Friday, December 20, 2019 New Trier High School, 385 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093 VOL. C, No. 9

Worm on a string club rejected Memes of the decade David Davidkov Page 2 2 6 7 Page 2 New security measures implemented after accidental lockdown behind a locked door would make the administration is implementing Safety procedures students safer, which is why some an emergency text system to help were concerned with the new policy. inform students of emergencies in the may change culture, Senior Arden Pedraja said, “I future. norms for students think that the locking students out of An email from Denise Dubravec classrooms is problematic because that was sent to all students and and staff the only people who have died in parents explained that in emergencies, school shootings were people in texting is often the fastest way to by Alex Rubinstein open areas. People in classrooms provide information. After the Nov. 8 lockdown, the are less likely to die because you are While changes are being made, administration made changes to keep protected. If you’re in the hallway, some still expressed concerns about the school and its students safer. you are an easier target so it feels like the fact that the lockdown was NT has been looking for a the opposite of a safety measure.” triggered accidently. solution so that students will never Another facet of this issue has Senior Sarah Hughes said, “I be in a classroom during a lockdown been how to best prepare substitute still feel weird about the lockdown without the ability to lock the door. teachers for a lockdown situation. button accidentally being pressed. Assistant Principal for Student The administration has added Also adults are the only ones who Programs and Operations, Athena additional mandatory training for can press the lockdown button which Arvanitis, said, “The way our school subs, as well as given them classroom could be dangerous if a student was is set up right now you need an adult in keys so that they’re able to lock the the only one who knew about or saw the classroom to lock the door for you doors and unlock them in the same an active shooter because they would guys. What we did was we strongly way that teachers do. have no way of alerting the school.” encouraged our staff members when “Substitute teachers go through After the lockdown, there was they’re leaving a classroom to lock training every school year that a security audit and the school hired the door behind them.” includes emergency response plans two different security consultants to Adults in the building have been for both campuses. We’ve recently examine the physical safety of the essential in implementing changes The system allows teachers to quickly activate a lockdown Rubinstein created another training module for school as well as the technology that NT uses. regarding unlocked classrooms. the next staff member to come into Arvanitis argued that being Subs, and requested that they all take The physical security “Teachers and staff in general the room and then leave, or to ask in a hallway is actually safer in a or go through the training. We’re consultants looked at the school’s have played a really integral role students to sit in the hallway or stand lockdown situation. If there was an getting a good response from that,” buildings, locks, windows, and doors. in making sure students are safe, in the hallway until their teacher active shooter in the school, students said Arvanitis. “One of the outcomes of the and making sure that we know our arrives.” in the hallway would have the option The school has also security audit was we needed to responses to a number of different Some felt that waiting in the to run either to a safer classroom, a been working on improving create authorized entrances and so types of emergencies. This one falls hallway is a bit much. hiding spot, or out of the building. communication with parents and that’s why you see the three security in line with everything else we’ve “I think it’s not a bad thing that “If an adult’s not in [a students. vestibules,” said Arvanitis. asked our staff to do which is to know they are taking precautions, but it does classroom] to lock it, you put yourself Arvanitis said that although the “We are limiting how people the response plan in your classroom,” feel over the top. I understand where at a disadvantage if the situation were communication has been successful, enter and exit our building during the said Arvanitis. they’re coming from, but those extra real. It’s more beneficial for students the system can still improve. What we school day because the more doors The administration asked that safety precautions like not going into to be in the hallway so we can choose could do differently or better would we have open...” this become a regular behavior rather classrooms without a teacher feels either run, hide, or fight, rather than be like trying to get a communication than solely being a precaution that is a little forced. However, I think it’s being a classroom thinking they’re out to all parents sooner.” followed during drills. good that the administration is trying safe, starting to lock down, and On Nov. 8, there were students see “New security measures” Arvanitis said, “We’ve also to make students feel safer at school,” realizing they can’t lock the door.” in the building who couldn’t hear the PA announcing the lockdown. Now on page 2 asked teachers to either wait for said senior Alina Popatia. Students agreed that being Students go gold for pediatric cancer at GBS game Senior Olivia Sergot “It’s a kidney cancer that’s really make me happy and just kind of live common in young kids actually, in the moment and take everything brings Cal’s Angels so it’s pretty rare that I have it as a for what it is,” said Sergot. 16,17 -year-old-girl. It’s stage four, Sergot’s ability to look at the to NT for kids with meaning it started growing in my bright side of everything is one of her cancer right kidney and then it progressed to most conspicuous traits. my lungs and my vena cava and some Senior Claudia Shevitz is one by Mary Parks other surrounding lymph nodes,” said of Sergot’s closest friends. Shevitz Sergot. helped sell the gold T-shirts during On Oct. 18, senior Olivia Sergot Wilms Tumor is known to have lunch periods, make posters to looked up from the grass of the very high cure rates, so when Sergot promote the sale, and set up for the football field and into a sea of gold. was diagnosed, her outlook was gold game. The student section was full of kids rather positive. Shevitz admires her friend’s cheering proudly for their football The day Sergot was diagnosed, resilience and vivacity. team, wearing the gold t-shirts that Cal’s Angels was there to comfort “She loves just living,” Shevitz Sergot had been selling prior to the her. explained. game. “As soon as a kid is diagnosed Senior Minnie Hauser is another The game was part of at [Lurie’s Children’s Hospital in close friend of Sergot. Hauser a fundraiser for a non-profit Chicago] they come in, because they believes Sergot is the strongest organization for pediatric cancer are a Chicago organization, and they person she knows. called Cal’s Angels. The organization bring you this bag of comfort items. A t-shirt sale before the game raised money for Cal’s Angles C. Sergot “After visiting her in the hospital partners with 7 hospitals around the My favorite part is the blanket that I was inspired by how strong she was Chicago land area as well as with they brought me,” Sergot said. from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia whole week,” said Sergot. and how she just smiled through other companies and businesses to “But they bring you all of this in 2006 at the age of 13. After beating Glenbrook South everything,” said Hauser. carry out their mission of, “Granting stuff and they reassure you that there “He was always more concerned 31 to 13, New Trier had raised over Sergot’s friends and family all wishes, raising awareness and is someone else that is there to help about the well-being of the other $7,000 for Cal’s Angels. know her to be strong, positive, and funding research to help kids fighting you. Then they tell you that there children fighting cancer than he was Sergot can always be seen with a inspiring to all. cancer,” according to their website. is a wish, so they give you, I think about himself,” according to the Cal’s smile on her face radiating optimism. She has turned her diagnosis into Sergot has been battling cancer it’s $1,000 to do whatever you want Angels website. Her diagnosis has not changed her an opportunity to make an impact on for over a year now. While on a trip with.” During the months of September outlook. the world and the people around her. to Poland with her family during Sergot used her wish to see and early October, Cal’s Angels goes “I think, as much as a negative “The more people that tell me I the summer of 2018, she began Billie Eilish in concert with some to different schools and “turns them thing it is in itself, the only effects it’s inspire them, the more I want to get experiencing unbearable pain. friends and her sister. gold” for a week. They sell shirts had on my life and myself have been my message out there, and tell people The doctors in Poland were After seeing how much Cal’s and give various gold sports gear and positive. I think I’ve just grown and about my story, and educate people able to identify a tumor in her right Angels had helped her, that’s when items to different sports and activities, blossomed into the most authentic about what they can do to help kids kidney, but it wasn’t until she arrived Sergot decided to get involved with including football, throughout the version of myself,” Sergot said. like me,” said Sergot. back home that she was diagnosed the organization herself. school in order to raise awareness and “And I always say I choose to “It makes me feel really good. with Wilms Tumor, a cancerous The president of the organization, funds for pediatric cancer. live my life unapologetically and just It makes me feel like I’ve achieved tumor most often found in the Stacey Sutter, started Cal’s Angels “We only did the one game, but kind of do things that make me happy, something.” kidneys. after her son, Cal Sutter, passed away hopefully next year we will have the surround myself with people that 2 The New Trier News News Friday, December 20, 2019 New building paves the way with sustainability efforts light is adequate to do so,” he said. in those areas and an example to Natural light reduces Daylight harvesting is other schools who visit our site energy consumption a technology that alters the to see how they can improve.” strength and type of electricity While the old building has been in the new building used depending on the amount of renovated, most of its technology is natural light available. On a bright, nowhere near the systems in the west by Michael Howie sunny day, far less energy will be wing. PPS is working to make the The West Wing at the Winnetka consumed than on a dark, rainy day. differences more cohesive. Campus has created new spaces for For teachers who choose “They [the two buildings] students to thrive, and its carbon to keep the lights on in the new are both managed by the same footprint has managed to remain building, they can be assured that Building Management System, but remarkably low despite such an the carbon footprint is still quite low. the systems are different,” Conway expensive project. “We have installed energy noted. “The east and tower buildings The building, finished in efficient systems throughout the new use a Variable Air Volume system 2017, is equipped with many energy- building including LED lighting and for the HVAC [heating, ventilating, daylight harvesting [of electrical and air conditioning] system. We saving technologies designed to Art classrooms on the fourth floor have abundant natural light Towers reduce the environmental impact of energy] to help reduce the amount have continued to upgrade the systems in the old building including maintaining such a large space nearly throughout the campus.” “I like the lights off. It’s of artificial light when natural light hot water boilers vs steam [and year round. Conway said that the department a more peaceful environment. is adequate to do so,” said Conway. installing] LED lighting.” One of the most visually was aware of how important natural There’s a lot of windows, so When it comes to energy With so much in the news about obvious components to this energy lighting was to academic success, and it’s [still] very bright.” saving practices, lighting isn’t the our warming climate, Conway says efficient space is the abundance many students agree. Some students think the only thing PPS took into account. that New Trier is doing everything of natural light, which floods into “It feels nice. It’s a nice vibe,” new building has far more “We have also been working on in its power to limit its emissions. most classrooms and spaces in the said Junior Will Lim, whose 9th artificial lighting than needed, improvements to our recycling and “We strive to reduce our building. period Latin class located in the but according to Conway, code composting programs which help energy and water usage to not only “In the beginning stages of our new building operates with no requires a certain amount. the environment,” Conway said. control costs, but to reduce our facility planning we surveyed staff/ artificial lighting at all. “The room is “There are minimum light levels “These improvements include having carbon footprint and to show the teachers, students and community nice and dark. I kind of associate it required and we need some artificial a Sustainability Coordinator at each students and community that we members,” said David Conway, with sleep.” light to meet those requirements. campus, additional recycling and are being good stewards of their Director of Physical Plant Services. Senior Zoe Siegel, who has We have a daylight harvesting composting containers throughout resources and the environment.” “In those survey results there two classes in the new building system to help reduce the amount the campus, having composting and was interest in more natural light with the lights off, agreed. of artificial light when natural recycling requests added to activity requests. We have become a leader New security measures continued from Page 1 According to the administration, Worm on a string club: The “...the more vulnerability you there were also benefits from the bring into work at a school day,” said lockdown. Arvanitis. “The system that we put in place dream that could have been The security vestibules were is effective. Communication to the placed at entrances that most students police department and emergency Club falls through use anyways such as the south responders was very quick and so due to lack of entrance (the front door), the east there are a lot of really good things entrance (the gym door), and the new that came from this too,” said underclassmen building entrance to try to minimize Arvanitis. by Carsten Sheehan The school works closely with inconvenience for students. New Trier has many clubs local police to ensure that NT can The second consulting group for many different kinds of get students to safety as soon as that was brought in has helped NT people. If someone wants to possible if there was ever an active develop their lockdown technological make a club about their culture shooter. emergency response system. or their original board game, they Arvanitis added, “Now, we NT has tried to preserve have the opportunity to do that. have an automated siren with a pre- student centered learning while One club however, with 45 recorded message for lockdowns. still implementing changes to make people promising to join, was shot We’re also automating things like school safer. down before it could make NT our phone call to the emergency Arvanitis said, “We still have history. Worm on a String club responders, things that need to free periods. You can be in the did not make it to full club status, happen immediately and efficiently.” hallways. We’ve had a minimal but it raises the question: Why Another part of moving from a impact on how [students’] days feel are so many people interested in manual to an automated response is or run when [they’re] in the building. a children’s toy from the 90’s? that the doors close automatically, Most of our impact has been on which helps with timing. things that students don’t really see.” Squirmles, more commonly known as Worm on a String, have experienced a recent surge in Squirmles were created in the 90s but have become popular desertcart.com Student Council Corner popularity. It is currently being typed into internet search bars more than the worms after a friend of hers, failing, so the role is good for As part of our commitment to transparency ever according to Google Trends. possibly inspired by Lestrude’s act, the New Trier club ecosystem. with the student body, Student Council is Students have not missed out on bought a large amount of Worms Kolack did elaborate, though, excited to be working with the New Trier this frenzy, culminating in someone on Strings to give out to the rowing that aspiring club-founders could News to bring you the Student Council buying hundreds of the toys to give team, which Lasonde was a part of. have any junior or sophomore who column. This will update you on our progress out, and a club planned to meet weekly, “We were all just goofing had signed up to be in the club do this year, and how we have been working solely to play with Worms on Strings. around 8th period and we thought, the audition, and among the many diligently on behalf of you. Though the club ultimately ‘why don’t we make this a club?’ people signed up for Worm on a never materialized due to a New The idea was that we just wanted a String, there were several juniors. Our Accomplishments: Trier’s club rules, one of the would- place where people could relax, hang “We had a couple of our junior - Reducing the cafeteria lines be founders believed the trend had out, and de-stress,” said Lasonde. friends who would do it, but the Worm - Grilled cheese now available at the Pizza Station the potential and longevity to serve as The club soon ballooned in on a String idea was something that - Two lines at the Sandwich Station (for custom and pre-made orders) a legitimate community for students. popularity thanks to the recruitment me and my friends were passionate - Helping to set up Homecoming, Spirit Week, the Pep Rally, and “I bought them because I was tactics of the founding members. about. It wouldn’t have really Spooky Scrounge bored, and I wanted to give things to Recruitment involved walking meant anything to us if it wasn’t - Adding food items to the cafeteria (Arnold Palmer) around the commons, asking us starting it,” explained Lasonde. - Creating a flower mural display with Spanish Club people, just to make them happy,” said anyone who wasn’t busy if they The idea started as a way - Collaborating with Environmental Club to make New Trier more junior Bella Lestrude, who bought were interested in joining the club. for her friend group to share an green over a hundred Worms on Strings After this however, the club interest, and she figured the club - Decorating for the holiday season around the school to give out to whoever wanted one. - Selling Candy Grams to adviseries Lestrude’s act of generosity ran into some issues. Seniors at wasn’t the same without the same - Holding monthly meetings with our sophomore and junior got people talking about the New Trier can’t propose new clubs friend group being at the heart. constituents fad, and talking about the without support from juniors or Though the club never mysterious “Worm Dealer.” sophomores. The rule is in place to materialized, these worms had In The Works: Once a large group became make sure that clubs at New Trier already left their mark at the school. - Adding more to-go options in the cafeteria fascinated with Worm on a have longevity, explained head of The 90s toy inspired people to - Filming a video which will encourage students to clean up after String, it was only a matter Student Activities, Stacy Kolack. get together, play with Worms on themselves of time until they took action “We need younger folks Strings, and forget their stress. - Increasing awareness about mental health resources at school about their newfound interest. to start it up. We want them to “This solid friendship that we Want to Make Your Voice Heard? “We all had this fascination survive, and a senior is going had is something that has been with me - Submit a suggestion slip at one of our suggestion boxes! with them, and it was a huge stress- to leave us,” said Kolack. for most of high school, so we really - Join our monthly focus group called the Advisery Constituent relief thing,” said senior Margaret Lasonde agreed with the rule, just wanted to make a place where Board, where you can talk directly with us during advisery! (See Lasonde, who had a hand in planning reasoning that any “generational” people could do that,” said Lasonde. Student Activities Office for Details) the club. She found interest in club would eventually end up The New Trier News Perspectives Friday, December 20, 2019 3 Staff Editorial Goodbye 2010s, we’ll miss you 100 years of NT News: The good, the bad, and the future Heading into a new year or a new decade naturally prompts reflection. After a century of student journalism, the New Trier News has a substantial amount of work we can look back on. Thousands of high- quality news, feature, opinion, and sports pieces have been published in this time. However, as with any student by Emma Mansour paper, there have been thousands of mistakes as well. I’ve always been a relatively Thus far into the school year, the NT News has printed many exciting sentimental and nostalgic person, and well-reported stories that have sparked conversation within the school especially when it comes to the year community. We’ve also made some slip-ups that deserve reflection and ending. I think we all have a sense of conversation. not having done enough, or having On Dec. 6, a news piece about student reactions to the advisery wasted a whole year. And with the N-word presentation was published on our front page. Unfortunately the ending of the decade coming up, I’m headline did not quite match the content of the piece. feeling that more than ever. The news article had been titled “For students, N-word presentation The thought of entering a whole falls short.” However, a more accurate description would have been new set of ten years that starts with A popular compilation video of childhood memories | Youtube “Students reflect on N-word presentation” or even “Students think the number two is kind of freaking too memorable. but these major changes, coupled presentation was a good first step.” me out. In contrast, the past 10 years have with the nostalgia and attachment we People that did not read the article in full would have been left with But also the idea of going into been some of the most formative for have to time, seems to magnify the the impression that the presentation received widespread criticism, as was a new decade feels somehow really many of us. Leaving behind middle situation. The comfort of everything not the case (nor was it portrayed to be that way in the article). important and ground breaking, even school, starting high school, kind of being set up for us is falling away, though I know it isn’t. It’s just a As a paper, it is our goal to accurately report what is going on in our becoming an adult. Lots of big stuff. and what we’re left with is a lot of new year, no different than this year, community. We made a mistake in sticking a mismatched headline onto The idea of leaving that all behind uncertainty. the year before, or the eight before a sensitive article. However, as students, it was an opportunity for us to is hard. All things considered, it’s only that. But it just feels different. I’ve learn to look at those small details more critically to be conscious of any But what I think is fueling this natural that we seem to want to reject noticed that I’m not alone in this bias or distortion of the truth. distaste for the 20s so much is that the new decade and everything that feeling. The New Trier News has been a student run paper for the last 100 with the end of the decade comes the comes with it. Reminiscing about Nostalgia has been trending years. In the past century, a lot of small and harmless mistakes have been end of certainty. It’s only now that our favorite childhood memories recently on social media; old made, whether it be printing columns upside down; spelling sophomores we have to seriously consider the and watching “Victorious” on a loop childhood TV show compilations as “spohomores.” future; we’re being forced to make is so much more comfortable than have been circulating social media But some, like the recent pasting of an ill-advised headline above an really big decisions about the next accepting the future. It’s easier. It’s along with other decade ending steps in our life rather than relying certain. article, can be more impactful. related content. Clips of “Good Luck on our parents to do it for us. But I think that’s part of The reality is that students are going to make mistakes and will for Charlie,” “Hannah Montana,” and We no longer have someone growing up. You have to be the next hundred years. It’s all part of the process of getting better and “Victorious,” all spliced together making doctors’ appointments for uncomfortable to find comfort, and growing. over sad music, have been popping us, or handling all the finances, or you have to be uncertain to find We recognize that some of our mistakes can have an impact on the up more and more. People are knowing the different settings on certainty. community, especially when they’re more than simply an awkward typo. craving a feeling of nostalgia, and the washing machine. We’re kind of Being sad about the end of In the era of fake news and the 24 hour news cycle, it is even more the feeling is seemingly universal on our own, and I don’t know about the decade is fine, normal, and I’m important to be dedicated to factual reporting, even for a source as among people my age. you, but I have no idea how to make definitely feeling it big time. But small as a weekly high school paper. Spin and misleading phrasing can People are grappling for a taste a doctor’s appointment. And then it’s just the end of a year. The 20s manipulate people into defending lies and deriding facts. of the 2010s before they’re over, there’s the uncertainty of getting will be (hopefully) a great decade, Going into a new year, a new decade, and a new century of the New and that makes a lot of sense. We all a job, and where you’ll live, and same with every decade after that. Trier News, we are committed to creating the highest quality papers that grew up for the most part in the past everything else that life throws at This just seems to be hitting a little we can. The paper will never be flawless, but we are dedicated to making decade; prior to that, we were too you. It’s a lot. different because we’re growing up. each newspaper we put out better than the last. young to really understand much or Obviously, it’s not the ending of So, goodbye 2010s. do anything. Life was easy, but not The next century for the NT News is relatively unclear. It could the decade that triggers this feeling, become an exclusively online publication, a bimonthly paper, or something else entirely. However, while we may continue to make The difference between rumors and gossip mistakes, we are also going to continue to strive to be better. Rumors are unverified pieces a position where you can’t control of information that the person telling what’s being said about you. It only the story doesn’t necessarily know stops when it becomes irrelevant. whether it’s true or not. The details Aside from me encouraging of the story often change as it’s being others to stop spreading lies in the retold. While gossip is typically a first place, I just find it weird to talk ‘juicy’ story or secret that’s really about other people’s business. A lot by Sofia Papakos personal and most times, surprising. of the girls in my friend group, even the guys, would constantly invest in We’ve all gossiped at one I don’t believe gossiping the rumors they heard. point or another. Most of us do It got to the point where I was it daily without even considering to be inherently bad. questioning whether they were it to be gossiping. It’s a form of talking behind my back. So I don’t mass communication that we use However, sometimes mean to sound condescending when to connect with one another. I don’t it’s more toxic than I say it just seems like you have believe gossiping to be inherently nothing else better to do. bad. However, sometimes it’s more beneficial I know in most cases gossip toxic than beneficial. starts as innocent and harmless But that could be said about a I get it, we live in the suburbs where people are just curious. But lot of things too, including social and there’s really not much to do it’s important to acknowledge that media. Honestly though, I stopped around here, except to go out and it quickly turns into a thread of paying attention to cyber bullying eat. And what do we do when we go people commenting and giving harsh because it’s so common. Whether it’s out with our friends? Obviously talk. opinions on personal information. Follow us on Twitter! on our phones or at our lunch tables, In those conversations people often It makes sense why it’s an the same issues of gossiping and swap the latest gossip. The majority endless cycle. People are genuinely rumors are clearly prevalent. of the time, it’s rumors. interested in who’s doing what, Still, there are ways to make I think it’s safe to assume dating who, and things that happened gossiping less toxic. I think everyone at one point has been the in the past. So I’m not saying to stop clarifying the difference between center of unwanted attention or gossiping but be more mindful of rumors and gossip, is a good start. rumors in general. It sucks to be in what you’re saying and to whom.

Editors-in-Chief...... Julia Nagel, Katy Pickens The New Trier News News Editors...... Hope Talbot, Alex Rubenstein, Hannah Sussman Published Fridays during the school year by the students of New Trier Township High School, 385 Winnetka Opinion Editors...... Emma Mansour, Sofia Papakos, Eva Roytburg Avenue, Illinois 60093. Features Editors...... Simren Dadwani, Grant Feldman, Amelia Jacobson, Correspondence may be directed to the New Trier News Office, Nadia Jaikaran Room 011, or by calling (847) 784-2278. Sports Editors....Mattea Carberry, Connor Caserio, Matt Murray, Cleo Pool All letters to the editors are welcome, though we will not print anonymous letters. Direct these and other inquiries Photo Editor...... Danielle Towers to our email at [email protected] Graphic Design Artist...... Katia Tsytsarina, Renee Zhou Editorial Adviser...... Carlo Trovato The Staff Editorial is written by the editors-in-chief, not adult faculty. Assistant Editorial Adviser...... Megan Garton 4 The New Trier News Perspectives Friday, December 20, 2019 Student Views What are your winter break plans?

Maria Kyriakopoulos, Senior AJ Steinback, Sophomore Caroline Pruchnicki, Sophomore Bobby Becker, Senior Eyllah Babbitt, Junior “I am going to Hawaii and “Hanging out at my house “I’m going to Denver to go “I am trying a Jiu-jitsu class “I’m pet sitting.” sleeping in the hotel all day.” with my dog.” ski with my family.” and inter-dimensionally traveling.”

From the arhcives: The article below was originally Stop being obnoxious printed on Jan. 14, 2000. As the next millenium began, the students of New Trier speculated about what the future during passing periods would look like. What are your predictions for the 2020s?

by Eva Roytburg

I didn’t want to write this. But I, and others I know have gotten so irritated with the situation in the hallways that I feel that I must. Students congregate in the hallways during passing periods | NT News A few years ago, the Winnetka traveling on. Would you slyly swerve of traffic if you see your friend so campus underwent a $104.9 million onto the other side of the road if you you can chat with them. You are in construction project and as a result, were driving a car? No? Then don’t a staircase, not an escalator. There we students have the opportunity to do that in the hallways or staircases. are people around you who do not enjoy a beautiful, airy new building. And please do not fecklessly want to be late to their class or their The windows allow streams of zig-zag across the staircase or meetings. Chat while matching sunlight to pour in and the whole hallway like you’re in a pinball everyone else’s pace; it’s easier than wing has a modern, apple-store- machine. I don’t know if you’re just it sounds. esque vibe to it. bored or what, but there are people If you are walking with a group But with great privilege comes trying to move around you. Zig-zag of friends, it is not acceptable to great responsibility. to your pleasure in an empty hallway spread out in a line so you can all Prominent in this new building or staircase. talk side-by-side. are two large, glass staircases with Now, most individuals are okay exponential width, marking each at hallway and staircase etiquette end of the new wing. Due to its size, when they are walking alone. Would you slyly swerve hundreds of individuals - faculty The true terrors of the onto the other side of the and students alike - stream down hallways and staircases are caused each of the staircases each passing by congregating with peers, the road if you were driving period. They are, without question, inclination to stop and say “hi” a car? No? Then don’t the most utilized staircases in the to a friend when you see them, school. the passion with which you cling do that in the hallways But some of y’all do not know together as you walk. how to act on these staircases-- or If you are talking to a friend, do or staircases. even in the hallways for that matter. not slow down to a crawl to chat in If, by chance, anyone wants Let’s review basic hallway and the staircase or hallway. There are to get past y’all, they are unable to staircase etiquette. If you have been people trying to get somewhere all do so without knocking all of you in a car before, you will know that around you, and you are probably out like bowling pins. While you there is one side of the street, called disrupting every single person in merrily line-dance your way to class, the right side, that the individuals your vicinity. everyone behind you is forced to traveling forward in agree is their If you are a slow walker match your pace. side. naturally, that’s okay. You can’t help Please stay on the right The individuals traveling in that your legs are short, or you’re and be polite. Be aware of your the other direction stick to the other tired, or the boundless other reasons surroundings. We only have five side of the street, also known as the why you may walk slowly. You’re minutes in a passing period; make it left side, since there is only so much trying your best and that’s okay. as stress-free as possible. room for the thousands of cars which If you’re just being slow because are trying to pass. you’re distracted, speed up. Do not walk onto the other And for God’s sake, do not side if that is not the side you are stop all movement in the middle Published Fridays during the school year by The New Trier News the students of New Trier High School, 385 Winnetka Avenue, Illinois 60093. Editors-in-Chief...... Julia Nagel, Katy Pickens Correspondence may be directed to the New News Editors...... Hope Talbot, Alex Rubenstein, Hannah Sussman Opinion Editors...... Emma Mansour, Sofia Papakos, Eva Roytburg Trier News Office, Room 011, or by calling Features Editors....Simren Dadwani, Amelia Jacobson, Nadia Jaikaran, Grant Feldman (847) 784-2278. All letters to the editors are Sports Editors...... Mattea Carberry, Connor Caserio, Matt Murray, Cleo Pool welcome, though we will not print anonymous Photo Editor...... Danielle Towers letters. Direct these and other inquiries to our Graphic Design Artist...... Katia Tsytsarina, Renee Zhou email at [email protected]. The Staff Editorial Editorial Adviser...... Carlo Trovato is written by the editors-in-chief, not adult Assistant Editorial Adviser...... Megan Garton faculty. The New Trier News The 385 Friday, December 20, 2019 5 NT’s favorite substitute teacher: Consult the stars to learn Mr. Nebojsa Acimovic what the end of the year by Simren Dadwani decision to leave his job for his family in Chicago. His son was born Before substitute teacher, here and his wife’s family was here means for you Nebojsa Acimovic also known as Mr. as well. Throughout this week and into January, the sun will move into Capricorn Neb came to New Trier, he had spent “I loved that job, it was a great with Mars shifting into Scorpio phase. This alignment signifies the release of 18 years in forgeign services. job but family was first. So I decided ten years of negative energy. “I used to be a diplomat and to leave that and stay here,” said Neb. by Hope Talbot even though my job didn’t change, I Aleksander Kuzmanovic has moved to three different countries,” been friends with Neb for over 10 said Neb. years and met him when he was a His first job in forgein services consul in Chicago. was as a diplomat to the federal “When I met him he was a vice- republic of Yugoslavia. Then he consul in the Serbian Consulate in moved on as a diplomat to Serbia, Chicago. Given that we live nearby, teaching. Although he was unable to This is a great week for The end of December should and then The Republic of Serbia. and our children are of similar age, obtain his teaching license, he got relationships, Aries. Your ruling be a time of independence and Neb started his career as a we continued our friendship,” said his license to be a substitute teacher, planet is working with Saturn and creativity for you. Thanks to Venus trainee and eventually ended up in Kuzmanovic. which brought him to New Trier. Pluto to make partnerships stronger ascending, you’re going to gain Chicago Another colleague, Milomir “I had some previous for you. You might find yourself new perspectives and overcome “I finished my career here as Ognjanovic, worked with Neb as a background in teaching. Before thinking a lot about the past or an old roadblock. Be careful with acting consul general for Serbia here Serbian Consulate General. I joined the services, my job was regretting lost chances as Mercury words this week Taurus. Because of in Chicago,” explained Neb. “Nebojsa and I had the teaching direct marketing back in squares off with Neptune. Try to Mercury something you say might He decided to stay in Chicago opportunity to work together during Yugoslavia. I was looking for teaching release this energy though and focus be misunderstood this week and after he stopped working in foreign the post at the Serbian Consulate jobs and I tried to get a license but on friendships as the sun’s angle create drama. services. General in Chicago in the period I couldn’t get the full license. I had indicates those goals will come to While in Serbia, he was an of January 2010-May 2014,” said only obtained a substitute teaching you in the next few months. adviser to the president of Serbia. Ognjanovic. license and I started as a substitute,” When he moved to Chicago, his From the very start, Ognjanovic said Mr. Neb. position was as a diplomat. was impressed with Neb’s work ethic Mr. Neb loves it at New Trier “I served three years as an as well as his professionalism. and the students love him as a assistant to the foreign policy “Nebojsa impressed me with substitute teacher as well. adviser to president of Serbia. I was professionalism, drive, and excellent “I like to be here. I love New a diplomat here in Chicago for two customer service skills towards the Trier. There are great kids here and it While the world might seem chaotic terms as well,” he explained. Consulate General employees and is a great school,” said Mr. Neb. This is a reflective week for Gemini. You might feel frustrated by the for Cancer, expect a relationship to In Chicago, Neb served two Chicago partners. I also observed his People that know Mr. Neb deepen between Dec. 21 and Jan. terms. Each term he served was for work, professionalism and leadership always have great things to say about distance between reality and the future but this week is sending new 20. Try to be open to this supportive five years. skills,” said Ognjanovic. him and they love the person he is. energy. “My first term was from 2003- Neb lives in Wilmette so he “Nebojsa is truly a fantastic guy. experiences your way so be patient. 2008 and my second term was from is local to New Trier. He was a He is a great parents and he was a Focus on balancing your emotions 2009-2014,” explained Neb. teacher before he worked in foreign great diplomat while he was a vice- for the next few days. Neb eventually made the services so he wanted to get back into consul,” said Kuzmanovic. Won’t you be my neighbor? Stop being so critical of yourself Virgo. The moon on Dec. 17 may Mr. Rogers revisted in new film have had you doubting yourself but the two struck up a close relationship. He made mistakes, got angry, and This week marks a new path for know that you’re on the right path. by Graham Ambrose Junod is also the centerpiece of film occasionally doubted whether or you. An existing emotional issue is Trust your instinct but allow yourself albeit under a different name. not he was making a difference. The expected to clear and allow you to Fred Rogers with his songs, see what’s important to you with a to be vulnerable this week. unforgettable songs, sweaters, and Junod said in an interview that people close to the TV star took note “[Rogers] had a singular vision of of these moments of self-doubt. clearer eye. The angle of your sun smiles taught kids pivotal life indicates a phase of supported self- lessons about divorce, war, and even kindness and love, and one thing that One of these people was I still think about today is whether or Elizabeth Seamus, who played improvement, so now’s the perfect bereavement. His show reached time for a New Year’s Resolution. millions of American children over not his attempt to positively influence Mrs. McFeeley on “Mr Roger’s its 33-year run. America today succeeded.” Neighborhood.” in the documentary. With the new Tom Hanks One person who believes we “I think at some point Fred biopic “A Beautiful Day in the need Fred Rogers again is Josh began to wonder if people would While it might go against your Neighborhood” hitting theaters, Runkle, the New Trier Aquatics see him as something other than a fiercely independent nature, try to discussions about the TV icon that Director. Runkle watched “Mr. klutzy TV clown like many of the remember that you’re not all on your Hanks plays have been revitalized. Roger’s Neighborhood” when he was public hosts at the time. I caught him own, Scorpio. This week you can let Someone who remembers the around the age of 6, and watching thinking about whether or not he was go of that pressure by releasing that warmth of Fred Rogers is social the Tom Hanks biopic brought back making a difference,” Seamus said. if you stop being so stubborn and many memories. Since Mr. Rogers’s very last This is a great week for anything worker Leanne Atwell. A life-long family related for you. Like Virgo, allow others to help you, the world fan of the show, she described Mr. “It might be a little bit of two episode of his show debuted in will become more tolerable. things. We need him, and we need 2000, many familiar with the show you might find yourself being too rogers easily in five words. harsh. Allow yourself to relax. “Caring, love, happy, comforting, people like him; having someone like have wonder whether or not it will warmth,” Atwell said. him while still keeping his message at continue to speak to viewers 20 years “Despite all of the cheese, his heart.” later. show was relaxing and informative. Mr. Rogers not only spoke to While the majority say “no,” He wanted to change TV for the children in a nuanced and intelligent their reasoning has little to do with better, and he did so by helping us way, but he reached adults off-screen the show itself. slow down with his show.” Atwell as well. For Charlotte McGee, a added. During the Nixon era, the Winnetka resident and fan of Fred Capricorns may feel that they Fred Rogers discovered government was strongly in favor Rogers, she retains a fondness for haven’t been getting the recognition television after his senior year of of cutting federal funding to public his series, but she concedes that they feel they deserve lately. Don’t college and felt that this could be a TV. it wouldn’t really have the same allow yourself to get discouraged Rhode Island Senator John societal impact today. this week because your hard work great platform to speak to children. This might be a week of conflict Pastore was the key vote on this issue, “I don’t think his show would is receive recognition by the end of Rogers worked his way up the ranks, for the Sagittarius. Mercury’s and he set up hearings for people to really survive right now, and it’s January. and eventually hosted his own TV positioning on Dec. 19 may have testify in defense of public stations mainly because it wouldn’t appeal to show: “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” made for poor communication like PBS while still maintaining an today’s kids,” said Mrs. McGee, beginning in 1968. between you and others. Take this anti-public TV sentiment. “They’re used to shows that The show introduced a colorful time to look inward instead and After two days of testimony that move at a fast pace and ones that are bunch of characters, including the reevaluate your values. bashful Daniel Tiger, the totalitarian Pastore found unmoving, Mr. Rogers edited to fit their shorter attention ruler King Friday the 13th, and the gave an emotionally raw speech span, and Mr. Rogers didn’t do that show’s mother figure Lady Aberlin. It about why television can be a gift for with his series. He took his time was an instant hit. younger viewers. and all episodes went at a very slow Rogers passed away in 2003 Afterward, a teary-eyed Pastore pace.” after a long battle with stomach replied “It’s the first time I’ve had Whatever your thoughts on the cancer, but the crucial question still goosebumps in days. Looks like show or the man behind it may be, Pisces will have the opportunity to remains: do we need him more than you just earned yourself 20 million there’s no doubt that the question be leaders this week. The Pisces ever? dollars.” “Please, won’t you be my neighbor?” In just five minutes, Rogers will echo in the hearts and minds of social life is expected to pick up in After all, it’s still debated to While this is a restorative week, essentially saved public television as many for a very long time. the upcoming days but don’t forget this day even by those who knew don’t be afraid to take risks, we know it. to take time for yourself. him best, like Esquire journalist Tom Aquarius. Junod. Junod met Rogers in 1998 and In several ways, Fred Rogers was no different than the rest of us. 6 The New Trier News The 385 Friday, December 20, 2019

Saying Goodbye to the 2010s When people in the future look back on the 2010s, what will they remember? Maybe they will recall how social media and streaming services forever changed how we communicate with others and entertain ourselves. Or, perhaps, the decade will be remembered for the revolutionary social and political movements led by unlikely figures like Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg. No matter how we remember it, this decade will be seen as a time when old norms were shattered and society seemed to be moving towards something big.

Memes of the decade: how many do you recognize? The New Trier News Sports Friday, December 20, 2019 7 David Davidkov looks to future as top player in his class The junior prepares offensive tackle who plays defense on a need-be basis would indicate. for college while Junior Luca Wojewski, a maintaning his love long time teammate and friend of Davidkov’s said, “David is the heart of the game of the team. He’s a true leader and by Brooks Herb works harder than anyone I know. He may be a big guy, but he’s one of Following the 2018 the kindest and most generous people homecoming game against Evanston, here at New Trier.” David Davidkov laid in his bed While Davidkov’s future school reflecting on his stellar performance. is unknown, he certainly knows the He recalled all the lead blocks he factors that will contribute to his big made as an offensive tackle, his two decision. He affirmed that education batted passes and numerous tackles will play a major role in his decision he made on the defensive line, and, as less than 2% of college football most importantly, the win he and his players make it to the NFL; so in the team earned. process of representing his college Davidkov, who at the time was football team, he wants to make his a sophomore, was obliterating the parents proud by successfully raising older players he was facing, which a family, which starts with a good made him realize that he might truly Davidkov (73) runs onto the field with his teammates just prior to a home game David Davidkov Twitter degree. be good enough to play college After his dominant homecoming in Chicago (which had a large from practice and games would be Davidkov also acknowledged football one day. What he could have performance in front of the biggest Bulgarian community), Elena was impossible. that he will be looking for a good never predicted, were the countless crowd that he ever played before, informed by doctors that she would However, Davidkov was fit in making his decision, believing scholarship offers that he would Davidkov knew he could overcome be unable to bear children; however, determined to strap on a helmet and that no one can play their best and receive from the greatest and most any roadblocks that he may the Davidkovs once again defied play, so he started reaching out to give it their all in an uncomfortable prestigious college football teams in encounter. He could finally see his the odds, amazing the doctors by his friends to see if someone could environment. America. immense potential and could see having three children. Little did they help take him to practice, eventually Davidkov is a humble and But before that moment and himself achieving his lifelong dream: know one of them would be Illinois’ arranging a carpool with his friends soft-spoken person. He established before he knew he had the ability playing college football. second-ranked player in the class of who lived nearby. that “he doesn’t want to go around to be great, Davidkov was always Perseverance and good fortune 2021. As the years have gone by and the halls with [his] chest puffed out silenced by his own doubts. run deep in Davidkov’s blood. Davidkov has achieved great Davidkov’s love for the game has because [he has] offers from Ohio Although he was 6’6” and His parents, Emil and Elena, were success on the field, but his road to grown, he has played for the Wilmette State, LSU, and Wisconsin.” nearly 250 pounds, he still lacked Bulgarian citizens who realized getting there was all but easy. When Eagles in middle school with the Davidkov just wants to be the confidence needed for him to take his they wanted a change. They applied he was in fourth grade, he wanted to goal of playing at high school when best person he can be and leave it all game to the next level. for a green card in 1996, knowing play tackle football after watching the that time would come; and with his out on the field; and while it is certain “The environment [against their chances were slim due to the Chicago Bears on TV, but living out experience at the high school level, that Davidkov will be suiting up for Evanston] was electric,” Davidkov large number of applicants and that dream appeared to be unlikely. the game has become more natural a top tier team on Saturdays, the recalled. “I was ready to go and play.” limited availability of green cards; His parents ran on an extremely for Davidkov. thought of him eventually playing on He attributed his success against but against all odds, the Davidkovs tight schedule, being that his dad Even though Davidkov has Sundays at the professional level isn’t Evanston to him clearing his mind received a green card and immigrated worked as a truck driver all day and become an unstoppable force on far-fetched. and not overthinking, which he said, to the United States in 1997. his mom helped him, making them the field, he has made a far greater “Made me play faster.” Once the couple had settled believe that getting their son to and impact on the team than his role as an Gymnastics takes down Evanston Green Hockey beats Loyola Team pulls out narrow victory Gold 4-2 in rivalry matchup onslaught of shots by Green. against conference Boys hockey trumps Paul described the momentum rivals Ramblers in annual shift after the scoring explosion as “awesome.” by Connor Caserio charity game “The team really wanted to work On Tuesday, Dec. 10, varsity to preserve the lead and stay back gymnastics defeated Evanston in an by Frank Zawrazky while being physical. Our breakout early season conference dual meet. The defending state champion was looking great in the third period, Despite several Trevian New Trier Green played their annual so we needed to just keep the pick out gymnasts being out due to sickness, charity game against Loyola Gold of our zone and we did a great job of the team was able to come out on top this past Saturday. This game raised it.” by a final score of 136.3-129.1. A key money for the Cardiac Care Unit at Green would increase its factor in the Trevians’ winning effort Senior Avery Faulkner in action against Glenbard West NT Athletics Twitter Lurie Children’s Hospital. New Trier physicality in the third with big men was their collective ability to step up kind of over-rotated her landing, so will be to win the Central Suburban Green cruised past Loyola by a score Trent Kadin and John Kane leading in the face of this adversity. we did have to count a bunch of falls South Conference. Glenbrook South of 4-2. the hit carousel. Kadin explained the “We had some different girls last night.” is projected to be one of the better Green got off to a fast start increase in hitting after the second competing in different events Such falls are a necessary part teams in the state and this meet as Spencer Lifvendahl scored ten intermission was instrumental in the [because of the sickness],” said head of learning a harder routine, but they against Evanston showed that the seconds into the first period courtesy change in physicality. coach Jen Pistorius. “It was nice that were almost costly for the Trevians Wildkits are a strong opponent, so of Danny Pugliese. After Loyola “We got a big energy boost we have a large talented team—we against Evanston. GBS will be a tough challenge. evened it up moments later, Green during the intermission. Our captain have a lot of girls to pull from at The Trevians emphasized that If they win their conference, the would retake the lead on a wrist shot Brian Dolby fires the whole team different levels and different events.” sickness and difficult new routines Trevians will have to face the best from Mac Zelazny to round out the up and his energy is just infectious Junior Amelia Montgomery was is not meant to discredit Evanston’s the state has to offer at regionals, first period scoring. and gets everybody else going sick during the meet, so she only strength as a team nor downplay their sectionals, and state. Two-time Goaltender Preston Watt, who working their butts off,” said Kadin. competed in the vault instead of her own successes in the meet. defending state champion Glenbard led the defensive effort, commented “[Physicality] is part of the season. usual all-around slate. Considering “In terms of the competition, I West Hilltoppers are as good as ever, on the strong start and the early goal We have games week after week and how being sick set her and many of definitely think Evanston has overall and four school co-op Prairie Ridge scoring. tournaments weekend after weekend her teammates back, Montgomery improved from last year and previous looks formidable after defeating both “We were a little bit nervous and you just have to get your body in felt that the team did an overall solid years, and I think they did a pretty the Trevians and the Hilltoppers at coming out, but we put a puck in 10 it.” job in winning the meet. good job at this meet specifically,” the Glenbard West Invitational earlier seconds in and that really helped us The remainder of the period was “It definitely was not our best said Montgomery. this season. out. Big play by [Danny] Pugliese on full of chances but no conversions, as meet because we only got a 136, but Regarding the Trevians’ own “We kind of know what we have the goal. After that we just got rolling Watt backstopped the victory with a without our full lineup and a lot of strengths at the meet, Pistorius noted, to work with working towards the and didn’t stop.” 26 save performance. people being sick it wasn’t that bad,” “[Sophomore] Maria Morobito had a state series,” said Pistorius. After tying it up early in the Dolby went into the game she said. nice beam routine—I think she was In the end, how well the Trevians second period, Green would score confident about the offensive nature Outside of struggling with our only stick for the varsity level. do this season will come down to two goals within fifteen seconds of of Green against Loyola, especially teamwide sickness, the Trevians And, on floor, Rachel, Maeve, and them. They still need to improve, but one another. The first came from due to Loyola’s goaltending issues. also had to fight through a lot of Maria all had really nice routines.” anything will be possible if they work Daniel Budington and the second, a “We put up 13 against them in falls. Pistorius explained that Seniors Looking ahead, the Trevians hard to get better and have fun doing point blast from captain Brian Dolby, the spring, and we knew if we put Maeve Murdock and Rachel Zun, will need to get better if they are it. was assisted by forward Graeme up shots on him we would dominate two of the team’s top gymnasts, are going to repeat or improve upon last “Some future goals we have Paul. the game,” said Dolby. “We got working on new routines with more year’s second place finish at state. for the season are really just going After this defensive breakdown, the first goal and kept rolling; and difficult tricks. In an article published in the out there and doing our best,” said Loyola would change goaltenders. after the goaltending switch, we did “Rachel tried her new release Glencoe Anchor on Dec. 10, Pistorius Montgomery. “I think getting a new Midway through the period, Green the same thing. We needed to get a move and she had it and then fell,” said “That’s [winning a state record score [at state] is possible if would get a five on three power presence below the goal line, and that said Pistorius. “And, then, Maeve championship] the ultimate goal.” we do our very best and just have play, which although did not yield is exactly what we did.” made her whole routine and then just The first key to winning state fun.” any goals, continued the offensive The New Trier News Sports Friday, December 20, 2019 8 Boys swim and dive beats Naperville Central in dual meet respectively. Team fights through Dienstag, Hagist, and Nair fatigue to remain also joined forces with sophomore Edward O’Hara for two of the team’s undefeated in dual three relay victories, finishing with meets times of 1:30.22 and 3:20.03 in the 200-yard freestyle and 400-yard by Matt Murray freestyle races respectively. The boys varsity swimming “We did as well as we could and diving team defeated Naperville have last season, but we all still wish Central in their second dual meet of that we could’ve done better; and this the season, picking up a convincing year, the guys on the team are clearly 127-59 victory at the New Trier super motivated to do better,” said Natatorium on Dec. 13. Hagist. “All of the guys have started Although both teams were this season clearly hoping to beat last slightly hampered by injuries, the year’s subpar record and it shows.” Trevians managed to take down While the seniors dominated the Redhawks fairly easily despite the swimming portion of the meet, missing senior Pearce Bailey, who sophomore John Ervin and freshman was participating in the Junior Wyatt Wellehan put on an exhibition National Championships in Seattle of their own against the Redhawks, that weekend. finishing with the two highest scores Though they missed Bailey’s among the varsity divers. impact in the pool, the swimming Ervin and Wellehan engaged in team embraced the opportunity an epic battle for first place, trading of trying to win without their star the lead six times and finishing teammate. with 233.40 and 214.65 points The swimmers begin the 100-yard varsity breaststroke race, which was won by sophomore Sam Brown Murray “I think the big win really helped respectively. While getting a victory over a the regular season, their performance their state title-contending form, both the team see that we are a much The pair also posted the varsity perennial state title contender proved thus far has not given any indication the swimmers and divers are keeping deeper team than we were last year, team’s four highest single-dive scores to be a major confidence boost for of their fatigue. their focus on the future as they still which is really reassuring because as Wellehan scored 43.05 points off the team, it should be noted that the Following a 2nd place finish have yet to face state title favorite most other teams last year thought of of his 2.1 difficulty dive in the third Trevians, specifically the swimmers, at the Warrior Relay in Deerfield on Glenbrook South or conference rival us as a ‘one man team’ in that no one round while Ervin topped out at 48 were far from being at their peak Dec. 6, the team trounced Rockford- Evanston. else was that good,” said senior Sam points with his 2.4 difficulty dive in performance level, for the rigorous Guilford 141-27 on Dec. 7 behind However, with the way that Dienstag. the second round. training schedule, which include freshman Graham Wilson and junior they’ve performed so far this season, The team’s senior core of “I feel really excited about practices bookending the school Nathan Reid and picked up a road they look to be up to the challenge. Dienstag, Rishi Nair, Marc Hagist, our team. We’ve got a lot of young day, has been taking its toll on the victory against Hinsdale Central on “Realistically, I think that we and Evan Rittner led the way in guys that have a lot of potential and swimmers. Dec. 14. can get back to being a top ten team Bailey’s absence, tallying a combined a couple of [junior varsity players] “The challenge for us is really “We want to practice to be the in the state meet,” said Runkle. “Last 34 points from their individual races. who I think can be really good if they the fatigue factor and how broken fastest as we can possibly be at the year was a down year for us because Hagist and Rittner both keep working hard,” said head diving down we are,” said head swimming end of the season, and everyone’s we were really young. We had a lot of finished in the top three in each of coach Bruce Kimball. coach Josh Runkle. “Swimming is been holding each other accountable first-time varsity guys that were being their individual races while Nair “It may be up and down at points one of those sports where taking time for hard work and fighting through counted on, so now that [they’ve] got and Dienstag won two races apiece this season, but I think that as [the off can be detrimental because it’s the pain that comes with tough that year of experience under [their] with Dienstag winning the 200-yard divers] get more experience, they’ll such a training-based sport.” practices,” said Dienstag. belts, I’m looking forward to a good freestyle and 500-yard freestyle end up becoming a strong group by Although the heavy workload Although the team has embraced year.” races by 4.13 and 3.25 seconds the end of the year.” left the team banged up going into the hard work that it will take to regain Fencing shows out at Midwest Open, takes home seven medals whole. The team is looking to bring Team puts their home a big win this year. competition on “Unlike previous years, this season’s state meet will be a team notice at midseason meeting instead of an individual tournament meet, so I am hoping for my team to win,” said Marino. by Cleo Pool Everyone is looking to a On Dec. 15 the fencing team successful end to the season. Chipman competed at Culver Academy in the believes that this is the strongest team Midwest Open. yet, and that the season can only go The team placed well up from here. considering the tough competition “I think the team is super strong that came from all across the this year to be honest. Our main rivals midwest. The team took home a gold, are Stevenson and Culver, but we’ve a silver and five bronze medals. been doing pretty well against them Many members finished in the as a whole. Our biggest achievements top eight. Senior Katia Tsytsarina haven’t really come yet, we’re finished 2nd, and junior Eva Goren waiting for Conference champs,” said finished 3rd in women’s sabre. Chipman. Senior Amelia Jacobson placed 3rd Criswell credits this success to in women’s epee and Junior Daniel the younger side of the team. He sees Lai finished 3rd for men’s sabre. fencing as a sport that requires time While the three disciplines and dedication and the underclassmen of foil, epee, and sabre all practice are bringing that to the table. together, the players can only “This sport has a very steep compete with opponents of the same learning curve with a lot of your discipline in tournaments, which can success directly correlated to the make events like the Midwest Open time you spend practicing. The fact hectic. that we have so much success at the Senior Emma Chipman younger level is really a testament to explained how the bracketing system their work ethic and time each one of of these competitions works. them has put in,” said Criswell. “Tournaments are formatted Junior Eva Goren used the with ‘pool’ rounds where we are put The women’s sabre team poses with their gold medals following the Midwest Open on Dec. 15 Jacobson Culver Midwest Open as an into groups of five to seven fencers, “It is easily one of our most tournament approached. the future. opportunity to reflect on the first half and we all fence each other. We competitive and talent studded “Practices leading up to the “Last year, my team [women’s of the season. She has seen some are then seeded and put into direct tournaments of the year and tournament and this year in general epee] went undefeated against all 14 great performances and great growth elimination rounds which are like something we have marked on have definitely increased in intensity. other teams in the Midwest fencing in the overall team. She looks forward brackets,” said Chipman. our calendars from the start of the Our head coach, Mr. Vargas, has put conference, so I have high hopes for to the rest of the season. The Culver tournament serves season,” said Criswell. more of an emphasis on cardio and this year,” said Marino. “We are halfway through our as a check-point in the middle of This long-awaited tournament weightlifting than we’ve done in past Looking to the end of the season, season and we are doing very well. the season. Senior Thomas Criswell upped the intensity of practices of years,” said Criswell. New Trier will host state in February, Women’s varsity has been undefeated knows the significance of the Colby Vargas, who is the head coach The team is expecting good but the state competition is going to in team tournaments. This year Midwest Open, which was made for both girls and boys fencing. things for the end of the season. When look a little different. Instead of it has been going well and our team up of a range of ages and levels of Criswell noticed a new trend in comparing this season to last, Junior being focused on individual fencers, captains are great,” said Goren. experience that had come together. the way Vargas led practices as the Lizzy Marino sees great promise for the focus will be on the team as a