Who’s the new guy in the office? - 2 •Coping with grief - 4 the • The worst dates Illiana students have experienced - 5 • Planning the perfect homecoming night - 6 • Find out who the athletes of the month are - 7 • )) Stay up to date with the growth coming from the hydroponic system - 3 EchIlliana Christian High o School ) Volume 73 Issue 5 January 25, 2019 Dyer, Indiana Veterans honored at Chicago Christian DJ Gladney Reporter Lauren Woo Reporter

The Illiana varsity boys basket- ball team played Chicago Christian in a special Veteran’s Day event called Vikings and Knights Unite on Jan 11. The game featured a USA Loud Crowd theme for both schools, and the Indiana National Guard provided camouflage and white jerseys for the Illiana team. Veterans stand at attention during the National Anthem before the game. Photo by Jenna Dutton “The National Guard ap- proached us with the uniforms,” Il- a dinner before the game and given a come together for this event.” tive effort from both sides. ball game itself, still everyone had liana marketing director, Mrs. Jenna coffee mug to take home. Daniel Chandler, a senior on Il- At halftime, there were a num- a pretty good time. Dutton said. The jerseys, which were Damon Gladney, a veteran who liana’s basketball team, said, “It felt ber of activities that took place regard- The atmosphere was rented out to Illiana, sparked the idea attended the game, said, “It feels nice, amazing putting on the uniform to per- ing to the rivalry. First Chicago Chris- fierce and very loud as both to have a game devoted to honoring feels good to have people appreciate form in front of [the veterans]. It made tian’s cheer team did its cheer routine. teams chanted things that veterans. what you did for the country.” the team want to play hard.” After that both sides had an arm wres- would motivate their team to Dutton contacted Chicago Chris- “The National Guard would love During the game cheerleaders tling competition. One boy and one girl win. The Illiana and Chicago tian, who hosted the game, and both to do this every year,” Dutton said. “I’d for both teams had their annual tradi- were taken from each side to compete, Christian rivalry is something schools invited veterans. love to make this an annual thing. If tion where they have a stand off to see resulting in an Illiana win. that can’t be outmatched and “Seventy-nine veterans attend- not with Chicago Christian, then an- who could last longer. Illiana’s cheer Even though our Vikings did something everyone looks ed,” Dutton said. They were served other school where we’re rivals but can team won but it was a great competi- not come out on top in the basket- forward to every year.

ternoon class it would be $250 Viking Academy offers per week,” said Siersema. Students advocate The program also serves as a revenue and admissions middle schoolers generator for Illiana, though for unborn in D.C. that is not the main purpose Nina Verhagen decision that made abortion le- summer classes of the program, according to Reporter gal. Early in the morning, the stu- Kylie Boss Lance Davids. According to Siersema. “It will be an ex- Davids, high school students citing opportunity for Illiana Benjamin Wheeler dents joined other protesters near the Co-news Editor can also work at the camps. to branch out to the feeder Reporter Washington Monument where they heard form an array of speakers in- Illiana is creating a new “...You can be an aid in schools and the whole Dyer- 36 Illiana students joined cluding Vice President Mike Pence summer program for elemen- one of the classrooms, help St. John area,” said Siersema. about 500,000 on Jan. 18 for the before the march kicked off. After- tary and middle school stu- out with lunch, or just super- The academic classes annual protest march that marks ward, they marched to Capitol Hill. dents in July of 2019. The vise,” added Davids. and sports classes will also the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Turn to Marchers, Page 3 new summer camp program Davids said he got the be spread out during the day, will be called the Viking idea from looking at differ- so students have plenty of Academy, and it is open to ent schools who have this options besides sport camps any student fourth grade kind of program in the sum- during the day, according to through eighth grade, as well mer. “It will be something Davids. Davids also added as high schoolers, according that will grow tremendous- that students will be separat- to principal Peter Boonstra. ly,” said Davids. ed into different age groups: The program originates Each three-hour class high schoolers, sixth through from the previous athletic will start at $125 and will eighth grade, fourth through summer camps, according to be one week long, according fifth grade or altogether Boonstra, but the new pro- to Director of Development fourth through eighth grade. gram will not only include Cassie Siersema. After the Math Teacher Doug athletic training, but also morning class, an optional Gorter is waiting for his will possibly include STEM, lunch will be provided, but hiking class at Viking Acad- sewing, Go Club and hiking for an additional fee, said emy to be approved by the camps. Illiana teachers will Siersema. Certain classes school board. The class, if lead most of the camps, but also may cost more if special approved, plans to venture some of the camps might supplies are needed, added to Starved Rock, Turkey also be led by off campus Siersema. Run and somewhere along Photo by Cate Peerbolte teachers, according to spiri- “If [a student] would take Lake Michigan, according Mr. White and over thirty Illiana students join with about 500,000 oth- tual development director the morning class and the af- to Gorter. ers to march for life in Washington, D.C.. 2 News ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ shows artists’ music and actions intertwine n Jan. 3 Lifetime aired a documentary series entitled “Surviving R Kelly” which brought Oto light horror stories of girls and women who had allegedly been abused by the R&B singer. After watching the six part series, it became clear R Kelly is inseparable from his “art.” The stories of the al- leged victims clearly highlight he has no re- gard for these women - he never has and he never will. I don’t care how many “inspir- ing” songs he puts out, there is nothing re- deemable about Natalie Togtman him. There are still reasons to Arts Editor be concerned Photo by Cate Peerbolt e such as the The Library of Congress stands empty behind a roped-off entrance because of the partial government shutdown. claim that R Kelly may still be holding women cap- tive in one of his homes. sophomore Olivia Yonkman’s Unfortunately after the premier of the docuse- Government shutdown affects Illiana father, Chris, a Chief for Trade ries there was an increase in the streaming of R Kelly’s Field Intelligence, is also cur- music. While I am not surprised, I am disheartened. rently deemed essential. At this point we are supposed to be better than families, instills fear, uncertainty “Right now, it’s okay. It’s a that. At this point we need to be more honest with our- pain, obviously, because he’s go- selves. We need to stop putting his music above his Taylor Benes zine, the government is supposed Aaron Tambrini, sopho- ing to work and not getting paid alleged victims. Reporter to be funded annually by Con- more Olivia Tambrini’s father, for all the stuff he’s doing. It’ll I, like many, at one point convinced myself I gress passing 12 appropriations works for the Department of happen eventually, and then it’ll could listen to an artist’s music without thinking/car- As of Wednesday, Jan. 23, bills to fund all the different gov- Commerce and is currently be back to normal, but he’s a lit- ing about the alleged deeds done by the person. But, the federal government has been ernment agencies. If this process working without pay. tle on edge,” Erin Yonkman said. we can’t. partially shut down for 33 days, is not completed by Oct. 1, the “Everyone I work with Yonkman analyzes risk The docuseries does an amazing job at high- affecting over 800,000 federal government partially or com- doesn’t know when our next in the product import pro- lighting that R Kelly and his music are intertwined. workers in nine federal agencies. pletely shuts down. paycheck is coming,” Tambrini cess. He confirms that im- This should have became clear when he began call- Dec. 22 marked the begin- Some government employ- said. “It’s hard to judge how ports aren’t counterfeit and ing himself the “Pied Piper,” an allusion to a children’s ning of the current shutdown. ees have noted that this shutdown much to spend and how much to that people aren’t avoiding tale in Germany about a man who lured away children Congress and the administration is worse than past ones because save.” paying the actual import with his music. This should have became clear with failed to compromise on a pro- it’s gone on long enough to ac- Tambrini is deemed as an price. the 1993 track “Your Body’s Calling (His and hers ex- posed spending deal that would tually cause missed paychecks, essential worker, forcing him Erin added, “Right now, tended mix),”in which Aaliyah, another R&B singer include money for President creating financial insecurity for to go into work without being we have enough [money], at the time, who was only 14, sang on the track with Trump’s proposed wall on the employees and damaging mo- paid. so we aren’t behind on any- lines hinting at oral sex. There is no reason Aaliyah, 14, U.S.-Mexico border. rale in the workplace. “I go to work like normal, thing, but eventually, if he should have been singing on a track that sexual with This is the longest shutdown During partial shutdowns, but it’s harder to get things doesn’t get paid in a couple R Kelly, 26 at the time. If you need another reason R in United States history, surpass- some federal workers deemed done because we can’t spend of weeks, we’re going to Kelly should be turned off we cannot forget about the ing the 21-day long shutdown in “essential” are forced to work any money to buy things. have to move money around sex tape featuring a girl who was just 14 at the time. 1995 and 1996 during President without pay, which is what is We’re getting farther behind from different accounts to Sadly, due to the fact the girl herself denied it was her Bill Clinton’s first term. happening to two Illiana families, in work.” pay for tuition and normal on the tape, R Kelly was free to go with no real con- According to Time Maga- the Tambrinis and Yonkmans. Senior Erin Yonkman and bills.” sequences. It is a possibility it was not actually her on the tape, but we cannot rule out the possibility that R back here. He stated that he Kelly may have paid the victim and her family for Boer joins staff to manage Renweb use likes the mission of Illiana their silence. which is to show God’s love and understanding. It’s even harder to separate the man from his Madison Ceponis music when even his inspirational and positive works His path back began of music such as “You are not Alone,” are touched by Reporter when he saw the job opening sleeze. That song was allegedly dedicated to alleged posted in the bulletin at Beth- victim, Lizette Martinez, after she had suffered a mis- Mr. David Boer, alum- el Church in Lansing, where carriage during her relationship with Kelly which be- nus of 2012, took a position he is a part of the praise team. gan when she was just 17. Even his “positive” music in the school office late last Mr. Boer said he feels is rooted in wrongdoing. fall. blessed because God’s path You can’t separate Robert Kelly, the person, Mr. Boer has the respon- led him to develop new from R Kelly, the entertainer, and it’s frustrating and sibility of working with the skills, refine his talent and exhausting to have to reason with those who con- student information system, get a better understanding of tinue to believe R Kelly can be separated from his Renweb. He deals with stu- what it means to be a child of music. But we need to continue to use discernment dent, family and staff mem- God. because if people keep buying his music, they sup- ber records. These records He added that he enjoys ply him with more money and power, giving him hold attendance, academics, the kind and inviting atmo- the space to victimize girls and women with no real schedules and grades, church sphere of the school. He consequences. information, transcripts, con- stated that other office work- Unfortunately there’s no formula on how tacts and addresses. He up- ers treat him as if he was to decide when we let an artist go that has been dates, modifies, or removes a part of their family. He accused of years of abuse and pedophilia. But, it information in RenWeb, and said he enjoys continuing should go without saying when a man has been he also gives various people his education with his past accused, countless times, of pedophilia and other access to parts of RenWeb. teachers, asking questions forms of abuse, it’s time to turn his music off. Mr. Boer said that it was he didn’t think to ask in high Photo courtesy of David Boer a strange path that led him school. News 3 U of Washington study shows benefits of later school start times Maddie Holesinger the wrist monitors again. The also decreases the rhythm’s Co-Editor in Chief study revealed that even with sensitivity to light in the morn- the later start time, students did ing. These changes cause teens On Dec. 12, researchers not stay up significantly later. In to fall asleep later each night at the University of Washing- fact, with the later start times, and wake up later each morn- ton and the Salk Institute for students averaged an extra 34 ing relative to most children Biological Studies published a minutes of sleep, bringing their and adults. paper in the journal of Science average to seven hours and 24 In an interview with re- Advances about a sleep study minutes. In addition, academic porter James Urton, Gideon they did on students in the Se- performance, specifically in the Dunster, a University of Wash- attle Public School district. The students’ first period classes, in- ington doctoral student in biol- researchers found that students creased. ogy, said, “All of the studies of in two of the high schools got Researchers think cicadian adolescent sleep patterns in the more sleep when the school rhythms are likely the cause. United States are showing that start times were pushed back According to sciencedaily. the time at which teens gener- almost an hour later. com, the stirring of our circa- ally fall asleep is biologically Students in the two schools dian rhythms helps our minds determined — but the time at wore monitors around their and bodies maintain an inter- which they wake up is socially wrists to collect light and activ- nal “clock,” telling us when determined. This has severe ity data from subjects. Data was to eat, sleep, and so on. Our consequences for health and first collected from 92 students genes and external cues from well-being, because disrupted for two weeks when the school the environment, like sun- circadian rhythms can adverse- start time was still 7:50 a.m.. light, combine to maintain this ly affect digestion, heart rate, The school’s start time was steady schedule. But the onset body temperature, immune Researchers at the University of Washington found that in addition to pushed to 8:45 a.m., and seven of puberty lengthens the circa- system function, attention span gettting more sleep, students in a first period biology class saw the average months later 88 students wore dian cycle in adolescents and and mental health.” final grade increase by 4.5% with the delayed start time. Move to Indiana subtracts math team competitions Sophia Thompson gether. Mr. Gorter, head coach of the competition, however. The mathletes Reporter team, plans to conduct an in-school have been invited to compete at Lem- trigonometry competition this year, but ont High School on Jan. 30. The team Here’s one casualty from Illiana’s says he will have more information has competed at Lemont for many move to Indiana that no one calculat- later. years. ed—the math team. Senior Sam Boonstra said, “My Other past math team participants This year Illiana’s math team is disappointment at not having compe- are also disappointed that they will unable to compete due to the fact that titions is immense. I am pleased with have so few competitions. Sophomore Indiana does not have organized re- having had competitions for the past Simon Molenaar said he will miss the gional or state math competitions as three years, but I do pity the students downtime in between his events at Illinois does. who now won’t have the opportunity competitions because the team had fun The team has switched to just to compete.” by bringing games and other activities learning more math after school to- The team may get at least one to do between their tests. Drost, students Explore God through student participation in Chicago-wide faith discussion Photo by Haleigh Olthof Vegetables grow in a hydroponics apparatus in Sylvester’s classroom. Madison Rogers Reporter Science teachers test hydroponics History teacher Rachel Drost is leading a devotional study group for in preparation for ‘green room’ students as part of the Explore God through a club. According to initiative in the Chicagoland area. The Samuel Vargo Photo courtesy of Shine.fm Reporter Sylvester, “Students in the group meets once a week, usually ei- club will design their own ther Thursday or Friday, from 6:40 till The group watches videos about on in life. Even if a participant doesn’t Mr. Brian Sylvester, labs and solve problems to school starts. its weekly question and finishes the have anything to say, it still is a place head of the Science Depart- get the labs to operate cor- The group discusses seven big session with group discussion. This to listen. ment, and Mr. Jim Kuipers, rectly.” questions of life such as “What’s your groups allows the students to talk to Everyone is welcome to come chemistry teacher, started Kuipers and Sylvester purpose in life?” or “Is there a God?”. people their age about questions they whenever they please, for one session a hydroponics lab in their said they are using this lab Senior Rachel Huisman says the study share. or for all of them. For more informa- rooms this year. Both teach- as test run to see if they are is a safe place to ask questions about This group also prepares students tion on this group and how to join, ers are growing the same ready for the “green room” your faith. for wondering about their faith later speak with Mrs. Drost. vegetables: kale, lettuce, they hope they will get in the cherry tomatoes, basil, rad- coming years. The idea for ishes, and cucumbers. the green room first arose in Marchers join pro-life advocates in D.C. Hydroponics is a method 2017. Students, from page 1 many people support the pro- ception, had dinner, and then of growing plants in water “We think we have a Sophomore Sydnee Tuuk life movement and to see how strolled along Capitol Hill instead of soil. Hydroponics good idea of how to main- said, “It was such an amaz- many people want to create a to enjoy the lights. The next is a system where you can tain plants from this experi- ing experience.... You don't change.” morning they left early due to grow plants year round. ment, but we will not know really think that many people After the march the stu- severe snowstorm predictions. During the second se- for sure until we get the care about the same belief as dents toured the National “I thought the trip was mester, the teachers intend green room up and running,” you, about being pro-life. I Guard Museum and The Ba- awesome!” said chaperone Ra- to get students involved commented Sylvester. think it's amazing to see how silica of the Immaculate Con- chel Devries. 4 Feature Love advice: give up! It’s not worth it Previewing Valentine’s day with ’ve heard it multiple times: “Alex, I think I need to break up with my girlfriend. I don’t know, Ithough. Sometimes I think I love her, but some- Illiana’s worst date experiences times I’m not so sure. What should I do?”’ Newsflash! You don’t love her, and you should break up today! Breaking up is a great alternative to Dates so bad not breaking up: it’s neces- sary, it prevents divorce, they asked to and it’s what our founding fathers modeled. remain I should clarify: there

are some couples here at Il- Graph from “Bad Date Census” anonymous liana that are destined to The “Bad Date Census” asked respondents to rate their worst dates, five being “I’d go on another date with him/ Female, Senior He was be together, like her” and zero being “The date made me want to join my Savior in heaven.” Romaine lettuce speeding on the highway, go- and E. coli. This Dinner—and disappointment—for two ing almost 90. I told him to column’s not for slow down, and he said I was Max Klain, Senior It was really awkward because I knew I was going to break up with her and I felt so weird overreacting. Alex Wondaal you. I’m talking to the couples having dinner at her house. Co-Editor in Chief that argue about Female, Sophomore We things like matching ties with dresses at homecom- Hannah Last, Senior I went to Culver’s on my first date with this person. It was going pretty well, but then as went blueberry picking, and ing or sitting together at Praise Crowd. I was eating my ice cream my worst nightmare came to life. I looked down and saw that I had smashed cookie we took his car there. While “What will teachers think of us if we don’t wor- dough in between my legs. It honestly looked like poop. I tried to subtly go to the bathroom to get it out, but when we were there, his car ran out ship together after the game!?” I tried to get it out it started to smear. When he noticed as I was walking back, he just asked if everything was of gas! We had to ask the blue- “I don’t care about that! I’m exhausted. I want to good. I just said, “Yeah why wouldn’t it be.” We didn’t go on another date. berry farm workers to drive go home and play Fortnite!” to a gas station and get us gas If that sounds like dialogue between you and Kyle Mulderink, Senior When I first was able to drive, I took this super cute girl out to Noodles and Company. so he could drive me home. I your significant other, this one’s for you. I was so nervous that I kind of got lost because I missed the turn. I tried to play it off cool, but she knew I was lost. couldn’t have been more em- A breakup is like putting down your dog after it She made fun of me for the rest of the car ride. We finally got there and I ordered a salad and she got noodles. She barrassed by my date. It made bites your neighbor’s kid or some overworked mail- thought that it was so weird that I got a salad at a noodle place. As we were eating, I went to take a drink of my me want to hide in the blue- man. You don’t always feel great about it, but it has Mountain Dew and of course it spilled all over me. My pants were soaked. To make things worse, she took out berry fields and never come to be done. Breakups save time and money on dates her phone and took pictures to send to all her friends. I didn’t really talk for the rest of the night, and she spent a out. with a person you’re going to forget about when you lot of time on her phone for some reason. She complained a lot about the music I was playing even though she meet your actual soulmate. So, guys, rip her off like was on her phone and not even paying attention to me. I dropped her off and she got out without saying a word. Female, Senior My junior year a moldy band aid. Girls, toss him aside like a used Overall, the date was absolutely awful, and we never talked again. my date was in a very bad mood makeup sponge. all day and proceeded to leave me Couples that can barely handle high school dra- Alli Murrin, Senior We were walking into Noodles and Company and saw his whole cross country team in at prom until I decided to walk ma won’t be able to get through the parts of marriage there, so we ran away. They all saw us and literally chased us back to the car. It was so awkward because we out alone because, otherwise, I like crying babies at 2:30 a.m. or paying grocery bills weren’t officially dating and were trying to keep it a secret that we went on a date. wouldn’t have had a ride home. when money gets tight. I know things seem rough for you and your girlfriend right now, but I promise Watching their relationships you this: if you stay together, things will get much, Dangerous chemicals much worse. C.S. Lewis once stated: “What lies produce disastrous results crumble at the theater ahead is much greater than what lies behind.” Of Emma Slings, Senior We went to see a movie with my now- course, Lewis was talking about life with Jesus, not Grant Gibson boyfriend, and my ex was watching it too. your naggy girlfriend or obnoxious boyfriend. In fact Co-Feature Editor the opposite is true in terms of your S.O.: things will Sophie Thompson, Sophomore It was my first and last with only get worse. Don’t get divorced in 10 years like that person because we went to the movies, and the whole time Mr. Jeff DeVries’s father, a mason contractor, 50% of people end up doing. End it today! his mom was texting him. When dating in high school, we ought to drop would occasionally bring his kids the box of leftover significant others the way Oprah drops prizes on her donuts from his workplace. One afternoon, young Jeff just needed to smell me and get audience: You get a break up! You get a break up! took a bite of a pastry. It tasted like gasoline. He told Love hurts used to me, so I offered it my You’re all getting break ups! his dad about the odd tang, but “my dad insisted that Jack Davids, Senior This one hand. It sniffed for a second, If there’s any doubt about her in any dark little they were fine, and my brother and I were too ignorant girl got irritated with me and then bit quite hard, deciding crevice of your mind, immediately E.T.R.! (End the to believe our own senses,” he said. smacked me in the face. Her my hand smelled like roast beef relationship) So, the brothers continued scarfing them down. To- diamond ring jabbed me in the maybe. After getting the dog off, If she doesn’t get along with your mom, break ward the end of the box, he looked down into it and eye and my eye got all red and I continued to bleed, right over up. saw that diesel was pooling at and soaking the bottom. swollen. their white carpet. I tried to use If he smells weird to you, break up. Diesel had likely seeped into the box from the bed of my other hand to hold the blood If she is too big of a Kesha fan, definitely break his dad’s truck. Joah DeVries, Senior I was as they got some napkins, but up. Her morals, her musical taste, and her sanity are But that wasn’t the worst part—DeVries had a date at the girl’s house, we had been some of it did drip on their car- all highly questionable. that night. At the theater, he couldn’t stop the viscous dating for a while, but it was my pet. This great nation was conceived with a break fumes coming up as burps “that smelled like truck stops.” first time meeting her parents. up. The Brits were like “hey, uhh, we’re gonna tax Every ten minutes or so, he would have to suppress the After entering the house, they’re Annie Weemhoff, Senior I you guys at like 2% since we lost tons of money stench that ascended up his esophagus and out his kisser. large German shepherd decided had to push my boyfriend on a it didn’t like me and decided to fighting to keep you from French rule a few years Needless to say, that was their last date together. wheelchair through Chicago... bark consistently. They said it but it was actually pretty fun. ago, is that cool with you guys?” and Thomas Paine was like “heck no, here’s a huge list of reasons I want to break up with you now; you’re an insane Wasted time and money and unreasonable girlfriend” then the absolute mad- Sam Gaich, Senior I took her to the haunted house, and after man went and titled the thing “common sense.” we got out, she said it was such a waste of her time. What a legend! We’ve been single for like 250 years now and we’re killin’ it! We’re the world’s Isaac Gibson, Senior I met this girl and dropped $130 on only superpower! We beat the Nazis! We’re the the first date. We went to Accelerate Race place in Orland coolest bachelor ever! Park. It was a first date. I dropped too much money for Anyway, what I’m trying to say is: boys, break someone not worth it. up with your girlfriend; it’s the right choice. Unrelated note: Ladies, if your boyfriend broke Riley Schutt, Senior I thought it was a date, but they didn’t. up with you and you need a shoulder to cry on, my Graph from “Bad Date Census” 128 students responded to the poll. The dark region shows how many have number is (708) 250-3511. Hit me up. Caleb Perez, Senior I tried to “define the relationship,” but it made it so awkward for the rest of the date. been on a date; the light region shows how many haven’t been on a date. Feature 5 Positivity in spite of pain Kylie Boss Despite the difficulties, Co-news Editor Ruffolo chose to have a- posi tive attitude and trust God even October 11, 2011 - Tori though she felt a lot of fear and Ruffolo, a ten-year-old girl, sat uncertainty. That positivity paid down by her mom on the couch off, though, for Ruffolo now -be with her little six-year-old sis- lieves her relationship with God ter by her side. “Honey,” their is stronger, and her faith is more mom said, “Daddy’s gone to firmly rooted in Christ’s never heaven.” wavering love. Praying actively Those five words turned helped build a stronger relation- Ruffolo’s life upside down. ship with God when times were Her father had been diagnosed scary, added Ruffolo. with cancer a little over a year Ruffolo said that she had earlier, had battled through in- to learn how to let God handle tense rounds of chemo, and had situations instead of herself. “I been in remission, but the can- had to learn pretty quickly that cer came back. Soon after, the I was not control of the situa- chemo rounds began again, but tion,” said Ruffolo. “I had to eventually, the cancer took Ruf- be like ‘alright, God, it’s all folo’s father’s life when he was you.’” only sixty years old and still Ruffolo’s mom was - dis had daughters in elementary charged six days later and now school. Photo courtesy of Tori Ruffolo is doing fine, resting at home, “I prayed every single day Senior, Tori Ruffolo sits with her sister, Megan, and her late father, Tom, in 2006 at their childhood home. but the situation still created that God would take my dad’s fear and doubt that Ruffolo cancer away because I knew He teen, thinking back to this time mom started to eat, though, father also spent his last days, struggled to overcome. raised people from the dead,… in her life. “It got to survival she felt very ill and tried to lay triggering bad memories and Though her relationship and I didn’t understand,” said mode. I clung [to] my mom and down again. She re-emerged stirring fears of her mom be- God has been strained, Ruffolo Ruffolo. my uncle and that was it.” from her room vomiting blood. ing in the same situation as her wants people to know that even Tori’s little sister, Megan, In Ruffolo’s mind, God was “It was all blood,” said Ruf- dad. The thought of losing her in troubling situations, God is who was also only six at the taking her family away from folo, “there was nothing else only remaining parent scared always there, even when it may time of her dad’s passing, re- her. In the past four years, most but blood.” Tori out of her mind. Her world not seem like it. members only a few memories of her dad’s family had died, Ruffolo tried to take her was crumbling once again, she “Don’t give up on of our dad, most of which are including her dad. Her life be- mother to a local urgent care, thought. Christ...he’s something that’s in hospital rooms, said Ruffolo. came a pattern of visiting hos- but the facility closed, so Ruf- “I went home, sat on the solid. [Even though] it felt “A girl should never have pital rooms then funeral par- folo’s uncle proceeded to call ground, and prayed...because like everything was going to grow up without her father,” lors, over and over again. She an ambulance, which would when it was with my dad, I had away, He was always there,” Ruffolo added. was scared that no one would eventually take Ruffolo’s not. I just yelled and screamed.” said Ruffolo. Shortly after her father’s be left to care for her and her mother to Franciscan Hospi- death, Tori and her already sister. tal. The last time Ruffolo saw grieving family endured more Recently, that fear re- an ambulance come take one How to help family deaths. A year after the emerged because Tori’s mom of her family members was at death of her dad, Ruffolo’s was hospitalized in late August Community Hospital, taking cousin died, and then on Christ- with of a bleeding intestinal her dad to Northwestern hospi- friends and family mas her aunt died, followed by ulcer. Ruffolo’s mother had tal, where he would eventually the death of her uncle in March. picked Ruffolo up from school pass away. Another one of her aunts died in feeling ill, but she continued “I saw my dad on that in times of grief June, in September her grandpa through her day like normal. stretcher,” said Ruffolo. “I was it can come off as insincere died, and in December, another Later at home when Ruffolo’s so scared…[because] nothing Cate Peerbolte and annoying. aunt died. mother started cooking dinner, like this had ever happened to Co-sports Editor Mr. Davids said, “It takes “You’d recover from one, she mentioned feeling ill and her before.” Being a good friend to effort and introspection to and the next one would hap- went to lie down, eventually Her mom ended up being someone going through a be there for someone.” He pen,” said Ruffolo, now seven- feeling better. When Ruffolo’s in the ICU, where Ruffolo’s hard time can be challeng- continued by urging the im- ing but hard times are when portance of being empathet- people need support more ic rather than sympathetic. than ever. “Sympathy is feeling bad Guidance Counselor for someone, while empa- Mrs. Benes explained that thy is feeling with someone. expression of concern and Ask them questions and try care is important to support to understand them in their someone. She added, “Grief situation. Put your own heart takes a long time for people and soul into their situation. to work through, so you must This is hard to do because be persistent in showing that it makes you feel vulner- you care.” She suggested able, but that is what it takes that listening is more impor- to support someone in their tant than talking and that you time of need.” He also en- don’t need to have answers couraged students not to but need to be someone the think of themselves but of bereaved can turn to. their friend who needs them. Senior Tori Ruffolo said, Davids said, “The most “A friend who tries to be important thing is it show positive in the little things up. When things get awk- and see the bright side in ward it can be easy to leave, life is really helpful.” Ruf- which makes them feel even folo cautioned against be- more alone during a very Photo courtesy of Tori Ruffolo ing overly positive because lonely time.” Senior, Tori Ruffolo, her mother Lori and her sister Megan pose for a family photo two years ago. 6 Arts and Leisure Original activities to do before homecoming Need some dance moves for homecoming? Rock these with our boy Kade 1. Have a progressive dinner friends! Go to Chick-fil-A! Go to- Mc - Have the soup and salad course 3. Take creative pictures - Donalds! Go to Noodles and Kylie Boss at one friends house, then go to Everybody takes pictures before Company! Co-News Editor someone else’s house for the homecoming and usually they 5. Do homework - There’s main course, then go to another all look the same! Try making nothing worse than dancing the Natalie Togtman friends house for the desert! wooden letters that say “hoco” night away with your friends Arts Editor 2. Have your friends cook or make the photos silly! when suddenly you realize you a meal together - Go to one 4. Go out for dinner - some- have an English assignment due Picture this : The first slow person’s house and have your thing like fast food - There isn’t at 11:59 p.m. But, if you finish it song of the night comes on and friends cook dinner together! a rule that if you go to dinner before you go to the dance there’s usually you would put your head It’s a great way to save money, homecoming night it has to be no need to worry and there’s no down and take a shameful walk to and spend quality time with your something fancy! Switch it up! need to fret Sunday night! the bathroom because you didn’t have a date. But, tonight you’re feeling especially brave so instead you bust out this dance move and point to your crush. Your crush Homecoming ideas for after dance and you make eye contact because your crush notices your spectacu- 1. Go ice skating - Plac- is for kids, paintball is too lar dance moves. Now, because of es such as Deep River Wa- messy, and airsoft is too this awesome dance move instead terpark, and Midwest Train- painful, play laser tag! ing and Ice center close of walking away shamefully dur- 5. Going to an escape This dance move is sure at 11 pm so you’d have to ing the slow dance you’re dancing room - Do you enjoy a to wow the crowd for two leave the dance early but it with your crush. challenge? Then, an escape reasons : reason number would be worth it for some room is the place for you! one is because it’s danger- fun on the ice with your Grab a few pals and try to ous and reason number two friends! escape! is because nobody else will 2. Host a game night - be doing it. It’s completely Everybody goes out after Photo courtesy of chicagoparent.com unique and takes a lot of Skiing near Chicago flexibility and balance so homecoming so be different make sure you’re careful. and go home instead! Head to somebody’s house and play board games for a few hours! It keeps you out of the cold and gives you qual- The Cha-Cha slide ity times with your friends! comes on. You’re in the 3. Go skiing - The clos- front and everybody is look- est ski resort from campus ing at you. Act fast and bust is about an hour away in out this dance move. It’s Lisle, IL but I can guaran- simple and easy so people tee that almost nobody else may not be super impressed is doing this so be different but at least you aren’t too and go! Photo courtesy of choosechicao.com embarrassed because you 4. Laser tag - Nerf Photo courtesy of timeout.com Ice skating in Chicago Time out escape room in Chicago executed a cool move! Parks takes talent to new level, plays with Chicago Symphony Haleigh Olthof pens to drum with, and Parks’ parents have in a jazz tune. Co-news Editor bought him a Pearl drum set that he Many of Parks’ gigs are booked still owns and uses today. with the help of the Jazz Institute of “That was something big for me. Chicago’s Jazz Links Student Coun- Austin Parks played his first That was the spark of something I still cil (JLSC). The group helps partici- drum set at his brother’s drum lesson. hold onto, that they invested in me.” pants to produce CDs, make video He was four years old. Parks has continued to invest in projects, secure gigs, apply to par- “I was too little to even sit on drumming, including recently spend- ticipate in music festivals, and play the set,” said Parks, but that moment ing $4,000 on a new set, but he said private concerts. One JLSC program sparked a passion Parks plans to pur- revenue from gigs helps cover the Parks is becoming involved in is the sue for the rest of his life. cost of his equipment. Emerging Artist Project, which pro- His parents weren’t surprised, Parks plays at weddings, birth- motes rising musicians to help them as music runs in the family. Parks’ day parties, and benefits, in addition gain a reputation in music. mother and brother sing and play the to background gigs and events like the Parks often plays with oth- guitar, and his father plays the bass Chicago Jazz Festival. At one event, ers involved in JLSC, and he and piano. his band made $400 in one night. At has joined with some of them Parks said music has united his a benefit, Parks helped raise $1.2 mil- in order to produce a CD. family. lion for Merit School of Music. They’re currently working on “If my dad comes home [while Parks has planned an event in a demo. I’m playing the drums], I expect him February to raise money for Illiana’s “It’s a long process,” said Parks. to pull out his bass and come upstairs DR trip. “My mentor’s been working really and jam with me,” said Parks, even if “It’s not going to be a strict hard with me on this. . . . The people I Parks plays with Chicago Symohony. Photo courtesy of Austin Parks one of them had a bad day. concert,” said Parks. “I want it work with are amazing.” Parks enjoys listening to the dif- to be very relaxed.” He plans to This mentor, Sam Jewell, works Music. He also performs and “I’m trying to constantly push,” ferent genres each person in his fam- serve food and charge $10 for ad- with Parks one-on-one to develop his teaches younger drummers at he said, “but I have to learn to be on ily prefers and watching as they all mission. technique and skills, as well as to [get the Griffin Institute of Music. my own journey and do my own improve. Although Parks prefers jazz him- myself out there.] Many of the drummers who at- thing.” “That’s the strongest bond in our self, he has learned to play a variety of Parks also attends a group tend in the Merit School of Music are Although Parks plans to major in family.” genres for different gigs. mentorship program through also involved in the Griffin Institute of nursing, he does intend to continue his In that close family, Parks says “When you play a pop tune or Ravinia once a week, as well as Music, according to Parks. He said journey with music throughout his life. he thinks he got his first drum set by something like Bruno Mars, [the au- 8 hours of college-level music there are not many drummers in the “I want to be intense with my annoying his mother. Eventually, she dience] will catch onto that” and ex- theory, technique, and history areas he plays in, so it’s easy to feel music, but at the same time I want to got tired of his stealing her pencils and press more interest than they might classes at the Merit School of competitive. let it breathe and have fun.” Sports 7 Girls basketball Speed and improving despite Strength multiple injuries Liz VanDrunen Program Co-Feature Editor Illiana’s Varsity Girls Basketball implements team continues their season with a loss against Munster High School on Tues- day, January 22. new changes After three months, the team stands with a record of 5-18, and their for winter last game will be Saturday, January 26 at Chicago Christian High School. Kade Bouwer Senior Mickey Boss said, “I think Co-sports Editor we have worked on our offense the most this year. We have so many dif- The Strength and Speed ferent offenses we can run against any Program started its winter defense. I think our coaches did a great season, but with some key job of showing us a variety of new and differences from before. different plays we can use.” The times have been moved The team has suffered from mul- to before school (6:00-7:20 tiple injuries this season. Seniors Alli a.m.) instead of after school Murrin and Hayley Smit are both out because of the heavy usage for the season due to tearing of ACL’s of the gym. (anterior cruciate ligament) in their Another difference is legs, leaving the team with only eight the new attendance policy. available players. Three unexcused absences Boss said, “It has affected our or five tardies will qualify a team in many ways. They were huge student for removal from the parts of our team. Alli brought leader- program. ship on the court and her shot was out- “The last time we had a standing. Hayley’s defense was stellar very high number of people and her confidence on offense is really interested and it was on a missed.” first come first served basis, so you have many people Wrestling team who are not able to partici- shows progress, pate and then many people who did sign up didn’t stick promise for future with their commitment,” Photo by Jenna Dutton Kade Bouwer said athletic director Dar- Sophomore Logan VanEssen drives the lane and puts up a floater in the first half of the game against Chicago Co-sports Editor ren DeBoer. “The first, most Christian. VanEssen’s 17 points were not enough to lift the Vikings past the Knights as they fell 55-45. important reason is that this Despite losing one of the best is a progressive program, so wrestlers in Illiana history, Isaac Lyz- if you are missing days you Boys basketball flounders enga, moving to a new state that has are putting yourself at risk different rules and ways of doing for injury, so when you do things, and having to develop a lot of come back, you’ll be behind through mid-season schedule inexperienced wrestlers, the wrestling everyone else.” team has enjoyed a pleasantly solid Tyler Borgman, a certi- Alex Wondaal seven games. The schedule Gibson, a tough part of the season. fied personal trainer, will be Co-Editor in Chief lightens up only a little bit, season has been the dramatic Sophomore Jacob VanderZee leading this second session. as they still will face tough change from previous years, said, “It has pretty much been a re- According to Borgman, the The Vikings suffered opponents coming down the turning a losing program building season. We are focusing on program will open for ev- a tough 55-45 loss against stretch, most notably Mar- into a winning one with the rebuilding and developing some fresh- eryone other than athletes in Chicago Christian; the frus- quette Catholic and Tinley help of a new coaching staff. men and sophomores’ skills, so it’s a winter sport. More specifi- trating game was always Park. “Even though we aren’t been a decent season despite that.” cally, the program will be within reach, but Illiana However, for the re- playing for a postseason, we Junior Benjamin Kramer said, tailored for spring athletes never mustered enough of a maining six games of the want to go out and compete “We only have a few returners this to get in shape. run to close the gap. For se- season, Smits said the team at a high level,” said Gibson. year, and I am one of them. I have been “It’s gone very well so nior shooting guard Andrew will need to improve its de- Senior Colton DeJong doing this since freshman year and this far,” said junior Coy De- Smits, that was “by far” the fensive communication and said he wants to continue to is the best team because they excelled Jong. “We have been work- worst part of the season. rely on its “really effective focus on the team’s motto so fast and learned quickly.” ing hard and it’s been going Since mid-December, the set plays.” from the beginning of the Junior Daniel DeRamus said, “I well, but we won’t know boys basketball team has Currently, the Vikings season: “being the hardest would say it has been a great experi- how well it really goes until had a tough time winning, are 12-5. working and the most to- ence. I am very glad I tried out. I like the end.” losing four of their last For senior forward Isaac gether.” this a lot.” Male Athlete of the Month Female Athlete of the Month

Although the wrestling team is in a rebuilding The girls basketball team has been season, junior Brandon Schutt has been tearing it up trending in the right direction this year af- on the mat. His dominant performances is evident ter a poor season last year; and a lot of that by the team’s best individual record, 16-10. improvement has to do with senior Mickey Schutt, the captain of the wrestling team, has Boss. This year she has been a key part of been thriving in the leadership role. their improved offense and defense. Teammate Logan Frederick said, “Brandon Teammate Kaylee Evers said, “Mickey works hard in practice and brings the team together is a super encouraging captain. She picks by adding comedy and bringing a positive attitude.” us all up when we’re down and peps us up Schutt said, “As the captain, I try to help coach before games. She steps up as a leader in the younger players as much as I can. So I’ll take practice by leading drills. In games she is kids aside after their matches and try to teach them a talker who coordinates defensive and of- a little bit.” fensive plays.” 8 Opinion Editorial New year, new Cheers to jeers: Loud Crowd loses way opportunities Welcome to Illiana Christian ing player misses a shot, and that and larger belly. The other referee Crowd. Welcome to Illiana Chris- High School where our mission is is about as targeted as our cheers they called Hitler because of his tian, you all suck, now let’s go to take chances, to “graduate academically capable get, which most would agree is resemblance. On top of that, an ob- worship God. It would be funny people with a comprehensive seemingly harmless. On that par- noxious student blew an air horn, if it weren’t so sad. Our purpose is Christian view of life committed ticular night, however, some stu- frustrating the referees further and to glorify God, a purpose that was live in moment to the challenge of serving God dents went beyond the normal, nearly causing a technical foul for sorely absent that night. here is a special gift that and others.” We pride ourselves organized cheers and targeted our team. So yes, by the time Illiana children have. They aren’t on graduating students who know individual players and referees. Loud Crowd did not do its job students are walking across the T afraid to take risks. They God’s purpose for their lives, Players were fat shamed and of- on Dec. 21, and it brought shame stage on graduation night, most can make friends easily and don’t fear which is to glorify God and enjoy fered weight training and workout to Illiana Christian’s name as well can agree that we are all academi- sharing their opinions. Him forever. plans to lose weight. Racial slurs as the Christian community as a cally capable people with a com- Yet as children, we want to grow Except at our basketball game about KFC were yelled. A single whole. Loud Crowd’s purpose has plete knowledge of the Christian up. There is a contin- on Dec. 21. There, all bets were life. The line blurs around the part uous cycle of long- off because our mission was to. . . about Illiana students being com- ing. In kindergar- was to . . .. Well, to be honest, we’re “Players were fat shamed mitted to serving God and others. ten, we look up not sure what the mission was, but If you ask any of the players on to the sixth grad- we sure know it was not to honor and offered weight training the opposing team that night or the ers. In sixth God. The game on Friday, Dec. 21, referees, we can guarantee they did grade, we made that abundantly clear. and workout plans ) NOT feel served. They didn’t feel look up to Our school’s Loud Crowd ) loved. The atmosphere was hostile the eighth is arguably the best around. For )at best. They did not feel welcome graders. years, students have rallied to- to lose weight.” by any means either. The Christian Eighth gether on Friday nights to cheer for hospitality we are supposed to ex- Liz VanDrunen graders the varsity boys basketball teams. player, who couldn’t make any of never been about harassment. The ude was nonexistent. We know in look to The Loud Crowd is the epitome his free throws that night at the be- purpose of it is to uplift our play- our minds right from wrong and Co-Feature Editor freshman. of school spirit and unity, complete ginning of the game, was taunted ers and to show our team as much how to live the Christian life, but Freshman with students costumed according by students the rest of the game support as possible. So why was it some of our hearts are not on the look to Seniors. Seniors look to col- to the theme of the night and yell- about his missed shots. Students in that when any brave student stood same page, which Dec. 21 demon- lege kids, and so on and so on. ing organized cheers at the top of the Loud Crowd watched the op- against the ones harassing the other strated. When you are in that stage of admi- their lungs. posing team with hawk eyes, ready team, he or she was also chastised So, Illiana, let’s not make ration, older kids can look physically On Dec. 21, however, the to swoop down on them at the first and told, “Cheer or leave the Loud the game on Dec. 21 a regular and mentally matured, as if they have Loud Crowd was about 20% fo- sign of a screw up. Students shout- Crowd.” However, cheering and occurrence, and let’s get our their lives together. Then you get to cused on cheering for our team and ed, “You suck” repeatedly. Illiana targeting players are two very dif- hearts and minds on the same that age and you realize that you don’t 80% focused on tearing the oppos- students insulted referees, calling ferent things, a distinction obvi- page so that Illiana’s mission feel any older or any more special. ing team down. On a normal night, one Stalin because of his dark hair ously lost on some students. statement is what rings true by In fact, life has actually gotten more the Loud Crowd yells ,“Airball, and facial features, and another The icing on top of it all? Af- the time we graduate and go out complicated. airball, airball” when an oppos- Santa Claus due to his white hair terwards, students rushed to Praise from here. For so long, we try to act older and look the part and then we realize that the we wish we could go back in time. ))) Back to the days of recess and juice Echo ) boxes, which we were so eager to leave behind. Editors-in-chief The older we get the more we wor- Maddie Holesinger The Echo Editor’s ry--about others’ opinions, about the Alex Wondaal quickly advancing future, about mon- Favorite Break-up Songs: )) ey, about time, about lost opportunity. News ) Kylie Boss The irony in this is sad. Spending Haleigh Othof all your life wishing that you were in a different stage of life is a miserable Feature way to live. We should appreciate the Alex: “Cry Me a River” -Justin Timberlake time we are in and live in the moment. Grant Gibson We spend too much time longing Liz VanDrunen Cate: “Single” - The Neighbourhood for the past or worrying about the fu- ture. Arts Natalie Togtman Grant: “Slow Dancing In the Dark” - Joji “This is the youngest you will ever be,” is a phrase I’ve been focusing on as I enter the new year. It has become Sports Haleigh: “Trust My Lonely” - Alessia Cara not so much a resolution as a mantra Kade Bouwer for me. It comes from a quote from El- Cate Peerbolte Kade: “Thank U, Next” - Ariana Grande eanor Roosevelt which says, “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the Photos youngest you’ll ever be again.” Grant Gibson Kylie: “My Boy” - Billie Eilish It’s a reminder to live in the mo- Advisor ment, to realize that I can’t go back in Jeff DeVries Liz: “Another One Bites the Dust” - Queen time and I can’t relive the good memo- ries. I can only learn from them and Editorials, unless otherwise stated, have know that I am lucky to have them. been written by an editor and reflect the Maddie: “Skinny Love” - Bon Iver Nor do I have to yearn for the future. opinion of the majority of the Echo staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily that It will come in its time. of the administration, faculty, or student orga- Natalie: “Light It Up” - Luke Bryan “This is the youngest you will ever nizations. be” is a reminder to take risks; try the Letters to the editor can be submitted new haircut, speak in chapel, ask out to the advisor or sent to the school. All let- Mr. DeVries: “Love Stinks” - J Geils Band the girl. So what if it doesn’t work out? ters must be signed and must not exceed 250 It was an experience you now have and words. They will be printed provided there is one that you may learn from. And if enough room and content is not offensive to The newspaper is a forum for expression; therefore, we it does work, then you can live in the the general public. encourage feedback or commentary. Please contact us at moment and appreciate the pure ado- [email protected] lescence of it all.