Romeoville High School

SPARTUSSPARTUSSPARTUSFebruary, 2018 Vol. 54: #4 Home of the SPARTANS A Simple Question In our continuing quest to turn off the reality show that is America, and to turn the focus back to all the things that made us great as a country, and make us noble as human beings, we focus on the one thing that can help each of us to, as Lincoln said, ‘listen to our better angels.’ And so, in honor of the month of February, we ask the simple question: “Love is ______?” Alexis Lee (12) - Keeping pinky Meleena Perez (12) - When just promises. being together is enough. Maddi Weaver (11) - Love is a way of Mrs. Wicyk (staff) - Laughing at Sofia Ceballos (12) - Putting your living. It’s beautiful, pure, and natu- stupid things together. loved one before yourself. ral. You cannot force it, or push it Joseph Anderson (9) - Giving Warren DeKire (11) - Is uncondi- because it only comes with time and backrubs. tional. trust. Love is when you look so deeply Laura Salazar (12) - When you smell Brittany Osborne (12) - A forever into someones heart that you feel like food from grandma’s house. bond that two people share. it’s your own. Gisselle Palma (12) Coming home Ease on Down, Ease on Down to The Wiz and having my pets excited to see By Bryan Croce me. Come on and ease on down find out if these four friends, along Jocelyn Larios (12) - Being able to the road with your fellow spartans at with the help of the Good Witches like someone else’s flaws. this year’s spring musical, The Wiz. (Sierra Crownhart and Emma The Wiz centers around the Mager) can work together and help Matt Bauman (11) - Love is worth it. original movie The Wizard of OZ get Dorothy back home this time Mary Ridderhoff (11) - Love is being (based on the book by Frank L. around. able to laugh with someone until your Baum), this time told in more mod- Mark your calendar for ernized way full of crazy dancing and March 1, 2, 3 and 4. Show times are stomach hurts one day, and then soulful music. 7:00p, except for the Sunday matinee crying with them on another. The story you know: Dorothy at 2:00p. Tickets can be pre-pur- (Madeleine Diliberto) arrives in Oz chased online at www.showtix4u.com. and accidentally kills the Wicked General admission will be $10, Malik Tifah (12) - A feeling - some- Witch of the East. Her sister, the students with an ID $5, and senior thing that cannot be described with Wicked Witch of the West (A.J. citizens tickets $7.50. In addition, all words. Justalero), is not happy. The only pre-ordered tickets are assigned Laura Salazar (12) - When your thing Dorothy wants is to get back seats. All tickets at the door on the home to Aunt Em (Marienne Go), day of the performance will be $10. friends give you food - for free. but to do so she must see the great Sam Koeppl (11) - The acceptance and powerful Wiz (Ryan Hurdle). of all immigrants. Along her journey down the yellow Alena Hood (12) - Love is “I’m so brick road, she meets some new tired but I’ll pick you up anywhere, friends, a brainless Scarecrow (Carver Miller), a heartless anytime. Tinman (Bryan Croce), and a cow- Renee Tran (11) - Love is what ardly Lion (Ian Varquez). Come makes us human. Jada Perry (11) - Love is life. HOME PAGE 2 Editorial: Coping With the Dog Days By Evan W. Lee / Editor-in-Chief In my experience, RHS in the homework late in the night and losing month of February is not always the sleep. SPARTUSSPARTUS Editor-In-Chief most energizing place to be. It’s sort In my book, personal hygiene Evan Lee of that lull in the year. The weather is relates directly to happiness. During Assistant Editors cold all of February, and there isn’t the month of February it is flu season, Assistant Editors Ryan Hurdle much hope for the future because it’s so I enjoy brushing my teeth extra Alexis Lee cold all of March, too. So as you sit in well because it makes me feel fresh your desks and breathe in dusty RHS and clean. Reporters air(the building is almost 56 years Another thing I enjoy doing is Jennifer Adame, Anthony old), try to find things to keep your- exercising, whether it be at basket- Adauto, Jonathan Aguilera, self positive. ball practice or on my own. Getting a Bryan Croce, Marilyn Darko, To make the month of Febru- good sweat in usually makes me feel Charlotte Doyle, Daniel Ford, ary a better month, I like to eat good less tired and gives me more energy. Gregory Guillen, Joshua Lee, food. Typically eating fruits and One thing to be wary of though, if you Valerie Loehman, Abagail Lopez, vegetables gives me energy and help exercise at the school, is to wear a Joel Lopez, Gisselle Martinez, me focus. I also drink a lot of water. sweatshirt or something warm, Madison Massaro, Aaron Novak, Usually, if I do not drink water I get because it is cold at the school and is Clorissa O’Brien, Paula Ornelas, headaches. uncomfortable to be dripping sweat Joseph Otchere, Kofi Owusu- ansah, Joshua Pineda, Mary During school, and some- one minute then the next be freezing. Ridderhoff, Paulina Sledz, James times after, I enjoy reading books Another thing I enjoy doing is Smallwood, Michael Spillman because books are a good rest for the spending time with my siblings. Photographer mind. I usually like reading books We’ll usually talk or watch cartoons Mary Ridderhoff about politics, but I do enjoy a good together. It is healthy for the mind to story. I also like to play phone games communicate with others on a daily Advisor because they are good for relieving basis. On warmer days I enjoy going Mr. Chuck Niebling Literacy Administrator stress after taking tests or hard outside. It is always motivating to see Ms. Kristin Augle quizzes. the sun when it is the middle of Department Chair After school I like to do my Winter. Ms. Elizabeth Birmingham Special Thanks to homework and eat snacks. Doing my As February and March pass, The Print Shop homework right after school usually and we wait for Spring and warm helps me have a good understanding weather, remember to keep yourself The SPARTUS is the student of the material because I can take my positive . . . and to hydrate. <3 newsmagazine of Romeoville High time. It also stops me from doing my School and is published for the students, staff, and residents of the RHS atten- dance district. Editorial content is solely the opinion of the staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, or any organi- zations other than the SPARTUS. As the SPARTUS is an open forum, letters to the editor, independent features, and guest editorials are invited and encouraged. They can be given to any SPARTUS member or placed in the mailbox outside room 42. Names must accompany all submissions; but, they can be withheld on request. 3 NEWS & NOTES The Facts and Warning Signs Associated with Suicide By Valerie Loehman What might come to a them is contemplating suicide. For A lot of people are scared to surprise for most people is a very example, if you see that a person’s tell someone when they think a friend heartbreaking static, suicide is the mood has drastically changed - such or classmate is going through these 10th leading cause of death in the as losing interest in things he/she type of emotions and thoughts and United States and each year the once enjoyed, overreacting to situa- that’s where people make a mistake. problem becomes more and more tions, and talking about giving up - or Even if you have a slight feeling you serious. a change in the way they talk. A should contact an adult or even the Suicide takes the lives of person battling suicidal thoughts police if necessary. For those who are more than 44,000 people in the often has a tendency to talk a lot having any types of suicidal thoughts United States each year(about 123 about how their life is pointless and or are feeling uncomfortable there is a suicides each day), and for each how they don’t see their purpose in 24 hour Suicide Prevention Hotline person who commits suicide, 25 the world. (1-800-273-8255).They are avail- people have attempted to. According able 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to to the American Foundation for Suicide The Debate Continues help people and to just listen to what Prevention, in 2016 the highest age By Alexis Lee a person is going through and what group to commit suicide was people Among the many things that they have to say. from the ages of 45 to 54. Females of have come to a recent end—Obama’s all ages are more likely to have America, our hopes and dreams, Take Care of Yourself suicidal thoughts and attempt optimism for the future—Planned By Michael Spillman suicide, but the highest percent of Parenthood may soon join that group. From October of 2017 to Janu- suicide deaths are middle aged white It’s well known that Republi- ary, Influenza has spread like wildfire males; they account for 7 of 10 sui- cans are typically against abortion, throughout theUnited States. For the cides. More than half of suicide which pushes them from supporting first time in 13 years, all 50 states are deaths are by firearms, then next was Planned Parenthood. With Trump’s experiencing widespread flu activity. suffocating (including hanging) then presidency, many fear the shutdown The virus has spread so much poisoning ( overdose). of this organization. When Vice- that the CDC has declared this Every day people around us President Mike Pence was Governor outbreak an epidemic and have urged are suffering from depression, along of Indiana, he enacted some of the those who have not yet gotten a flu with having suicidal thoughts or even strictest abortion laws in the country. shot to get vaccinated. The reason actions and it’s important that people What would this defunding this flu season has been so bad is recognize signs that someone close to mean for the women and families who because of H3N2, a strain of the flu seek care from this organization? that is much more aggressive than Many low-income women will not be the regular strand, is only success- Stop the able to receive the services that they fully targeted by vaccines in about formerly could, including access to 30% of cases, according to the CDC. Bullying birth control and abortions. They also If you get flu symptoms such provide clinical breast examinations, as a sudden fever, cough, body aches cervical cancer screenings, preg- and headache, check with your nancy testing, testing and treatment doctor. You might benefit from an for STD’s, and LGBT services. antiviral medication (those work just While Republicans want to fine against this year’s H3N2 strain, end funding for Planned Parenthood, testing shows). they won’t leave us with nothing. The hospitalization rate is They want to institute federal com- currently at 22.7 people per 100,000 munity health centers. However, U.S. residents. However, there have these centers would not provide not been a larger number of deaths For more information or to abortion, and will have to see every- due to thisepidemic - only 30 child Report Bullying & one for everything. With their deaths so far this year. While tragic, Safety Concerns services and funding going towards this number is not out of the ordinary. more things, the one thing that So remember to cover your Planned Parenthood provided for— coughs and wash your hands often. www.vvsd.org/rhs reproductive health care—may be And if you are sick enough to or talk to a staff member overlooked. suspect the flu, STAY HOME. NEWS 4 Technology Overuse Becoming a Social Problem By Madison Massaro Some of Apple’s most powerful ogy is more accessible than ever, the that are heavy users of social media investors, the California State Teachers’ investors found that students were have a 27% higher risk of depression Retirement System and Jana Partners being less attentive in class, getting compared to those that are less LLC, are beginning to voice their insufficient amounts of sleep, and at active with their smartphone and concerns in what they see as a huge higher risks for things such as depres- more active in sports and activities. threat to the future of the lives of sion and suicide. Whether or not Apple will youth: addiction to their iPhones. Through psychological studies make advances to slow the harmful In an open letter written to on mental health for smartphone effects of addiction on the youth, only Apple, the investors called for more users, researchers found undeniable time will tell. But for now and the strict parental controls in order to proof that extended phone use has near future, the habit of using limit the use of smartphones and all had a negative effect on developing smartphones as a means of enter- that is available on them, essentially minds. Research at the University of tainment and networking will wanting parents to have access to Alberta found that eighth graders continue. shut down some of the functions. A point made in the letter said The Alarming Rise of the Dark Web “We believe that addressing this By Dan Ford issue now will enhance long-term The dark web is a hidden Cryptocurrency is a form of money value for all shareholders, by creating section of the world wide web that can that can only be accessed and used more choices and options for your only be accessed by a special soft- online and is not managed by a customers today and helping to ware. It works the same as the normal single entity. In other words, the web except some sites are hidden and government doesn’t have any control protect the next generation of lead- you need the exact address of the site over it. ers, innovators, and customers to access it. The most popular crypto- tomorrow.” Some of these sites are currency on the dark web is Bitcoin. In a generation where technol- darknet markets. Most of these Bitcoin has been around since 2009. markets are used for the sale of illegal At first it was very cheap but in 2017, Facebook Changes products such as drugs and firearms. the price of one Bitcoin skyrocketed On the Way There is even an assassination market to almost $20,000. By Joel Lopez where an individual could hire an The value of Bitcoin is entirely Users will be surprised to hear assassin to kill somebody. Terrorists determined by the price people are Facebook is making some big use the dark web to communicate willing to pay for it. The amount of changes in 2018 that will affect over plans. Users of the dark web typically people buying Bitcoin went from two billion people. want to remain hidden and anony- around 6 million in 2009, to around Though Instagram, Snapchat, and mous from the government and law 20 million by the end of 2017. This Twitter are the new thing, Facebook is enforcement. contributed to the huge rise in price. not giving up, and is changing for the To pay for the services and Cryptocurrencies might better. Its creator Mark Zuckerberg, products of the dark web you would become as big as the stock market in said: “The world feels anxious and have to use cryptocurrency. the future, and the darkweb - the divided, and Facebook has a lot of world’s new Costco. work to do whether it’s protecting our number of big tech companies and community from abuse and hate, governments using technology to defending against interference by watch their citizens, many people now nation states, or making sure that believe technology only centralizes time spent on Facebook is time well power rather than decentralizes it,” spent.” said Zuckerberg. Alot is going to happen, and They go on explaining how they are taking action to save what strengthening relationships is key, Facebook was really meant to be - a and that’s what fixing Facebook will sociable site for interaction. Ever do, or that’s what the creators hope to since posts from businesses, brands, accomplish- strengthening their and media showed up with fake news, users with the connect between it has lowered Facebook’s popularity. Facebook and each other in a positive, “With the rise of a small safe, and enjoyable way. 5 ISSUES TPS: Providing Safety, Relief, and Refuge . . . Temporarily By Aaron Novak TPS stands for Temporary Administration to January 5, 2019. residency protections in 1990 amid Protected Status. The Secretary of The DHS first granted temporary El Salvador’s brutal civil war. The Homeland Security may designate a residency to Nicaraguans in 1999 program expired in 1994, but seven foreign country for TPS due to following the devastation wreaked years later, President George W. conditions in the country that tempo- throughout Central America by Bush allowed as many as 150,000 rarily prevent the country’s nationals Hurricane Mitch. This affects Salvadorans to stay in the US legally from returning safely, or in certain roughly 5,300 Nicaraguans. following deadly earthquakes that circumstances, where the country is Next is Haiti ending July 22, ravaged most of El Salvador. unable to handle the return of its 2019. TPS was granted to the country The program was continu- nationals adequately. USCIS may following the massive earthquake ously extended by Presidents Bush grant TPS to eligible nationals of that killed at least 100,000 people in and Obama until the Trump Admin- certain countries (or parts of coun- 2010. This will effect 59,000 istration said that it would give tries), who are already in the United Haitions. Salvadorans 18 months to figure out States. Eligible individuals without Last is El Salvador. TPS will what to do. Staying, however, does not nationality who last resided in the end on September 9, 2019. Salvador- appear to be an option in today’s designated country may also be ans were first granted temporary political climate. granted TPS. Reasons for TPS to be designated The Hidden Costs of Our Electronics to a country are: Ongoing armed By Joseph Otchere conflict (such as civil war), an A wise man named Uncle ficed. In order to make millions, environmental disaster (such as Ben once said: “With great power manufacturers must sacrifice the earthquake or hurricane), or an comes great responsibility.” So for us ethical ramifications of toxic devices epidemic. During this designation to be able to use electronics, we and e-waste - even if it is not theirs to those in TPS can not be removed from should also bear the responsibility of sacrifice. the U.S, can get a employment knowing what to do with obsolete There have been many cases authorization document, may be technology and how to get rid of it so in which different technology compa- granted travel authorization and can it doesn’t cause a problem to others. nies illegally export their electronic not be detained by the DHS based on Computers, mobile devices, waste into poor countries. In Accra, their immigration status. and other hardware can contain a Ghana, there is a certain place where The countries currently variety of toxic and hazardous mate- old computers and machines are under TPS are El Salvador, Haiti, rials. The phone in your pocket is taken and destroyed. This has caused Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Soma- made up of precious metals. A circuit the site to be completely destroyed lia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and board alone can contain the following with smoke rising and fires scattered Yemen, all for different reasons. materials: copper, gold, zinc, lead, around. Young kids, desperate for So why is this issue impor- and even lithium batteries. The same money, are forced to go onto this tant? The Department of Homeland goes for the chromebook in your book destructive, dangerous site to retrieve Security has announced that it will bag. The question posed is whether or materials like copper. Unfortunately, end TPS for four countries, El Salva- not it is ethical for manufacturers to this isn’t a concern for manufacturers. dor, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan, at continue to use hazardous materials The only thing manufacturers are various upcoming dates. The first is in their products. concerned with is profit. Sudan, who will lose TPS status on There is a huge flaw in that We as consumers should November 2, 2018, affecting about kind of questioning. The world is not take it into our hands to find a solu- 1,050 people. Sudan was first added a sympathetic place. It is a harsh, tion to this issue and spread aware- in 1999 based on security concerns cruel world where, just as there are ness. By simply googling “E-waste amid ongoing violence in that coun- people at the top of the hierarchy, recycling near me,” one could locate try. The then acting DHS Secretary there need to be people at the bot- a site. And if a person really wanted cited in September of last year that tom. To gain something, something to be top-notch, they could kill two conditions had improved. must be sacrificed. The most impor- birds with one stone by recycling Next is Nicaragua. It offi- tant fundamental principle I learned their worn out electronics and donat- cially ended on January 5 of this year through watching anime is that, ing the money they get back to a but was extended by the Trump things cannot be produced out of thin charity. A win-win situation. air without something being sacri- ISSUES 6 Another Example of Just What One Man Can Do By Ryan J. Hurdle Lin-Manuel Miranda is a Moana. He was won three Tony Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) man who wears many hats but only Awards, two Grammy Awards, an people donated 36 thousand toys, one sweater. Since 2008 he has been Emmy, and a Pulitzer Prize: all while exceeding the initial goal of 10 changing the world for the better setting the much-needed example thousand significantly. with everything he writes, performs, for more racially diverse casts on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s or tweets. Broadway. work in art and in humanity help When the world needs Lin uses his incredible change people’s lives. With every- some positivity, it seems like talents to help do the right thing that thing he does he proves why so many Miranda always delivers. Miranda is needed. Being of Puerto Rican people look up to him and never for was first successful when he wrote descent and being compassionate, he just a singular reason. He’s a positive and starred in the Broadway musical felt very strongly about the lack of influence in this world and should not In The Heights, which tells the story of government support to the island be taken for granted; people like him, what it’s like to live in the neighbor- after Hurricane Maria and he wrote who make so many different aspects hood he was brought up in, Wash- “Almost Like Praying” featuring of the world better, do not come ington Heights, New York City. This countless other Hispanic artists such around very often. show celebrated the diversity of the as Jennifer Lopez and Gloria Estefan. neighborhood using many genres All of the proceeds from this song Time to End This By Paulina Sledz such as hip hop and latin music. went straight to hurricane relief. Sexual harassment is a form In the last couple of years, Over the holidays, he also of sex discrimination that violates Miranda also wrote one of the biggest partnered with Toys-R-Us for a toy- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of hits in Broadway history, Hamilton, and drive titled Toys 4 Puerto Rico. For 1964. Very generally, sexual harass- he wrote the music for Disney’s the celebration of Dia de los Tres ment describes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, Why Puerto Rico is Still Suffering or other verbal or physical conduct of By Abagail Lopez a sexual nature. Hurricane Maria, the most Maria, however, caused star- A survey conducted by devastating hurricane to hit Puerto tling damage to the island’s power Cosmopolitan revealed that 1 in 3 Rico to date, occurred over two grid, endangering many of the women between ages 18-34 have months ago, and half of the island is residents in the mountainous terrain. been sexually harassed in the work- still without power and sufficient Residents are now without the power place. Only 29% of women reported aide. to call assistance to their homes and that harrassment, which could be an The small island is inhab- unable to safely maneuver themselves indication that women are scared to ited by over three million American to the few doctors available or a more stand up for themselves because they citizens, many of whom have adapted stable shelter. are usually just shut back down. to life without electricity of any kind, Because Puerto Ricans have Although it is more com- even though they were promised near been without power for so long after mon for women to be harassed by complete restoration weeks ago. The restoration was promised, and the men, the same situation may happen limited number of U.S. troops sent economic decline that hurricanes vice versa and it is also possible for from the mainland to assist in tasks Irma and Maria have accelerated, people to get harassed by someone of such as setting up electrical lines many have been forced to leave and the same sex. may have to do with the delay, along are migrating to the mainland, with the fact that this is the largest primarily settling in Florida. Sexual harassment is not blackout in American history. The number of families forced to just physical, it can also be via When President Trump pick up their lives and begin again in internet, text, etc. which happens visited the island to see the damage the face of the devastation is truly almost all of the time. Over 80% of for himself, he remarked that the inspiring. We should look to them as women have experienced harassment storm wasn’t “a real catastrophe” an example, as they should be able to in a verbal form. compared to Hurricane Katrina in look to us for aide. The time has come to end 2005 based on the huge difference in sexual harassment. It been going on death tolls. too long. 7 SENIOR SNAPSHOTS Ms. Michelle Siy Mr. Ian Varquez By Abagail Lopez By Paula Ornelas Never will you meet a more considerate, reliable, From his unrivaled motivation to his exquisite and truly unique person than Michelle Siy. She has a puns, Ian Varquez is a model Spartan and an amazing tremendous heart and her mind is ever growing, acting as friend to all who have the pleasure of knowing him. an inspiration for diligence and character. “Ian is one of the most naturally funny people I’ve Close friend Angelica Molen (12) can testify ever met, but on top of that he’s talented, hardworking, Michelle’s bubbly personality. “She lights up any room and genuinely cares about his friends. No matter how she walks in. I’m grateful to have seen her grow up into busy he is, he always finds time to talk or help a friend in the amazing woman she is. Her future is bright and I am need,” said Peyton Camden (11). very excited for her.” Throughout his high school career Ian has spent Michelle has worked hard her four years at RHS, and this year takes a combination of challenging classes his time wisely, taking classes that he knows will provide such as AP Art History, AP English 12, Honors French the challenge he desires. This semester his schedule is IV, Statistics, Creative Writing, Wind Symphony, and packed full of classes like AP statistics, AP Euro, an array aiding for Dr. Moro’s AP European History class (which of music classes, and even an eighth hour class, in which she took as a junior). She has also added Painting to her he can showcase his voice in Madrigals. Ian is also the schedule as an after school class this semester. winner of the talent portion of this years Mr. RHS pag- After playing Badminton for three years, and eant, where he once again presented his remarkable voice doing Cross Country for one, Michelle has embraced as well as his skills on ukulele. Band by spending her last year totally committed. She is Although this may seem like more than enough to first chair in Concert Band and in the pit for keep the average student busy, the RHS musical. She has also enjoyed being Ian’s day doesn’t stop there. the Varsity Wrestling Manager. After school he takes part in As for life after RHS, Michelle is practicing for the upcoming currently deciding between DePaul and musical, percussion, and North Central, and considering a double tennis. major in History and Education. Although After RHS Ian plans she’s leaning towards North Central, no to study nursing, and is consid- decisions have been made yet. ering pursuing his studies at Before departing from RHS, Lewis University. Michelle has a few words of advice: Ian leaves the stu- “Beatles. White Album. Track 12. Okay, dents and staff of RHS with okay, seriously. Never underestimate the these few words of advice: staff you love and that can change your life. “Take what you have and make Thank you Mr. A, Mr. Rose, Mr. Niebling, the best of it, you never know Dr. Moro, and Coach JANOWSKI!” who else will find joy in your talents.” Mr. Sir Muhammad By Valerie Loehman If you never met a person who brightens up every room they walk into, then you need to In addition to athletics, Sir has a full schedule meet Mr. Sir Muhammad. His goofy and outgoing energy starting with Anatomy ,Drawing 1, followed by Weights, makes him a pleasure to be friends with. Sociology and Writing for College. After Sir leaves high Sir is known to bring laughter and energy to classes school he plans to attend a four year university to major in and events. “Sir is not only a student who takes pride in physical therapy and continue either his football or track his work, but he is a kind,thoughtful hilarious young man. career. I am always happy to see him,” said English teacher Mrs. “That’s my brother from another mother, striving RyanFasano. for greatness in both our lives,” said best friend Xavier Besides being a good student, Sir is also an athlete. Jones(12). He is not only a Varsity football player but also a varsity When Sir was asked what he would leave saying to track star. Sir is also the girls basketball team manager all the students and upcoming students of RHS he said: here at RHS. “Don’t have any regrets once you finish.” CHATROOM 8 Mini-Opinion #1 What makes you cry yourself to sleep?

Lynette Lopez (11) - No erasers on my pencils. Humna Khan (12) - My grades. Brittney Leahy (12) - Harry Styles. Jocelyn Larios (12) - Being away from loved ones. Keniece Jones (12) - Feeling alone when you need someone to talk to. Miranda Valazquez (12) - Knowing my mom is sick and that people abuse dogs. Taron Norwood (11) - Better bassists than me. Brittany Osborne (12) - The flu. Mini-Opinion #2 Brianna Sanchez (12) - Knowing there’s school in the What does love smell like? morning. Maya Cruz (12) - That I’m not married to 50 cent. Emily Zimmer (11) - Home. Elvis Quiroz (12) - Too many things to count. Daniel Alonso (11) - Pancakes in the morning. Karina Delira (11) - Overthinking stuff. Riley Boyette (12) - Meijer Essential Oils. Alex Kvapil (12) - Not knowing what the future holds. Alyssa Krueger (11) - Wendy’s at 2 a.m. Eduardo Contreras (12) - Mr. Stefanski’s face. Edwin Quiroz (10) - Ketchup. Marissa Vercillo (11) - Sad dog videos. Mr. Stefanski (staff) - Newborn babies. Warren DeKire (11) - Knowing that I can never change Fernanda Ibanez (12) - Oreos. someone I once loved and overthinking about it. Lynette Lopez (11) - Sickeningly sweet. Sorie Yillah (12) - The reality that my alarm will ring in Abi Orfino (12) - Any food someone cooks for me. four hours. Laura Salazar (12) - Hot Cheetos. Joseph Anderson (9) - Missing the eclipse. Kevin Pacis (11) - Dryer sheets. Laura Salazar (12) - When my dog leaves my room. Tyler Horvath (12) - #10 from Wendy’s. Michelle Siy (12) - Was that Evan’s question? Teigen Glenke (11) - Mac & cheese. Carver Miller (11) - Grass and tulips. Sofia Ceballos (12) - Culver’s cheese curds. Jack Baker (12) - Garlic bread sticks. Abby Lopez (12) - Cotton candy. Samantha Galvaz (12) - Chlorine. Kelvin Asamoah (11) That’s a good question.

SPARTUS SURVEY What is the most romantic movie? . #1.Still . . . The Notebook #2. Across the Universe  #3. Titanic Other votes for: A Walk to Remember, Love and Basketball, Love Actually, Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Dancing, Pearl Harbor, and Sharknado. 9 CHATROOM And the Winner is . . . By Ryan J. Hurdle With the New Year comes a new schedule to celebrate some of the best things that entertain us. It’s award show season and the trophy winning has already begun. The season started with Late Night star, Seth Meyers, hosting the Golden Globes. Given the current situation of sexual harassment in Hollywood (and every- where, really), many of the women that night united by wearing black and saying things that needed to be said in acceptances speeches and other times they had a micro- Come see phone in front of them. Come see Oscar nominations were announced on Jan. 23 and, as one could expect, they consisted of a lot of the The WIZ! same nominees and winners of the aforementioned awards. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the second con- secutive time, all went well and there was no confusion like the previous year. A Little Valentine’s Day Trivia The award show that is perhaps most appealing to By Charlotte Doyle the youth was the Grammys. Kendrick Lamar opened the If there’s one holiday that’s all about candy, it has to show with an excitingly artistic performance that featured be Valentine’s Day. Sure Easter and Christmas have their appearances from Dave Chappelle and U2. Jay-Z had the fair share of chocolates, but Feb. 14 is the day to show most nominations this year but went home empty- others how much you care by showering them with sugar. handed. Bruno Mars won many awards including Album And the top 10 candies according to the Daily Meal: of the Year 24K Magic and got the crowd moving to #10: Valentine’s Day Dots “Finesse” featuring Cardi B. Childish Gambino gave a #9: Cinnamon Bears (gummy bears that are red in color very groovy performance of “Terrified” and won Best with a little bit of spice to them.) Traditional R&B Performance for “Redbone” and Kesha #8: Candy necklaces, which are like the ones that chil- made people cry with her emotional performance of dren wear and are typically chalky “Praying.” The lovable James Corden hosted and supplied #7: Skittles viewers with a different take on his popular Carpool #6: Dove chocolates. Karaoke. #5: Nerds The next big show was the SAG Awards. For the #4: Hershey Kisses, cliche. first time at the Screen Actors Guild Awards there was a #3: Lindor Truffles host, Kristen Bell. It was broadcasted on TBS and TNT. #2: M&M’s. Perhaps the biggest disappointment of an And #1: the traditional Conversation Hearts award show was the Fake News Awards that the president kept tweeting about for the first two weeks of 2018. Instead of a televised event, it ended up being just a list full of emphatical capitalization on certain words in sentences like, “Washington Post FALSELY reported the president’s massive sold-out rally in Pensacola, Florida was empty.” This among other “award”-winning mistakes, was later corrected and the reporter apologized for his mistake. Apologies were obviously not something that have been considered in the Trump administration. Award shows are great for wasting a night away, watching the same people go up on a stage, and distract- ing people from all of the news that Americans can’t get away from everyday in this country. GROUPWORK 10 LASO We’re ALL Just One Big Group By Jennifer Adame By Paulina Sledz Here is an easy way to get involved and have fun here Citizens of the United States continue to define at RHS. Join LASO, sponsored by Mrs. Town and Mrs. the country based on their personal opinions. And there Lynch. are thousands of subcultures all throughout the country - LASO stands for Latin American Student Organi- which makes it easy for people to try and judge every zation and the purpose of the group is to bring together group they can. Since citizens know almost nothing about different racial groups. They have meetings on Thursdays, most of these subcultures, it makes no sense as to why once a month. At the meetings you can hang out with they need to judge. friends and have great discussions. The fact that citizens are so quick to try and Dail Quiroz, a senior here at RHS, has been part of dismiss almost every group that does not meet their the club for two years and he states “the field trips we take perfect image of the country makes it easy for them to also are great and are my favorite part of the club.” dismiss people who do not agree with them. LASO is a great place to get involved and meet new Feeling superior to everyone else, many Ameri- great people and students are encouraged to check the cans believe they know what is best for the country. But club out. rying to make the country perfect in their perspective may SPEECH TEAM not be the perfect image to someone else. By Mary Ridderhoff Defining America is what people do every day, Speech team is a place for people to come and yet no one seems to notice or realize how much of a big practice their speaking skills, make friends, and compete deal it is. Being incredibly judgemental will do no good for in competitions. the person - or for the country. Meeting in room 15 two times a week, members practice their different pieces such as radio, previous speeches, and comedy skits. They then perform their pieces in competitions against different schools in hopes of making it to a conference meet. Mrs. Higgins, sponsor, had a lot to say about what kids can gain from coming to speech team. “We don’t talk in front of a large group of people, so kids shouldn’t be afraid to join. It will help them in the future with college and getting jobs.” R.I.G.H.T. Lockport #1 Driving School By Marilyn Darko R.I.G.H.T. (Really Intelligent 30 hour class & Girls Hang Together) is helping 12 hours BTW: $399. young women at RHS become better people, one meeting at a time. The last meeting was a panel with 3 boy BTW only: $299. speakers who were allowed to debate with the girls on what to avoid, time management and ways to be success- ful in a relationship in today’s genera- Classes Available All Year Long tion. The next meeting will be held on February 22nd in room 143. The $20 OFF with this ad meeting will be about peer pressure and choosing friends wisely. All girls are welcome. For more information call: 815-531-2651 11 GROUPWORK Best Buddies Making a Difference By Michael Spillman Chess Team Challenge By Alexis Lee Best Buddies is a club at would be worn (if within school dress Skill, patience, the ability to RHS that promotes One-on-One code.) It’s always a terrific event and think ahead, the mindset to face an friendships for students with special food will be provided. equally talented opponent - these are needs and intellec- all required of great chess players, tual disabilities, and the players on the RHS Chess Team helping those lack nothing except recognition. students improve While they aren’t state their social skills champions, they still work hard to and life skills. Not play a game they thoroughly enjoy. only that, but the Jacob Salazar (12), joined the team because he “liked the competition.” program also Dariel Alonso (11), said that he likes spreads awareness chess “because it’s a lot like life, one and acceptance wrong move and it’s over, different across the commu- games lead up to nity. different endings.” For the month of February, The chess Best Buddies have 2 events planned. team doesn’t let On February 12, “Monday Funday” anyone get in the went from 2:00-4:30 after school in way of their love for room 500, and on February 24, the the game, and they Buddy Ball goes from 5:30-8:30pm put in their all to after school. play something that most people Monday funday is a these days would monthly activity where students struggle with just gather with their peers and do many understanding. fun activities. Last month, Students decorated cookies. Anime Club Making an Impression The Buddy Ball is a formal By Joshua Lee event, meaning homecoming attire Anime Club is in its second also have had cosplay contests. They year here at RHS and has been also don’t focus just on Anime, they SADD’s Mission Anime-ing well thus far. have incorporated other genres and By Ricky Smallwood “I want Anime Club to be a characters from shows and films such SADD’s mission is to place where any student can come, as Deadpool, Dr. Who, and Harry Potter. empower young people to success- feel comfortable, and have a creative Anime Club has around 20- fully confront the risks and pressures outlet,” said Sponsor, Mrs. Pryor. 30 members and they try to meet that challenge them throughout their While the name may seem once a month, usually around the daily lives. SADD also fosters a sense linear, Anime Club is more than just middle of the month on a Monday. of belonging and promotes residency, watching anime; they have sculpted Anime Club has many Artists, leadership, and advocacy skills so clay models of characters, have done Cosplayers, Gamers, and all sorts of that young people make positive life speed-drawing contests, and they people. “It’s a place where students decisions. can hang out and be SADD stands for Spartans themselves,” said Pryor. Against Destructive Decisions. Currently Anime Club is the club is collecting data from staff always trying to be more and students on how many of them involved at RHS doing wear their seatbelts arriving to school. stuff like fundraising or Coming up they are doing a participating in events program called “Take a pledge, be a such as the Carnival. If it sucker.” Club members will be sounds interesting to handing out contracts during lunch you, see Mrs. Pryor in for students to agree to no texting room 40. and driving. In return, they receive a sucker and help make the roads safer. SPORTS BRIEFS 12 Late Inserted Editor’s Note: GIRLS BASKETBALL WRESTLING As we closed this issue on Feb 2, and By Madison Massaro By Dan Ford faced a few delays and a snow day in The RHS girls basketball team The Spartan wrestlers have is closing out what was an up and been performing well all season. In printing, much of this information may well down season. Being the only senior on be in the past tense. So we will just say four tournaments this year, the team the team, Brittany Osborne has had has placed in three of them. “Good Luck” and “Great Season” and hope to play a major part in leading the At the Prairie Central Invite, for the best. young team. they placed third. At the Kaneland “Although our record may not Invite, they also placed third thanks to BOYS BASKETBALL show what we want, our team chem- all nine wrestlers medaling in their By Evan W. Lee istry has improved tremendously individual weight classes. In order to The Basketball season is throughout the season. Something medal, one must place in the top four coming to an end, and the team is new clicks each practice and I think of their weight class. The team also pushing for a run to state. things will only improve from here. placed second at the Rich East Invite. “We have a huge goal in We are hoping for the best for the Head Coach Dellamorte consid- mind as the season concludes and remainder of the season,” said ers three athletes leaders of the team will all have to unite and approach Osborne. based on their performance and this journey as a family! This will The team has developing talent dedication. Those three are Kaleb include a big push from our 6th man, that should catch attention in up- Zeffield (11), River Kowal (11), and the Orange Crush,” said Head Coach coming years. The girls will play in Gianni Ruiz (12). The team wouldn’t Howard. the first round of the IHSA State be able to have the success they’re With a record of 16-5, the team Tournament beginning on Feb. 12. having without these leaders. has the second best record in confer- ence. With a few games left, the POWERLIFTING GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW By Anthony Adauto team is looking to steal the top spot By Joel Lopez from Joliet Central. Romeoville is also The RHS Powerlifting team Waking up early for morning projected to be a high seed in the is preparing for its second year of practices and putting 110 percent Sectional, and Sectionals are going to competitions. After a rather success- into training, Head Coach Girls be hosted at RHS. If everything falls ful year in 2017, with many competi- Varsity Soccer, Mr. Wicyk, says that right, Romeoville will have a major tors taking first place at the Stagg he sees a hardworking team with home court advantage. meet, the team looks to come back potential. “Play as a team, win as a team,” even stronger. “Last year we lost those big four said Captain Eddie Creal(12). “I’m looking forward to our 2nd seniors who kind of led the way for ( and by the way, Evan Lee(12) year together. We’ve got a lot of four years so it’s gonna be interesting leads the team in three point field strong kids on the team and I feel like who steps up this year to be a leader.” goal percentage, shooting 100% from we can compete,” said powerlifting “We need to improve on push- the three point line. Incredible. coach Mrs. Melissa Zimmer. ing ourselves past our limits. We Amazing. Wow.) The Stagg meet will be Satur- can’t give up and slow down regard- The boys last regular season day, February 24, and the IHSA less of the score; we need to always home game is February 20, which is State Powerlifting meet will take give it our all and only then we will also senior night. Come out and place on May 5 at New Trier High succeed,” said Jennifer Rodriguez 12. support the team. School.

Imagine ALL the People, Living Life in Peace, and Harmony . . . and Love. .