Changing of the guard

TheProfile
Vol. 51 Issue 2
Proviso West High School
Hillside, IL
Changing of the guard
Proviso West welcomes new Principal, Assistant Principal in shakeup
By Arielle Green
Editor-in-Chief
One January evening, Mrs.
Wallace was relieved of her duties
as principal here at Proviso West
High School. The next day, we were
introduced to Dr. Pruitt, Acting
Principal, and Mr. Johnson, new Assistant Principal.
Dr. Pruitt, who is also the
Assistant Superintendent of Proviso
Township High Schools, came to
Proviso in January of 2009. Her past
educational duties included stops in
Memphis, TN, Gary, IN, and Kankakee, IL. She also has experience
working in New York and the Virgin
Islands.
Dr. Pruitt understands that
some students are having trouble
accepting that Mrs. Wallace is gone,
but at the same time, feels this
change is for the better.
“The reception from the
students has been mixed,” Dr. Pruitt
said. “Some have been emotional
about the situation and some have
been supportive.”
She received her Bachelor
of Arts from Rust College in Holly
Springs, MS, a Master’s
Degree from Indiana University, and a Doctorate in
Education from University
of Memphis.
Her goals for the rest
of the year are with good
intentions. The search for
a new principal is the top
goal, but she will also the
focus on academics, ending the year off well, and
she would also like to have
more parental involvement.
“Throughout this
all, we want to keep the focus on
academics,” said Dr. Pruitt. “We
want to close out the school year on
a good note. We want to make this
district the best in Illinois.”
Dr. Pruitt, although acting
principal at Proviso West, still maintains her duties as Assistant Superintendent of the district.
As for Mr. Johnson, he is
now Assistant Principal at Proviso
West after holding the same position
at Proviso East since 2003. Prior to
that, he taught Physics and Astronomy at Proviso East. Overall, he is in
his 11th year at Proviso.
He has a Master’s degree in
Education and Bachelors in Physics from Lewis University. He also
spent four years in the U.S. Army,
stationed in Germany.
“This is an exciting, new
challenge,” Mr. Johnson
said. “We understand that
people are affected by this,
but we want to make sure
everyone is moving ahead.
We want everyone to continue on with their education, because that is what
Ms. Wallace would have
wanted.”
By now, students
should be familiar with Mr.
Johnson. He makes a point
to be visible and active during the
school day. Also he makes a point
to speak to the students over the
intercom before school and during
announcements.
“If you don’t make the connection, it’s harder to make things
better,” Mr. Johnson said. “Especially at a new place, you need to know
who’s who.”
Despite being at a new
school, Mr. Johnson’s goals remain
the same.
“Our goal is to make sure
everyone who should graduate, will
graduate,” said Mr. Johnson. “We
also need to get everyone prepared
for the next school year.”
As a welcoming to Dr. Pruitt
and Mr. Johnson, the class of 2013
made cards for them.
For those who still are concerned for Mrs. Wallace, she was
reassigned to the district office at
PMSA through the end of the school
year.
In a press release Proviso
Township High School Superintendent Dr. Collins-Hart said: “As we
move forward with this process we
will seek more parent involvement,
and we will do all that we can to
keep you informed. We are accountable to you, the state of Illinois and
the students we serve. Through organizational reforms and community
support, turnarounds happen.”
NJROTC continues to grow, impress, give students structure
Students able to show off at annual AMI in December
By Terecita Meraz
Assistant Editor
A.M.I. stands for Annual Military Inspection.
It is super important that the Proviso West NJROTC
Unit passes the inspection in December because if they
don’t, they are then re-inspected in the spring and do not
have the chance to have a military ball.
What cadets need to work on is knowledge and appearance. Knowledge is knowing the chain of command and
the 11 General Orders. Appearance is simply wearing your
uniform according to the required standards.
During A.M.I., students are inspected and asked
questions – the highest honor a cadet can receive is a ten
and along with that comes a medal.
During the ceremony, cadets are given awards, there
is a performance by the drill team, and the color guard also
makes an entrance.
This year, there was a special guests - Proviso West
graduates from last year that were in the ROTC.
One of them was my friend Edgar, he did a speech
and what it meant to him having been a leader and gave
advice to the recently promoted chiefs.
He also shared what it was that he was doing in life.
He is now a student at Triton College and is doing a great
job with living his life and making his future the most it can
be.
Inside this issue
of the Profile
• Proviso getting greener
thanks to SEED Club
(Page 2)
• The Proviso West Holiday Tournament, at 50
years of age, continues
to draw the top basketball talent in the area
(Page 4)
• Celebrating Black History Month, Proviso
style (Page 5)
• What’s in vogue? Check
out the hot looks in 2011
(Page 6)
• Find out how the Panthers’ winter sports
teams are faring (Pages
7 and 8)
2
March 2011
NEWS
The Profile
A Greener Proviso
SEED Club turning Thursday recycling into monumental success
By Jeanette Garcia
Staff Writer
S.E.E.D. is a club that exists at Proviso
West and has been around since 1996. They stay
motivated by the friendships they develop and the
appreciation for the value of our natural resources. Their overall purpose is to help end environmental issues.
As you all know, every Thursday,
S.E.E.D. members collect recycled paper. And
what a productive recycling program it has been.
On average, they collect about 2 tons of
paper a month – and that is usually their ultimate
monthly goal. Also, the yearly average amounts
are increasing each year. That is impressive.
Let’s not forget to give a big thank you
to the maintenance department for doing a huge
amount of work, as well.
On top of recycling on Thursdays, the
members of the S.E.E.D. club have done other
things, too. They have adopted a highway, which
means it is their responsibility to keep it clean.
Members are also currently working on their
Energy Audit project. This project consists of
them, for example, counting windows and finding
a way to keep the cold out so that people can save
on heating bills.
The sponsors for S.E.E.D. are Mr. Blood
and Mrs. Suwary.
What has been the most fulfilling part for
Mr. Blood this year has been the progress of the
recycling program.
“It’s amazing how something like recycling in schools can make a big difference in our
environment,” Mr. Blood said. “It’s important for
all of us to take a minute and think of how we
need to protect and conserve our environment,
because it’s all we have.”
Mr. Blood began as a volunteer and was
influenced by a friend from college. He decided
to help sponsor S.E.E.D. because of his passion
to help with
environmental
issues. It is
inspiring how
people, like
the members
of S.E.E.D.,
dedicate themselves to help
conserve our
environment.
We should all commit ourselves to help,
as well.
If anyone wants to be a part of this, to
make a difference in our lives, talk to Mrs. Suwary in room C117 or Mr. Blood in C201. The
club’s motto is “Think Global, Act Local.” That’s
exactly what we all should be doing.
Class of 2013 a club for all seasons
By Jada Coleman
Contributor
The Class of 2013 has many events coming up, including raising
funds for this year’s prom.
The club, which meets on Mondays after school in Room E132, is
currently working on several things, as well as having accomplished several
things already this year.
So far this school year, the Class of 2013 has had some bake sales,
participated in the Taste of Proviso, participated in Coats for Cuties (to aid
battered women and a children’s shelter), has sold spirit wear, participated
in the Homecoming Parade, sponsored the Valentine’s Crush Sale and sold
ribbons for Black History Month.
“We care about the students’ opinions, not just the members,” said
Class of 2013 sponsor Mrs. Burtner. “All are welcome. As activities director, I help with planning, the creating of posters and participate in all of the
fundraisers.”
With just a few short months to go before the end of the school year
and, for members of the Class of 2013 – graduation, there is still time to
become a member of the club.
“Our club is about leadership and having a sense of responsibility to
your school and classmates,” Mrs. Burtner said. “Our main objective is to
raise funds for Prom, have school spirit and have fun all four years.”
Don’t be SADD, make solid decisions
Staff report
Proviso West SADD (Students
Against Destructive Decisions) is one of
the many clubs at Proviso West you can
join. What makes us unique is that we are
a national service club – our mission is to
be of service to our fellow students. We do
this reminding our peers to make the right
decisions, especially about safe driving, and
using alcohol and drugs.
Every year, we get our message out
in a variety of ways. At the Homecoming Game,
we set up a Pledge Table where students can
come by and sign a pledge to stay alcohol free
during Homecoming. This year, during national
Red Ribbon Week, we gave every Proviso West
student a red bracelet and pencil to remind them
to stay drug free.
At the recent “Taste of Proviso West,” we
read poems written by other teens who had lost
friends from alcohol and drug abuse. Presently,
we are planning a Safe Prom Campaign. We will
have a driving simulator in school in April where
can experience what impaired is like.
Every year, Proviso West SADD, with
huge help from NHS participates in the Pennies for Patients campaign. We raise funds
for leukemia research – leukemia is the most
common form of cancer in children. We do
this by asking for donations during our sporting events. If you see us with our boxes,
please give us your pennies.
Last year alone, we raised over $600 for
our young cancer patients.
If you would like to get involved our club
and help us out with our important service projects, see Mrs. Sassetti in Room D311. With our
club, you get to make a difference in the lives of
your fellow students.
March 2011
Features
3
The Profile
Playing loud and proud
Proviso West band continues to bring in the awards
By Alante English
Contributor
If music is the universal language, then
the Proviso West Marching band can communicate with a melody many can relate to.
Starting the school year off strong, the
Marching Musical Panthers don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Hard work and practice
led them to the success they have today. Their
recent wins are proof of their achievements.
Taking home 1st place in the Rich Central
Battle of the Bands and in the Circle City Classics in Indianapolis, and also 3rd place in the
Chicago Windy City Classics this year, their list
of victories are far from over.
“We have so many trophies, we have ran
out of space to put them,” says Laportia Jordan, a
senior and trombone player. “But I hope there are
many more to come.”
As the second semester starts, the plans of
the students in the band
are to surpass the previous
semester, and make even
more memories before the
school year ends.
“I’m going to always
remember the time I had in
band,” said Previn Bowens, a senior and drummer.
“Since this is my last year,
I’m going to treat every performance like it’s my
last.”
The winter is the band’s time to practice
and improve themselves for the spring, but even
during the winter’s cold, you can catch them
cheering in the stands at a game, or getting the
crowd hype for a pep rally; but you will never
catch them without their Panther pride.
NHS students help Forest Park
children celebrate Halloween
By Brianna Le’ria Kidd
Contributor
Normally, I would be sitting at home enjoying a favorite hobby of
mine on a cold day, as would anyone else.
Instead, I decided to volunteer
to help organize a
children’s fun fest
in Forest Park.
The name of
the fest was “Boo
Fest,” which also
happened to be
two days before
Halloween. There
were a number
of activities to be
played for the children, including free tattoo stickers and spooky headbands
for all ages.
Also, there was plenty of
candy, food and drinks to go around.
I was placed at the ring toss,
but my friend, Deziree Murphy,
seemed to have had an endless number of children over at her bean bag
toss, so I decided to help her out.
Even though the party lasted
for about three hours, being on your
feet with no breaks is more of a
challenge than it actually sounds.
Dozens and dozens of kids
filed (back) in line for the bean bag
toss throughout the entire party.
Even though the majority of everyone’s feet were aching, I decided
to try to make the time worthwhile. Any kid who tossed all five bean bags
into the holes correctly won extra candy and a free hug from me. Come to
think of it, there was one kid who was absolutely thrilled to hug me – I still
remember
that adorable
toothy smile
when I told
him he won a
free hug.
It
ended up
making my
night and I
wished he
got back
in line one
more time so
I could give
him one last hug.
Another kid ended up tackling
me to the floor, which led to a
great big laugh.
Everyone had seemed to be
having fun, even the kids who
looked like they didn’t care to be
there at first. But in the end, even
they wound up smiling in the
long run.
Boo Fest was definitely a success. As long as they don’t run
out of food again, I would surely
enjoy volunteering for a festival,
especially since I love to make
people happy.
4
The Profile
Features
50 years and still going strong
March 2011
Holiday hoops tournament still drawing big crowds, top talent
By Terecita Meraz
Assistant Editor
Every year, the top boys basketball programs and players come to
Proviso West to compete in the Proviso
West Holiday Tournament.
This year marked the 50th consecutive year that the school has hosted
the tournament and it only seems to get
better with time.
Outside of the gym, there was
posted the all-time tournament team, and
this year, the school also released its top
50 moments all-time from the history of
the tournament. The No. 1 moment was when Jon
Scheyer, of Glenbrook North, scored an astonishing 21 points in 75 seconds, which just 1 minute,
15 seconds.
This year’s tournament saw unbeaten
Benet beat Homewood-Flossmoor 54-50 in overtime. Among the top players at this year’s tour-
nament included all-tournament team selections
Wayne Blackshear (Morgan Park), Dave Soboleski (Benet), Julian Lewis (Homewood-Flossmoor),
Jeff Jarosz (Morton) and Matt Parisi (Benet) on
the first team and Kadeem Thornton (Hillcrest),
Keith Carter (Proviso East), Julius Brown (Hillcrest), Delvon Rencher (Homewood-Flossmoor)
and Proviso West’s own Ryan Woods.
Unfortunately, the Panthers went just 1-2
at the tournament.
The Panthers opened up with a 71-54
win over Foreman in the first round on Dec. 27,
but then dropped back-to-back games Dec. 27
(losing to Homewood-Flossmoor 82-73) and
Dec. 28 (losing to Morgan Park 70-64). With
Benet winning the championship, Proviso East
won the third place game, Morgan Park the fifth
place game and Glenbrook North the consolation
championship.
Throughout the tournament’s history,
there have been many people who were important to both the school, the team, and community in making sure it ran without a hitch. One
is current athletic director Mr. Schneider, who
coached the boys’ basketball team for several
years throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s,
and the other is Mr. Spagnolo, who works in the
IT room, who has been Tournament Director for
more than 20 years.
Both have been around for many of the
greatest moments in the history of the tournament, as well as being able to see some of the
best players who have ever played basketball in
Illinois.
“The best players I was fortunate enough
to see were Kevin Garnet (1994) and Ronnie
Fields (1995) from Faragut, Glenn Rivers (197779) from Proviso East, and Isiah Thomas (1977)
from Saint Joseph,” said Mr. Schneider.
Mr. Schneider coached the boys team for
nine years, from 1993 to 2002, and compiled a
153-90 overall record with five regional
titles and a sectional title, going 14-16 in
the Holiday Tournament, taking second
place in 1995 and fifth in 1993.
“Benet this year was a great team
and one of the favorites, they went down
in history having won and having played
the championship game in overtime,” Mr.
Spagnolo said. “Only 4 championship
games in 50 years have gone into overtime.”
Some of the top players who
have played at the Proviso West Holiday
Tournament who have gone on to play
in the NBA include Isiah Thomas (St. Joesph –
Detroit Pistons), Glenn “Doc” Rivers (Proviso
East – current coach of the Boston Celtics), Mark
Aguire (Westinghouse – Detroit Pistons), Jeff
Hornacek (Lyons Township – Utah Jazz), Kevin
Garnett (Farragut – Boston Celtics), Shannon
Brown (Proviso East – Los Angeles Lakers) and
Hersey Hawkins (Westinghouse – Philadelphia
76ers).
“These great players were nominated over
a year ago by the fans then there was a meeting with the media involving who would remain
in the competition to be one of the 50 greatest
players,” Mr. Schneider said. “There was a player
who was in the Top 50 who came all the way
from Massachusetts for this year’s tournament
and that goes to show how important this event
really is.”
Proviso West Holiday Tournament’s 50th Anniversary - Some all-time records
2010 Results
First Place: Benet 54, Homewood-Flossmoor 50
Third Place: Proviso East 50, Hillcrest 43
Fifth Place: Morgan Park 70, Morton 59
Consolation Championship: Glenbrook North 54, St. Patrick 53
Tournament History
Most Titles: Proviso East (9), St. Joseph (9), Westinghouse (5)
Most Wins: Proviso East (124), Proviso West (93), St. Joseph (85)
Most Appearances (not including Proviso West): Proviso East (48), St. Joseph (40), New Trier (33)
Most Final Fours: Proviso East (26), Proviso West (21), St. Joseph (16)
Last 5 Champions: Benet (2010), Whitney Young (2009), Morton (2008),
Whitney Young (2007), St. Joseph (2006)
Best Winning Percentage (min. 24 games played): Farragut (.735), Benet
(.727), Willowbrook (.708)
29: Number of players who played at the Proviso West Tournament who
went on to play in the NBA or ABA.
33: Number of consecutive years that a team that played at the Proviso West
Tournament has qualified for the IHSA state tournament.
Individual Records
Most Points Scored, Career: Jon Scheyer (Glenbrook North) (386), Michael
Wright (Farragut) (293), Marcus Liberty (King) (284)
Most Points Scored, One Tournament: Jon Scheyer (140), Ryan Hogan
(Deerfield) (136), Ronnie Fields (Farragut) (130)
Most Points Scored, Game: Jon Scheyer (52)
Most Rebounds, Career: Michael Wright (168)
Most Rebounds, Tournament: Michael Wright (67)
Most Rebounds, Game: Bill Hurt (Proviso West)/Neil Bresnahan (Fenwick)
(24)
Most Points Scored, Championship Game: Rick Howat (Downers Grove
North)/Isiah Thomas (St. Joseph) (35)
Most Rebounds, Championship Game: Kevin Garnett (Farragut) (18)
Coaching Records
Games Coached: Gene Pingatore, St. Joseph (131)
Games Won: Gene Pingatore, St. Joseph (85)
Championships Won: Gene Pingatore, St. Joseph (9)
Best Winning Percentage: Tom Millikin, Proviso East (.875/21-3)
Features
March 2011
The Profile
5
Celebrating Black History Month
Proviso West faculty, administration and students
reflect on significant individuals from the past
By Arielle Green
Editor-in-Chief
Black History Month is a month for
Even though there is some controversy
revolving around Black History Month, about
it being a short month and the like, it’s definitely better than having no time to honor these
African Americans to take pride in their heritage.
achievements at all.
It’s a month to remember all the people, achieve
Both students and teachers alike recogments, and events that took place before our time. nize the importance of Black History Month.
Black History Month first started out as
“I’m glad we have a month,” said Mrs. Watson,
“Negro History Week” in 1926 by Carter G. WilChoir instructor. “For so long, we have contributson. It later developed to a month.
ed a great deal to this country and so often, credit
The reason that black history month is in
is not given to us. The unsung heroes need to be
February is because some of the most important
acknowledged.”
events by the most important people took place in
Ms. Gillespie sponsors the African AmeriFebruary. The 15th Amendment, which granted
can Club, which sponsors many events dealing
blacks the right to vote, was February 3, 1870. with Black History Month.
The first black Senator, Hiram R. Revels,
“It’s too short,” Ms. Gillespie said. “I feel
came into office February 25, 1870. Also, the
it should be taught throughout the whole year.
NAACP was founded February 12, 1909
Students should understand and take pride of
their heritage.”
Ms. Goodfriend, a French teacher, agrees
it should be lengthened.
“It’s important to recognize the contributions of African Americans and the culture,” Ms.
Goodfriend said. “Only give a month is like only
giving one month to recognize all of the achievements (throughout time).”
Students also understand the importance
of Black History Month.
“Learning more about the past and slavery, as well as all of the accomplishments, are
important,” said Ceasar Garcia, a senior.
“It’s important that we recognize and appreciate our heritage,” said Jesika, a sophomore.
“Without our ancestors, we wouldn’t be here.”
Famous African Americans in Journalism and music
Authors
Maya Angelou – She has written
some of the most read and beloved
novels of all time, including “I
Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
and she recited her poem “On the
Pulse of Morning” at President Bill
Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. She
has won a National Book Award and
a Pulitzer Prize, as well.
Langston Hughes – Though he has
been dead for more than 40 years,
Hughes’ works are still prevalent
in many schools across the country.
Earlier this decade, he was named
one of the “100 Most Influential
African Americans” in history.
Frederick Douglass – A former
slave, Douglass used his own ex-
periences in his writing. He was an
abolitionist who also worked toward
women’s rights on top of just gaining equality for African Americans.
Newspaper Reporters
Clarence Page – A Pulitzer Prize
winning writer, he is a member of
The Chicago Tribune’s editorial
board and is a contributor to many
news talk shows, as well.
Bryan Burwell – A mainstay for the
St. Louis Dispatch, he has been a
sports columnist for decades and has
appeared on TV shows like “Inside
the NFL,” on top of doing play-byplay and commentary for football,
basketball and baseball games.
Songwriters
Broadcast
Michael Jackson – One of the most
influential songwriters and artists
of all time, the “King of Pop” wrote
or recorded 13 No. 1 singles while
released some of the most beloved albums of all time, including
“Thriller” and “Bad.”
Ed Bradley – A mainstay on 60
Minutes for 26 years, possibly the
most popular news program in the
history of television, and he was the
first black correspondent to cover
the White House. He was the recipient of 19 Emmy Awards.
James Brown – “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business” is one
of the most beloved performers of
all time. In April of 1968, he helped
keep a race war from igniting in
Boston by pleading for peace during a live televised concert just days
after Dr. Martin Luther King was
assassinated.
Oprah Winfrey – Perhaps the most
influential female in the history of
television, she has hosted one of
the most successful TV shows of all
time for 25 years and is one of the
wealthiest people in the world, as
she was the first African American
billionaire. She has also acted in
movies, most notably “The Color
Purple.” She also has her own TV
station and her own magazine.
Some historic firsts in regards to Black History Month
1976 – The first year the United States celebrated Black History Month
Black History Month is also celebrated in Canada in the month of February
and in England in the month of October
Barack Obama – in 2009, he became the first African American President of
the United States.
Carol Moseley Braun – in 1993, she became the first African American
woman elected into the Senate, representing Illinois.
Arthur Ashe – in 1968, he became the first African American to win a
Grand Slam event, winning tennis’ U.S. Open.
Bill Russell – in 1967, he became the first African American to coach a
major sports team as player-coach of the Boston Celtics.
Willie O’Ree – in 1957, he became the first African American to play in the
NHL, with the Boston Bruins.
Jackie Robinson – in 1947, became the first African American to play Major
League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Booker T. Washington – in 1940, he became the first African American to
be honored on a stamp.
George Washington Carver – in 1880, he invented peanut butter.
Hiram Rhodes Revels – in 1870, he became the first African American
voted into the Senate, representing Mississippi.
John Willis Mernard – in 1868, he became the first African American voted
into the House of Representatives representing Louisiana.
6
Entertainment The Profile
Looking sharp in 2011
March 2011
A look at some hot trends and new looks that will be seen in the halls this year
By Arielle Green
Editor-in-Chief
It’s winter again here in Chicago. While
some are despising the cold, others are happy
about revamping their wardrobe with new winter
trends. For those
“Fashionistas” who
want to know what
new winter trends
there are, here they
are!
Tops: Cardigans are the number
one thing to have in
your closets. They
are comfortable,
cute, and go with
just about anything and everything
There are a lot of styles for cardigans.
There are the preppy button up ones, the loose,
flowy ones and much more. Cardigans can go
with just about anything. From joggings pants,
dresses, and even jeans, this is a must have accessory.
Tip: since most people own or are about
to own a cardigan, dress differently from everyone else. Don’t be a part of the crowd.
Pant: Skinny cargo pants are a trend that
is definitely coming up. These jeans were first
seen, by me anyways, on Rihanna. They come in
a variety of colors and materials. Cargo skinny
pants go
great with
comfortable
boots or
even high
heels.
Shoes:
These two
pairs of
shoes you
are going
to be seeing a lot.
Knee high
boots are
definitely
a massive,
yet cute,
winter
trend. These boots are mainly paired with skinny
jeans or a pair of leggings. If you are a person
who likes to do things differently, a knit dress and
a chucky necklace would look nice along with
these shoes.
Combat boots are also coming back in
style. I’m actually a fan
myself. These boots
give a masculine feel
but wear them the right
way and you could be
turning heads. These
shoes are best worn with
something girly. It would
balance out.
Tip of the issue: Buy
A LOT of basic items. Simple shirts,
jeans, sweaters, and
jogging pants are
must haves in any
person’s closet.
Number one you’re
building your wardrobe and number
two they come in
handy!
Rockin’ the denim for a good cause
Multicultural Club teams with Aeropostale to help the less fortunate
jeans – just by bringing in their old pair.
All jeans that were dropped off that were
“gently” worn went to local homeless shelters or charities.
The bonus lies in the fact that the school that
dropped off the most jeans had a chance to win $5,000.
So when you decide that you need a new pair of pants
in which to get your swag on, make sure you hit Aeropostale and tell them you’re donating your jeans from
Proviso West so everyone at the school can benefit.
So the next time you’re told to “swag on, sag
off,” don’t get mad. Just be thankful that you are able to
swag because there are a lot of people in the world who
don’t get that opportunity.
Staff report
Here at Proviso West, we are reminded every
day to “swag on and sag off.”
Unfortunately, there are many people not just
in the area, but around the world, who don’t have the
opportunity to either swag or sag. Because of the large
number of unemployed and homeless, it is very difficult
for many people to afford a pair of jeans.
However, the Multicultural Club did its part
by taking part in the Fourth Annual Teens For Jeans
through the web site dosomething.org. Any students
with old jeans or jeans that didn’t fit anymore could
visit any Aeropostale store between January 17 and
February 13 and donate their old pants. Students who
participated also got 25 percent off of a new pair of
CW has a “Hellacious” hit
By Bianey Cruz
Contributor
The CW’s ‘Hellcats’ premeired on September 8, 2010.
It is currently one of the mostwatched TV shows on WGN
with about 3 million viewers.
Hellcats revolves around
Marti Perkins (played by Aly
Michalka), a pre-law student
who must join her university’s
cheerleading team to win a
scholarship to stay in school
for her to become a lawyer.
While in the process, Marti
finds herself in a tedious meangirl conflict with the girl she
replaces (Heather Hemmens)
while being friends with Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) and having
a love triangle with her longtime
best friend Dan (Matt Barr) and
Lewis (Robbie Jones) her nowhot cheer partner.
There is really nothing
wrong with the show, there’s
a lot of dancing, flipping, and
jumping. The performances
are amazingly good with hairswinging, abs-flexing dance of
numbers. It’s drama and romance all in one! I recommend
you to see it.
The show airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on WGN. Trust
me, when you see one episode
you will beg for more.
In the next “Profile”
Here’s what to look for in the next issue:
• “A Raisin in the Sun” - Drama Club had a
hit on its hands prior to Christmas Break
• Winter Sports wrapup - check back to see
how the boys basketball team fared in the
IHSA playoffs
• Spring Sports Preview - Get ready to feel
sorry for the competition as we preview
sports like baseball, softball and more
• Prom Preview - Be ready for the most stylish night of the year as we preview Prom
2011
7
Sports
March 2011
The Profile
Kings of the Mat
Five wrestlers qualify for IHSA state tournament
By Terecita Meraz
Assistant Editor
There are several things that set the
wrestling team apart. There is one that stands out,
though.
“The wrestling team is multi-cultural, unlike any other teams,” said Coach Wortel.
From what I’ve observed, the team does
stretches, a bit of running, some somersaults and
cartwheels as warm-ups. They then go off into
groups of two-to-four and wrestle each other on
the mat.
However, it is not all fun and games. They
then learn new techniques, like squatting, falling
on one knee, and, one of the most important –
pinning down your opponent.
Michael Lomax is a senior on the team
and says “wrestling is a good sport that I like to
do and it will increase my chances for Mixed
Martial Arts, as well as a way to get into college.
Plus, it’s intense and it keeps me fit.”
Even though Chris Taylor is a fresh-
man and just joined the team this year, he really
seems to be pumped up during practice.
“The team is a family because people
stick together,” Taylor said.
Luis Avila is a junior and likes the camaraderie the team has.
“
Although it is more of an individual thing,
it is still more of a unit and the whole team gets
ahead,” Avila said.
Any sports or extra-curricular activities
look good on a college resume, something that
wasn’t lost on senior Lametrios Simmons.
“Wrestling is a passion for me,” Simmons
said. “It’s a ride to college and the reason why I
chose wrestling is because it teaches discipline.”
Five wrestlers qualified for the IHSA state
meet. Those five included Rodrick Smith (119
pounds), Malik Thurman (160 pounds), Julius
Johnson (171 pounds), Rasheen Lemon (189
pounds) and Jevar Glover (heavyweight).
Making waves
Boys swim team looking for ways to make bigger splash
By Terecita Meraz
Assistant Editor
Coach Riley is new to Proviso West and is an English teacher. She
was an assistant coach for the girls’ swim team and now she is the head
that meets are very well organized. I joined the team because all of my
friends were on the team.”
Johnson said his favorite stroke is the freestyle and that a meet is a
friendly competition of trying to do your best.
Alex Montiel, a sophomore, said “It is a hard sport that is also fun.
Meets are very interactive and it is
a race against yourself. It is easy
for me because I grew up around
water.”
Carlos Hermosillo, a fresh- Keep track to how the Panthers
performed this postseason
man, said “I chose swimming as
conditioning for soccer and MMA. Boys basketball – Finished the season
in second place in the West Suburban
Meets are amazing – you get
pumped up and the best part is the Silver. The Panthers were the No. 7
relay races and when you are the an- seed in the York sectional and won the
chor (the last swimmer in line). The Leyden regional by beating Proviso
whole school is counting on you.” East March 4.
Watching the team practice
was very cool, but beforehand, they Girls basketball – The Panthers went
always have warm-ups on dry land 5-0 at the Guerin Christmas Tournaand hopefully, with the conference ment and went 1-4 at the Schaumburg
meet and sectionals coming up, they Thanksgiving Tournament. Their season ended with a loss to Proviso East
make Proviso proud.
at the Glenbard West regional.
Playoff Panthers
coach for the boys’ swim team.
There are about 20-to-25 guys on the team and they all seem to be
very willing and know what they want out of life and in the water.
Those returning for the Panthers this year include Emmanuel
Marchan, Nick Johnson, Jaylen Ward, Alex Montiel and Joseph Mills. A
swim meet is a multitude of races covering various distances (50, 100, 200,
400 or 500 yards) and various strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and
backstroke).
Brendon Johnson, a senior, says that swimming is a real workout
and that it is the hardest sport he has joined because “it was something new
and I was always told that I had a swimmer’s body.”
He said the meets are really fun and organized and that it requires
concentration because “you don’t want to mess up.”
Nick Johnson, a junior, said that swimming is “the best sport and
Wrestling – The Panthers took fourth
place at the York regional Feb. 5, with
six wrestlers reaching the East Leyden sectional and five making it to the
IHSA state tournament.
Boys swimming – The Panthers didn’t
win any conference dual meets and
didn’t get anyone through to the IHSA
state tournament.
Sports
March 2011
The Profile
8
Boys’ basketball team keeping eye on the prize
Panthers looking for West Suburban Silver crown, postseason success
Staff report
The West Suburban Conference Silver Division race is always
up for grabs and that is no different
in the 2010-2011 school year. The
Proviso West boys’ basketball team
remained in the hunt all year, but
came up just short, finishing behind
eventual champion Lyons Township,
which went undefeated.
The Panthers started the
season by
winning
eight
of their
first nine
games,
including
winning
the New
Trier
Thanksgiving
Tournament by
going
4-0. At that tournament, the Panthers
beat Lincoln Park (80-75), Prosser
(62-55)
and St.
Ignatius
(66-61)
prior to
beating
Harlan
63-55
for the
tournament
title.
Even in the Panthers’ lone
loss of the early part of the season,
they enjoyed an offensive explosion, topping the century mark in
losing 113-104 to East Aurora.
This year’s Proviso West
Holiday Tournament celebrated its
50th Anniversary, and the Panthers
were able to claim their opening
game before losing two consecutive contests.
In their opener, the Panthers
beat Foreman 71-54 thanks to 17
points from Nicholas Dixon, 14
from Tyrone McDonald and 13
points and 10 rebounds from Ryan
Woods.
In the
game,
the
Panthers
shot 52
percent
from
the
floor
and
even held a 37-point lead at one
point in the second quarter.
In the second round, the
Panthers played a tight game against
Homewood-Flossmoor, but fell 8273 after H-F went on a 12-3 run to
close out the third quarter. McDonald led the Panthers with 19 points
and 10 rebounds, with Dixon adding
15 points and four 4 steals. Gerald
Gaddy also added 10 points to the
Panthers’ effort, but shooting only
31 percent from the floor did Proviso in.
Finally, the Panthers fell
70-64 to Morgan Park in a game that
saw 14 ties and 17 lead changes.
McDonald led Proviso with 16
points, with Nicholas Frazier and
Dixon each adding 13 points.
Once the calendar changed
over to 2011, the Panthers got
into the thick of their conference
schedule, beating Hinsdale Central,
Glenbard West and Downers Grove
North, but losing to York and Lyons
Township. Coming down the home
stretch, LT
won the
conference with
a 12-0
mark. The
Panthers
went 9-3
in the
conference,
battling
teams like
Oak ParkRiver
Forest and
York for second place.
Young girls’ hoop team looking to grow,
repeat last year’s success
By Jeanette Garcia
Staff Writer
The girls’ basketball team has been trying
their best and giving it 110 percent. The team’s
goals are to win the conference and to improve
their skills as they keep playing.
Why does the team set goals? Goals are
what helps make a team prosper and what helps
keep them motivated to become even better, not
only as a team, but as individuals, as well. Like
every team, in order to become better players,
teams and individuals need to work hard and
improve their skills.
“We can improve on running the offensive plays correctly and on defensive positions,”
varsity players Jasmine Jackson said.
There’s nothing better than a player realizing what they need to work on and continuing
to get better at it.
Coach Robertson has been coaching for
seven years now, including three years as head
coach here at Proviso West. She was inspired by
former coach, Mrs. Robertson and other coaches
in her past that did great things here at Proviso.
The Panthers’
history includes nine
conference championships and eight
regional titles, the
most recent coming
last year after not
winning one since
2001.
“This year, we
are starting from
scratch,” Coach
Robertson said. “We
have youth and talent on our side this
year. With that, we
make young mistakes and we have gotten off to
a slow start, but will turn things up the more we
play together.”
The team’s most improved players are
returning varsity players. They include Jasmine
Jackson and Kanitval Averhart, both of whom
have shown great improvement on defense and
offense. The team has potential to win every
game if they put their mind to it.
While preparing for a game, the team
works on discipline and fundamentals. Since they
have a young team, conditioning is very important to success.
So far this season, the Panthers have
played some great games against Lyons Township and Hinsdale Central, according to Coach
Robertson.
“I’m sure if they keep up their good work
and do their best, they will accomplish so much
this year,” Coach Robertson said, noting that last
year she was able to take the team to Disneyworld after they won the West Suburban Conference Silver Division championship in 2010.