Feature: PPL txting 2 much @ Lane?

December 2007 Lane Technical College Prep High School Vol. 40/ Issue 2/ Page 1

IN THE HEART Bathroom graffi ti leads to gun scare LoBosco attempts to dispel rash of rumors. OF THE my friends sat down with us and instant- By Daniel Castro ly said, ‘There is a threat. Someone’s WARRIOR & Shannia Sumugat bringing a gun to school’,” said Reyna. “Everyone was receiving texts.” A violent threat written in a girls’ An announcement was made during washroom and an outbreak of rumors fi rst period asking teachers not to issue NEWS led to confusion and heightened secu- any passes to students and making it rity procedures at Lane, Northside Col- mandatory for students to display their lege Prep, and Schurz on Dec. 12-14. IDs. Ants Infesting Lane On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the threat, which According to the Attendance Offi ce, claimed an assault worse than the Vir- many early dismissals were given on Security Flaws ginia Tech massacre would take place at Wednesday after news of the threat. Lane on Friday, Dec. 14, was reported to That afternoon, police squad cars sur- Facebook Blocked Ms. Rice in the Discipline Offi ce. rounded the campus while a Chicago Consequently, only about 50 percent Police Department helicopter patrolled Ms. Rice, Head of Security, checks students for IDs as they enter Lane. of Lane’s students showed up to school the surrounding area. Online CPS Courses that Friday, while Northside’s atten- Tension grew among students as ru- not to contact the school and ran with said Goran Ciganovic, Div. 872. dance was closer to 10 percent. mors spread. During 4th period lunch a the story; and then all of the other sta- Others viewed the incident as an “I saw the writing on the wall fifth period balloon popped in the cafeteria sending tions followed.” opportunity to ditch school using the [on Tuesday] and figured it was a prank,” a large group of students stampeding to Friday was no ordinary day at Lane. threat as an excuse. said the student who reported the message. the opposite side of the lunchroom. Nearly 2,000 students did not attend “Not everyone [missed school be- FEATURES “I told Ms. Rice about it after seventh and By Thursday, after local news outlets school while the ones who did were put cause they were scared]; a lot of people they [closed off the washroom].” had picked up on the story, rumors be- under what many students and teachers took it as a day off. I did too,” said an Texting in Class Preventing anyone from entering, gan to swirl out of control on MySpace were calling “airport-type security” just anonymous senior. yellow tape covered the door while and via text messaging. to get into the building. “What did they expect? Did they real- two security guards stood on each side “I heard a gun was found in a toilet,” “We had to open our bags, let them ly think all us were coming to school?” Sleep Deprived Students of the entrance of the girls’ washroom said one MySpace poster. rummage around in them, then walk said a message on MySpace. on the second fl oor by stairwell A. “There were guns found in the girls’ through the metal detectors; and then Students who missed school as a re- Service Learning Projects A heavier security presence was vis- locker room and it is reported that there we got frisked by a cop,” said Matt sult of the threat will be excused if they ible the next morning. are more in the building,” said one text Siek, Div. 853. “It took 10 to 15 min- bring a note. “I had just gotten off from my ride when message. “The threats are true! For- utes to get in.” Others saw no potential for danger on Horoscopes I walked through the parking lot and saw ward this to everyone.” Many students who did not attend Friday because of all the extra security cop cars, which was unusual,” said Este- By Thursday night close to 200 mes- were kept home by their parents for precautions. Dream Act Voted Down fania Reyna, Div. 872. “I had a gut feel- sages had been posted in reference to safety reasons despite a recorded call “This past week, security was pretty ing something bad was going on.” the threat. Most of these were rumors from LoBosco reassuring parents that high and there [wasn’t] much of a “Basically, every member of the staff that proved untrue. the school was safe. chance that something could have hap- New Clubs at Lane made sure we had our IDs on and fol- “The story being on the news and ru- The attendance offi ce received many pened,” said Gaczol. “This threat in lowed all the rules in the halls, which is mors going around did more harm than phone calls letting the school know that particular was well managed. I felt as Body Image an obvious change from the everyday,” good when it comes to those parents their son or daughter would not be at- safe as ever.” said Przemek Gaczol, Div. 877. that did get scared for their kids,” said tending school; a majority of these calls According to LoBosco, there are Rumors had already begun spread- Gaczol. came from parents of underclassmen. leads as to who wrote the threatening ing that morning, even before offi cial LoBosco shared similar thoughts. “I was told by my dad at breakfast that remarks on the girls’ washroom stall, EDITORIALS confi rmation of any threat. “It wasn’t really a story,” said LoBos- morning that I shouldn’t go to school, but she would provide no specifi c in- “I walked in the cafeteria and one of co. “Unfortunately Channel 7 chose so I abided and went back to sleep,” formation beyond that. Tardy Offi ce Policies Taft threat leads to heightened security at Lane Talent Show became nervous after a student, who she identifi ed ki. “My friend called me at 11 and told me not to By Brigette Arroyo, Samantha Ramos, as an 8th grader in Taft’s Academic Center program, either.” Alicia Keys Album & Monika Janczuk made troubling comments. Police searched all students that arrived to Taft “The guy asked the teacher, ‘What would you do if that Monday morning. Coats, jackets, and book bags A gun scare at Taft High School on Monday, Nov. I brought a gun to school?’ and so I guess the kids in were checked through x-ray machines. Students Lane Book Reviews 19, led to Lane administrators strictly enforcing the the class got scared and started spreading rumors,” were patted down, but no weapons were found. policy that ID’s should be visibly displayed on every said Santiago. News of the threat was relayed to Lane by 7:45. A student. “Some kids were talking about it at like a Domi- special fi rst-period announcement told Lane students What led to the scare is up for debate as stories nick’s and a parent overheard and called the police they were obligated to wear their IDs at all times. differ about what exactly happened. and the school,” said Sarah Aniolowski, a senior at For much of the day both security guards and ad- SPORTS According to Dr. LoBosco, who spoke with the Taft. ministrators patrolled Lane’s hallways making sure Taft principal about the incident, students in a Taft Regardless of how the scare started, on Sunday, students had IDs visibly displayed. Steroid Use at Lane class were given an assignment by a teacher about Nov. 18, word of the potential shooting spread Though it is always mandatory for students to have the Columbine shootings that occurred in 1999. This among Taft students through emails and text mes- IDs on in the building, the policy is rarely enforced New Swim Coach assignment, however, led to a discussion that caused sages. like it was Nov. 19. Several students were sent to the some to worry. On Myspace, students jokingly made Like many other Taft students, Giovanni Lara said ID Offi ce to receive new or temporary IDs. a fake plan to have a shooting at Taft, which would he received text messages warning him not to go to Although this incident was only a scare, Dr. Lo- Basketball Tournament continue on to Lane. school the following morning. Bosco said safety at Lane could best be ensured by This plan was also demonstrated in a video on “My friend said that someone was going to bring students policing each other by reporting any suspi- Bowling Teams YouTube.com. However, before many were able to a gun to school,” he said. “At fi rst I thought she was cious activity they know of. watch the video, it was removed from the internet. kidding, but later she called me and told me that it “You have to keep us informed about even a hint According to Sara Santiago, a junior at Taft, stu- was serious, and not to go to school.” of a threat,” she said. dents in the class where the discussion took place “Half the kids didn’t go to school,” said Aniolows- [See related story on Lane Security on Page 3]. December 2007 News Page 2 Ants go marching throughout Lane “It’s basically become a rule to not “What’s worse is I have to also see second floor by A; third floor by By Anna Treesara leave your lunch in your locker,” the dead ants in my book.” A; fourth floor by O. said Wiola Kochan, Div. 916. “I once found ants crawling on “I walked out of my Spanish Although ants can be a small pest “One time my friend left her my bag in my Physics class on the class to get a drink of water,” outdoors, they turn out becoming a sandwich in her locker. When she second floor by O,” said Steibing. said Gabrielle Williams, Div. 052. colony of a problem at Lane. went to go eat it, it was infested Even though the presence of “When I bent down to drink, I Since the school year began, with ants and she had to throw it away,” ants were initially noticed in saw two ants in the fountain. Then students have continually found said Rachel Steibing, Div. 904. lockers, they have managed to when I looked closer, there was a themselves in the presence of ant Many students strongly believe end up in classrooms and other trail of ants leading up and out of clusters. that the school is the fountain onto the wall and The most common place that to blame. through a crack.” students notice ants are in their “It makes me Ants have also become a lockers. wonder if the distraction for some students. “[From] September to early school cleaned “There was an ant crawling November, I’ve had ants in my t h o r o u g h l y across the overhead once,” said locker,” said Mary Anne Reyes, enough before an anonymous student. “At that Div. 928, whose locker is located we came back point I wasn’t paying attention on the fourth floor by stairway O. to school,” said or listening to my teacher.” “It’s not like I was looking at my an anonymous Ants are not as bad as it gets books to make sure I didn’t have student. “I feel though. Students have seen many ants on them.” like the school other insects crawling around as “I left my laptop in my locker,” didn’t do anything well. said Tina Nguyen, Div. 931, because divisions “I once saw a silverfish whose locker is also located on the on the fourth crawling on the floor in front of fourth floor by stairway O. “When floor reported the my desk,” said Zachary Wiener, I went to go take it out, ants were ant problem this Div. 913. Ants crawl on a water fountain on the fourth floor by O. crawling out of the keyboard. I year, and nothing A silverfish is about one half to opened my CD drive and they was ever done.” one inch long and does not have were crawling in there as well.” “I think one of the stronger peculiar places. any wings. Its name was derived Students have had to adjust to causes of the ant problem is the Ms. Villa, chemistry teacher, has from its fish-like movements and not being able to keep food in their sloppy cleaning,” said Zhao. found ants crawling around in her silver, blue eyes. lockers. “After finding out our school’s infested classroom. Although students feel that Lane “So many students who have with ants, I’ve become paranoid,” said “I put marshmallows, which were is not doing anything to fix the ant lockers on the fourth floor have had Thuong Pham, Div. 922. used for one of my students’ labs, problem, they have taken action their lunches ruined,” said Reyes. “Sometimes I feel like they might in the top shelf of my cabinet,” by contacting pest management “They’d open them up and find ants be crawling up my leg.” said Ms. Villa. “There’s no food in companies. crawling all over their food.” Students find it aggravating to my classroom or by that cabinet, “We used to use Smithereen,” “I stopped bringing food and discover that ants have been all over but when I opened the bag, there said Dr. Lobosco. “But the Board putting it in my locker,” said Kelly their books and school supplies. were ants crawling all over the of Ed said that we have to use Zhao, Div. 923. “But if I really “Sometimes I’ll be in my classroom marshmallows.” Orkin. Orkin took about two want to risk it, I have to put it with my books and I’ll see ants Ants have been seen in water months to show up and a lot can in a container or Tupperware.” crawling out of them,” said Reyes. fountains on nearly every floor: happen in two months.” Moment of Silence law has students speaking out moment of silence or silent prayer got our moment right there,” of Allegiance, I didn’t say that in By Erin Wright at the beginning of every school day said Emily Traub, Div. 870. grammar school either, because for Illinois public school students. “I think that it [silent prayer] I don’t believe in that, why force A recently passed law mandates Although it gives no guidelines as should be allowed, but I don’t me to say that in the morning?” a brief “moment of silent prayer” to how long the moment should think it really matters… what said Alyssa Villegas, Div. 189 for all Illinois public schools. be, or how it should be conducted, really matters is that we’re not “I don’t think something like The law, passed on Oct. 11, was it is garnering a prevented from praying this would go over well at Chicago vetoed this summer by Governor lot of controversy. if we would like to do [high schools], especially at Lane, Rod Blagojevich, but the Senate The opinion of “I really do so. It is a Christian’s because it’s so diverse. There are overrode his veto and voted 74-37 to this law at Lane is think that responsibility to some who’d be gung-ho about it, support the moment of silence law. quite varied. Some make time [before or for sure, but I’d be one of the many Critics of the law call it a students couldn’t t h i s is the after] school to make people protesting it if they tried badly masked attempt to put care less if there time for God. Now, to shove this down my throat,” prayer into public schools. was a mandatory government if you’re saying [if said Chelsea Bird, Div. 902. “Why we must mandate this “quiet time” at legislating the law should be] Those opposing this law in the is way beyond me,” said Rep. the beginning of ‘forced’, well, I think courts feel the same. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) “It’s every school day, religion,” it’s fine,” said Vanessa Rob Sherman, an “outspoken wrong from so many points and think that the said Stacy Vargas, Div. 873. local atheist”, has taken this law of view… it may not mandate controversy over Others, however, are not to the courts, with the argument prayer, but that’s what it’s about.” the law is much Garcia, Div. so spirited about this law. that taking a moment out of the Those who are for this law claim ado about nothing. “I really do think that school day for prayer deprives that this is simply a chance for Some students 859. this is the government students of instructional time, and students to have a “bit of peace and are upset at this recent law, legislating religion,” said Stacy that this is but another attempt quiet” before the school day begins. and others are absolutely for it. Garcia, Div. 859, “I mean, the at putting religion into a public “They come into the school “I don’t think it’s ‘Big Brother’- law literally has ‘prayer’ written institution. Even with all of the listening to their iPods… to just ish or anything, but I do think it’s in it… if that’s not a violation debate surrounding this law, it is have a moment in a child’s life kind of silly to force [the school] of [the separation of] church still stuck in Illinois circuit courts. where he or she can be guaranteed to do something [like this],” and state, I don’t know what is.” A school in Evanston is refusing a moment of silence, we don’t said Maya Sherma, Div. 871. “It’s the way the lawmakers to abide by this new law, but want to give them that?” said “I don’t care. I mean, we worded it. If it has ‘prayer’ written cannot be penalized, because the Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago). already have the Anthem in the in it… it shouldn’t be put into a act gives no guidelines as to how The law calls for a mandatory morning, so, we’ve pretty much public school… it’s like the Pledge to punish schools that disobey it. December 2007 News Page 3 You put it where?! Students say sneaking contraband into school is not difficult in spite of school security measures.

enth student is pulled aside to go By Samantha D’Anna & through a security check. This is Anna Chlopecki done in order to avoid student pro- filing when searching backpacks, BEEEEEEEEP! The metal and also because of the size of detector repeatedly buzzes as stu- Lane’s student body. dents walk through it into Lane “If we search everyone every- before their morning classes. day, we estimate that the search Students move sleepily onto the would take three hours,” said Dr. security table where they drop LoBosco, “so we do a random their bags for investigation. search.” “There is no point in walking ”So far [keeping contraband through them,” said Alexis Boin, out of Lane] has been good,” Div. 906. “The buckle on my jeans said a security guard by door could even set it off. Who am I M who wished to be referred to going to hurt with a buckle? What as Miguel. “Of course there’s are they trying to find by mak- always a chance something is ing us walk through those things going to be snuck in. It would every morning? It’s just a waste be hard to search 5,000 kids.” of time.” An additional security problem Though Dr. LoBosco admits the is Lane’s has off-campus lunch metal detectors tend to go off for policy, which increases the oppor- everyone, they’re a helpful part of tunities to sneak anything in since Criminal activity a reality of city life letting students know that safety is Security does not search students a priority of Lane’s administration. re-entering the building at lunch. Statistics show violence is down. How do neighborhoods around Lane compare? “I feel this is a safe place to be,” LoBosco admits that there’s no said Dr.LoBosco. “In surveys taken way to detect and stop every pos- By Monika Janczuk “I know plenty of people ism, were reported in front of every year an overwhelming amount sible threat to the school, and says who live in bad neighborhoods or near Schurz High School of students say they feel safe.” that the best security the school has Violence has become an aspect like Humboldt Park, Wicker on the Clear Map website. Many students, however, are is the students who should report of American culture that the Park, Bucktown,” said Arissa ”There’s always gang-relat- unaware what their classmates are suspicious things they see or hear. media tracks like a spreading dis- St. Germaine, Div. 050. “They ed violence or fights happen- carrying into the school, and how Some students don’t think ease. Daily, the news covers inci- tell me about a lot of gang ing at Schurz,” said Jackie easily they’re doing it. much of the school’s secu- dents that result in assault, arrest, violence, drugs, prostitution, Mendoza, a senior at Schurz. “It is the easiest to get things rity measures, claiming it is injury, and sometimes even death. fights, shootings, and racism.” “All around the school cars in through the lunch room” very easy to engage in illegal Chicago is prone to all of these. According to the Chicago are broken into or stripped. A said Indira Salgado, Div. 917. activity without getting caught. Even though Lane is located Crime website, on Nov. 5 and 6, week ago three cars were bro- “I sneak in lighters, alcohol, “I’ve bought [drugs] during class in one of the safer communities numerous crimes were reported, ken into around Waveland.” cigarettes, bud [marijuana], and from the girl behind me,” said an of Chicago, it is not the safest. including criminal damage to a Austin, West Town, Humboldt pills all the time,” said a student anonymous student. “Sometimes According to Clear Map – a web- vehicle on the 3500 block of Park, and West Englewood rank in Div. 917. “When you walk in I smoke it during lunch periods site run by the Chicago Police Claremont Ave, an armed robbery as the top four communities with you can easily put anything in your or in the bathroom with a few Department that tracks crime near 2800 W. Irving Park, and the most crime incidents reported. pockets and liquor in a water bottle. people.” throughout the city – the North forcible entry and a burglary on According to the FBI Uniform They never know the difference.” “I’ve only been caught with Center community, which stretch- the 3000 block of N. Rockwell. Crime Reports, violent crime The techniques used to sneak foil,” [used to make a pipe for es from Montrose to Diversey and Do these streets sound famil- offenses such as robbery, aggra- illegal items into the building vary. smoking marijuana] said a student from approximately California iar? They should; they are all vated assault, and larceny have The most obvious is to hide items that wished to remain anonymous. Ave. to Ravenswood, in the last within a one-mile radius of Lane. gone down by 3.4 percent from in backpacks or pockets, but more “They [police officers] checked 90 days over 683 crimes were From Nov. 1 to Nov. 13, seven 2001-2005. However, mur- covert methods are also used. my hair, shoes, and wallet for any- reported to the site. burglary, nine larceny, two motor der and manslaughter went Students have reported hiding thing else that I might have had.” Keep in mind that this sta- vehicle theft, three simple bat- up from 448 reported inci- weed in Altoids containers, bras, If students are caught with tistic only includes crimes that tery, four fraud, and seven van- dents in 2005 to 468 in 2006. shoes, and even between their legs. illegal items on school property, were reported. Among these dalism incidents were reported in According to the Checkerboard “I have gauges [earrings such as drugs, alcohol, or anything crimes included two criminal the Chicago Police Department’s Chat, a website run by Chicago used to stretch earlobes] that that could endanger another per- sexual assaults, six aggravated 44th Ward, located on Belmont police, because half of all mur- you can unscrew and stash son, the consequences are severe. battery charges, 25 drug abuse and Western. Both Lane and ders last year were gang-relat- weed, coke, anything. They are “The marijuana is immediate- arrests, and 22 violent crimes. DeVry are located in this ward. ed, the police are stepping up made for it,” said a student who ly given to the police officers. Out of 42 surveyed students There are six registered sex efforts to enforce curfew laws wished not to be identified. “I’ve They [student(s)] are arrested who live relatively close to Lane offenders that live near Lane. and reduce gang-related violence been caught with cigarettes twice, immediately. Pocket knives: same 36 said they feel safe in the Four out of six of these men’s by tracking down gang members but there were no consequences.” thing happens,” said Mr. Milsap, neighbored they live in. Be that victims were under 18 years-old. who run open-air drug markets. Most students don’t have to Assistant Dean of Students. as it may, there are exceptions. However, the number of inci- The decline in crime and worry about hiding anything since If students are even suspected of ”I always felt safe [near Logan dents near Lane and Taft is rela- violence is being attributed to a large majority of students do engaging in illegal activity, they Square] but my dad did get held tively small compared to other strong community partnerships, not get checked by security upon can be searched by police offi- up at gunpoint three times” CPS high schools. For exam- aggressive violence reduction entering the building. Every morn- cers stationed in the building. So [over the course of their resi- ple, from Nov.1 to Nov. 8, eight plans, and other strategies of the ing the school is given a random though some students are finding dency in the community], said incidents, including simple bat- Chicago Police Department. search number. If, for example, ways to get around security, the Kyle Durron-Kerns, Div. 878. tery, drug abuse, and vandal- that number is seven, every sev- risk they run is high. December 2007 News Page 4 CPS credit available online College workshops prepare Lizzette Cambron, Div. 940, who is taking psychology. students for future By Paige Grabinski Lane approves which classes students are allowed to take. Only one class per student is allowed each has taken challenging classes all For students who need to make up a class, semester so students still have to go to school. By Shannia Sumugat four years. They also look at the problems may arise if family vacations or money Those who enroll in online courses have to student’s essay and recommen- issues interfere with summer school. However, attend a daily meeting during 9th period and be Urban vs. City, tuition fee, list dation letters from the counsel- this stress could be relieved with the introduc- prepared to spend about 10 hours a week on IVHS of majors, student life, school or and teachers. Test scores are tion of online courses that qualify as CPS credit. homework. During the meeting, students can traditions, teacher to student another important component. Illinois Virtual High School (IVHS) is a company work on any homework they have for that class. ratio. These are just some of the Colleges also look at extra-cur- that offers online classes. It is a statewide program that The lessons are self-paced and students can access factors that students look at when ricular activities in and out of the Chicago Board of Education has connected with. them any time they want. Any necessary supplies they choose a college. This is school. Many colleges also try to “It’s better than summer school. For summer school, for the lesson, such as headphones, are supplied when College Workshop enters diversify their student body by you have to worry about getting up early and wast- by IVHS free of charge. The online courses are the scene. accepting more minorities. ing your summer,” said Samantha Smith, Div. 189, also free as long as the student passes. If a student College Workshop, sponsored “[College Workshop] is not a who is making up a U.S. History course with IVHS. fails, a $225 charge is assessed for the course. by Mrs. Hanly, runs during all place that will tell you what college “What we’re doing here is offering classes “The teachers are very interactive and they actually lunch periods every Thursday. to pick,” said Ibrahim Zaganjor, for enrichment if you want to learn something call home to check on you,” said Mariah Williams, Div. It is designed to inform seniors Div. 871. “But it is a place that new, and some classes for recovery if you need 189, who has been in the IVHS program for two years. about different things colleges teaches you about colleges, and to make something up,” said Ms. Harris, men- “If you don’t understand something, you can offer that they might be interest- what suits you best, so you can tor for IVHS students and history teacher. go back and read assignments. You don’t have to ed in. It also helps them decide narrow your choices down.” IVHS offers recovery classes such as English worry about not understanding in class,” said Smith. what kind of college they want Despite the information that II, III, and IV; algebra I and II, geometry, and cal- “I think that online learning is the way of the future. If to attend, as they examine topics the workshop provides, there is a culus; biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sci- you have exposure, it’ll be easier in college,” said Harris. like “Financial Aid,” “Looking at low number of students showing ence; and many different social studies classes. “I would really be interested in taking an online small vs. big schools,” and “In- up to meetings. This is probably IVHS also offers enrichment classes such as class because it saves me a lot of time,” said Hayley state vs. out-of-state schools.” It because, by this time, seniors theater as literature, study skills, astronomy, bio- Carbonaro, Div. 857. “I can work in a quiet and com- is a great opportunity for seniors already know where they want technology, oceanography, civics in cyberspace, fortable setting, get my work done, and either learn to ask for help with their applica- to go, while some just forget or and many more. These classes do not count as something interesting or not have to worry about it tions, essays, or any other part of choose not to go. high school credit because they are not core class- at school.” the application process. “If we had it during my es required for graduation. Students take them To sign up or get more information on IVHS, see When it comes to tips, Mrs. junior year, I definitely would because they are interested in those subject areas. Ms. Harris in room 132 during 9th period. Hanly emphasizes the impor- have gone more because it was “The class got filled up before I could take it,” said tance of time management. really informative and helpful,” “I told my juniors last year that said Jensen Joseph, Div. 873. on spring break they should all “It‘s just that I already have my Do ACT Prep classes really help? be going on college visits and get colleges picked out before the that out of that way,” said Hanly. workshop started.” “So they already have a set idea Despite the low turnout, Hanly math equations on the test; my he said. of where they want to go and does not plan to cancel the work- By Dulce Arroyo & actual math class can help me Regardless of whether students they can start their applications shop. In fact, she is planning on Noemi Villanueva with that.” have taken the ACT Prep Class or right away.” running them again in the spring Senior Melanie Francia, Div. not, there is evidence that the prac- Hanly also said that students for the juniors. Although an extra course besides 874, took the morning class last tice tests Lane students take earlier can start requesting for tran- In order to get a head start, regular classes may seem over- year and struggled to stay commit- in the school year help improve scripts as early as the first day of juniors can start searching whelming, some students are will- ted to it, as did others in the class. their scores on the actual ACT in their senior-year. through the college board web- ing to take it. “[The class] started off with the spring. “I find that when kids are rush- site (www.collegeboard.com). Students had the choice to attend everyone being there, and gradual- “Most of the kids’ [scores] do go ing and certainly the kids who Students can type in their prefer- the ACT/WorkKeys Preparation ly, everyone started not to attend,” up, whether they’re in the class or come here to get transcripts are ences and interests. The site will Class during Zero period (7:00 said Francia. “It was a dread get- not,” she said. doing it so last-minute that they then list all the colleges that suit a.m. to 7:46 a.m.) or ninth period ting there early in the morning and Whatever the reasons, Lane’s are not getting post-marked on them best. (2:59 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.) between I missed a lot of them because of test scores have increased in most time,” said Hanly. “Then they It is never too early to search Nov. 5 and Apr. 11. They were tardiness.” areas over the past few years. Last freak out. They are bringing it on for colleges. Students can take divided into groups A through I, Ms. Bader, a counselor who runs year’s senior class had one of the themselves.” the college application process A being the group with the high- the course, thinks that students highest ACT scores in Lane’s his- Hanly also discusses what one step at a time so it does not est GPAs. taking the class have an advantage tory. Assistant Principal Mr. Choi college admissions officers look become overwhelming. Then, Students who chose to take the over those who do not. said that Lane has recently met its for in an applicant. Colleges when senior year comes, they ACT Prep Class believe it can “The ACT Prep Class offers Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) want to see whether a student can enjoy it with less stress. improve their test-taking skills and students hints and strategies to in all subject areas. raise their scores. help them score higher on the According the Illinois Board of “Reviewing and learning how to test,” said Bader. “A vast majority Education website, The time myself does help,” said Lisa of the kids improved their scores No Child Left Behind Pienkos, Div. 929. after taking the class for 20 weeks; Act of 2001 requires all “I have only been taking it for a there’s proof in the scores that states to measure each few weeks, but I feel there will be went up.” public school’s and improvement [with my test-taking ACT Class teacher Mr. Hencinksi district’s achievement skills],” said Lauren Salas, Div. said that although this is his first and establish annual 917. year teaching the Science sec- achievement targets for Other students haven’t given the tion, he strongly believes that stu- the state. This is where class such positive reviews. dents have an advantage taking the AYP goals come “I think it’s a waste of time the class. from. The overarching because we wake up so early “If I had this class available 20 goal is for all students to only have 45 minutes of the years ago when I took the ACT, I to meet or exceed stan- class,” said Maria Joyce, Div. 930. probably would have scored even dards in reading and “It doesn’t really help with the higher than my [original] score,” mathematics by 2014. December 2007 News Page 5 Learning to give at Lane Service projects teach students valuable life lessons.

Key Club International, for in- for sophomores. Orleans with church and community appropriate recycling facilities. By Sahar Shafqat stance, sponsors programs like the “[It is the] satisfaction of doing groups to provide relief services to “I feel better knowing that we are canned food drive, Toys for Tots, service voluntarily which puts life Hurricane Katrina victims by box- making a difference, even though Service learning hour projects and the WTTW Call-A-Thon. in perspective,” said Dr. LoBosco. ing up and passing out supplies. it’s a small step at a time,” said Ve- have significantly aided both stu- Daniel Tsang, Div. 914, is the Several community organiza- Another Lane student traveled to ronica Melecio, Div. 026. dents and the community in a second vice president for Key tions have also benefited from ser- China with an organization called The recyclers who volunteer compelling way. Club and has completed 476 ser- vice work done by Lane students. “Bridging the World.” There he after school hope that their work The completion of 40 service vice hours. Stephanie Wirkus, Div. 045, worked for several weeks teaching will inspire others to follow their learning hours is a graduation re- “I have learned to work with member of F.R.E.E., earned ser- English to children. example. quirement for every student at others in a group and how to be a vice hours by tutoring students at According to Coleman-Parker, “People don’t recycle much. Most Lane. Some students however, good leader,” Tsang said. an elementary school. students who do volunteer work people don’t even realize there is a surpass the 40 hour minimum. Although clubs and organiza- “I helped out with first graders learn a variety of skills, experience recycling program at Lane,” said Enanna Sheena, Div. 925, has tions at Lane gain popularity and that experience improved my different settings, and develop a Alan Salazar, Div. 905, member of completed 219 hours and knows through offering service hours, the interaction skills with younger passion for what they are helping Greenspace. that she will continue to do com- students are the ones who benefit children,” she said. “They were so to accomplish. The indescribable Another club at Lane offering munity service in the future. the most. Studies show that stu- nice because they want me come satisfaction that students get is one service hours is F.R.E.E. (Fighting “People depend on you and it’s dents involved in service learning back, so I definitely expect to do that only comes from serving oth- for Relationship Equality through kind of like having a job. I am and volunteerism learn self worth, more [service] there. I liked teach- ers. Education). Ms. Feuer, English helping out on my own time,” she leadership skills, responsibility, ing kids.” “I personally feel that as educa- teacher, is one of the sponsors for said. and in some cases, go on to choose According to Coleman-Parker, tors, we should educate the whole the club. Though many students complain careers influenced by their service the work done by Lane students student to have compassion for “Students get to do service hours about Lane’s policy that requires learning experiences. also builds the reputation of the human beings, “said Coleman- but improve the school community them to serve, some are happy to do “Lane offers so many diverse ac- school. Parker. as well,” said Feuer. “Students feel work that benefits the community. tivities, and students who partici- “We are the biggest school in Another Lane club that serves the empowered to make change; they “[Service learning] helped me pate continue and keep learning,” the city and state and according to school community is Greenspace, can make a difference, one person meet new people, and communi- said Mrs. Coleman Parker, Service CPS we’re doing a great job,” she which focuses on helping the envi- at a time.” cate better, and develop my lead- Learning Coach and Coordinator. said. “Whenever I receive phone ronment through a recycling pro- Some members of F.R.E.E. rec- ership ability,” said Theresa Ward, Many faculty members agree, calls from the non-profit organi- gram at Lane. ognize the difference that they can Div. 160. saying that students who take ad- zations, they always have great “I enjoy the idea of getting hours make by doing service hours. There are several clubs at Lane vantage of such opportunities are things to say.” for doing a simple act,” said Mat- “Service learning hours teach that offer students a chance to building character while learning. Many Lane students have partici- thew Jordan, Div. 921, president of you to help others in the com- complete service learning hours. “Students are exposed to dif- pated in service learning projects Greenspace. munity and do productive activi- This includes Key Club, Student ferent experiences and become sponsored by organizations not di- Student members of the club col- ties rather than waste time,” said Council, F.R.E.E., Lettermen, and productive citizens,” said Gene rectly connected to Lane. lect recycle bags from classrooms Amanda Foley, Div. 047, member Greenspace, among others. House, Service Learning Coach Some students have gone to New and see that they are brought to the of F.R.E.E. Open House showcases school to 8th graders “I think they [eighth grade visi- ents will be given a personal tour admissions process has become dents each year,” said Hart. “All By Melanie Johnson & tors] trust students a little bit more during the school day to view an more competitive as a result. students do not accept the invita- Kamaria Woods than reading from a packet, and active learning day. These changes “The average acceptance [score] tion. We probably were selected this is what makes it such an im- are being considered in hopes of last year was 850 points,” said by more than 7,000 students last Eighth grade students from a va- portant job,” said LoBosco. creating greater appeal to both the Mrs. Hart, Director of the Admis- year. riety of schools across Chicago at- “Ninety percent of eighth grade students and parents. sions office. “Each year the total So what is the process for select- tended Lane’s Open House on Nov. visitors say they loved the tour “The first two hours there is a point requirement is different ac- ing students? 18, 2007. These students and their guides,” said Mrs. Hanly, head of possibility to take [the visitors] cording to how well the group “The committee is essentially the parents received a personal tour of this year`s Open House and tour on a guided tour and the last two of students test. The application Principal, the Assistant Principals, the building by Lane’s student tour guides. hours they will be allowed to wan- includes grades, attendance, and the admissions director, and the guides and administrators. The beginning of the tour be- der around,” said Hanly. ISAT scores from seventh grade.” head counselor,” said Hart. “We Students in the National Honor gan at the new stadium with the “We pride ourselves in providing “We accept students based on look at the number of students who Society, Student Council, and fac- assistance of Coach Rio and his a very nurturing and academically merit, and instead of going for applied to Lane, how many choose ulty were among many who pro- volunteers. Next, the visitors were challenging environment for all a set percentage we set certain us as their first, second, third, or vided these services. Dr. LoBosco given a tour around Lane to see the students,” said LoBosco. standards on grades, attendance, fourth choice, and then we select said that the tour guides were very extravagant paintings and artwork Lane has made many changes re- seventh grade test scores, and the the total score cut off that we will significant because they showed in the school, especially in the caf- cently in an attempt to attract more selective enrollment scores; and need to use to select our class for high school spirit, pride, and con- eteria. parents and students. each year we tweak it,” said Lo- the fall.” fidence in their school. Next year the tour is expected to be For example, the school has add- Bosco. High expectations are antici- “The fact that they are here on a different by giving the guests more ed new electives and A.P. classes Last year, Lane accepted an av- pated for Lane students and ap- Sunday with an enthusiastic staff options. The students will be able in every subject area except lan- erage of 1,900 students to fill its plicants. Events such as the Eighth helps because they [the visitors] to roam individually as they seek guage. There are plans to add freshmen class of 1,100. Many Grade Open House allow prospec- seem to pick up that type of non- personal interests such as: the art Latin and an Asian dialect to the students did not choose Lane as tive students and their parents to verbal communication,” said Lo- rooms, science labs, and machine language department and include the school of their choice so the see the strong student body and Bosco. shops. They will be told where the A.P. Italian among the list of the number of students who actually devoted teachers that Lane show- So why is being a tour guide off-limits areas of the building are. AP classes. enrolled was closer to 1,000. cases as it continues to embark on such an important job? There is also a possibility that par- With these improvements, the “We accept 1,800 to 2,000 stu- its 100th year of excellence. December 2007 Features Page 6 Facebook finally blocked by CPS Popular social networking site added to massive database of blocked sites. one of the following categories: not blocked for the first couple content of the site. The request is required by law to do so. By Crystal Lee •Adult Content months of this school year. then e-mailed to the Office of The Children’s Internet •Nudity The Websense Master Database Technology Services, which Protection Act (CIPA) requires Before Nov. 14, students could •Sex contains more than 3.5 million site tracks requests. If the request is K-12 schools and schools that log onto Facebook without a prob- •Gambling postings, representing more than approved, it is forwarded on to the receive federal funds to filter out lem. However, now when a student •Lingerie and Swimsuit 800 million Web pages. Seven-Space Nuclio, a consulting unwanted Internet content. This logs onto Facebook while at school, •Racism/Hate The database is automatically group that blocks and/or opens includes all types of pornography a siren goes off. The student has •Violence updated and about 25,000 new sites for CPS by managing its and any visual depictions consid- attempted to access inappropriate •Weapons sites are added weekly. Teachers Websense Database. ered harmful to minors. content. The reason Facebook is •Hacking and other faculty can also request CPS does not keep records that While many students are still blocked is because it falls under •Personals/Dating to have a site added to or removed permit identification of individual able to access any site they want the category “Blocked Social •Illegal/Questionable from the database. users’ Internet usage. So any stu- through the use of certain proxy Networking and Personal Sites.” •Tasteless Before this can happen, however, dent who attempts to access a servers that mask the content of the According to CPS’s Office of a number of steps must be taken. blocked site need not worry about site being accessed. These proxies Technological Services, websites are Sites that do not fit into one First, the staff member must being reported to some higher - when discovered - are added to identified through Websense soft- of these categories can still be e-mail the name of the website power and getting into trouble. the Websense database, rendering ware programs that classify them blocked by analysts who work for they want blocked or opened The fact that popular sites are them ineffective. Students then into different categories. Sites are CPS. This is apparently what hap- along with their reasoning for the blocked to students at school may find new proxies, and the battle deemed inappropriate if they fit into pened to Facebook since it was request to the , who reviews the leave them frustrated, but CPS is continues. Club name change leads to controversy Alliance, approached her with questions about “I recognize that there are Christians who Wright said that the Gay Straight Alliance By Felicia Diaz the name change, she realized some students don’t know the word of God, who judge, has a goal to be a social club that discuss- might take the new name the wrong way. which is wrong,” said Vargas. “I know that es experiences and unites people; and that Controversy arose at Club Day this year Vargas said the phrase “straight path” is Jesus came to save and not to condemn. God despite the minor arguments and brief con- between the Gay Straight Alliance and the found in the Bible several times, and she loves everyone. He just doesn’t love their troversy, the two groups are not at odds with Straight Path to Christ, a Christian-based club. knew some students would recognize this and choices.” each other. Some students thought the name Straight be intrigued. Spreading messages from the Path sounded like an anti-gay message. Bible is an important part of the club’s goal. The Straight Path to Christ was origi- “If I could sum up the group’s goal in one nally known as All For Christ. The club just sentence, it would be to help people who really changed its name this school year. want to know God reach that point of know- Vanessa Vargas, Div. 873, Straight Path club ing and understanding Him more through president, said that the club changed its name their relationship with Jesus,” she said. in order to get a fresh start. She said that it Both Vargas and Wright admitted that argu- was not intended to cause controversy or for ments have occurred between members of anyone to be insulted. According to Vargas, the two groups. Wright said the Gay Straight there was a variety of name choices they con- Alliance discussed the issue at a club meet- sidered, including Revolutionary Legacy and ing. Jesus Freaks. The club’s members voted, and “Twenty-five of us talked about it, and it the name Straight Path to Christ won. was a very small percentage of people who The new name was made public on Club felt it had an anti-gay message,” she said. “I Day. Several students found humor in the fact don’t believe it was a personal attack.” that the Gay Straight Alliance’s booth was Wright also said Mr.Valderrama, English located directly behind Straight Path’s. teacher and sponsor for the Gay Straight According to Vargas, when Erin Wright, Alliance, thought that it was just an old Div. 859, club president of the Gay Straight phrase that has been used for years. December 2007 Features Page 7 Senate turns down a DREAM not know what side to choose. hard here since they arrived.” By Yasmine Ramirez “They should come here legal- Despite all the controversy sur- ly,” said Iwona Takuska, Div. 877. rounding the bill, several students After high school, the majority “They should stop illegal immi- are unaware of its existance. of Lane’s students wish to seek grants but those that are here let “They should get more support further education. Unfortunately, them go to school.” and people will unite in the end,” many of them are illegal immi- Several Republican politicians said Dalila Padilla, Div. 881. grants who have to go around the have argued that the “Some people don’t care or don’t law or seek different options due bill would be “the wrong direc- know about it. If there were more People rally in support of the Jena Six. to their citizenship status. It’s not tion” because it would commercials, more advertisements as easy as applying to college and be rewarding illegal behavior. then more people will be aware.” sending a transcript. “This would be to signal that once There is a student at Lane that The DREAM (Development, again we’re focused on rewarding was aware and went to Washington Jena Six gain support Relief and Education for Alien Mi- illegality rather than taking steps D.C. this past summer to march nors) act, a bill proposed in Con- necessary to create a lawful sys- in support of this bill. Three stu- By Monika Janczuk Government data shows that gress to become a law, gave a sense tem,” said Senator Jeff Sessions, dents from the Erie Neighborhood black students are disciplined of hope to students all over the Republican from Alabama (quote House, a non-profit organization more than any other ethnic group country. The bill would grant resi- from MSNBC.com). that offers tutoring and guidance, A tree in Jena, Louisiana is the root of legal trouble for six for similar offenses, accord- dency to those that migrated under Immigration is a topic that can marched in Washington D.C. Black students after racial ten- ing to Howard Hitt, a Chicago the age of 16 and entered the U.S. either make or break politicians in and say it was an experience that sions escalated into a fight. Tribune senior correspondent. five years prior to the legislation. presidential debates. Some people they will remember for a lifetime. On Sept. 1, 2006, three hang- In 21 states, including Illinois, the On Wednesday, Oct.24, the bill feel that candidates fear the reac- There they united with students man’s nooses were found hang- percentage of black suspensions is was voted down in the U.S. Senate tion of the public or their opposing from all over the country that had ing from a tree on the Jena High more than double that of the stu- by a final vote of 52-44. It needed candidates. wished and hoped for a possibil- School campus a day after a dent body; on average, black stu- 60 to advance. Many argue that because some ity to study here and gain support Black male student sat under it. dents are suspended and expelled at nearly three times the rate of Students and teachers throughout immigrants are illegal they should from our government. He was fully aware that it was white students. This is not due to Lane were disappointed that the not be rewarded for their “wrong “I’m going to end up leaving the “white tree” because usu- ally only white students sat un- worse behavior according to Hitt. bill did not pass. doing”. Some say the system [Chicago] due to the lack of finan- However, most students do not “I’m upset because I have fam- would be putting others aside and cial aid provided to undocumented derneath it, mainly during lunch. The nooses were discovered and think racial tension or segregation ily members it could have helped,” moving those who haven’t done students,” said an anonymous stu- removed by 7:15 the next morn- is a problem at Lane. Of 300 sur- said Celicia Shand, Div. 881. things legally in front. Others ar- dent. “I don’t think [it is fair] that, ing. When three white students veyed students, only 16 said they Students have expressed that not gue that taxpayer’s dollars should because I don’t have a social (se- were found responsible for the believed Lane to be segregated. being a citizen or resident is some- strictly go to those curity number), my skills and tal- act, school administrators recom- “All different ethnicities join what frustrating because they do who pay taxes, American citizens. ents are being rejected.” mended expulsion, but LaSalle sports and clubs, and [students] not get the advantage of applying In an editorial, Jill Chapin writes This student has lived in Chicago Parish Superintendent of Schools become friends [based on] simi- for financial aid. a letter about the bill to Illinois for 14 years and vaguely remem- Roy Breithaupt disagreed. In- lar interests rather than race,” said Angela Dyrda, Div.850. “I “My sisters don’t get any financial Senator Barack Obama, stating rea- bers what home was like where stead, the students were given a think everyone gets along be- aid. My parents pay for everything sons why the DREAM act should she came from. three day in-school suspension. The escalating racial tensions cause the school is so diverse.” from tuition to books,” said Sor- not be passed. Chapin wrote: “the “I have grown to see this country So what happened to the Jena Six? sha Urquiza, Div. 874. “Students United States simply cannot edu- as a home and yet it doesn’t want me between black and white students at the school soon led to violence. Mychal Bell was initially should be able to study wherever cate the world,” and ends the edi- here because of those nine digits.” On Dec.4, 2006, 17 year-old Jus- charged with attempted murder in they want. An immigration prob- torial by with: “If you hope to win The student plans on moving tin Barker, a white student at the Dec. 2006. Many people thought lem shouldn’t stop them.” the nomination for President of the back to Mexico shortly after she school, was struck on the head and Bell was unfairly tried in a white- On the other hand, there are stu- United States, then you shouldn’t graduates at the end of this school knocked down by six black students. dominated town with a history of dents who disagree with the bill be campaigning for President of year. It was a decision made by Robert Bailey Jr., Mychal Bell, racial tensions. Later, charges were and believe it is wrong to allow North America.” The editorial can both her and her parents because it Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis, and dropped to aggravated second-de- college admission and scholarship be found on FogCityJournal.com. would be easier financially and be- Theo Shaw, all between 16 and gree battery, and on Jun. 26 Bell was found guilty by a six-member money to those who are illegal. The bashing continues at presi- cause her parents miss their home. 17 years old at the time, were all-white jury. He faced up to 22 “My mom applied for a visa and dential debates when views on im- Her two older siblings moved to charged with attempted second- degree murder. Jesse Ray Beard, years in prison. On Sept. 14 a Court came in legally,” said an anony- migration are questioned. Mexico after they graduated from of Appeals judge ruled that Bell mous source. “My brother applied “Right now, with the anti-immi- schools in Chicago. Although the 14 at the time, was charged as a juvenile. The students were could not be charged as an adult. for a visa five years ago and was grant climate in our country, very family will be together again, the soon dubbed “the Jena Six.” After being released, Bell was sent denied. So why couldn’t they just few of our Congress people had student says she wishes she could As the story gained national at- back into custody for violating do it legally like us?” What the the guts to stand up for these kids,” stay at what she calls her “home”. tention, Americans, including Lane probation for previous charges. student is implying is that it is not said Mrs. Flanagan, a literature Lane does not keep record of the students, found themselves protest- On Dec.3, three days before easy, but possible, to come to the teacher at Lane. “[These are] kids number of illegal students within ing the charges the students faced. Bell’s rescheduled trial in juvenile United States legally. who never made their own choice the school. People began to question why court, he pled guilty to a juvenile There are also students who do to immigrate and have worked With Lane’s diversity, it is safe the boys involved in the noose- charge of second-degree battery and accepted a plea agreement to say that a good number of the hanging incident were only given that would result in his spending students at Lane either feel that il- suspensions and boys of the Jena Six heavier charges. After all, 18 months in a juvenile facility legal students should be granted and given credit for the 10 months residency or do not feel comfort- hangman nooses were a symbol of hatred of the Old South and lynch- he spent in custody. Bell’s attor- able saying how they truly feel. ings by the KKK, and could have ney advised him to accept the bar- The students that are willing to talk been considered a hate crime. gain because he thought the judge fear the opinions of other students Mr. Williams, a Computer Tech. would have sentenced him to more and the way they will be looked at teacher at Lane helped raise than 18 months due to the abundant in the hallways. awareness of the Jena Six story amount of evidence against him. Activists believe that the DREAM by distributing and posting fly- The prosecutor, LaSalle Parish Act will eventually be passed ers from the Color of Change District Attorney Reed Walters, appears anxious to settle the cases through Senate. Those who believe website that encouraged stu- for the other five “Jena Six” boys say it will give an opportunity to dents to wear black on the Na- tional Day of Action on Sept. 20. due to political pressure, includ- better the future of those non-resi- ing from the Louisiana governor. dent students who wish to study be- “People didn’t really know People marching in Washington D.C. hold a sign that reads about [the Jena 6] incident un- Walter hopes to have all the cases yond a high school classroom. settled by early next year. in Spanish “United without borders, support the DREAM Act.” til [recently],” said Williams. December 2007 News Page 8 Sleep simply a nap for many Caffeine-fueled students roam the halls of Lane. school jobs are reasons why many “I’m used to the lack of sleep,” By Daniel Castro spend more hours awake than said Brian Lopez, Div 882. hours asleep. “School has messed up my bio- Blame homework, an after-school “I had a lot of homework and I want- logical clock.” job, or MySpace; the fact of the mat- ed to finish applying for a scholarship,” “It’s a problem. Every student ter is that many students are getting said Medina. “It was an overload.” has a much higher potential than by on almost no sleep whatsoever. “After I do my errands, I end up what is being reached, and that’s “I pull one or two [all-nighters] per getting home late and I still have often a result of sleep depriva- week,” said Theo Zajler, Div. 859. “I to do my homework,” said David tion,” said Gaczol. don’t want to fall behind in class.” Caburnay, Div. 907. Sleep deprivation appears to be a “You are never alone when you “Students are tired,” said Mr. more prevalent issue nowadays as stay up late at night. There is always Frank, U.S. History teacher. compared to the past. Many studies at least one other person going “They work many hours after conducted by independent organiza- through the same thing as you,” said school and come home late to do tions suggest that modern technol- Przemek Gaczol, Div. 877. homework.” ogy distracts students and gets in the Other students rely on caf- Other teachers seem to agree. way of a goodnight’s sleep, com- feine-loaded drinks just to make it “[Students] are not as engaged. monly referred to as “junk sleep.” through another day. They stay up until the work is “I’m sure past generations were “I was living off four cups of done,” said Mr. Chochola, Latin much more disciplined,” said coffee and two energy drinks so teacher. “It detracts them from Gaczol. “Causes definitely include my body was jittery, but my eyes enjoying the subject.” TV and the internet.” were tired,” said Theresa Medina, Sleep deprived students might “I had some [all-nighters] in Div. 862. “I felt kind of sick.” actually put themselves and others college, but never in high school,” This takes its toll not only on in danger by just coming to school. said Mr. Frank. students’ health, but also their aca- “When students drive to school, Sometimes “all-nighters” are demic performance. accidents may happen because of unavoidable in order to keep from What’s keeping you “running”? “Lack of sleep has a direct effect slowed reaction time,” said Pawel falling behind in class. Caffeine is the way to go for many ness, anxiety, sleeplessness, and [on school performance],” said David Szeliski, Div. 882. “I would hate to have to wake up students not getting enough sleep. abnormal heart rhythms. Consum- Kucher, Div. 903. “I fall asleep in The Centers for Disease Control even earlier than I usually do just “America runs on Dunkin” might ing more than 500 to 600 mg a day class, but not all teachers let me.” and National Highway Traffic to do homework first thing in the not be as absurd as some might is considered “heavy caffeine use.” Most students said that they get Safety Administration find that morning,” said Mike Sacha, Div. think; 90 percent of Americans Students should get the rec- between four to seven hours of while drunken driving crashes 877. “The last thing I want to think consume caffeine on a daily basis ommended hours of sleep, but sleep during the regular school continue to decline among drivers about at 6:30 am is homework.” according to the Mayo Clinic, mak- those who cannot depend on caf- week, even though the Mayo under the age of 25, crashes due “It is an inhuman feat of strength,” ing it “the most popular behavior- feine to make it through the day. Foundation for Medical Education to drowsiness and fatigue do not said Zajler, referring to all-nighters. altering drug.” They say that 200- Above are just some of the most and Research recommends that follow the same trend. “Sleep just gets in the way.” 300 mg per day is not harmful, but popular caffeinated products ac- students get more than nine hours Some students have learned to going over that might lead to unde- cording to students for when of sleep per night. deal with limited sleep, as tough sired side effects such as restless- “sleep just gets in the way:” Demanding courses and after- as it may be. Time for Lane to get some new clocks distraction from their busy - which have to be specifically Unfortunately those clocks are not “People even get mad when the By Chakira Hamilton schedules. designed to fit the school’s working either, which suggests a bell rings because they have their “Sometimes when I’m in synchronization system - do cost more technical and possibly more class work spread out on the desk In almost every movie centered my health class the clock just about $120 dollars each, the issue expensive problem. and not packed up, which causes on high school life, students are randomly decides to go through an is not completely financial. “We’re working on solving the them to run a little late to other shown staring at the hands of the entire hour in like “There’s a ton problem,” added DeRoss. “But classes,” said Maria Murczek, Div. classroom clocks, impatiently 40 seconds,” said of things that like any problem, it will take time 034. “Getting a personal watch waiting for the bell to ring. At Darian Despenic, could be wrong. to solve.” might help, but it’s hard to set up Lane, students can stare at the Div. 151. The clocks are Not everyone, however, is so your watch to ‘Lane time’. clocks as long as they like. It However, even old, the wiring eager for a solution. Several teachers agree. probably won’t do them any good students who do not behind them “Some teachers [like having] “One of my teachers complained since many of Lane’s clocks do mind the strange is old. A while the clock at the wrong time so the about it,” said Despenic. “They not work properly. clock functions back there was students don’t pay attention to it gave her a new clock, but that one “It drives me a little crazy when agree that it is a a power surge, and pay more attention to their still doesn’t work. Another one of I look at a clock during 4th and little odd. so there may class work,” said Agnes Pikul, my teachers just bought his own it always says 7:32,” said Maya “I just don’t A clock at Lane reads be a shortage Div. 850. clock. It’s smaller, but at least it’s Sharma, Div. 871. “Sometimes the understand how 5:34 during school hours. of electricity “I’ve got my watch to keep the class right.” clock goes crazy and makes weird a school that can for them,” said on track,” said an anonymous teacher. Ms. Pacer, history teacher also noises, sometimes its slow and afford to have comfy velvet Mr. DeRoss, Director of Building “Students need to worry about their bought a clock for her classroom. sometimes it doesnt move at all.” [auditorium] chairs can’t afford Operations. work, not what time it is.” “I think the students should Many students are not greatly to fine tune their clocks,” said In an attempt at solving the clock But for many students, knowing have working clocks,” she said. bothered by the incorrect clocks. Despenic. problem, DeRoss, ordered 10 “test exactly when the bell will ring is “Sometimes they genuinely need Some find them to be an amusing Although these specialized clocks clocks” from a new company. important. them.” December 2007 Features Page 9 ppl txtin 2 much @ lane? “Generally, [for cell phone use] “and maybe at Lane too. Haha.” it’s a three-day suspension and I Although this text was a joke, don’t want them to miss three some students took it seriously, days of school,” said another which is why Lane administra- anonymous teacher. “However, tors took extra precautionary if it’s a repeat, then I do some- steps. thing.” The quick and exponential Not only do teachers believe spread of text messages, regard- that texting can be disruptive less of whether their intentions to the class and therefore disre- are good or bad, makes them un- spectful, but also potentially a deniably effective. means of cheating. “When it comes to getting a “You’re not supposed to have message to somebody or com- cell phones; you must follow the municating as soon as possible, Lane policy,” said Mr. Jimenez, we seem to be relying on texting; a Spanish teacher. “If you are knowing that calls cannot always text messaging someone [during be taken and that texts are sure to class], it is so disrespectful, and get through, whether immediately I can’t let that go.” or eventually,” said Przenek Gac- “Texting is bad,” said Mrs. zol, Div. 877. Burrows, a math teacher. “How Students claim texting is popu- do I know [students] are not tex- lar for several other reasons as ting their friends from another well. period the answers?” “I like texting better than phone Students could easily send an- calls because then there are no An unidentifi ed student hides her phone behind her bag as she texts a message during class. swers to several friends as cell awkward silences,” said Gaczol. phones allow messages to be “You can say whatever you want sent to hundreds of people with and it’s easier to receive the reac- the push of a button. tion; or if someone texts you that By Delaney Savoie, ryn Cardo, Div. 039. “And they other day,” said Mr. Hayden, ma- “For the holidays, I make one you don’t want to talk to, then you Nancy Carrera, & Kristine Tan make sure they keep looking up chine shop teacher. “If I’m lectur- greeting message and just for- don’t have to deal with them.” at the teacher so they won’t be ing and I see someone texting, ward it to my entire phone book,” “[Texting] is easier because There was a time when teachers suspicious.” [the cell phone] is mine.” said Cali Gannon, Div. 861. sometimes you just want to know had to worry about note-passing “I tend to take my phone and “[Texting in class] probably [oc- Not only are students able to for- one thing and not necessarily in class. This trend, however, has text behind kids bigger than me curs a lot at Lane],” said Gaglia- ward greeting messages such as carry on an entire conversation,” become a thing of the past. Now, because they block me,” said no. “I don’t notice it that much, this but news about more serious said Danika Marcano, Div. 879. students have upgraded and com- Sandy Mai, Div. 040. “I see some but that doesn’t mean it’s not hap- affairs is also spread this way. Another reason for texting is municate through text messages. people pretend to go through their pening. Several students claimed to be simple entertainment. With technology continually backpacks, but [are] actually tex- “I have suspected students tex- aware of the recent death of Mr. “People usually text in class be- improving, cell phones are now ting a friend.” ting in my classroom, but have Jones only a few hours after it had cause it’s boring,” said Cardo. capable of high-tech features such “I sit all the way in the back, so never seen a phone out,” said Ms. happened. Many found out via “I have nothing better to do in as internet access, cameras, and, the teacher doesn’t really notice Jennings, English teacher. “Re- text message. Soon after, a me- class,” said Raqual Butancourt, of course, text messaging. Many me. I can just have my cell phone gardless, I remind my students of morial text was being forwarded Div. 855. students fi nd themselves becom- out on my desk and text,” said an the school policy, which I person- throughout much of Lane’s stu- Not surprisingly, teachers seem ing textaholics, addicted to being anonymous junior. ally enforce in my classes.” dent body. Additionally, news of to disagree. constantly in contact with others. Other methods include pretend- According to the Lane student the threats at Taft in November “It’s amazing how many kids “I think [texting] is [becom- ing to read and hiding the cell planner: “Use of cell phones in was forwarded among students, will not forget to bring their iPods ing the dominant means of com- phone inside, under, or to the side the building during school hours some warning them not to go to and cell phones, but they do forget munication], said Lazaro Suarez, of the book. Also, students hide is strictly prohibited. Phones school. their home- Div. 862. “A lot of kids are ap- their cell phones under their desks must be kept off and not visible. “It“It sstartedtarted bbyy a tteachereacher sshow-how- work,”work,” saidsaid proaching phone purchasing with or keep them in their laps. Other Students in violation of the cell iingng CColumbineolumbine cclipslips ttoo Hayden.Hayden. text orientated mindsets. It’s a lot people have their hoodies or jack- phone policy will be disciplined. sstudentstudents aatt TTaft,”aft,” ssaidaid more discreet, everything is to the ets on the desk and hide the cell The fi rst violation will result in DDr.r. LoBosco.LoBosco. point, and you can look at what phone underneath it. Some just fi ve after school detentions and “Through you say before it’s sent.” reach into their pockets and text confi scation of the cell phone for text mes- For teachers especially this new without looking. seven days. A second violation saging, quick form of communication is “You can guess where the letters will result in a three day out-of- the beginning to become a nuisance are in the phone because the num- school suspension.” story in the classroom. ber fi ve has a little bump and the It is diffi cult for the school to evolved “It’s a new plague,” said Mr. letters for that number are: J, K, enforce this rule, however, when iintonto sstatingtating Gagliano, English teacher. “I and L. So, you can direct yourself the teachers don’t participate in that there don’t understand the necessity or from there and guess where the doing so. Although many teach- wwereere ggoingoing ttoo the need to be in constant contact other letters are,” said an anony- ers are obviously against the use bbee sshootingshootings aatt through little notes.” mous senior. of cell phones during their class Taft.” Nevertheless, texting in class Although several teachers are period, many believe that this rule OneOne texttext iinn is becoming commonplace and unaware of the amount of texting is unfair to students. pparticulararticular wwasas students are developing new tech- going on at Lane, others make “I think the rule is too harsh. rreceivedeceived bbyy a niques to keep it hidden. sure that no students are able to When I see a student texting, or LLaneane sstudenttudent “My friends put their phones in get away with it. if a phone goes off in class, I just sstatingtating tthathat ttherehere front of their backpacks so their “I catch students a lot more of- ask them to put it away,” said an wwereere ggoingoing ttoo bbee teachers can’t see it,” said Kath- ten than they know, almost every anonymous teacher. sshootingshootings aatt TaftTaft December 2007 Advertisement Page 10 December 2007 Features Page 11 Students looking to the stars for answers “My horoscope said, ‘Try to avoid lieve what others say about them.”’ Hussain, Div. 925. “I believe that only prison of your choice next week.” By Anna Treesara Taurus because you might cross bad “I’d rather live my life indepen- a higher Power knows the future.” Some people enjoy reading these paths,”’ said Cody Malonzo, Div. dent of fate, astrology, etc,” said “In my religion, anyone who be- horoscopes more than reading daily People tend to look to friends 023. “That day I nearly got into a DeSouza. lieved in horoscopes usually got in predictions that do not contain any and family for guidance, but some fight with a guy at school. I think Many people choose to depend a lot of trouble,” said DeSouza. humor. choose to allow the positioning of that guy was most likely a Taurus.” on religious beliefs rather than as- The Onion, a satirical newspaper, “The Onion is just a funnier, more the planets, stars, sun, and moon - Many students have even referred trology. makes fun of horoscopes by having blatantly wrong version of them,” better known as astrology - to influ- to horoscopes for relationship ad- “I don’t need to trust astrology,” bad or foreboding news for every said Ditchfield. ence their actions and opinions. vice and emotional comfort. said Santine Hsueh, Div. 906. “I be- sign. “I’m passionate about fake stuff,” Astrology is used to form horo- “One time my horoscope said lieve in God and trust my future For example: “Cancer - Several said Patrick O’Carroll, Div. 920. “It scopes, which are daily predictions that a female friend was somewhat in His hands.” dozen blemishes on your perma- outstrips the real stuff most of the that differ depending on someone’s moody and had personal prob- “I don’t believe in horoscopes be- nent record will prevent you from time.” date of birth. lems,” said Malonzo. “This was cause they’re man-made,” said Saifa getting into the maximum security Although many believe horo- true, but my horoscope advised scopes are for entertainment pur- me to just comfort her and be there poses only, people still refer to for her. Now me and her are really horoscopes for much more than good friends.” Media affects students’ body image mere amusement. “My horoscope said that I need to “It’s definitely good advice for move on and not worry so much,” The “this and that” that many people possibly the biggest factor, one’s people who struggle with making said Ruiz. “That day, I was actually By Siobhan Lally wish they had comes directly from level of fitness. decisions or are just looking for thinking about a relationship from the world in which the individuals “Most people do not have that free guidance,” said Patrycja Antusze- about a year ago.” I’m too fat. I’m too skinny. My hair live. time where they can work out all wska, Div. 925. Horoscopes have not only guided is too curly, or too straight. I’m not Overwhelmingly, students brought the time,” said Jacqueline Ng, Div. “Even though sometimes it some students, but have also helped good at anything. Sound familiar? up one factor not specifically 865. “I remember watching the Tyra sounds crazy, I can always try to form new relationships. Self-deprecating statements mentioned by the health clinic; and Show and Tyra saying that people relate it back to my life,” said Alex “My horoscope said I would meet like these are one of the many that is the influences of the media. need to realize that celebrities Ruiz, Div. 904. someone new that day,” said Malo- characteristics of low self esteem, “The biggest reason a person suffers look the way they do because their “It’s fun to read once in awhile,” nzo. “The person that I met that day according to the Mayo Health from low self-esteem would be the income comes from how they look, said Stephanie Mora, Div. 921. is now my best friend.” Clinic. Other characteristics media,” said Sandy Morales, Div. and they need to keep up that look “When it comes true, it makes me Not all predictions have proved as include focusing on perceived 876. “A person might start to feel in order to support their family and want to read them more often.” reliable, however. flaws and weaknesses, seeking helpless because he or she cannot kids.” “It gives me a sense of what to ex- “My horoscope once told me that constant reassurance, refusing to obtain that perfect body image that Nonetheless teens, especially at pect,” said Megha Shah, Div. 923. the guy I liked was perfect for me,” accept compliments, frequently the media throws out at us.” the high school age, are more self- “And if possible, I try to change said Edwarda DeSouza, Div. 931. apologizing, and negative talk such Not fitting a specific body conscious about the way they look what’s expected to happen.” “I went out with him only to break as, “I’ll never amount to anything,” image, for many, makes them feel because they know that they will Some male students enjoy referenc- up with him a week later.” or “I’m a failure.” less confident about their own be judged, many times, based on ing horoscopes for advice on girls. Horoscopes are also included in “It’s certainly not unusual for appearance. But what specific body appearance. “I believe that a lot of the stuff newspapers such as Chicago Tri- students, mostly girls, to talk about image does the media present? At school, students with self- that you read on there can be used bune, Red Eye, and Chicago Sun- body image; and self loathing comes “Turn the TV on or look at a esteemissues can speak to their as a pick-up line,” said Tony Zhou times. However, horoscopes from out,” said Mr. Cox, Lane social magazine. What do you see?” asked counselor, Mr. Cox, the nurse, Div. 925. “For example, if it says, different sources sometimes have worker. Lucia Orozco, Div. 868. “Skinny or another adult that they feel ‘You will find true love on your different predictions. Low self esteem can also result girls and buff guys. You never see a comfortable with. However, usually doorstep’.” On Nov. 20, the Chicago Tribune from negative feedback from plus size girl or guy.” this does not happen. “If I were reading it for advice on predicted Saggitarius’ horoscope: parents, siblings, peers, teachers, and “We are constantly being “The ones who are inflicting pain girls, I would find out their sign to “A particularly difficult confronta- other important adults in a person’s bombarded by pictures of super thin on themselves kind of avoid us,” see if we’re compatible or not,” said tion could almost cause you to lose life. Generally, if the feedback is tall air brushed models that lead to said Mrs. Thayer, a school nurse. Reynaldjay Santiago, Div. 910. your temper. This isn’t going to filled with acceptance and approval, insecurity among some teens,” said “They avoid us like the plague.” People can easily access horo- help, and it could be quite expen- self-esteem tends to be healthy or Morales. Even students who do seek out scopes on commonly used websites sive.” high. However, if the feedback is “They make it look like you need some help do not always get the help such as Yahoo, AOL, and MSN. On the same day, the Red Eye’s negative - for example being teased, to be a size zero to look good,” said they need. Social websites, such as Facebook prediction had a completely differ- ridiculed, devalued, or any form of Nikki Rill, Div. 037. “All of the “Usually they come in crying, or and Myspace, also attract users ent tone: “The sun enters your sign abuse - especially at a young age, celebrities and models that people they have a headache. But it’s rare with horoscopes. this week, and it will remain there one’s self esteem can suffer greatly. compare themselves to range from a that they will really disclose to us “Since I’m on Facebook almost for four weeks. Good things will Other leading factors that shape size zero to a size three. They don’t what’s wrong,” said Tomas Torres, a all the time, I just decided to add be happening to you. This is a great and influence an individual’s self- show average girls that are a size school nurse. the Horoscopes application so I time to go after what you want. If esteem, according to the Mayo seven or nine, so they make it seem “Typically, when students have self could easily check it,” said Ruiz. you want to seduce someone, the Health Clinic, are: one’s own like you should be a lot skinnier than esteem problems they don’t really “If I’m on Yahoo or MSN and I planets will be in perfect alignment thoughts and perceptions; the you are.” self identify themselves,” said Mr. see my horoscope or even a random to bring you success.” thoughts and judgments of others; This can lead to problems, Cox. “But then it becomes apparent. pop-up of one, I definitely take my “It’s obvious they have no sci- school, work, and sport experiences; especially in people with already I’ve been here at Lane for 15 years time to read it,” said Shah. “It’s not entific basis at all,” said Siobhan illnesses, disabilities and injury; lowered self esteem. According to and in any given year I see about 350 only interesting,but it can really be Ditchfield, Div. 922. culture; religion; and their role and teenshealth.org, between five and kids. I’d say about 10 percent of kids an eye-opener as well.” “Horoscopes are worded so ev- status in society. ten million people in America suffer suffer low self esteem. Basically, we “If I get an opportunity, I usu- erything in life can apply,” said Ri- Students seem to have their own from an eating disorder. While assess the problem, and bring it out ally take it and check out my horo- ham Ramadan, Div. 925. “People ideas on why people have self both anorexia and bulimia tend to into the open.” scope,” said Pipat Tienchai, Div. shouldn’t waste time reading mind- esteem issues. affect females more than males, ten It is important that students try to 923. “Sometimes I’ll see a MySpace less things by authors that don’t “Probably the biggest reason percent of the people with an eating get help if they have low self-esteem. bulletin about horoscopes and it’ll even know you exist.” people suffer from low self esteem is disorder are male. The condition in women can lead to catch my attention because I know “I think horoscopes are awk- because they wish to be something What many people tend to forget eating disorders, teen pregnancy, and if I read it, it’ll most likely change wardly accurate,” said Mary Anne that they currently are not,” said is that one specific size does not fit suicidal tendencies. It has also been my perspectives temporarily.” Reyes, Div. 928. “But my friend George Espino, Div. 869. “They everyone. Different body shapes are shown that low self esteem can lead Some students have had cautious from grammar school always used wish they had this or that, but in often hereditary and based on many to lower earning and more extended horoscopes transform into trouble- to always say, ‘People who believe reality many people are perfectly other factors including the rate of periods of unemployment in early some reality. in horoscopes are people who be- fine as they are.” one’s metabolism, one’s age, and adulthood. December 2007 Features Page 12 Student involvement in clubs not always legitimate New clubs work to justify their existence by engaging in meaningful activities.

only one club to get the most out Lai is also part of STAND, which said club president, Jenna Lenonn- do what they love. If students are By Jose Rivera of being in one,” said Ms. Spence, stands for Student Anti-Genocide Dorn, Div. 852. “This club is for only creating new clubs to improve history teacher and Filmmaking Coalition, and is also raising money everyone who’s creative and just their college applications, then they Several students have organized Club sponsor. for the same cause. loves art.” will not get anything out of being and joined new clubs this year in “I sometimes get students with “We are trying to educate people So far the club has made buttons, in the club.” hopes of learning, making a dif- over 10 clubs on their transcript about the genocide in Darfur,” said t-shirts, and has had a craft fair. Some clubs are a little less struc- ference, having fun, and meeting and I’m wowed,” said Ms. House. Lili Lai, Div. 905. “We’re also Their goal is to earn enough money tured in their goals. For example, new people with similar interests. “There’s no way they could have trying to raise money to send to for a trip to New York so they can in Bike Club students ride their Others have joined clubs in hopes attended that many clubs.” Darfur.” see a lot of the art New York has bikes. of looking more attractive to their There is no school policy about The club Think Pink was cre- to offer. “We have no destination; we just prospective colleges. how many clubs a student may ated by a group of girls who every In Filmmaking Club, students are do it for fun,” said Joe Rodriguez, “Everyone knows that in addition belong to. Whether or not a stu- Thursday wore pink. currently working on producing an member, Div. 856. “It’s for anyone to solid academics, college admis- dent has fulfilled the obligations to “We are dedicated to fundraising independent film. who rides a bike, basically.” sions boards like to see well-round- remain a member is the responsi- for breast cancer,” said club presi- “This club was created to boost Other clubs in the process of ed students,” said Pawel Szeliski, bility of the club sponsor. dent Cali Gannon, Div. 861. “We career options and to motivate being organized are Teachers of Div. 882. “Club participation dem- The administration likes the fact try and make a difference. Our goal those who are devoted to film- Tomorrow, for students planning onstrates this on a student’s college that there are many clubs available to is to help others.” making,” said club president, Rudy on becoming teachers and Liberal application.” Lane students because it makes the So far they have led a walk-a- Alfero, Div. 051. “I think students Club, for students who lean left on “I’ll be part of any club, as long school look active and more diverse. thon and are currently organizing a should create and/or join clubs to political and social issues. as it convinces the college I want Lane currently has over 50 activ- banquet for February in an attempt to attend that I’m the guy they are ity clubs and more than 25 ethnic to earn as much money as possible looking for,” said an anonymous clubs, a fact featured in the Student to fight breast cancer. senior. Handbook and the school’s website. The Psychology Club is currently “I’m in Psychology Club because “As long as a club has members putting on an anti-smoking cam- Turkey Bowl it looks good on my transcript,” and people attend, then great,” said paign. They are making posters to said Rex Libunao, Div. 860. Dr. Lobosco. “Options are always display around Lane to try to get Other students, however, think great for students.” students to quit smoking. that joining clubs for selfish rea- There are some basic require- “This club was created because attendance low sons defeats the purpose of being ments for starting a club. A new others, including myself, have a in a club in the first place. club must have a list of at least 10 strong interest in psychology,” said and teachers,” said Mr. Eisenberg, “Though it’s understandable that members, a faculty sponsor, and a club president Stephanie Batres, By Rachel Steibing & PE teacher. “Turkey Bowl is my some students join clubs only for constitution or charter that states Div. 859. “And also to give those Joanna Stepkow favorite day of the year, because the sake of their transcript, they the club’s purpose and lists its offi- that don’t qualify to be in the class, we get to mix it up on the field and should have a higher purpose in cers. All this information must be an opportunity to still learn about Many students were angry the have some clean holiday fun.” why they are a part of something,” submitted to Student Council spon- the subject.” week of Turkey Bowl when they Other teachers are not as fond of said Brian Chansy, president of sor, Mrs. House, in room 128W, for Lane Loonies, an old club that found out tickets for the game had the game. Buddhist Club, Div. 932. approval. was resurrected this year, has mem- already sold out. “If I could, I would get rid “I feel that it is despicable for stu- New clubs formed at Lane this bers who support other students by “I couldn’t find one at all. Dude, of Turkey Bowl to put more dents to create new clubs only for a year include Anime Club, Bike attending performance events like I’m [mad]!” said Ena Ibrakovic, emphasis on academics,” said guaranteed high ranking. Clubs are Club, Buddhist Club, Couture school plays and sporting events. Div. 906. Ms. Tracy, Spanish and German supposed to be meaningful,” said Elite, Filmmaking Club, Lane “It’s a special cheering section “I’m really disappointed,” said teacher. Damian Jez, Div. 856. Loonies, National Art Honors where everyone wears a yellow Katie Conoboy, Div. 934. “Now “It is good for school spirit, but “If someone has a good reason Society, Psychology Club, Senior Lane Loonies’ t-shirt and goes I have to sit in class where we’re for teachers it is a little disruptive,” to start a new club and people are Connection, STAND, Teachers of Lane crazy,” said Jessica Amarillo, not going to be doing anything said Ms. McKee, English teacher. interested, then they should start Tomorrow, The Straight Path to Div. 162. because almost all the other kids “Some students see it as a joke; a new club. They shouldn’t do Christ, and Think Pink. Several In Buddhist Club, the Buddhist will be gone.” they buy a ticket and do not go.” it just to get into a college. They seem to have genuine reasons for religion is studied. Members gain Tickets sold out fast this year Many students, however, wanted should have a stronger purpose,” existing and are already trying to knowledge on the religion from because only half the stadium to go to the game and bought a said Jenna Lennon-Dorn, Div. 852. make a difference in the Lane com- movies on Buddhism and from stands were open due to ticket as soon as they could. Many students who join a club munity. talking to students who already are renovation. “I bought the ticket from my Trig just to list it on their transcript often In Senior Connection, for exam- Buddhist. “There were 2,500 tickets teacher the day they started selling do not show much interest in the ple, seniors help underclassmen “I joined Buddhist club because I sold,” said Dr. LoBosco. “From them,” said Amy Chmeleck, Div. club, and will even stop attending with their everyday problems. was curious,” said Aurora Aguiniga, the crowd, we didn’t have 2,500 908. its meetings altogether. “I started this club with good Div. 913. “I already know about people there.” Others did not even try to get a “Being a president of [a club] intentions,” said Przemyslaw my religion; it doesn’t hurt learning Due to the weather, security was ticket. myself, I notice that a good two- Gaczol, Div. 877. “Sometimes stu- about that of others.” not scanning ID’s this year. “We won’t be doing anything in thirds of the people who come to dents are in need of peer counsel- Another religion-based club is “It takes longer to get everybody my classes anyway,” said Devin the first meeting aren’t there by ing. Senior Connection is here for The Straight Path to Christ. in when we scan, and it was Semrow, Div. 922. “I went the winter break,” said Terrian Koscik, them. Our goal is to help solve stu- “This club encourages Christians raining,” said Ms. Rice. “I didn’t past two years. [The game is] not Div. 853 “It’s just way easier to dents’ problems, make new friends, to live their faith the way the Bible know if it was going to get worse, going to be any different.” not go, and hang out with friends and assure everyone in the school tells,” said Raymond Auyeung, Div. so we just collected the tickets in Many students still attended instead.” that they aren’t alone.” 853. “We invite non-Christians and bags and let everyone in.” the game despite the weather. “Students who join a lot of clubs In Couture Elite, students design encourage all to not hide nor be Some students bought tickets as an Almost all the Lettermen were don’t really do anything in them clothes to earn money for people ashamed of their faith, in school or excuse to get out of class, but had no there, and the west side of the because they are in so many,” said in Sudan. wherever they go.” intentions of attending the game. stands were nearly full. Christopher Rivera, Div. 874. “We plan on auctioning off the National Art Honors Society is “All of us are going to ditch. We The rain, however, did have an This is one of the reasons some clothes we make and donating the composed of students who value are going to go to the movies,” effect on the game. There were teachers encourage students to not money to Darfur,” said club presi- art. said Arely Bahena, Div. 916. many fumbles and both students join so many clubs. dent, Lily Lai, Div. 905. “I started “It’s a club that’s part of a big- Despite many students ditching and teachers slipped several “Some clubs may be time con- this club because I like fashion and ger organization. Here we combine Turkey Bowl, the game is a times. suming. Though it depends on the art, and I know some people who academic work and art to create tradition at Lane that many enjoy. The teachers ended up winning student, they should at most join share this passion.” a new art project every week,” “It is a great tradition for students by a score of 24-6. December 2007 Opinion/Review Page 13 Talent Show features Lane’s finest

hand, stimulated the crowd with I could not believe Herberg could his disco routine. And if anyone move her feet that fast with her has taken his dance classes, you Irish dancing, and Scott choreo- all know we had to try to learn graphed every move nicely with that same routine. So we must her music. Both ladies showed a give him a lot of credit for putting lot of guts get up on stage and per- that together. form as well as they did. I felt pretty sorry for Daniel Orchesis’ nicely chosen theme Berry, Div. 852, and Rudy Gal- for the talent show was “When van, Div. 863, when Berry’s Dolls Came to Life.” They in- microphone went out on him at corporated it in every way, from the beginning of their Shades of their stunning costumes, to their Vaudeville performance. Thank- unbelievable dance movements. fully, Mrs. Ramsey gave him her They’re always a favorite at the By Crystal Ramirez microphone so the show could go talent show. on. Like a true performer, Berry However, my personal favorite At the Saturday night talent never stopped singing. this year was the performance by show, I was very pleased with all Other than the sound glitches, Club Inkietos who preformed a the performances. Mrs. Ramsey, the stage crew did a wonderful job quebradita – a fast paced Mexi- once again, did a wonderful job of with the lighting and setup of the can dance. The girls performed hosting the show by keeping the show. acrobatic moves that stunned the audience well entertained with I believe the Chicago perfor- whole audience. None of them fell New Alicia Keys album her jokes, modeling of outfits, and mance could make it to Broad- because they had such good part- continuous “shout outs” to her way, it was a nice addition to the ners to back them up. I know they classes. talent show. must have worked super hard to inspires listeners The talent show had something Maria Gueringer, Div. 871, create and properly execute their it together at the end of the day. for everyone’s taste. brought the house down with her routine. They received a standing By Yasmine Ramirez “I’m searching for the better part It is really nice to see the teach- singing performance of I Ain’t ovation, and I personally award of me,” sings Keys. ers participate in the talent show Got You and Let it Be. Boy, does them with being the best of the In her latest album, As I I heard this song while clean- because it gives students a chance she have a voice on her. I really best at the talent show. Am, Alicia Keys inspires her ing my house and left my to see another side of them. Mr. think she could go professional To all of the performers, you did audience in different ways. house sparkling because I feel Kimmons’ singing of It Was Just with her talent. extremely well. You guys could Keys once again shows the like Superwoman each and My Imagination carried a wonder- The two dance solos by Keila be famous one day! Keep up the world what she is capable of. every time I hear this song. ful tune that filled the whole au- Scott, Div. 855, and Jessica Her- good work! The first track, As I Am, Then there are, of course, the ditorium. Mr. Liatos, on the other berg, Div. 913, were both fantastic. is an instrumental in which the love songs. Her hit single No tempo starts off slow and then One, which is still number one speeds up. The instruments get on the Billboard Music Charts, louder and stronger letting the has been a favorite to a number Tardy Office needs to rethink policies listener know the album will be of people. Hearing her belt out inspirational and give strength. “No one can get in the way of recipe for disaster. However, if tardies must be Tracks like Go Ahead and what I’m feeling” hits the hearts Even though I knew I wouldn’t passed out, something must change Lesson Learned, talk about of many who can relate. be on time for first period, I as- about how the Tardy Office is run. relationships full of lies and The single, Like You’ll Never sumed I would be fine because I waited in line for nearly 15 min- deceit. The way Keys ties the See Me Again, is another love I was sure that the Tardy Office utes to get my ID scanned and re- music and lyrics together helps song in which she doesn’t want to would be closed. Boy, was I in for ceive my tardy slip. The time I and the audience feel her struggle take the one she loves for grant- a surprise. students around me wasted in line and emotion. The pitches rise ed or the time spent with him. When I got to the Tardy Office, could have been spent in class. Af- and fall to help illustrate the There are other love songs the line was huge. It nearly circled ter all, isn’t being in class what’s meaning behind her words. on the album in which Keys the entire foyer of the auditorium. important? My favorite track on the album, expresses why love is essen- As I waited in what seemed to be The administration at Lane has the one I found most inspiration- tial and can make or break you. an endless line I wondered: Why often said that students who arrive al, is Superwoman. It has a gospel Overall I thought As I Am was are they passing out tardies? Don’t late to class interrupt the learning feel that I really like. Each verse a great album, and I hope it is they realize how delayed buses are for other students. Waiting in line is super-inspirational, including not the last of them. I give the the day after a snowstorm? to receive a tardy slip makes stu- words like “strength,” “fighting,” album two thumbs way up and By Crystal Lee I don’t fully agree with the Atten- dents even later to class, causing and “fly.” The song describes a definitely recommend it to any- dance Office’s decision to continue more interruptions, and working woman at the verge of a break- one who needs a little uplifting or The first snowfall of the year is to have tardies issued to students. against what the administration is down, but who is still able to get motivation. usually pretty big, big enough to Yes, students could have left for trying to achieve. cause car accidents and traffic de- school five to ten minutes earlier, I suggest that the Tardy Office lays. The morning after the snow- but how sure can the personnel in have more than one person scan- fall is always hectic, so students the Attendance Office be that five ning ID’s at a time, or opens up the should make every effort to leave or ten minutes more would have office after 8:15 on days when the Advertise in home early in order to arrive at actually made a difference for any weather is really bad. school on time. However, it’s not student? If the issues with the Tardy Office always possible to get to school on I might be able to see the posi- are not resolved, students will start time no matter what you do. tion the Attendance Office took on ditching first period completely The Warrior! I knew I was going to be late this issue. If the Tardy Office was - just as they did the day of the for school the minute I left home. closed every time it snowed heavi- first big snow - because they real- I left later than usual and it took ly the night before, students would ized by the time they had received E-mail [email protected] me a while to walk to my bus stop. take their time getting to first pe- their tardies, first period would be Couple this with long CTA delays riod, knowing that they wouldn’t nearly over. for rates and information. and crowded buses and you have a get marked tardy. December 2007 Book Reviews Page 14 Book chronicles drama-filled lives of fictional Lane students newspaper, the Lane Leader. As cope with crooked relationships vicariously through his characters, weren’t really used, but put as By Francessa Sanchez I read the first few pages of the among friends, enemies, and one portraying Melvin Coleman, sentences in a paragraph, with chapter, I had the feeling that the night stands. Muley’s mother’s boyfriend, as the sentences ending with proper “The neighborhood of West book would be all about Lane Tech Jill and Muley are introduced as a film producer, which Langer punctuation for what the character Rogers Park, on the northwest side and its newspaper; kids rushing dating, along with other characters himself worked as before he is saying. “Mel asked Muley if his of Chicago, is the only Chicago to meet deadlines, interviewing, that play their own parts in each became an author. mother had gone out alone. No, neighborhood where synagogues and most of all, politics. It wasn’t of the sections of the book. Jill The content of the story is rated Muley said. Who was she with, outnumber churches. Throughout disappointing to find that I was is a reporter of the Lane Leader, R for its several references to the Mel asked, some stud?” Leaving its history, the rest of Chicago has wrong, that the along with characters’ sexual encounters, out quotations left out the question all but ignored it. It was slowly story focused the editor Wes relationship commitment, and of who’s talking, and other shrinking, and seemed as if Life on the staff Sullivan and virginity confusion. The author’s unnecessary details, such as the was happening elsewhere…” of the paper, his girlfriend audience should be well into their descriptions of the main characters. Adam Langer, author of The and their Rae-Ann. Wes teen years, roughly 14 and up, for Omitting the chore of describing Washington Story, sets his book in families. As is introduced the constant cursing and sex jokes Jill’s figure and Wes’s body gives 1982, when the city was still facing the characters in the first between the characters. Their the reader room to imagine what segregation and racial conflicts. leave to p a r a g r a p h conversations could be recognized they want the character to look Significant historical events were different places as a crush as the basic things you hear around like. acknowledged in the beginning and come of Jill’s, and a high school today; “Hillel I found myself relating to a Jill’s of the book, such as Harold back to the this is where immersed himself completely in older sister, Michelle. Her actions, Washington announcing his neighborhood, the fun stuff the city’s new spirit. He would jokes, and words made me think of campaign to become Chicago’s the author starts kicking use his fake ID, on which he had myself. Most of the things she did I first African American mayor, the describes the in; Jill trying named himself Hugh Janus, to could imagine doing. She changed death of Soviet president Leonid drastic changes to deal with get into Miami Vice Night at P.S. a bit toward the end of the book, Brezhnev, and the liftoff of the the community her crush on Chicago.” but I still admired her character. space shuttle Columbia. Langer goes through; Wes, Muley Although the story greatly Although it is a good story, it was used these events as the main new stores, new noticing those portrayed reality, it also portrayed sometimes hard to keep up. Langer interest of many of the books’ r e s t a u r a n t s , feelings, and disbelief. Jill seemed a bit seemed as if he was trying to throw characters. b i g g e r R a e - A n n ’s immature for a junior and later on, things together just to get through Langer portrayed how the West buildings, and The Washington Story is a sequel inability to stop a college student. Although her the story. It was sometimes hard to Rogers Park neighborhood greatly artsy fartsy hot to Adam Langer’s popular wondering if personality didn’t change much, separate what was happening. He influenced its inhabitants with its spots. novel, Crossing California. Jill would ever some of the other main characters would throw in surprise deaths and boundaries and social surroundings In the book, kiss her. would do complete turnarounds insights on life in the middle of a in the 1980s. A character in the the community set up a border by The plot mostly deals with the in one paragraph. They would be paragraph. The ending of the story book called the neighborhood, hanging fishing wire along the light teens dealing with high school happy, energetic, and kind in one was also abrupt, upsetting, and “The Land that Time Forgot.” poles of the neighborhood in an and then college, along with their half of the book, but then turn unfulfilling. This description seems somewhat effort to keep the families in touch sexcapades, fights, and parties. One into complete jerks in a single I would recommend the book for accurate, due to the fact of several with each other. Two of the many impressive fact is that Langer wrote sentence. Then, their characters a past time read, and for anyone blocks of the neighborhood teens in the book, Jill Wasserstrom that two of his characters would would mysteriously disappear. It who likes crazy, nonsensical containing old stores, and the next and Muley Wills, created a pact go to the colleges he attended. Jill was a bit of a nuisance. music, movies, and (dare I say it?) several blocks containing lifeless that they would stay faithful to goes to Vassar in Poughkeepsie, I really enjoyed the writing style sex. Washington story may just be and empty streets. each other as long as they were NJ (mainly called ‘Poosville’ by the author chose to use. It was the story of your life. The author, having grown up in within the boundaries of the fishing Jill’s sister) and Muley goes to more of a descriptive read than of the community, mentioned Lane wire. That’s what this book was Columbia University’s National lines and quotes of people talking. in his story, and the staff of the mostly about; teenagers having to Arts Program. Langer is living Quotations for conversations Lane graduate takes readers on wild journey the park and even hangs onto the friendships leader at Independence Park really changed high school parties. It was cool to know that By Lorri Kaczmarski throughout college when he studies to become his life and better prepared him for his career these things were happening while we were a teacher three hours away. of being a teacher. He tells each of the six years still in grammar school. Six Summers: A Memoir, is written by former In Six Summers, all of Tipre’s closest friends at the park in a such an interesting way, with Tipre has lived in Chicago his entire life. Lane graduate Vincent Tipre, Class of 2003. go off to college, some in other states, and hilarious stories, it is hard to When he is in college, even After Lane, Tipre attended the University of some to the army. Either way, every summer put the book down. though he is just a few hours Illinois. they would end up back at the park like they By the end, it felt like I away, he says how much he Six Summers is narrated by Tipre himself had never been apart from eachother. knew Tipre and his friends misses it. I thought this was and is about the six great years he had at After reading Six Summers, it makes you personally. I liked this book interesting since some of us Independence Park on the northwest side realize how similar the situations are that because it is so real, a lot of will be going away to college of Chicago. Tipre first was a camper at the teenagers go through. Even if it was eight the ituations were things that and how it will affect us. It neighborhood park and played there everyday years ago. It makes you value friendship, we are going through now, so is cool to read a book and on his summer breaks from school and then knowing that friends from high school can it was cool to see how things be so familiar with it. I grew went on to being a recreational leader. Tipre really be your friends for life. were back then and a different up playing at Independence expresses how he loved the park so much and This book is definitely worth reading because perspective. For example, Park as well and some of how it made him feel and never found it boring there is something in it for everyone to relate Tipre tells stories of how he the settings are at Lane, so it or disappointing. to, whether it be friends, relationships, parties, would invite people from the makes it even more personal One day, Tipre and his friend go to the or school. park to his house for parties and more interesting to read. park to get jobs for the summer. After getting This book is great because it is a true story. and have his older friends buy This 240 page book is an hired, Tipre makes a lot of great, memorable It is cool when people tell their life story, liquor for him. Then, by the exciting and fun, fast read that friendships. especially when it is interesting. Tipre tells end of the night there would you wll not want to put down. Over the six summers, he realizes how much his hilarious experiences that all teenagers be random people making out, Six Summers tells the story of I really enjoyed reading this he values the park and never wants to leave go through in high school. Everything from people you did not even know Lane graduate Vincent Tipre book for everything it had to it. We find out how much his friends mean to hormones, to friends, to drinking, to school. knew each other. Things like as he moves through school offer. I give Six Summers a him and how he stays close to his friends at Tipre expresses how being a camper and rec- this are always happening at and becomes a teacher. two-thumbs up. December 2007 Sports Page 15 Basketball team struggles early New swim coach making a splash

said Jarka. “But we can be there.” style, but now we’re doing well.” By Lauren Corso Overall, Jarka said he was very proud of his By Crystal Rivera & “The way our [new] coach runs practice players for competing at the level they did. Katrina Tan and teaches the drills is different,” said Alex The Boys’ Varsity Basketball season began “I thought in each game we played in spots Ruiz, Div. 904. “But we all work together on Monday, Nov. 19, at the annual Lane Tech extremely well,” said Jarka. “The problem was The Lane Tech Boys’ Swimming Team and are getting along with him just fine.” Thanksgiving Tournament. Lane finished in 5th those spots weren’t long enough. We just didn’t splashes into this season with a new coach. “His workouts help us a lot,” said Aaron Paul Rummelhoff, trigonometry teach- Ruiz, Div. 029. “[We do] long distance place overall with a 1-4 record. Other teams in do the little things well enough in long stretches er, took the coaching position for Lane’s swimming, short distance [swimming], and the tournament included State contenders Zion- of time.” Swimming Team when former varsity a lot of freestyle.” Benton, Oak Park River Forest, Evanston, and Perhaps Lane’s best play of the tournament coach, Josue Sabillion, left Lane to further “He’s more understanding and easier to Mt. Carmel, along with Taft, the only team came in the first quarter of their game against his education and coach a club team. talk to,” said Moses Timlin, Div. 871. “But Lane beat. Oak Park River Forest (OPRF). By controlling With the position open, Athletic Direc- he makes us do more drills and longer The tournament drew in large crowds. the pace and dictating play, Lane finished the tor Coach Rio, offered Rummelhoff the job workouts.” “I thought it was a huge success. We had a first quarter with a 21-8 lead. to coach the Girls’ and Boys’ Swim Teams. Rummelhoff has also been working to ex- great crowd every night, and people who “When we came out and played Oak Park It was an offer the former Lane swimmer pand Lane’s diving program. attended raved about how the tournament was that first half, I think we played very well and could not refuse. “We always had a diving team but we organized,” said head coach Leroy Jarka. took them out of what they wanted to do,” said “I love coaching, I love teaching, and only had one [diver] who got third last “The tournament on a whole went very well. I LoGalbo. that’s why I’m here,” said Rummelhoff. year,” said Marcin Siembab, Div. 917.” But think it’s the best tournament in the state and we What OPRF normally wants to do is put the ball “[Coaching] is challenging, fun, and frus- Rummelhoff has expanded the program had such an amazing crowd for every game,” said in the hands of their star guard, Iman Shumpert, trating all at the same time.” greatly by recuiting many new divers.” assistant coach Nick LoGalbo. “We had our ups who is recognized as one of the best players in Before taking the job at Lane as both a “We go to Whitney [Young] every and downs, but we had some definite positives the state. Against Lane, Shumpert scored only math teacher and swimming coach, Rum- Wednesday and dive there,” said Timlin. that we can take away from it. four points. melhoff was the head baseball coach at Von City Championships are next February Lane’s lone victory in the tournament came “We played a 2-3 zone, which did not allow Steuben. and Rummelhoff has big shoes to fill as last when they beat Taft, who plays in Lane’s Red- him to do what he wanted to do,” said junior Rummelhoff had enough swimming ex- year’s coach led the boys to second in City. North Conference, 50-47. However, Lane point guard Hector Couty, Div. 907. “We made perience to qualify him for the position. Many of the swimmers seemed confident suffered lopsided losses in their other four him slow his game down and put a lot of pressure “I swam at Lane for all four years,” he about a City Championship in their futures, games against Mt. Carmel (67-47), Evanston on him so he couldn’t shoot the ball as much.” said. “And I swam from third to eighth and have faith their new coach can get them (79-43), Oak Park River Forest (73-49), and Still, the tournament clearly exposed more grade at Shabona Park.” there. Zion-Benton (72-54). of Lane’s weaknesses than strengths, and the However, being the new guy is not always “He helped the Girls [Swim Team] go to easy. Some of the swimmers did not accept City, so I think he can for us,” said David Gar- Though Lane did not have a strong showing coaches were quick to point these out. Rummelhoff at first, but are slowly warm- cia, Div. 932. “It’s up to us to prove that we based on these results, most of the schools in the “We were not very poised,” said LoGalbo. ing up to him as the season progresses. can do what the girls can do and work hard.” tournament are suburban powerhouses. “We think the first open shot is the best shot, “[Rummelhoff] came in and people “I think he can help us to go to City,” said “I think that’s the one thing people have to which is not the case. Defensively we need to weren’t used to a new coach,” said Stephen Ruiz. “But it is still the individual effort of understand is that we bring in teams that are at stay hungry and stay active on the boards. We Lexby, Div.916. “We didn’t agree with his the team that can bring us [there].” an unbelievable level and we’re not their yet,” got a little lazy at times.” December 2007 Sports Page 16 Steroids beefing up the School of Champions? Some Lane athletes admit to “juicing” to increase performance. more and more prevalent, athletes LoGalbo, English teacher and bas- By Jonathan Sosa - even at the high school level - ketball coach. “It’s a problem that are beginning to believe that using kids are taking the easy way out so Over the years Lane has built a leg- steroids only gives them the same young.” acy as “The School of Champions” advantage that so many others are As students both LoGalbo and and racked up its share of athletic taking. Carls remember seeing other ath- championships. Could steroids “Due to the fact that the use of letes taking steroids, but neither have played a role? steroids has been happening for a suspects any of his Lane athletes of Lane student athletes have been long time, I have started to believe currently using. known to use natural supplements that it may soon be necessary to “I don’t suspect any of (my ath- and other legal products such as consume steroids in order to keep letes) are doing steroids,” said creatine to increase their ability in competition with others who Carls. “But, I played football with and gain a competitive advantage are currently taking them,” said guys in high school and in college in their sport. But the use of ste- Medina. that did do steroids. roids is illegal and, consequently, Athletes may use steroids not “I have never suspected it from has long remained a secret of the only to win but also to keep from one of my basketball players,” said locker room. losing their position on the team. Lagalbo. “But, as a student here Lane athletes spend hours in the weight room after “Personally I have never taken “I only used steroids for about a at Lane I had my suspicions; I school to increase strength and stay competitive. steroids, but I know people at Lane month in my junior year because I remember guys coming back over who have,” said Nathan Medina, felt that my starting position was the summer all bulked up.” Div. 858, formally played for Lanes going to be taken away by a sopho- It is true that steroids can quickly to admit, my nuts did shrink while Uterra, Div. 882, a former Lane Varsity football team. more,” said another senior athlete increase athletes’ strength, recov- I was using roids; but about three basketball, volleyball, and softball Many times athletes think that who wished to remain anonymous. ery time, and overall performance, weeks after I stopped, they went athlete. “This guy at the XSport I increasing their strength and speed “My coaches made me feel that my but the cost of the steroids is not the back to normal,” said the same go to sells them out of the locker is the only way to reach their starting position was in danger. My only price they may have to pay. Lane senior. room.” goals. sport is my life!” “In one week I went from bench- Aside from acne and testicular atro- The exact number of Lane athletes “I had a horrible win/loss record Lane coaches were quick to point ing 175 pounds 10 times to bench- phy, common side effect of steroid who use steroids is unknown, but last year so I started roiding over out that putting pressure on athletes ing 225 pounds 10 times,” said a use can include high blood pressure, the sad fact, according to a WGN the summer. Hopefully this sea- to perform better is not a veiled Lane senior who wished to remain cardiovascular disease, baldness, news report that aired Dec. 13, is son will be a different story,” said directive for them to do something anonymous. liver cancer, and infertility. that three to six percent of high a senior athlete who wished to illegal. “I most definitely saw an increase Many people think that purchas- school students surveyed across remain anonymous. “If coaches use playing time as in body mass, strength, and speed,” ing steroids is difficult, and that in the U.S. have admitted to using The 409-page Mitchell Report, motivation, it doesn’t mean use ste- said a Lane junior who also wished order to do so it requires a connec- steroids at least once, up from 2.3 released on Dec. 13 named 86 roids,” said Eric Carls, a first year to remain anonymous. “But I ended tion to some sort of underground percent in 1991. Even if some think Major League Baseball players and football coach for Lane. up having to deal with a lot of back body building society. However, it this number sounds low, if true it former players as being connected “More and more people are acne.” can be as easy as hanging around would mean that between 132 and to steroids through either use or taking the easy way out which Steroids can have all sorts of the right places. 264 of Lane’s approximately 4,400 possession. With increasing evi- is only a short term solution for negative side effects. “I don’t use them, but I know it’s students have tried steroids at least dence that steroid use is becoming a long term problem,” said Mr. “Even though it’s embarrassing real easy to get them,” said Jose once. Bowling Teams spare no one as dominant seasons continue once been a club; it later became a over the same two schools. met to make the team. Boys are Gaeding has been bowling on the By Diana Alcantara & varsity sport. Both teams consist of Currently the Boys’ Team holds expected to maintain a bowling Boys’ Team for two years now and Tony Zhou five starters. The Girls’ Team has a record of 38-4, while the Girls’ average of at least 150, while girls said he really doesn’t get nervous, four alternates, while the Boys’ Team boasts a perfect 35-0. need an average of 130. except when he puts together a Bowling is a highly competitive Team has five. “I want students at Lane to know “If you want to try out, you have string of strikes. The pressure goes sport, so when Lane’s Bowling Both Teams have represented Lane that bowling is a great sport,” said to be good,” said bowler Stevie up when the chance of a perfect Team has a tournament, the bowl- well this season. The season started Hofman. “Last year the girls came Gaeding, Div. 915. “Last year, we game rolls around. A perfect game ing alley gets loud. The audience with the Boys’ Bowling Team beat- in first for City and the boys came only lost one game, and that was to of 300 points rolling 12 strikes in cheering them on, however, usually ing rival Clemente twice and then in second, so I expect this season to Von Steuben. We ended up winning a row. consists of little more than close winning against Amundsen. The be a good one.” second place for City.” “There aren’t many special tricks friends and family members. Girls’ Team also scored victories Certain requirements must be Amy Chmeleck, Div. 908, who to bowling. One that most of the “People at Lane hardly pay atten- is on the Girls’ Team pays $14 an team uses would be the hook style,” tion to us, but bowling is an hour every Friday to take lessons said Hernandez. awesome sport, and like every other so she can get better. She currently The hook style involves giving [sport], you do have to be serious,” holds an average of 168. the ball sidespin by sweeping the said Rachel Steibing, Div. 904, “It’s pretty intense. When we wrist up from underneath the ball who is an alternate on the Girls’ played versus Clemente, I was upon releasing it down the lane. Bowling Team. shaking non-stop, but we still When a ball comes spinning in to “I haven’t heard much about ended up winning that game,” said the pins from a side angle it creates bowling,” said Brandon Banks, Chmeleck, “It’s fun because we’re more “pin action.” When pins fly Div. 868, “They hardly get as much like family, and I recommend across the lane rather than falling exposure as the basketball or foot- [bowling] to everyone!” straight backwards it increases the ball teams, but it would be a cool “Bowling is a stressful competi- chances of knocking over other change to see a couple games.” tion,” said Aida Hernandez, Div. pins and getting a strike. According to Coach Hofman, who 177, a new recruit to the Girls’ The two teams practice every has coached the teams for the past Bowling Team. “I currently hold a Tuesday from 3:15 through 4:30 at two years, the Boys’ Bowling Team bowling average of 140, but I will Waveland Bowl located just a cou- was created only about 10 years A member of the Girls’ Bowling Team approaches the get better.” ple blocks north of Lane at 3700 N. ago. The Girls’ Team, which has line as she prepares to unleash a ball down the lane. Hernandez expects to be on the Western Ave. Meets usually occur been around for a longer time, had team until she graduates. on Mondays.