Volume 53, Issue 2 October Edition The Devil’s Advocate www.peotoneschools.org Peotone High School Since 1995

Just Do It Or Just Don’t Colin Kaepernick and His Protest by Ashleigh Viola “Believe in something. Even if it means always make it a point to be civil towards sacrificing everything.” On September other people’s opinions, if they are being 5th, 2018, Nike came out with a new presented in a good way. Colin Kaepernick ad featuring Colin Kaepernick. If you has shown nothing but disrespect toward are not familiar with Kaepernick, he is a our country and the men and women former NFL quarterback who caught the fighting for it, and because of that I have spotlight by kneeling for our country’s lost all respect for him. national anthem. The NFL and the 49ers When this ad first came out, I was were not happy about his protest and outraged that a company can represent he is no longer playing in the NFL. Colin someone who does not respect anything Kaepernick built his revolt on oppression that this country stands for. I just cannot and inequality. As a very patriotic wrap my head around someone being Republican, I find this whole controversy rewarded with millions of dollars for disgusting and so pointless and doing the wrong thing.This country and disrespectful to so many. The fact that this the people fighting for it are risking it all has been given the platform and support to allow us keep our freedoms. They give it has amazes me in the worst way. I (Cont. on page 2) (Cont. from page 1) us the chance to do all things we do and every right to feel a particular way and believe all the things we believe. How take action on those feelings. Personally, Welcome to PHS can one not feel outraged at the sight of I think you should stand up for what you Getting to know the new staff people kneeling when we are supposed to believe in, not kneel. by Mike Reidy he honoring so many? It is so wrong and As the year goes on the new teachers students and getting to know the district. selfish to take the spotlight and attention become more and more accustomed to I moved from a couple hours away to in this situation. Aside from the photos life here at PHS and their expectations are teach here, and I’m really enjoying it so and videos of praise that made the news, starting to become a reality. This month, far. I really want to spend this school year I did not see many people with opposing for our continuing series “Welcome to learning as much as I can about Peotone views speaking out on how they feel on PHS”, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Markowicz and seeing all that it offers, as well as a large scale. Soldiers give us the chance were given the same questions as the what I can add to it.” to do all things we do and believe all the teachers from last month, to give students things we believe. I, along with many an idea of how teachers feelings and What would you like your students to others who have unpopular opinions on opinions develop over the year. But the get out of your class? the topic, don’t have the platform and year is still young and they still have their “Teaching science, I would say there are support to share them. Even if we do, we hopes and fears that were present at the a couple of main things I want them to just are ridiculed and beat down until we beginning of the year. And they have plans get out of it. First, I want them really to do not speak out anymore. Besides a lone for how to deal with them. know what science is, and understand the news channel, Fox News, you don’t see process of science.... I also want them to conservative views being overly televised. practice being problem solvers. Whether I’m tired of being silenced for my it be linear problem solving, or outside conservative views on controversial topics. the box problem solving, they will have I was curious to see if anyone I knew to do both to do well in my class. I think felt the same way. I talked to Sophomore Lynn Merigold learning how to think through things Grace Renier, about her opinions. “ I think logically is a skill that can be applicable it is ridiculous how a company can use anywhere.” someone like Colin Kaepernick to be the face of their brand after everything that man has done. He refuses to stand for the National Anthem, which really bothers me. Mr. Thomas, Science Teacher Needless to say I will not be purchasing Before you became a teacher where did much from Nike anymore.” When I asked you go to school? her about speaking out on the topic, I got “After high school I went to a junior an answer that confirms what I thought. college for two years called Rock Valley “Nobody really ever takes it seriously or College... After I did that I transferred all wants to hear the opposing point of view. my credits and spent two years at NIU and They all say things like “Everybody wears got my BS in Chemistry.” Nike so who cares?” which is really sad. We should be listening and taking this What is your favorite part of teaching? seriously and talking about it from both “I would say my favorite part of teaching Mrs. Markowiz, Math Teacher sides, not just one.” is just watching my students learn... When This is our country and I believe that I see students do really well on things I Before you became a teacher where did we should do everything in our power give them it is really rewarding to me to you go to school? to respect and honor it and the people know that I was the one who taught them “I went to Lewis University, and graduated fighting for it. that.” with double majors in Mathematics and There are so many things about Karli Borsch What are you most looking forward to Secondary Education.” Kaepernick’s protest that should not be this school year? encouraged. The fashion in which he went “I would say just getting to know my about protesting is very wrong. You have (Cont. on page 4) Editorial 2 News 3 (Cont. from page 3) What is your favorite part of teaching? Peotone’s Fall Fest “My favorite part about teaching is being able to help students understand every Skills USA hosts festival in downtown Peotone problem has a solution(not just the math by Mia Steeves problems) and that it takes individual The Peotone Fall Fest comes to town on steps to get an answer. The best Saturday, October 20th this year. The fest moment for me as a teacher is when the has been going on for a few years now, students have a light-bulb moment when and is mostly full of vendors and craft everything just clicks into place and makes booths. The different booths are lined up sense.” throughout downtown Peotone, on Main and Second Street, and open up from 11 What are you most looking forward to a.m. to 3 p.m. For the first time, the fest this school year? was run by our own Skills USA chapter. “I am looking forward to getting Peotone Skills is under the leadership involved and getting to know not only of the new Industrial Arts teacher, Mr. my students, but all students at the Dustin Klecka Nealon. Nealon has done an excellent job school... I am excited to be a part of the in taking over classroom and Skills duties, school and celebrate in all the different as well as taking on the job of being the accomplishments each and every student new tech director for the PHS Theater. has. I am also excited about being the President of Skills USA, Senior Maura coach for Math Club and cannot wait Daly, explained some of the activities that to see how the students do at our first the chapter is involved in. “Skills USA is competition.” organizing vendors on Second Street as A few cast members from the upcoming play, well as running its own booth.” Activities, The Hobbit, came out to the Fall Fest and she says, vary from vendor to vendor. participated in the trunk-or-treat. Freshman Some of the vendors also participate in Richard Martz and Brook Bonk dressed up in the trunk-or-treat and hand out candy their costumes, along with Junior Rylie Pine from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts are a popular who will star as Bilbo Baggins in the show. part of the fest, “We are expecting a wide variety this year...come to Fall Fest Job Opportunities: to find out!” Daly said. Overall, the fest is expected to be a large success, and Pearl Dealership in Peotone for is only one of many projects that Skills a receptionist/cashier. Call Bill has planned for this year. Daly listed off VanRamshorst at Pearl 708-258-1700. Sophia Perry their busy schedule: “Skills USA runs football concessions with FFA. We are also Dralle Chevrolet is looking for a part- involved at Christmas in the Village, and time evening and weekend cashier. Call we have a booth there and help vendors Cindy at 708-258-3902. set up. We also do some community service projects throughout the year.” The There is a job opportunity for a part- money raised at the Fall Fest supports both time maintenance worker for after the Peotone High School Skills USA, as school and weekends. Call Ray at 815- well as the newly founded Peotone Junior 719-1126 High Skills. This money will help reduce costs of conferences, competitions, and *** See the Job Opportunities bulletin other events. board at the bottom of the main staircase for more information. Joey Uthe Mia Kuypers News 4 News 5 Say NO to Drugs Rearrangments on Rathje Road What is with all of this drug testing? Construction reroutes student traffic by Lynn Merigold by Julia Beechy For most students September 18th was selection for performance-enhancing What is going on with Rathje Road? It is practice because they would not make a typical Monday at Peotone High School. substance testing.” the question we have all been asking since it back in time due to the after school That was about to change when the bell Senior Alexis Kielczynski agreed to the beginning of school. Construction was rush. Hessler was not the only one late to rang to start second hour. A group of do an interview pertaining to this rather scheduled to start in June, but began at events; student driver Jerry Gersch was students, chosen at random, were selected the start of the new school year, the most late to the Homecoming Parade, as well as by Riverside Health Care to partake in inconvenient time for people in and out of work, on multiple occasions because of the a drug test. They were pulled out of the high school on a day-to-day basis. delay. their respective class and escorted to the The student traffic has been redirected All in all, the widening of Rathje Road main office, where the urine test was in multiple ways over the past couple has created chaos. Hopefully, the added administered. years. First, students were able to leave turn lane into the access road of the As part of the 2018-19 Student the school parking lot through the exit parking lot will be worth the craziness Handbook, students who are involved in by the subdivision and also by the access that takes place after school every day. extracurricular activities, such as sports road. Last year, they were limited only to and clubs, as well as students who have the access road to clear the traffic within parking permits, are required to agree to On page 139 (shown above) the handbook the subdivision after school. For safety random drug testing if they are selected. clarifies the random drug testing policy. reasons, Mr. Fantin stated, “I was informed The handbook states, “The purpose of this last year that we should not have our policy is to protect the health, welfare, controversial topic. She feels strongly that students leave the parking lot and go and safety of the student body.” Every “no one should be tested unless there is through the residential subdivision for month a select number of students will reasonable suspicion.” Many students safety reasons, therefore we routed our be chosen. If a student refuses to take the would agree with this, voicing their traffic onto Rathje Road.” This year, due test, it will be treated as an admittance opinions that the school should not be to the construction on Rathje, the students of guilt, meaning the student will receive involved with the students’ personal lives. are only allowed to exit through the the corresponding consequences. This Some students feel that administering subdivision across from the high school. information is found on page 139 in the this test invades their personal privacy. So far, there have not been any traffic PHS Student Handbook. Another issue that has been debated complaints from the residents living in the Recently the random drug test is being among the students is whether there subdivision. Fantin belives that, “as long as mixed up with the Peotone School District should be a 24 hour notice prior to taking drivers are obeying the speed limit and are The widening of Rathje Road to add a turn the actual test. Unfortunately, doing lane has resulted in a closed road for over two 207-U drug and alcohol policy. According driving safely, there probably will not be months. No end date has been set. to this policy, the proper authoritative role this would minimize the surprise factor, any.” potentially altering the results, making the has the right to administer a breathalyzer The redirecting of the traffic causes a Thank you to Mr. Peppmuller and the Golf or a drug test if the student is under entire test useless. big hold up on The Hauge Street. Before Numerous policies relating to drug, Team; Ms Bamble, Mrs. reasonable suspicion of using either of the construction, it took students approx. Matthias, Mrs. Aguilar, and the Best Buddies those illegal substances. This policy, found alcohol, and tobacco use are enforced three minutes to exit the parking lot. this school year. In the real world jobs for volunteering at the food pantry during the on page 127, is completely separate from Now, with the traffic directed onto one month of October. the Riverside random drug testing. often test for drugs in a similar way: road, it takes fourteen minutes to finally unexpectedly. Students should cooperate The word "Thank You" is not enough to let There is one more policy that needs to get to Corning Avenue. The delay not these students and teachers be discussed which is instilled in our Code with the school’s policies and say NO to only is annoying, but it causes students, drugs in the first place. know how much we appreciate the time that of Conduct. As part of the Illinois High like Senior Grace Hessler, to be late to they have taken to volunteer School Association (IHSA) there is a rule after school activities. “I have been late before starting their school day! about drug testing for student-athletes. Yearbooks are on sale again during to volleyball because of the rush of cars Thank you for helping us to help others in our On page 104 of the IHSA eligibility rules lunches beginning Monday, November trying to get back out of the parking lot community! it states that, “Student-athletes in the 26 through November 30 for $60. while I am trying to get back in,” says Beverly Christensen 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades at IHSA Prices go up to $65 January 1st! Hessler. Some students have had to Helping Hands Volunteer member-schools are subject to random sacrifice grabbing food before a 3:45 play News 6 News 7 (Cont. from page 8) Everyone who went to the Fun Fair PHS Fun Fair knows that it was exactly how Robinson NHS sponsors a new fall event described, and more. The gym was by Averi Fier decorated with hay, pumpkins, and more Friday, October 19th is a night of it is a given that the money earned will go fall decor. The silent raffle prizes were nostalgia. National Honors Society is to a good cause, but what exactly are they amazing and a huge hit. Almost every sponsoring a Fun Fair in the PHS gym. raising money for? “Our efforts will go to child went home with a fish, a face- This night will be filled with games, food, the ‘Digital Sign Fund’. We hope this sign painting, a pastry, and a smile on their and prizes… just like when we were in can be placed at the corner of Rathje and face. On behalf of NHS, thank you to elementary school! President of NHS, Billy North street to display school info, events everyone who came and supported this Robinson, was interviewed, and he gave and celebrations. Several graduating event. all the specifics on the event. classes have donated to this fund over the “The Oktoberfest Fun Fair will take years, and we hope to push it over the top place in the gym from 6-8pm on Friday, and get this project complete!” October 19th. Admission is free, and kids Finally, Billy Robinson says, “We hope can purchase tickets to play the games,” you can stop in and support our Fun Fair! Robinson says. Although this Fun Fair is I hope we can reach our fundraising goal, “focused on kids pre-k to 5th grade”, there but the best part is doing something fun will be plenty of activities suitable for all for the kids and having so much support Collin Veltman ages! You can expect to see a cake walk, from our staff and community!” So be sure Bozo buckets, photo booth, silent auctions, to bring your family and friends to the face painting and food such as pizza, hot PHS Oktoberfest Fun Fair on October 19th, dogs, chips and popcorn. Robinson also 6-8pm for a fun filled night of fall fun that says there will be an “epic fish bowl toss”. goes to a good cause! Kids will be able to win a live goldfish! The animals do not stop there, however. “Ms. Jacobs and the FFA group is adding to the fun with a petting zoo!” Robinson says. Mitchell Janik This is definitely going to be a night full of fun and games! So who is involved with the Fun Fair? When Robinson thought of the idea, he remembered how fun these types of fairs were in elementary school. After the idea was sprouted, many clubs and Marty Merigold organizations came together to make the Fun Fair extra-packed with games and events. “We could not have pulled this off without Mr. Nealon and the Industrial Tech Department, who are working on making some of our games; Mrs. Honel and the Art Department, for their creative skills in painting our props; Student Council; Ms. Jacobs the FFA/Ag Department; and Mr. Seniors, and NHS members, Lynn Merigold and Fantin, for all of his support. Also, I can’t John Schubbe are all smiles as they do their job- thank our current PTO enough for their encouraging and monitoring the silent auctions. advice, support and supplies to help get These prizes were very well put together, and us going in the right direction,” Robinson they were definitely a favorite of parents. Lucas Rumisek Collin Novak says. Since this is an NHS sponsored event, (Cont. on page 9) News 8 News 9 Fall Sports Spooky Numerical Superstition Spectacular season for all teams Be wary of what number is around the corner… by Seth Lonard by Lorraine Selucky Fall sports have been spectacular the Rival Cup with 4-1 win over Bishop You probably have knocked on wood this year. The Varsity football team McNamara. Varsity soccer player, Justin to “unjinx” yourself multiple times or you have avoided stepping on a crack because worked their tails off, but unfortunately Marevka, is extremely good. He is in the you “do not want to break your dear finished the season with a record of 4-5. top five in the country of scored goals. mother’s back.” Well sit back, grab a bowl Mark Uthe says “My favorite game was The Varsity team is 20-7 overall. Great of popcorn, light some candles and get Wilmington since we haven’t beaten work to everyone, and good job showing ready for a superstition. them since 2001 and never beaten them Peotone works hard and it pays off. Triskaidekaphobia. The fear of the number 13 is something that Madison at Wilmington.” Three golfers won All Hunding has. The number is often Conference: Lynn Merigold, Karli Borsch associated with bad luck. You would not and John Schubbe all shot exceptional want to have just 13 guests at a party scores. or be on the 13th floor of a building. Girls Volleyball Varsity team finished Madison said, “I started to believe this superstition about two or three years ago. with a 16-17 record. Mallory Schlinger I noticed that on the 13th of any month says, “Volleyball is a great team sport. I would have bad luck; it would be even Everyone comes together to make the worse if it was on a Friday.” That alone play happen.” Freshman Girls Volleyball made her have a stronger belief that 13 finished the season with a 19-3 record was unlucky. Yet, what makes the number 13 bad? One theory was made that Judas, and took 1st at the Plano tournament. the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was the They also went undefeated through their 13th person to sit at the table at the Last Conference schedule. Supper. In Norse Mythology, it is also Cross Country runner and freshman, Girls Cross Country team poses for a picture thought that tables of 13 are unlucky. Grace Battiato, is showing much promise while anxiously waiting for their results to be Hunding now tries to avoid the number announced at a meet this month. 13 in any way shape or form. After this season and captured 4th in the Varsity interviewing her, she has said that her bad race at the All Area Invite in Kankakee as luck got even worse. So does that mean Madison Hunding has such a fear of the number well as on state. Amelia Kuypers ended that just talking about the number 13 13, she won’t even dare look at the number, even if it is for a classroom. up taking 1st in the JV race while Sophia gives someone a bad luck? We may never Perry took 3rd and Maggie Kuypers ended know. cultures, they are also apparent in many On a lighter note, lets talk about a superstitions. up taking 4th. Girls Cross Country has lucky number. The number seven has been done an amazing job all the way around, associated with being lucky since ancient Seniors and their families are able taking second in the Conference. The times. For example, before the invention to complete the Free Application for boys Cross Country have placed 4th at of the telescope, only seven planets were Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The PHS the Seneca meet with Joey Uthe placing visible. The Ancient Greeks believed that Guidance Department strongly the number seven was the perfect number. 13th overall. Collin Bias believes his team recommends all college-bound seniors The number seven also appears many complete this application before has been much faster. Bias states “Cross times in the Bible. Yet, in Chinese culture, Girls Freshman volleyball team after working December 1, 2018. Check Country is a fun and a great way to get to win the Plano tournament. the number seven is associated with out www.fafsa.ed.gov for more in shape since all you do is run.” The death. Winter sports pictures will be Wednesday, information! Soccer Varsity team took 5th place in Numbers, like thirteen and seven, November 14th. are not only a huge part of different Sports 10 Entertainment 11 Advisors: Mrs. Honel Mrs. Mead Editor: Julia Beechy Feature Editor: Mia Steeves Reporters: Averi Fier Seth Lonard Lynn Merigold Mike Reidy Lorraine Selucky Ashleigh Viola