December Bark

8
The Voice Of Grant Community High School Issue Number IV 12/15/08 285 E. Grand Ave. Fox Lake, IL. 60020 The Bark As the seasons change and fall gradually be- comes winter, it is not uncommon for most people to de- velop minor colds and infections. In recent weeks, however, it seems that the illnesses ying around Grant Community High School are more than just common colds. It is hard to ignore this when sicknesses like mono are affecting our very own students and athletes. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, has also begun to surface at Grant. “Mononucleosis, or mono, is common in adolescence and is often called the ‘kissing disease’ because it can be spread through saliva and mucus in the mouth and nose,” says Ms. Kinney, school nurse. “It can be contagious because many times the symptoms are mild and it can go unnoticed. “Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an infection located in the respiratory system,” she says. “It can be spread when you are in close contact with someone who has it. It can be easily spread because it is usually most contagious before a person even knows he or she has it.” Despite the fact that is seems like ‘every- one has mono’ and that these sicknesses are taking over our student body, Mr. Bentancur, school princi- pal, reaffirms that there is no cause for alarm. “There is no outbreak of mono or pertus- sis at Grant,” he says. “People normally get sick with the flu [around this time of year], and colds are com- mon with the change of seasons.” Bentancur says that, with so many differ- ent types of one sickness, it is tough to say whether or not every student is sick with the same type. “It is very important to understand that there is more than one type of sickness, especially with mono. There are different strands and different kinds, so to say that there is an outbreak of mono is inaccurate because there are many different types,” he says. The same is true for whooping cough. Despite the fact that a health alert was recently posted on the Grant website, there is not an outbreak of this infection. “The Health Department suggested that we post [the alert] on the website to alert people that a student at Grant had whooping cough,” says Bentan- cur. “It was just a precaution to educate the students and their parents about the infection. It is important that we educate [them] so that they can take the prop- er precautions if they do notice any symptoms.” Even though there is not an outbreak of any illnesses at Grant, this hasn’t kept teachers and students from noticing the recent sicknesses floating around the hallways. “I have noticed an increase in student ab- sences in the past few weeks,” says Ms. Richards, science teacher. “These sicknesses are so easy to transmit that it doesn’t seem too surprising.” Richards believes that whether the illness- es that are infecting students are serious or not, the increase in absences are not good and tend to have negative effects on the students and their classes. “The student sometimes has difficulty getting the work made up in a timely fashion,” she says. “This is especially true if they miss a substantial amount of school time and we have had tests during that time.” Ms. Handzel, math teacher, agrees that, because of common illnesses, “kids miss a lot of school and fall behind very quickly.” Handzel also believes that stu- dents need to be extra cautious and pro- tect themselves against catching these illnesses. “It’s unfortunate, but this is the time of year when most kids get sick,” she says. “They don’t realize that germs spread quickly and get trapped in- doors.” It is true that when someone spends five out of every seven days in building with nearly 2,000 other people, it can be difficult to protect him or her- self against the thousands of germs and bacteria that are spread virtually every- where. There are, however, several pre- cautions that students can take to ensure that they have the best protection against getting sick and missing too many days of school. While most of them are seem- ingly simple, they are all equally vital to protecting everyone’s health. “To avoid getting mono, or spreading it if you have it, do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, eating utensils, and drinking glasses,” says Kinney. “The same thing goes for whooping cough. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and, as always, wash your hands often.” It also very important that, if you have been put on treatment for any of these illnesses, you take the proper medication. “If you have to be on antibiotics, take them until they are finished,” says Kinney. “Do not stop early, even if you are feeling better. Stay home until you have been cleared to return to school by your doctor.” And while shots aren’t fun for most, Kin- ney believes that they are one of the most important safety measures against becoming ill. “Make sure that you have had a recent booster shot,” she says. Booster shots protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. “You need to have one at least every ten years to be adequately im- munized against these diseases.” Grant Community High School’s National Honor Society is an organization that gathers some of the honor students at Grant and allows them to organize school functions. National Honor Society, also known as NHS, helps Grant in various ways. Junior Sean Varney says, “This year NHS has been very productive. We’ve helped out with many activities and events, and there are still many more on the schedule.” One of the ways that NHS helps Grant is by running the concession stand during the sporting activities. Senior John Gray, Treasurer, says, “It is fun selling concessions at sporting events.” Another event that NHS does to help out with the school is the annual spaghetti dinner. This event is held in April, and is the first event that the new members get to participate in. All profits go to the NHS. The NHS members help by selling the tickets and by serving the food during the actual event. In addition, NHS runs the Polar Express. This is when the members of NHS ride on a train with children, and read them stories. This makes the members of NHS feel good about helping the children in their community. There are many different reasons for students to be interested in NHS. First of all, it looks really impressive when students are getting ready to apply to colleges. Gray says, “I am in [NHS] partially because it looks good on a college application.” Another reason people join NHS is because it allows students a chance to help out their community. Varney says, “I’m a member of NHS Collin Bushing Op/Ed Editor Grant’s NHS does good for school and community Jordyn L. Boyles News Editor Recent illnesses at Grant ‘nothing to be alarmed about’ www.twilightthemovie.com because I like giving back to the community and helping others.” To become a part of NHS, a student must receive an application from the teacher representative Mr. Free. To receive one of these applications, a student must be on the Honor Roll. The student has to fill out the application, and also write an essay about why they would be a good member to NHS. This year NHS has been going very well. The club is doing everything it said it would, and so much more. Junior Stephanie Oehrlein, Vice President, says, “NHS seems to be going well this year. Everybody is doing an awesome job at participating and helping out, and it enables us as an organization to reach large numbers of people.” INSIDE Should students have to pay for ACT tutoring? Read one student’s opinion on page 2. Catch up on the latest on the ‘Twilight Phenomenon’ on page 4. Jessie Stimpson returns to Grant to share her experiences in the U.S. Air Force, page 6. Exclusive interview with swim team member Deborah Storm on page 7. www.ACT.org Jason DeLeon visits the nurse to see if he is running a temperature and spreading germs. S. Francisco/ The Bark Picture from www.NHS.us

description

school newspapers

Transcript of December Bark

Page 1: December Bark

The Voice Of Grant Community High School

Issue Number

IV12/15/08

285 E. Grand Ave.Fox Lake, IL. 60020

The Bark

As the seasons change and fall gradually be-comes winter, it is not uncommon for most people to de-velop minor colds and infections. In recent weeks, however, it seems that the illnesses fl ying

around Grant Community High School are more than just common colds. It is hard to ignore this when sicknesses like mono are affecting our very own students and athletes. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, has also begun to surface at Grant. “Mononucleosis, or mono, is common in adolescence and is often called the ‘kissing disease’ because it can be spread through saliva and mucus in the mouth and nose,” says Ms. Kinney, school nurse. “It can be contagious because many times the symptoms are mild and it can go unnoticed. “Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an infection located in the respiratory system,” she says. “It can be spread when you are in close contact with someone who has it. It can be easily spread because it is usually most contagious before a person even knows he or she has it.” Despite the fact that is seems like ‘every-one has mono’ and that these sicknesses are taking over our student body, Mr. Bentancur, school princi-pal, reaffi rms that there is no cause for alarm. “There is no outbreak of mono or pertus-sis at Grant,” he says. “People normally get sick with the fl u [around this time of year], and colds are com-mon with the change of seasons.” Bentancur says that, with so many differ-

ent types of one sickness, it is tough to say whether or not every student is sick with the same type. “It is very important to understand that there is more than one type of sickness, especially with mono. There are different strands and different kinds, so to say that there is an outbreak of mono is inaccurate because there are many different types,” he says. The same is true for whooping cough. Despite the fact that a health alert was recently posted on the Grant website, there is not an outbreak of this infection. “The Health Department suggested that we post [the alert] on the website to alert people that a student at Grant had whooping cough,” says Bentan-cur. “It was just a precaution to educate the students and their parents about the infection. It is important that we educate [them] so that they can take the prop-

er precautions if they do notice any symptoms.” Even though there is not an outbreak of any illnesses at Grant, this hasn’t kept teachers and students from noticing the recent sicknesses fl oating around the hallways. “I have noticed an increase in student ab-sences in the past few weeks,” says Ms. Richards, science teacher. “These sicknesses are so easy to transmit that it doesn’t seem too surprising.” Richards believes that whether the illness-es that are infecting students are serious or not, the increase in absences are not good and tend to have negative effects on the students and their classes. “The student sometimes has diffi culty getting the work made up in a timely fashion,” she says. “This is especially true if they miss a substantial amount of school time and we have had tests during that time.” Ms. Handzel, math teacher, agrees that,

because of common illnesses, “kids miss a lot of school and fall behind very quickly.” Handzel also believes that stu-dents need to be extra cautious and pro-tect themselves against catching these illnesses. “It’s unfortunate, but this is the time of year when most kids get sick,” she says. “They don’t realize that germs spread quickly and get trapped in-doors.” It is true that when someone spends fi ve out of every seven days in building with nearly 2,000 other people, it can be diffi cult to protect him or her-self against the thousands of germs and bacteria that are spread virtually every-where. There are, however, several pre-cautions that students can take to ensure that they have the best protection against getting sick and missing too many days of school. While most of them are seem-ingly simple, they are all equally vital to protecting everyone’s health. “To avoid getting mono, or spreading it if you have it, do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, eating utensils, and drinking glasses,” says Kinney. “The same thing goes for whooping cough. Cover your nose and

mouth while sneezing or coughing and, as always, wash your hands often.” It also very important that, if you have been put on treatment for any of these illnesses, you take the proper medication. “If you have to be on antibiotics, take them until they are fi nished,” says Kinney. “Do not stop early, even if you are feeling better. Stay home until you have been cleared to return to school by your doctor.” And while shots aren’t fun for most, Kin-ney believes that they are one of the most important safety measures against becoming ill. “Make sure that you have had a recent booster shot,” she says. Booster shots protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. “You need to have one at least every ten years to be adequately im-munized against these diseases.”

Grant Community High School’s National Honor Society is an organization that gathers some of the honor students at Grant and allows them to organize school functions. National Honor Society, also known as NHS, helps Grant in various ways.

Junior Sean Varney says, “This year NHS has been very productive. We’ve helped out with many activities and events, and there are still many more on the schedule.” One of the ways that NHS helps Grant is by running the concession stand during the sporting activities. Senior John Gray, Treasurer, says, “It is fun selling concessions at sporting events.” Another event that NHS does to help out with the school is the annual spaghetti dinner. This event is held in April, and is the fi rst event

that the new members get to participate in. All profi ts go to the NHS. The NHS members help by selling the tickets and by serving the food during the actual event. In addition, NHS runs the Polar Express. This is when the members of NHS ride on a train with children, and read them stories. This makes the members of NHS feel good about helping the children in their community. There are many different reasons for students to be interested in NHS. First of all, it looks really impressive when students are getting ready to apply to colleges. Gray says, “I am in [NHS] partially because it looks good on a college application.” Another reason people join NHS is because it allows students a chance to help out their community. Varney says, “I’m a member of NHS

Collin BushingOp/Ed Editor

Grant’s NHS does good for school and community

Jordyn L. BoylesNews Editor

Recent illnesses at Grant ‘nothing to be alarmed about’

www.twilightthemovie.com

because I like giving back to the community and helping others.” To become a part of NHS, a student must

receive an application from the teacher representative Mr. Free. To receive one of these applications, a student must be on the Honor Roll. The student has to fi ll out the application, and also write an essay about why they would be a good member to NHS.

This year NHS has been going very well. The club is doing everything it said it would, and so much more.

Junior Stephanie Oehrlein, Vice President, says, “NHS seems to

be going well this year. Everybody is doing an awesome job at participating and helping out,

and it enables us as an organization to reach large numbers of people.”

INSIDEShould

students have to pay for ACT tutoring? Read one student’s opinion on page

2.

Catch up on the latest on the ‘Twilight Phenomenon’

on page 4. Jessie Stimpson returns to Grant to share her experiences in the U.S. Air Force, page 6.

Exclusive interview with swim team member

Deborah Storm on page 7.

www.ACT.org

Jason DeLeon visits the nurse to see if he is running a temperature and spreading germs. S. Francisco/ The Bark

Picture from www.NHS.us

Page 2: December Bark

The Bark December 15, 2008

Opinions & EditorialsThe Bark Staff

2

Editors-in-ChiefMeital Caplan

Rachel Seminara

Section EditorsJordyn L. BoylesCollin Bushing

Lydia Wells

Chief PhotographerShayla Francisco

Staff ReportersAlex Carr

Stephanie DoganPaul Kudowski

Katie LorisMonserrat Martinez

Emily PaddockHayley PallockJeshanah Smith

Meagan StephensonEssence Tillery

Kingston Warren

AdvisorMr. Beverly

Mission StatementIt is the mission of

The Bark to give a voice to students and to provide those students a public forum for

student expression. The Bark is written with the intention to give students and faculty infor-mation fairly and impartially. We believe that only when a

student body is informed can it be happy, safe, and given the

freedom it deserves.

Submission PolicyIt is the policy of The Bark to be a student newspaper. We value your opinions and you have a right to express them,

especially in the form of writing to this newspaper. If you wish

to write to The Bark, you may drop off your signed

letter and the disk that it is saved on to Room 262 or Mr.

Beverly’s mailbox. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we still need your signature or your letter will not be published.

-The Editors-

Don’t spread yourself too thin. It is a simple enough concept; high school is the time to try new and exciting things, but don’t wear yourself out between Student Council, soccer practice, and the school play. We’ve all felt the stressful times that set high school apart from our middle school days of lunchboxes and recesses. Juggling schoolwork, a job, extracurricular activities and sports can sometimes feel as if you have the weight of 12 Encyclopedia Britannica’s on your shoulders. Heavy, right? The solution is to stop trying to do so much at once. The myth that colleges won’t accept you unless you are enrolled in three sports and two clubs and have 30 hours of volunteering has finally been exposed. Colleges are now focusing more

on good grades and an individual who has excelled at one or two activities. No matter how many times you’ve volunteered or how many clubs you’ve joined, they won’t be impressed if you can’t pass a basic math class. So find something (or two things) that interest you. Spend your time focusing on those areas, rather than piling on the stress. With a few special activities that interest you, it leaves more time for homework and focusing on how you can excel in those areas. For example, if you enjoy volunteering, then focus your passion on volunteering and helping out the community. It will look good on transcripts, and it will make your town a better place, as well. Or you could try out for a sport that interests you. From then on you

could make it a goal to improve each year or make varsity. Also, by giving your schedule a little breathing room, there should be an ample amount of time for studying and meeting teachers if you are struggling in a certain subject. Tutors and other educational programs can also help with schoolwork, and the results will show. Last of all, you could join a hands-on activity such as yearbook, Initium, or even the newspaper. All three of these are creative outlets for your ideas that are waiting to burst out. There are also no tryouts, so everyone is welcome. With these forms of self-expression both you and colleges can see the finished result. So unload the stress and anguish of trying to do too much at once and remember: don’t spread yourself too thin.

Sitting down in a desk, facing an array of bubbles and what seems to be never ending questions, the last thing I want going through my mind is, “Oh my God, I should have been more prepared for this!”

ACTs are just around the corner and, probably like most juniors, I am a little anxious. These tests are one of the major factors that will determine what college we go to and just thinking about college is overwhelming. For the past 16 years, Grant Community High School has invited ExcelEdge to come and offer a program to juniors to prepare for the ACTs. ExcelEdge’s program, ACT 36, is designed to familiarize juniors with the ACT’s content and teach them strategies. These classes are supposed to result in a new level of confidence and an improved score, but at what price?

The ExcelEdge’s ACT preparatory classes are set to cost students $205. Now, the question would be: is it worth it? Some seniors seem to have benefited from these courses, while others beg to differ. I guess it all depends on the individual student. I for one think that taking the classes wouldn’t hurt, but if it is going to set me back $205, then I do have to think twice about it. Economic situations in many households are anything but perfect at the moment. With the economy going through a recession and prices soaring, it is hard to find an extra $205 just lying around. I do solely believe, however, that when it comes to education, you should go all out and try to get all the help you can get.

On the other hand, I strongly think that if a school really wants to help its students and is truly interested in helping

them succeed, then the school should offer prep classes free of cost. If free ACT prep classes were offered, students would have no excuse for not being well prepared for their

vital exams. What happens to the people who are interested in taking the ACT prep classes but don’t have the money for it? Students in that situation are deprived from receiving what little help can be offered when it comes to preparing for tests like the ACT. Those same students shouldn’t risk having that disadvantage just because they don’t have the money to pay for the prep classes. A school’s best interest should be in the success of its students. By offering

alternative forms of help such as cheaper or free prep courses, it would show that the school is doing what it can to make its students prevail and get the best education

possible. The school would not be the one to blame if a student doesn’t thrive. The ultimate results of a student’s achievement would be the outcome of his or her own effort. I know that nothing comes free, but high school students are already going to face a long road of tuition bills, student loans, and books. So, I do not think that providing free ACT prep classes would be too much to ask for. If you are in a situation where you can’t come up with the money to pay the ExcelEdge prep classes, you shouldn’t worry too much. There are other options that students can consider. Instead of paying $205 for eight classes, you can always just pay $10 to $50 on ACT prep books available at stores like Borders or go online and search on EBay. For all you juniors who feel like these prep classes are all that is available to you, think again. It is important to talk to your teachers, ask questions, and research what is available out there to help you. Juniors should definitely be looking at all the possible ways to help prepare for these crucial tests. They should take

advantage of any help being offered because the college that ends up accepting them will greatly influence how the rest of their lives will be.

Those colleges will be determined by how well juniors perform on their ACTs, so Grant shouldn’t make its students think twice about taking preparatory classes just because of their cost. Being well prepared is being a step ahead of the game, and getting colleges’ attention is a very competitive field.

Monserrat MartinezStaff Reporter

Should students be forced to pay for better ACT scores?

Students should not spread themselves too thin

Calling All Artists

Do you like to draw political cartoons?The Bark needs your creative cartoons.

Drop off a copy of your cartoon with your name on the back, and you may just see it in the next issue of The Bark.

ilk d i i ldk i l

R. Seminara/ The BarkThese are the study materials that stu-dents who decide to take the class will be given.

Page 3: December Bark

Op/Ed December 15, 2008 3

E v e r y student dreams of the day they can walk off the stage with diploma in hand, finally free of high school. We all push through every year, every month, and everyday with the common goal of graduation.

No matter what stage in life you’re at, graduation is right around the corner.

But what happens after that? Where do you go from there?

Most people have a basic idea of what they want to do with the rest of their lives when they’re about seven years old. Whether it was the next Britney Spears, a firefighter, or the

President of the United States, the seed was planted.

As time goes on, those ideas morph and change.

Looking back on previous generations, it’s almost depressing to see where people have ended up. The girl who always dreamed of runways and photo studios is now the secretary at the local dentist. The star quarterback who always wanted to play for his favorite team is now the used car salesman down the street.

It almost seems like as one grows older, their passions seem to die.

This shouldn’t have to be the case, but there comes a time where reality and dreams need to clash. A happy medium needs to be found.

Simply graduating and auditioning for ‘America’s Next Top

Model’ isn’t going to get you a career. Playing with your band for years on end waiting for a record deal to form your life around is no way to live. Relying on your MVP position on the varsity basketball team to get you through college and life is pure insanity.

As much as anyone hates to admit it, money is a huge component of choosing a career. Especially with today’s economy and with the changes in technology, a lot of job fields are dying out.

A lot of people would agree with the statement: “I would rather have a life than a living.”

But in reality, everybody left high school with the same mindset.

Nobody wants to get out of bed in the morning and work some dead end

Shayla FranciscoChief Photographer

job that makes them miserable. Nobody wants to spend the rest of their lives in a depressing corporate office building.

But at the same time you will always have to work to get where you want to be.

Many students don’t have a taste of what this is like.

It’s time to wake up and focus on what really matters if you want to do what you love for a living.

One should never give up on their passions in life but make sure your passions don’t give out on you in return.

Always have a plan B. Always have a safety net to catch you if all else fails.

Never leave yourself defenseless.

Have a plan B in case you do not reach your goals

“Most years my Grandma decides

to take all 15 of us to foreign

countries. This year, we’re going to

the Galapagos Islands. In the past

we’ve been to Morocco, Tanzania,

and Sicily. Usually, every other year

we go to a foreign country.”

-Junior Emily Audrain

“I like to participate in the opening

of gifts, spend time with family and

friends, and drink eggnog around

the fi re. I always give my gifts to

charity because it’s my Christmas

joy, no B.S.ing.”

-Junior Antonio Brown

“Every Christmas we take

marshmallows with candles in

them and we light one and pass the

fl ame down to each person and you

tell them a good wish for the next

year.”

-Senior Andrew Noffke

“First, we start off on Christmas

Eve. We visit Grandma’s house and

we open our gifts at midnight. Usu-

ally we come home to my house and

we fall asleep, and put up the cook-

ies. My bro and I wake up, wake

up my parents, we go downstairs,

and then my mom makes us our hot

chocolate. Before we commence our

gift opening process, we assign a

santa who chooses who gets to open

their present fi rst. Then we just

open presents once that’s done, we

like to sit down and watch a movie

with the fi re place on. That’s my

day of our Christmas Tradition.”

-Junior Sebastion Russo

“Every year with my grandpar-

ents we unwrap a little baby Jesus.

They have their own little nativity

scene. One of the little kids get to

unwrap Jesus.”

-Senior Katelynn Schlaman

“Every other year, I go to my dad’s

house in Texas, and if I’m not going

to my dad’s I go with my mom to

Kentucky to visit her family. I like

going to Texas because we make

cocoa biscuits, which is basically a

chocolate biscuit.”

-Sophomore Megan Goebel

What

is Your

Holiday

Tradition?

All photos by S. Francisco/ The Bark

“I’m usually in Florida for Hanuk-

kah and we’ll light the candles and

say prayers. On the last night we’ll

have a huge family party and gam-

ble money with games. Then we’ll

have a huge dinner. When I come

home there’s always a bunch of

presents waiting for me.”

-Junior Taryn Doherty

Page 4: December Bark

Features December 15, 2008

FeaturesKingston’s Korner: Twilight thrills on opening night

It was a cold, brisk fall night and the line was long. I had my ticket in hand and had even lower expectations, but within two hours Edward took my heart and Robert Pattinson proved me wrong. Ladies, I would not recommend taking your boyfriends to see this fi lm. Unless they have some sort

of sensitive side, it is defi nitely not what they are looking for: there are no blood thirsty vampires or other ghoulish surprises. It’s a love story in the very old Romeo and Juliet way, and it has a mood to it. Also, the actors are well-picked, thanks to the casting choices by Tricia Wood and Deborah Aquila.

Kingston WarrenStaff Reporter

Now, keep in mind that I have not read any of Stephanie Meyer’s novels, but from what I’ve heard people who read the books enjoyed them more than the movie. I’ll fi nd out myself because I am currently reading the fi rst novel, but without knowing the story, the movie seemed just fi ne. Many of us have already been introduced to the leading man. Robert Pattinson, who plays the main character Edward, had a small role in two of the Harry Potter fi lms. However, in Twilight, he shows he can handle a lead role. He is as beautiful as a diamond and his acting skills are just as good as his looks. He has the persona of a bad boy but at the same time he is as gentle as a lamb in this fi lm. His ‘Juliet’, Isabella “Bella” Swan (Kris-ten Stewart) is a junior in high school living in Ari-zona with her mom and new step dad. When they decide to do some traveling,

Bella decides to move to the small town of

Forks, Washington to stay with her real dad. Her fi rst day of school is less than normal. The students are way too friendly and all the guys are blood thirsty for a prom date. It isn’t until lunch that she meets Edward and she can’t keep her eyes off of him. It turns out they also have Biology togeth-er. However, he acts strange and then dis-appears for the next two weeks. When he returns he lets Bella know that she should stay far away, but she won’t listen. And when she fi nds herself getting res-cued from car accidents and slobbering idiots she needs to know what his deal is. The chemistry onscreen is obvious—too

bad, because Edward has competition when James (Cam Gigandet) gets a look at Bella. Twilight is a movie based on a series of books that sold 26 million copies worldwide. So the real question is, does the movie outshine the books? Grab a ticket, get a date, and go see it: you won’t be disappointed.

I would give this fi lm 3 out of 5 crowns.

Best--and worst--of 2008 fashion

Emily PaddockStaff Reporter

Every year there seems to be a list of highlights about practi-cally everything: movies, recipes, tv shows, etc. However, one list that seems to be prominent since the earliest of times is the list of best and worst fashions. Every year maga-

zines, tv shows and even newspapers re-cap the trend setters, and the trend exploiters. There are those few people who always rise above the rest, making exquisite efforts in their personal style. Unfortunately, there are always a few that go down in history as being the worst dressed for that particular year.

Sequin Mini Dresses Great for a night on the town or a little daytime glamour. These dresses will defi nitely bring you into the New Year

with fabulous style and fl are. Why such a craze? First off, they are an easy way to look put together and accessorized without a lot of effort. They look great on just about everyone, as well. Although they are

Jeshanah SmithStaff Reporter

categorized as one type of dress, the fun thing is there are tons of different styles and colors within this category. These dresses can be found anywhere, from Armani’s runway to your local Forever 21 store. They are defi nitely something worth investing in.

CardigansThey are a simple way to add a touch of sophis-tication to any outfi t. They can be worn with jeans, dresses, skirts, etc., all the while adding a little burst of something new. They can play up any outfi t, or they can easily make a look a little more casual. Either way, they can defi nitely change a look, making something old seem new and rejuvenated. Scarves A delightful way to add either a pop of color or a tasteful pattern to a lackluster ensemble. Scarves are defi nitely the new ‘in’ thing to wear; they are an easy way to accessorize without having to doll one’s self up with tons of jew-elry. They range in color, fabric, and patterns; however, whichever kind you choose to wear, it will defi nitely make you that much more of a fashionista. Ankle BootsThey defi nitely seem to have taken the place of

our old long boots. From UGG to BCBG, ankle boots seem to be their new best seller. They not only provide comfort, but they provide an ever-lasting amount of style to any outfi t. They can be worn with jeans, dress pants, skirts and more, all adding a little extra to that particular outfi t. Like most things, they vary in price. However, they are sold everywhere allowing anyone to pick up a pair that fi ts your pocket book. Checked ShirtsThese lumberjack-inspired shirts are defi nitely not just for yard work anymore. They have evolved into a phenomenon that is all over the runway. From Marc Jacobs to Burberry, they are everywhere! They are a wardrobe must for both guys and girls this upcoming year.

Colored Skinny JeansDo you really want to look like you belong in a crayola crayon box? Doubtful, so let’s steer away from the Pepto-Bismol pinks and the Asparagus green colors. Although these crazy colored jeans are an absolute don’t, skinny jeans in dark denim are

most defi nitely a do. They go with anything and can be worn during the day with a simple top, or they can be spruced up for a night out.

CrocsSelf explanatory.

Slogan ShirtsFace it: No one wants to see “Your boyfriend thinks I’m hot” plastered across your chest. If you do feel the need to wear a t-shirt, make it a tasteful one. Simple shirts can always be a do if they are paired with some great chunky jewelry or a colorful scarf.

Pajama PantsThey are supposed to be worn to go to bed. However, for some reason they have crawled out of the bedroom and are everywhere. Even if you’re sick and still come to school; please, at least put some clothes on.

Over-the-top Ruffl esAlthough ruffl es have been a great do over the season, there have been those who took a great thing a bit too far. When you start to look like a poodle, you know that you have outdone your-self. A subtle amount of ruffl es on a shirt can look very cute and trendy. Just make sure that you look fashionable, and not like a 5-year old.

Best

Worst

4

www.twilightthemovie.com

pictures from www.stepheniemeyer.com

Wouldn’t we all like to be immortal, have amaz-ing powers and just be perfect? The Twilight series has been out for a while now, but with the re-cent and last book of the series, Breaking Dawn, and the new movie that has been recently released, it’s more popular than ever. Usually books that are really popular are made into

movies. So the question is, what do readers prefer? Books over the movie or vice versa? “Even though there is a lot of hype for the movie, and I’m really excited for it, I still

like the books more. It’s really descriptive and hooks me in really easily,” said junior Sam Allison. Everyone who has read the Twilight series has a favorite character. The two characters that are most popu-lar are Edward and Bella, because the

main focus is on them.

“My favorite character i s Edward because he’s handsome, a gentle- man, and the perfect guy,” said freshman Sarah Pyo. Edward is not only the perfect guy for the ladies but the perfect bad guy/good guy for the guys. Just as the girls can relate to Bella, guys can relate to Edward. “Edward is my favorite character because he’s B.A. and he seems like a really cool guy to hang out with,” said sophomore Austin Manson.

Many

female read-ers are into Edward be-cause he’s the epitome of the perfect guy. What girl wouldn’t want that? For others, Bella is one of those characters that female readers can relate to. “Bella is my favorite because I relate to her the most. There are a lot of clumsy girls that have insecuri-ties about themselves, which is something I can relate to in my life,” said Allison. The Twilight se-ries and the Harry Potter series have been two of the most popular and suc-cessful genres of this generation. Although they are two captivating story lines, does one of them outshine the other? “I defi nitely like the Twilight se- ries more than the Harry Potter series. I know my friends are going to hate me for saying this--I just couldn’t get into the Harry Potter books. They just weren’t that in-teresting to me. With the Twilight series I couldn’t put the books down,” said sophomore Katie Kazumura. Some readers really liked the Harry Pot-ter series, but believe Twilight was way better. Readers could relate to the story line, whereas the Harry Potter series they couldn’t. “I loved the Harry Potter books but Twilight just makes me feel better about life, about everything,”

said junior Ashley Gorski. The Twilight series opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It’s a book that has everything, just enough action and romance to appeal to both gen-ders.

“What appealed to me about the series the most was the constant struggle seen between Edward’s bloodlust and love for Bella. He’s

a constant confl ict that plagues Edward, and his self-loathing shows an interesting character

study,” said Allison. Readers that were captivated by the story

not only see it as just another romantic novel, but something so much more. Usually when peo-ple think about vampires they think of crazed beasts that suck the blood out of innocent people. In Twilight there’s more to the sto-ry and that is why it’s so different and appealing than other vampire novels. It not only explores what an actual vampire is, but the real meaning of a vampire, and in the books the author Stephanie Meyer does a great job with go-ing into detail about every Cul-len’s story, and how it affected them. Every couple of years a book becomes

extremely popular. Some believe that every genera-tion has one great writer. Others believe that it doesn’t really happen that much. “I think t h i s shows that people really do want to read, use their imagi -nation, and be enter-t a i n e d , ” said Mr. Schmidt, E n g l i s h teacher. In a way the f o c u s is different for t h e male readers and the female readers. For the guys they read it for the ac-tion and for Bella, while female readers read it for Edward and the romance. It’s almost like benefi ting the two characters, getting the insight of the male and female mind. Overall the Twilight series is a world wide hit, and will never be forgotten. I know that for me it was a wonderful experience and I usually don’t come across books that make me feel like any-thing is possible as long as I don’t give up. To all who haven’t read the book, I strongly suggest

going to the library or buying it. Trust me, it’s no disappointment.

Page 5: December Bark

FeaturesDecember 15, 2008

Controversial material can be read, not watched

Meital CaplanEditor-in-Chief

Stephanie DoganStaff Reporter

Winter Break: a barrel of fun for your winter boredomWhat does

every kid have in mind when they think of the month of December? Winter Break is for sure one of the most anticipated vacations throughout the school year for all kids, and even some adults.

W h a t e v e r your tradition is for the

holiday season, you still have time off to do, well, whatever you want. Here are some intense ideas that I think you should all try out.

First off, relax. We all have been extremely stressed throughout this year. It’s time to just sit down and sleep with no

intention to wake up to an alarm clock at six am on a Monday to another dreaded week of school and work. This is a time where you can just lay around all day and rock your favorite pair of footy pajamas and tune into that very addicting reality show. And even though your parents will come home to fi nd you in the same place where you were when they left, it

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just doesn’t matter because it’s vacation.

It simply is not Winter Break without the wonderful, glistening snow that fi lls the

ground around December. It not only gives us hope when we are in school for those wonderful (but very rare) snow days, but it also

gives us a very eventful activity. People of any age can enjoy sledding,

tobogganing, or ice skating. Although our state is pretty fl at, there

are some intense hills around here. Hart’s Hill is defi nitely a favorite, as well as Caboose Park.

What some people may not know is that there is a tobogganing slide at Steitz’s resort in Antioch which has been there since 1940, launching you into Bluff Lake from one of the highest point on the Chain O’ Lakes. Although it has not been open for the last two years it is expected to be up and running for this winter.

Then there is always ice skating which gives you great exercise after all that holiday weight and you can always do so many fun things.

Take a trip! Go anywhere, even if it is trip to Chicago, and take advantage of the

city. There’s so much for it to offer, and it defi nitely has more activities than our own town. Plus, a change of scenery is always exciting. Another exciting trip that you may want to

take on would be to the Wisconsin dells, which is far enough to get away but not too hectic where you have your parents calling 20 times a day. With money being so tight these days, even a trip to another town can be exciting, visit other family members’ towns to meet new people.

With all that money rolling in from t h e holiday’s, go treat yourself to

whatever you like, because on those occasional times when you do get some extra

cash, you could be stingy with everything that you have to save

up for yourself. So with gas cheap these days and it being the season of giving, give yourself something special to lighten up your mood through the winter.

Like I had said before, what better is there to do then just lounge around all day? To help yourself

get over boredom, check out the top fi ve best movies for the holiday season.

The old classic A Christmas Story has been a fan favorite for any age, and even our parents will still watch it every year considering it plays for 24 hours on Christmas day on TBS.

Elf is also another classic that will be around for another generation. With the hilarious Will Ferrel, it’s not another boring cartoon that has been around even before your parents were born.

However, How the Grinch Stole Christmas ,which was originally a cartoon, was made into a box offi ce hit. Even if you’re not into the Christmas celebration or any celebration, this movies has a bigger meaning than just cheerful Santa and candy canes.

Another favorite would have to be The Santa Clause with Tim Allen which wasn’t supposed to even be a hit but turned into a phenomenon with its two sequels that followed up years later.

Last, but defi nitely not least, the hilarious comedy with Adam Sandler, Eight Crazy Nights, is a great movie to watch. It revolves around Hanukkah and has an outstanding story to tell. It is written by Sandler himself which makes it a can’t miss.

By the time stu-dents enter high school they are expected to be mature enough to learn about sex, read about racism, abuse, murder and rape, and challenge controversial topics. However, they are still not seen as ma-ture enough to handle watching an R-rated

movie, even with parental consent. While R-rated movies have been banned from Grant Community High School, the similar topics that give the movies their rat-ings is still allowed to be read through books. If students can be trusted enough to read books with explicit content, why can’t they watch the movies? Currently, the materials to be read by students must be selected and approved by the departments and teachers. As for movies, the District Policy states that no rated-R movies are allowed. These policies have brought up sev-eral complaints from students. “My parents have watched rated R movies with me now and don’t care what I watch,” says senior David Reisig. “Why should the school?” Parental agreement was a tactic once used by the school to allow classes to watch rat-ed R movies. Obviously, that policy is no longer used, although many wish it still was. “I think that if students are under 17 they should need a permission slip signed, and if they are 17 or older than they can make the decision [of watching a rated-R movie],” says Reisig. That is one alternative that the school

can choose to take, and it would be one that is supported by many. “If a teacher feels the fi lm is benefi -cial, I think parent permission should be an op-tion,” says Ms. Herrick, English teacher. Reisig has similar feelings about that option. “Obviously some movies should not be allowed, however I trust that our teachers are responsible enough to make that decision.” While the policy is not likely to change any time soon, it still doesn’t specifi -cally explain what the difference is between watching a movie with controversial topics, and reading a book about the same things. Students and faculty have their own opinions, however. “The books that we read are for the literary details and not so much for the explicit content,” says senior Andrew Noffke. “The movies on the other hand are, although enter-taining, only a visually more explicit represen-tation. This [policy] is a bit unfair because in high school most people are mature and can generally handle explicit happenings.” Another reason on why controversial movies aren’t allowed while the books are is that the movies don’t offer the same educational purpose. “While reading literature, particularly with questionable content, language, etc., it is not so much about learning that content, as it is about learning to think critically and how to evaluate writing,” says Herrick. “Movies are different in that sense because we don’t often use them to evaluate or think critically, but rath-er we use them to demonstrate or help students visualize.” Visualization, while it may seem un-important, actually helps many students truly comprehend the subjects they are being taught. “I think that students who are able to see different aspects of our culture are able to

grow in their understanding of humanity,” says Reisig. Other students believe that movies can actually do harm in the sense of interpreta-tion of a subject. “More often than not movies seem to ruin one’s own vision of the characters and lo-cations,” says Noffke. However, from a teacher’s point of view, visualizations, even if rated R, can help with the understanding of a book or topic. “We all learn in different ways,” says Herrick. “For some, seeing a story in action is a better learning tool.” All in all, the opinions of whether the school’s policy should change are very varied. “The school should not change this policy,” says Noffke. “Although many people can handle the explicit content, there are just as many people who are not mature enough to handle R rated movies.” Herrick, on the other hand, believes otherwise. “I do believe the policy should be changed. There are movies that are inappropri-ate and should not be shown in school. How-ever, there are many fi lms that have an R-rating that are not necessarily inappropriate material. I believe teachers should be allowed to use their own discretion and parents should be consulted on R-rated fi lms.” The main fl aw in the current policy concerning movies seems to be that the R-rating is too vague of a limitation. Like books, the in-terpretation of a movie is different to each per-son and the ratings given to movies are “subjec-tive and therefore a fl awed method for overall evaluation,” according to Herrick. “[The policy] is too strict for all rat-ed-R movies,” agrees Noffke. “If a movie has something that is not terribly explicit, or some-

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thing that can be skipped, then an exception can be made.” With today’s times pawning out the way they are, it is hard to believe that the major-ity of students are not mature enough to handle an R-rated movie. The students are constantly exposed to the brutalities of the world through their everyday lives as well as the material be-ing read in school. A policy change for what movies are allowed to be watched could be a step forward in education and in keeping up with the exposure students are already getting every day.

www.schin-dlerslist.com

Movies such as Schindler’s List are no longer allowed to be shown at Grant, even though it serves an educational purpose.

Over 30 Latino students from Grant Community • High School participated in an outing to College of Lake County, CLC, Grayslake in November 2008.

Shani Garza from CLC spoke to students about • attending CLC and treated them to lunch in CLC’s cafeteria and a tour of CLC.

CLC offers many programs and assists Latino • students in their transition to college life.

College of Lake County Visit Day

5

Page 6: December Bark

More News 6News December 15, 2008

As the choice of which college to attend hangs over students’ heads, an even bigger question is also being asked: ‘How am I going to be able to afford college?’ While there are n u m e r o u s a n s w e r s to that

question, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, an overlooked option is joining an ROTC program. The ROTC programs are offered by the U.S Army, Air Force, Navy, Reserve/Guard, and Marine Corps. A student that goes to college on an ROTC scholarship will have the same experience as any other student, with the exception of having to take extra ROTC classes that will prepare them for their jobs in their specifi c program once they are out of college. What makes this program sound so appealing to some is that the ROTC has benefi ts such as covering full tuition, textbook costs, lab fees, and up to $500 spending cash for the student. This gives many students the opportunity to go to college when they otherwise couldn’t. This is just one of the advantages that ROTC programs provide.

“The Army ROTC program teaches you how to be a leader, motivate others, and to accomplish any task assigned as an offi cer in the Army,” says Mr. Harts, a cyber/future soldier representative for the Army. “Such skills can be used throughout life and is favored by many civilian employees.”

Although the free tuition is a large reason why students join ROTC programs, there are still other attractions to them.

“Those who participate in the ROTC programs and Army reserves receive good pay, incentives, training and benefi ts,” says Harts. “Army ROTC also provides a getaway to nursing students to pursue a career in the Army Nurse Corps. The program also offers other specialties ranging from Aviation to Chaplain.”

Senior Alyssa Pasiewicz thinks there

are also different reasons why some students are drawn to the idea of the ROTC programs.

“I believe a lot of students are attracted to the ROTC because of the fact that college can be payed for. The ROTC is also an escape for kids that need to get away and a new life. Not necessarily a better life, but I think some join it because they don’t have anything else,” says Pasiewicz.

People should keep in mind their reason for joining a program. If they join solely for the money, then they could end up hating their decision in the long run.

“You have to have more of a reason, more heart and drive to join something like that than just having college paid for,” says Pasiewicz.

Even so, while the benefi ts of the different ROTC seem too good to be true, there are still mixed reactions between students if joining the program would be worth it in the end.

“I personally would not [join an ROTC program],” says Pasiewicz. “I have different dreams for my life and future and the ROTC has never been a part of them.”

Senior Fernand Lopez is another of the many students that is opting out of joining an ROTC program saying that he is “going for a more academic path for college.”

Students such as Pasiewicz and Lopez even want students to consider the alternatives

before making a fi nal decision.“A student can look for academic or

athletic scholarships for college,” says Lopez.Likewise, Pasiewicz believes that

“students can get good grades and scholarships for school. I know the cost of college is defi nitely hard, but I don’t always think the ROTC is the answer.”

Still, there are several students at Grant Community High School that are taking advantage of the opportunity.

S e n i o r Mason Hoy is already planning on joining the U.S Marine Corps once he graduates from high school.

A f t e r c o l l e g e , his military o c c u p a t i o n a l specialty is going to be the 0311 Infantry, meaning he will be “just a regular soldier.”

He states that although money for college

is part of the reason he is joining, the main reason he is joining is because “it is what my purpose is.”

Although many students see the risks as being too high, Hoy believes they are worth the reward.

“If I die, then I would have died a hero,” he says. “And if I live, then I served my country to the best of my ability.”

Even with all the danger that he may face, Hoy does not doubt his decision for a second. “The years I will spend in the Marine Corps will be the best years of my life no matter how much I get shot at, hated on, put down, or attempted to be blown up. I’m going to love every minute of it. No questions asked.”

The decision of whether an ROTC program is appropriate for him/her is up to no one but the student themself. Both the benefi ts and the risks have to be carefully deliberated in order to make the decision that will impact the rest of a student’s life.

www.military.com/rotc

Meital CaplanEditor-in-Chief

Up until recently, it was not uncommon for students to walk through the hallways, listening for that noisy bell, signaling to them that its time to switch classes. Students would then sit in classrooms and take notes that their teachers would write on chalkboards or overhead transparencies. Technology has

come a long way since those times.In numerous classrooms at Grant

Community High School, LCD projectors are becoming dominant, and overhead projectors are slowly disappearing.

Recently, teachers are using overhead projectors less and less. Mr. Schmidt, English teacher, says, “I use my overhead projector less this year because I now have a data projector.”

Data projectors, also known as LCD projectors, are a new innovation to come to Grant, and are a defi nite improvement in the learning department.

Mr. Benes, science teacher, says, “Students, like adults, seem to respond to new technology. The faster we can bring the newest technology into the classroom, the better.”

Now students can see videos off of the computers and they can view power point presentations without needing a television, or hassling with VCRs.

“Technology is clearly changing the way students receive information, but I would not say that it is necessarily negative. Motivated students will always fi nd ways to learn regardless of the way technology allows it to be delivered,” says Schmidt.

Overhead projectors that were used in the past could only show transparencies on the white board, making it hard to get the main idea across. They are convenient for quick and easy use, but aren’t as effective.

Senior Becca Sage believes that technology in the classroom helps her learn information better “because a lot of the time teachers use the technology to help the students relate better to whatever we are learning. A lot of my teachers look up songs or videos on YouTube to incorporate into our learning activities.”

Other students also like the new technology better than the old technology.

Junior Titus Lotz says, “I think the old way is still important, but technology can improve the old way and help teachers out so much.”

This is true with many smaller improvements in technology as well, such as how the sound of the bell has changed throughout the years. Luckily, it is now a quieter, less obnoxious ring. The dry erase boards used to be a green or black chalk board as well.

While LCD projectors aren’t in every single classroom at Grant, it is still obvious that technology has come a long way in school.

As time passes, new technologies will come to Grant, and it will be hard to imagine a time without it. Students and teachers will probably become just as dependant on these new things as they are on the old things.

Benes says, “I would like to see a class set of laptop computers on a cart for each department to share. This would free up computer labs and allow for much more inquiry-based learning.”

Laptop computers would help students learn signifi cantly better individually.

While these laptop computers would be an excellent improvement to Grant, raising the money would be diffi cult.

“I imagine that in the not-so-distant future some schools will have personal electronic devices that replace or supplement textbooks and worksheet-type activities,” says Schmidt.

New technologies have made a great impact at Grant and are encouraging students to be more motivated and focused.

Hayley PallockStaff Reporter

ROTC programs provide education benefi ts and life experience

Technology is more prominent in everyday lessons

Which program did you join?The USAFA (United States Air Force Academy).

What is your current position and what do you do?I am a Cadet Third-Class. I am a chief clerk which means I lead the sophomore class within the quadrant, and I run a quarter of command in the quadrant.

Have you enjoyed it? What is it like?Yes, I love it. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and I don’t see myself in any other school. We go to school, and when we graduate we are Second Lieutenants.

Would you recommend this for students at Grant? Why or why not?I would highly recommend this program. You get a full ride if you are admitted and it’s a District One school so students are given the opportunity to play any sport.

What are your plans for the future?I am hoping to become a Pilot of a C-17. If not, I’ll do intelligence for the Air Force.

Final thoughts?Keep up the good work, stay strong, and you can do anything you put your mind to!

2007 graduate returns to Grant to share tales

of the Air ForceInterview with Jessie Stimpson by

Meital Caplan

G r a n t Community High School’s Student Council is a special club that gives students the ability to help the school and community. Mr. Strebel, Student Council advisor, says, “[Student Council]

allows students from all grade levels to come together as one organization to try and make a difference in our school and community.” Student Council brings together students who share the common goal of helping the community and Grant. These students do this by doing various activities. The biggest and most noticable events put on by the Student Council are the dances. Homecoming and Turnabout are both sponsored by the Student Council. Both of these events are designed to provide students with a mental break from school work and give students from all grade levels a chance to get together and have fun. There are many different ways that Student Council helps the community. The most recent is the canned food drive. The canned food drive is when students and faculty bring in canned foods or toiletries, and those things will be donated to a food pantry. Strebel says, “We had a great success with Homecoming and had one of

the best food drives that I have run.” Another event planned is the coat and mitten drive, and that is already underway. This club also participates in roadside cleanup, in which the members cleanup State Park Road. This event is held once in the fall and once in the spring. With all of these great activities, this club is still planning on doing more. Strebel says, “We hope that we will be able to accomplish a lot more than [the activities listed above].”

Student Council also gives its members an opportunity to help other people. Junior Ami Shishodia says, “I am a member of Student Council because I love helping people. I have been a part of it since seventh grade, and it has been a blast.” Student Council is a great way to hang out with friends, and meet some new ones. Sophomore Taylor Abrahamson says, “I make new friends all the time, and have fun with the friends I already have during the activities.” Overall, Student Council allows students to feel good about themselves by helping others, and they can have fun while doing it. Sophomore Hillary Outinen says, “Of course Student Council is fun! We always have a blast when we have our highway cleanup or decorating for a school function, and we still feel that we make a difference.”

Collin BushingOp/Ed Editor

Student Council continues to be a positive organization for students and community

S. Francisco/ The Bark

Page 7: December Bark

Sports December 15, 2008

S. Francisco/ The Bark

7

What made you start swimming?“My mom was the one who got me into it. She signed up my brother, sister and me, and I just fell in love with it.”

What other teams have you been

involved in?“I’ve swam for the Round Lake Ducks, McHenry Marlins, Hastings Lake Sting Rays, and am currently swimming for MMAC. (McHenry Marlins Aquatic Club), and Grant High School of course.”

How long have you been swimming?“I’ve been swimming for I think eight years. I started when I was 11.”

Do you have a certain strong point when it comes to swimming?“I’d say that sprints are my strongest aspect. The adrenaline rush really helps out, and when you’re doing a sprint it’s easier to stay focused on where you are in the race.”

Did you achieve any personal goals at sectionals on November 15?“Yes, I beat two of my personal best times. I dropped over 1.5 seconds on my 50 Yard Freestyle, and 3 seconds off of my 100 Free.”

What is the one thing that keeps you interested in swimming?“I don’t really know. Swimming is just one of those things that I love doing, I can’t really pick anything out.”

What is your ordinary workout?“At practice I usually swim about 5000 yards. That varies depending on what we’re doing, such as sprints, long distance, or strokes.”

On the off season, do you swim on your own?“I don’t actually have much of an off season. I get about a month off at the end of the summer, and during that short time I still swim on my own.”

What do you really love about swimming?“I love the competition involved in it. Also it’s something kind of original and unique because not many other people at our school do it.”

What are your future plans for swimming?“I’m not really sure yet. I’d like to swim for college, but it depends on the time I have and where I end up going to school. I do know that I need to go to a school with a pool, otherwise that just won’t work.”

Deborah Storm brings attention to the swim

team breaking one record at a time

The fi rst games of boys basketball have come and gone and with the new management, the team is looking strong with their record of 3-1. Game one of the Johnsburg T h a n k s g i v i n g Tournament was a nail biter against Marion

Central. Due to the fact that the varsity boys were falling behind in the first half, things were looking grim. However, the boys started making a comeback in the second half by playing hard in the press and pulling away with the score of 38-29. After more vigorous basketball, Grant tied at 51 points in the second half, and with a couple of well placed free throws by sophomore Shane Richardson, Grant won 55-51. The tournament continued to the second game, a slow starter against Marango High School.

“We started off slow in the first half, then we came out of the box and played well,” said senior Austin Spohr.

Like the first game, Grant ended up pulling away in the second half with senior Gilbert Sheehan dropping 22 points and ten rebounds, freshman Gerry Gaylor with 12 points and Richardson with 10. Grant walloped Marango with a score of 56-48. “It was a pretty close game, we pulled away in the fourth quarter with our press,” said head coach Mr.Bosworth. Unfortunately for Grant, the press didn’t work to their favor for game three against Johnsburg. “We started off in the first quarter winning by nine points. We thought we were doing good, then inch by inch they were gaining. We had too many turnovers, too many missed shots, and we lost the game by one,” said Spohr. While there are certainly many reasons why Grant did not walk away with a win, Bosworth has an idea. “It was a pretty close game the

Essence TilleryStaff Reporter

Boys basketball rocks games with ballin’ teamworkwhole way, back and forth. In the end, the experience was too much for us,” said Boswoth. Grant lost that game 48-47, but Sheehan and Richardson still played well, with Sheehan scoring 17 points and Richardson scoring 14. Despite this setback, Grant was able to regroup and come up with an amazing win against Wauconda in the final game of the Johnsburg Tournament. “We blew them out. We were up by one in the second half and by the end of third we were up by three and by the end we won by 17,” said Spohr. But with every blow out, there’s always room for improvement. “We could’ve played better, it should’ve been a nine or ten point game,” said Richardson. All in all however, the varsity boys are looking sharp with their record and the level of play that they are displaying, especially with players like Richardson and Sheehan, both of whom were standout performers in the entire tournament. Richardson so far seems the most improved, being a sophomore on varsity, whereas Sheehan racks double digit points with the help of his teammates. “We’re going in the right direction, we don’t have much experience, but I like where we’re at right now. Basically we played this tournament without two of or main guys (Gaylor and junior Bill Khan). Once we get everybody back, put the pieces together, we should be fine,” said Bosworth. The Bulldogs plan on ruling their opponents at the home game against North

Chicago on Dec. 19 and they plan on doing well in the Holiday tournament. “I hope we play hard and win the upcoming games,” said Sheehan.

Paul KudowskiStaff Reporter

Varsity bowling has high expectations for the remaining seasonThis season

looks to be the best season yet for the Grant Community High School girls varsity bowling team. Coming off a division championship last year, the girls are expecting big things this season. “I think everyone is working hard to

succeed,” says senior Dori Rivera. The girls are confi dent that they will have another division championship. “I do think we can win division again because we are as skilled and more together as a team than we were last year,” says junior Breanna Brugioni. Even the coach feels the same way. “I plan to win division, not that it will be easy, but with focus and determination, it is in our reach,” says Ms. Miller, head coach.

Winning doesn’t just come with playing the sport, however, good coaching is a necessity and a major key to having a championship team, and varsity girls bowling coach certainly fi ts that description.

“I love her! She’s always there for us if we need help with our mental game,” says Brugioni.

Rivera shares the same feelings stating that Miller is “very creative each year and tries to understand everyone’s game as individual.”

The girls are practicing hard to get back into championship form, and from this Miller has very high expectations this year.

The teams’ chances for a winning season look very good this year, however it will not be easy.

“Our challenges are similar to every team at the beginning of the season-getting back into our games and consistency,” says Miller. One of the team’s greatest challenges this season is their match against Antioch High School. “Antioch will be a challenge because they have many good players this year,” says Brugioni.

Though it may be tough, the team is still optimistic on what they can accomplish this season.

“I hope to make it to state as a team because it would be a fantastic

accomplishment,” says Brugioni.Brugioni’s teammates as well have

high hopes for her bowling season this year. Many are excited to see a repeat of Brugioni’s 300 game.

“Breanna is so dedicated,” says Rivera. “You can see it every time she walks on the lane.”

One of the highlights of last season was the team winning the Grant Invite tournament, and this season the team looks forward to go out and win it again.

“I am looking forward to all the games and tournaments, but especially the one we host because winning it again this year means winning it two years in a row,” says Brugioni.

Other prominent bowlers such as senior Caitlin Loving and senior Serina Stow are also key parts of the team and look forward to having good season this year.

“This is my senior year so I will accomplish as much as I can,” says Rivera.

Opponents better watch out this season, because the Grant varsity girls bowling team is ready to strike!

Katie LorisStaff Reporter

Tommy Bronken focuses on the game at the tournament.

Storm and coach Mr. Erickson at sectionals

Guest Photographer/ The Bark

Upcoming GamesNeed something to do over break? Get out there and support the Bulldogs!

Boys Basket Ball Tournament At Grant Community High School

Dec. 22Dec. 23Dec. 26Dec.. 27

Times to be announced.

Girls Basket Ball Tournament At Mundelein High School

Dec. 20Dec. 22Dec. 23Dec. 26Dec. 27

Times to be announced.

Page 8: December Bark

The BarkDecember 15, 2008

Sports 8

As usual, a lot is expected of the Grant Community High School Bulldogs for this wrestling season. The team is what many people recognize Grant by, and it doesn’t seem as if anything is going to change. This year’s season is looking as if it

will keep the school’s reputation safe as being one of the top schools in our conference. The team had a successful season last year, and is expecting to do even better this year.

Junior Jack Kramer says that the team has the potential to beat any team this year.

“People need to work hard and we will be successful,” says Kramer. As for the team as a whole this year, Mr. Geist, head coach says, “being mentally

tougher than our opponent, and making them break fi rst” is the key to achieving an undefeated season. Junior Jason Montemayor believes that overcoming the basics is necessary to go far in wrestling. Grant has always done well in wrestling, whether they went undefeated, or had only three losses, this team is always one to watch. There are key meets to watch this season. Montemayor says, “We are in a new division this year with bigger schools with good wrestlers.” There are several opponents the athletes will be facing that are top ranked in the state. Oak Park River Forest is ranked second in the state and eleventh nationally, while West Aurora and Glenbard North are ranked third and fourth in the state respectfully. The team is facing West Aurora on Jan. 3, Oak Park River Forest on Jan. 9, and Glenbard North on Jan. 24. As all teams do, they have their

advantages and disadvantages. Geist says, “Our biggest advantage is our history. Expectations are high, and everyone already knows it.” Montemayor says that the team’s advantage is the fact that they have a lot of skill and toughness in the team, and the help of the good coaches they have. As for disadvantages, Geist points out the lack of a 103 pounder, whereas Montemayor states how many seniors were lost last year. The team is hoping to go far this season. Montemayor hopes the team will win conference again, and make it down to state.

Geist says, “We have a lot of potential in our upper weights, whereas we usually are pretty thin at the top of our line-up. This year we have several big guys who are pushing each other.” Individuals on the team are also aiming high this season. Montemayor says, “I’m going to be all state this year as an individual.” Kramer is also hoping that he will make it down state this year as an individual. Junior Lee Munster says, “I’m not only hoping to win another state title, but also to develop my technique and become college ready.”

Katie LorisStaff Reporter

Wrestling keeps Grant’s rep strong

The weather is getting cold and it is now time to shift the attention inside to the varsity girls basketball team. The Lady Bulldogs are working hard at practice, and are striving to get into mid season form.

The girls basketball team is

continuing to improve each day and Mr. Eiduke, head coach, is satisfied with the way they are playing.

“Thus far, we have been performing very well. The girls are working hard to improve,” says Eiduke.

Junior Heather Chapman thinks that there are areas the team can get better at for the rest of the season.

“I think there’s always room to improve all around,” says Chapman.

The girls are zeroing in on a couple things at practice that they know they need to do to win.

“[Practices are hard and tough], and we focus on defense, or as all the players call it “DWC,” (Defense Wins Championships),” says senior Gina Cellucci.

With defense being the team’s center of attention, Cellucci thinks that it is the team’s best attribute.

“[Our biggest strength is] our defense and our aggressiveness,” says Cellucci.

The way the Bulldogs defend is key to the way they will play throughout the season.

“Our style depends on our defense. If we are forcing turnovers, we play an up tempo game. If we are forcing the offense to work for every point, we are playing a more

Alex CarrStaff Reporter

Aggressive game play and strong defense are key to girls basketball success

As with any team, the athletes tend to improve as the season goes on, and this season there are a lot of wrestlers expected to improve. Geist says that junior Christian Balderas has the potential to really improve on last year’s performance. Montemayor is expecting improvements from many of the wrestlers this season, including Munster, Balderas, Kramer, and seniors Tyler Becker and Tyler Dempsey. Team members are also noticing potential this season for their teammates. Balderas says, “I think that everyone on the team has the potential to be great as long as they are willing to learn, work hard, and have the heart to be great. We all stand out in the sense of being a tough and competitive team.” Munster is noticing improvements in the seniors, in the sense that they are standing out and taking leadership roles on the team. It looks as if this year’s team altogether has a lot of potential to succeed. At the Barrington Tournament on Nov. 28 and 29, the team gave it their all and believe they competed well. Munster even walked away with the tournament’s ‘Outstanding Wrestler’ award.

controlled game,” says Eiduke.Also, the team is paying attention

to other things at practice this year.“[The team focuses on] playing

hard at all times and communicating at practice, says Chapman.

There is one other area that the team is excelling in so far this year.

“Our biggest strength is the effort that all of our players put in to working together,” says Eiduke.

That is evident this season with the balanced scoring efforts from each player, and the tough defense the Bulldogs are playing.

The Lady Bulldogs have started out slow in a couple of games, and that is one of the things the team is trying to address.

“We need to bring intensity to every game. Some games we start flat,” says senior Alyssa Pasiewicz. “We need to have energy and excitement all the time.”

The team is also getting great leadership from their upperclassmen, and it shows by the way they are performing in games.

“Many players have stood out so far, but our seniors have all made positive contributions,” says Eiduke.

Sometimes in sports, there are a few players on a team that can be disruptive and cause havoc throughout the season. The Bulldogs are the complete opposite, and that is an advantage the team might have over other schools.

“[We get along] great. We all like each other and play well with any lineup,” says Cellucci.

That helps the team because they can use different lineups to exploit the opposing teams’ weaknesses. It is also one less thing the team has to worry about.

“This team gets along very well, which makes things a lot easier on all of us,” says Eiduke

The Bulldogs will try to continue their success over Christmas break as they play in the Mundelein Holiday Tournament Dec. 20- Dec. 27.

The game against Antioch on Dec. 2 was exciting as a game can get. With 12 seconds left Gina Cellucci hit a deep 3-pointer that put the Bulldogs ahead 46-45. A moment later Antioch drove down the court and hit a shot with 4 seconds left that clinched the game

Senior Tyler Dempsey takes down an opponent at the Barrington Tournament

Senior Roque Bustos pins opponent to secure a win

Senior Brittani Schisler plays hard defense in the Antioch game. S. Francisco/ The Bark

as Antioch won 47-46. “Our shots didn’t fall and we made a

lot of mistakes, but we are ready to take them on again,” says Pasiewicz.

The Bulldogs could not get the shooting stroke going all night as they shot under 30 percent from the fl oor. Even though they lost a game like this, they can still be competitive even when they are not having their best night. This game shows how tough and exciting the Prairie Division will be this season.

Guest Photographer/The Bark

Guest Photographer/The Bark