April 20, 2011 - Lemont High School

Lemont High School
800 Porter Street
Lemont, IL 60439
April 20, 2011
Issue 27
Referendum
by Caroline Celis
News writer
On April 5, Lemont voters were given
the chance to decide whether or not they
support the campaign for a new referendum. Attempts to pass the referendum
have failed in the past, but the choice to
try again was made in order to improve
the current terrible economic status of
Lemont’s public school district.
On Tuesday, Cook and Dupage county
members rejected the District 113A referendum. If the referendum did pass, an
additional $361 would have been added
to the average homeowner’s tax bill. This
money would have been used to ensure
economic stability to the schools, lessen
the need for borrowing, restore necessary
educational programs and hire back teachers with the intent of reducing class sizes.
The Lemont community is divided
between those who are disappointed in the
failure of the referendum and those who
are content without the tax increase. With
a new school board in place, it is anticipated that many new changes will be made in
the district’s spending.
It is currently unknown if another attempt will be made in the future to pass
a referendum, or if the Lemont schools
will simply rely on reform to get through
the economic crisis affecting not only the
photos courtesy of Google and the Tom-Tom
community, but the entire nation.
IN THIS ISSUE
p.3 LHSEF Supports Ten More
Grants for Next
Year
p.4 Take a Chill Pill
p.5 Decisions, Decisions
p.6 The Weepies
p.7 Gotta Catch
‘em All
p.8 Think Before
You “Tat“
p.9 Muffins: Open
for Business
p.10 Lemont
Blanked by Downers Grove South
TOM-TOM
STAFF
News:
Design Editor:
Dylan Blaha
Rachel Hunter
Design Assistants:
Brittany Baldwin
Mary McKevitt
Caroline Celis
Alexis Caspers
Morgan McPartland Haley Haase
Editorials Editor:
Erin O’Connor
Kelly Lyons
Elizabeth Bernabe
Editorials:
Features:
Journalism Advisor:
Kelly Lyons
Andrea Earnest
Sean Clark
Annie Lillwitz
Rene Tovar
Maribeth Van Hecke
Lindsay Simonetta
Head Editor:
Maddy George
Dylan Blaha
Features Editor:
Bridget Carr
Andrea Earnest
Katelyn Bittke
Sports:
Mallory Christine
Sports Editor:
Gregg Husa
Gregg Husa
Kyle Griffin
Photographers:
Ryan Peraino
Katelyn Bittke
News Editor:
Ian Stratta
Michael Gaytan
Dylan Blaha
3
by Dylan Blaha
Head Editor
In its four-year existence, the Lemont High School Education Foundation has supported numerous grants to aid
LHS. Recently, they announced their support for ten more grants, totaling over $27,000, for the 2011-12 year.
These grants proposals, submitted by LHS faculty and staff, intend to enhance the educational opportunities for
the growing student population. According to the LHSEF, the $27,233 in funding must be used during the 2011-12
school year.
The LHSEF, which provided over $130,000 in grants over the years, operates independently from the school; they
state their mission is to “partner with the community to make lasting improvements to Lemont High School that will
enhance the total educational experience for all of its students.”
Some of these Educational Foundation Grants include proposals regarding Breakfast Buddies, the Cultural
Geography Reading Initiative and Manga club.
The “Manga: Most Requested Reads” proposal, written by Learning Resource Center Director Cathy Mayer, helps
tend to the high number of students interested in the Manga genre. With more than 50 titles checked out weekly,
Manga includes a variety of topics and styles, usually published in serialized stories.
“[The grant] almost doubles the size of our current collection,” said Mayer. “[Manga] is definitely a unique genre
that stands out and is gaining popularity.”
Mayer stated that the Manga genre is “gaining ground” on other fiction genres; according to her, for every one
fiction novel, three Manga books are checked out. In addition, the “unofficial” Manga club has increased the genre’s
circulation.
“Although there is a small, specific group
of students that read the Manga books now, I
believe the grant will help more students gain
interest in the genre,” said Mayer. “The students
today are more of a visual generation.”
Other proposals include:
• AED-Prepared Lay Responders
• Discipline Free Dance
• Environmental Science On-Site Outdoor
Education Laboratory
• Navigating Through the Technology
Classroom Part 2
• Pre-Prom Assembly
• We See College in YOUR Future 4.0
• Writing Matters: Navigating the
The LHSEF Board of Directors awarded ten grants to benefit Lemont
Demands of High School Writing
High School's students and staff during the 2011-12 school year.
photo and caption courtesy of lhs210.net
4
Take a Chill Pill
by Brittany Baldwin
News writer
With the number of Americans suffering from stress- related illnesses increasing rapidly each year, the need
for stress awareness is imperative. In 1992, the medical community decided to designate the month of April as
National Stress Awareness Month.
For nineteen years, National Stress Awareness Month has stood as a time for individuals to identify the cause of
their stress, and take steps to decrease this worry in order to live a more abundant life.
According to LHS Anatomy teacher Tim Plotke, high amounts of stress can have devastating effects upon both
the body and mind. A few of these negative effects include “inability to sleep, weight gain, ulcers and irritability.”
Plotke added, “Pretty much any time you put stress on the body, it’s going to react in a negative way.”
Although the high school years are traditionally thought of as some of the most relaxed and carefree years of
one’s life, many LHS students find this time to be very stressful.
Junior Alyssa Szymanski finds “dance, homework and ACT prep class” to be the sources of much of the stress she
experiences. Szymanski stated, “I feel stressed a lot because [these activities] are so time consuming, and I’ve got
so many other things to do.”
As a result of her stressful life, Szymanski is unable to “spend much time with friends and family,” and finds
herself alone in her room frequently.
Although Szymanski is often tense due to stress, she understands the importance of taking time to relax.
Szymanski stated, “When I want to relax, I usually play with my dog, watch TV or a movie or just curl up on the
couch.”
Senior Jimmy Dillenburg’s siblings contribute to much of the stress he experiences. Dillenburg stated, “My
siblings distract me and I can’t do my homework. I stay up until midnight because I can’t concentrate with everyone
running around the house.”
When seeking relaxation, Dillenburg escapes to “a quiet place where there is no one around” and attempts to ease
his frustrations.
Dillenburg recognizes that the stress that comes with having many siblings is inescapable at this time in his life,
but he predicts, “Once I move out of the house, I think I’ll be a bit more laid back and able to relax.”
Sophomore Sarah Cash feels “school, parents and drama with friends” cause her a great deal of stress. Cash
added, “I mostly get stressed because there’s just so much to do at once.”
Cash has experienced the negative effects of stress first hand, as high amounts of stress “make her “tired and
easily frustrated.” However, to combat this fatigue and frustration, Cash “reads.”
For students like Szymanski, Dillenburg and Cash under high amounts of stress, Plotke suggests, “running or
doing other physical activity” to alleviate anxiety.
Plotke stated, “Physical activity will allow you to relax and sleep better to decrease the stress you feel.”
With National Stress Awareness month in full bloom, the month of April stands as an opportunity for students to
step away from the stressors within their lives and take a well-deserved chill pill.
photos courtesy of Google
5
Decisions,
by Annie Lillwitz
Editorials writer
Decisions
As May 1 rapidly approaches, undecided seniors have a major decision to make; what to do with the next four years
of their lives.
Some of us are staying home, others are leaving, but no matter what we do, or where we go, we all have a serious,
life-changing decision to make.
Contrary to the belief that college is just one big party, it is actually the final step in our education. You know, the
one before we actually have to start our real lives? Scary, I know.
The possibilities for next year are endless. The majority of the senior class will be going away to colleges all over
the country. From Florida to Virginia, LHS has it covered.
Other seniors will choose a closer college, like Louis University, St. Xavier’s, or maybe a school downtown.
Many who wish to save some money, or just aren’t quite ready to leave the nest yet, will go to a community college
for a year or two before transferring to another college. Other students may spend all four years at a community college.
Some seniors are even going into military branches, like the army and the air force.
With all these choices, how are we ever supposed to decide what to do? Of course, many factors play important roles
in the decision making process.
First and foremost, for most seniors, it is probably cost. $65,000 a year is outrageous, no matter where you’re going,
and is often a reason students rule out schools like Notre Dame and University of Chicago.
Luckily, many students are able to get scholarships and grants for schools, especially private schools, which can help
make it more affordable.
Secondly, you have to decide which school you can see yourself at. If you’re anything like me, this makes the decision nearly impossible. As it turns out, you can only pick one school.
Unfortunately, when problems number one and two are combined you typically end up with an unaffordable school
you’re in love with. This is when the decision gets really tough.
Regardless of the school, or military branch, or whatever it is you decide on, chances are you are going to like it.
Worst comes to worst, you transfer the next year.
Just remember how much time and effort you’re putting into this decision, and make sure what you decide is worth
it. Don’t sell yourself short and go to a school for the parties, because those aren’t what are going to shape your future.
So make the decision that is right for you and all the time and effort you put into deciding will pay off.
Photo courtesy of Google
6
s
e
i
p
e
e
W
e
Th
by Maribeth Van Hecke
Guest Features
Photos courtesy of Google
As their music continues to enchant listeners, The Weepies music captures the emotion and grace of a weeping willow
tree.
Deb Talan and Steve Tannen started writing music together the night they met; the night Deb found herself at one of
Steve’s shows. Shortly after that night, they formed their band, The Weepies, and combined their styles to make a folk-pop
sound with lovey-dovey imagination.
Since then, The Weepies have put out four albums. Their second album, Say I am You, sent the band mainstream in 2006.
The album hit number one on iTunes and their song, “The World Spins Madly On” hit number one on iTunes folk charts.
Sincere poetry is found in The Weepies’ lyrics. The words seem to pour their emotions into the songs they write and
listeners can hear and feel them. Meaningful and unique words and phrases are found all over their music and their writing
style.
The Weepies’ sound is very soft and light-hearted. While listening, it’s easy happily sway back and forth to the rhythm
and sing along to the words that bring about nostalgia. The songs’ melodies leave pictures in the air.
In a literal sense, The Weepies did just that. Thanks to artist Ryan Woodward, The Weepies’ song “Thought of You”—
also known as “The World Spins Madly On”-- was turned into a 2d contemporary dance. Woodward successfully created a
beautiful art piece with the combination of The Weepies’ music, sketch drawings and a contemporary dance.
The Weepies music has a lighthearted sound with compelling, memorable lyrics. The Weepies’ music is beautiful to listen
to and assures us that “the world spins madly on”.
7
Gotta Catch’em All
by Rene Tovar
Features
Photos courtesy of Google
Many of us can recall playing or watching the hit
TV series Pokémon during our childhood. We would
fill up that Pokédex, collect those cool cards and
battle our way to the top.
Pokémon, created by Satoshi Tajiri, will go down in
history as one of the greatest pop-culture trends ever.
When created by Tajiri in 1995 in Japan, it instantly
became popular among many different groups.
Throughout the years, Pokémon has only grown
in popularity and stands strong with its newest addition to the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon: Black and
White.
Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, Pokémon: Black and White entered the Pokémon fan world as “the fifth generation” meaning the
fifth group of different Pokémon, features, graphics
and game play. The games are separate, but realistically, you can’t beat one without the other.
The games were released in Japan on Sep. 18, 2010, and were recently released in Europe, North America and
Australia in March of this year.
These two new installments, as the previous, follow the journey of a young trainer throughout the new region of
Unova. The basis of the game is the same: train your Pokémon to battle other trainers while thwarting the plans of a
criminal organization, who, in this game, happens to be Team Plasma.
Black and White introduced over 150 new Pokémon along with many new features such as a seasonal cycle, fully
animated Pokémon and triple battles (playing with 3 Pokémon at once instead of one).
When released, the game maintained a positive set of reviews, complementing on the advanced game play. Some
reviews, however, criticized some of the character designs and many felt that the game didn’t give what was expected.
Nonetheless, the games sold 6 million copies as of Jan. 2011, becoming some of the fastest selling games.
The Pokémon franchise has continued to rise in popularity throughout the years of its many installments, which
include Blue, Red, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Fire Red, Leaf Green, Emerald, Diamond, Pearl,
Platinum, Heart Gold and Soul Silver.
So, if you haven’t got caught up in the Pokémon scene yet, grab a game, whether it’s old or new, and catch’em all!
8
k
in
Th
We all know that trends alter over
time. Our forms of expression vary
from person to person, and altogether
from generation to generation.
Whether it’s through art, style,
language, etcetera, we all constantly
find new ways to represent our beliefs
and individuality in some manner.
If I’m not mistaken, I once thought
it rare to find a person with unique
and permanent markings on his
or her skin. These symbols, called
tattoos, are now commonly found and
frequently seen among the teenage
population.
Wikipedia defines a tattoo as “a
marking made by inserting indelible
ink into the layers of skin to change
the pigment for decorative or other
reasons....a type of decorative body
modification.” In simple terms, think
of making a design on your skin with
sharpie and never being able to wash
it off.
While there are new methods
where one can go through treatment
to remove the tattoo from your skin,
through what I can only assume
is a painful procedure, one of the
significant characteristics of tattoos is
that they are meant to last.
I think this alone would justify the
need for some sort of reasoning or
deep meaning behind the marks that
by Bridget Carr
Features writer
Photos courtesy of Google
people engrave into their bodies.
I honestly don’t find tattoos to be
wrong by any means. Some contain
words, symbols and designs that
are very important to an individual.
It’s the whimsical, decorative
tattoos that come across quite
senseless.
Wouldn’t one worry that they
will change over time and regret
scarring themselves with something
potentially insignificant to them in
the future?
This is my advice. If there is an
emblem or quote that is cherished
and meaningful, such as one made
in memory of a loved one, I believe
the decision to get a tattoo would
definitely be valid. But if you’re
just doing it as a type of fashion or
to follow a fad, at least think twice.
There are a variety of ways to
portray your individuality; just
don’t do it in a way that you might
regret down the road. I know some
people thrive in taking a risk with
getting a tattoo. It might seem
daring or spontaneous, but it might
not be the wisest of choices.
Look into the details and make an
informed decision. Try not to base
it on impressing others; making
sure that you’re happy with your
own body is what matters.
9
Muffins:
Open for Business
by Andrea Earnest
Features Editor
Muffins has only been open a fortnight in Lemont and it’s
already a popular hangout. Located in downtown Lemont,
Muffins is just a short drive away from the high school. If
you have a bad day, you can always stop by for a frozen
treat.
The cozy but friendly atmosphere makes customers feel
right at home. Senior Matt Lithgow said, “I really like that
there is so much on the menu to choose from. It really has a
variety of treats, and they’re all delicious.”
Muffins sells shakes, coffee drinks, muffins, cupcakes and
even ice cream. The ice cream comes from Plush Horse,
and for those who have been there, you know how good
it is. The store seems to combine all kind of treats that
people enjoy. Instead of going to Starbucks or Dairy Queen,
you can go to Muffins and have a bigger menu than those
places.
I went to Muffins over spring break, and was very
pleased. My friends and I all ordered the cake batter ice
cream, which I would definitely recommend. I also had a
sip of the strawberry shake, and that was very good as well.
Muffins definitely has that small-town feel that Lemont is
known for. The service was very friendly, and I didn’t have
to wait long for my order at all. The atmosphere of the shop
also provides a nice setting to chat with friends. You’re
bound to run into someone you know, so Muffins provides a
good social setting as well.
Senior Becky Evankoe adds, “I really like it because it’s
something we didn’t have in Lemont. It’s nice to have a
place to go when you don’t want a large meal, just a little
dessert.” Muffins is open from 6:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. I
would definitely recommend stopping by the shop; you
won’t be disappointed!
Photos courtesy of Michael Gaytan
10
Lemont
by Ryan Peraino
Sports writer
by Downers Grove South
Photo by Michael Gaytan
The Lemont girls soccer team (7-2) was defeated by the #9 ranked
Downers Grove South Mustangs (10-1-1) 4-0 on April 13 at the Lemont
Sports Complex.
The game started out going back and forth before Mustang freshman
Stephanie Zurales received a pass from a turnover and shot the ball from
the top right corner of the goal box. She put it over Lemont freshman
keeper Kelly Fritz to score the first goal of the game with 32:54 left in
the first half.
About twenty minutes later, DGS midfielder Sarah Ludwig stole a
Lemont pass and passed to Zurales. She beat the defender and put another goal in at the 12:50 mark.
That was Zurales 9 goal this year tying her for the team lead. “She’s a
good player,” said junior captain Kelly Trojak. “She has a good shot and
Lemont soccer team against Downers Grove South quick feet.”
After it looked like the team was going to go into half time only down
two, DGS struck again with a goal at the 1:31 mark when Fritz’s goal kick was headed back into the goal box. Emily
Wauer received the ball and chipped it over Fritz to make it 3-0.
The second half went on with good defense by Lemont but DGS did score one more time at 13:41 off of a corner kick.
This put the game at 4-0 and it stayed that way.
“We decided to play more defensive. We only played two up top and five in the midfield,” said Head Coach Rick Prangen. “We were expecting a good physical side with girls who could finish.”
DGS dominated almost the whole game outshooting Lemont in shots on goal 12-3.
The team has started out on a hot streak only dropping two of their first nine games. They’re undefeated in conference
play and beat Downers Grove North for the first time in school history.
The game verse DGN was a nail biter throughout. Junior forward Alison Refus scored the game winning goal with 45
seconds to go in the game.
“There was a sense of urgency to get a goal because time was running out,” said Trojak. “She was just in the right place
at the right time and put the ball in the net.”
This huge non-conference win will hopefully lift the team to a long playoff run as they try to go farther than last year’s
disappointing loss to Joliet Catholic Academy in the sectional semifinals.
“They just hope to vie for a sectional title and if we don’t make it they’ll be disappointed.”
The team captains are juniors Shannon Briggs and Trojak and seniors Amy Skronski and Elise Cody. They lead this
young team that starts 5 underclassmen including two freshmen.
“The captains have done a great job,” said Prangen. “They work hard and demonstrate through hard work.”
The team looks to continue its winning ways in an important conference game on Thursday at Reavis.
Aries
Mar 21 - Apr 20
You’re going through
big changes on Monday and Tuesday, and
may need to spend
some time alone to
sort things out. Once
you’ve got it all
together, you should
know exactly what
you want.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 21
You’re warm and
wonderful now, but
it’s nothing compared
to the heat you generate when Thursday
and Friday come.
You’re generous and
gorgeous, and love’s
in the air wherever
you go!
Sagittarius
Nov 23 - Dec 22
You’re feeling great
midweek, and ought
to find that your positive emotions affect
those around you for
the better. However,
you may be too surrounded by friends to
really get down and
deep with someone
one-on-one.
Taurus
Apr 21 - May 21
Lighthearted and lively
is the way love should be
as the week begins, and
you might even feel like
sharing a few feelings.
Expand your comfort
zone and enjoy letting
a certain someone in on
what’s on your mind and
in your heart!
Virgo
Aug 22 - Sep 23
Tuesday and Wednesday look lovely for
enjoying the company
of others -- and maybe
one other in particular.
You’re mighty enjoyable yourself, and the
give-and-take between
friends and more-thanfriends is extra rewarding on these days.
Capricorn
Dec 23 - Jan 20
You’re super-smart on
Monday, but don’t forget the emotional part
of the equation, too.
Those around you may
be having some erratic reactions around
Tuesday and Wednesday, especially when
it comes to sticky
romantic matters.
Cancer
Gemini
May 22 - Jun 21
Jun 22 - Jul 22
Wednesday and Thursday are perfect for
pairing up, so make sure
you’ve got options to
suggest for spending
time with that someone.
But your emotions might
work against you somewhat this weekend, so
keep them in check.
Libra
Hello, hot stuff! The
start of the week ought
to find you pretty much
on fire, and lighting a
fire under your love
life’s behind has never
been easier. Get some
sweet stuff started -there’s no time like the
present!
Scorpio
Oct 24 - Nov 22
Sep 23 - Oct 23
Wednesday and Thursday are especially good
for speaking from the
heart. Your romantic
history catches up
with you in some way
this weekend, and you
should take as long as
you need to figure it all
out.
Aquarius
Jan 21 - Feb 19
Your energy is so focused early this week
that you might almost
intimidate your crush,
but this weekend is
the best time to start
off on new adventures
with your each other,
just make sure you
keep your sense of self
intact.
Pisces
Feb 20 - Mar 20
The cosmic energy
centers on relationships and independence on Thursday
and Friday. Find
your balance and
keep it through the
weekend, when
being grounded is
especially important.
In the middle of the
week, you may get a
little too chatty and
reveal more than you
intended, though this
could end up being
incredibly beneficial.
Maybe it’s time to let
out feelings you’ve
been keeping inside?
Photos and Horoscopes courtesy of
Seventeen Magazine