JETS by Morgan Mcpartland News Writer
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LHS’ Do-Gooders:JETS by Morgan McPartland News writer Roughly three weeks ago, four basic outline, and a prototype was members of the Junior Engineering constructed. Technology Society (JETS) team After many meetings with were asked to help out a fellow LHS Cummings, adjustments were student. Junior Matt Cummings made and the final project was was having difficulties in the presented to him on Nov. 10. The cafeteria when trying to eat lunch table extension took a mere three because of his limited mobility and weeks to create, and, according to confinement to a wheelchair. Duensing, “it turned out to be a lot With the assistance of Scott easier than we thought it’d be”. Duensing and Ken Ferry, the team Brandon White, Brian Shamasko, worked with Cummings to create a Nick Strouss and Matt McKenna customized device that attaches to were the four students asked to the end of the lunch table. Now, the already used [the table extension], create the device. “I believe it device is user-friendly for anyone and it’s very cool and helpful,” was a positive experience for us who might be assisting him during said Cummings. all,” said White. “We were able lunch. “The main goal was to give to significantly help someone out It is simply slid into place without [Matt] the freedom to eat without using the engineering skills that we any additional clamping or securing, assistance from other people,” have learned over the years.” and although it’s not complex, the explained Duensing. A CAD device serves its purpose. “I’ve software was used to design a News, p.2 News, p.3 NationalNational HonorHonor SocietySociety Stranger Danger by Caroline Celis Stranger Danger News writer Inductionand later in the year will work on by Brittany Baldwin On Dec. 2 at 7 pm, the National Induction News writer Honors Society will be inducting raising funds and awareness for Lyme its new members in an induction disease in honor of Lemont resident In light of the investigation of the recent attempted abduction of a LHS student, many citizens are left with ceremony. Matt Parker. concerns over what possible measures can be taken to increase safety and prevent future abductions from taking The National Honors Society is NHS president senior Mike Hayes place. In attempts to address these safety concerns, LHS, in combination with the Lemont Police Department, has a student run organization within is planning various events this school made announcements, phone calls, and sent out emails to the Lemont community in order to raise awareness LHS. Members are admitted only year in order to raise money for this about this abduction attempt. Lemont Police Detective, Officer Daniel Dykshorn believes, “Information is if accepted after applying to the year’s causes. He is currently pushing key…. We are trying to make sure that citizens know what to look for.” organization. for a Mr.LHS pageant, which would take place second semester. Hayes The Lemont Police Department has also increased the amount of marked and unmarked patrols on duty to The group focuses on community look for cars fitting the description of the vehicle in question. By working in conjunction with theWill County, said that the “exciting fundraiser” and improvement; all members are Cook County, and Lockport Police Departments, the Lemont Police Department hopes to come closer to “more student involvement” are the required to participate in a minimum locating the individuals in question for this abduction attempt. biggest changes this year. So far, the amount of community service per However, to truly increase safety and lower the risk of abduction, Detective Dykshorn recommended that semester including tutoring hours. organization has had a successful year students abide by the basic “stranger danger” safety tips taught years ago. Dykshorn advised, “Walk in groups, NHS vice president, senior Dylan and “raised more money than ever have your cell phones available, and do not talk to strangers. If somebody does try to abduct you, scream, yell Matthews, explained that the VAST before and collected 300 pounds of and run as fast as you can.” Dykshorn also encouraged, “If you see any suspicious activity, don’t be afraid to tutoring program through NHS canned foods”. call 911.” matches high school tutors with The organization is open to Junior More Lemont Police patrols have also been stationed around LHS to enhance school safety. LHS Campus middle school students. The program’s and Senior applicants who have past Supervisor, Vince Garofalo suggested by “becoming more aware of their surroundings,” students can minimize biggest impact is, “providing Old community service and leadership their risk of being in potentially harmful situations and possible abductions. Quarry students with the personal experience. Although this attempted abduction has greatly affected citizens of Lemont and surrounding communities, the learning experiences no longer LHS junior Ankit Amlani was seriousness of this attempt resonated closer to home for the parents of this area. available to them”, said Matthews. recently accepted into the new As a mother of two sons, LHS Social Studies teacher, Jodi Nye felt “deeply concerned” after hearing the Along with community service wave of NHS members. Amlani reports of the abduction attempt. However, Nye added, “If I were a parent of a girl, I think I’d be even more work, NHS also picks causes each is most excited about “making a afraid. I know it’s irrational, but people often think that girls are abducted more than boys.” In order to ensure year to which they dedicate some difference” through his work with the the safety of their children, Nye recommended that parents “know where their children are going, how long it of their time and fund raising. This organization. Amlani explained that takes to get there, and expect a call when they arrive.” year’s causes focus on Support our his “want to be a part of the prestige A strong believer that “when you’re alone, you’re most vulnerable,” Nye makes sure that her children travel together in order to increase safety. troops and Lyme disease. Members that is The National Honors Society” When asked what concerns the attempted abduction arose, LHS Social Studies teacher, Rick Runaas replied, have spent time stuffing stockings to fueled his motivation for applying. “Your biggest nightmare, as a parent, is somebody taking your kid… [The abduction attempt] made me think send to troops as gifts this Christmas, about my own kids, and wonder if they are safe enough at all times.” continued on page 5 News/editorials, p.4 editorials, p.5 Ho, Ho, Hallmark? Holidays taken over by commercialization by Kelly Lyons Editorials Editor SafetySafety FirstFirst When Halloween has barely passed and Thanksgiving is still weeks away, all I really want is.. Christmas mu- sic? It’s nice to look forward to more exciting times of the year, but the commercial aspect of holidays has truly by Annie Lillwitz continued from page 4 Editorials writer become overwhelming. I’m talking to you, holiday skippers. I’m no Scrooge, but I don’t need to be blinded by glittering ornaments Halloween is over but unfortunately some things are still going and cheery yuletide decorations when I walk into Jewel Osco on a late October afternoon. Runaas feels that it is important for parents “bump” in the night. In order to hemorrhage money from a mass body of people, America in particular, big corporations take ad- to let their children know “who they can and You’ve probably heard of the recent safety scare, where one LHS vantage of traditionally meaningful holidays. I’m sure you’ve heard of “Hallmark holidays,” which are relative- cannot trust,” and continue to reinforce these student was physically assaulted by an older man, after ignoring his ly meaningless days celebrated only to rake in more money via cards and gimmicks. teachings as their children become teenagers. request for directions. Luckily, she was able to safely get away and However, big-time holidays such as Halloween and Christmas have lost an immense amount of traditional Runaas added, “Sometimes teenagers get contact an authority. value because of these industries’ exploitation. I’m sure there are people who never even realized Halloween a false sense that they are automatically LHS notified parents as soon as possible, and announced to the was once celebrated as a religious holiday by Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherans alike. safe because they are a little bigger now… students exactly what had happened. As a safety precaution LHS Pre-Christianity, pagan priests called Druids celebrated a festival called Samhain on Oct. 31. According to the- [Teens] just need to be made aware that officials advised walking to and from school with a companion. It was holidayspot.com, this festival was recognized so people could pray for the dead in preparation for their version things can happen to them, too.” also advised students don’t walk anywhere alone at night. of All Saints Day on Nov. 1. In traditional Scottish customs, Samhain was known as Hallowe’en, thus today’s After hearing of this abduction attempt, Was all of this an unfortunate coincidence or should students start nearly identically named celebration. LHS Writing Center Director, Patty Melei taking more steps toward safety? But really, who would’ve known? I’d be very surprised if someone could honestly tell me they think of prayer felt “pretty shocked that even an adolescent- I’ve lived in Lemont my whole life, and I’ve come to realize it’s a rather than ghosts and witches when Halloween is mentioned. Despite the lack of historic record of the evolu- teenager is at risk [of abduction] in a relatively “safe” town.