SteinmetzVolume 78, Number 4, February 2013 Star Team’s best finish in a decade Inside Decathlon team advances to city championships News and opinion By Jonathan Eustaquio Pages 2 -5

he academic decathlon team advanced to the city champi- Tonships for the first time in a decade. The team consisted of Milena Col- lazo, Iriz Ilumin, Giovanni Landa, Valentine’s Day, Josue Lopez, William Moctezuma, sex and relationships Pages 6-11 Eduardo Rivera, Brandon Steppan, Andriy Suden, and Dominikia War- chol. Since September the students and their coaches worked several times a week after school to prepare for tests in English, math, science, history, Coach Davoud Chitsaztehrani, Andriy Suden, William Moctezuma, Eduardo Rivera, Iriz Ilumin, Giovanni Landa, Coaches economics, music, and art, centering Jon and Nikki Hood, Milena Collazo, Brandon Steppan; Josue Lopez (below); Dominikia Warchol (not pictured) on a theme of Russia. Decathlon is divided into three levels — scholastic, honors, and varsity. Three members of the team participated in each level. All Arts & Entertainment grade levels participated. Pages 12 -14 “I have some graduating seniors so I am going to look for students who have good work habits, are organized, and have time for the meetings,” coach Davoud Chitsaztehrani said. For the first competition on Janu- ary 26, the team left Steinmetz at 6 a.m. and didn’t get back until 9:30 p.m. The students took multiple The team scored high enough in regionals to advance to the Josue Lopez holds the team trophy. city competition where the Streaks took 15th He won 1st place in science. Sports, Pages 15-16 choice tests in all subjects, followed by a Super Quiz Relay, where students were asked multiple choice questions out loud students prepare resumes. Teacher Jon Hood excited with everyone ready to do their best. in front of a large audience. and his wife Nikki prepped the students for The process was grueling. When the students Correction The night climaxed with an awards ceremony interview assessments with questions they had came down they were all beaming. They were where all participants were given a medal. Edu- been asked in real interviews throughout their so proud of how they did. I, too, was proud of Jayline Matias’ ardo achieved a 1st place in math, Josue took 1st professional lives. Teachers Charlie Cave, Dar- them. It was one of the highest points of my in science, and Iriz won a 3rd place in music. rin Sorokti, and Jenny Zeszutko worked with teaching career.” page 1 art work Even greater, Steinmetz placed 12th of 36 teams the students on their speeches, both prepared The team placed 15th place in the city. and moved on to the next round. and impromptu. Special thanks would also go “This was a big accomplishment for our In the January 2013 Star we “I didn’t expect it,” Mr. Chitsaztehrani said. out to teacher Beverly Grant for all her help team and our school,” Mr. Hood said. “ More misspelled Jayline’s name when “But the work they put in with the teachers and coaching the math section. A lot of work went importantly it was an amazing experience for we printed her sympathy card each other was excellent.” into those three days. the students who committed themselves to the for the families of the The team scrambled for three days to prepare “At the city competition the energy was team. The friendships they made and the ex- Sandy Hook shooting masacre. for Round Two. Mr. Chitsaztehrani helped the electric,” Mr. Hood said. “ The team was very periences they had will last them a lifetime.”• The Star regrets the error.• Students to compete at Annual show spotlights city science fair talented performers By Judy Czahor

nusual new acts Uof soccer tricks, piano solos, and karate moves — added to the typical singing, danc- ing, and rapping — made this year’s talent Edgar Tintin, Isabella Rios, and Luis Ortega performing “Someone Like You” show unique. CZAHOR JUDY Y b Sponsored by teacher Robin Russo, the event was held on on and even paid tribute to a friend. the snowy evening of February 7. Michael Newson and his fellow swim

Y MORIAH BELT MORIAH Y Even though there were some negative team members-turned-rockers ended the b

See our story on page 2 about regional science fair winners Kienna Bariso, Alicia Urquizo, Marisol Bernardino, comments from the crowd, poets Becca Ro- show. Tyler Lutz, Adrianna Latuszek, Andriy Suden, Molly Filipowicz, Brenda Escalante, and Cintia Garcia. manenko and Tiffany Kolodziej still strode •More photos on Page 14 2 Principal’s Message Steinmetz Grades as a predictor of success in life ear students, In high school I spent most of my Star I recently read a study produced time living for the moment instead of Steinmetz College Prep High School Dby the University of Chicago find- thinking about the future I wanted to ing that grades are a better predictor of suc- have. It’s a challenge for any young 3030 N. Mobile, Chicago IL 60641 cess than test scores. The findings are very adult to imagine what kind of success 773-534-3030, Star office (x) 25241 interesting because they make somewhat they want out of life but I leave you Email: [email protected] of a departure from the past. with this. Certainly, all of you want to I believe that Success = Effort x Abil- be successful. Although you may not School website: www.steinmetzac.com ity. Just because one is super smart doesn’t yet be able to define what that success (“Steinmetz Newspaper” link) guarantee automatic success in school or looks like, know that the research tells life. If you want to be successful, you have us that good grades are an incredibly to put in the work. strong indicator of future success. Principal: Mr. Stephen Ngo A great indicator of success is grades. I urge everyone to put as much ef- One’s level of grit, perseverance, time man- Principal Stephen Ngo fort into your grades as possible. Build Assistant principals: agement, determination, and responsibility CZAHOR JUDY BY on your commitment level to school Mr. Jaime Jaramillo can be measured by GPA. What is yours? tell you exactly why I worked so hard in that and to your classes. Your grades are Ms. Cheryl Williams I remember vividly an Economics class I particular class but I remember it being super a reflection of your work ethic and Ms. Ruquiyah Rahman-Aquil took in high school. My teacher offered interesting and enjoyable. desire, and ultimately a measure of the everyone extra credit assignments. I gave The challenge for each and everyone one kind of success you will have in life. It Star adviser: Ms. Sharon Schmidt up my lunch periods to complete every of you is to earn the best grades possible, all starts right now! extra credit assignment I could. Those as- knowing that the work you put in to earn Gambatte Kudasai, Co-editors in chief: Jennie Czahor and signments boosted my average so high that those grades are some of the same ingredients Mr. Ngo Judy Czahor I was excused from the final exam! I can’t needed for success in life. • Editing Team: Michael Amaya, Moriah Belt, Amanda Gidney, Anthony Guerrero, 8 students to compete in city science Katarzyna Jalowiec, Celimar Lopez, Rebecca Romanenko fair at Museum of Science & Industry Journalism class reporters, Room 333 1st period: Michael Amaya, Moriah Belt, By Judy Czahor purposes and findings to judges. Breonn Bland, Makennzee Curran, Jen- “Being able to present something is the nifer Garcia, Lechele Glispie, Arneshia ome of our best science students final product of anything,” teacher Paul Harris, Serlecia Jones, Anthony Lagunas, competed at Northeastern Univer- Bagdonas said. Elizabeth Martinez, Alejandra Pacheco, Ssity in the regional science fair. Eight The science fair, like the decathlon, ex- Emanuel Pazmino, Phillip Quezada, Abra- received outstanding awards and will go tends student learning outside the regular ham Roa, Heiddy Rodas, Anyssa Rodri- on to the city competition in March, held curriculum. guez, Alan Salazar, Andrea Silva, London at the Museum of Science and Industry. “The science fair can be really fun if Vasquez, Aracely Ventura, Kyle Williams “The students represented Steinmetz you are into science,” Ms. Ochwat said.

well,” teacher Dorta Ochwat said. “Every- BELT MORIAH BY “Because of the students fascination, they 5th period: Steven Abanto, Denzel Brown, one matured a lot through the science fair. Sophomore Tyler Lutz experi- were able to achieve greatly while using Taylah Brown, Lexus Castro, La’Keva They spent time on their projects instead mented with water temperature English and math skills, as well as using Duncan, Jonathan Eustaquio, Brittany of video games. Their work on the science on lithium. “I already knew lithium knowledge of statistics and computers. A Garcia, Iriz Garcia, Amanda Gidney, Vic- fair will help raise their ACT scores.” reacted with the temperature, but big thank you to Ms. Daughenbaugh for toria Gonzalez, Esther Grimaldo, Antho- In addition to conducting superior level I didn’t know the activity rate,” he teaching the students Microsoft Excel to ny Guerrero, Jocelyn Laguer, Lathea Lee, research and experimentation, the students said. “I wanted to find out.” use for graphs.” Matthew Maggit, Dominic Masciopinto, needed to be able to communicate their • Nakita Mccaa, Ivelise Mercado, Norjoria Pratt, Ricky Rico, Brandon Robinson, Govani Rosales, Daniela Vargas, Esther Velazquez

Star Editorials 8th period: Selene Acosta, Brenda Blanco, Norma Carrillo, Katie Christ, David Cruz, Judith Czahor, Luis Diaz, Wearing the hijab with pride Jackueline Flores, Estefani Garcia, Julian They say that our dress code is outdated Hemingway, Katarzyna Jalowiec, Celimar By Mirium Amin and oppressive, and it stops us from being Lopez, Luis Lopez, Erik Martinez, Jose productive human beings. They speak out Martinez, Lisette Mendez, Cathy Meraz, here are many students who wear of ignorance when they say that our hijab Leticia Mombela, Lissette Monterroso, Ja- scarves or (hijab) on their heads does not belong in these modern times mie Muro, Nathalie Ortiz, Jesus Ramirez, Tbecause it’s a part of their religion. I believe that due to the constant de- Julian Rice, Sergio Rodriguez, Rebecca Their religion is Islam. You’ve probably crease in moral values in the world today, Romanenko, Johann Sanchez, Anthony seen these girls around the halls wearing circumstances make the hijab even more Shanks, Vanessa Solis, Kandace Warren a hijab. necessary. Some have been rude. People have I wear my hijab with pride. Just be- Newspaper club reporters: asked me, “Why do you wear that thing, cause I believe in a different god does not Mirium Amin, Mariceli Cadena, Jennie are you bald? Can I see your hair?” mean I don’t have a religion or I should Czahor, Jisel Garcia, Kala Geralds, Alejan- Other people, “liberated” women, be judged for that. Don’t judge me if you dro Hernandez, Trae Johnson, Ameerae Mirium Amin suggest that a hijab not only covers the don’t know me. Lunjas, Tridaya McGee, Justin Martinez, head, but also covers the mind, intellect. • Michael Newson, Maria Sanchez, Koya Scott, Andres Suarez, Justyna Szczech, Quijna Walton, Brenda Villegas, Jalan It’s 9 a.m. and not time for lunch Veal, Saul Zamora The Newspaper Clubmeets on Thursdays By Michael Amaya morning that isn’t breakfast, but if I don’t breakfast food like pancakes or waffles”. after school in Room 333. eat a spicy, I’ll be hungry throughout the I’m hopeful a day will come when 2nd aving 2nd period lunch may not day,” said junior Anthony Lagunas, who period lunch is eliminated and 8th period The Steinmetz Starwelcomes letters to be the worst thing in the world, has the burden of second period lunch. lunch is brought back to its former glory. the editor, corrections, comments, and Hbut it’s pretty close. It’s lunch so Only students have to endure a morn- Switching my lunch period isn’t a solution bylined articles from all members of the I talk with friends and get work done, ing lunch. Teachers and administration (other people will still have 2nd period Steinmetz community. but 9 a.m. is too early for pizza and spicy may have a break second period, but they’ll lunch). chicken sandwiches. have a later period to take lunch. The solution is serving breakfast, the Printing: Mr. Hugh Hefner’s October If we had open campus and went out It wouldn’t make sense for me to go type of food appropriate for 9 o’clock in 2012 donation pays for printing the we would be served breakfast. If restau- before school for breakfast when I have the morning. Breakfast is the most impor- Steinmetz Star at Newsweb Corporation, rants are still serving breakfast, why am I lunch an hour later. tant meal of the day, so why can’t we be Chicago. stuck eating a chicken sandwich? “It’s too early to eat lunch,” said ju- served breakfast? • “I don’t want to eat anything in the nior Michelle Garcia “we should be served •

2 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Opinion 3 What is the sweetest thing anyone has done for you? rodri g uez g io & s er & Y JULIAN HEMIN G WAY JULIAN Y Y JULIAN HEMIN G WAY JULIAN Y TEFANI G ARCIA E S TEFANI BY b b p ez lo s lui “My girlfriend bought me “My boyfriend rubbed “My friend got me a Shih Tzu puppy, “My mother threw me a surprise “My boyfriend Charlie made me a tickets for a concert that my feet and after we named Nila.” party.” Build-a-Bear. It was a special edition was sold out for my favor- got home from a con- Christina Davenport, junior Adriane Tate, junior Valentine’s Day Hello Kitty dressed in ite band, Miss May I.” cert.” a white dress.” Marcos Gabriel, junior Ana Cacique, Daisy Najera, junior sophomore QUEZADA RAMIREZ BY DAVID CRUZ, P HILLI CRUZ, DAVID BY BY KANDACE WARREN, MORIAH BELT MORIAH WARREN, KANDACE BY S ILVA ANDREA BY BY JE S U BY “In the fifth grade a girl named “One of my friends made me a button “I went to junior prom at Muchin College Prep (a charter “A friend got me Lakers tickets be- Jenny gave me money for lunch.” with my favorite artist on it. I appreciated school in Chicago) with my best friend who’s a guy instead of cause I love Kobe Bryant.” Omar Coctecon, junior it because she took the time and effort my boyfriend because my boyfriend was too old. After prom my Angel Dejesus, staff to make this button and she drew it by boyfriend Angel picked me up dressed in his Marine uniform hand.” and brought me some flowers. It was so cute I almost wanted Daniel Gray, senior to cry. Then he took me to a boathouse at Humboldt Park. We had our own miniature prom. It was so sweet.” Amaris Alicea, senior Letters Facebook friend Good changes are Game review inspires happening comment from reader

January 30 , 2012 Is there a difference this year from last? Yes. Mr. Ngo’s name says it all! He put his foot down the right way, and got his school working great. The rules are similar to last year, but more students are complying with them, The school isn’t exactly perfect, however he’s work- ing on it. We students should speak out on what this school needs more of or even less of. Mr. Ngo works hard, and he is very understanding toward students. He’s helpful in any situation, and he can really make January 22 , 2012 a change. For example, when I had a problem with the A Steinmetz Star fan posted the above graphic security I went straight to Mr. Ngo. He understood on Facebook and we love the idea. Our response to my situation, and he did something about it. the person who posted it: If you create a Steinmetz- Steinmetz College Prep is changing for the best. oriented Meme, we’ll publish it. Thank you, Mr. Ngo and staff, for making a differ- Sincerely, ence in our school. We as a whole will change when January 22 , 2012 There are lots of weapons, but Steinmetz Star Editors Mr. Ngo’s plan is in action. Shout out to Anthony Guerrero I am not about to list them all. I’ll Sincerely, who reviewed Black Ops 2 (“Great- tell you my favorite weapons: MP7 Ashley Cotton ly anticipated sequel delivers awe- (Submachine Gun SG), ACR 6.8 Swim team some thrills”, Nov.-Dec. 2012 Star. (Assault Rifle AR) and of course February 7 , 2012 I got the Pistols Diamond! 96% of people who snipe in the On behalf of Coach Sullivan and myself, I want to Sign up for ASM Modern Warfare 3 is my favor- game use MSR (Sniper Rifle SR). thank the Star for devoting most of the back page of ite game in the world, because the I love this game so much and the last issue to the Swimming Streaks! Many students multiplayer is so awesome down people on YouTube post Parodies do not even realize that we have a pool in the school. to the guns and to the maps, to songs to fit MW3. I find that The mistakes with some of the names are my fault. which are DLC. The maps are awesome. Here’s some examples: “Carlos Salgado” is Carlos Sanchez, it is Jaxon Alvarez, Downturn (which no ones plays I Don’t Like Chief Keef Parody, Craig (CJ) Piwowarczyk, and Christian Huertas. like that), Hardhat, Dome (which The Motto Drake Parody, Faded In a great finish to the boys’ season both our varsity everyone likes), Mission, Fallen, Tyga Parody. I could go on forever and the soph-frosh teams defeated Roosevelt on Febru- Arkaden, Seatown, Bakarra, Re- about MW3 about the maps the ary 5. In the Soph-Frosh championships on February sistance, Bootleg, Carbon, Lock- guns the KDR (Kill Death Ratio), 2, we placed 13th in the City; in the varsity meet on down, Village, Outpost, (no one Accolades — everything! February 3, we placed 17th. After School Matters art programs likes this map that much either), Your friend, I want to give a special shout-out to the seniors on There is still room in jewelry design which Interchange, and last, but not least. Marquez Hondras both girls and boys teams. Their leadership and sup- started Feb. 5. See Ms. Laura in Room 106. Underground. port to the team was great!! We will miss them, but Coming in March: Flamenco dancing! wish them the best of luck. Fill out an application at Sincerely, Coach David H. Henry www.afterschoolmatters.org

February 2013 Steinmetz Star 3 4 Star News Iriz Ilumin: A bright future LTAB poetry fest By Anthony Guerrero begins next week any people come to the United States By Aramis Pates to live a better life, and many others Mcome to get a good education. Senior ince the Iriz Ilumin is one of the many people who came year 2007 here for both a better life, and a good education. SSteinmetz Ever since she came from the Philippines she has been known has excelled in all her studies. She is a straight for its outstanding A student, in AP classes, and scored the highest talent in the spoken of anyone on the Decathlon Team. word. Teachers S ATE

Iriz was born in Pangasinan, Philippines James Sloan and P on August 5, 1995. Her parents moved to the John Hood have U.S. to give her the opportunity to study and Iriz Ilumin was the top-scorer for the Academic been recruiting

go to college. Iriz came to Chicago and began Decathlon team. See story on Page 1. the best poets we ARAMI S BY BY ANTHONY G UERRERO ANTHONY BY Steinmetz her freshman year. During the time have to offer and Freshman Emony Tate works on a poem after she lived in the Philippines she was taught how to Before she came to Chicago Iriz used to play training them to school. Poetry club members will participate in speak English by her school and family. sports. Her favorite sport was volleyball. When participate in the the Louder Than a Bomb (LTAB) poetry slam next Ever since she got here she has been studying she came to Chicago Iriz thought she couldn’t play. biggest poetry slam week. For many years, James Sloan and Jon Hood hard to go to her dream school, the University of “I don’t have enough time to play anymore,” Iriz in the universe. have been coaching LTAB-winning slam teams, including one featured in the 2010 award-winning Illinois at Chicago (UIC). In December she received said.”I prefer to sleep and I’m short.” Yes, universe. If documentary “Louder Than a Bomb.” a letter of acceptance that she will be attending UIC Many teachers appreciate Iriz for her work in there was a poetry this fall. She will be studying biological science. her studies and her personality. slam on Jupiter, So she can prepare herself before she enters in the “She does all her work and is hardworking stu- Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) would The high school slam is the mar- medical field. dent,” said teacher James Solomon. “She presents still be bigger. quee event of LTAB. Teams of 4-8 peo- In her four years here Iriz has gotten straight A’s. a humble and a friendly personality.” Founded by Young Chicago Author ple showcase original poetry in a series When she has free time she studies her notes until Iriz is one of the sweetest person you’ll ever met, Kevin Coval in 2000, LTAB has been of preliminary bouts and are judged on her eyes get tired. Her favorite pastime is to bake. and she is a really great friend. the “must see” Youth Poetry Slam and a scale from 1-10 by members of the She bakes cookies; brownies, and cakes. • Open Mic for the last 13 years. LTAB general public. But the competition is isn’t just one day though, LTAB is a secondary, as the phrase understood by all-month festival with multiple activi- all involved notes: “It’s not about the Bricksquad for next level ties that are also open to the public — points, it’s about the poetry.” Rap battles, Haiku slams, Duo Slams, If you would like to attend LTAB By Breonn Bland various workshops and so much more. to see your fellow students compete This festival takes place downtown at Mr. Sloan can help. veryone Columbia College beginning Febru- “I’d love to take a busload of kids is asking, ary 18. and just spend the day at the festival,” E“What is Check out our school’s team in the he said. BrickSquad?” high school slam on Thursday, Febru- See him as soon as possible. If you We’re a bunch of ary 21 and Saturday, February 23 as can’t reach Mr. Sloan, you may also see kids who have a we take on some of the best schools the other poetry team coaches, teach- lot in common. in the state. ers Jon Hood and Ivelisse Cotto, for BrickSquad was more information. inspired by rapper • Gucci Mane who makes us want to rap and achieve Losing someone any goal that we want. special Donald Steel, Frank Bland, Brian By Leticia Mombela Cheeks and Dam- ariya Shelby started osing someone is hard to deal with especially with that person being your Bricksquad their inspiration and your motivation in life, and the person never once left sophomore year Lyour side. and added more people — Darius Jackson, Jovan focused and on track.” Once they are gone you feel like a big part of you is missing. Sometimes Shelby, John Shelby, Matthew Maggit, Ronnie People around the school ask how everyday life you can even lose faith in something you believe in; you begin to question Sanders and Breonn Bland. We are the class of 2013. is in the summer for the squad. My squad wakes up everything that once had a meaning. Losing someone important can really Our squad is not a gang. We all attend school to link up and write music, play ball, and party ev- hurt mentally, physically and mostly emotionally. to make it to the next level. erywhere we go. This summer BrickSquad will take On December 18, 2009, I lost a very important person in my life, my “Being BrickSquad is an honor,” senior Matthew off with our music. This reporter, Breonn Bland, has grandma. She was not only my grandma, but she was like my mom. It was Maggit said. “I’m just happy I have friends who are a song that will be for the Squad on Prom night. hard to consider that a full time grandma and parent left me at such a young • age.She always put her family before she did herself. In November she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When she was Siblings make school better hospitalized I thought she would be fine because I had never seen her sick or hurt. When the day came closer I panicked that I would lose the number one By Heiddy Rodas don’t. person in my life. When it happened I was the last one with her before she “How come Thalia always has shut her eyes. oing to school with my homework, but you never have home- sister, senior Thalia Rodas, work?” My mom asks all the time. Gis the best. From her I get “Let me find out you’re not pass- Once they are gone, you feel like a help with anything school related, ing your classes,” my mom says. “I’m and I get to see her in the halls. going to go to the school and ask your big part of you is missing. Not only do I see her at home, counselor for your grades, attendance, but I literally spend the whole day everything about you.” with her. On the other hand there are peo- I regret not telling her more. Until this day I still haven’t accepted it. But Some people think we’re twins. ple who do not like having siblings I know she’s there when I need her. On bad days and on good, just like she We’ve told almost the whole world in their school. Like senior Leshele always stood by me when she was alive, she’s still here. She kept her promise that we are, but we’re not. We’re Glipsie. She said it’s hard for her to to never leave my side. half sisters, but the details can have her brother in the same school My freshman year through my junior year I had a hard time adjusting that confuse people. Students and teachers think we’re sometimes. she was gone. Since she was the only person I made proud I gave up on myself. twins and we just say yes because people want to Some of the drawbacks, she said, are “trying But in my senior year I found my strength and straightened up my act. She ask questions about who’s older, how we’re the same to keep him focused, making you late for school, wouldn’t have wanted anything better. age, and such and such. trying to keep him away from bad crowds, keeping Counselor Kim Diaz has made an awesome group called the grief group. I have to admit I may sometimes hate to come girls away, getting him to be on top with school It’s a great way that students can let their feelings out so they won’t make the to school with her because when we get home she work, and worrying about him making me look same mistakes I made. All students should talk with their counselor if they are sometimes has homework and most of the time I bad.” • dealing with loss and want more help.• 4 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star News 5 LTAB poetry fest Sign up for Shakespeare, a terrific honors course By Vikki Gonzalez begins next week tudents who get to take hakespeare. A name we have all heard Shakespeare reap many benefits before. There is currently only one Sbesides the warm and fuzzies, SShakespeare class. Steinmetz is privi- the t-shirts and the field trips. leged to have such an awesome class. Students are able to hold discussions One might assume that the class is dif- on topics that related not only to Shake- ficult and boring, but I can tell you first had speare’s crowds four hundred years ago, that that is far from the truth. Teacher Robin but also to today’s audiences. Russo, goes above and beyond when teaching Students experience language in a her Shakespeare class, which consists of all whole new way with a confidence that upperclassmen. they never thought they would possess. “I love that the students in this class, many Students regularly are up on their of whom are not the best students academi- feet trying new activities that we are cally, are finding success in this honors level seldom able to provide them in regu- class,” Ms. Russo said. “They learn to work lar English classes — or any classes for with people outside their social circle, engage that matter. in conversations that relate to their lives, ex- Students are not limited to writ- plore the craft of acting and performing, read ten tests or essays, but are able to ex- at a totally different level than they usually do, press what they have learned through and have a great time doing it.” performance; and for many of our shy There are only 24 students in the class, that no one can take away from us.” class is allowed to get dressed up and most students, the class has really brought which allows us to all be like a family. Our class goes on several field trips all year times have lunch at Navy Pier, which is a big them out of their shells. “We all cute and family-like in class,” said long. Going to the Chicago Shakespeare The- plus. Victoria Castillo agrees: • senior Kassandra Mercado. “We have a bond ater is something we all look forward to. The “The field trips are seriously the best!”• Distractions increase already high Hall sweeps risk of driving while teenage hurt By Michael Amaya By Daniela Vargas

andom and unexpected things fter every period you have students running happen everyday that could through the halls and cutting in between the Rhave lasting effects. Sometimes Acrowds, especially if you have security guards little things become big things, like counting down the seconds to hall sweep. Hall sweeps car accidents. are hurting many students because they’re getting Little things — like bumping into punished for being five seconds late to class. the back of a car, a scratch here and Four minutes isn’t enough time to go from class there, and busted windows — are the to class. Some students have a class in the mods and less serious offenses that can be fixed then have their next class in the third floor on the by simple repairs, car insurance, or opposite side of the building. It’s almost impossible even a new car. for students. Other things have lasting effects, What irritates students is that even if the bell rang such as injuries and fatalities. Al- the second you were standing outside your class you’re though common in all age ranges, considered late. Some teachers lock their door the these accidents are most prominent in second the bell rings, causing students to get their teen drivers. For example, in 2010 the IDs taken away and get a detention. leading cause of death between 13-19 “I think it’s really unfair how students who are year-olds was motor vehicle crashes, ‘cool’ with the security guards don’t get hall swept and that’s just fatality statistics not in- and the ones who end up getting detentions are good cluding injuries. The exact number of students who were late to their class just once,” said people that died from motor vehicle sophomore Nancy Vargas. incidents in 2010 was 3,115, which The whole point of hall sweep is to stop students sadly is only 10% fewer than 2009. from being late to class, but the whole hall sweep Although legally the only high Source: www.keepthedrive.com process takes up half the period. First you get your school students who should be driv- trouble can be exhilarating, but not ID taken away, then you get sent to 118, and then ing are seniors and juniors, that won’t in a good way,” said junior Phillip you have to wait approximately 20 minutes to get stop younger people. These teens will Quezada, who as a passenger of an your pass to go to class because there are usually drive without proper training, a li- unsafe driver had to speak up. many other kids in 118. Some students don’t care cense, or insurance, a disastrous ad- On the other side of the spectrum History about the consequences, they’re already used to get- dition to the already problematic teen are the teen drivers who drive because ting in trouble. driving population. If you’re driving of errands and responsibility instead Hall sweeps hurt students who have to go to work without a license, chances are the car of pleasure and leisure. questions right after school and they can’t serve the detention. isn’t yours, so that puts someone else The worst part is that if you miss your detention you at fault, leading to consequences for “I drove because it was my respon- By Jalan Veal get In-School Suspension. many people. sibility as the oldest to drop-off my “You shouldn’t have to stay 30 minutes after school As phones become more accessible brothers at school,” junior Anthony eacher Debra just for being 30 seconds late to class,” said senior to the Internet and social networks Lagunas said. “I had to be safe. It Kern wants Victor Navarro. distractions increase for teen drivers. wasn’t my car and all I had was a Tyou to consider Some students take the time to go to their lockers According to statistics from www. permit.” what life would be like or the washroom right before lunch but now you can’t keepthedrive.com, an advocacy or- Fear has stopped me from driving, today if the following even do that because students are even getting hall ganization for teen driver safety, driver not fear in my ability as a driver, but people had never been swept for being late to lunch. distraction contributes to 16% of all instead fear of others’ ability to drive. born: To try to avoid hall sweep you literally have to fatal crashes for people under the age Car crashes are the leading cause of Benjamin Baker carry all your books with you because you don’t even of 20. Statistics show that texting death in my age group. Sojourner Truth have time to stop by your locker.You can’t even go and driving can increase the risk of The most effective way to slow Madame C.J. Walker to the bathroom if you have an emergency because getting into a car crash by 23 times. down this rate is to educate young Langston Hughes you’ll get caught in a hall sweep. Speed related crashes can occur drivers of the precautions they must Oprah Winfrey Hall sweeps should be stopped because everyone in all age groups, but are again most take to ensure their safety and others. Jean Baptiste Point Du has an off-day where they’re running late. If hall common among 16-19 year olds. For more information and to even Sable sweeps are to be continued then students should be Many teens will exceed speed limits share your story go to www.keepthe- James Weldon Johnson able to get more time to get to their classes. for the thrill of it, this is not only dan- drive.com. Richard Allen It’s important to get to class on time, but it’s dif- gerous for the driver but a passenger. • Rosa Parks ficult for many students to do so, especially if you only “The fear of crashing or getting in Martin Luther King, have four minutes to get to class. Punishing students Jr.• for being late isn’t really going to make any changes. • February 2013 Steinmetz Star 5 6 Star Valentine’s Day What is your ideal date? S FLORE JACKUELINE BY DUNCAN LA’KEVA BY BY LA’KEVA DUNCAN LA’KEVA BY S FLORE JACKUELINE BY “My ideal date is the two of us hang- “My ideal date would be with Gabrielle “The best date for me is when my hus- “The best date would be to buy my wife ing out, watching movies, and playing Union. I would take her out to Sympho- band and I watch a basketball game flowers, take her out to Gibson’s Steak- video games.” ny’s restaurant for dinner. After dinner and order pizza. That is the best date house, and maybe to a musical, something Esmerelda Villa, freshman I will love to take her on a boat cruise because we both love sports. We met like Les Misérables.” here in downtown Chicago.” at a softball game. ” Jesse Holden, Jr., school police officer Matthew Joiner, senior Tara Dunne, teacher Single on Valentine’s Valentine’s horoscopes Then, in two to three weeks, these will be Day the same people who are having Facebook By Brenda Villegas Libra, even with love you and Twitter wars about how much they can’t have to be cautious. Make By Amanda Gidney stand one another. Today is not that big of alentine’s Day horoscopes, para- precise decisions instead of a deal. Look on the bright side of the fence, phrased from http://www.psychic- moving straight forward with f you’ve checked your calendar this at least on the 15th all the candy is 50% off. Vguild.com. it. Here are a few things more helpful then morning, you probably noticed that “It is just another day,” senior Anyssa Though Cancers have a just observing, Just listen to what your Itoday is Valentine’s Day and maybe for Rodriguez said. “But my birthday is the tight schedule, they always heart is telling you and it will not leave the past week or so people have been ask- 15th so it gets kind of annoying that I re- find the time and space to you astray. ing you what are you doing and who you’re ceive Valentine’s Day gifts. They are two have love in their lives. You Scorpio, intense decision hangin with. completely different days.” will find a love soon, just might hit you. You might Your answer to their burning questions “My anniversary would have been on live your life through who you are and have problems here and might be “I’m not doing anything,” “I don’t Valentine’s Day, so it’s a constant reminder everything will be a natural progression. there, but you will soon have a date,” or maybe even “I hate Valen- of a past relationship,” said junior Vicky Aries, for you love and find solutions to it all. You tine’s Day, so I’m going home to sulk in my Rivera. ‘It can get annoying to see couples comprise go hand and will find someone close to own gloom.” Hopefully, your response wasn’t together on that day.” hand, but if you cannot you who will help you, someone who was the last one because being alone on Valen- “Since I don’t have a girlfriend, I will take bend a little time for your a love interest, but you just didn’t notice tine’s Day isn’t the end of the world. my mom out for Valentine’s Day,” senior partner, you might want to it. Who knows, they might be that special For some odd reason (if it isn’t already Matthew Maggit said. re-think your intentions. one you were looking for. annoying that people insist on sucking each “You still have time to find to someone, And if you find the perfect solution, every- Sagittarius, if a romantic other’s faces before the bell rings every day), so just because it Valentine’s Day, don’t give thing will be fine. partner is what you truly couples decide to flaunt their so-called love up hope,” sophomore Julian Salgado said. Taurus, Make sure to desire, this is the time of for one another with oversized teddy bears “You have your friends who love you.” leave some room in your the year where you can find and cheap chocolates; it can get downright Marquez Hondras added the following: schedule because someone someone who truly strikes sickening. “Love you once, love you still. Always just might want to make your fancy! If you are al-

have, always will.” • special plans with you. You ready in a relationship with a partner who never know what can happen in this crazy makes your heart sing, this can be a period world. Just make sure not to give up, and when you are able to make adjustments to Celebrity crushes something good should possibly happen. increase the health and satisfaction of the Gemini, Don’t give up relationship. By Esther Velazquez & on love. The highest sug- This month looks to Jocelyn Lauger gestion for you is to talk some people like you are your problems out, and to not ready to accept love. It f you don’t have a date for Valen- find a solution to them. Ask won’t be forced upon you, tine’s Day, at least you can enjoy friends to help support you, and some people might Iyour favorite singers and actors. and stay strong of yourself. Love will find even try to convince you, Many students and staff have intense you soon. but doing so will possibly increase the ro- celebrity crushes. Leo, with the help of the mance you want in your life, But it might love god Venus influencing just be unavoidable for you to experience “Shakira, because she’s fine.” in your personal affairs, she romance in some form or fashion. If you Angel DeJesus, sophomore can either help lead you to want to, give love a try, who knows what the partner of your dreams might happen. “William Levy, because he’s hot or make you realize they’re Aquarius, some turn of and Cuban. I fell in love with him right in front of your face! events might happen that during Dancing with the Stars.” Also, though you may be passionate, will give you the sudden Laura Jimenez, staff something more substantial may consume energy to have more love. you. And though you might “Ray Lewis from the Ravens. His Virgo, You might have have problems with love at the moment, team was not performing very well some family problems, and that doesn’t give you a reason to give up. until he announced his retirement. you might even end up with Continue with the natures of love, and They love him so much that they won a person you’re incompat- what you consider normal, you will find the Superbowl!” ible with, but you know you true love soon. Gina Szulkowski, teacher should not give up so easily. Pisces, this year, your You will glow and outshine all the negative connections with friends “Havanna Ginger, because she contradicts things. Love is out there, and you will find will increase, and the depths her name and she’s pretty.” “Zayn Malik from One Direction, be- it soon, and you will know they are the of your friendships will Alejandro Carrasco, senior cause he is so hot! His eyes are so dreamy one. reveal to you more than you and his voice melts our hearts!” normally know. Though it “Demi Lovato, because she’s my age. I Jocelyn Lauger and Esther Velazquez is good to mix caution when dealing with love her and I have dreams about her.” professional and personal interests, it can Edwin Ramirez, senior “Scarlett Johansson, everything about her “Jermaine Lamar Cole aka J.Cole! He’s also allow you to get to know someone for is perfect! What is there not to like about her. inspirational and has big dreams that he is who they really are. “Ariana Grande. She is real kind, sweet, Oh and Anne Hathaway, too. Oh, Lord!” slowly but surely accomplishing.” • and gorgeous. It’s impossible not to like her.” Luis Lopez, senior Ilseh Torres, senior Jose Gonzalez, senior •

6 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Valentine’s Day 7 Long-term relationships are possible

By Arneshia Harris By Celimar Lopez

enior Lativia Brown shared her relation- ’ve been with Adrian for a little over ship story with the Star. two years and they have been the S Imost amazing years spent in my life. How did you and Jurmon Minnefield I moved from Florida sophomore year meet? and I wasn’t looking forward to starting We met here, freshman year, in 2009. We a new school until I met him. started off as frenemies. Eventually I started It didn’t take long to realize how per- crushing on him. We ended up together on fect we are for each other. I mean, as Feb 7, 2010. soon as we found out we are literally a What are some of the challenges you day apart in age and we have so much face as a couple? in common, we knew it was a match Forgetting about the haters that try to made in heaven. break us down and tear us apart. During our two years, we have not How do you keep the love alive? had an argument, fight, or broken up. Taking our time with each other not rush- Every couple has their disagreements and ing each other into anything, keeping we have plenty, but that is something each other happy and, also by spicing a relationship needs to grow stronger. things up every now and then. Young Love by Chris Brown We do have our differences in points of Adrian, I just wanted to say that you have Have you and Jurmon planned Tell me what’s the definition of love views, but we trust each other, respect been the most important thing that has ever a future together? Seems like everybody thinks they done figured it out but our relationship, communicate whenever happened to me. You have always been the person Yes, we plan on going to college, Every time they fall up in it they fall out, in and out it again there is something on our minds, support who made me smile when I have my bad days. getting our education, and after we Tell me how they gonna know about us each other’s dreams, ideas, and hobbies, You have always made me feel important and graduate we want to live life a little, Tellin’ me and you that we ain’t even been around long enough and most importantly, always stand by loved, a love from a person that no one but I can then start a family. We can prove ’em wrong, show ’em how it’s done each other. explain. What advice can you give other I know we can do it because Some may think this is just young I hope everyday that we will always be togeth- couples? If it’s wild and out, we got that love, but honestly, I think it’s more than er, to always be with my high school sweetheart. I I would tell them to never listen And forgiving, we got that that. I have been through a lot in my life want to go through the rest of my life with you — to what others say or to worry about If it’s talkin’ bout how we feelin’, we got that to know what real love is, and this love college, traveling the world, and everything. the social networks. And just hanging out, keeping it real then we got that could last a lifetime. When we have our down times it’s always Actions speak louder than words. Me and you know what the deal is but If you’re in a relationship, cherish that settled with food and “I love you.” Our relation- If it’s love, don’t give up. Since we ain’t 21, they be tryna say it ain’t love person while it lasts. ship isn’t perfect but it is the best one I have ever Keep going and work the prob- Cause we can’t hit the clubs, they be tryna say we’re too young Continued on “Web Extra” page 17, had because it’s actually real and it will last lems out. I ain’t sayin’ that we’re tryna be grown available on www.steinmetzac.com forever and beyond! Love, Celimar Anything worth having is worth I’m just sayin’ that we’re old enough to know fighting for.• We got that young love, young love We lucky cause we got that young love A dream come true Overcoming 100 arguments By Aracely Ventura

By Lisette Mendez ntering high school freshman year, I had no idea I was going hen you see couples together for a Eto meet the one for me. Biol- long time, there’s always curiosity. ogy class is where our story began. WHow do they do it? The whole Erik Martinez was just a classmate point of a relationship is to love the person of mine who secretly had a little you’re with for better and for worse. crush on me. He would spend all I have been in a relationship for almost period for days just saying hi to me, two years with Emanuel Pazmino. We are no other words would come out of not perfect, we’re human so we do have our him except “hi.” arguments. Besides the arguments we’ve Then on September 17, 2009, he fi- Now, three years and four months learned to accept each other, and fall in love nally had the courage to ask me out. Like later, we’re both in our senior year, ready with each other. most of us would do, I wanted to think and waiting for the future. We’re really We have obstacles and we get through about it. Later that afternoon, I told him happy together, making it through thick them by telling each other how we feel, let- yes. It was a great day for both of us. I and thin throughout our high school ting each other know why we’re bothered, was instantly falling for him every second life. Erik became more than just my and finding a solution to the problem we’re I spent with him. He was becoming a boyfriend, he became my best friend as having. By Manny Pazmino dream come true. well. The best part about being with your boy- • friend is feeling secure because of how they isette Mendez is an awesome person. She’s smart, make you feel. You feel as if you’re special she’s gorgeous and I’m lucky to have her. She’s a 4th grade friends, now... to them, and you mean so much to them. Llittle shy, but that’s part of what makes her cute. Also, you get butterflies in your stomach We’ve managed to stay together for so long. Most By Gabriela Pineda By Jonathan Eustaquio when he does something cute like buys you couples don’t, or if they do there’s lots of lies involved. roses, writes you letters explaining the way I’m not saying our relationship is perfect, because onathan and I met in the 4th grade. We were uring sophomore he feels about you, and when he’s all sweet trust me it’s not! Everybody has ups and downs, but as close as two people can get. I could tell year we got close to you and makes you smile for hours. you have to understand the other person, understand Jhim anything. When we went into 6th grade, Dagain, really close. This is my first time being in love with their flaws, and be there for them when they need we were in different classes. We always talked to a person and I’m so glad Emanuel proved someone. We didn’t talk at all, never each other. No matter himself to me, and proved that throughout I understand her perspective for many things, so even said hi. Then in 7th what I was doing I al- our ups and downs he stuck by my side. does she. In a relationship one has to put in 50 %, grade we were in the same ways wanted to talk to There are not many guys out there who even though the girls say they put more work. I love class, but I ended up being Gabby. Time passed and are faithful, committed, and truthful. I’m so Lisette. She has been there for me since day one. his bully. I always beat him she told me she liked relieved to say my boyfriend is one of the But we do have our downs. Sometimes we lack up and treated him badly. me. That just got me in very few who are all those things. Knowing trust or we don’t appreciate the things we do for each As sophomores every- the happiest mood ever, that you’re actually loved by someone is the other. We may argue a hundred times. I actually thing changed; we became knowing the girl I like, best feeling. think we do argue a hundred times, but at the end really close again. The day likes me too. Later dur- Jesus Alenis who has been with his girl- of the day all I want is to be with her. All I want is that I finally got the guts to ing the summer I asked friend for three years, has the following to fix things with her. tell him I liked him was one her out in the stupidest advice: We have to learn to overpass things. Who knows of my happiest days because way because I was ner- “The only way to keep a relationship is what can happen? I wouldn’t want to leave this world I found out that he liked vous, but she said yes. for the two people to put 50-50 in the re- knowing my last words to my baby were “I hate me too. A few days later he That day I became the lationship. When you get into arguments you,” or something unloving. The arguments make asked me out in a really cute happiest guy ever, and and you’re wrong, suck up your pride, and me closer to her at the end. I learn to appreciate her way. That day I became the happiest girl. We made I know that she will always show you care.” • more.• seven months on February 3. • make me happy! • February 2013 Steinmetz Star 7 8 Star Feature: Sex and Relationships Students following national patterns By Alan Salazar Why is this information he Star relationship and sex sur- in a high school vey asked students straightforward Tquestions. We did this not to be newspaper? nosy, but to report new information. The news to many may be how closely we are By Anyssa Rodriguez compared to national averages. Among U.S. high school students sur- e know that for many stu- veyed in 2011, 47.4% have had sexual dents, relationships and intercourse; 33.7% have had sexual in- Wsexual activity are the top- tercourse during the previous 3 months, ics that concern them the most. At and, of these, 39.8% did not use a con- the Star, our goal is to provide new dom the last time they had sex; 76.7% information regarding relevant issues did not use other birth control methods in academics, extra curricular activities, the last time they had sex; 15.3% have arts and entertainment, sports, school had sex with four or more people during life, and life outside of Steinmetz. their life (Centers for Disease Control Although it’s part of human nature, and Prevention). sex is usually a taboo topic. But why all More than half of Steinmetz students the awkwardness and embarrassment are sexually active, according to the sur- behind sex talk? The Steinmetz Star vey results. Forty-six percent of students has covered school-sponsored sexu- surveyed reported having had sexual ally transmitted infections (STI) test- intercourse. In addition, 38 percent of P RATT NORJORIA BY ART ing and teen parenthood groups, so the students who said they hadn’t had 70% of females and 56% of males report it only makes sense that we’d want to intercourse reported engaging in other that their first sexual experience was with a About our survey report facts of student sexual activity kinds of sexual activity. When students steady partner, while 16% of females and On January 25, the Star surveyed more than 350 and opinions. reported the number of partners with 28% of males report first having sex with freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors on their We think it’s okay to be vocal about whom they have had sexual activity, 43 someone they had just met or who was opinions and actions regarding relationships and sex. the realities of what students do and percent reported zero. just a friend” (National Survey). We are reporting the results as generalizations of all think about sex. As high school stu- The Star surveys showed a much high- The majority of the sexually active stu- students based on this representative, random sample. dents, hormones start kicking in. That’s er percent of sexually active upperclass- dents at Steinmetz have had one partner Dozens of Star staff members were involved in writ- completely natural. It’s healthy to be men than freshmen and sophomores. For only. This is also somewhat typical. ing the survey questions and administering the survey. vocal about sexual activity because it example, the surveys showed that more “Not all sexually active adolescents All journalism students worked to tabulate the results. should promote safe sexual activity. than 60 percent of seniors have had sexual take part in high-risk sexual behaviors,” We followed guidelines suggested in “Information Many students have told us they intercourse. This, too, follows national reports the OAH. “Thirty-nine percent of from Polls,” Journalism Today, 5th Edition, NTC, 1998. were surprised by our results. They patterns. females and 33 percent of males who have A random sample can reliably represent those surveyed thought more people in the school “The likelihood of sex increases with ever had sex have only had one partner.“ and the entire population (to a 95% confidence level) were sexually active. Our reporting each school grade level, from 32 percent Our survey results show that most if the following criteria are met: It’s a large enough may enlighten those who are choos- in ninth grade to 62 percent in 12th students think that their peers do not sample, it represents the population’s overall charac- ing to abstain. Obviously, they are grade,” according to the US Dept. of understand the risks for having unpro- teristics, and everyone in the population has an equal not alone and it’s okay for them to Health and Human Services Office of tected sex. possibility of being included in the sample. be vocal, too. Adolescent Health (OAH). Other survey results show that while In Dr. Phillip Meyers’ Precision Journalism the We’re not out to judge sexually ac- “Although only 13% of teens have had more than half of our students are sexu- sample size needed to generalize from a population tive students or put a bad name on sex by age 15, most initiate sex in their ally active in some way, 71 percent believe of 2,000 is 322. We went beyond this. Steinmetz has the school as a place where sexually later teen years. By their 19th birthday, that high school students are too young nearly 1,800 students. We obtained 350 surveys, accu- irresponsible teens attend; our goals seven in 10 female and male teens have to have sex responsibly. In addition, most rately representing the percentages of students at each are to inform and advocate responsible had intercourse” (National Survey of students aren’t talking about sexual activ- grade level. behavior. As our other article points Family Growth, Vital and Health Sta- ity with their parents nor do they think On the day we surveyed students Steinmetz had 409 out, Steinmetz is pretty typical regard- tistics, 2011). their parents know about their sex lives. freshmen (23% of the population), 572 sophomores ing sex. Is that news? We think so. Who the students here at Steinmetz Regarding sexual orientation, Stein- (33%), 415 juniors (23%), and 375 seniors (21%). The Star staff was inspired to do a are having sex with is none of our busi- metz students report higher percentages Following these proportions, we tabulated the results of sex survey because of the one we saw ness, but according to our survey results, of Lesbian Bisexual Gay Transgender surveys from 80 freshmen, 116 sophomores, 80 juniors, in the Ventura, California high school most students are having sex with some- (LBGT) identification than national aver- and 74 seniors. All Steinmetz students had an equal newspaper, The Cougar Press. one they have established a relationship ages. A 2012 national Gallup report finds possibility of being surveyed. We welcome reader feedback on with. This, too, follows national trends that among those with a high school edu- We appreciate the students who answered our ques- our stories. Email us at steinmetz- “Among sexually experienced teens, cation or less, 3.5% identify as LGBT. • tions. • [email protected] or talk to any of our editors (see page 2). • Steinmetz Star relationship and sexual activity / opinion results from 350-student random sample , all grade level, anonymous survey

What do you consider a Have you ever had If having sex: Have you If you abstain from serious relationship? sexual intercourse? (or your partner) ever sexual activity: Why?

• partners dating for a considerable • no: 54 % gotten pregnant? • haven’t found the right person: 29 % amount of time: 65 % • yes: 46 % • not ready: 21 % • partners who say they’re in love: 30 % • no: 76 % • don’t want possible physical consequences • sexually active partners: 4 % • yes: 24 % (infection, disease, pregnancy): 19 % • don’t want emotional risk: 11 % If having sexual in- • religious reasons: 8 % How many serious rela- If you have not had tercourse: How often tionships have you been sexual intercourse, What is the number of do you use a condom in during high school? have you engaged in partners with whom when you have sex? • one: 42 % another kind of sexual you’ve had sexual activity? • zero: 36 % • every time: 50 % • zero: 43 % • two: 15 % • almost every time: 16 % activity? • one: 29 % • three or four: 5 % • half the time: 12 % • two - three: 16 % • five or more: 2 % • rarely: 8 % • no: 62 % • four - five: 7 % • never: 14 % • yes: 38 % • six or more: 5 %

8 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Feature: Sex and Relationships 9 Sexually active teens need information 15–24-year-olds represent only one-quarter of the sexually By Katie Christ active population, they account for nearly half (9.1 million) of the 18.9 million new cases of STIs each year.” ost people become sexually active by their late teens. Condoms are highly effective (although not 100%) in But many high school students don’t understand the preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and Mconsequences of sex. Some just don’t listen in class infections. and their parents haven’t talked to them about how important “Abstinence from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the it is to be safe. only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and “My whole life my parents never talked to me about sex, pregnancy,” according to the CDC. “The correct and consis- and I had no idea how important it was to use a condom until tent use of male latex condoms can reduce the risk of STD everyone around me started getting pregnant,” a student said. transmission, including HIV infection. However, no protective Having unprotected sex can change your life drastically. method is 100% effective, and condom use cannot guarantee “A woman who is sexually active and not using contracep- absolute protection against any STD or pregnancy.” tion has an 85% chance of becoming pregnant within a year,” When people decide to have sex, they also decide how to James Trussell, a Princeton researcher, writes in Contraception handle the risks. (2011). “I’ve been using condoms ever since I first started being Rates of HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infec- A sexually active woman who is not sexually active, and I don’t regret it whatsoever,” a student said. tions and diseases (STI, STD) are also high for teens. Students who need help obtaining birth control and STD “Young people aged 13–24 made up about 17% of all peo- using contraception has an 85% chance protection should see one of the school nurses in every day ple diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the United States in 2008,” of becoming pregnant within a year. in Room 119, or their counselor. according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). “Although •

Staff editorial Abuse, assault, rape Don’t rush into sex, stay abstinent are crimes, not sex: Students should live are surrounded with sexual messages ods to stay protected when having up to their own values in movies, songs, TV, and advertise- sex. But these methods will not pro- Speak out now! ments. However, there are those who tect your feelings, feelings that lead to manage to stay away from sex and more danger then you think. By Jisel Garcia By Kasia Jalowiec follow certain morals because of their “Sexually active kids are more religious or personal beliefs. likely to be depressed and attempt very year an average of 200,000 people are sexually assaulted. here are only a few students Staying abstinent till marriage or a suicide,” according to www.ortho- (US Department of Justice) Most of those assaulted are today that talk about saving in a long term relationship means doxytoday.org. “When compared to Efemale. It happens to many girls. In the U.S., 7% of girls Tthemselves for marriage or for never having to feel regret and guilt. teens who are not sexually­ active, in grades 5-8 and 12% of girls in grades 9-12 said they had been that special someone they know teenage boys and girls who sexually abused. (Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of they’ll be with forever, for better are sexually active are sig- Adolescent Girls, 2009) or for worse. Life is risky. Some are small nificantly less likely to be The highest risk years are 12-34. Girls ages 16-19 are four Kids don’t seem to consider risks while others are bigger. happy and more likely to times more likely than the general population to be victims of the emotional effects of sexual feel depressed.” rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. (U.S. Bureau of Justice activity as seriously as the physi- What risks will you take? Staying abstinent means Statistics, Sex Offenses and Offenders) cal effects. 100 percent effectiveness of Most teens who have been sexually abused know their abusers It is horrible to have it on not getting pregnant and — 34% of attackers are family members, 59% are acquaintances, your mind that you gave up your A good relationship must have good not getting STI/STDs. Staying ab- 4% of the perpetrators are strangers to the victim. (U.S. Depart- virginity to someone who never re- communication between two part- stinent means no hurt feelings in- ment of Justice) ally cared about you. Three out of ners. In other words, being honest volved. Staying abstinent might help Some people who have been raped, assaulted, or sexually four girls wish they had waited longer with your boyfriend or girlfriend and teenager’s emotional well-being. abused are afraid and it becomes part of their lives. They become before starting a sexual life, according not avoiding uncomfortable topics. It is never too late to choose not depressed. Some commit suicide, cut themselves or sadly may to www.youngwomenhealth.org Be in control of your life, develop to have sex. Even for those teens who grow up to do it to other people. It’s a terrible crime. Both men But it takes a lot to stay absti- self respect, and experience healthy already started having sex. and women can do it to their own family or friends. For many nent because we are sexual human long term relationships. Think with Life is risky, some are small risks victims, the assaults lead to drug and alcohol abuse. beings with natural behaviors. Es- your head not your body! while others are higher. What risks In order to overcome the assaults, victims need to get help and pecially in today’s society where we There are a lot of different meth- will you take? • report the crime. It’s never too late to speak up. If you are a victim, get help now. All students can speak with their counselors.• Steinmetz Star relationship and sexual activity / opinion results from 350-student random sample, all grade level, anonymous survey If sexually active, what is the What is your sexual Opinion statements: Most high school relationship between you orientation? People should not have students are too young

and the person with whom • straight: 84 % sexual activity unless to have sex responsibly. • lesbian or gay: 7 % you last had sexual relations? • bisexual: 4 % they’re married. • agree: 71 % • transgender/other: 2 % • disagree: 29 % • boyfriend or girlfriend: 56 % • unsure: 3 % • disagree: 64 % • friends with benefits: 23 % • agree: 36 % • pervious relationship: 14 % • one time thing: 7 % Most high school People should not students do not Do you discuss engage in sexual activity Are your parents aware of understand the risks of sexual activity with unless they are in a your sexual activity unprotected sex. your parents? committed relationship. • no: 68 % • agree: 86 % • yes: 32 % • no: 57 % • agree: 76 % • disagree: 14 % • yes: 43 % • disagree: 24 %

February 2013 Steinmetz Star 9 10 Star Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day shout-outs

To Edward, I want to tell you how thankful I am for having some- one like you in my life. You changed my thoughts towards everything. You’re such a good- hearted person and make my day, everyday. You’re funny, honest, caring, For Carolina and loyal — everything any- I made this piece as a surprise for my girl friend, Carolina one would want in a boyfriend. Avila. I made it with oil pastels. The look on Carolina’s face when We’ve been through so much I show her will be priceless. together and we’ve overcome Phillip Quezada every obstacle that came our way. You’re not only my boyfriend but my best friend. I could never imagine myself To Teresa with anyone else, ever. I love you, Happy Valentines Day. This girl. Teresa Marie Danko. Has my Five years and counting. 07/23/10, F&A. Hailey Rae entire heart. Not a piece. The whole thing. With our cute little letters and poems to each other. I can be completely myself To my boyfriend Jose Reyes around her. We have never been so happy Booger, thank you so much for always being there in our lives. for me. You’re the best boyfriend I could ever ask I love her with all my heart. I’m so for. I’m so lucky to have a person like you in my life. honored to call her mine. She’s the most You are the only person I want to be with for amazing girl ever. I would be lost in emo- the rest of my life and grow old with. My favorite tion if I never met her. place to be is inside your hugs, where it’s warm and Sincerely, loving. I love you! Tiffany Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, To Tiffany Emma Velazquez Tiffany AnnMarie Kolodziej is my girl- friend and my everything. I love her to my last breath, and long, long after that. If I I was running, and all I want is to forever could reach up and hold a star for every time call you my darling. To Jessica she’s made me smile, the entire evening sky She is my one and only. Happy six months anni- would be in the palm of my hand. Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweetheart. versary, Baby girl. This is the I love you more than I should. And I feel Love, Your adoring girlfriend first time I have someone who at ease when I shouldn’t. I fell in love when Teresa Danko is so special to me on this day. You’ve become my best friend. I appreciate all you’ve done and I can only wish we can con- To my school tinue to grow from each other. family Happy Valentine’s Day, Squeaky. I want to give Love, Brittny a special shout- out to my school family. I hope ya’ll have a good Val- To Saul Rivas entine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day, Pooh Bear. Even Shout-out to though we are getting tired of each other Lala, Tay, Asia, and arguing a lot doesn’t mean our love is Nene, Jovon, Jojo, fading away; we just have to work on it. Jarvez, Riah, Kat, You have made me the person I am Lil John, Kamari, today. You`re probably not even reading Mark, Brandi, Kamri, Nina, Tj, Nakita, Nique, Khadijah, and everyone else I forgot, sorry! this; I know how much you hate reading, Happy Valentine’s Day, Dejanae (Nae) but I don’t care. I want you to know how much you truly mean to me and how much I love you. Even though you’re a pain and drive me in- Dear Isaac Encarnacion, you are for me, and you deserve sane, I still care about you. We’ve been through You are my best friend. Hands someone who can be your rock so much; almost three years with you and down, without a doubt, no questions and your strength; your inspira- many more to go. asked. I have a lot of people whom I tion and hope. I will forever be Te amo, I love you and hope you enjoy consider to be friends. Some of them thankful for you. this day. are good friends, some of them are even I know I’ve said it over and great friends, but none of them are you. over and time and time again, To Brenda My best friend. but I’m so glad that you’ve come On this date it all started and was I have no idea what I would without into my life. You’re the one per- one of the happiest days I ever had. you, and I sincerely hope I never have son who’s been through hell and You made me look at the world in a to find out. The thought of losing you back with me. I don’t know what different way. You made me happy positively breaks my heart, regardless to say. I don’t know what I would like no one else had. You were there of all the arguments we have. You are do without you. I’m just so glad when I needed you the most. We my rock, my strength, my inspiration, my hope. I have you. have been through a lot together. When I’m lost, or scared, or broken; or when I’m You’re the one person who never gave up on me. We had so many good times together feeling hopeless and unworthy, you are the one who You held it all in. I’m annoying and grumpy, I have a like when you threw a branch on me and I couldn’t get up. I want you to know is always there to pick me up. You don’t question or short temper, and you’ve managed to deal with all of that you’re very special to me, no one will take your place. I love you, monkey. judge me; you simply help and support me. it. You were here before anyone else, and I wouldn’t S n B to the fullest Saul I could have never asked for a better person to call trade you for anything. I love you. No one under- my best friend. I don’t know how I can be so lucky stands why. Even I don’t understand sometimes, but I as to have you, because God knows I don’t deserve know that this is real. I know what’s real. I know that More To Dominic you. You make me laugh when there’s no light in the no one is going to change that and you know so too. Happy Valentine’s world, you dry my tears when I’m afraid, and you’ve Thanks for always being there, always putting up shout outs Day to the most always been there for me every single step of the way. with my mood swings and staying, even when there amazing boyfriend. I No matter what. were so many reasons to leave. Thanks for being with on Page 14 love you. And I wish I can be there for you as you are for me. Thanks for staying, even when things got hard. I Rebecca me. I feel like I’m not able to be there for you as love you. 111511 Pancha

10 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Valentine’s Day 11 Favorite romantic movies and songs “Hold on Till May” by Pierce the Veil Karina Barrigan, sophomore

“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 Maria Concepcion, junior

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri Camila Ledesma, junior

“Paris, Tokyo” by Lupe Fiasco Aaron Shanks, senior

“Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City Marquez Hondras, junior

“Me and You” by Cassie Patrica Joiner “’Breaking Dawn.’ I love how Edward “Dear John’, because it’s cute.” Favorite romantic movie and song interviews and Bella finally got married.” Felisha Cordero, sophomore by Sergio Rodriguez, Amanda Gidney, “Love Song” by Rihanna Elizabeth Queen, senior Makennzee Curran, Lexus Castro, Amaria Joiner, senior “Till this day my favorite movies will have Jackueline Flores, Luis Lopez, “My favorite romantic book is Pride and to be ‘Titanic’ and ‘Dear John.’” Elizabeth Martinez, Vanessa Solis, Jesus “I Think I Love Her” by Gucci Prejudice by Jane Austen.” Ashley Aquino, junior Ramirez, Serlecia Jones, Andrea Silva John Shelby, sophomore Colleen Walsh, teacher “My favorite is ‘The Notebook’. It’s such ‘A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri “Titanic.” a cute love story and puts me in a good Esther Velazquez, senior Eveline Garcia, senior mood.” Samantha Jo Meegan, junior “Love Without Tragedy” by Rihanna “Love and Basketball.” “I thoroughly enjoyed the Leonardo Di- Giovanna Hernandez, junior Kaila Ruiz, junior caprio version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and the movie ‘Say Anything.’ My wedding song, ‘In “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” “‘Charlie St. Cloud,’ because it’s the only Your Eyes’ by Peter Gabriel came from that by Aero Smith movie that ever made me cry.” movie. My first dance song at my wedding Andres Reyna, sophomore

Yamile Ocampo, junior was ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ which is also one NEW S ON MICHAEL BY ART of my favorites.” Renalto Roldan, staff “I was inspired by the song ‘The End of “Ordinary People” by John Legend Heartache’ by Killswitch Engage.” Kaila Ruiz, junior Michael Newson, senior Surviving heartbreak By Brandon Robinson will come back and that’s something I don’t need. To gift or not to gift ost high school relationships end. This Ms. Cotto: Sometimes, but it’s more like much they mean to you? And why on this is a situation that most teens who have acquaintances. By Ester Grimaldo specific day? Mbeen involved in romantic relation- Any advice you would give to young lov- “I just treat it like it’s any other day,” ships go through. ers? hy choose Valentine’s Day to senior Samantha Alverez said. “I don’t The Star interviewed senior Keana Taylor Keana: Never run a mile for someone who’s express your love to others think it has to come to that day to give and teacher Ivelisse Cotto about their heart not even worth the walk. Wrather than on any other day? something to your lover.” breaks. Ms. Cotto: Don’t confuse love with feelings Some other people think this day serves Would someone really go Tasmanian Have you ever got your heart broken? because feelings fade. Love is something that no purpose. Either they had their hearts Devil crazy if their loved one didn’t give Keana: Yes, I’ve had my heart broken before. takes time and it’s easy to get high off emotions. broken on that day, have no one to spend them anything on this day? (Some people, I’ve been through more than one heartbreak. Have you broken anybody’s heart? it with, or just don’t want to waste money especially girls, have done this.) There I gave my all into a person that didn’t even Keana: I left him knowing that he was in on something ridiculous. should really be no difference from re- appreciate the things I did for him and also love with me. But it’s hard to treat this day like any ceiving gifts on this day than on any other disrespected me. Ms. Cotto: Yes, I have because there was no other day when you see gifts passing from day. Some people are just glad to spend Ms. Cotto: Yes, I have. We just had different communication and he started assuming a lot one person to another and people being time with their loved one on this day, not views on life. so I had end things because it wasn’t healthy affectionate with each other (even some- even caring about gifts. Do you still keep in touch with the person? for the relationship. times in your personal space). Daniel said he wouldn’t mind receiving Keana: No, because I feel like my feelings • “It’s a depressing day when you have no something on Valentine’s Day. one to spend it with and you see couples “Who doesn’t like getting free stuff?” everywhere being romantic with each he said. other,” senior Daniel Gray said. Daniel suggested that $50 and about Why they cheat Some people buy (or make) candy, three days looking for gifts would be the You may be surprised to know that some chocolates, stuffed animals, roses, bal- amount of money and time he’d spend on By Jennie Czahor people cheat to get away from the one they are loons, rose, etc. They take out someone on a Valentine’s Day gift. Samantha said an with because they are being brought down, but a romantic date, do something romantic, “edible fruit arrangement” would make a t’s an unsettling thought, if you are in a rela- are too afraid to say goodbye to the person who is or do something extravagant. But why do great gift. tionship, that someone could be unfaithful to stifling their social life. One student, who asked all of these things to show a person how • Iyou whilst you are giving them your heart and to be anonymous, was in such a situation before soul, no questions asked. It’s even more unset- going out with their current significant other. tling to have trust issues weighing you down if “A lot of people know my story,” the student you know your significant other has had issues said. “I did it because I was given a ‘free pass.’ Boys be like/Girls be like with infidelity in past relationships. My [significant other] and I had been fighting “Who’s to say that they won’t do it again?” a lot, and [they] were afraid that I was going to By Taylah Brown you may be asking yourself. Your friends and break up with [them]. So [they] wanted to let irls be like... family may even warn you, “once a cheater, al- me get it out of my system. I did everything oys be like... I’m over him. ways a cheater,” and give a lengthy anecdote that I wanted that I wasn’t allowed to do for a Bay, that’s just my friend! G That’s just my best friend. about dating disasters past, and tell you to learn whole year in the time period of just three days! B You my forever girl. I’m in love. from their mistakes, so you don’t wind up with I had the best time of my life, I felt so free. No I love you! That’s my hubby. a broken heart. shackles, nothing kept me down, and I never for We gonna be together forever. 2.14.2013 — I love my boo. First off, you can only learn for yourself, and one second thought of [them]. And I realized I’m faithful. I’ma ride or die. heart breaks will happen to everyone, unless that I was just wasting my time with [them]. It I never cheated on you. I’m not jealous. you’re betrothed or whatever. But you also can’t might sound terrible, but sometimes cheating You my only one. I’m wifey. always go with what your intuition tells you. You can ‘save your soul.’” I just wanna chill. may need another source. You may want to listen While some can justify their cheating, other I’m not talking to nobody else. Special thank to Stephanie Giron and to what your friends, family, or whoever has to people are just selfish, and can’t just keep their You the one. Melondy Pierce for helping come up with say, it may save you a few tears. Yet, love is blind. tongues to themselves.• these.• February 2013 Steinmetz Star 11 12 Star Arts & Entertainment Producing music in home Art teachers/ care takers recording studio By Erik Martinez By Dominic Masciopinto net with my tudents really care about our art teach- friends until ers, even considering them friends. veryone has dreams of making it in the I found an SYou can either talk to or learn from world. People are always trying to do answer. I ac- Rosanna Mark, Jennifer Bates, Melissa Ger- Ethings to make history or at least make tually went to leve, Gina Szulkowski and Alex Sutphen. an impact. Some of these movements people a professional The art classes are calm places once you start may be monumental, but for kids like producer who understand what the teachers probably go us in high school, they’re not so big. gave me a through to teach a class. I am grateful to Everyone also sees the artist on MTV, crack of FL know we have motivated teachers to do a Dominic Masciopinto

BET, and on the Internet with their music. Studios 10. CZAHOR JUDY BY not-so-easy job. As a teacher myself (Sun- It takes hard work to make quality music. I’ve been us- day school), I think their form of teaching People spend $50 to hundreds of dollars ing this program ever since. is great. They learn about the students’ Jennifer Bates with her at professional studios for their songs to Some people prefer other programs but interests and feelings through art and their 8th period students

be mixed and mastered. Kids our age can’t I like the one i have. with FL Studios, I can spoken words. MARTINEZ ERIK BY afford prices like that, especially during this record vocals, mix and master, and compose “I like the art classes because they let your challenging. I mean there was a time I had recession. beats as well. People who come through to creativity run loose,” senior Eric Albino said. to make a colorful box!” Anyone who has been to my studio has record in my mini studio say they love the “The teachers are fun, too. They’re not so “Ms. Bates’ class makes me feel great,” really appreciated the work and the care I quality that they get. I brought one of my strict, unlike a lot of teachers. They allow sophomore Alex Carrera said. “I think it’s put into their music. I treat the songs they cousins over to help introduce me to some you to somewhat express yourself or at least better than any other subject I’ve learned come to me with as if they were songs of professional producers. what you can.” from because I’m a visual learner. I get to my own, how I would want them to sound. “I’m amazed with how good the quality The art rooms also let the new transfer know artists and about paint. I also do art All the music production started back is for only recording in a closet,” Carlos said. students have a nice reason to come to school. projects from handmade material to recycla- in my sophomore year. I started to study a If there is anyone interested in using your “The art class is amazing,” junior Esteban ble, used things. The teachers are great. Ms. little bit into music composition and music talents to make some music, you can ask me Jara said. “It’s my first year here at this school. Bates tries to get to each and every student production. It seemed easy enough so I used to set up a time to record. Any and every- The experience is just thrilling because of the so we can know what to do.” whatever money I had to buy a microphone. one can come to record. If you would like teachers’ creative projects.They’re silly and • Once I had the microphone, I downloaded to know what it’s like, ask seniors Aramis a free program just to start off. After about Pates, Earvie Howard, Jesse Chavez, and a year of using that program, I knew there graduates Ajay Woodly and Emily Irizzary. had to be better. Their songs can be found on various sites, I started looking around on the Inter- and on phones all across schools.• Prequel coming soon By Anthony Lagunas

More gore than in original ears of War: Judgment, the next game in the Gears of War By Ricky Rico Gfranchise, the first prequel, will be be released on March 19 for he TV show “Fullmetal Al- the Xbox 360. chemist: Brotherhood” is a “Ah, a new ‘Gears of War!’ I Tremake of the anime “Full- can’t wait to play it with friends,” metal Alchemist” which aired in junior Abigael Medina said. “I’m so 2003. They are both based off of the pumped.” manga “Fullmetal Alchemist,” but “Gears of War: Judgment” is the Brotherhood is a retelling from the first game to appear without Marcus Fenix and a Hammer of Dawn beacon. If you suc- direct point of view of the manga. and Dominic Santiago as the lead roles. The cessfully defend the Hammer of Dawn, the In the world of Fullmetal Alche- Campaign takes you back to the immediate round will end, blowing the Locust to bits. mist, people called alchemists, who aftermath of Emergence Day and revolves If the Locust reach the Emergence Holes and perform a science called alchemy, around the trial of Kilo Squad, including uncover them however, the COG are ripped exist. Alchemy is the science of de- Lt. Damon Baird and Pvt. Augustus Cole, to shreds by a flood of Kryll. constructing and reconstructing something Alphonse Elric, on their journey to regain as they are accused of treason after a battle Epic has also revealed a new Multiplayer into something else. The science of Alchemy the bodies and limbs that they lost during against the Locust in Halvo Bay. Mode called Free-for-all. It’s the second is bound by one simple law, which is in order a failed alchemical experiment. This was Fans who pre-order “Gears of War Judg- new multiplayer mode to be announced for to gain something, something of equal value caused when they tried to bring their mother ment” at participating retailers will receive “Gears of War: Judgment” following Over- must be given in exchange. This is “the law back to life.The brothers search for an object an exclusive in-game multiplayer at launch, Run, and the free-for-all mode is a first for of equivalent exchange.” called a Philosopher Stone which amplifies the six shot Classic Hammerburst. It is highly the Gears of War series and will see players The story of “Fullmetal Alchemist: alchemists’ abilities. feared, an effective weapon, and is exclusively taking on an every-man-for-himself role. Brotherhood” is set in the early 1900’s and unlocked when you pre-order the game. Also Epic also said that Free-For-All mode will for Continued on Page 15 it follows two brothers, Edward Elric and the exclusive pre-order multiplayer charac- the first time it will pit COG soldier against ter skins will include Young Marcus, Young COG soldier in what they are billing as a Dom, Anya and Alex Brand. “test of wits and will.” It was announced at E3 2012 that Gears There will be a March 19 midnight launch Celebrity look alikes of War: Judgment will feature a new game with tournaments, special prizes and much mode called OverRun. As the COG, you’ll more. Pre-order your copy now to show that By Jalan Veal be protecting two sealed Emergence Holes you’re a true Gears fan! •

12 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Arts & Entertainment 13 Library receives grant Darius inspires IB juniors “It made me realize that By Andres Suarez & people even with disabili- Alex Torres ties are just like any other person, like you and me, arius Goes West is an and are not any different.” inspirational movie –— Brenda Sedano Dabout teenage rapper “It really informed me Darius Weems who has Duch- on the disorder and how it enne Muscular Dystrophy and affects people, yet they’re desperately wants his wheel- still like you and me want- chair to be “pimped out” on ing to do regular fun stuff.” MTV’s Pimp My Ride. — Kamil Stasik This young man who has “I thought that the never left his hometown of story was truly incredible. he library has been granted English, science, health, history. It is Athens, Georgia, and is in- He is honestly an inspira- a full-year subscription to available for students whose native capable of walking, is given tion to not only other kids Tuse the Brain Pop educa- language is Spanish as well. a chance of a lifetime by his with muscular dystrophy tional game from the Department Brain Pop includes GameUp, a free amazing friends, family, and but to every individual out of Libraries. Brain Pop donated 25 and fun game component. Brain Pop his community who help raise there who has a dream. I full-year subscriptions to libraries content is mapped to the Common enough money for Darius to loved how he wanted to and librarians who competed in their Core as well. go west to California to get his be treated like one of the training and quiz program. These “I hope everyone tries it and as I wheelchair on MTV. guys; he didn’t want any grants are valued at over $2,100 for am sure you’ll enjoy using it,” Ms. Muscular Dystrophy had hit the Weems family special treatment. I think that that shows that you the Jalili said. once before; it took away Darius’s older brother, his shouldn’t feel sorry for yourself and honestly if we school “I think hero, at the age of 19. Despite all the pain Darius threw all of our problems into a pile and were able and The next meeting of the book it is a lot has gone through, he still manages to put one of to see some other peoples’, we would want to pull provide of fun.” the biggest smiles on his face. ours back out. He definitely inspired me to live unlim- club is Tuesday, Feb. 19. You This is an inspiring movie. The IB juniors every moment like it’s your last because you never ited Get your copy of Speak. can ac- watched “Darius Goes West” and were able to know when it’s going to end.” — Taylor Silvestri access cess Brain connect with him. “It shows we should never back down.” — Eliseo to Brain Pop by “I felt great inspiration and joy when watching Perez Pop databases. We were among those going to www.brainpop.com, User- the movie. It filled me with great happiness.” — There are nine types of muscular dystrophy. The chosen to receive this grant due to name: Steinmetz, Password: Brain- Francisco Holguin disease weakens the muscle tissue throughout the Nassrin Jalili’s participation in train- pop. Everyone is welcome to use it. “The movie is pretty awesome. It shows a kid body and eventually the muscles in the heart will ing and quiz completion. Ms. Jalili and teacher Tara Scolire with a illness that will kill him and he’s like, ‘Bro, get so weak the heart will give out. Brain Pop is a fun, animated, cur- continue sponsor the book club. that’s not gonna stop me from having a awesome Most people with Duchenne Muscular Dystro- ricular content program that engages Join them in the library every other life.’ This guy can teach us a lesson that even if life phy won’t make it to the age of 25, Darius is now 23 students and supports education. Brain Tuesday for books, discussion, and puts you down you’re still capable of achieving and lives day to day with a tremendous smile, simply Pop may be used for individuals, team, candy. The next meeting is February something huge. I mean the guy can’t walk and he thankful he’s able to see another day. So go and eat and whole class instruction, and it cov- 19; they’re reading Speak by Laurie traveled most of the country. He’s a total boss!” — some “goslabi” and watch “Darius Goes West!” • ers a wide range of subjects, such as Halse Anderson. • Colin Quaglia Ask Mandee Truth in ‘Ill Mind of Hopsin 5’ all polished and clean life cause it ain’t getting catered brainless girls like you to hook By Iriz Garcia While your favorite rappers like Now whoever tries to call you up with “Yeah, he got it from me” on your stuff is a hater Then when they leave you, you t might be difficult to re- You been brainwashed by a You wanna succeed, you have cry and cry fuse to do stuff that you see fake life that you’re used to to try Talking about, “Oh my god I Ieveryone else doing, and living Or one day you’ll get older and can’t find a guy stuff that is all over the world. When I say the word “fun”, regret it all cause you can’t pro- I’ve spent so many years and But is never too late to open what do you envision? vide I’ve tried and tried everyone else so you can have your eyes and realize what is Probably drinking and smok- Your friends are lowlifes, don’t Why am I even on Earth? I By “Mandee” an unimportant conversation. fake and when everybody is ing out with your crew act surprised should die” Don’t abuse small acts just following a system. And chilling with clueless Look, just cut the bad fruit off ...Sometimes the secret to find ’d like to take a moment of kindness. if you borrow Some famous artists of women you trying to hook up of the tree, make the sacrifice is to stop searching to remember one of my something give it back, I do ours are brainwashing us with, bumping New Edition ...Girls, stop acting like you Try a new formula, cause your Iinspirations, Pauline Phil- hold grudges over my pens to think that if we don’t do Is that all you think life really is want a guy with traits like last one’s not working lips, the creator and writer and will bring it up every time this or dress like that we are Well if so, then you’re slow Romeo The term “real nigga”’s publicly of “Dear Abby”, an amazing you ask for something. And lames. ...Do you even have any goals Girl that’s a lie used advice column. Pauline Phil- don’t chew it either (that’s just When I heard “Ill Mind of Aside from hooking up with You always talk about how Are you one with nothing to lips, July 4, 1918 - January gross). Hopsin 5” by Hopsin it made girls and packing a bowl every man’s fake lose and something to 16, 2013. Don’t lie to yourself. You me realize everything he says Well let me guess- No And you can’t take it and you prove to homies up in your crew I refuse to give romantic can’t say you’re a vegetarian is so true. Some of the lyrics You’re only in school because want something real Is it because you’re selling drugs advice on Valentine’s Day. then follow up with, “but I (clean version) follow: your parents make you go Just save it to get loot The Star has enough love-re- still eat chicken and or fish.” When all you do is play beer Twice a week you put on your And brag about how you done lated topics this issue. I’ll just That just makes you a picky “...I’m embarrassed pong and hang out with your makeup and bracelets been shot and stabbed share a few pearls of wisdom eater. I will see you eat a spicy And I’m ashamed I played a bros And head to the club Like it’s fun to be you on other areas of school life. at lunch and nod in disap- part in this devilish game Yo, society’s got you living for a Pulling a lowlife man who But your life’s a struggle, right, Multi-task: If in the halls, proval. Making your common sense whack cause claim he cash making and you just hustling through walk and talk. Stop blocking • perish You’re an adult with no skills Til you let him in and find out Nah, you hamster boy, you just But I ain’t taking the full at all he work at the gas station stuck in a loop Not as scary as advertised blame You don’t read any books or One of them guys got you preg- ...Look at you, a real guy, Cause most of you chumps run- play ball nant and you can’t raise it thinking your life’s cool By Moriah Belt ning around here ain’t never You don’t draw, you literally do But you caused it, your actions Girls used to turn me down for had strict parents nothing at all made a fat statement guys who were like you ama, All of your brain cells rotting ...You don’t have cause you You want Romeo, then act Until you grab their heart and the new from weed idolize rappers that do patient shove a spearhead right through Mthriller, You feeling like if you ain’t got And all they say is “I got money And stop fronting like he in the Then they regret it because it surprisingly wasn’t it, life’s not as complete and it’s stacked to the roof” club posted in the back waiting wasn’t the right move as scary as everyone You hooking up with everybody And now you think that it’s gon’ It’s the club, where guys put on Your real man talk seems bogus thought, but ended you see magically just happen to you a new person A real man don’t brag about in a twist you would ...But still you out in these How? You’re lazy, you don’t After they get loaded with a being real as long as he knows it have never imagined. streets thinking you hot as can commit to labor few coronas And his future doesn’t seem The characters are be You pick something up, try They always shouting and wild hopeless unusual and creepy, the plot suspenseful. If you want the Without the knowledge to lead it out, and put it down two out with habits that very few A real man stays out of jail, complete summary, look for our review in the “Web Extra” so you just follow the sheep minutes later condone of handles stuff, and he keeps fo- pages of the February Star on the Steinmetz website. • Making sure your lame swag is Then you complain about your Then they look for beautiful cused...”• February 2013 Steinmetz Star 13 14 Star Arts & Entertainment Trying out for It was obvious on Feb. 7 America’s Got Talent that Steinmetz’ got talent

By Cathy Meraz hours a day, recording the song just for this event. The audition lasted 2 min- ramis Pates, Earvie Howard, utes and 27 seconds. Others only got Sharia Swanigan, and Tavonna 90 seconds or were cut off before that, AHoward auditioned for America’s Aramis said. Got Talent at McCormick Place on Janu- He thought they got additional time ary 27. The audition was unlike what because the judges were feeling them. they expected. After their performance the judges asked “It’s not so true what you see on TV,” questions such as if they are able to pro- Aramis said. “The lines appear to be long, duce their own original beats. but they take you in groups. The wait- “Earvie was raw,” Aramis said. “We ing room was a great. You meet and see go off each others energy. If Earvie goes people of all kinds. You see them practice hard, I’m a go harder and vise versa.” their acts, and of course, there’s a bunch They’ll find out by the end of Febru- of weird people.” ary if their audition will lead them to the Aramis and Earvie performed “Blood- next level in Las Vegas. Photos by Judy Czahor and Quijna Walton. More talent show photos in the line Anthem.” They spent three days, five • February Star “Web Extra” pages: www.steinmetzac.com

Valentine’s Day shout-outs

To Jose Giron, To Marisha Reynolds To Bricksquad To my cuddle muffin Dear Babe, Life has been an amazing ride You are super amazing and I love you to Shout out to my Bricksquad family! To my cuddle muffin, you have the cut- with you! I still remember the first time you death. You’re one of my best friends and my Happy Valentine’s Day est face, it’s so cute. You’re amazing, you’re came up to me and I find it incredible on how favorite buddy. To 2013. This our year. the best! far we have come with each other. We’ve built Sincerely, Becca Romanenko Breonn Bland From your Boo Bear so much laughter together, had so much love for one another, and unforgettable memories To Malcolm To Esmeralda Carreno To Iriz Illumin that will never be replaced! Shout out to my love, Malcolm I love you. You’re the greatest thing that I want to wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to Through the strong and the weak, we al- I love you, Bae! “Everybody wants to be happened to me. I’m glad we are together. I’m the most wonderful girl ever — Iriz Ilumin. ways managed to grow stronger because we a star but it takes someone special to be the happy to call you my girlfriend. From Anthony Guerrero have each other. I just wanted you to know moon.” Nathan Nieves that I’ll always be here for you just the way From, Asia Davis Happy Valentine’s Day, Don John you’ve always been here for me. I love you, Happy Valentine’s Day to my special Stagen, my sweet, cute ducky ducky num Jose. Happy Valentines Day to my wifey one. I’m happy you’re in my life. Also, Hap- nums. I will spoil you with love. Your babe, Vanessa Colin Brenda Escalante. Love you and I hope py Valentine’s Day to everyone who is there Your wifey, Li Nguyen everyone is having a good day. for me. Thank you for being in my life. To Corey Maria V. Maria S. Happy Valentine’s Day to my best I love you, Boo Bear. Happy Valen- friends Giovanni Ariza, Sandra Morales, tine’s Day! Kat There’s nothing better in life than having Happy Valentines Day to my cousin Li Nguyen, Erick Parra, Isabella Rios, Jisel love in your life. I appreciate all my friends Tracy F. I love you. Don’t give up. Garcia, Edmund Dones, and most of all, Bittersweet, how I like my chocolate and and family. Happy Valentine’s Day every- Maria S. Kamari Joiner, who I love with all my heart. how I feel about my Valentine baby growing one! Feliz dia del amor y la amistad! Thank you all for being so caring and kind up. Happy Birthday Iviera, Noemi Vazquez Happy Valentine’s Day for the sexy Pol- to me all the time. I love you, Mom ish Justyna. Luis Ortega Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends. Li Nguyen Love you all. Stephanie E. Happy Valentine’s Day to all the couples! Yay! Brenda E

14 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Sports 15 Division 2 college signs Breanna Fiore grows as Dominic Masciopinto leader in tough season By Coach Tim McNulty By Serlecia Jones reat news: Domi- nic Masciopinto nly one win in the entire season, Gsigned a National but senior Breanna Fiore stuck Letter of Intent to play Oit out. After losing five starting football at Division varsity players last year, the team had to 2 Quincy University. rebuild this year. And it needed Breanna Dominic is the first Sil- to lead. ver Streak to sign at the “You have to show up to every practice Division 2 level. and not give up in order to work and play Dominic signed his let- better as a team,” she said. “Always think ter of intent on February G IDNEY AMANDA BY positive and believe in yourself.” 6, National Football Signing Day, in the library surrounded by his teammates. We are all She played four seasons of basketball. proud of him. Go Streaks! Sophomore year was a highlight with the • team undefeated. Breanna said she appreciated all her Freshmen undefeated in coaches, especially Nicole Barnes and Jus- tin Everage “for pushing me and helping me with my skills. They were my motiva- conference tion on and off the court.” reshmen Streaks basketball continued The team is 11-2; the last loss was in Coach Barnes returned the praise. their winning streak, beating Urban November. The final conference game is on “For three years, Breanna has had the P HOTO YEARBOOK FPrep 53-34 on Feb. 8 and dominating Saturday, Feb. 16. The Streaks are the only benefit of being able to be a supporting “She has also been a leader off the court, Northside Prep 29-14 in the game on Feb. 9. undefeated team in conference. player,” Coach Barnes said. “This year, encouraging her teammates and trying her “In both games we a great defensive pres- “We do look strong,” Coach Bagdonas however, she was one of three or four re- best to stay positive even through a rough ence,” Coach Paul Bagdonas said. “It’s all said, “but I don’t assume anything until we turning players and had to step it up both season,” Coach Barnes said. “She has been about team work in practice and during game win our remaining games.” on and off the court. She has been a leader committed to the team from her first day time.” • on the court, taking charge and being able as a freshmen and it will be strange not to to play any position at any time. “ have her around next year after she gradu- ates.” Don’t give up on your dreams • By Kasia Jalowiec

enior Aramis Pates proves that giving up on your dreams is not an option. S By senior year, Aramis came to be a valued defensive end and right tackle on the Streaks, the best football team the school has seen for years. But it wasn’t always like that for Aramis. Taking his first steps into high school, he wanted to join the team. His dreams got crushed when he found out that he couldn’t play in the games because he didn’t participate in the summer camp to learn all the basics of football. During the season he never got a real po- sition. He got his equipment late; instead of having green pants like all the other team members, he received white pants. He participated in all practices, but he did not get to play on the field during games. Not only did Aramis Pates, #62, finally get to play some football, he got to play on 2012 Varsity Streaks, There was a time when the coach told him he a team that won its first round game in the state playoffs. couldn’t play because he didn’t have enough BELT MORIAH BY practice. When sophomore year arrived Aramis gave the stage without giving it one last shot. He games, and played only Madden, no other “It was definitely a terrible feeling,” Aramis up. He didn’t play and was not on the team. knew it would be a challenge but he was de- video games. Whenever he could he would said. “I felt like there was no reason to play,” he termined to try. run and work out on his own, and he finally The saddest memory from his freshman said. But he returned to the team junior year “I did nothing but eat, breath and live played for the team. year was that none of his teammates remem- because his friend Earvie Howard motivated football,” he said. This is how determined he “He worked hard for his spot,” Coach Mc- bered him during practice; they didn’t even him to try again. was to be on the field. He wanted to play even Nulty said. “He stepped into his position and know he was on the team. As his senior year came Aramis said, “OK, if it was going to be the first and last time. he did a nice job. It was his best year by far.” He told the Star he felt angry his teammates it’s time to step it up.” He realized it was his Aramis told the Star that every chance he Aramis wants to continue to play football didn’t know he was there. graduation year and he did not want to cross had he’d practice. He watched all the football in college. “I can not, not play football,” he said. • Great storyline and characters in Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood Continued from Page 12 The act of creating humans through alchemy is called “hu- Brenda Villegas, freshman, likes “Fullmetal Alchemist: man transmutation,” which is taboo or forbidden in alchemy. Brotherhood” because “it’s really interesting, everything about Being a tabu and all, there are consequences that derive from it! Like how they included the seven deadly sins, the anima- it. Edward lost his left leg, while Alphonse lost his whole body. tion, just everything about it.” When Alphonse lost his body, Edward sacrificed his right arm “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” does have a little more to bring his brother’s soul back and put it into an armored suit. gore than the original, but it’s okay because we’re all high school The Brotherhood version of Fullmetal Alchemist has a far students and the maturity of the show works great in giving better story and characters that were not introduced in the the viewers a better feel to the serious part of the anime. It’s original anime. The old characters are even more awesome rated TV-14. too. Unlike in the original anime, you don’t get a confusing Overall, if you choose to watch “Fullmetal Alchemist,” ending, you get a perfect ending to a perfect series. I recommend watching the Brotherhood version. You can “I just like the storyline,” senior Norjoria Pratt said. “I like watch both versions online on Netflix or on the Funimation the character Edward.” website.• February 2013 Steinmetz Star 15 16 Star Sports In spite of loss, Streaks play game to remember Great experience at United Center

By Lechele Glispie

The Streaks took on Schurz on January 25 at the United Center. Even though Tthey lost they were happy they had the chance to experience playing on the floor of the Chicago Bulls. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for some students. “Hey, you can’t win them all,” senior Mon- trell Block said. “Even though we didn’t win we got the experience, and we will never forget that.” Players and Steinmetz fans got the oppor- tunity to meet basketball players, and watch them warm up before the Bulls played their game. On game day, the players dressed up in their dress pants and ties, looking very pro- fessional. Not all the basketball players were seniors. They were able to select students from the freshman basketball team to go with them. The students were able to go into the Chi- cago Bulls locker room. They got to greet the members of the team, and they even got autographs. Markiece Lindsey takes a shot against Schurz at the United Center. “This is not something every person gets to see,” freshman Paris Glispie said. “I had S TAFF MENDRANO, CLAUDIO BY floor seats and I actually stood on the floor where Derrick Rose plays. This was better than “The Streaks took a tough loss but the opportunity and experience from Montrell Block, Craig Williams, Joseph Burns, Markiece Lind- amazing. I’ll do it all over again if I could.” was just too overwhelming and exciting for them to be discouraged sey, and a combined 20 points from backcourt guards Kyle Williams Star reporter Kyle Wiliams added the fol- and depressed throughout the night. There were great performances and Jahari Jones.” lowing report: • Jason Cathey: ‘Huge Bulls crush Warriors at honor’ to play ball madhouse on Madison

By Anthony Guerrero

enior Jason Cathey is a varsity basketball player Sfor the Steinmetz Streaks. He is the third youngest of a fam- ily of six. He was born April 27, 1995 in Aurora, Illinois. After high school Jason wants join the U.S. Air Force. Before coming to Steinmetz, Jason went to several different high schools. For freshman and also half of his sophomore year, Jason went to Waubonsie Valley High School, where he first started playing sports. “When I was there I wanted Pedro Diaz points to Bulls player Joakim Noah, who had just signed his hat to play a sport,” Jason said. “So I joined football.” S TAFF MENDRANO, CLAUDIO BY He played quarterback. Half- tor up. On every floor there are concession way through sophomore year Ja- By Matthew Maggit stands and mini bars everywhere. When you son moved to Killeen,Texas where Jason Cathey at the United Center get in the stadium, people are everywhere. BY CLAUDIO MENDRANO, S TAFF MENDRANO, CLAUDIO BY he would attended Ellenson High fter the Steinmetz Streaks played Beer men are also all over the floor. School. He would only be there for half of fired up is gospel music and really upbeat Schurz on January 25, the Chicago After we got our food, we went to the sophomore year and junior year. Hip-Hop music.” ABulls played the Golden State War- seats. There was an opening, like a hallway. “During my time in Ellison I joined sev- One of his biggest inspirations for basket- riors. That was the opening to the court. After I eral sports,” Jason said. “I joined track and ball is the superstar Derrick Rose. The game started at 7:00 sharp. I got found my seat immediately the game be- once again football.” “Derrick is the most hard working basket- there at 6:50 and I arrived to a packed sta- gan with the announcement of the starting After moving to Chicago and entering ball player in the whole entire league,” Jason dium. People were pushing to get in the lineups.You feel much more engaged and his senior year at Steinmetz, Jason joined his said. “His humbleness and good work ethic door. I could feel the energy all over. involved in the game when you’re there in favorite sport — basketball. makes me want to be like him.” Once you get in the door, you have to person than seeing it on TV. Benny the “Basketball is my favorite sport to play The day he went to play at the United go through a metal detector where all the Bull was hyping up the crowd and shoot and I never played for a high school team Center was the best experience he ever had. security guards check you and your bag for out free stuff. before, so this was a huge honor,” he said. “When you go to the United Center and metals and food and liquids.They threw The Bulls beat the Warriors. Nate Robin- Like many other athletes Jason has several play on the very same floor as Michael Jordan away the bottle I had. son and Kurt Heinrich had 20-point games. different ways to prepare for a game. and Derrick Rose, it makes you change the After the metal detectors, you give them Joakim Noah had a 16 rebound game. It “Before any game I need to get fired up,’” way you play.” Jason said. “I played harder your tickets to beep, then you’re in. Since really wasn’t a close game, the Bulls had the Jason said. “The music that helps me get and better, and I had the best time.”• I was on the third floor, I took the escala- game the whole time. • The spring sports season begins soon. Get your physical and see your coach. Girls track (Coach Abel Pererya), soccer (Coach Nicole Barnes), softball (Coach Robin Russo); Boys track (Coach Paul Bagdonas), water polo (Coach Gerald Cole), baseball (Coach Renalto Roldan), volleyball (Coach Darrin Sorotki).

16 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Web Extra 17 Former principal sends Happy days for Hef congratulations

February 20, 2013 Dear Sharon, I received a copy of the Feb 2013 Star. Congratulations to you and the staff. The paper looks and reads great! Sincerely, Dr. Kiamos Teacher says students are greatly improved

February 15, 2013 get too loud or need to take your seats. After subbing here for several years, The best part: more and more of you are I’ve noticed Steinmetz’s students have completing your work. changed for the better. Thanks for being the kind of students You’re now wishing me a good morn- your teachers can admire. ing, listening to my instructions, address- Sincerely, Peter Nerad ing me as sir, and apologizing to me if you

Shout out to my boyfriend

To Jose Salazar I want to send a Valentine shout out to all my friends — Jocelyn Villa, Di- ana Preciado, Stephanie Presa, Janelly Martinez, Emmanuel Lagunas, Yajaira Aguirre, Miguel Ocampo — and happy birthday to Andrew Perez. A special shout out to my boyfriend, Great long term Jose Salazar,- because he’s always been there for me and I’m happy he’s my Val- relationships are possible entine. I love him, 9.18.12! Love, Arely Continued from page 17 I admit, relationships at this age can be hard to keep up with especially if you’re planning on getting serious with each other. But it always depends on how the relationship is and the way Seniors propose college you treat each other. I think the basis of a relationship is trust, without trust, everything would just be a game and day, other events end up horrible. Yes, it is high school where there is By Brittany Garcia drama in every corner of the halls, but if you trust each other, everything will s senior class officer we are trying to be alright. There will always be people make it the best year for our seniors. spreading rumors but if you really care ABut it is stressful and a lot of hard about each other, none of that matters. work. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by In order to get respect from people, planning everything. you need to show them that it’s only We are trying to get the seniors who and always going to be you and your

are on track to graduate out of uniform g arcia significant other. Don’t fool around, more often. We would like to have a college don’t play games, don’t do anything day, possibly every other month, to show that you will regret one day. Rumors where we are all going after high school and are spread by your bad actions, it will express that we are doing something good brittany BY always come back to bite you. Trust me, I There has to be trust, communication, re- for our future. Brian Moscol and the other senior class officers know how that is. spect, friendship, attraction, being able to are working on a proposal with the school Maybe if we have a lot of seniors wearing administration for more uniform-free days for the There’s no need to fight or argue, that’s a make it through tough situations to come college shirt that could change other minds seniors. waste of your youth and you’ll get wrinkles! together, surprising each other once in about college. Some seniors have no clue If all you do is argue, you might as well be awhile to keep that spark, support in each what they want to do with their lives after is coming up very fast there still enough single because. That’s too much stress to others’ hobbies, interests, and dreams, and high school, but if they see their friends all time to get on it. handle, which is part of the reason why just being there for each other; never letting wearing college shirt they make the right “The senior class officers care about the our parents don’t want us to date so young each other down. choose for their future. seniors,” vice president Giselle Jimenez because it’s too much stress to have for just Everyone will go through a relationship “The purpose of a college shirt is to have said. “We want everything happening in another young, immature person. at least once in their life and they will be the seniors feel appreciated and for all the the proper and correct manner.” I’m one to talk because I was young and able to experience everything that I men- underclassmen to see that we are ready to The administration, through assistant immature, too, but I have grown up to un- tioned, maybe even more. But again, it al- take a new path into our future,” senior class principal Cheryl Williams, has agreed to derstand what my parents meant. Everyone ways depends on the people involved in the president Brain Moscol said. allow seniors one college day, an ice cream will grow up one day and they’ll realize relationship. If a relationship has healthy We would also like to get together a bul- social, a senior breakfast and a barbeque. what their parents and/or family was talk- elements, they will have an amazing rela- letin board for the seniors to know what is The events may begin in March. Listen ing about. tionship that might even be able to last a going on and to stay on track for graduation for announcements. • In order to make a relationship work, very long time, cherishing each other until regarding attendance and grades. June 19th there are important elements to follow. the days end. • February 2013 Steinmetz Star 17 18 Star Web Extra Feb. 7 talent show brings out best

18 Steinmetz Star February 2013 Star Web Extra 19 Reviews: Mama and Total Blackout

By Mariceli Cadena The four groups can’t tell if the object is a spider, tarantula, or just a rubber duck, but f you’re looking for a new show to watch those are not all the objects. I recommend that is funny, “Total Blackout” is the an- “Total Blackout.” You can see the full epi- Iswer. sodes on http://www.syfy.com/totalblackout. Many of you may not heard the show If you’re scared of the dark you’re going before; it’s on Syfy Channel 122 on Tuesdays to laugh at the groups who go to “Total spent more time acting like an animal than at 9 p.m. Blackout” and scream or jump when they By Moriah Belt a human. Four couples enter Total Blackout to win heard or touch things. They weren’t the only ones who came $5,000 in the dark. In the dark the groups The host is Jaleel White (Urkel from Fam- ama, the new thriller, surpris- out of the woods — Mama came too. An- get scared at first when the bodyguard touch- ily Matters). He guides the groups to the ingly wasn’t as scary as everyone nabel became suspicious that someone was es them to guide them. door and tries to calm them down. He gives Mthought, but ended in a twist you visiting the girls at night. After the girl’s In the first challenge the groups have to each of the groups three chances to get the would have never imagined. The characters uncle mysteriously got hurt, he’s hospital- do things such as touch four objects, eat things right if they get it wrong the other are unusual and creepy, the plot suspenseful. ized for a while. So now Annabel has to donuts with a weird filling in them like garlic person have to guess the object. Some friends and I went to see “Mama,” take care of them by herself. or feathers, or guess the age of the person • the new thriller that surprisingly wasn’t as Mama didn’t mind them staying there, or object. scary as everyone thought, but ended in a but she doesn’t want anyone to take her twist you would have never imagined. place. Mama became angry because of the “‘Mama’ wasn’t what I expected,” junior doctor analysis and because Annabel began Zaina President said. “It really wasn’t scary, to care for the girl in a motherly sense. Soon but then again, previews can always make the doctor finds out about the woman who Norjoria Pratt showing something more than what it is.” they call Mama. The plot and characters are unusual, While Lucas is in the hospital his dead creepy, and suspenseful. If you want a sum- brother reaches out to him. The girls’ father work at Chicago Temple mary, go to our “Web Extra” pages of the explains that he had to go to the cabin in February paper on the Steinmetz website. the woods to save the girls. During that “The movie was scary in the beginning, time the doctor goes out to the woods to but toward the ending you really under- find Mama in the cabin, and tries to help. stood the hardships Mama faced during The doctor ends up very dead, and An- the time she was living,” junior Ashley nabel becomes nervous. She needs to talk Cotton said. to him about the girl’s past. When he never A father flees with his two daughters af- shows up, so she takes matters in her own ter killing his wife, and finds an abandoned hands, and takes all of the session tapes and cabin in the woods. A hideous ghost-like observations. creature kills him when he’s about to harm An angry Mama came to reclaim her his daughters. Surprisingly the creature was girls and tries to kill Annabel for taking very caring toward them. Over the course of them from her. Victoria convinces her to five years they grew to know her as Mama. stop, so instead they are taken back to the Without human care, though, the girls end cabin with Mama. up barbaric, almost like cave people. Mama had a baby that was taken from The girls’ uncle Lucas had been on a her. She took back her baby, and ran, get- search for his two nieces and was deter- ting to the end of the woods. There was no mined to find them. Even though he and where to go but off the cliff with her baby. his girlfriend Annabel are free spirits he was She hit the water, but the baby got caught willing to give up the carefree life to start a in a branch and died. So she decided to do responsible one with his family. it right this time with Victoria and Lily, but Once the girls were found they were Annabel wasn’t going to let that happen. taken to a hospital. A doctor questioned and Victoria wanted to stay, and Lily wanted analyzed the girls’ case for weeks. The old- to be with Mama, the woman she knew est, Victoria, explained what unfortunate for her short life. Victoria knew that was event brought them to Mama, and Mama’s where Lily belonged so she let her go. story about how she lost her own baby. Lily finally didn’t have to adapt to the new Lucas and Annabel fought for custody life. It never really fit her, so she was free of the girls. When the girls got home Lucas to live in peace, to be who she always was helped them to fit into the environment without any pressure of trying to fit in. they used to know. The youngest, Lily, was Victoria was ready to start her new normal mostly out of touch with human ways. She life with Annabel and her Uncle Lucas, was very young when they left, and had happily ever after. • Get help with Write to the your FAFSA Star editors Seniors, if you haven’t completed your Anyone in the Steinmetz community FAFSA, bring your parents’ information is welcome to send a letter to the Star to the upcoming FAFSA workshops: regarding any issue. Monday, Feb. 25 Give your letter to any of our staff Friday, March 1 members or email us: 12 - 4 p.m. [email protected] Senior Norjoria Pratt and 12 other African American artists reflect on children and their future — on both tragic losses and flourishing of children through families, Room 330 education, work, play, and the arts. The exhibit runs until March 31.

February 2013 Steinmetz Star 19