Illiana’s Domincan Republic mission trip - 2 • Black history field the trip tours Chicago - 3 • Stories behind Illiana’s scholarships - 4 • • Fitness influencers of Illiana ) - 6 • Boys volleyball - 7 • Modern day slavery - 8 ) Read about Illiana’s Fine Illiana Christian High o School Ech ) Arts competition on page 5 Volume 73 Issue 8 April 26, 2019 Dyer, Indiana

served with the rest of his sophomore class at Feed My Illiana AP Starving Children, said, “It [GO Day] demonstrated to me English seniors that servitude doesn’t have to be boring or painful; rather, it dominate can be fun.” Molenaar added, “The state essay main goal of the group was to quickly and accurately pro- competition duce as many bags of food as possible” in order to maxi- Madison Rogers mize their impact in feeding a Reporter starving population. Freshman Matthew Smits Seniors Andrew Roets said regarding his service at and Issy Neibert won first Camp Manitoqua, “Working and second place in the with friends, picking up sticks, statewide Letters about Photo by Sydney DeVries spreading mulch, and helping Literature Contest spon- Juniors Lucas Polman and Andrew Witvoet split logs at Faith and Action in Crete, Illinois. the camps was a lot of fun.” sored by the Indiana State “I was able to pray over Library, and Roets’s letter my homeroom and thank will now represent the state GO Day helps students put faith in action God for giving us the ability of Indiana in the Library of vice in over a dozen different at Feed My Starving Children to serve Him!” said junior Congress’s national con- Alex Wondaal locations in the Chicagoland while the junior and senior Grace Peterson who worked test. Co-Editor in Chief Region. classes were separated by at Emmanuel CRC’s thrift For the competition, Il- The freshman class homerooms and dispersed store. “My favorite part of GO liana’s AP English students On Wednesday, April 24, helped with landscaping at to other locations requiring day was being able to meet wrote and submitted let- all Illiana students participat- Camp Manitoqua and the fewer student helpers. the amazing volunteers and ters to authors who inspired ed in “GO Day,” a day of ser- sophomores packaged meals Simon Molenaar, who bonding with my homeroom.” them. Over 1,000 students all over Indiana submitted letters, and Illiana students showed extremely well. The state gave 25 letters indi- vidual recognition for their excellence, and Illiana stu- dents captured sixteen of those spots. Beside Roets’s and Neibert’s letters, Mad- die Holesinger and Emma Slings were both named as semifinalists. These four students all won cash priz- es. Twelve other students received honorable men- tions as well. “I was very proud of my students,” said English teacher Jeff DeVries. “All of their letters were well written and insightful, and I am so excited that Andrew won the whole state. What Illiana students helped the Young Life group raise money by picking up garbage along the road. Photo by Dave Gibson an honor!” The Indiana State Li- brary held an awards cer- First mission trip to West Virginia aids Young Life Youth Group emony on April 13 in In- Taylor Benes you’re there,” junior Gabby Good- McDowell’s local Young Life group people.” dianapolis. Justin Foust Reporter fellow said. with whom they worked every day. “I think I’m most excited not and Lauren Courtney joined The team left Illiana the morn- “We cleaned out their outreach for what we did, but for what we set Roets and Neibert for the Six Illiana students, English ing of Saturday, March 30, arriving center. Right now it’s an abandoned up to be done. I feel that that area is ceremony. Roets read his teacher Sara Johnson, and a par- in McDowell the same night. The school building, but they’re going just ready for Paul and his ministry letter aloud at the event. ent chaperone travelled over spring group then met Young Life coordi- to make it a place where kids can to have an explosion,” Johnson said. Neibert, Foust, and break to McDowell, West Virginia, nators, Paul and Faith Dick, and got come and stay and where they can “Often times we associate pov- Roets also attended author where the group cleaned out an out- to work. get solid meals [every] day,” Good- erty with being far away from us, but workshops the morning be- reach center for a Young Life youth Johnson said, “We had a con- fellow said. Beyond the work in the it’s here,” Johnson stated. “It’s in our fore the ceremony. group. nection there through Jan Beatty. outreach center, the team did small own backyard; it’s in our country, and Neibert said, “The ex- McDowell is the poorest county She is a Young Life coordinator tasks to help Paul and Faith, easing we really wanted to go somewhere perience was very different in the United States and has an im- for Lake Central and Munster, and weight off their shoulders. we could be a good help to people.” than I expected, although it mense substance and drug abuse some of our kids go to her Young Freshman Callie Boss said, Johnson hopes to continue was a lot of fun to talk and problem. “It’s like having a third- Life group. She really wanted to “My favorite part was getting to sending Illiana students to McDow- meet with the authors, both world country in your own country, partner with Illiana.” know people out there and getting to ell over spring breaks to continue the of whom were extremely and you don’t hear about it unless The Illiana group met up with know that I’m working and helping work that was started. nice. It was interesting.” 2 News Teenage girls’ PIE board’s Spring Supper emotions valid, raises funds for Excellence in Education program valuable Maddie Holesinger tours for the first hour. Dinner was Co-Editor in Chief served from 5-7, and people were he takes selfies wearing too much able to view the Fine Arts entries makeup. She doesn’t know when the On Tuesday, April 23, Illi- for the last hour. Soil in her car is running low, or what ana’s Parents in Education (PIE) The money raised through to do about it. She spends all of her money board held its first Spring Supper this even goes to the Excellence on Starbucks coffee and Hollister jeans. She in the new campus. This night in Education program. Every stays up late texting her newest boyfriend, was formerly known as “Evening year, teachers make wish lists who she says she’s in for Illiana,” but Wendy Vroom, a of items not covered by tuition. love with. Next week member of the PIE board, came The lists are then approved by when they break up with the new name to give the the PIE board and principal Peter up she’ll cry into night a more casual feel, hoping Boonstra, which is then in charge her pillow for two more people would come, espe- of raising the money to purchase days straight, but cially younger families. the items. Items purchased with it won’t be long Last year, over 200 people the money raised for this program before she attended. As of Monday night, this past year include a new pot- finds another around 100 people had RSVPed tery wheel, drum set, and docu- boy to obsess but Vroom hoped the number of ment scanner. over. attendees would climb to at least Illiana had one other event Y o u Haleigh Olthof 175-200, so that the board’s goal this year that went to the Excel- guessed it, of $10,000 can be reached. lence in Education program as Co-Feature Editor she’s a teen- Photo by Haleigh Olthof The night began at 5 and well. It was a sign painting party, age girl. Guests enjoy dinner at the Spring Supper, hosted by Illiana’s PIE board. ended at 8, with new campus which raised $1,000 in all. Or is she? I know a lot of teenage girls, and most of them are nothing like the above description. Illiana group paints, builds friendships I am a teenage girl myself, and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to avoid fitting that stereo- type. I had a head start, too: I’m not very in Dominican Republic emotional naturally. Growing up and even throughout most of my teenage years, it was Nina Verhagen got along extremely well, bonded pretty quickly, a rare occasion if I cried. Reporter Then senior year happened. My classes and worked together were harder than ever, I had decisions to make Nineteen Illiana effectively. It was fun about my future, I took on the responsibility of students traveled to to be their chaperone. I leadership on the cheer team, and at some point Santiago, DR Saturday, enjoyed this experience my disposition shifted. I found myself crying March 30 to spend spring a great deal and I got to over college applications, comments from my break volunteering at the know some more Illiana parents, and yes, even boy problems. And as Pathway to Jesus School, kids in a way that I don’t I sat on my bed sobbing--quietly and with the where they painted murals normally get to.” door locked, so no one would know--I would on the walls around the The Illiana students think, Why am I crying over this? I don’t want perimeter of Pathway to played with the children to be a stupid, emotional teenage girl. Jesus School and cleared at the school and direct- I’ve seen this sentiment reflected in oth- a plot of land to be used as ed multiple games for ers, too, even if they don’t use those exact a playground. them to play. words. I’ve heard too many girls apologize Chaperone Peter “Just seeing the joy for crying, or for talking about their strug- Boonstra said, “The kids in the kids’ faces while gles: “Sorry, that was a rant.” But that’s a problem because emotions aren’t something Photo by Jenna Dutton you can control, and telling someone about Pathway to Jesus School teaches students from low-income families. them is actually a good thing (and not a bur- den to a good friend.) being there at the school Christian School, the So why do so many girls feel ashamed was my favorite part of same school attended by of their own emotions? Maybe it’s because the trip,” said senior former Illiana student that teenage-girl emotion is so linked to a ste- James Vandermolen. Sarah Hernandez and reotype that portrays young women as silly, Illiana’s students also her brother, senior shallow, and melodramatic. Girls are so used enjoyed a beach day Mark Hernandez. Their to being told they’re worked up over nothing and spent some time mother Shelly Hernandez that they’ve learned to minimize their own downtown. founded the Pathway to problems before anyone else can. The group of students Jesus School, and Illiana But maybe we shouldn’t be so scared rented out a home owned has sent volunteers to of a little emotion--or a lot of it. After all, Photo by Jenna Dutton by a man whose children work there for the past our feelings make life interesting and give it Illiana students pose during the Fun Day they ran at Pathway to Jesus School. went to Santiago 10 years. meaning. I sure wouldn’t want to live with- out them. Our emotions also help us to connect Students turn sports to service at TOPSoccer with others. The girls I’ve seen cry the most Samuel Vargo cerebral palsy. Johnson said they plan TOPSoccer is a also tend to be the most empathetic and self- Reporter For many Illiana students, activities with TOPSoccer community-based training and less people I know. They love their families the opportunity to help these because “it’s the right thing team placement program for and friends effusively, and they notice when Every Friday in April from kids feels as normal as going to do and it appeals to the young athletes with disabilities the people around them need some extra 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening, to class or sports practice students.” organized by the US Youth encouragement. When I’m the one crying, Illiana Go Club sends students after school. Students like Johnson added, “My goal Soccer Organization. The they’re who I want to talk to. to the Dyer Indoor Arena to sophomore Simon Molenaar with all the events we plan is goal of TOPSoccer is to So let’s stop hiding emotion like it’s participate in TOPSoccer. go to give these kids an “escape to develop relations between enable thousands of young an embarrassment, and let’s start allowing While there, the students from the worries of life,” and students and organizations. athletes with disabilities to young women to be emotional, to be human, have fun by playing soccer freshman Colin DeVries went God calls us to service, to do become valued and successful to be teenage girls. We may find that those and making new friends with because he “heard it was a things that help others, and this members of the US Youth selfie-taking, makeup-wearing girls’ - emo kids that are suffering from good time.” is a thing that helps others, so, Soccer family by bringing the tions are not only valid but also valuable. disabilities such as autism and Go Club sponsor Sarah therefore, we should do it.” opportunity of playing soccer News 3

Photo courtesy of Bethel Christian Reformed Church Junior Rachel Bosman plays with children at Bethel Children’s Home, singing songs with them and teaching the kids how to snap and whistle . Illiana students travel to Uganda, help maintain orphanage Sophia Thompson “They’re just such joy- elephants, giraffes, lions, Reporter ful children and they love hyenas and a lot of gazelle, hanging out with us. For the said Persenaire. Bethel Church in Lan- orphans, it makes them hap- “I was an amazing ex- sing took six Illiana stu- py to know somebody out perience and a lot of fun,” dents who attend their there is thinking about them said freshman Alex Bos- youth group on a mission and praying for them,” said man. trip to the Bethel Children’s Tambrini. To raise money for the School in Uganda this year. The students also visit- trip Bethel hosted a free Seniors Jacob DeYoung, ed Wakisa Pregnancy Cen- will donation dinner to Hannah Persenaire, Kylie ter, a place for 10-19 year help pay expenses. The Boss, junior Rachel old girls to go when they kids who went on the trip Bosman, sophomore Olivia become pregnant under stayed with Rick and Val Tambrini, and freshman unwanted conditions. To Persenaire at their home Alex Bosman all went many, visiting this center in Uganda. The Ugandan on the mission trip with was the highlight of their children sang songs with chaperones Rick and Val trip. the high schoolers and Persenaire to help children “It was really power- built relationships with in Uganda who attend the ful to see girls there my each other. Persenaire school. age pregnant…it was heart- said, “I’ve heard from While at the orphanage, breaking,” said Tambrini. other people who went on the high schoolers set up At the end of the trip, the trip that the children new gutter systems to col- the team also got to visit feel the love of God, so I lect drinkable rain water, Murchison Falls Nation- was expecting the kids I Photo courtesy of Bethel Christian Reformed Church painted classrooms, and al Park and go on a safari met on this trip to feel it Members of the group ranged from fifteen to seventy years in age. bonded with the kids there. while at the park. We saw too.” Students venture to Chicago to learn more about black history Lauren Woo huge statues of the legs,” she said, “the legs represent African Americans from Reporter Mississippi’s journey up to Chicago.” Courtney Collins, another junior Thirty-three Illiana students took who also attended the trip both years, a field trip to Chicago, led by his- said her favorite part was Union Sta- tory teacher Jeff White, on April 16, to tion, because “it was beautiful, and highlight black history and culture in you get a sense of what it was like the area. around 1950 to 1970 coming from the This was the second year the field south to Chicago.” trip was offered. Both times students Daniel Deramus, a junior, said went to Barack Obama’s house in Chi- his favorite site was Jesse Owen’s cago, Grant Park, Union Station, Jesse grave. Owen’s was a famous track Owen’s grave, and the church that athlete, and Deramus, who also Emit Till attended, among other sites. participates in track, found the Amara Ude, a junior who at- grave to be especially inspiration- tended the trip both this year and last al. year, said her favorite part “has to be “I recommend going [on the the walk through Grant Park.” trip] because it is a very good and Photo by Alex Wondaal “In Grant Park there are those fun trip,” Collins said. History teacher Jeff White enthusiastically explains the significance of the statue symbolizing people’s journey to Chicago by foot. 4 Feature Keeping memories alive At the end-of-the-year Awards Assembly, Illiana gives memorial scholarships Joshua Daniel DeBoer Scholarship Natalie Togtman to graduating seniors to put toward Arts Editor their plans after Illiana. Here are the The Joshua Daniel DeBoer stories behind those scholarships. Scholarship is named after the brother of Michele Sserwadda who works in the office. He died in a plane crash in Rick Vanden Berg Scholarship September 2011. DeBoer graduated from Illiana according to Van Til. The Liz VanDrunen in 2008. criteria for the scholarship Co-Feature Editor Sserwadda said, “Immediately was set up by Richard’s after he passed my parents knew they parents, Richard and Nancy The Richard Glen Van- wanted to set up a scholarship in his Vanden Berg. den Berg scholarship was memory as a way to keep people talk- “What happens so often setup in remembrance of ing about him.” is that all scholarships are Richard Vanden Berg, an The scholarship is awarded to strictly academic and our Illiana student who passed kids who “display a Christ like atti- Photo courtesy of Michele Sserwadda son, while he was a won- From left to right: Joe Neuzerling (also killed in the plane away on August 20, 1993. tude” and have a “desire to develop derful person, did not make crash), Nick Kwolek, Joshua Daniel Deboer, and Megan The scholarship was set God given gifts.” the dean’s list or the honor Morrison enjoy their drinks and dinner together. up by Frank VanTil, the fa- Sserwadda said, “The greatest ther of Richard’s friend, roll,” said Richard Sr. thing about Josh was his ability to be his roommate were the only two peo- believers, spoke about how much Bryan. It was set up for “We wanted the latitude friends with everybody.” ple in the friend group who believed. love and care Josh showed for them graduating seniors who, al- [of the scholarship] not to DeBoer’s friend group consisted Sserwadda said, “I remember at and that was a special moment for our though may not do the best go to a highly competitive of mostly non-Christians. Deboer and the funeral his friends, who weren’t family.” in school, still want the college. We wanted to en- same opportunities to go courage everybody to ad- to college or trade school vance their education.” Vernon Boerman Scholarship Kylie Boss During his time at Illiana, Lagerwey. Co-News Editor alumni recall him jumping on desks, After Boerman died in 2006, it pretending to be the Pope, or bowing was his wife Nancy’s idea to set up The Vernon J. Boerman toward Mecca, said Lagerwey. this scholarship to pay for tuition costs Scholarship was established in 2007 “Early on, he decided he was for an Illiana junior student because to commemorate Vernon J. Boerman, going to be weird for Jesus,” said Boerman was so invested in the idea a teacher who served at Illiana for Lagerwey. that a student’s job is being a student, over thirty years. Boerman’s family, During Boerman’s lifetime, according to Lagerwey. Doing this including Illiana English and Bible a pressure for students to join the would encourage the student to teacher Mrs. Mary Lagerwey, created workforce became prevalent. focus on his or her studies instead of the scholarship to remember Boerman Boerman felt very strongly, though, worrying about earning money, said and to help Illiana students with tuition that a student’s job should be a student, Lagerwey. costs. said Lagerwey. According to Lagerwey, the “The push to work outside scholarship is primarily given to Luke Witvliet sits in his childhood home. Photo courtesy of Tina Witvliet “The idea was to remember him as a long-time Illiana teacher and of school was really taking away students involved in drama, art, or also to [help] an Illiana student,” said from their academics and their music, and the student is nominated by Luke Witvliet Scholarship Lagerwey. extracurricular involvements,” said faculty. Maddie Holesinger alive. Luke was like me. I wake Co-Editor in Chief up every morning and love life Jim Huizenga Memorial Scholarship more than the day before.” Grant Gibson going into two-year trade schools both Trepton and Leanne. He was Luke Witvliet passed away Luke was outgoing, witty, Co-Feature Editor because that’s what he did. on the wrestling team and enjoyed on May 18, 2001 at the age of 18 brave, and he was a lot of fun. He “The ones that get the most shop classes the most. from a rare form of colon can- loved reptiles, but he loved his Jim Huizenga graduated Illi- awards are the ones that are going “You can see that in some of cer. As a way to commemorate friends most. ana in 1980 and went to Joliet Ju- onto college and have very high the students in Illiana now,” Le- and celebrate his life, his moth- A story that embodies nior College to get his commercial scores,” said Leanne Huizenga, anne said. “Those benches that er, Tina Witvliet, listened to the Luke’s character happened af- driver’s license (CDL). Two years Jim’s mother. “Some kids are more were made are a wonderful thing suggestion of others and decided ter getting back from a fishing later, he graduated and hit the road. suited for having jobs like [being] that they do with their hands.” to set up the Luke Witvliet Me- trip with his dad and brothers. However, he passed away on Oct. a mechanic…. It costs money for By the time Jim had graduated morial Scholarship in his honor. “His brother ran in to the 2, 1998, because of a lethal acci- those students to go on, too, but from Illiana, “the teachers had a lot “[My family and I] also house yelling, ‘Mom, quick, dent. they never get the aid the [4-year of influence directing him,” said thought it would be nice to help Luke has a fish hook in his Bonnie Trepton, Jim’s sister, students] get.” Leanne, “into somewhere where kids that can use the financial aid,” nose!’ When I got out there, said that their family chose to cre- During high school, Jim he was working with his hands but said Witvliet. “Luke went through they had already taken the ate the scholarship to help students “loved to have fun,” according to still had to use his head, his mind.” such a hard ten months,... so we fish hook out,” said Witvliet. wanted to honor kids who have “He was standing there with also overcome great obstacles.” red, puffy eyes and dirty tears Among the criteria needed coming down his face, but he Cathy Beezhold Peerbolte Scholarship in order to be nominated for was so proud of the fish that he Madison Ceponis bolte lived an abundant life, a scholarship awarded once this scholarship is perseverance. caught that we took a picture Reporter her sister Carol VanDrunen a year. Throughout Luke’s struggle with of him standing with the fish, stated. She added, “She was To be an applicant the cancer, he still found ways to make a half smile on his face. That The Cathy Beezhold a kindred spirit and a saint.” student must have a Christ the best of the life. was so Luke. Smiling through Peerbolte Memorial Scholar- This scholarship was sup- like attitude towards others, “I want everyone to know the pain. Even though he just ship is given to one Illiana ported by family and friends must be diligent with us- that Luke loved life,” said Witv- got a fish hook in his nose, student going into the medi- that were shocked by her in- ing the gifts God gave them, liet. “I know a lot of people who which had to hurt, he was still cal field. The scholarship has stant passing and wanted to must have specific plans in don’t wake up every day and say proud of that fish and wanted a been awarded since 2002. donate money. The parents the medical field, and must how happy they are, just to be picture.” Cathy Beezhold Peer- then put it to a good cause, have two recommendations. Arts and Leisure 5 Vocal: Solo Category - Fine Arts 2019 1st place - Jenna O’Brien “She Used to be Mine”

Fine arts is a week dedicated to 2nd place - Sydney DeVries showcasing the talents of “Popular” 3rd place - Kaneisha Perry students in the categories of “Questions” writing, singing, drawing, Ensemble Category - 1st place - Bella Vanderwoude and Emily Feikema painting, and playing an “Some Things are Meant to Be” instrument. The winners of 2nd place - Angelina Verastagi, Anna Lenting, Kaylee Evers, each category are listed below. Isabella Verastegi “She Sings”

3rd place - TeNia Phillips and Kyann Rule Photo by Makayla Hoeksma “Thank You, Soldiers” TeNia Phillips and Kyann Rule perform ‘Thank You, Soldiers”

“Colorless” by Morgan Bryant Portrait “tick tock tick tock” Photography: By Issy Neibert tick-tock-tick-tock 1st place - Megan Boss Midnight Photo by Michael Moore Raul Garcia and Lauren Courtney perform a duet in the instrumental competition. “Star” Icy breeze cuts through and he appears 2nd place - Morgan Bryant strutting through the garden Poetry: Instrumental: “Colorless” He wears harsh features and empty smiles hidden under silk robes, extravagante and stiff. 1st place - Olivia DeYoung Solo Category - Honorable mention - The flowers worship him, “The Memory of Us” 1st place - Christine DeYoung, Dorianne J Smith leaning towards his cloak, Harp solo “Paisley” desperate for his meaningless touch. 2nd place - Taylor Benes, “Spring” Ensemble Category - Painting: A quiet blanket covers the garden. 1st place - Andrew DeBoer, Reverence from the willows 3rd place - Olivia DeYoung 1st place - Issy Neibert Ben Ipema, and Elizabeth Disgust from the flowers “1864, Then No More” “Fauvist Medusa” DeYoung Silently she enters Trumpet trio Her face a bright light in an inky pool of black. Honorable Mentions- 2nd place - Mia Roth She holds the moon “Headspace” 2nd place - Bella VanderWoude and with somber duty. Issy Neibert, Christine DeYoung Out her delicate lips “Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock” Violin duet 3rd place - Gabby Albanese the subtle smell of dry wine. “Rain Wyrm” Taylor Benes Honorable Mention- A lullaby drifts through the air “Elmer Batterman” Allison Meyer and Kayla Short Stories: along with her whispering voice, Sylvester “Lovely to see you again.” Rachel Bultema Flute and oboe duet - Gabby Albaenese, 1st place The flowers wince. “Hers” and “Rope” “Within the Confidence of our Skulls” Boisterous laughter, then “Can’t agree.” 2nd place - Taylor Benes Nauseating sweetness flows from his breath. “Remembering Adelaide” tick-tock tick-tock 3rd place - Issy Neibert The church bell chimes “Shoe Corner” Midnight ends Death looks at the sky “It’s time. Essay: Someone is waiting for me.” Life grinned. 1st place - Haleigh Olthof, “You aren’t special. “Regrets inevitable, beneficial” Without me, you can’t exist.” tick 2nd place - Haleigh Olthof, tock tick “Brother with autism brings Photo by Michael Moore joy, challenges to Kooistra tock Christine DeYoung plays “My Heart Will Go On” on the harp. DeYoung took 1st place. family” “Without me, you are meaningless.” 6 Sports Boys track and field develops chemistry early on, helping them do well

Kade Bouwer Co-Sports Editor

Despite the coaching change and competing in a new state, the boys track and field team has done well so far. Although they haven’t won a meet yet, they have consistently performed in the middle of the pack. Sophomore Justin VanProoyen said, “As a whole I think the team has been doing well because we have been

Photo by Coy DeJong Photo courtesy of Brian Mock going through all these changes like new coaches and the new staff, so I Junior Coy DeJong flexes his muscles for his followers after a big workout. Senior Brian Mock studies his grip before working out his squats. Mock feel like we have come together very He tries to work out at least six times a week. also works out six times a week. well as a team. In the recent meets the conditions weren’t really that good. So, Illiana students use Instagram to display their I thought we performed well with what we had.” Team chemistry has never been bodybuilding, advance their fitness careers higher according to multiple players, and that camaraderie has helped them Kade Bouwer “I just thought it would after seeing Coy’s page, funny and he didn’t want perform better. They have been pull- Co-Sports Editor be funny and something to he was encouraged. Mock me to start it and I posted ing many pranks on the girls team as do,” said DeJong. “A lot of said,“[My fitness page] was a couple of pictures…, but a way of building team chemistry and Alex Wondaal people have fitness pages, a way for me to talk about now he loves it. There’s a having fun. Co-Editor in Chief so I figured it would put something I like to do with- bunch of people that ask Senior Luke Haan said, “We just a smile on someone’s face out being too forward about us to be their ambassadors. mess around a little bit. We get along and it’s fun for me to do.” it because I don’t want to They comment on our posts alright with [the girls track and field Exercise is nothing if While DeJong’s content give that impression.” all the time.” team.] It is just fun messing around tons of people don’t know is mainly humorous posts Coy’s fitness page was In the future, both pages with them.” about it. For junior Coy De- and photos of himself flex- first intended to be a joke, are looking to expand their While they like to have fun, the Jong and senior Brian Mock, ing, Mock prefers a video but it soon evolved into brands. Coydaddy Mus- team is focused on getting better and this truth is self evident. approach, showing clips something more. Junior cleparts already is selling preparing to make the leap to become DeJong and Mock admin- of his improved lifts. De- Lily Olfhof, co-founder merchandise such as shirts, an elite track and field team. ister fitness/bodybuilding Jong’s page has 181 follow- of Coydaddy Muscleparts, and the brand is looking into VanProoyen said, “As a team, I pages on their instagrams ers while Mock’s follows said, “I was in physics class the possibility of expanding think our goal is that we just want to coydaddy.mucsleparts and closely behind with 169. and we were bored so we into the protein supplement get better and we all can get better indi- mock_motivation respec- Mock at first didn’t want just thought it would be market. Mock hopes to ex- vidually. When we get better individu- tively. to create a fitness page, but funny so I started it to be pand his follower base. ally we will get better as a whole.” Boys golf crushes opponents to remain undefeated so far, to be heading into key matches Cate Peerbolte With the campus move, We are able to start practic- Co-Sports Editor the golf season changed es much sooner.” from fall to spring. Senior Senior Parish Townes The boys golf team has Seth Bouwer said, “The said, “I am looking forward gotten off to a very success- courses have had much more to the large tournaments we ful start in Indiana, boasting rain on them this season. I have coming up. We are hop- an undefeated match record. have been ankles deep in ing to perform well at these Senior Matt Lagestee mud while practicing.” [since we cannot compete said, “The team has been After the campus move in] the state tournament.” playing very well despite the boys’ home course, The team will compete not playing together in over Palmira, is much closer in the Kankakee Valley tour- Photo by Michelle Bouwer a year. We have been con- to school. Lagestee said, nament on Apr. 27, and the sistently beating our oppo- “Practices have been much Christian Schools Invite in Senior Seth Bouwer (middle) takes a practice swings before teeing off at Lost Marsh nents.” more convenient this year. Michigan on May 4. Golf Course. Illiana would go onto win against both East Chicago and Morton . Sports 7 Sports Highlights Boys baseball struggles despite immense talent Liz VanDrunen far has been being able to win the first to get as many wins as possible and all Co-Feature Editor game on the new field. There are a lot the players at their best by the end of of additions that could make the field the season.” The varsity baseball team contin- better, but it’s in, the layout is beautiful DeJong said, “We have some ues its season with a win against Vic- and we won our first game on the field, fielding issues, like who belongs where tory Christian Academy on Monday, so it should be an exciting season.” and how we are approaching the bases, April 22. With no postseason, the team’s but we’re working them out.” The team’s record stands at two goal is to improve as much as possible DeBoer said, “We are working on wins, four losses, and one tie. in the upcoming month. situational execution, being able to rec- Varsity head coach, Darren De- Senior Colton DeJong, center ognize different situations and change Boer said, “The most exciting thing so fielder and pitcher, said, “We’re trying our approaches as they come up.” Injuries rob girls track and field of desired results Natalie Togtman vious years. competed in the highly antic- Arts Editor The girls finished in ipated in the Highland High fourth place at the Christian Invite. Before the Invite, se- The girls track team has Schools Invite hosted by Uni- nior Emma Groot said, “I’m continued doing well this ty Christian High School in not really sure how we will season despite numerous Hudsonville, Michigan. do at this meet because it’s girls suffering from shin The girls have had an un- so big and we have never ran splints. usual week of competition, against these teams before.” Photo by Paul Smit Coach Top commented on with three scheduled meets The girls will also com- the overwhelming amount of in four days. On Tue April 23 pete tonight at the Chicago Sophomore Jaxson Smit jumps up and spikes the ball at the opposing shin splints that she believes the freshmen and sophomore Christian Invite. team. can be contributed to the fact girls competed at Watseka, Looking ahead the girls that the girls have been prac- and had invites on Thursday have three more meets in- Volleyball team’s impressive ticing inside the school rather and Friday. cluding the first ever Illiana stretch of play continues than being on tile like in pre- On Thursday the team Invite on May 6. Weather, inexperience trouble girls softball Grant Gibson lost a few we should’ve won,” Co-Feature Editor he said. DJ Gladney said, “It’s been so rainy and day.” Right side hitter Ethan Reporter snowy that we’ve only played Wondaal pointed out that With their eyes turning to- Reynhout said inconsistency is three games.” the team is also young and ward the state tournament, Il- their main weakness: “We need Early in the season, the As the weather warms up, fairly inexperienced, so the liana’s boys’ volleyball team to work on keeping our momen- softball team’s greatest com- the girls are looking to some girls need to learn to play hopes for a promising future tum going.” petitor might just be the home tough new teams, including a smarter. that mirrors and exceeds their To counter their unpre- field, which has been under game against Marist, which is “[Each player needs to] be record of 9-6. dictability, varsity is “focus- construction for a while and rank 24th in the entire nation. aware of what the team needs Varsity is confident in its ing on the fundamentals rather which the team still hopes “We are a young team with from them while they’re up ability this season, especially than winning” during practice, will be usable before the sea- quite a bit of talent,” Wondaal to bat, knowing the situation after a victory against Franklin said defensive specialist Adam son ends. A wet spring has added. “We have great chem- of the game. These things be- Community, a 14-2 team, in the Swets. not helped matters. istry, and we look forward to come better with time and ex- Chesterton Tournament. Bos- The fundamentals, accord- Coach Nicole Wondaal working with each other every perience.” man said he thinks varsity can ing to Swets, include frequent win the state club’s regional passing drills and “moving Girls tennis keeps winning in early part of season tournament. our feet, getting agile on the If not this year, they’re go- floor.” Kylie Boss played two matches despite being Lizzy Knot. ing to impress people within the Bosman agreed that the big- Co-News Editor a month into the season, according “We’re learning about the new next three years. Coach Dave gest factor to improving in con- to Armendariz. schools….and where we stack up Bosman said that the “eleven sistency is talk: “We’re a lot qui- Despite cold and windy “I like having it in the fall against them,” said tennis coach freshmen are the most talented eter team on the court. When we weather, the varsity girls ten- better than in the spring,” said Mr. Rob Lagerwey. Amongst the freshmen on the JV team” that start losing, we get quieter, and nis team has won both of its two Armendariz.” The weather was a larger schools, tennis is a bigger he’s had in his four years of then we struggle.” matches this season. According to lot more predictable,” said Arm- deal [in Indiana] than in Illinois, coaching varsity. “If we can get up to an eight senior Lilly Armendariz, most of endariz. according to Lagerwey. On a scale from zero to or a nine,” said Bosman, “I’ll their matches have been canceled Because of the move to Indi- JV tennis has also won both ten, coach Dave Bosman says be happy. And that’ll come with because of intense winds and ana, the team is facing bigger and of its matches, according to sopho- they’re at about a seven, but “we consistency.” cold weather. The team has only harder schools, according to junior more Chloe Weemhoff. Male Athlete of the Month Female Athlete of the Month

Carrying over from last year’s Junior Lily Olthof is one of the postseason run in which he finished best players on the girls tennis team first in regionals and third in section- this year, but more importantly, she als, senior Lawton Bouwer has gotten has been a constant vocal leader for off to a hot start, leading his team to the team. an undefeated record. As the number Olthof said, “I try to stay posi- one golfer, he provides leadership in tive and energetic during practice, so his scoring and his vocals. then people don’t get down on them- Freshman Wesley Olthof said, selves and enjoy their time. If people “I’d say Lawton brings a positive lose their matches, I try to encourage spirit and a good outlook on the team them and remind them that there is a in general. He plays really well, so lot of matches that they can make up he is a good example for the younger for, so they should do their best and players through the way he plays.” play as hard as they can.” 8 Opinion Positive thoughts Editorial breed success

Slavery not merely an issue of the past t was the first golf tournament of the The best estimates say at and how you can get involved in many household items, includ- of malnourishment or abuse, has year and I couldn’t have been less ner- least 40 million people live in in anti-trafficking efforts. Several ing deodorant. Many large cor- few or no personal possessions, or Ivous. I was actually quite surprised be- slavery today. One-fourth of documentaries also offer different porations do their best to inspect doesn’t have access to his or her cause usually I’m the one who is paralyzed them are children, and 71% are perspectives on the issue. (Watch overseas factories, but it is nearly own ID or passport, that person with nerves. I was relaxed walking up to the women and girls (Global Slavery more than one to get a more com- impossible to ensure that these may be a victim of trafficking. tee time, exchanging score cards, and pre- Index). They are bought and sold prehensive picture.) Endslavery. factories are not using slave labor. You can report these signs to the paring for my first shot, for an average of $90 a person, org/act/educate also offers a list Unfortunately, small businesses National Human Trafficking Ho- but then something less than ever before in human of books that give basic informa- especially lack the resources to tline at 1-888-373-7888 and find happened. history (Free the Slaves). tion on the topic. Once you have a regulate their supply chains. To a more comprehensive list of the I remembered all They are forced to work better understanding of the issue, avoid buying products made signs of trafficking at humantraf- the way back to my on construction sites, in facto- start conversations with people using slave labor, buy certified fickinghotline.org. first round of the year ries, and in homes without a you know about the slavery that fair trade products from compa- Promote anti-slavery when I had topped the paycheck. Some are forced into legislation. Contact your lo- first drive off marriage as a way to hide forced cal representative and ask him the tee. Sud- labor. Others are conscripted into “[Slaves] are bought and or her to vote for laws that stop denly that the military in countries like Uz- the criminalization of traffick- was all I bekistan and North Korea and sold for an average of $90 a ing victims and protect those at could think then sent to labor camps rather risk for trafficking. Learn about Kade Bouwer about. than battle. And others are traf- person, less than ever before)) specific bills and petitions at Co-Sports Editor Gone ficked into brothels, sold for sex. )polarisproject.org/action and were the While modern slavery is in human history.” the online Shared Hope Interna- pleasant clearly a serious issue of injustice, tional Advocacy Action Center thoughts of hitting a beautiful shot, cutting it can be hard to know how to (https://p2a.co/ja6el4w). to the shape of the fairway and bounding its help solve this daunting and com- still exists in our world. nies that are honest about where Donate or fundraise. way toward the hole. Now I was just pray- plicated problem. It is easy to feel Use your consumer vote. their goods come from. You can Many organizations are already ing fervently that the shot would go past the overwhelmed by the statistics, but The U.S. imports $354 billion also write a letter to your favor- working towards a world with- women’s tee box. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. we shouldn’t give up. We are not worth of products annually, in- ite brands asking them for more out slavery. Donate to nonprof- I reared back and swang as hard as helpless. We can bring change, cluding coffee, clothing, cocoa, transparency about their supply its like the International Justice I could and, low and behold, I topped my even if it seems small. Here are a and other foods, that have slave chains. Mission or participate in a fund- drive. The ball trickled its way down the hill few things we can all do today to labor in their supply chains Learn to recognize signs of raising project like Dressember. and right up next to the women’s tee box, fight human trafficking: (Global Slavery Index). For ex- trafficking. If you come into con- seemingly mocking me all the way. I looked Learn more and raise ample, children work alongside tact with someone who is unpaid www.globalslaveryindex.org/2018/findings/ back to see if my brothers and my team- global-findings/ awareness. Online sources like their parents in Wilmar, a prov- or paid only through tips, works www.endslaverynow.org mates were watching, and sure enough they the Global Slavery Index and End ince of Indonesia that controls excessively long and/or unusual www.amnesty.org.au/milly-stilinovic-palm-oil- were. I was thoroughly embarrassed. The child-labour/ Slavery Now offer in-depth in- 43 percent of the palm oil trade, hours, owes a large debt he or www.freetheslaves.net desire to snap my driver in half, dump my formation about modern slavery processing palm oil that ends up she can’t pay back, shows signs www.nytimes.com clubs in the creek nearby, and quit the game of golf forever was at an all time high right the after that shot. I said stuff like, “Wow, can’t remember the last time I did that,” or “Can’t Echo)))) believe I just did that,” to try to cover my embarrassment. Editors-in-chief I was a train-wreck for the rest of the hole, and I carded a double-bogey. After that Maddie Holesinger hole, I was able to play fairly well for the Alex Wondaal )) remainder of the tournament. In fact, my News ) drives were some of the best I had this year, Kylie Boss keeping pace with a D-1 commit for most of Haleigh Othof the day. Despite the great drives, at the end of the round, all I could think about was my Feature first shot of the day. Grant Gibson I don’t know how many times I have Liz VanDrunen heard the phrase: Think Positively. It is such a basic idea, that sometimes I forget about Arts it. On that tee box all I could think about Natalie Togtman was what could go wrong, and then acted surprised when it did. When those negative Sports thoughts invaded my mind and I didn’t re- Kade Bouwer ject them right away, my fate was already Cate Peerbolte sealed. Too many times our attention moves di- Photos rectly towards negative thoughts. We dwell Grant Gibson on what could go wrong instead of envision- Across Down ing what should go right. This will always Advisor 3. Illiana’s 5K and breakfast 1. Found on ground in April, perfect hurt us, not only in golf, but also in every Jeff DeVries 6. Our most important star for splashing other aspect of life. Negative thoughts are Editorials, unless otherwise stated, have 7. Day on which the elderly visit 2. Given out at the end of the year just more obstacles we put in front of our- been written by an editor and reflect the Illiana (plural) selves to overcome. In life we already have opinion of the majority of the Echo staff. 9. Pretty yellow weed 4. These tiny creatures come out in a lot of things we have to overcome that we Opinions expressed are not necessarily that 10. Unleavened bread is spring cannot control, and giving ourselves one of the administration, faculty, or student orga- consumbed on this Jewish holiday 5. Formerly “Christain service day” more that we can doesn’t help us one bit. nizations. 11. Turns green in spring 6. Fundraiser from page 2 So whether it is the first tee shot of a Letters to the editor can be submitted 13. A practical joke done by seniors 8. John Calvin’s favorite flowers golf tournament, a cruel test at school, or a to the advisor or sent to the school. All let- 14. A day to celebrate trees 12. The reason April 15 stinks ters must be signed and must not exceed 250 difficult task at work, positive thoughts will 15. Fun way of saying “rabbit” words. They will be printed provided there is put me and you at a greater chance of doing the best we can. They’ll also decrease the enough room and content is not offensive to The newspaper is a forum for expression; therefore, we the general public. encourage feedback or commentary. Please contact us at chances I’ll have to go out and buy a new [email protected] driver at the end of the round.