The Arrow Thornwood High School December 2016 Voulme 45 Issue 2 Winter Ball Returns

ds The Arrow Thornwood High School December 2016 Voulme 45 Issue 2 Winter ball returns

By Jonaie Conway remember having one since I’ve been here.” cake, cookies, pizza, and salad for food at the dance. and Yadira Correa Senior Noah Dixon likes Marco Garcia would prefer ethnic food. Student council, in conjunction the idea of having a winter ball. “I would like Mexican food,” Garcia said. with A Few Good Men and possibly the “I think it was a good idea to bring the Victoria Tray- prom committee, is sponsoring a winter winter ball back to let everyone have a chance lor would like pizza and chicken. ball from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 11 to participate in something,” Dixon said. “I feel like Thornwood nev- in the student café or the north field house. Friedl hopes more stu- er has any good food,” Traylor said. “After homecoming’s successful week- dents will attend the winter ball. Brown would like sand- end, students, along with our administra- “I truly hope so,” Friedl said. wiches, cookies, and punch. tors, asked if we could put together a winter “The students are the reason we are even “Those are delicious items,” Brown said. dance,” Carol Friedl, student council spon- having a dance. It was their request.” Danielle Roby would like pizza and ranch. sor said. “The more I was approached by The theme for the dance is “One “Those are my favorite items,” Roby said. our students the more willing I became.” Love” by Bob Marley. The cost is $15.00. Christopher Futrell prefers Asian food. Thornwood has not Friedl is leaving it up to the students “I love Asian food because of its taste had a winter ball in years. to decide what food they want for the dance. and the season being winter,” Futrell said. “I’m not for sure when the last time “I think that’s a great question for the stu- Deja Barnes would like sweets. Thornwood had a winter ball,” Friedl said. dents,” Friedl said. “What would you like to have?” “I would like sweets be- “This is my fifth year at Thornwood, and I can’t Dixon would like fried chicken, slices of cause they are good,” Barnes said. Stacey Jones is senior dean

By Cleondria Butler, wear pants with a belt (i .e. no sagging pants), Monica Browder and wear current school photo ID at all times during Destiny Archibald the school day, no engagements in gang activ- Stacey Jones, the new senior dean, applied ity (handshakes), avoid engaging in physical for the dean’s position to impact students’ lives. altercations, attend all classes regularly, and “(I want to be a dean) to positively im- arrive before the tardy bell rings,” Jones said. pact the lives of students and assist them in She has a few responsibilities as a dean. their pursuit to leave an indelible impression on “I identify and respond to matters related an ever-changing global society,” Jones said. to safety of students and staff, assist administrators Jones has a couple of in the development and maintenance of a positive goals for the seniors this year. school climate, and enforce the discipline and “My primary goal is to work closely attendance policies of District 205,” Jones said. with seniors to insure that they serve deten- Jones taught mathematics for 19 years, tions in a timely manner to avoid being placed seventeen years at Thornton and two years for CPS. on the LOP list,” Jones said. “Failure to serve Jones has adapted to Thornwood. outstanding detentions will result in a student “I have had a smooth transition to Thorn- being placed on their III LOP, which will pro- informing parents of the impact of their child’s wood as a dean thanks to all of the support I’ve re- hibit them from attending senior prom and LOP status via phone conferences,” Jones said. ceived from staff in the dean’s office,” Jones said. participating in commencement exercises.” Jones expects sever- “Also, I’ve received tremendous support and en- Jones has planned several things from seniors this year. couragement from teachers I’ve worked alongside al strategies to obtain her goals. “(I expect seniors to) hold themselves in district-wide initiatives for the past 17 years “(I will be) conducting individualized accountable, surround themselves with posi- such as Mrs. Brucki, Mrs. Langs, Mr. Wendorff, conferences with students in which we set tive people, be active participants in the learn- and Mrs. Alexander-Flattery. I am delighted to goals/dates to have all detentions served and ing process in all classes, do not use profanity, have been embraced by the Thunderbird family. 2 VIEWPOINTS

Thornwood High School 17101 South Park Avenue Editorial South Holland, IL 60473

Editors-in-Chief

Jazmyne Rodgers Jonaie Conway Winter ball Jaylin Williams Staff

Destiny Archibald will benefit Paris Banks Monica Browder Cleondria Butler Jose Carbajal students Christine Cerda Yadira Correa Shane Crozier Elana Fleshman Due to the success of the homecom- Holland, and this winter ball would be a Taylor Irons ing dance, Thornwood High School is hav- safe place for students to be able see their Chernise Jones ing a winter ball in February. The winter ball friends who they might not be able to see Jordan Jones will benefit many students and Thornwood. during a regular school week. The social ex- Tayler Lawson Jimmy Leaster One way a winter ball will benefit stu- perience at the dance could generate friend- Kadara Mahan dents and Thornwood is that it will get stu- ships that cause students to socialize at oth- Kirsten Moore dents to do better in school. When students er Thornwood activity and sport events. Bobbi Moses get in trouble, they are constantly marked If the winter ball is as profitable and Areyanna Richardson and monitored for their bad behavior. As successful as the homecoming dance, then Jesus Santana the misdemeanors add up, they will land on the winter ball is also helpful in a finan- Chaniya Sawyer LOP. With the dance being a popular event cial way as well. Since the student council Dejhanee Tillman at Thornwood, it will force students to make is in charge of the winter ball, any money Noel Trimuel better choices so that they can attend school that it makes will go towards the school for Jamie Williams activities. With students coming to class on more fun activities. These after school -ac time, staying out of trouble, and keeping tivities could be a movie day with snacks, a Principal Dennis Willis their grades up, it makes the school look like guest speaker, or even a board game night. a good educational environment, and it re- Hence, bringing back winter ball is Advisor wards the students for doing the right thing. a great idea. Staying off of LOP, socializ- Mrs. Marlene Matthias Another way winter ball will benefit ing with peers, and generating money for the students is the social experience. There are more activities benefit students. There- The Arrow is produced by Thornwood stu- not that many after school activities in South fore, all students should attend winter ball. dents. Opinions expressed do not necessarily repre- sent those of the administration, faculty, or advisor.

Photo Opinions What is your New Year’s

Blake Jackson Tyronn Lofton resolu- Miya Agee Jalen Love Sophomore Sophomore tion? Senior Senior

“To stay with good grades “My New Year’s resolution Why? “I’m trying to go to state “My New Year’s reso- and stay in acting be- is to get all A’ s and focus and eventually make the lution is to have better cause it can help me in on being an athlete. I also Olympics.” grades, so I can have a my future life.” would like to be more in- better GPA for college.” volved in school activities.” PHOTOS 3

A Royal Fashion Runway 4 FEATURES YouTube:Where variety exists

A picture from one of the satisfying videos By Jazmyne Rodgers box of YouTube, and you will be ex- a song, for example, and change er depends on the creator’s per- posed to hundreds of music videos. the words up while keeping the sonal preference as long as it’s There are many different Gaming videos are videos actual melody and share it to the not too lengthy. You don’t want types of YouTube videos that of your favorite YouTuber play- public. You could also do some- to show the public everything people watch. From videos of ing a specific game requested thing as simple as just reenacting that happens in the movie, right? someone playing a certain game of him. Some include a small- a rap battle or a comedy stand YouTube created car- for public entertainment to videos er image of that YouTuber in a up skit. Examples of parodies are toons are cartoons that are only about everyday life, there is no corner, allowing you to view his “But I’m Not a Rapper Parody” viewed on YouTube. Examples limit to what YouTube can offer. reactions to the game. Some ex- or “SMOSH Pokémon Parody.” of these cartoons are “Happy The different types of vid- amples of some gaming channels Top 10 videos are vid- Tree Friends” or “Simon’s Cat.” eos on YouTube include Vlogs, are “DashieGames,” “DrewMali- eos taking a specific topic, like DIY videos are videos music videos, gaming videos, no,” and “TheAnnoyingOrange.” world’s scariest place, and tak- of creations made with at home podcasts, satisfying videos, par- Podcasts are videos ing different places in the world products. Usually, these videos ody videos, “top 10” videos, movie of either one or more peo- to rank them 1 through 10, with 1 are showing you how to take trailers, cartoons, and diy videos. ple discussing a specific top- being the most terrifying. You something you don’t use any- Vlogs are videos of every- ic. An example of a popular could even do a top 10 vid- more and creating something day life, with nonstop streaming podcast would be “JKnews.” eo about the most interesting new out of it. For example, you of what that YouTuber does daily. Satisfying videos are vid- things about the human body. may see someone taking an old Music videos are videos eos of different calming methods Movie trailers are clips and shirt and turning it into a purse. of your favorite artists perform- that help calm people with anxiety. different scenes of an upcoming Or, you may see someone taking their songs. Just type in your Parody videos are re- movie put into a quick two min- ing an overly large shirt and favorite song artist in the search makes of videos for comedy. Take ute video. The length of the trail- making it into a pretty dress. YouTubers make profit from videos

Youtuber iHasCupquake By Jesus Santana dents have favorite YouTu- a female gamer that refers to her top 10’s.” Zarate said. “Doop- You might not have bers that they enjoy watching. female fans as “Poptarts” and ie is my favorite narrator.” known it, but YouTube can actu- Senior Jennifer Serahoe III her male fans as “Manly-tarts.” Senior Lissete Sanchez said ally be a full-time job. It is a pos- said she likes the YouTuber iHas- “I love KPopp so much be- she likes the YouTube Channel sibility to be famous by a simple Cupquake. iHasCupquake is a Latina cause she is hilarious and has an called BuzzFeed. BuzzFeed isn’t a website by just being you. Becom- gamer with purple hair. CupQuake awesome fan base,” Santana said. person but actually a company. ing a famous, well known You- has about 5 million subscribers, Senior Vanessa Zarate said BuzzFeed is an American private Tuber can give you lots of op- and she uploads on a daily basis. she loves the YouTubers Planet internet media company in New portunities to obtain other jobs. “iHasCupquake is so beauti- Dolan. Planet Dolan is a YouTube York City. It describes itself as a iJustine is a YouTuber ful that she is my role model because channel with over 15 people who “social news and entertainment who has many jobs, such as be- she is very generous,” Serahoe said. run the channel. Planet Dolan is company” with a focus on digi- ing a co-host, being in advertise- Senior Cindy Santana likes an animation channel that does tal media and digital technology. ments, and sponsoring products the YouTuber KPopp. KPopp “Top 10’s” over different top- “BuzzFeed is a YouTube by unboxing. Tyler Oakly start- has over 500,000 subscribers ics with eight different narrators. channel that relates to me with ed off as a YouTuber, and now on YouTube and uploads about “I love listening to things videos on the basic modern day he has his own talk show on TV. three times a week. KPopp is also I never heard before in their life of a human being,” Lisette said. Thornwood stu- FEATURES 5 Why watch YouTube? By Dejhanee Tillman People watch YouTube for numerous reasons. Some watch channels like gaming, challenges and storytime. Many people try to get ideas from other channels. Some people look at DIY, tutorials, etc. Vlogs are more popular now, and people tend to watch other people’s lives. YouTubers who vlog like DK4L, J Mayo, Domo and Chrissy, and Raven Elyse. Gamer YouTubers are Dashi- eXP, Pewdiepie, and Cory Ken- sin; a lot of people love gaming. It gives tips, new releases, gameplays, or reactions to the game. Junior Araceli Gutier- rez said her favorite YouTube Tube channel is Markiplier. “I love this channel because channel is make-up tutorials. “I watch the gameplays and it’s a channel that allows view- “I watch make-up tips, so livestreams because he is funny and ing new products and seeing how I can improve,” Gutierrez said. does a lot for charity,” Marr said. well the products are,” Love said. Senior Noah Dix- Freshman David De- Senior J’Miah Al- on said his favorite You- mus said his favorite You- ley said her favorite YouTube Tube channel is Mazzimaz. Tube channel is Ximo Pierito. channel is Jasmine Brown. “It’s a comi- “I watch NBA highlights be- “I watch her make-up vid- cal channel,” Dixon said. cause I like basketball,” Demus said. eos because her make-up is Senior Andrew Ntam- Senior Brandon Dibbs dope, and I want to learn how ere said his favorite You- said his favorite YouTube to do make-up, and she breaks Tube channel is G Herbo. channel is Mr. Nightmare. it down really good,” Alley said. “I watch for the lat- “The scary stories of real life Senior Cierra King said est music because the visu- events because the narrator is very her favorite YouTube chan- al aspect makes the music that great at telling stories,” Dibbs said. nel is Malibu Dollface. much better,” Ntamere said. Senior Bre Love said “I watched this channel for Sophomore Shaylee his favorite YouTube chan- hair reviews and to help me choose Marr said her favorite You- nel is Unbox Therapy. my next bundles,” King said. YouTube knows reviews By Jamie Williams reports of users making fake ac- cause he “couldn’t be trusted” as Let’s say that you want to counts to purposefully change editorial director; i.e. his review check out a new movie, but you a movie’s score to make it seem differed from what the advertisers want to know what people think of better than it actually is. Another wanted. Review channels give their it first. There are many hurdles to problem is the fact that a number opinions on a work, regardless of finding out a true opinion of a form doesn’t give a movie, game or TV the consensus. They cover a work of media. Some sites like IGN are show any justice. It’s just a score; with their objective opinion. Since biased towards certain movies and it doesn’t tell you anything about they’re online, they can voice their will give them a good or bad score the work in question. However, opinion without fear of a high- regardless of quality. Rotten To- YouTube review channels give an er-up or sponsor cutting them off. matoes can also be tricky because in depth look and opinion on mov- If you want an honest look not all critics think alike. You can’t ies, shows, and games. They don’t on movies, try Channel Awesome. really trust an IMBD score either just give a rating and a few things They cover movies both new and because someone could make fake about the work. They give a full old. If you’re looking for reviews on accounts just to boost or lower a and detailed analysis on a movie, video games, try Hidden Block and movie’s score. Most critics can’t the flaws, and what they did right. Normal Boots. They deliver with really voice their full opinion on A problem with mainstream quality and quantity. They have a a work, due to upsetting possi- critics is the fact that they work long list of creators that are sure ble viewers. Instead of looking for for a corporation, meaning that to inform and entertain. For DOS a TV channel, why not look for a they can’t voice a true opinion on a games, try Lazy Game Reviews. It YouTube channel? They’re unbi- work out of fear of alienating view- has a near infinite supply of DOS ased, honest, and are willing to ex- ers or getting in trouble of being games and gives its all in all of its press their whole opinion, regard- contrary to the public. In fact, Jeff videos. If you’re looking for anima- less of what everyone else thinks. Gerstmann was fired from Game- tion reviews, try RebelTaxi, Mys- One of the main problems Spot for giving Kane and Lynch, teriousMrEnter, and PieGuyRulz. with review sites is the fact that a popular video game at the time, They give their reviews with an hon- the user scores they give can be a low score. It was confirmed in est opinion. They review anima- a bit unreliable. There have been an early 2012 Kotaku article that tions and are unafraid of what the Gerstmann was terminated be- populous thinks of their opinions. 6 News Students and staff participate

in walk againstgreat way to get violence people involved.” gun violence; he was shot dead Caldwell wanted to on a street corner at 18,” Cald- spread the word about violence. well said. “I never got a chance “Violence isn’t something to meet him because of that. My that I think will ever completely father still drives us past the spot go away as long as there are peo- sometimes and says he’ll never ple who disagree in the world,” forget it. “It still grieves him, and Caldwell said. “However, I wanted he hurts from it, so I hurt from it.” to bring attention to the violence Cosby had person- in hope that word would spread al connections to this cause. from the few and to many so that “I had a cousin who was we’d see a decline in the violence.” unjustifiably shot,” Cosby said. Tahira Pervan, Thornton Pervan does not have any High School counselor and S.A.V.E personal experience to this cause. sponsor, wanted to support the com- “I don’t have a direct per- munity by participating in the walk. sonal connection, but I am a mem- “I thought it was nice to come ber of this community,” Pervan By Nayeli Munoz and Jonaie Conway Jr. were the MCs for the event, out and support the community and said. “I’ve grown up here, and this to give back and show the kids that is my home district. I want to give The District 205 Stu- and each gave rousing poems that it is important to give up their time back. I’m the S.A.V.E. sponsor, dent Board of Education (SBOE) stirred awareness for the blatant in order to service others and to get a and I’m trying to get the youth to and the Southland Juvenile Jus- violence in the community. Along positive message out,” Pervan said. understand that you can do posi- tice Commission Youth Advisory with speakers, a barbeque was held Thornwood student Taloni tive things on a daily basis to make Council (SJJCYAC) partnered to- for people to come together and fel- Cosby also participated in the walk. sure your environment is better.” gether to form the Better Together lowship in a positive environment. “My IB teacher informed us Pervan does not think Walk Against Violence in Harvey. Rachel Caldwell, Thorn- about it,” Cosby said. “I was eager there is a main cause of vi- Along with a plethora of ton High School SBOE member to be a part. Violence is a problem olence in today’s society. student and community members, and co-coordinator of the walk in my community, and I’ve always “I don’t think there is one many elected officials and dig- against violence, helped organize wanted to be a part of stopping that.” main cause,” Pervan said. “Poverty nitaries attended the event. After the event to make the community Due to a death of a fam- has something to do with it, lack of the walk, keynote speaker Omar aware of the problem with violence. ily member, Caldwell had per- education, and I truly believe that Ymani gave an inspiring speech “I saw a need and an open sonal connection to this cause. boredom has something to do with it. about his experience with violence. door to call attention to the vio- “My uncle, my father’s Also, the lack of value on life. I think LaRoyce Hawkins from lence, so I jumped on the oppor- youngest brother, was a victim of it’s a collaboration of those things.” Chicago PD and John Arrington tunity,” Caldwell said. “It was a Fekete runs Chicago Marathon for Special Olympics By Kadara Mahan donated to Thornwood’s Special Olympics program,” Fekete said. “TW and Bobbi Moses has worked hard to increase the amount of sports and programs we offer to our special education students, and the majority of the funds that were raised Melissa Fekete, a special education teacher at Thornwood High help support purchasing new uniforms and equipment for our programs.” School, ran in the Chicago Marathon to raise money for Special Olympics. Hosting a party was a way for Fekete to raise money for the marathon. Fekete decided to run the mara- “In efforts to raise money, I hosted a party at my house and in- thon because the Special Olympics is close to heart. cluded tons of family and friends,” Fekete said. “Thornwood staff also “After my first marathon I ran in 2012, I told myself I was done stepped up their game, as usual, and supported in efforts to raise money.” running marathons. However, last year, I had a grand idea of running one Fekete pushed her way through the marathon without giving up. more marathon and trying hard to get our Thornwood Special Olympics “Running in a marathon is overwhelming and emotion- students included in the run. I worked hard with the area 7 branch of Spe- al in a good way. There are so many good people running for a va- cial Olympics to see if we can get a few students to run the last few miles riety of great causes,” Fekete said. “There were many moments along finishing the marathon with me,” Fekete said. “Unfortunately, we were the way where I wanted to take the easy way out and quit, but know- not able to get official clearance from the authorities running the mara- ing I had family and friends there to support me, on top of the many thon; therefore, our students were not able to be part of the run. Since Spe- spectators cheering me along the way, kept me strong and deter- cial Olympics is dear to my heart, I continued my support to run one more mined to finish the race no matter how much physical pain I endured.” marathon in efforts to raise money for the cause of Special Olympics.” Fekete prepared for the marathon by running every day. Fekete’s time was four hours and 50 minutes for 26.2 miles. “My typical weekly runs consisted of three short runs during Fekete had a goal with the money that was raised. the week and a long run on the weekend,” Fekete said. “I have Jennifer “I fundraised approximately $1,300. My fundraising goal for the Durkin and Patti Brucki to thank for helping me through my long run.” Illinois chapter of Special Olympics was $1000, and the additional $300 I Fekete also ran in the Chicago Marathon in 2012 to support Autism. Fall Play 7 The Parchman Hour 8 SPORTS Boys’ basketball prepares for Warrior Shootout

Brother Rice,” Slavich said. By Paris Banks and Coach Slavich has a few Taylor Irons main points to win the game. The boys’ basketball team “Our kids have to learn the is competing in the Crete-Monee offensive sets and our style of de- Warriors Shootout on December 17. fense,” Slavich said. “They all have “I feel the team we paired great athletic abilities, but those are up with, Brother Rice, is a tough the two main points,” Slavich said. match, different style of basket- The schools partici- ball,” Coach Paul Slavich said. pating in the shootout are T.F. Coach Slavich has plen- South, Sandburg, Mt. Caramel, ty of confidence in his team. Bloom, Brother Rice, Thorn- “I’m always confident in my wood, Bloomington, Maine South, team’s ability to play on the court,” Marian Catholic, Lincoln-Way Slavich said. “I’m relying on play- West, Crete-Monee, and Lemont. ers to execute game plan. If players Slavich said the dif- follow game plan, I’ll be very conference between this year’s fident they will come out on top.” team and last year’s team is Coach Slavich has a lot attitude and cohesiveness. “We are relying on senior “Senior leadership on of strategy for his game plan. “This year’s team has leadership, executing offensive our team and athletic abili- “We will prepare for a better attitude,” Slavich said. game plan, and playing good sound ty separate us from many teams the game like any other game, “They are more coachable kids, fundamental defense,” Slavich said. in conference,” Slavich said. scout opponents and scout their and they’re more of a unit.” Athletic abili- Three captains on this year’s top players and their tenden- Slavich said there are several ty separates them from oth- team are James Pennington, Kev- cies, and we will practice to beat factors to having a winning season. er teams in the conference. in Jackson, and Malachi Palmer. Boys’ Green is new swimming to coach at compete at Thornwood

By Shane Crozier “By teaching them Tinley Park that you play hard for the en- The Thornwood tire game,” Green said. By Jose Carbajal est opponents will be Tin- girls’ basketball team has a He also said he would like his ley Park and Kankakee. new coach, Kevin Green. The boys’ swimming team experience at Thornwood to be “en- “Both have very strong Green coached girls’ will compete in the Tinley Park joyable and efficient.” Green thinks swimmers from year to year, basketball at Seton Academy Invitational on December 16. of himself as 7 on a scale of 1-10 when and Tinley Park usually wins its until it closed last year, so he “We will swim well and get it comes to being a hardcore coach. own invitational,” Tesar said. decided to apply for the coach- a good look at what an invitational Coaching at Thorn- Tesar said that District 205’s ing position at Thornwood. is like,” Coach Jennifer Tesar said. wood is a big difference from advantage is its veteran swimmers. “I knew some of the For many on our team, this whole coaching at Seton for Green. “(Our strong point is) dedi- (Thornwood) girls from coming type of competing is very new to “The (Thornwood) facili- cated returning swimmers who are to my park district,” Green said. them, so it is a great learning ex- ty is much more appealing,” Green constantly striving to improve upon However, he still will miss Se- perience early in the season.” said. “The amount of girls on the each performance,” Tesar said. ton where he coached for five years. District 205 will prepare three teams combined makes it District 205’s weak “The girls had a basketball for the invitational by practicing. more challenging,” Green said. point is the lack of students I.Q,” Green said. “Everyone was com- “We will condition and run Coach Green prefers Seton who participate in swimming. mitted to the team getting better.” through a mock meet,” Tesar said. because of the small atmosphere and “In order to get num- Coach Green is very excited Besides District 205, teams the friendly athletic department. bers, we take people who are about the upcoming season because competing at the invitational are “The smaller size made it a learning to swim sometimes,” he is looking forward to a new chal- Tinley Park, Evergreen Park, Oak more friendly atmosphere,” Green Tesar said. “We work as hard lenge. He also said one of the main Forest, Kankakee, and Shepard. said. “There at Seton the entire as we can to get them to compe- points he wants his team to target District 205’s tough- athletic department supports you.” tition level, but this takes time.” is just playing hard and executing.