SteinmetzVolume 77, Number 2, October - November 2011 Star Hugh Hefner donates $50,000 Inside to Star and yearbook this issue New cameras, computers and professional printing provided by the 1944 Steinmetz graduate What’s hot? What’s not? Page 5

By Tanya Prannychuk

ugh Hefner, the Editor in Chief of Playboy, donated $50,000 to Hthe Star and yearbook. He sent a check for $22,080 for cameras, computers and printing in June. In addition, he pledged $28,000 more for future costs. JROTC, Page 8 “What an incredible difference Mr. Hefner’s donation has made for the Star,” adviser Sharon Schmidt said. “Nearly every photo in this issue rin bu t ler t rin was shot with cameras he paid for. We used our new iMacs and Adobe software to layout the pages. And be- cause we’re going to a print shop in- PHOTO by da by PHOTO stead of making copies on the Riso in the school, we are now able to publish Hugh Hefner is welcomed by principal Eunice Madon on October 29, 2010. In Chicago for the premiere of “Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel,” Mr. Hefner visited Steinmetz and was interviewed by Star The Place Where I’m From, Page 9 a newspaper instead of a newsletter.” and yearbook reporters. See the Nov.-Dec. 2010 issue at www.steinmetzac.com (“Newspaper” link). Mr. Hefner’s gift follows a visit he made last year to Steinmetz. At that Szulkowski created a wish-list of items that est memories of his youth were spent at Stein- time, a student suggested he donate money totaled $22,080. They sent Mr. Hefner the metz. He acted in the Green Curtain Players, to help journalism students. Ms. Schmidt also proposal in May. Within weeks Mr. Hefner was in the student council, participated in the requested a donation in a letter she sent to him, sent the school a check for that exact amount. choral society and ran track. Most importantly, with the Star issue that reported on his visit. He also pledged $30,000 for continued print- he began his work in journalism by writing Mr. Hefner replied immediately, say- for the Star and yearbook. ing he liked the Star and wanted to help. “I’m particularly interested in helping Last year, the Star reviewed “Hugh “I’m really blown away by the Star’s Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Reb- Arts & Entertainment, Page 10 extensive coverage of our visit to Stein- the Steinmetz Star because I know how el,” a documentary that showed his metz with seven pages and many photos important a regularly published school commitment to civil rights and his in full color,” Mr. Hefner wrote in his paper can be for all the students.” journalistic work toward justice in January 3 letter. “Members of our group Playboy, which championed African — family and all — agree that our visit American writers and activists. to my alma mater was the high point of our shop printing for the next four years. Mr. Hefner values quality journalism. At entire trip to Chicago. “I was very happy when I heard,” said prin- a Star field trip last year, a former Playboy “I’m particularly interested in helping the cipal Eunice Madon. “We appreciate anyone editor David Standish presented a seminar Steinmetz Star because I know how important who gives us money to improve our programs.” on interviewing. He explained how Playboy a regularly published school paper can be for Mr. Hefner has made other generous dona- writers are held to the highest standards. all the students. I’d like to hear more from tions to Steinmetz over the past years, includ- The Star has a proud history of 77 years of you about this.” ing one that paid for band uniforms. publication. And readers will continue to see Ms. Schmidt and yearbook sponsor Gina Dr. Madon said that Hugh Hefner’s happi- improvement, all thanks to Hugh Hefner. • Sports, Pages 11-12 Homecoming unites Streaks Great experience in CPS in spirit-filled week Shakespeare! o wn h akes p eare s c p s t esy o ur More Spirit Week and Homecoming pictures on Pages 6-7. Teacher Robin Russo and seniors Tabitha Morales, Malica Lacy, and Wendy Flores participated CPS Shakespeare!, August through November, at Navy Pier. PHOTO by denzel br denzel by PHOTO c PHOTO

By Destiny Carpenter Students dressed for pajama day, wacky By Malica Lacy go Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier. Tabitha tacky day, blast from the past, and green Morales, Wendy Flores, Ms. Russo and I he five-day spirit week beginning Oc- and silver day. The week ended with the ur CPS Shakespeare! ensemble per- joined about 30 other high school students tober 11 showed nothing but Streaks Homecoming game and dance. formed “The Taming of the Shrew” and teachers to form the cast. Tpride. Continued on Page 6 Oon November 4 and 5 at the Chica- Continued on Page 2 2 Star News Shakespearian acting — risky, difficult, fun conitnued from page 1 Great experience By Tabitha Morales We started rehearsing in August, several days a week, until we got closer to the performance. Then he CPS Shakespeare! program is something we rehearsed everyday. It was fun. I met a lot of nice I will never forget. It was truly an amazing people from different schools. Our ensemble included Texperience. I met so many different people, students and teachers from 10 different Chicago high and became part of an ensemble and a family. This schools. experience helped me open up. I learned to embrace In the beginning, we played silly games to break risk-taking and not to think as much. the ice and get to know each other. We practiced fak- I’m sad about it being my first and last year in ing like we were slapping each other and punching doing the program, but I wouldn’t change it for the each other and we worked with swords. No day was world. It was so much fun and exciting, and I learned ever the same. from it. The program helped me and taught me things Throughout the rehearsals, the directors had us wear I can use in life. clown noses at times. You couldn’t feel uncomfortable I will forever have a bond with everyone who was with the others when everyone looked so silly. involved in the process, from the students and teach- We studied “The Taming of the Shrew.” We did a ers, to the education department, and the production lot of text work to figure out what Shakespeare was staff. It will be a cherished memory that I will always saying. I have been able to bring back these skills to hold close to my heart. Ms. Russo’s Shakespeare’s class. • It was fun to be with Ms. Russo outside of the school, especially during car rides to and from Navy Pier. She is the goofiest person ever. She is also a great actor, really involved in the rehearsals and performance. She would bring in different scenarios and opinions about how to make it funny or better. Director Kirsten Kelly and assistants Sondra and Marilyn encouraged us to bring in our own ideas. We needed to be dedicated to the program because it was very time consuming. We rehearsed from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and all morning on Satur- days. CPS Shakespeare fed us excellent breakfasts and lunches before rehearsals. My parents thought it was good for me to be doing something after school, instead of being a couch po- tato. At first I was nervous about being in the program because I felt awkward and self-conscience around all the new people. The clown noses helped that a lot. It was also hard to memorize the lines. We began learning the lines first by just reading them. Putting movements with the words added another level of difficulty. But it stayed fun throughout. All the actors stayed interested and active. Because Wendy acted in CPS Shakespeare! last year, (Photos clockwise from left): Teacher Robin Russo performs she helped us understand, and she provided tips from in “The Taming of the Shrew” with Al Raby student Tywon previous years. She and the other students who were McCall. Malica Lacy plays the role of Katrina in the November 4 in the program last year helped a lot. Instead of going production. Wendy Flores rehearses with the CPS Shakespeare! to the teachers we would ask them for help. ensemble. Wendy Flores and Tabitha Morales practice their lines at Navy Pier, where the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is located. I saw Tabitha, who is a pretty quiet person, become very outspoken. She stepped out of her comfort zone. PHOTO OF MS. RUSSO BY AMBER DUKES We have one more performance on November 18, OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY CPS SHAKESPEARE! then we’ll have Red Carpet Night in January. • In our next issue... Steinmetz Star Steinmetz Academic Centre, 3030 N. Mobile, Chicago IL 60641 773-534-3030, Star office x25241; [email protected] www.steinmetzac.com (“Steinmetz Newspaper” link)

Principal: Dr. Eunice Madon Assistant principals: Mr. Jaime Jaramillo, Mr. Donald Mendro, Ms. Lynne Nuzzo Budget director: Mr. Paul Chase Star adviser: Ms. Sharon Schmidt

Editors-in-Chief: Tetyana Prannychuk, Crystal Phillips

Journalism class reporters, Room 333, 5th period: Ricardo Arroyo, Anyssa Ascencio, Passion Austin, Mateusz Baranowicz, Javier Barrera, Lucas Burrell, Destiny Carpenter, Haywood Gandy, Desiree Garcia, Cristia Hart, Nayeli Hernandez, Filip Palka, Ag- Senior Brianna Harris outside the Louvre Museum in Paris on July 4, 2011. nieszka Pasterczyk, Crystal L. Phillips, Monserrat Rafael, Yazmin Ramirez, Brittany Robertson, Juan Rodriguez, Chantesha Rogers, Jonathan Ruiz, Jazalynne N. Velez Read the Star • Find out how Brianna Harris made it to Europe this summer Newspaper club reporters: Shanna Arceo, Denzel Brown, Earl Billingsly, Datrin • Kaylee Sherrod advances in another art contest Butler, Kiara Davidson, Amber Dukes, Jennifer Czahor, Judy Czahor, Javier Delgado, • Occupy Chicago protests economic disparity Amber Dukes, Malica Lacy, Tabitha Morales, Michael Newson, Ruby Perez, Gabriela • How pets help us thrive Pineda, Kaila Ruiz, Maria Sanchez, Nailya Sanchez, Saremm Saenz, Shem Stasik, Jeremy Valentin, Miguel Varela, Quijna Walton • Star regular reports — academic, sports, and social news, arts & entertainment, photo opinion, editorials, letters The Newspaper Clubmeets on Tuesdays after school in Room 333. All students are welcome. See Ms. Schmidt for information. Write for the Star • Submissions from all students, staff welcome The Steinmetz Starwelcomes letters to the editor, corrections, comments, and bylined • Copy deadline: Wednesday, December 7 articles from all members of the Steinmetz community. •

2 Steinmetz Star October - November 2011 Star Opinion 3 What song reflects your life? SANC H EZ ALKA ARIA M

“‘Sexy and I Know It’ by LMFAO. It re- P F ILI P V IEW minds me of mom, who always tells me to CAR P EN T ER

IN T ER look my best.” Alexis Bautista, freshman BY PHOTO DES T INY AND

SANC H EZ “‘Skyscrapper’ by Demi Lovato is a strong song, and it’s true — I am strong all the time.” V IEW ARIA PHOTO BY PHOTO

Maria Sanchez, freshman IN T ER “‘Ima Boss’ by Meek Mill.” “‘Haters Everywhere’ by B.O.B represents “My favorite song is ‘Dance’ by Big Sean ft Nicki Julian Hemingway, sophomore me because I have a lot of haters and there PHOTO, M PHOTO,

AR Munaj. When I hear it I want to get up and dance.” will always be people hating wherever you

S T Nicolette Yancy, freshman go.” Maria Sanchez, Nicolette Yancy, Julia Gonzalez Henry Salgado, junior

ARELA V

TM I G UEL B a RAN O WICZ T IN AUS N TO H UK P RANNYC ARELA WAL V

T EUSZ A ASSI O N ANYA PHOTO BY PHOTO P M T BY BY BY Q UI J NA M I G UEL AND V IEW V IEW V IEW V IEW IN T ER PHOTO BY PHOTO IN T ER IN T ER BY PHOTO IN T ER Lucinda Horton, Briana Standberry “‘I’m Me’ by Lil Wayne because “‘Rise Above’ by Black Flag, because “‘Really Gonna Miss You,’ by Smokey no matter what happens and how that’s what I do, I rise above.” Robinson. When I worked in another “My favorite song is ‘Headlines’ by Drake. new people come in my life, the Gina Szulkowski, teacher school a student was killed. He was my Music reflects my life by helping me through fakers and haters, I will always be son’s best friend. We posted this song on certain situations.” me, because ‘This is what I do.’” Facebook to remember him.” Briana Standberry, senior Donald Steele, senior Laura Jimenez, attendance office Take it easy on the seniors Embrace diversity By Crystal Phillips, editor in chief others come from, listen to their ideas, and not judge them? ur school is the epitome of a diverse Not everyone thinks and acts the same high school. We are from many even when they are part of a seemingly co- Odifferent racial and socioeconomic hesive group. We need to focus on every backgrounds. From IB seniors to students ones’ individual characteristics instead of with learning disabilities we also have a wide our perceptions based only on others’ out- variety of academic styles. Some of us are side group affiliation. devoutly religious, others of us atheists. Gay, Many students have become friends bisexual, and trans gender students attend with others different from them. Sports Steinmetz. and other extra curricular activities help us

PH ILLI P S But even though we are a diverse school, spend time with people whom we share a AL kids don’t mix it up much. You see clicks and common interest although we have different social groups. Many students have a comfort backgrounds. T CRYS zone that they’re not willing to leave. Take advantage of the diversity of our Being part of a group that sticks together school. Appreciate others’ values and learn may give you the feeling that others have to actually grow off of them. Broaden your PHOTO BY PHOTO your back. And you may feel proud to be horizons and meet new people who look or Class of 2012 officers: President Amber Dukes, Vice-President Patricia Rivera, Tresurer Miguel united with others. But at what cost if you act different than you. Varela, Secretary Violeta Ramirez discount anyone else not like you? In this issue of the Star you’ll see great This is a problem for the students at examples of students who are learning By Amber Dukes one time and got suspended. Steinmetz. We are often judgmental and from one another in our articles on the For me it is difficult to travel from my we do not take the time to get to know Gay Straight Alliance and the Where I am unior year was very challenging because 4th period class in 604 to my 5th period others for who they are and what they have From classroom activity on page 9. of the ACT preparations, so coming in 313. These two classes are on two totally to offer. We get stuck in our stereotypes. How do you embrace diversity? Send us Jinto senior year many people thought different sides of the school and in different Wouldn’t it be great if we could learn where an email: [email protected]. that it would be a breeze. We were wrong. A buildings. On my way to fifth period, I was • lot of stuff was thrown at us this year. Seniors asked, “Why are you late and why are you Be a part of the Steinmetz Star! are expected to start applying to colleges, sign in the hallway?” • Write a letter to the editor — respond to anything in this paper or just tell up for any missed classes, and to also try to I replied, “I am coming from the 600 us what’s on your mind. • Join the Newspaper Club (Tuesdays, 2:35 in 333). plan senior events. mods. Do you know how long it takes to Talk to a staff member or email [email protected]. It’s bad enough that we have a lot of work get to class from the mods?” to do in order to graduate on time, we also The higher authority replied, “I don’t care” have security guards and assistant principals and proceeded to take my ID. Class of 2013 has more spirit all down our backs making it seem like they If I hadn’t had a perfect attendance re- want us suspended. cord, I would’ve had to suffer a suspension To the Star: my spirits dropped. College applications ask if the student was or a Saturday detention. I understand that Spirit Week this year was not better than Next year I know for sure it will be better put on academic probation or suspended. It the administration wants the school to be a last year. The seniors could have picked better than this year. You know why? Because we kind of hurts your chances when you have great learning environment, but take it easy days. I thought they were boring. will be the seniors. to check that box on the college application on the seniors. Last year I enjoyed all the days selected. I Lechel Glispie, junior because you were caught in the hallway that • had the most school spirit last year; this year

October - November 2011 Steinmetz Star 3 4 Star News 3 semifinalists in Hallways filled with toll way art contest beautiful artwork

By Brittany Robertson

By Monserrat Rafael ew mosaic tiles decorate a corridor on the first floor. hristopher Hall, N The art department chose some Raymond Mon- of the best student work of last year from Ctalvo, and Kaylee the beginning Art 1 classes, then tiles were Sherrod made it to the created at a glass shop in Evanston. Photos semifinals of the 2012 Illi- of the art were transferred over to glass tiles. nois Tollway Art Contest. Teacher Gina Szulkowski and senior Kaylee said she feels Raymond Montalvo put them up on the proud of what she has wall. AEL done. The Michael Jordan foundation pro- N TO

“I feel accomplished RA F T vided the funding for this project after Ms. WAL that out of many people Szulkowski wrote a grant originally submit- in Illinois I was one of the ted by former teacher Mary O’Neil. MO SERRA chosen ones,” she said. “I was very excited and proud that my Q UI J NA Christopher was also symbolic self portrait was chosen to go Christopher Hill with his contest entry very excited. on the wall,” senior Shanna Arceo said. PHOTO BY PHOTO “I’m happy that I got “I worked so hard on that picture. I love BY PHOTO in because art is something it so much.” Raymond Montalvo and Ms. Szulkowski put different, something where I can reflect my Ms. Mark gave the students good advice. Students would like to see work from up the mosaic tiles on the wall after school. feelings,” Christopher said. “I feel happy “I told them to be patient with them- other classes displayed, too. Junior Brandi that other people see my art work as some- selves and to be kind themselves. I also told Warren said that work from digital media Junior Decovie Ellis said that art in the thing valuable.” His inspiration was a maga- them that there were no mistakes,” she said. and drafting orientation should be posted school helps express the students and acknowl- zine picture of flying birds. Her students’ accomplishments make around the school instead of just in that edge their good work. He added that to im- Raymond Montalvo said his inspiration her feel proud, she said, “like any parent is one little space in the corner on the second prove on school spirit, the hallways could be was teacher Rosanna Mark. “She inspired for their child.” floor. The work is interesting and designs painted green, silver, and white. me because she saw in me a great artist and Ms. Mark said anyone can create art: are unusual. • she made me feel confident. I never thought “It is not about talent; it’s about desire and I could do something so great like this.” motivation.” • College fair provides valuable information By Lucas Burrell

hat do NIU, UIC, Depaul and Purdue all have in common? They Wwere part of this year’s College Fair, which took place on October 17 in the lunchroom. More than 50 colleges were represented, including Bradley, St. Francis, Judson U, Northeastern, and Chicago State. For the more than 200 students who attended (seniors and underclassmen), the College Fair provided valuable information about college and a chance for students to BURRELL learn more about scholarship opportunities. BURRELL “My favorite part of the college fair was LUCAS LUCAS that I was able to talk to the representatives Senior Kayla Guzman received information about colleges and Senior Andrew Maggit and counselor Perla Ocampo of the schools I wanted to go to,” senior An- scholarships after school on October 17. drew Maggit said. Schools that interested PHOTO BY PHOTO him the most were CSU, NEIU, NIU, SIU BY PHOTO and DePaul. degree in automotive training,” she said. “A doesn’t go the way you planned. So be pre- “My dream job is to be an electrical en- lot of automotive training programs’ primary pared!” College ready? gineer because that’s where the money’s at,” focus is making money which is why Truman Even though the college fair is over seniors he said. should be a serious option for those interested can still receive plenty of information on col- By Yasmin Ramirez School counselor Katelyn Michalik also in working with their hands.” leges and scholarship opportunities by talk- spoke about colleges providing needed job Ms. Michalik urged students to be pre- ing to Ms. Jabour in the College and Career interviewed my sister, senior Violeta training. pared for their future. room, which is located near the lunchroom Ramirez, about her college preparations. “I like Truman because they have an ex- “Students, come see your counselor,” she in Room 127. It is open from noon to 3:00 I Q: How prepared do you feel for col- cellent two year automotive program, which said. “We are here to do whatever it takes daily. Students should also check the colleg lege? when completed, credits can transfer over to to help students get where they need to be. and career website for updates, scholarships A: Honestly, I don’t feel very prepared. SIU where one can receive the full bachelors Always have options, because sometimes life and information. I am aware that I have much more to learn • and that I should use all resources wisely in order to succeed in a four-year university. Q: Who has been very helpful to you Perfect attendance rewarded with field trip throughout your college preparation? A: My US Empowered teacher Ms.Ryan By Javier Delgado I thought the movie was going to be a has become very helpful throughout my col- boring documentary, but it was amazing. lege procedure. She is very committed to each ast month I went on a field trip with This team had struggles, but the coach of her students to be enrolled in a four-year about 100 other students because we was strong against the players. And they university. I am very thankful for her. Lhad perfect attendance. got together as a group. I play football for Q: What are your college choices? There was a lottery for all the kids who the Streaks, so I really liked the movie. A: I have eight college choices that I will had perfect attendance in September. So This is my first year at Steinmetz. It’s apply to by December 1: Marquette Univer- there were three buses of freshmen, sopho- not hard to have perfect attendance. Last sity, Triton College, Northeastern University, mores, juniors, and seniors who got to go year I had to wake up at 5:00 a.m. to get Aurora University, DePaul University, Roos- to the Chicago Film Festival on October to Rickover Navel Academy, but I trans- evelt University, Concordia University, and 13. ferred because it was too far. I played on Blackburn. We saw “Undefeated,” a documentary Lester Argueta and Javier Delgado enjoyed the baseball team there and I would get I’d like to major in physical therapy be- about a Memphis high school football PHOTO the movie field trip for students with per- home very late. cause of a very personal experience. I know AR fect attendance.

S T • team. that with my perseverance I will achieve. • 4 Steinmetz Star October - November 2011 Star News 5 What’s Hot? What’s Not? New group for girls Missing Ms. Blecka

By Agnes Pasterczyk By Sharon Schmidt, teacher

new group for girls will focus on rais- fter four decades of service, Ms. ing self-esteem. Loretta Blecka has retired. A You should be able to look at your- A “I love Steinmetz and I love self and see beauty, because that’s what you being here,” she told the Star in a 2009 have. You’re not one in a million but one in interview. six billion. The fact is that there is no one else In her roles as parent, PTA president, out there like you. Let your true colors shine. and security from the 1970’s through Sep- And no matter what you see in the mirror, tember 2011, Ms. Blecka was devoted to remember that your beautiful character will the people of Steinmetz. An extremely lov- top your flaws. Don’t focus on the negative! ing person, she was at the security desk Be positive and live your life happily, no mat- every morning passing out compliments. ter what. Throughout the day she encouraged ev- wn, ‘10 o wn, “Embrace weaknesses and insecurities and eryone. make them into positives,” counselor Perla “Ms. Blecka showed strength, courage, Ocampo said. determination, and loyalty,” said teacher ia br t ic h ia Whenever you feel sad just think of this Karen Gold. “She was so social with ev- saying by Buddha: “You yourself, as much as eryone, always there with a kind word. She anybody in the entire universe, deserve your Poster by agnes pasterczyck was the heart of this school.” love and affection.“• We miss you very much, Ms. Blecka. • la by PHOTO Pledging peace Cyber creeps Blood Clots By Jeremy Valentin

t’s creepy when people you don’t know randomly hit you up on Facebook. A girl Ifrom Taft that I don’t know left nearly 50 bu t ler t rin messages to my Facebook. The following is a sample of one of her many random messages (the spelling is hers): PHOTO by da by PHOTO “Your special I kno, you’re smile it glows. Your perfect it shows. You lookin like an an- eacher Miguel Ochoa endured gel. nd your body prolly needs to be in the angioplasty surgery for a blood spotlight. Dont rele kno who you are, but Tclot in October. Doctors found u be lookin like a star, nd Im just like mmm the clot when Mr. Ochoa went to the

. bernie es hoo bernie . who’s that boy.” hospital due to extreme swelling in And I don’t even know her! • his arm. •

PHOTO by M S by PHOTO Too many detentions By Jazalynne Velez would help students find time to serve Dreadlocks them, but detentions don’t really stop stu- his year lots of students are stuck dents from coming late. We’re all late once serving detentions, and many stu- in awhile, even teachers, and they don’t Tdents think it isn’t fair. Detentions have to serve detentions for being late. shouldn’t be over every little tardy. They Counselor Tania Moumji said last year Senior Andrew Maggit and counselor Perla Ocampo should be for more serious things, such as when students were able to serve deten- ditching and getting caught in the hall- tions during the week it helped reduce the ways. amount of detentions earned and served. Students think it isn’t fair that on our “Saturday detentions not only help only day off we have to come so early to students, they also can help teachers who school to serve detentions. come in on the weekends to get work or “I think there is no point in Saturday projects completed,” Ms. Monmji said. rin bu t ler t rin detention,” senior Karina Salcedo said. “A “Last year we would have 80-120 students

by da by lot of people don’t like getting up early.” here serving detentions every Saturday.” Maybe having after school detentions • S PHOTO ‘No to Go’ By Desiree Garcia

Dia de Muertos and Halloween tudents are sometimes caught in hall sweeps due to going to the bathroom during passing periods. They aren’t able Sto go the washroom at other times because teachers say, “We are told to not give you passes during class.” The bathroom rule of “No to Go” isn’t an actual school rule; it’s put down on days that the hallways are crazy or when something has happened that day. “The administration encourages this rule, but it depends on the teachers whether they want to enforce it in their classrooms due to disruptions or students who abuse hall passes,” assistant principal Lynne Nuzzo said. “I think ‘No to Go’ is fair to stu- dents because it’s very rare for teenagers not to be able to wait to use the bathroom. Passes to the bathroom are discouraged P INEDA M EI J A as they interfere with class time.” G E The focus of hall sweeps is not to prevent people from going JO R G ABBY to the bathroom; it is to create a safer environment, she added.• What’s hot? What’s not? PHOTO BY PHOTO PHOTO BY PHOTO Email photos, reports: Steinmetzstarnews@gmail.

October - November 2011 Steinmetz Star 5 6 Spirit Week and Homecoming Spirit Week and Homecoming

Homecoming unites Streaks

By Destiny Carpenter

he five-day spirit week beginning Oc- tober 11 showed nothing but Streaks Tpride. Students dressed for pajama day, wacky tacky day, blast from the past, and green and silver day. The week ended with the Homecoming game and dance. Even though we lost to Schurz, the Streaks still showed great school pride. Spectators cheered on football players, students con- stantly chanted cheers, cheerleaders cheered, and some fans even attempted a group wave led by senior class president Amber Dukes. “Teachers were bad at the wave,” assistant principal Lynne Nuzzo said, laughing. “It made me sad. But we had a nice size crowd. It was a beautiful day, and although the sta- PHOTOS on page 6 BY Destiny carpenter, denzel brown, dium security seemed a little crabby about miguel varela, Mr. claudio mendrano students standing up, I still think everyone enjoyed themselves.” Later, beginning at 7:00 more than 250 students enjoyed themselves at the homecom- ing dance. Many students looked wonderful. The gym was decorated with a Halloween theme, various kinds of music played, and students danced. Many students complained that one genre of music was chosen over oth- ers, but they still had an overall, good time.” “What people wore and how they danced somewhat made me nervous, especially when circles were formed,” Ms. Nuzzo said. “It made me wonder about inappropriate dancing in a school setting, but I kept my distance and allowed students to have their fun.” At the midpoint of the dance, senior advis- er Robin Russo announced the Homecoming King, Gonzalo Salgado, and Queen, Brittany Robertson. “I was ecstatic when they called my name for Homecoming Queen, and I really appre- ciated everyone’s vote,” senior Brittany Rob- ertson said. “Homecoming 2011 was the best one yet!” •

6 Steinmetz Star October - November 2011 Spirit Week and Homecoming Spirit Week and Homecoming 7

Big thanks to Ms. Russo!

By Ruby Perez

ost students look forward to Spirit Week from the Mbeginning of the year. This year’s Spirit Week was a big success. Everyone who participated had a good time showing their creativ- ity and seeing their friends in crazy outfits. Some students, though, missed having “Dress to Impress.” Senior Haywood Gandi didn’t like Wacky Tacky Day. “Wacky Tacky Day was ridiculous for guys, because guys like to coordi- nate their clothes,” he said. Spirit Week is a fun experience, especially for freshmen who are new to Steinmetz traditions. It’s also the only time students don’t have to wear the uniform shirt. The students who didn’t participate in Spirit Week must really love that shirt! PHOTOS on page 7 BY jeremy valentin , Destiny carpenter, brittany robertson, Thanks to all the Streaks who denzel brown, miguel varela, earl billingsley, Tanya Prannychuk showed school spirit, and a special thanks to senior sponsor Robin Russo and our seniors who planned this event.•

October - November 2011 Steinmetz Star 7 8 Star News Training and fun at JROTC summer camp

By Sareem Saenz

he Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) is a program held every sum- Tmer at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. It is only offered to students who are in the JROTC program. Hundreds of cadets from Chicago and other districts in Illinois and Wisconsin participate. JCLC provides an environment to JROTC cadets conducive to the practical application of good citizenship and leadership techniques and to introduce them to adventure training. Cadets never regret going to camp. It’s so MM SAENZ SARE MM fun that many decide to go for a second time, like I did. More than 20 Steinmetz underclassmen PHOTO BY PHOTO attended the camp held on the last week in June. We were taken in big buses early in the ting used to waking up at 5:00 in the morning, morning. After arriving, we were each given starting the day with some physical training barracks to share with one other person from and getting everybody on step. That was a another school. Each cadet was assigned to huge factor. Time was crucial and we didn’t one of seven different companies, which stayed want to lose points for being irresponsible. I together for the whole week. had to encourage the cadets and push them In the companies we were put to the test, to challenge themselves. They did a great job. challenged in our teamwork, communication, Every fear, every doubt, and even fatigue disap- and leadership skills. In order to get the Honor peared when the team members kept saying Company award, the companies were judged to one another, “You can do it!” on how well they worked together in sports That’s what it was all about — having fun and challenges, singing cadences, in marches, trying and not giving up on your first obstacle. and even how clean their barracks were. We learned how to work as a team, respect

This summer I was given the position of a one another, socialize with different people, SAENZ SARE MM Black Hat, a company leader. It was the great- improve marching skills, and become great est experience ever, although tiring at times. leaders. All the cadets were given a position

It was a big responsibility being in charge of in their company for one day so everyone had BY PHOTO about 60 cadets. I was given a male Black Hat the chance to experience leadership. Senior Saremm Saenz (above on the right) and 20 other Steinmetz JROTC cadets went to partner, who besides being a great help I got The sports and challenges in which my summer leadership training camp in Wisconsin for a week. to learn from him too. company competed with the other compa- During my stay I met a lot of great people nies were volleyball, soccer, frisbee, softball, On the second to last day of camp, the staff ance, and the award every company wanted with amazing talent, enthusiasm, and humor. archery, water polo, water survival, land sur- held a huge picnic party for everybody to relax to win, the Honor Company award, which Many of the cadets from my Bravo Com- vival, land navigation, and the obstacle course. and enjoy with music and tables full of food. went to Charlie Company. pany were freshmen with little experience and During the week every company also had the On the last day of camp we had our ceremony I was in charge of giving out the awards. needed a lot of help learning to march the chance to go to the snack bar. It had a pool ta- where everybody received their certificate for It was difficult giving them because I knew right way. ble, air hockey table, ping-pong, board games, their completion of course at camp, trophies how hard my company had tried and I wish The hardest part at the beginning was get- and a piano. In other words, it was really cool. for being the most athletic, personal appear- we had received the award, but in life we all What JROTC has taught me... MM SAENZ SARE MM SAENZ SARE MM PHOTO BY PHOTO BY PHOTO Sgt. Billy Hill, junior Josue Lopez, sophomore Destiny Miranda. Many freshmen marched in the Veteran’s Day parade in Hillside on November 5. “We have an excellent group of freshmen this year,” Saremm Saenz said.

By Josue Lopez By Destiny Miranda who I want to be. All I have to do is push myself. The discipline I’ve learned has helped me in class and life. I he most important principle I learned last year in ROTC has always been something I wanted to do, even learned that if I don’t do what I need to do as class leader, I’ll ROTC was patriotism because in the past I had never before I knew what it was. I used to hear about how fun it pay for what the class does, which in turn falls to me, and I’ll Treally cared or showed my support to this country. Jcould be, but also how hard working and focused you have get disciplined for it. I have to take it upon myself to do what In ROTC I learned to understand the meaning of pa- to be. In my first year being a cadet, I learned about leadership, I have to do in the positions I have been given. Discipline has triotism. The USA is the best country in the world, and discipline, and pride. These are things I never knew I had. made me a better person and someone who knows what’s right I’m blessed to be here. The best thing I can do is to show In ROTC I learned to understand the meaning of patrio- and wrong at all times. When you are shown your mistakes my loyalty and respect. Last year I become second in command of the drill team and and you face them, you learn. Whenever disaster strikes, such as the earthquake that class leader for my academy class. This year I have become I have learned pride — in myself and the uniform we wear. struck Japan in the spring, America is there. Our troops first in command. I wear it proudly like I should. Men and women wear the are in distant battlefields and the most we can do is show Being in command of a drill team can be very scary if you same uniform and go off to the Army or the Marines. That’s them that we have their backs and support them. mess up or forget something, but it also shows you how to lead something to be proud of. I take pride in what I do as a drill These troops are protecting and preserving the values of and help your team. As class leader I make sure that everyone commander, class leader, and JROTC student. The words we the USA, but most importantly they are helping people live is accounted for, doing what they should, and that they’re in say every time the bell rings mean something. I’m proud to in peace and harmony, away from oppression. • uniform on inspection days. This has taught me that I can be be a part of it. • 8 Steinmetz Star October - November 2011 Star News 9 GSA attends summit, ‘Out in Chicago’ exhibit

Gay Straight Alliance In September, GSA members watched teaches awareness, the movie “Before Stone Wall,” which chronicles the history of the homosexual communication, experience in America and the struggle anti-bullying for gay rights. In October, in addition to the field trip, GSA members worked to obtain By Anyssa Ascencio pledges for people to become allies against anti-LGBT bullying during na- tudents in the Gay Straight tional “Ally Week.” Alliance club (GSA) attended According to the website www.ally- Sthe GSA High School Sum- week.org., students created Ally Week mit on October 22 at the Chicago (October 17-21) “as a way to build upon History Museum. They viewed the the unifying work GSAs do across the exhibit “Out in Chicago,” and par- country by encouraging people to be ticipated in small group sessions, allies against anti-LGBT name-calling, heard from speakers, watched a bullying and harassment in schools.” performance and met with students More than 500 Steinmetz students from other schools. and staff pledged their support to be GSA “Steinmetz had the largest group allies, according to Mr. Berlage. “This of students there,” GSA sponsor support was more than we expected,” Beth Zaluba said. “We had more he said. than Whitney Young and Lane.” If you want to check it out, the Gay- Several students who have not GSA members and friends attend the area-wide GSA high school summit at the Chicago History Museum. In Straight Alliance welcomes all students attended GSA meetings went on addition to speakers and small groups, there was a performance by About Face Theater. and looks forward to more exciting ac- the trip, including senior Sabrina tivities this year. Come on by Room 130 Bernardi. She said the performance told the story on Tuesdays after school. of several students who were tormented because • they were gay. As part of exhibition, “Out in Chicago,” participants could record themselves and tell their own stories, she said. Everyone has The GSA, Gay Straight Alliance club, is a welcoming club. There is no discrimination; a story to tell everyone is equal. Teachers Ms. Zaluba, Ma- rie Chaparro, and Brad Berlage and counselor Art by Cristia Hart Katelyn Michalik sponsor the club, which meets every Tuesday right after school in Room 130. The club offers a place to meet people who can open up and relate to each other. “There isn’t really one purpose for GSA, but SAENZ SARE MM there are in fact many purposes,” Mr. Berlage said. “One purpose is to provide support to gay, straight, bi, lesbian, transgender students, and to BY PHOTO provide a comfortable environment for those.” He added that members also focus on giving back to the community. Last year when my friend senior Migali Garcia asked me to join GSA, I didn’t actually know anything about GSA. When I looked at the table with the rainbow flags I instantly said no. I judged before I really knew anything about it, but when I had Migali for class I then asked her what exactly it was and she just said, “It’s not a gay club. Yes, there are some gay people, but not everyone.” GSA is a lot of fun. It’s a place to enjoy meet- ing and getting to know people.

‘The Place Where I Am From’ builds friendships

By Izabela Miklowicz, teacher

tudents in communication class made colorful posters that vibrant- Sly and proudly reveal details of the many different countries where they lived before they came to the United States. Our students come from countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe, South- east Asia, and the Middle East. The project, “The Place I Am From,” encouraged students to learn more about themselves and to share the knowledge ARELA

V about their culture and heritage with their classmates. The research gave them new information about their countries. M I G UEL The students said the project was a BY great experience that helped build their self-confidence. It also helped them learn

S PHOTO a lot about each other and made their Frevelyn Nava Jennifer Jimenez friendships stronger. • October - November 2011 Steinmetz Star 9 10 Star Arts & Entertainment November horoscope Video game interest is By Jennie Czahor typical for teens he Star summarized professional astrologists Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer’s analy- sis of planetary movement and made our own interpretations for each sign. By Haywood Gandy T Source: “Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer’s Monthly Forecast” at Tarot.com. • play video games a lot. On weekdays, after doing my homework, I play until midnight. On the Aries: March 21-April 19 Virgo August 23-September 22 Iweekends it’s completely different. I wake up, Be careful around You’re enthusiastic turn on the Xbox, let it load up, brush my teeth, eat the full moon on about a current a bowl of cereal. Then I play all the way until 3:00 November 10th, plan this month, or 4:00 in the afternoon, do my chores, eat lunch, you might feel a but it might feel play until 8:00 or 9:00 in the evening, then finally sense of insecurity like it’s a bit dif- go out. On Sunday, it’s all video games all day. due to an over- ficult to put that Junior Kevin Lopez is also hardcore. “I play my whelming amount plan into action. Instead of taking one 360 almost everyday,” he said. Everyone I’ve asked of work. On the plus side, you will be large leap towards your goal, take small plays video games. Many pre-order their games. encouraged to concentrate on the more steps to ensure the proper outcome. Be I didn’t find out about pre-ordering my games important things in your life. conscious of family matters around the until last year. When “Gears of War 3” came out, • 24th, as relationships between loved ones Game Stop at the Brickyard had a tournament Taurus: April 20-May 20 might become turbulent if you don’t for people who came there early. I played in the Others close to keep focused on the most important tournament and won. you might cause aspects of life right now. When there’s a new game you got to have if some problems • you want to keep up with your friends. Most this month. Don’t Libra: September 23-October 22 gamers got “Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3” get too worried, Your chance for on November 8. Overall, the game is amazing though, as long opportunity rises although graphics could have been a little better. as you keep com- this month, and The multi-player is completely different. Noob nication with others open, you’ll keep you are kept hope- Tubers no longer rule the game. It’s all about your a great way to end the game. your relationships running smoothly, ful as chances gun and who shoots first. It has that Call of Duty Other highly anticipated games for the 360 you might even get the courage to talk show up in your 4 feel to it. The campaign is so great it was like I in November are “Assassins Creed Revelation,” to your current secret crush everyday life. You was watching a movie and Makarov’s death was “Saints Row the 3rd,” and “Elder Scrolls V.” • are also gifted with many great ideas at • Gemini: May 21-June 20 this time, but don’t start anything too As much as you big, too soon. Financial matters are also Book Club meets every Tuesday after school in the library like to socialize in the spotlight at this time, so don’t See Ms. Jalili or Ms. Lydon for more information this month, it’s ac- make any foolish purchases no matter tually better if you how much you want something. Don’t focus on matters at doubt your intuition when someone tells home. It’s also best you an incomplete story near the 22nd, I you think about you’ll regret it. Paranormal Activity III is your personal and/ or spiritual needs at • this time. Don’t expect too much out Scorpio: October 22-November 21 of others at this time, either. It’s best if Your head is cer- ‘amazing’ you sit back and watch out for others’ tainly in the clouds changeable natures. this month, to the By Ricardo Arroyo • point where you Cancer: June 21-July 22 might create a fan- ranormal Activity 3 came out in theaters You yearn to be tasy of how others on October 21, setting box office records adventurous, as see you. Your heart and head see two Pfor the $54 million it made in the first your interests different goals, and you choose to escape weekend. are peaked at reality, inevitably misleading yourself as Although I thought the movie was good. I the beginning of well as others. Never doubt that you have did expect more of it because the trailer made it the month to try the support of others if things don’t turn seem that it was going to be super good. There something new. out as expected. It would be wise to put were some parts missing that were shown in the You might be a bit shaken afterwards, an idea into action sometime between trailer. The ending disappointed me somewhat. though as cosmic energies shift and leave the 16th and 23rd while you have a surge Can another sequel be far behind? That is you uncertain whether you should go of motivation. what most people are asking. forward with a decision or start some- • “I expected a little more, but I have a feel- where else. Consider the plans you wish Sagittarius: November 22-Dec. 21 ing they’re saving some stuff for a fourth part,” to set into action and think before you You are enthusias- senior Jisel Garcia said. “I recommend you go act, because between the 16th and 23rd, tic and social this see it. It was amazing!” something you begin might last a while, month, you have Jisel was also slightly disappointed by the whether it’s good or bad. a new outlook on ending: “I expected more because the trailer said • life and possibly that the last 15 minutes will ‘change your life.’” How did you like ‘Paranormal Activity 3’? What about Leo: July 23-August 22 a fresh new look. Both Jisel and I rate “Paranormal Activity 3” other movies you’ve seen recently? We want to hear November starts Don’t let trouble get you down when an 8 out of 10. She said, “I can’t wait to see if from you. Email [email protected]. off as a fun month your daily routine is disrupted this they make a fourth one!” for Leos. Your month, if you have feelings then share • knack for com- them. It’s much better to share than suf- munication and fer in silence. On the 22nd, you’ll be Aquarius: January 20-February 18 Pisces: February 19-March 20 extroverted nature ready for something new, but be sure to You are likely to As much as you What is could bring you think before speaking of your plans, as become a bit more want to shoot important good energy, but be careful not to let misspeaking can lead to back-tracking well-known for for the stars this to you? your optimism lead to foolishness. You with your ideas. your generosity, month, it’s im- could wear yourself out chasing fanta- • encouragement, portant that you If not sies. You might be able to bring love into Capricorn: December 22-January 19 and lack of stingy keep your feet on astrology, your life around the 22nd as your heart You might feel like actions. You also the ground. You what? begins to warm for the holiday season. it’s a good idea to choose to turn away from the stress of may be given many good opportunities Be careful not to be too pushy, though, take some time the world for a while and go towards this month, but make sure you know Email us with and remember to practice self-restraint off this month, your family or loved ones instead of fo- how much work you need to put in to your thoughts or you might drive others away. but the universe cusing on your social life. You might feel these opportunities before you take any on all the big • has other ideas. pressure to make a certain relationship on. Your dreams might seem to turn issues. What do you read Be patient, this is only a passing storm. Your work, and you are willing under one into reality, but your head will soon be Steinmetz- or watch or play? motivation and elation will return soon enough. condition: make it happen with no fuss! pulled out of the clouds so you can see starnews Email us with your review: You are motivated to set a new, idealistic goal and On the 22nd, you’re willing to become what’s really there. You’re still yearning @gmail.com steinmetzstarnews even take a break around the 23rd, this could more social, but don’t take on too many for seemingly unreachable ideas around @gmail.com set you up for some enlightenment from all of obligations or you could become over- the 22nd, but you are encouraged to step the relaxation. • whelmed. • back and take on important tasks. • 10 Steinmetz Star October - November 2011 E M T Dowling hisfifth. Gleeson finished herfirstandteacher Brad release from thedoctortostart be backfortrack.He received his cross country,able torun hewill teammates goodluck. but insteadcouldonlywishhis cluding breaking theschoolrecord, in September. surgeries, oneinAugust andone seasonduetotwoheart country hislastcross was notabletorun B lookstoRolando track Unable to run cross country, the state. we’d be one the most successful schools in their gritanddetermination,foriftheydid, of eightmonthstoaccomplishthisgoal. March 2011.Thesestudents trained forparts B accomplish amazingfeat Determined athletes praised. ship, athletic, and academic qualities she Lagunas. Romel Melesio, Erick Lora,andEmmanuel to State Sectionals: Josh Torres, Pedro Diaz, teamwhoadvanced ners onthecross country track andfieldseason,” Rolando said. againinOctober.running Soccer pro EricLichaj: ‘Study hard, practice hard’ professional Eric Lichaj (22) who plays in the in plays who (22) Lichaj Eric professional and notjustwatchanysoccerteamorleague. B challenges. He can’t spendtime with his fam- years ago he beganplayingprofessionally. college atUniversity ofNorth Carolina. Two to becomeaprofessional player. He went to soccer players. Lichajwasn’t sure ifhewanted from hisfamily, toattendaspecialschoolfor In highschoolhemoved toFlorida, away professional athlete. wouldn’t bewhere heisrightnow, ayoung He saidifnotforworking hard inschoolhe on October 6. soccer players andotherathletesabouthiscareer assistant soccercoachMark Lichaj, talkedto a defender. also playsfortheUnited States soccerteamas English premier leaguewithAston Villa. He Students, staffrunMarathon 26.2mile Chicago y Brad D y JuanR y Javier Barrera While hewas sad he wasn’t Rolando had many goals, in- I wishcouldsayallofmystudentshad We traininginthelastweek of started “Rolando isanaturalleader,” CoachEgan But she missed Rolando, whoseleader- Coach Jennifer Egan’s had excellent- run Ihave“I willgivetomylast everything Some students got really to meet fortunate As with every professional athlete,hefaces As withevery Lichaj beganplayingsocceratagethree. He ofschool. spokeabouttheimportance Lichaj, whosebrother isscienceteacherand thon team.In addition,teacherMolly their first marathon of asthe part mara ight studentsandtwograduatesfinished senior Rolando Ramirez, from lastyear, runner try he numberonecross coun- games justtowatchtheminaction, soccer player, even attendoneoftheir any peoplewishtomeetaprofessional owling, teacher odriguez

S PHOTO courtesy coach egan enior R - olando R

but hishealthis more important.” not to havemy heart him for cross country, he will do great this year in track. It broke student aswell,” CoachEgan said.“Iknow said hewouldhave madeitagainthisyear. qualified forstatesectionals. Coach Egan ible how fastheimproved.” from year toyear dramatically. It wasincred- team. He dedicated.He isvery improved said. “Not havinghimcreated aholeinthe PHOTO courtesy ms. molly gleeson smile duringthepresentation. to hear Lichaj’s story. He had a tremendous his own soccerteam. he retires hewouldbeinterested incoaching contract with Aston Villa. He saysthat when injuries andsurgeries. year. Other problems are thathehashadmany ily becauseheisawayfrom homemostofthe A “He isnotjustagoodathlete,but In hissophomore andjunioryear he fter hespoke,fter pro soccer player Lichaj signed Eric autographs.L JuniorJosue PHOTOS BY MIGUEL VARELA Coach Nicolas Kotcherha wasreally happy He stillhasoneyear andahalfleftonhis amirez, C oach Jennifer E Star Sports gan • to his players he was very excited.to hisplayers hewasvery professional soccer player was coming to speak and torealize important.” thatschoolisvery vated students togopractice,school, he said.“Eric Lichajcomingtoschoolmoti- athletes thinkthatpracticeisnotimportant,” in lifetakeshard work andalotofstudent T Steinmetz football’ future looksbright for ‘The hris Harris carries theballinForeman carries Harris Chris game. A

Bland. Lydell Anderson, Charles Ivy, and Breonn Bland, AnthonyKowalczyk, Howard, Earvie Chris Harris, Dominic Masciopinto, Frank B PHOTO by jeremy valentin y JudyC “I knew itwasgoing to bea good experi- “I knew When CoachKotcherha found outthata “I justwantedkidstoknow thateverything Even though theseasonendedwithfour plays itsbestandfightsforvictory. he Silver Streaks footballteamalways Players oftheweek have included zahor opez said he was very happy toopez saidhewas meethim: very “He was areally nice, humbleguy.” October -November 2011 Steinmetz Star gainst S celino said.“Doing whatIwanttodo.” about working hard. team. He wasimpressed withhismessage was Marcelino Lagunas,captain ofthesoccer that you get tomeetaprofessional player.” ence,” hesaid.“It’s aonceinlife-timechance again. andthennextyears’spring sports seasons football,” CoachMike McNulty said. to #468,according toMax Preps. The teammoved upsixpositionsinthestate team moved upinnationalandstaterankings. wins andfive losses, Max Preps thatthe reports “He isaprofessional soccerplayer,” Mar- Another person excited tomeetEric Lichaj Now comesthewaitforwinterand “The future looksbrightfor Steinmetz outh Shore, ran Chris fan80-yard touchdown. a highfive. They’ve earnedit: • Roberto Alarconpen Jose Lucero ‘Kool Aid’ (2010) Mike Newson Erik Martinez Armando Calderon Jessica Solis (2011) Karla Solis Vanessa Colin Eddie Rivera Jose Peralta If you seeanyofthesekids,give them • 11

• 11 1210 Star Sports Streaks varsity and JV soccer win conference

By Shanna Arceo

oth the varsity and JV soccer teams won conference this year. The varsity had an Bincredible 6 wins and 1 loss in confer- ence play. The Streaks proved to themselves and coaches just what they’re really made of. Coach Nicolas Kotcherha’s dedication to his team and special bond with the players is evident to all his students. He prepared his team for success. Many students admire the drive of the soccer team. The players are committed and show a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. At the games the team showed strategy. The players were on their toes, thinking ahead and focusing on what their opponents’ next

move might be. arela There was much talent on the team. Cap- v tain Marcelino Lagunas had an outstanding season as the top scorer. Alejandro Carrasco received All-Conference honors from the city and All-Sectional honors from the state. Elixen

Ramirez received an All-Sectional honorable m i g uel by PHOTO mention. Talented Streaks players include senior David Cruz (above with ball), freshman Alejandro “Pulga” Gonzalez (above at right), senior Alejandro Carrasco (below). Other stand-outs this year include fresh- man varsity player Alejandro “Pulga” Gon- zalez, who wowed fans with his intelligent, The Star needs fast play. Senior and goalie Jorge Meija also showed a lot of enthusiasm and determina- your sports report: tion, blocking shots fans couldn’t imagine him saving. Are you an athelete “The team was a lot of fun this year,” Mar- celino said. “Everybody got along great. We or a sports fan? had a few problems here and there during practice, but overall everyone got along like We want to hear from you. we were a family. We won the conference (although we had a little problem winning When you see a great the coin toss 90 percent of the time). “The Silver Streaks are moving up to the play or game, let us know first division and we all expect great things arela

from the team next year. I’ll miss playing for v about it. Email: Steinmetz- Coach Kotcherha.” The players said that soccer is a way to be [email protected] themselves. They enjoy playing a game that shows who they are and how they work as a Go Streaks! team. • m i g uel by PHOTO Intense practices strengthen Cross country team advances swimmers to State Sectionals CAR P EN T ER p ererya

Senior swim team members are introduced at the October 14 spirit week pep rally. h ac

o Seniors Berry Barajas, Samanth Balbuena, Lucy Licona, Tiarra McGee, Lauren DeJesus, PHOTO by DES T INY by PHOTO and Monserrat Rafael once again proved this year that Streaks cross country is a top holding on to the wall or the lane line for CPS team. Two seniors, Lucy and Monserrat, ran varsity cross country for all four years. By Nailya Sanchez five minutes. Five minutes is hard because

we have to keep afloat without sinking the c by PHOTO eing on the swim team took a lot of whole time. After awhile our arms and legs hard work and dedication because we got super tired. Tiarra McGee breaks freshmen Diana Herrera, Cintia Garcia, and Bpracticed Monday - Friday from 2:45 Then we would do ladders, going up in school records for Brenda Escalante. ran in State Sectionals - 5:00. Everyday we’d have to be ready at the distance, swimming two, then four, then October 29, after achieving personal best pool to stretch when Coaches Suzy Sullivan six, then eight, then 10 lengths of the pool, 2-mile and 3-mile times in the city meet and advancing in the and David Henry arrived. then going back down — 10, eight, six, State Regional meet. The JV took 4th in city. After stretching we would have 10-10- four, two lengths. In addition, we’d work onsistently strong with regular fin- Coach Abel Pererya called the seniors on 10 warm-ups, which meant 10 lengths of on what we needed to improve like diving ishes in the top-10 of Chicago’s cross the team “an incredible group whose shoes the pool for each of the warm-ups. These or somersaults. Ccountry conference (a field of more will be very difficult to fill.” He said that one workouts were fairly easy because we got to It may sound like a lot of hard work, but than 100), the Streaks surpassed themselves of the most outstanding characteristics of the use swimming equipment like kick boards it didn’t change my passion for swimming. this year. For the first time ever, the entire runners is “their willingness to do what is and scuba flippers. When we were done with Although the girls’ season is over, luckily I team advanced to the State Sectional meet. best for the team regardless of how it affects that, the hard work kicked in. don’t have to give up swimming yet because In addition to the seniors shown above, them personally. That level of commitment Sometimes we would do Treading Wa- I’m the pool manager of the boys swimming juniors Giselle Jimenez, Fanny Reyes, Pau- is incredibly rare.” ters, where we’d swim in the water without team. • lina Ciepiela, and Emelyn Balbuena, and See Pererya’s webpage for more details • 12 Steinmetz Star October - November 2011