ignore what he says. He’s to miss each and every one of you next year. been there for me through everything. It was such an honor to be your captain. I can Can’t thank you enough, man. If a only hope that you guys continue to succeed. genie said I had three wishes I would I want to wish all of you the best of luck with use one to have him as my best friend cheerleading and the next few years that you forever. have here at Steinmetz. Although I will be Shout out to the math squad, the away next year I want you all to know that I only real squad. “I can’t really see an- am always here for you. You girls are my cheer other squad trynna’ cross us, naw.” You sisters and always will be. guys will always be Xoxoxo, Ashley Komperda in my memory. I’ll never forget the amazing times we had. It’s been one wild ride, guys; thanks for every- thing. Alejandro Alonzo

Alex, mi amigo. You’re a real friend, that’s my OG, I don’t know what to think about had a lot of good times, and I appreciate the This girl has put up with so much of my bs. all I can say. Same to Jose. You gave me a lift you. For every good time we’ve had, there’s bond we have. It’s kinda weird how she likes to make fun so many times without ever asking me for gas been two times I’ve just wanted to knock you My sports teams: football and track. Both of me for being spoiled, but she’s easily one money. If that’s not the mark of a heart of gold, upside the head. Ah, such is life. I’m gonna of these teams have served as a brotherhood. of my biggest “enablers.” She has been my I don’t what is. And props to Stanley. You’re choose to focus on the good times, because Special shoutout to Luke (beast mode), Jai- chauffeur, she brings me food, and ever since the real MVP because of the way you let noth- there are plenty. Also, you’ve always unin- me (the protein plug), AB (best man-bun in I was born, I’ve been her little principe. Even ing affect you. You might have the most cool, tentionally kept me on my toes. I know that Metz), Aaron (that freak of nature), Alexis though I like to make fun of her because she calm, collected demeanor of anyone I know. at any given moment, we can be having an (PANDA), Jaren (kung-fu master), Justyn can be so annoying, old (even though she is Gerardo, Karen, Esmeralda, aka the people intellectual debate about practically anything, (most entertaining grizzly bear I know), 27) and boring or for being a “bird” or how I spent my lunch with for 90 percent of the so I always make sure I’m up to date with Camacho (an upstanding psycho), Raul (a I’ll move out the house before she does, she year. You are all awesome people with good the latest and most relevant information. So true gentleman) and Taesean (funniest guy has possibly been my biggest personal role souls. Gerardo, you’ve always been the coolest while you’re pretty shitty friend, I still have in the locker room). model. I have really taken after her by choos- guy I know, and Karen, you are one of my fa- to shout you out. Props to my family for always keeping me ing to keep a more private life with a focus on vorite artists and despite your mean comebacks Christian, my Puerto Rican brother from on the right path. I have never been away from education, meditation and self-improvement, toward me, I know your heart is in the right another mother. Oh man, we’ve had some home, so I don’t know how I’ll manage when all while being kind and respectful to others. place. Esmeralda, you’re related to the G-man good times in the last three years. Despite be- I’m dorming in college. You might see me Now I have followed her footsteps right into so you’re cool. Just kidding, you’ve always been ing a year younger than me, you’re wise beyond often, you might not, but know that I will be her alma mater, DePaul University. one of the most chill people I know, and you’re your years and are probably more mature than using all of the lessons you have taught me to Final props to anyone I have encountered one the few people I can talk to about DBZ. me in some aspects. You’ve been my workout navigate my way toward life, and that wherever in my life. Thank you for just being there. Arnold and Fernando, my two favorite buddy, and your motivation will be missed. I am, I will be carrying you in my life. Life is a mystical thing, and we may never Republicans. Arnold, I gotta salute a future Aldair, mi hermano! You were one the first I have to give a special shoutout to my fully understand just how influential we have soldier like you, and you’re just an overall cool friends I ever made at Metz, and even though older sister, Francine. Mom always says that shaped each other’s future. dude. I respect your morals and you’re stand- we didn’t share any classes after freshman year, I should write something about you in the Alejandro Hernandez up guy. Wish you and Jackie the best. I expect we’ve remained brothers since. You’re a great paper, so here it is. Thank you for being the an invite to the wedding. As for Fernando, guy and you’re gonna do great things. We’ve best damn older sister a little brother can have.

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 27 28 Star Arts & Entertainment VIEWS offers hype, but falls short of potential

As for “Grammys”, the main source of it’s By Alejandro Hernandez disappointment comes from the fact that this was a Drake and Future collaboration, which 015 was a pretty good year for music, usually strikes gold. This song though was especially for one Aubrey Graham, bet- just a knockoff version of “Jumpman” with 2ter known mononymously as Drake. In repetitive lyrics, flow changes and a similar fact, there were only few artists who were as beat pattern. Unlike their previous collabs, successful as he was last year, which was by this one just does not mesh well more than far his most memorable calendar year in the likely due to fact that Young Metro is lacking music industry. from the song’s production. That or it is just He started off right by dropping the sur- a poorly made song. prise album, If You’re Reading This, It’s Too The overall project is just inconsistent. Late during the winter and continued his hot More or less than half the tracklist is worth lis- streak by dominating the summer radio by tening to. There are even records on there that jumping on tracks with several of music’s hot- are indicative of the entire borderline-levelness test stars, and winning the first round with of the album like “Weston Road Flows” and his much publicized beef with Meek Mill by “U With Me?.” These are tracks with some dropping the diss track “Back to Back.” Then of the best production on the entire album, he continued his reign in fall by making the but are dragged down by average songwrit- full-length collaborative album What a Time ing and struggle bars. Not trying to compare to be Alive, with fellow rap star, Future Hen- and contrast two different musical projects, drix (one of the only artists who had an equal but one has to admit that it is ironic that, in to-or-greater-than 2015), and by releasing terms of quality and consistency, Drake’s 20 the biggest hit of his career at that time, the track rollout of his supposed “classic” doesn’t meme-generating behemoth known as “Ho- even hold a candle to Kendrick’s untitled un- tline Bling.” mastered, an 8-track EP of throwaway songs Despite having a such a good year, let’s that didn’t make it to his own classic album. be honest here: 2015 belonged through and Close,” is so beautiful and orchestral, it sounds Instead of thinking outside of the box, he opts It is also ironic that one of VIEWS’ best through to King Kunta himself, Kendrick like it can be from a film score. to comfortably set up shop inside it. The result songs is “Hype,” because that is basically what Lamar. The hip-hop crown still eluded Drake, One of the things that can be appreciated is a rapper who wants to be taken seriously the whole project is. It is more style than sub- but he looked more than poised to finally from the album is that Drake and 40 incor- as the best, but thinks that it is acceptable to stance that, like the artist behind it, is good, snatch it in 2016 with his highly anticipated porate Toronto’s rich history of Caribbean drop lines like “Six upside down, it’s a nine but not great. Although it did not meet certain fourth solo album, Views From The 6, which immigrants by making some dancehall-in- now,” “You toyin’ with it like Happy Meal,” expectations, it certainly did not fail to reach was later shortened to VIEWS. Fans and music fluenced tracks, which stand out among the and “And my wifey is a spice like I’m David the hype. It did become the first album to sell critics alike had high hopes, with many blogs album’s best. Along with “One Dance,” these Beckham.” These are just some of the numer- a million copies this year and gave Drake his saying that it had to be Drake’s magnum opus tracks include “Controlla,” “With You” feat. ous examples of weak lines that are simply first number one single, which is impressive if he wants to be considered a consensus leg- PARTYNEXTDOOR, and “Too Good” feat. poor attempts at being clever puns, but none in it’s own right. end, and the singles he put out leading up to Rihanna. The artists featured on the two latter of them quite live up to “Got so many chains At it’s worst, VIEWS is sub-par with for- its release certainly sounded good. tracks are also hail from Jamaica and Barbados, they call me Chaining Tatum,” which might gettable tracks. At it’s best, VIEWS is actually When Drake finally released VIEWS on respectively, showing the thought that went be the worst line of the year so far, and this pretty good with some memorable songs that Apple Music, instead of being met with his behind the new tropical sound. The decision is coming from a guy who endured some of are bound to be heard blasting on car speak- best stuff yet, a lot of listeners were left with works out at the end and the collaborations Kanye West’s worst lines in The Life of Pablo. ers and parties. In a way, this should have disappointment. An album that was being are flawless. Normally, corny lines can get a pass if they been what we been expecting the entire time hyped as one of the year’s best before it official- are delivered with energy and humor (think because this is what Drake has built his whole ly dropped turned out to be one of the most The Bad Kanye) or if they flow so well with the song, career off of. Expecting anything more than average-sounding projects of the year, some- Time for the bad part, which is the actual that they blend in enough to go unnoticed that would just be doing the listener a disser- thing unexpected from an artist of Drake’s rapping aspect. Let me start off by saying that (think Young Thug). Drake does neither, opt- vice by setting them up for disappointment. stature and talent. VIEWS is certainly not I think Drake is good, not great, rapper. He ing to deliver his lines so flat and dry, you’d In summation, 40 Shebib is the real MVP. all bad, but it is certainly not all great either. can be great if he begins to evolve his lyrical think you’re riding through Death Valley. abilities, which he has the potential to do Seriously, his lines are just as silly as that last Tracklist: The Good since it is one of the reasons why his 2015 sentence. It is not confirmed whether or not 1. Keep the Family Close Let’s start off with the positives. The beats was so damn good. Last year, he began to Drake used any ghostwriters on this album, 2. 9 are A1. Production is mostly handled by show growth by moving away the down-on- but if he did, then he needs to fire the them 3. U With Me? Drake’s right hand man, Noah “40” Shebib, his-luck, crooning sensitive guy image he first and hire some new ones, ASAP. If he didn’t 4. Feel No Ways and Drake actually posted a well-deserved got famous for, and started to embrace his role use them, then he better call up the guys from 5. Hype thank you note to him on social media. 40 as the cocky villain, which he shows here and IYRTITL and tell them to prep for his next 6. Weston Road Flows has been with Drake since the very beginning, there in Views in tracks like “Hype” (I hate a project. 7. Redemption but is only just now getting any type of major goofy especially/They always dyin’ to mention 8. With You ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR recognition. In an era where the producers are me/They gotta die out eventually) and “Still The Inconsistent 9. Faithful ft. Pimp C & dvsn becoming just as big of stars, if not bigger stars Here” (And I see your girl like all the time, all The most disappointing songs in my book 10. Still Here (think Metro Boomin’ or DJ Khaled), as the the time, tho/I can’t tell you if she’s yours or are “Grammys” and “Pop Style.” Starting with 11. Controlla guys rapping on the tracks themselves, it is mine, but I do know). Not surprisingly, these the latter, the original single version featuring 12. One Dance ft. Wizkid and Kyla about time 40 gets recognized after hiding in tracks are among the better ones in the album, Kanye West is not the same version used in 13. Grammys ft. Future the shadows for so long. The sonic aspect of showing that Drake can drop some heat while the album. The single version features one 14. Child’s Play the album is really shaped by him (he is cred- not taking crap from anyone. Instead of trying okay verse (and the infamous Chaining Tatum 15. Pop Style ited as either the main or co-producer on virtu- to convince the audience that he is the best, line) from Drizzy, but is then immediately 16. Too Good ft. Rihanna ally every song), and he does a masterful job at if he just focused on actually making songs overshadowed by a complete renegade verse 17. Summers Over Interlude (Performed it. The sound ranges from Jamaican dancehall like he is the best, VIEWS would have been from Yeezy, in one the best guest spots of the by Majid Al Maskati) vibes found in standout record “One Dance” much better. 2016. The album version of the song has no 18. Fire & Desire to the more dark and aggressive sound on For most of the album though, Drake features, and ‘Ye’s renegade is replaced with 19. Views “Still Here” to the Kanye-esque chipmunk soul takes a step backwards and makes songs that another decent Drake verse that is only slightly 20. Hotline Bling (Bonus Track) sample on “Weston Road Flows.” The produc- sound similar to his early stuff, filled with better than the first verse. The sinister beat • tion for the album’s intro, “Keep the Family whiny lyrics and terribly corny punchlines. is the only redeeming quality for this song. Band and Choir Spring Showcase

Continued from Page 20

Photos by Brian Geans

28 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Arts & Entertainment 29 Coloring Book exudes positive energy away bars in his mixtape, and as a result, every By Alejandro Hernandez song is wonderfully filled with clever rhymes, genius-level lyricism, and truly poetic song- pon the release of the highly antici- writing. Two songs which that are definitely in pated and well-received The Life of the top three of the soundtrack are “Blessings UPablo by Kanye West in mid-Feb- (Reprise)” and “How Great,” each containing ruary, one of the most talked about aspects two of Chance’s best verses in a mixtape (and from the project was young Chicago artist career) that’s already chock-full of outstand- Chance The Rapper’s legend-in-the-making ing ones, with the latter also featuring a verse guest verse in the album’s opening track, from the elusive but always outstanding Jay “Ultralight Beam.” The collaboration not Electronica. only represented the soon-to-be changing of The production – handled almost exclu- the guard as the face of Chicago music, but sively by The Social Experiment crew – is ab- it was also when Chance announced to the solutely flawless and you can tell that everyone world that he would be releasing his third who was involved brought their A-game. Per- mixtape in the near future, and that it would fect beats were chosen and tweaked to sound be incredible: just right and mixed with live instrumenta- I made Sunday Candy, I’m never going to hell tion, something that has become a lost art I met Kanye West, I’m never going to fail in hip-hop. The overall sound is a fantastic He said let’s do a good ass job with Chance three stew of gospel, jazz, old school boom-bap I hear you gotta sell it to snatch the Grammy and even some new school trap vibes. One Let’s make it so free and the bars so hard the best decisions that went into the project That there ain’t one gosh darn part you can’t tweet was also the use of live vocal recordings of This is my part, nobody else speak. the Chicago Children’s Choir singing. Songs features a choir singing in the background The New People’s Champion is Here was sung by 16 lucky Chicago kids. The end Coloring Book is finally here and the result is a human element that adds just a promise was not only fulfilled, but expecta- little bit more of soulfulness that just makes tions were astronomically surpassed. At the the spirit feel better. ripe age of 23, Lil Chano from 79th is all No matter what said in this review, words grown up, and his new music is a reflection honestly cannot do Coloring Book justice. of the leaps and bounds he has made since the simple pleasures in life, making genuinely drugs as metaphor for maturing and growing Coloring Book joins a personal shortlist of he first became a reputable name in the music feel-good music while also instilling Chicago away from people you care about. Another perfect pieces of sonic art. Other people’s opin- industry. pride. He is, after all, a prominent member is the melancholy “Summer Friends,” which ions are going to be different, but I have no He is no longer the immature high school of local rap collective, SAVEMONEY, whose serves as a bittersweet ode to the nostalgia of complaints. It not only ranks as my favorite slacker rapping during his two-week suspen- very name goes against the “ball out ‘til we fall childhood innocence (“JJ, Mikey, Lil Derek soundtrack of the year, but it ranks as one of sion after getting arrested for smoking weed, out” stereotype in today’s mainstream music. and them/79th street was America then” as my all-time favorite pieces of music. as chronicled in his stellar debut solo mixtape With the current stigma surrounding Chi- Chance reminisces), while also being a somber 10 Day. He is no longer the chain smoking cago, or “Chiraq” as it has been called, Chance- eulogy for all the friends Chance, or anyone A Pioneering Project 20-year old living life in the fast lane and lor Bennett has emerged as the face and voice living with survivor’s guilt for that matter, lost Whether or not it will snatch a Grammy experimenting with different drugs, which of peace and positivity in the city. Whether during the summer season due to senseless award remains to be seen considering the cur- was expressed in his breakout sophomore tape it be his involvement with youth Open Mike violence (“First day, n*gga’s shooting/Summer rent rules restricting free music from being Acid Rap. events at Harold Washington Library, shining school get to losing students”). Songs like these nominated, however that rule is on the verge He’s still a self-proclaimed “Grown Ass a light on the problems plaguing Chicago’s serve as an important reminder in Chance’s of being changed in the near future. Regardless Kid,” but his perspective on life has changed inner-city, teaming up with a Detroit-based music that while we should not dwell in the of whether or not it wins a Grammy, Coloring dramatically ever since the birth of his daugh- charity to give warm coats and sleeping bags past by appreciating the blessings in our lives Book is bound to be remembered as one the ter last year, to which Coloring Book is dedi- to thousands of the city’s homeless during and always enjoy the present, we have to look best and most important full-length projects cated to. He has totally cleaned up his act by the winter season or his vocal disapproval of back every once in awhile, no matter painful, of 2016 and the music scene is bound to be a cutting down his drug use, becoming a more the cover up for Jason Van Dyke’s murder in order to truly grow and look forward to little more interesting now that Chance The proactive member of society and realizing just of Laquan McDonald, Chance truly gives a brighter days in the future. Rapper’s name is officially added to the mix how truly blessed his life is. damn about his city and his people, and he There were more than a few pleasant sur- of best MCs. Coloring Book continues the growing is making sure to use his platform to try and prises, such as Chano’s expert use of autotune For someone who claims “I don’t believe in trend of hip-hop artists expressing the role of make a difference. As Chance humbly says in a few songs, despite the fact that it marks kings, believe in the Kingdom,” Mr. Bennett religion in their life by making faith a major in the tape’s very last song, “They never seen the first time of him using it in his music. justifiably takes his stake at being the heir theme in their albums, recent examples being a rapper practice modesty/I never practice, I Other unexpected aspects were some of the apparent to hip-hop’s throne and to that, this Kanye’s The Life of Pablo, Kendrick’s To Pimp only perform.” guest spots, featuring artists you would never writer can only say this: Thank you, Chance. a Butterfly and Vince Staples’s Summertime expect to see Chance jump on a track with, Tracklist: ‘06. However, none of them express faith as Freedom Music such as Future on “Smoke Break,” 2 Chainz 1. All We Got (feat. Kanye West & Chicago thoroughly as Mr. Bennet does. While other A review could be written for each track and Lil Wayne (resurrecting his Carter III Children’s Choir) artists have made religion one of the important on how incredible each one is. Picking and days) on “No Problem,” his first collaboration 2. No Problem (feat. 2 Chainz and Lil themes in their work, Chance’s firm belief sys- choosing standout tracks is a little difficult with Bieber in more than two years, and of Wayne) tem is the preeminent theme of his tape, and just because of the parity between each record course, it cannot be a gospel album until Kirk 3. Summer Friends (feat. Jeremih & Francis it is oh so glorious. While there are a handful and how they individually stand out in their Franklin drops some prayers. & The Lights) of legit gospel tracks out of a possible 14, own unique way. There are some great tunes By far the most surprising collaboration 4. D.R.A.M Sings Special biblical references are used in virtually every that you can just really vibe to at a high vol- was with Young Thug and Lil Yachty, who 5. Blessings song, which isn’t a bad thing. I mean, if you’re ume when you’re just riding in your car like both appear on “Mixtapes,” a song paying 6. Same Drugs gonna name drop, why not drop the name of “Angels” or “No Problem,” two of the most homage to the ubiquitous rap mixtape, a me- 7. Mixtape (feat. Young Thug & Lil Yachty) the Big Fella Upstairs? infectiously fun songs of the year. The former dium that arguably serves as the backbone to 8. Angels (feat. Saba) Since we are on the topic of gospel-in- is Chano’s tropical-influenced appreciation hip-hop culture. Giving credit where it is due, 9. Juke Jam (feat. Justin Bieber & Towkio) fluenced music, even though it is not fair to thread to his personal life and Chicago. The props go to Thugger who, despite his polariz- 10. All Night (feat. Knox Fortune) compare stylistically different albums that are latter is an autotuned warning to any and all ing solo work, does know how to compliment 11. How Great (feat. Jay Electronica & both successful in their approaches, Coloring music label trying to impede on his notori- songs as a featured artist. Even Lil Yachty, My cousin Nicole) Book does a better job of being the gospel ously strong independent status. widely considered to be poorly skilled, can 12. Smoke Break (feat. Future) album with a lot cursing than The Life of Other songs are going to sound great at start rapping in a similar way to his guest 13. Finish Line / Drown (feat. T-Pain, Kirk Pablo is labeled as. parties, whether it be the up-tempo Chicago verse, then he might just be able to have pretty Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane & Noname) Chance pours his heart and soul out. You house music-esque, Kaytranada produced “All damn good career. 14. Blessings (Reprise) (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) can hear his love and passion for all the im- Night,” or the silky-smooth, Justin Bieber- Despite finally being able to work with portant aspects of his life. Along with his faith, assisted slow dance ode to his younger days these big names, Chance was once a local artist [Editor’s note: Coloring Book was sup- he praises his future wife and daughter, the finding summer love in the roller rink, “Juke just trying to get his name out there, working posed to include called another track called family that raised him and his city. He exudes Jam.” Some songs sound like they could be with other local artists trying to do the same. “Grown Ass Kid,” but was scrapped due to a so much positive energy that I dare anyone to performed at church like in “Finish Line/ He does not forget his humble beginnings, sample clearance issue. It was leaked though, try and not smile at all while listening to any Drown” or both versions of “Blessings,” with and he continues his tradition of working and I highly recommend listening to it on one of the 14 listed tracks. their simple yet elegant beats backed by a with other Chicago musicians such as Noname soundcloud for it still captures the essence of While braggadocio has a place as an im- gospel choir, and religious themed lyrics. Gypsy, Jamila Woods, Saba, Towkio and some CB and would have been one the best records portant component of hip-hop culture, much Then, there are other tracks where you crazy dude who likes to call himself Yeezus. on the project. It also features Alex Wiley and of today’s radio rap is filled to the brim with just have to take the time and really pay at- One of the best things about Coloring Mick Jenkins, who might be the best young songs about luxury and hubris. So, it is quite tention to in order to truly appreciate them, Book is that Chance puts an emphasis on Chicago artist not named Chancellor.] refreshing to hear someone on Power 92 or such as “Same Drugs,” a song that uses Peter putting meaning behind each and every song. • WGCI talk about being able to appreciate Pan references and the act of quitting certain He went on record saying there are no throw-

May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 29 30 Star Seniors Track and field pushes student athletes

By Karla Colula

his track and field season has been incredible and memorable for many reasons. T For some girls it was their first year of track; for others, it was their second or third year and for some, their fourth and, sadly, their last. What makes this team the best is that we’re all united and so supportive of one another. We’re always there for each other if we’re ever in need of help. Although this season went by so fast, as a team we accomplished so many things together. This season wasn’t only amazing, but also crazy because we experi- enced having to run in extreme weather with freezing temperatures and pouring rain. Even so, every girl Seniors were honored at the team’s June 3 banquet where Coach Pereyra announced the 2016 Track & Field Awards: was out there was cheering for one another not caring Most Valuable Athlete – Maria Figueroa; Most Improved Athlete – Jahira Damian; Best New Athlete – Rubi Trujillo; Most Dedicated Athlete – Diana Levko; Student Athlete of the Year – Melanie Rolon; Student Athlete of the Year – Teresa Martinez. about the weather. Although so many seniors are leaving us this year, they will always be part of the track team because Persoanl growth without them the track team would’ve never been what is today. Every single girl graduating this year result of joining track has contributed something unique to the team. Every single one of them has shown commitment, passion By Lisette Pravinchandra and love to this team. We are all so thankful for the amazing coach we he Star interviewed senior Jocelyn Sanders about have, CoachPereyra and our assistant coaches Mercedes the girls track and field team. Reyes and Ms. Karena Childs. Thanks to Coach P. T What are your thoughts on track? we’ve learned so many things about ourselves and Track is really tiring and hard. about running. Why did you join? I wish nothing but the best for our seniors in the I wanted to be fit and a part of the team. future and I hope they all experienced unforgettable What are your thoughts on your coach? memories during their high school years. Thank you Coach Abel Pereyra is a really good coach who knows all for making this track season amazing and memo- how to motivate the team. rable. How long have you been on the track team? • This is my first year, but my goal is to be on a track team in college. Running eases stress What would your life would be like without track? I can’t see myself doing it. I think I would be pretty By Kinga Tarasiewicz lazy. How did you improve? he Star interviewed Karla Colula, a junior on At first, I wasn’t used to any of the girls and I’d get the track and field team. tired quickly when running. Now I’m more comfortable T How do you feel when you run? around the girls and used to the running. It feels awesome to run. For me running helps me What is your favorite part of track? feel less stress about school and homework. I see run- I like the motivation of the team and the coach. ning as a time to relax and just to get things off my What is your least favorite part of it? head. Plus it feels good to run with your teammates. The suicide drills, which is where we run down the hall What made you want to join track? and up the stairs while throwing a ball at the same time. I was encouraged by my sister and friends. I de- What would you change about track? cided to join because I’ve heard so many good things I would rather have the practices after school than about the team. before school. Did you ever want to give up? Who are your inspirations? I never want to give up because, to me, track and I look up to the coach and Melanie Rolan, who is a cross country are what I look forward to the most. I really fast runner and the way she can stretch is crazy. love running, but most importantly, I have such an Who are your supporters? awesome coach and teammates who always keep me Allison, Ashley and Coach Pereyra. motivated. How has track affected your life? • I used to be lazy, unmotivated, and undedicated, now I’m more aware and interactive. • Get fit in the Steinmetz weight room If you’re already an active member, then By Alejandro Hernandez encourage your friends to work out with you. As more people use it, then perhaps more hinking of joining a new gym? Trying funds will go into improving the equipment. to lose weight or gain muscle? Then “I would like to see it get built up,” Mr. Tlook no further than Steinmetz’s own Bagdonas said. “I would like to see more kids, weight room, which is usually always open and even see more teachers be involved, so five days a week until 5:30. that they can see some their own students in “It’s a great asset to the school,” said Coach a new light.” Paul Bagdonas, who serves as the keeper of While it might not be fancy, the weight the gates for the weight room. “A lot of kids room has everything you really need – bench- come in. There’s a group of soccer kids, track es, squat racks, dumbbells, medicine balls and and football guys, some girls come in, even Photos by Alejandro Hernandez some other nice equipment – plus you can kids I don’t know come in and lift.” and improving in their respective sports. We really come in and use it because there is really use the second floor hallways and staircase The weight room is a great place to come get the music going, everybody respects each no excuse not to come in.” for cardio. to after school whether you’re looking to get other, and people use it very efficiently with Half the battle with working out is the Anyone interested in working out should in shape or as therapy in order to just blow off no problem.” actual act of coming in and actually putting just come by the weight room after school steam. Either way, you will see results in physi- A regular face one will see is that of junior in work, but as Christian says, it’s all mental. with a solid plan of what to do. If you do not cal and mental improvements, such newfound Christian Torres. As an active member of the “You can achieve anything you put your have a plan, just ask Mr. Bagdonas, Chris- strength and confidence. The best part about football and track & field teams, he has been mind to,” he said. “I’m always willing to help tian, or any of the regulars for help, and they it is that it’s much cheaper than nearby gyms. using the weight room almost everyday for out anyone who comes in and some advice will surely be more than glad to assist you in “It’s a free health club,” Mr. Bagdonas said. the last three years. to anyone who is thinking about joining is anyway. “Kids come in not knowing what to do, so we “I come in and workout in the morning to focus on your whole body instead of just • help them, and they end up getting stronger and afternoons,” he said. “Everybody should your arms and chest.”

30 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016 Star Seniors 31 Streaks baseball win conference difference between being a kid who is on By Luis Gomez a baseball team and being a real baseball player. he Streaks varsity baseball team went I really enjoyed watching the team study 11-0 in conference this year, which halls where they helped and motivated each Tput them in first place for the first other on their homework and projects. I en- time in nine years. joyed watching Anton become a super part “We have a team full of juniors that of this team after spending his first two years have the potential to compete with the chilling in the hallways. top teams in the city next season,” Coach Coach Lefty is the perfect role model for Renato Roldan said., these kids. His technical skills of the game Beating neighborhood rivals was a great and his personal approach helped mold this accomplishment this season, as well as two team into conference champion. Without no-hitter games by juniors Raymond Perez him the team would not have achieved such and Esteban Ramos. a high level of success. In spite of the conference success, junior Special shoutout to Jordan Gonzalez for Xavier Aguirre said he was disappointed elevating his game and controlling that in- in the city and state playoff games against field. The team’s future looks bright with the Brooks and Taft. freshman crew.. “Our bats slowed down,” he said. • Coach Roldan spoke to the Star about The varsity Streaks included freshmen Myon Dalton, Edwin Valentin and Ricky Robles; sophomores – Ken- some of the things that made him proud neth Delgado and Kyle Beliakoff; juniors Anton Gallegos, Jordan Gonzalez, David Jimenez, Xavier Aguirre, this season: Zachery Marrero, Raymond Perez and Esteban Ramos and seniors Josh Martinez and Elias Nieves (right I’m proud of watching Zack and Ray photos). With only two players leaving varisty, the team looks to be even stronger next year, with many juniors ocontinuing to improve their skills. becoming super mature and realizing the A great season for varsity and JV Streaks softball

“The advice I could give to girls who want to play is don’t give up,” Lia said. “Yeah, it’ll get hard and all and the coaches expect a lot from you, but you’re learn to love the sport and it’ll end up being a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.” Newcomer Michelle Villanueva, #5, By Kimberly Degante an outfielder, also said that being on the team is fun. Softball photos courtesy Yearbook e had big success in softball this “The best part about softball is being year as JV ended the year with able to be part of a team, having fun with By Kimberly Degante Amanda: Don’t be afraid. Don’t be Wa record of a record of 9-3. We everyone,” she said. “During practice we afraid of what you think you can or finished up stronger than ever. all help each other become better so we’re he Streaks varsity softball went 12-3 this season, com- can’t do. Our coaches make sure that We defeated Schurz 11-10 on May 11 building a great bond over time. Our first ing in second in conference. you know what you need to know for to end the regular season. The team lost a game was amazing, so much fun helping T The Star interviewed starting pitcher, sophomore the game in advance. They teach you playoff game against Washington, but it each other look good out in the field.” Rachael Feazelle, #34, and starting catcher, graduating the basics and the advance. So don’t prepared many JV players for varsity next Michelle said keeping up at school and senior Amanda Pagan. be afraid to try something new. year, to know what to expect. home responsibilities during the season are What is the best part about softball? Shout outs? Many players had a great two years. challenging, but that the “team is very sup- Amanda: The best part of softball has to be when you Amanda: All our coaches are amaz- They improved so much since the begin- portive; everyone is nice with each other.” play your first game of the season. When I played my first ing. They take time out of their sched- ning of the season. Freshman Sabrina Marrero, #70, was game in each of my four years, it made me excited and ules for their team. Without them Lia Cruz, #26, catcher for the JV team, one of the members on the team that all nervous all in one. I wouldn’t have gotten where I am answered the Star’s questions: the players were thankful that they had Rachael: Being on the field with all my teammates having today. Not only were they my coaches, “The best part about softball is winning in the beginning. She stepped up and de- fun and striving for the same goals. but also my teachers. They stood by and being proud of ourselves,” she said. cided to pitch for the JV team, which was What’s one of your challenges? me all my four years, kept me in check “One of my challenges playing is trying outstanding. Amanda: Adjusting to a new team and a different pace. when I wasn’t on track with grades. to make sure everyone is paying attention, “My advice for girls who want to play Going from JV to varsity is a big difference. It takes time Rachel: Shout out to some of including myself. I can say that the team is always pay attention and practice when- learning a “different” game. the seniors on the team, Desire, works together a lot, we motivate each ever you can,” she said. “And always get Rachael: Making sure everyone on the team stay positive Stephanie, Ashley and my catcher other and if we lose, we just shake it off along with your teammates.” even when things aren’t going well for the team. We have Amanda. This last season with you and play harder.” • an amazing team; all the girls are really motivated. The first guys was memorable. game was very stressful because we had a rocky start but we Desiree Erturk: I’m sending Ms. Russo a shout out for a Since you were dedicated to your players, I was dedicated to never gave up and in the end we pulled through and had a great softball season. It was a good season with all our wins. you. Thanks for all you have done for me and for dealing with great win over Lincoln Park. Sadly, we couldn’t win conference, but it doesn’t matter because me for four years. What advice can you give to the girls who want to learn it’s all about teamwork and just having fun on the field, and To Coach Chaparro: You’re a great coach and great teacher. to play? that’s all you wanted from me. I gave you my all in softball. I’m going to miss you.• May-June 2016 Steinmetz Star 31 32 Star Seniors Track celebrates success, looks to next year By Alejandro Hernandez

he boys track and field team finished the season with Aaron Austin and Damion TBrown competing at the the state meet held at Eastern Illinois University on May 20. Aaron participated in discus and he and Damion were entered in the long and triple jump. “It feels good going to state, but I’m already planning for next year,” Austin said. “I’m ready to break our school’s weak discus record of 135 by 30 feet.” It was a year of up and downs. “I didn’t know what to expect this year,” Coach Paul Bagdonas said. “I expected my jumpers to do well, and expected my main thrower to do well, especially in city, but we didn’t do as well I thought. I didn’t know what to expect from my distance guys, but they held their own.” It was a fairly inconsistent year for the field events, as throwers stagnated in the shot put and some jumpers dealt with grade check problems throughout the year. The season did have some great successes, ending with the high note of Aaron and Da- mion competing at state. High hopes are set for next season. “I expect distance to get stronger, I expect my jumpers to be top 10 in the city, and I expect Austin to be the top dog in discus and shot put,” Bagdonas said. I expect us to be city champions, but we’ve got a long summer of hard work before we get there.” The task will not be easy. Extra coaching help be needed, which was luckily the case for this year thanks to first-year coach Mychal Moore and the volunteer help from Steinmetz Damion Brown at state Aaron Austin at state graduates. Photos by Jaren Jackson Coach Moore took charge of the sprint- ers and jumpers year round, while alumni holder for shot put, Anthony Kowalczyk, Distance runner Ab Delcid is also glad to moment on track. Anthony Kowalczyk, Kaylon Smith, Alexis added on to that sentiment. have been a team member. The team itself is really strange collection of Sarabia and Brandon Pozos came in between “It’s feels good to give back and take the “Even though I was only on the team for odd characters, but I am going to miss spend- breaks from college to help with areas they things I’ve learned in college, along with what two years, I loved the experience and wish ing time in the locker room telling jokes and had participated in (throwing, sprinting, and I learned from Bags, and help everyone get I joined freshman year so that I could have dancing to music until Bagdonas kicked us distance) when they competed for Steinmetz better,” Anthony said. “Especially now that developed more,” he said. out, or riding on the bus to and from meets just a few years ago. we have a couple juniors going to state with so “I still developed a lot, and had good expe- and freestyling or just trash-talking one an- “Mr. Moore has been a great asset this year much potential to get better. It’s really special riences making a new family. Going to college, other. taking care of the sprinters,” Coach Bagdonas to be a part of it.” I’m just going to focus on gaining more speed I’m going to miss cheering on my team- said. “There’s only a few of them, but they can Hopefully, this year’s group of seniors will and developement.” mates during their competitions and I’m going be handful. Having former student-athletes come back to help next year while they’re in Personally speaking, being a member on to miss all the runners begging for life after come by who were a part of that indoor city college, but until then, they are just happy the track team ranks among my favorite high their marathons while I just chilled reading championship team was also great. They know to have been apart of the team in the first school experiences in the last four years of my books and eating snacks after my throws. how to be champions and they help the team place. Senior thrower Justyn Williams has high school. I never planned on joining, but Bless those crazy sons of guns. out get better just with these little hints and fond memories. Bags really suckered me into it. It worked out If there is one thing I know won’t be the new workouts.” “It was great and I loved it,” he said. “I’m for the best because I got in shape and met same in college, it will be my time as member Former thrower and current school record just going add on to my strength in college.” a lot of new friends. There was never a dull of the Steinmetz Boys Track & Field Team.•

Ab Delcid, running helps focus Thanks to Alex and By Lisette Pravinchandra ger deal than they are in high school. seniors on the team Who inspires you the most? he Star interviewed distance run- Usain Bolt By Ezra Chavez ner senior Ab Delcid. What did you get out of this T Has track helped change sport? y friend Alex Alonzo you? I learned teamwork. As a team, we has been a huge in- Track has helped me to stay focused worked together to accomplish a goal Mfluence for me my and keep my body in shape. to win. I also learned dedication and sophomore year. This year we If you weren’t in track, where do what it is to be committed to a sport. have become a lot closer due to you think you would be in life? What do you think about your the both running cross country Focusing in class to graduate, but coach? and track. The team developed a things would be different when it Mr. Bagdonas is a great coach who strong, family-like bond. comes to meeting new people and I pushes me further to set a goal for my- I looked up to everyone on wouldn’t have gone on the adventures self for every race. His support during my cross country and track I’ve been on. practice and when I run makes me teams, but especially Alex be- Why track? proud to have him as my coach. cause he works very hard in Someone recommended joining the Photo by Jaren Jackson Would you recommend track to school and sports and that team during my junior year, but I was anyone? If so, why? motivates me to do better for Photo by Jaren Jackson on the track team in sixth grade and what to expect in them; they’re intense Yes, I would, because it sets your myself. Overall, we just had a loved it; that made me want to join in and it’s just a thrill. mind to become a better person, both lot of fun times together that I will never forget. high school. Do you want to run in college? mentally and physically. It gives you I will truly miss the Class of 2016 and all of my close senior What do you like about it? Yes, I do, I’m hoping to expand my the mindset to actually want to run friends that I made this year. • I like the races. You never know skills. In college, sports are an even big- more and expect more for yourself.• 32 Steinmetz Star May-June 2016