The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Saturday, Official March 21,Newspaper 2015 of the Illinois TheYMCA Observer Youth and Government Program Volume #43 Issue #2 Friday, March 21, 2015 The Observer Follow us online at http://observer.ilymcayg.org KEEP UP WITH ALL THE NEWS OF Daniel Park elected youth governor Y&G WITH THE See Sofie Defino’s editorial about Park’s candidacy on page 2 OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE OF Y&G - 2015 Election THE OBSERVER Results To receive text messag- How to sign up fores Mr.for Gudwien's breaking The news, GOVERNOR Observer messages:text @theobs to (217) Daniel Park 368 909-4236. Your number Andre Kohn 279 will remain confidential. Connor Storey 172

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To receive messages via text, text (217) 909-4236 Enter thisCristina number Nunez 306 @theobs to (217) 909-4236. You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, 'unsubscribe @theobs'. Message: LT. GOVERNOR @theobs Text this Carlymessage LeRoy 352 Caleb Williams 296 Madison Hart 163 *Standard text message rates apply. Campaigning a necessary SECRETARY OF STATE Follow us on Twitter Rushil Shukla 561 New message Or to receive messages via email, send@ILYMCAObserver part of election process [email protected] Ryan Witry 148 an email to Recipients Tommy Sagins [email protected]. To Subject (You can leave the subject blank) Dylon Kelly 106 unsubscribe, reply with 'unsubscribe' in Williamsville the subject line. Newly elected EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Many candidates try Follow us on Facebook OF LOBBYISTS to increase their chances Governor and Sec. of facebook.com/ygobserver Archit Dhar 104 of getting elected by cam- State fail to disclose Jessalyn Eubanks 21 paigning. They give out candy, fruit snacks, and campaign spending even play video games. WHAT IS REMIND101 AND WHY IS IT SAFE? SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE The newly elected Remind101 is a one-way text messaging and email system. With Remind101, all personal information remains The question is, does it re- completely confidential. Teachers willCatch never see your our phone number, video nor will you feeds ever see theirs. Savannah Boles 229 Youth Governor, Daniel Visit www.remind101.com to learn more. in the Crown Plaza and Daniel Flood 196 ally help? Park, never turned in his the Capitol. Jessica Kim 151 Joy Miller, a Wil- Campaign Finance Disclo- Griffin Michel 83 liamsville bill flow clerk, sure Form. Rushil Shukla, says, “It shouldn’t really be See all our coverage at Surbhi Sarup 63 the newly elected Secre- the whole reason that they observer.ilymcayg.org tary of State, did not turn PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE win. Someone could give one in either. Wade Xanders 125 everyone a million dollars Both attend high We will also be publish- Ethan Hamburger 112 as their campaign, but still school at Waubonsie Val- ing two more editions Deepika Khanna 72 be the dumbest person in ley. The Observer is con- of THE OBSERVER print Matthew Pajor 49 the world and not deserve tinuing its investigation in edition, one on Satur- Xavier Sanchez 16 continued on page 5 this matter. day and one Sunday. CAMPAIGNING NECESSARY 2 The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer Sean Nelson takes over Y&G as Executive Director Y&G has a new captain secured a $100,000 dona- at its helm: Sean Nelson. tion over four year period Nelson describes him- as seed money to help sub- self as someone who is “very sidize the cost for these passionate about schools. The hope helping the youth is after the schools of America become see the great ef- stronger leaders.” fects the program He has been with has, they will be the YMCA for over able to find ways 16 years, and he to support the pro- said, “It’s where my gram themselves. heart is.” Austin Tuttle, In another ef- Only being on Co-Editor fort to attract more the job for around schools, Nelson two months, he was under- personally hired a videog- Executive Director Sean Nelson helps students and advisors get standably not ready to lay rapher to create a video situated while the delegates begin moving to their rooms. Nelson out a vision as to how to en- that highlights the impor- is beginning his first year as Illinois YMCA Y&G Exec. Director. courage more women to run tance the program plays in for offices, specifically Youth student’s lives. “I want to Governor, an office where be able to demonstrate to Governor candidate only three women have ever those schools who you (the been elected. delegates) are and why you Daniel Park has what it However, Nelson is al- are doing it and how it im- ready moving to grow the pacted you,” he said. program, especially in more Too often in our soci- takes to lead at Y&G urban settings. “There are ety, we have exclusive pro- certain areas where they grams and clubs that only Y&G is full of dedicated he is going to transition his (the board) think there certain people are able to kids who plan to achieve confidence and energy into should be delegations and join. Throughout history, greatness within this leadership posi- there are not,” he said. politics and government their generation. tion if elected. The Metro-East area, have followed that trend The three candi- “If elected I will Springfield, Peoria, and and have been dominated dates running for definitely carry all of Rockford are all areas being by the wealthy. governor are all that passion from targeted. Encouraging citizens very qualified and my team and myself A large amount Y&G who come from all back- excited about the into office and bring delegations come from well- grounds to engage in the opportunity at this Sofie Defino, a new positivity to off suburbs, which limit the political process will allow leadership posi- this club,” said Park. program’s ability to truly our government to better tion. Co-Editor I believe in represent all of Illinois. Tar- reflect the people it repre- All three gave Park’s dedication to geting these urban areas is sents. very in-depth speeches this club, and leadership is a great step in the right di- We will only accom- about what they plan to ac- a big factor is this election. rection for Y&G to become a plish this goal if we get complish in Springfield and Campaigning is usu- more diverse program. more young people to par- how they vision a change ally the number one way “We have a lot of room ticipate in public service, with their fellow delegates. to spread the word about for growth, and one of my which is why it is so impor- Daniel Park is one candidate a candidate and how to in- goals is to lower the cost,” tant for Y&G to reach out to who stood out from the oth- crease that person’s chanc- he said. a diverse group of schools. er two running for governor. es of being elected. Nelson stated the cost While a lot of work As many people might Daniel Park was asked is what generally holds back needs to be done, Sean Nel- notice, Park has a lot of en- if he thought his delegation schools, especially inner- son is the right man to con- ergy, enthusiasm and per- city and rural, from joining tinue to move the program sonality which was a big continued on page 3 the program. Nelson has forward. factor in his campaign. Park EDITORIAL: PARK MAKES A told me a little bit about how MEMORABLE IMPRESSION The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer 3 Editorial: Park makes a memorable impression

continued from page 2 what he wanted his number what makes a campaign one goal to be if elected. “I most interesting. did a good job with cam- really want to make this a “I think every candi- paigning for him. “It was memorable experience for date here got here with hard definitely a learning experi- everyone in a positive way work and integrity. Even the ence. The most important and that people want to candidates I ran up against thing we’re going out with is come back. I want to con- are very competent for the connecting with the voters,” tinue to grow the club,” Park position, and I am really he said. said. proud to [have] run against I think Park makes it Park feels very pas- them,” said Park. clear though his campaigns sionate about what he is do- Park is looking for- Waubonsie Valley’s Daniel and his speeches that the ing and who he is working ward to the election and to Park uses charisma and pas- most important thing really with. The way he envisions spending the rest of his time sion during his campaign and is to connect with the vot- this club to grow differs in a this weekend making great speech to the delegations. ers, not only to win their positive way from any other memories with great peo- Park was one of three candi- votes but to make Spring- candidate running for gov- ple, no matter the outcome dates running for governor in field a more welcoming en- ernor. of the election. Friday’s election. See com- vironment. Competition is always plete election results on Page Daniel also specified 4 and online. Travel is always a big “Mandatory Fun Night” is a highlight at Y&G She later adds, “I was Isabella Shaw Lake Park kind of forced to have fun and part of Y&G experience As Mandatory Fun Night interact with other people. approaches, emotions and The dance floor was definitely Angelina Gervasio journey to Springfield, Ham- memories fill the air. the best part.” Lake Park burger replied, “We were The legacy of Man- Although activities are held up by a car that was datory Fun Night has new provided, the name misleads Delegates from all over stopped in the middle of the members of Y&G excited for some. Clampit later adds, Illinois travel to Springfield road.” the activities. Scott Smith, a “I do recognize the irony of to participate in the annual Other delegates, such legislative assistant from Na- Mandatory Fun Night.” Y&G assembly. as Daniel Flood, Speaker of perville North, said, “I was Deepika Khanna, a leg- Many delegates, while the House candidate, were told there was boxing so I’m islator from Waubonsie Val- gathering for the same pur- ley, said, “I think the name comfortable traveling. excited about that.” He later pose, often have many dif- kind of gives it a bad repu- Flood from Mount Ver- added, “It sounds pretty fun.” ferent experiences during tation, but it’s actually pretty non High School said, “Since Anthony Clampit, a their travels. fun because it’s the best time I am running for election, I lobbyist from Willowbrook, Some program partici- for everyone to come togeth- rode up in a minivan, so it explains,”I’m excited for it. pants had some unexpected I’ve heard it’s not a small er after a long day.” was pretty nice.” delays during their tiring thing and that there’s many The night allows for The excitement in rides. interesting things available.” newly made friendships to store for the weekend in Ethan Hamburger, a Veteran members of strengthen. Springfield began early for President of the Senate can- Y&G remember the fun times Khanna adds, “You Williamsville delegates meet a lot of people during didate from Sesser-Valier from the night. Legislative assistant the day and it allows you to High School, said, “I slept Hunter Sherman, a sec- ond year lobbyist from Brad- hang out with them in a more on the bus.” continued on page 4 ley-Bourbonnais Community comfortable environment.” When asked if anything EDITORIAL: PARK MAKES A Mandatory Fun Night exciting occurred during the MEMORABLE IMPRESSION High School, said, “Last year I actually had fun.” begins tonight at 8:30. Editors Katie Dugan Karolina Wysocki Cydne Ratliff The Observer, which is distributed free of charge Sofie Defino Angelina Gervasio Emily Arenz Tommy Sagins to Illinois YMCA Y&G participants, is published three Austin Tuttle Sarah Gregor Caroline Casillas Alan Morgan Jamie Lamb Myisha Little Maxwell Pearson times annually. Please send letters to the editors to College Staff Franca Lolos Sarah Bate the press room in the Holiday Inn Express. The ad- Abby Defino Ariana Miceli Tiffany Welford Advisors Angela Shaw Isabella Shaw Alena Garrett Michael Gudwien visors/editors reserve the right to edit the letters for Gabby Spapperi Carley Horn Molly McLay considerations of brevity, clarity, and tastefulness. Reporters Abby Weisensee Lauren Manion Mike Peterson Lauren Widlowski Haley Mierzejewski John Powell 4 The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer Video press is an College staff enjoy new role in Y&G process role I have a bird’s-eye view integral, fun element Carley Horn and Cydne Ratliff Williamsville of the entire program,” he You may have seen said. of the Y&G program some pink badges floating Jordan Howell, a around this weekend, but you University of Colorado Boul- Ariani Micelli things via the evening news. may not have understood the der student, formerly from Lake Park Dickerson said, “We hope to role college staff play behind Lake Park High School, said create commercials geared the scenes. you have to take a back seat Two separate orga- toward potential college ad- Mikala Williams, for- as college staff. nizations cover and provide visors for next year.” mer Sesser-Valier student “Being in the program, the news to the delegates Baker added, “Not only from Kaskaskia College, said, you get to make your bills. of Y&G. One is the newspa- does the video press want to “There are many different You get to debate. You get per press, and the other, the focus on the serious topics, jobs, I’m in committee. There to be in the legislative pro- video press. like the candidates, but we is also parliamentary [work] cess, and as a college staff, The video press cre- want to play around with fun and being in charge of LA’s. you don’t get to do that at ates online broadcasts of topics as well.” We’re just basically supervi- all. It kind of stinks that you news coverage for the pro- It seems the common sors.” want to voice your opin- gram, as everyone knows goal of the video press is to Amador Salinas, a ions, but you are just here who watches the news each inform the delegates with former Oswego delegate and to help the delegates and night of Y&G at 11:30. news in an interesting visual current student at Embry- make sure everything goes As Annie Dickerson, a manner and have fun while Riddle Aeronautical Univer- smoothly,” said Howell. “It’s hard because video press reporter from doing it. sity, said, “My specific job is you can’t actually get in- Lake Park, stated, “We re- For some, the learning working with bill flow, so I volved. My delegation is port visually what’s happen- provided by being a video help out the LA’s and the Sec- here too, and I wanted to ing in Springfield.” press reporter can help with retary of State. If they have go talk to them, but you Dickerson hopes that future plans. any questions, they’ll come to me. Other college staff work can’t because you have to everyone tunes in to the “I get to work in a way with parliamentarians, news- help everybody. You mostly news at 11:30 to watch such that closely emulates what I paper, lobbyists, or any of the supervise, you don’t really video press cover stories like want to do as a career and other roles.” do much,” said Mary Garner, “‘Thank God Its Springfield,’” have fun while doing it,” said Salinas said there is a a former Sesser-Valier stu- “Road to Springfield,” and Baker. profound difference between dent from Rend Lake. ‘Mandatory Fun Night.” Dickerson likes the college staff and student. (see photo on page 5) Not only will there be freedom press provides at “Now, in my advisory fun topics, but, according to Y&G. Dickerson, the video press “The press is not as will also be covering the po- strict as having to run for an Transportation is different for all litical side of things, while office or being a legislature, ment for delegates. always promoting a positive and also having much more continued from page 3 Sirena Zapata, a legis- message to be safe because, leniency in what we can do lative assistant from Stagg after all, it is “still a school and being able to bring our Samantha Mool said, “The High School, said, “After I event.” own ideas into things,” she bus alarm went off as our slept for a while, my friends Africa Baker, a video said. teacher [Ms. Faloon-Sul- and I played a game of cha- press reporter from Oswego Delegates feel the vid- livan] was explaining the rades using my phone.” High School, likes the dif- eo job does a good job in im- day’s activities to freshman Erin Lucin, a legislative ferent opportunities the re- pressing their audience and students. Another teacher assistant from Shepard High porters get throughout the recapping what has hap- opened the back door to School replied, “During our weekend. “As video press, pened throughout the day. put luggage in the bus and three hour trip, I used many we switch between differ- Danny Feltmen from caused mini commotion.” apps on my phone and slept ent roles from writing the Carl Sandburg High School In today’s technology on the bumpy school bus.” scripts to filming to speaking said, “I think its cool to see filled world, the ride is not Thankfully, all were in front of the camera,” said what happened throughout just the entertainment. here by 10 a.m. and ready Baker. the day and video press does Cell phones provided to go, regardless of the Occasionally the vid- a nice job of covering that.” various forms of entertain- route. eo press enjoys promoting The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer 5 Bill groups want to institute term limits for state officials crat who has been in office system, and it has worked ate sponsors of H-O-08, also Jamie Lamb Lake Park for 34 years. out very well for them.” concerning term limits, from “When you’re in office Schneider said that Williamsville High School both The issue of term limits that long, you become dis- these states have “seen an believe their bill will do well at is being addressed in three connected from the public increase in diversity as well the Capitol based on the suc- separate bills voters, the as an overall reduction in tax- cess they have had so far. this year at people you’re es because of it as well.” “I think our bill would Y&G. supposed to Schneider believes his benefit Illinois because if we Eric Guo, represent,” bill is different than the other elect new politicians and get one of the co- said Guo. two because his bill “directly the old ones out, the state sponsors of The bill impacts how other bills will be will benefit as a whole,” Clay- S-O-16 from was also de- made. We have a much more ton stated. Neuqua Valley signed “to defined outlook as to what it’s Dowell believes that Il- High School stop corrup- supposed to do. We believe linois has “too many career explained, “In tion in Illinois ours is very well-researched politicians and it will be nice Illinois right government and is based off of real world having new perspectives now there are and get fresh statistics.” with ideas that represent the no term limits ideas from Mariah Dowell and Abby younger generations.” so politicians people who Clayton, the House and Sen- can serve in Rep. Michael Madigan has care about the office for how- been in office for 34 years. people.” ever long they (Photo: blog.suntimes. Derek want.” com) Schneider, the Lake Park group to Guo, Lake Park Sen- along with his ate sponsor of S-G-09, claims bill group, created this bill to he was inspired to create his prevent “the problem of ca- mandate block scheduling “term limit” bill by reading school. reer politicians.” “a fascinating report by the Abby Weisensee and Katie Dugan “You don’t get as much Guo used the example Lake Park CATO Institute [a Washington repetition in those classes, of Representative Michael think tank] regarding how a and the teachers’ don’t have Madigan, a Chicago Demo- A bill group from Lake lot of states have adopted this Park High School is propos- as much to say. Students ing a bill that is pushing for waste the extra time they Campaigning necessary block scheduling in all public are give,” she said. high schools. At Wheaton Warren- (the voters) head,” she continued from page 1 Edan Armas, the Sen- ville South this past week, said. ate sponsor of the bill, said, while the freshman took the Even though del- PARCC test, a block schedule the role.” “Education in America is on egates agree that cam- was instituted for the rest of Angelina Gervasio of a course that’s okay but can paigning is an integral the students. Lake Park had the same be made better. Instituting a part of gaining office, the block schedule, which would According to the bill idea. She said, “I feel like amounts each candidate be a simple change, could sponsors, block scheduling candy is kind of effective, spends differ greatly. have major improvements.” has had a positive impact on but it should not be the According to the In order to ensure several schools, such as Roll- number one factor.” Candidate Financial Dis- that schools would follow ing Meadows, Northside Col- Xavier Sanchez of closures (CFD), most of the block schedule, the bill lege Preparatory, and Jones Stagg had a different opin- Preparatory. Many students, the candidates spent mon- group included a fine of ion. He said campaigning including Surbhi Sarup, a ey on their campaigns. $5,000 if the schedule was is very helpful. “It gets representative from Neuqua There was a wide range of not changed by the 2016- their name out there.” Jor- 2017 school year. Valley, see block scheduling amounts from less than $2 dan Howell, a former Lake Challenging Armas, as a way to prepare for col- to over $250. Candidates Park delegate and current Laura Martz, a representa- lege. such as Ethan Hamburger student at University of tive from Wheaton Warren- Sarupi said, “[Block and Conner Storey, who Colorado Boulder agrees. ville South believes that spent close to $200, did “I think it gets the candi- the block schedule system continued on page 6 not win their respective dates name stuck in their would have a negative effect BLOCK SCHEDULE MANDATE elections. on student performances in 6 The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer Attorneys key to Metea Valley group wants sexual predators sentenced to life

Y&G’s success Sarah Gregor sea’s Law was inspired by Lake Park the rape and murder of a girl named Chelsea from Lauren Manion Valley High School added, “The S-B-05 is a bill out of Haley Mierzejewski attorneys at Springfield basi- Metea Valley that pertains his hometown. Williamsville cally participate in a mock trial to Chelsea’s Law. The bill’s He described the bill Attorneys play an essen- appeal process. We either argue Senate sponsor is Saman- as “[one] to help prevent tial role in Y&G but, they feel at for or against the defendant that what’s happening from times that they are overlooked. they received a fair or unfair trial tha Clements, House spon- sor is Danielle Sindelar, and happening again.” When asked if she would depending on which side you’re He included that the on.” co-sponsor is Tharun Ve- change anything about the at- bill is “basically a one strike torney program, Karen Whisler Whisler likes the process mulapalli. It is also backed policy... and you will be in from Stevenson High School of the Y&G attorney system. by lobbyists Nathaniel Kief- said, “A lot of people don’t re- “I think it’s probably the er and Shreyas Mohan. prison for the rest of your ally understand what attorneys most realistic way to actually see Chelsea’s Law sen- life.” do here, so I’d like to see them what lawyers do because usually tences those convicted of The law also focuses be more represented in govern- when you think of a lawyer, you felony, aggravated sexual on sexual assault against ment.” usually think of someone who assault against a minor, to “specifically a minor be- Many people don’t under- just screams objection in like a cause the trauma will con- stand what exactly attorneys do. courtroom,” she said. a lifetime in prison without parole. tinue for the rest of their In an attempt to clarify, Whisler also added, “I lives. would like to see them be more The hope is that Ruth Thorne from Naperville Lobbyist Shreyas Mo- High School said, “We either represented in government be- people will consider these han cited statistics claiming argue for or against a fake per- cause they’re misunderstood by strict consequences before son in a fake trial based on a real the general population.” committing such a crime. that 40% of incarcerated life [circumstance]… First, what Some just got into the at- In addition, anyone con- people see young children we do is we go to trial and act torney program by chance. victed of “a sexual crime as easy targets and 46% out a courtroom trial. We bring Prashant Shankar of Me- of a minor, excluding ag- of rapists released from up case facts in favor or against tea Valley High School said, “I gravated sexual assault” prison are arrested again the defendant. After the trial, no wanted to do the one [job] that within three years. matter who wins, we assume that was easier, and I wasn’t at the will be subject to increased GPS tracking once paroled He describes these we lost, and then go on to appeal meeting where it said that being arrests as “an exorbitant an attorney is harder than being and be banned from pub- for another trial from issues that amount of tax money, might have happened during the an legislator, so I thought being lic parks until the parole is citizen’s tax money” that case that the defendant didn’t an attorney was easier. I chose lifted. get a fair trial for.” being an attorney, and I found it Lobbyist Nathaniel could be used for other Cheryl Liu from Neuqua to be hard but it’s a lot of fun.” Kiefer explained that Chel- things. Block schedule mandate about students forgetting continued from page 5 the information, consider- ing the fact that they will no longer have each class on a scheduling] is similar to a daily basis. college structure, which is Tommy Weiss, a mem- easier to handle because it ber of the House from Wil- gives you more time to com- liamsville, stated, “With plete assignments and to un- harder classes such as cal- derstand what you’re learn- culus and chemistry, it’s ing.” easy to forget the material, Delegates against and it’s better to have it re- block scheduling are worried Y&G attorneys during a training session on Friday. enforced everyday.” The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer 7 Drug test Leyden bill group attacks red light state-aid cameras as wasteful, corrupt tools Franca Lolos and portunities and will pre- “In the event of hav- Gabby Spapperi recipients, Lake Park vent a misreading of what ing to stop at a yellow light Leyden High School actually happened at the that suddenly changes to delegates Alex Chaidez intersection. red, you are already part argues and Gabriela Gryc decided When asked about way over the line, so once to propose a bill to remove you cross that line you get group “red light” cameras at that picture taken. You stoplights because, in the don’t run a red light, you Emily Arenz, Caroline Casillas, “You just have bad luck” just have bad luck,” said and Myisha Little words of the sponsors, the Oswego cameras are “wasteful.” Herrera. “People have been Mary Allison Mahacek Senate Sponsor, Benja- complaining about red of Waubonsie Valley High min Aguilar, and House Spon- light cameras being cor- this proposal, Zachary School disagreed. sor, Justin Scafidi, from Lake rupt tools just for govern- Giles from Faith Lutheran “I think they are a Park High School, have pre- ment money,” said Gryc, High School remarked, “I very great resource be- sented the bill H-G-12, which think [the camera] could cause I know a lot of states unemployed persons House sponsor. would be required to take Gryc admitted that cause accidents where people get into accidents part in a mandatory drug test there are other ways to someone behind you thinks when they run red lights, to qualify for state aid. catch people running red you are going to cross the and that’s kind of careless Welfare, the financial lights, including “may- light, and when you don’t, because you’re not only support for people in need, be even [with] cops just they rear-end you.” Giles putting your own life in can, according to the bill standing out there.” expressed his support for danger; you’re also putting group, often exploit the use She claims that this the legislation. other people’s lives in dan- of taxpayer’s money. The bill Andrew Herrera con- ger,” she said. is there to ensure that tax will provide more job op- payer’s money is used mainly curred. for the purpose behind wel- fare itself. “I do think drug test- Bill groups work well together, survey finds ing is somewhat necessary Karolina Wysocki because you don’t want cer- Lauren Widlowski because there is just so well. tain people taking advan- Lake Park much going on and we re- While most people tage of the welfare system, In bill groups, a com- ally feel that, as collabora- agreed that they were able which they could easily do,” mon goal and group coop- tors, we have a duty to re- to chose their own groups, said lobbyist Ian Hetman of eration are two necessities ally be responsible to make Kenneth Washington, a Wheaton Warrenville South in developing a bill that will High School. our bill the best it could be.” legislator from Eisenhower flow well during committee. For indication of illegal Jessica Gbur, senator High School, said he was substances in the body, the As legislators spoke from Stagg High School tells assigned to a bill group. applicant for unemployment out about their opinions that her group got along Washington explained benefits will need to pass the on the way their groups and coordinated so well be- that being assigned a group state mandated drug test. If worked together, it ap- cause “they had common both benefitted and created passed, this will allow the ap- peared that they all seem goals and knew what they drawbacks to their bill. plicant to be eligible for state to get along. wanted to talk about ahead In fact, blunt honesty aid. Rashil Shukla, legisla- of time.” within the group seemed to The purpose of giving tor and candidate for Sec- According to Gbur, the be a problem for Washing- people drug tests is to, “de- retary of State at Waubon- only thing they had to re- ton. sie Valley High School, said, ally worry about from each “We didn’t really criti- continued on page 8 “The dynamic between bill other was how to word a cise each other enough on DRUG TEST STATE AID groups is really a fascinat- couple of things, which, in our ideas,” he said. RECIPIENTS ing thing to watch play out the end, they worked on 8 The Observer Saturday, March 21, 2015 Saturday, March 21, 2015 The Observer Bigger delegations Stagg bill group wants to remove have systems in place race from college applications Alena Garrett she said. Williamsville Lobbyist Brendan Curley of Stagg High School sees the to choose students We, students, all know other side of the argument the process of filling out a where colleges prefer to ac- cept and fund people who are do try to get seniors in college application. Sarah Bate Full name, address, any of a specific race. Decatur Family YMCA first, and then juniors.” But awards granted, and racial “College acceptance freshmen are also a good background. shouldn’t not be determined Big delegations, candidates. “The program by skin color. But, yet this such as Lake Park and When filling in that box now allows freshmen, for African American, White/ seems to happen all across Neuqua Valley, have over which is nice. It gets them Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, the United States at even the 70 members. So how do interested early,” said Pacific Islander, etc., we think most prestigious universities. they choose who gets Knopp. nothing of it. More than 30% of black and to participate and who Lake Park tries to But when colleges look Hispanic students with a high doesn’t? In answering this get new seniors into the at that box and see your ra- school grade point average of question is where most program. cial background, your appli- 3.5 or above attend a com- schools differ. cation status, some argue, is munity college, compared to “We want the se- only 22% of Caucasians with “We have a dead- niors who have not been either deterred or praised. line that the paperwork Colleges claim they use the same academic success,” in this program to have a he said. and payment have to be chance to experience it,” the racial background ques- in, and that is our first out said Powell. tion to ensure their campus off point.” said Lake Park’s Once in the large has racial diversity. How- Drug test head advisor, John Powell. group, one must have cer- ever, this want for diversity This procedure is different within the college is costing tain standards to stay in prospective students to be from the Waubonsie Valley the program. state-aid entering process, which turned away, argues H-G-10 Each delegation House Sponsor Emily Olson requires a separate appli- has varying standards on of Stagg High School. recipients cation. eligibility. “My sister had applied “They have to fill Waubonsie fol- to the University of Illinois out our own application. lows the standards of their and was accepted but was continued from page 7 They are looked at to de- school, which has an aca- not given any financial aid termine bill groups,” said demic aspect to uphold. or school-sponsored schol- crease the amount of mis- Chris Wolack from Wau- arships even for her high However, Neuqua use of the states money and bonsie Valley. and Lake Park only require academics and participation The biggest group is in school organizations and decrease the use of illegal attendance and behavior drugs,” stated the bill’s lobby- Neuqua Valley, with a to- standards. events. But a classmate of tal of 83 delegates. They hers who was from Columbi- ist, Benjamin Zimmerman of Although schools Lake Park High School. combine the first-come- do have a maximum limit, an descent was awarded im- mediate acceptance and was In the bill, it is stated first-serve approach with a most do not meet their top private application. given multiple opportunities that a hair follicle drug test quota. All three say the for school-provided financial “We have a little of same thing: cuts are not a would be the most efficient both,” says Katie Knopp, aid. They both had great aca- and effective way possible common event. demics and were involved in one of the advisors from Wolack to test for drugs in the appli- many of the same school or- cant’s system. the Neuqua Valley delega- states’”Every school has a ganizations and clubs. But my “We believe that hair tion. quota in the program, but sister had an even better aca- “Students must fill out a we rarely have to cut any- demic standing than this guy. follicle testing will be able to one-hundred word essay one.” She was in top of her class. test a wider variety of drugs,” on why they should be able Isabella Shaw, from So tell me how fair it was that said Aguilar. to participate in the pro- Lake Park, said,”My school even though my sister was Although acquiring the gram, but we don’t usually doesn’t really cut people, a better student, she wasn’t drug tests will be somewhat cut people,” she said. unless they get into trouble good enough to be given a costly, the bill group’s solu- Seniority is also a at school. Then, someone full ride since she was racially tion is to raise the tax on factor in the application on the waiting list takes average. This made no sense alcohol and lottery tickets to process. their place.” to her or myself and actually .03 per dollar. Knopp states,”We inspired me to write this bill,”