1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

The iPad phenomenon: is it worth it?
By Lydia Smith ’11
Staff Writer
The newest Apple toy
hit the market on April 3rd
causing lines to form down
the block in front of each
store. It’s shiny, it’s sleek,
and it has thousands of
people vying for it. The iPad
is the newest gadget to cross
the path of the technology
world.
But this attention is no
new thing for Apple. The
iPhone caused the same type
of uproar just three years
ago. Following the success
of the iPhone, Apple has yet
again pushed the envelope
in inventing a cross between
a laptop and the acclaimed
smartphone.
What is so different about
the iPad? Its touch screen
and sleek design simply
make everyone curious.
What confuses most people
is the category of technology
that it belongs in. It is not a
phone but at the same time it
is not a laptop.
The 9.56 by 7.47 inched
device cannot fit in a pocket
but can fit in a purse. It can
be read like a book, has
internet, is an ipod, and
has iwork (Apple’s version
of Microsoft Office). The
infamous millions of apps,
or applications, that can be
downloaded and used on it
are also not to be forgotten.
These range from Pandora
(a
customized
internet
radio station) to a cleverly
designed data system about
the elements simply named
“The Elements.” The iPad
can best summed up as a
device that combines all
of its predecessors, only
slightly less powerful and
specific. It is a bridge of
Apple products.
Commenters have been
quick to point out many
of the iPads flaws. Unlike
the iPhone or even the
Macbook, it does not have
a camera. It also cannot
multitask, which means it is
unable to run multiple apps
at once such as Pandora and
Pages. It also does not have
Flash and needs adaptors for
almost everything. So far
it does not have extendable
memory which causes its
own problems.
Other critics point out that
the iPad is an Apple product
and therefore
controlled by Apple. Because
trends have shown that there
will be a consumer market
for the product no matter
what, it has become a closed
system or “walled garden.”
Despite these flaws, many
take note that this is only the
first generation of the iPad.
As with the iPod, Macbook,
and iPhone, there are surely
more versions to come. At the
same time, many have only
good things to say. Its design,
interface,
portability, apps, battery life,
and capability make other
gadgets envious.
The price of the iPad
is somewhat surprising.
Starting at $499 and going
up to $829, the starting price
for the tablet is $100 more
expensive that the priciest
iPod and $500 less than the
cheapest laptop. However,
in some ways one may look
at the iPad as Apple’s
Time will only tell whether the iPad is all that it has been made up to be. iPad’s currently
range from $499 to $829. Picture courtesy of apple.com.
What’s
Inside...
American Idol Review Page 5
alternative to the mini netbook which can be as low as
$999. Although a standard
PC laptop can be purchased
for $499, this price makes
more people able to get their
hands on apple products.
The main concern of the
iPad is its target audience.
Would high school students
even find it useful? The iPad
is intended for people who
want a device better than an
iPhone but don’t need the
complexities that a laptop
would offer. The iPad can by
no means replace a laptop for
school needs but can merely
act as a supplement. For this
reason, may students may
find the iPad less desirable
because it cannot address
all needs they may have for
school.
For many, using a
smartphone and a computer
is purely a better system. The
same audience that would
buy a Kindle or a net-book
is targeted for the iPad. For
the person that is an avid
user of Twitter and Facebook
but wishes to have access to
books, music, and movies at
the same time, their dream
product has arrived. The best
advice for students is to wait.
This is not the end of the iPad,
it is only the beginning. The
chances for its improvement
are unlimited and its
impressive debut only can
further its credibility.
The strong line of Apple
fans can debate about the
product
endlessly,
but
ultimately Steve Jobs and all
the others at Apple merely
care that their product is
being bought. Approximately
200,000 or more iPads have
been sold so far. Even for
those who do not own one
themselves or are waiting for
a better version, the hype and
debate about the product has
been satisfying enough.
College List Page 6/7
Games Page 11
The Glen Bard
Features
May 2010 - Page 2
Ramblings for readers: hello summer
Casey Nighbor ’11
Staff Editor
Staff Playlist:
- “This Could be
Love” Alkaline Trio
- “Wolf Like Me” TV
on the Radio
- “Xavia” The
Submarines
- “Just (You Do
It to Yourself)”
Radiohead
- “Ragged Wood”
Fleet Foxes
Weird WordLollapaloosa- Something
outstandingly good of its
kind
Five movies coming out
soon
1. Iron Man 2 - May 7th
2.
Inception- July 16th
3.
The A-Team- June
11th
4.
Prince of Persia:
The Sands of TimeMay 28th
5.
Eclipse- June 30
th
Learn a Word in….
Gaelic!
Samhradhsummer
Recipe of the
Month
Key Lime Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 ready-tofill cookie crumb
or graham cracker
crumb crust
- 1 tablespoon plain
gelatin
- 1/3 cup fresh lime
juice or key lime
juice
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 13 ounce can cold
evaporated skim milk
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 4-serving package instant vanilla pudding
- dash of lime zest, optional
- whipped topping
- thin lime slices for
garnish, optional
with lime slices, if desired.
Preparation:
Random List of the
Month:
In a blender, combine plain
Top Ten Reasons to Love
gelatin and fresh lime juice. Summer
Wait
one
minute
until
softened,
then
1. No School!
add
boiling
water.
2. Lollapalooza/PitchCover and blend on
fork
high speed until
all gelatin granules
3. Flip-flops and
are
dissolved.
shorts
Add
sugar
substitute,
4. Driving with the
evaporated
skim
windows down
milk, water, pudding
mix and lime zest.
5. Getting a tan
Cover and blend smooth.
6. Staying out late on
Chill in the refrigerator
a Tuesday
for about 20 minutes until
mixture begins to set.
7. Sleeping until noon
Spoon into prepared
pie
shell
and
chill
8. The pool
several hours until firm.
9. Green grass
Top with dollops of
whipped topping and garnish
10. Popsicles
Read it and weep: summer
By Chris Baron ’11
Columnist
So it is the end of the year. Seniors, I
bid you adieu with a recap of some of
the books you may have read in English
class over the course of your lovely time
here. Hopefully you actually read them
in class. I left out the ones I haven’t.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I hate Charles Dickens with every fiber
of my being. Everything about Great
Expectations bothered the living daylights
out of me. His lengthy, overly didactic
tone and pathetically overdrawn plotline is
nothing short of obnoxious, much like this
sentence. His plotline is equally annoying. I
don’t care how “classic” this novel is; there
is absolutely no need to draw out the simple
fact that Pip is poor. I don’t need forty ways
of saying it to realize and fully comprehend
that Pip is, in fact, very poor. Similarly, I
cannot stand the way he tortured Pip in
the storyline. I realize it is a tragic love
story, but come on Charlie, give the boy a
break. Don’t just make the boy miserable.
If you had not already figured it out, I’m
giving this book a poor rating. D. Not a
total failure, for there were some moments
that were not insufferable, but overall an
annoying piece of “literature” that I will
hate for the rest of my life. Sorry, Ms. Mohr.
Finally, onto something good. Lord of the
Flies by William Golding has been one of
my favorite reads in high school English,
with the exception of one other. Golding
masterfully portrays to the readers the
innate flaws in human nature that appear
when no restrictions exist. He also uses the
boys to show human nature’s tendency
towards savagery and the implications of
lawlessness on society. That literary stuff
said, I loved this book, plain and simple.
Golding’s writing style was bright and
illuminating while still maintaining the
dark nature of his book. The storyline also
kept me reading, and not just the Sparknotes
edition; the progression from tragedy to
tragedy and issue to issue was entrancing
and in some cases prevented me from
putting the book down. I truly enjoyed
this very modernist piece of literature. B+.
Now to the one exception: F. Scott
Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. I don’t
know why I love the Twenties so much.
Maybe it’s the radically vibrant society;
maybe it’s the development of black
culture during the Harlem Renaissance;
I truly don’t know. But I do. I love
expatriate literature along the lines of
Fitzgerald, Hemingway and Stein. Gatsby
is no exception. Fitzgerald’s critique of
the flaws of “old money” and the terrible
effects brought on by those who abuse
money were far ahead of their time. He
criticized the obscenity of overindulgent
wealth and attacked the vast differences
in lifestyle between the wealthy and those
who are not and how this vast difference
caused the Depression. Again, all the
literary mumbo jumbo aside, I really
enjoyed this book. As much as I did not
want to put LOTF down, Gatsby was
one hundred times harder to put down.
Entrancing characters, an exceptionally
written plotline, and breathtaking prose
all contributed to my love for this
book. I think you get the picture. A.
Have a nice summer, kids. I’m reading
Atlas Shrugged. I hope I don’t die.
Did you know... more track athletes break records later in the day, when their body temperatures are the highest?
The Glen Bard
Features
May 2010 - Page 3
Health care reform: change is here
By Eric Peterman ’11
Staff Writer
After nearly a year of debate, Congress
answered President Obama’s call to create a
comprehensive health care reform package
with the goal to ensure coverage for an
additional thirty-two million people.
The official title is the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, and it first passed
the Senate with one vote on December
24 of last year. After much debate over
the means to pass the bill, the House of
Representatives finally decided upon the
method of reconciliation. The House could
pass the Senate form of the bill and later add
their amendments through the Health Care
and Education Reconciliation Act. The two
bills were officially merged on March 25,
and it was signed into law on March 30.
The Congressional support for the bills
was only made up of Democrats, while the
opposition included all Republicans with
several Democrats.
The law is comprised of 2,700 pages
of complex legal language and contains
several major provisions that go into effect
on various dates from now through 2018.
Starting on September 23 of this year,
children are allowed to remain on their
parent’s insurance until their twenty-sixth
birthday. Also, insurance companies must
disclose details about all expenditures
and indoor tanning salons will pay a 10%
service tax.
By January 1, 2014, health insurance
providers cannot discriminate against
patients based on pre-existing medical
conditions and Medicaid will be expanded
to cover more income brackets. Also,
businesses with over fifty employees who
do not provide health insurance to their fulltime employees will receive a $2000 tax.
Most importantly, health care exchanges
will be established to subsidize insurance
for those earning as much yearly income
as $90,100. A 2.9% excise tax will also be
placed on medical equipment. Finally by
2018, so-called “Cadillac” insurance plans
will receive a 40% excise tax. Overall,
the Congressional Budget Office has
determined the cost of the law to be $940
billion during the first decade. However,
the CBO estimates that revenue will make
up for these costs and that it will actually
reduce the deficit by $138 billion during the
Nancy Pelosi and State Representatives announce the new Health
Care plan. Photo courtesy of democraticleader.house.gov
first decade.
Opinions over the new legislation are
mixed with 59% of Americans opposed to
it and 39% in support of it based on a CNN
poll conducted on March 16. Those who
support it argue that 32 million additional
Americans will be covered by 2019 and
health care costs will decrease significantly.
They believe that the current system is
broken and that high health care costs are
unsustainable. The United States is arguably
the only industrialized nation to not have
some sort of universal health care system,
so Democrats want the United States to
finally catch up and ensure health care as
a right for the American people. According
to them, the insurance pool created in 2014
will lower costs and insure more Americans.
Those who support it are generally liberal
and vote with the Democratic Party.
Those who do not support the new
measure include most Republicans and
moderate Democrats. The argument is
that requiring all Americans to own health
insurance is an infringement upon the
freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution.
According to them, requiring millions to
purchase insurance would cause health
care costs to necessarily skyrocket which
would inevitably depress the economy.
They also cite the British and Canadian
health care systems, where rationing care is
a commonly reported occurrence.
It is also argued that creating a huge
new government bureaucracy with so much
complicated legal language would lead to
more corruption. Money that is poured into
the system would not necessarily go into
health care, and more and more money
would be required to fund the program.
Therefore its cost would have to be much
higher. For example, Medicare expenditures
were $3.1 billion in 1965 as compared to
the $599 billion in 2008. The opponents of
health care disagree with taxing “Cadillac”
insurance plans as means to pay for the law
for it hurts the rich who provide jobs for
the lower and middle classes. It is believed
by the opponents that although the current
system needs reform, the best way to do it
would be to expand competition as opposed
to creating more government red tape.
There are also some opponents who think it
does not go far enough to insure Americans,
such as Democratic congressman Dennis
Kucinich.
Although the debate over the health care
reform package will never be resolved, both
sides believe that the United States health
care system will be changed dramatically.
Keep clean, stay healthy
By Natalie Salo ’12
Staff Writer
When the custodians in an average
high school pass by the thousands of
students on an average day, they are
rarely thanked or praised for the hard
work they do to make the school a
better learning environment. They
do much more than just pick up after
the entire school eats lunch in the
cafeteria. Their job is to make a safe,
sanitary, and uncontaminated setting
for the future of our society to learn.
With the many scares of MRSA
(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus), also known as
a Staph infection, or
also the most recent
phenomenon, swine
flu, schools across
the nation have
amplified
their
security
against
these viruses that
have the ability to
bench an entire athletic
team in less than forty-eight hours.
But custodians can only do so much
to prevent these extremely serious
diseases. Therefore, it all comes back
to you. Here are some tips that will
be helpful to know on a daily basis in
order to not only protect yourself, but
your fellow students.
The simplest way to prevent a
disease from spreading is to simply
wash your hands multiple times a day.
Whether it’s after using the restroom,
before eating lunch, or just simply after
getting ink on your hands, washing
your hands is ineffective unless it is
completed correctly. Always use warm
water if it is available, and never just
run your hands under water without
using an antibacterial soap and think
AIDS awareness: protect yourself , others
By Katie Berens ’13
Staff Writer
There comes a time in life when
AIDS is first presented into person’s
vocabulary, whether it is in junior
high health class, in a commercial, or
read in a magazine. At this moment,
the person gains some knowledge and
awareness of this incurable and most
often fatal disease. But to what extent
are people truly aware of this horrific
and very serious condition?
AIDS, or Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome, is a permanent
and most often fatal disease. Although
many medications have been
developed to lessen the symptoms
and effects of the disease, there is no
cure. AIDS begins as HIV, or human
immunodeficiency virus. This virus
is transmitted through bodily fluids
and can be contracted from sharing of
needles, unprotected sexual contact,
and from mother to child during
pregnancy.
A person who has transmitted
HIV will most likely develop flulike symptoms within a short period
after the time of infection. As stated
previously, this disease is incurable
and severely life-changing. Once a
person is infected, there is no going
back. In order to prevent the spread
of this disease, it is very important
to abstain from using and sharing
needles, and to consistently practice
either abstinence or protected sex.
The effects of this tragic disease are
devastating, and health officials are
all of the organisms are off of your
hands. A recent study at American
University shows that one in every
four people do not wash their hands
after using a public restroom and half
of the people who actually do make
the attempt to wash their hands do
not use soap, but simply run their
hands under the water for an entire
ten to twenty seconds.
There are also the obvious tips, like
cover your mouth when you sneeze
or cough. Without covering your
mouth when you sneeze or cough,
you emit disease and illness into the
air. Every year, over 164
million cumulative days
of school are missed by
students in the United
States due to diseases
caught through the
air.
Having high or
low susceptibility
to these diseases
plays a great role
as well. Increasing the
sustainability of your immune
system can greatly keep you happy
and healthy. Eating a wide variety of
fruits and vegetables with multiple
vitamins can keep your immune
system strong.
Overall, the way to stay illness-free
is to continually take care of yourself.
Washing your hands often and not
coughing or sneezing directly into
the air may sound quite elementary,
but these are more important than
you think. Custodians do their job as
well as they possibly can, but there
are some things they cannot do: wash
your hands for you and cover your
mouth. So do it yourself!
Did you know... The average life for a baseball used in the MLB is 7 pitches?
striving to make information such as
this available to the public in all ways
possible, in order to lower the number
of cases and stop this vicious ailment
from spreading.
The spread of this condition in
countries all over the world is so
shocking that many celebrities are
getting involved and joining the fight.
On the night of the Oscars, Elton
John held the 18th annual party as a
fundraiser for EJAF, or the Elton John
AIDS Foundation.
Rihanna, My Chemical Romance,
and many other musicians are
involved in a new clothing line at
available at H&M known as “Fashion
Against AIDS.” 25% of all sales from
this clothing line will go to worldwide
HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns.
Likewise, Lady Gaga and Cyndi
Lauper have teamed up and are selling
a new line of MAC lipstick, where
100% of all proceeds go to AIDS
foundations. Another opportunity
to donate to the AIDS foundation is
through the RED clothing line, which
is available at Gap stores. The purpose
of this line is to raise awareness, and
50% of all proceeds go to funding
for medicine to treat men and women
suffering from AIDS in Africa.
Overall, AIDS awareness is not just
buying a T-shirt or making a bracelet;
it means that you are dedicated to
protecting yourself against the disease
and strive to spread the word for the
greater good of all people.
The Glen Bard
Features
May 2010- Page 4
Anatomy and Physiology: hands-on science
By Jigar Patel ’11
Staff Writer
Who says beauty is only
skin deep?
The skin is only the cover
to the most beautiful object
in the world, the human body.
This complex network of
coordinated organ systems,
tissues and liquids all comes
together in an intricate and
marvelous system to display
one of the most inspiring of
all creations from evolution:
ourselves.
Glenbard West High
School’s very own Anatomy
and Physiology class, taught
by Ms. Kim Sammarco,
explores this very idea: how
structure meets function in
the human body.
As Ms. Sammarco states,
“The format of Anatomy
and Physiology at West
is purposely set up to be
non-intimidating for even
the least enthusiastic of
science students. We learn
about seven different body DuPage County coroner’s School of Nursing even
systems over the course of office and the cadaver lab provided individuals from
one semester and students at the University of Health their school and in the field
Chamberlain for instructive lectures.
benefit from many hands- Sciences.
on
activities
Junior
Anna
that involve the
Ulyanenkova says,
dissection of things
“My favorite part was
like pigs’ feet, cow
the field trip to the
femurs, pig hearts,
cadaver lab because
you normally do not
and of course,
cats.”
get the experience of
seeing a real cadaver
Junior
Cassie
Powers
recalls,
and seeing [human]
“Anatomy
has
intestines, brain, and
really
allowed
other organs.”
me to understand
This class is a musttake for individuals
easier how the body
works with handsinterested in science,
medicine and other
on cat dissections
and
activities
health related fields.
The class even helps
throughout
the
course.”
those who want a more
Along
with
in-depth analysis of
body systems as a
the
engaging
labs comes the
way to prepare for
AP Biology.
entertaining and
always interesting
S c i e n c e
Department Chair Mr.
field trips. This
past year’s trips Students enjoying pig foot dissection. Photo courtesy of Ms. Bruce Basak says,
included:
the Sammarco, Anatomy and Physiology teacher.
“Having a daughter-
New lizard discovered... in 2010?
By Natalie Nesteruk ’10
Staff Writer
Varanus bitatawa - a new
species of monitor lizard is
discovered in the mountainous
regions of the Philippines. What’s
so unique about it though?
This lizard is not only sixand-a-half-feet long, which is
longer than the average height of
a man, but is also believed to be
related to the Komodo dragon.
The fruit-eater’s distinguishing
characteristics are that of yellow
spots, a banded tail, slitted
nostrils, its six-and-a-half-foot
length, and oddly enough for
males, they are equipped with a
double set of genitals.
When, in 2004, the creature
was captured and photographed,
the biologist and author of A
Little Book of Monitor Lizards,
Daniel Bennett, happened to
come across the photos. He
found the species “very strange”
and headed to Luzon, Philippines
to investigate the lizard.
Once in the Philippines, Bennet
embarked on a twelve hour trip
to the Sierra Madre Mountains
where the lizard was previously
seen, and discovered the creature
by clusters of seedlings on the
forest floor which “couldn’t
have come from anywhere else
but the feces of a giant lizard,”
Bennet said.
Next, Bennet shared a new
photo of his findings of the lizard
to all the taxonomists of monitor
lizards whom he knew, and while
not all of them seemed certain as
to what species it was, a majority
of them came to the conclusion
that the lizard was quite unique
indeed.
The question of whether the
lizard was a new species or
not was procured from a dead
sample of the lizard given to a
Filipino scientist Roldan Dugay
by a hunter, and and then given
to the National Museum of
the Philippines. DNA samples
of the dead lizard were then
extracted from researchers at the
University of Kansas.
In the April 10th issue of the
Biology Letters, Bennet, Dugay,
and University of Kansas
Herpetologist Rafe Brown,
(along with several others)
stated that this newly discovered
species was an “unprecedented
surprise.”
This discovery proves so
exciting to scientists because
it suggests that more giant
vertebrates may still be
discovered in this day and age.
As the Biology Papers also
states, “Here, we report on
the discovery of a spectacular
new species of giant, secretive,
frugivorous forest monitor
lizard.” A six- and-a-half-foot lizard
might seem hard to miss, but this
leads to many curious thoughts
as to what other exotic creatures
will turn up that may have been
hiding right under our noses.
in-law who just graduated
from medical school and a
son who is in his fifth year
of an eight year MD-PhD
program, I am quite aware of
the amount of anatomy and
physiology that is required in
the first two years of medical
school.
“This course provides an
opportunity for students at a
young age to gain exposure
to the information that is
taught in a typical anatomy/
physiology course. Students
gain a certain amount of
insight that may help them
decide what type of career
they may want to pursue in
the future.”
Get ready for a fun and
information-filled class in an
exciting and booming field
as a possible elective.
If you want to find out
awesome facts, like that the
femur is actually stronger
than concrete, then sign up
for Anatomy and Physiology
next year!
Education suffers with latest budget cuts
By Urooba Nizami ’12
Staff Writer
With
an
increasing
unemployment rate and
failures in major industries,
a variety of services,
including education, are
taking a hard hit. Known
budget cuts in K-12
Education and Childhood
Education Programs have
been instituted nationwide.
Illinois is one of the
many states that has faced
budget cuts on educational
programs
and
school
funding. Recently, Illinois
has reduced funding for
early childhood programs,
like preschool, by 10
percent. With this cut, more
than 10,000 children will
be affected.
Democratic
Governor
Pat Quinn called for these
budget changes at a costly
two billion dollars. Due
to the cuts, education will
suffer greatly.
Elementary and high
school spending will lose
a reported $922 million
and another $400 million
from public colleges and
universities.
In addition to losing
money, staff will be cut
as well. More than 17,000
teachers and aides are
expected to be laid off
statewide.
Many
colleges
and
universities as well as
other degrees of higher
education are also seeing a
cut in the state’s education
funding and financial aid.
Consequently, in order
to operate and provide
some forms of aid, many
universities and colleges
have also raised their
tuition.
Stanley Ikenberry, the
president of the University
of Illinois said, “If the
University of Illinois and
the rest of higher education
in this state are disrupted,
if we are no longer high
quality and dependable, if
our operations are damaged
or disrupted, the harm to
individuals, communities,
job creation, innovation,
quality of life and future
prospects in this State will
be incalculable.” He says
that the tuition at U of I
Did you know... kite-flying is a professional sport in Thailand?
could raise form $9,484 to
$11,191.
Students, who are the top
priority, are feeling great
unrest about their education
because of the recent budget
changes. Students at the
University of Illinois and
the University of Chicago
protested against budget cuts
and said that there are other
ways that universities can
manage them. Students are
aware that their education
will suffer if something is
not done immediately.
More locally, the Phillip
J. Rock School in Glen
Ellyn faces a permanent
school closing. This school
offers educational and
recreational programs for
children ages 7-21 who are
disabled. If schools and
programs continue to see
such cuts, many beneficial
institutions will close down
and will cause great strife
in many communities.
With the recent cuts in
education funds, schools,
teachers, and students are
paying the ultimate price:
their education and their
jobs.
The Glen Bard
Features & Entertainment
May 2010- Page5
Many thanks and an invitation to South Africa
By Nare Matlala ’10
Staff Writer
Dear Glenbard West,
It feels like yesterday
when I first came here;
time passed so quickly
but it was a marvelous
year.
This was the
best year of school and
it’s all because of you.
Thank
you
very
much for everything;
to the principal of the
school, all my teachers,
classmates, and friends,
thank you for opening
your hearts to me.
I learned a lot about
you, myself, and how to
work hard. I can now
speak fluent English, but
there was a time when I in January. I am not my family the best,
thought I couldn’t handle sure yet which school I most comfortable life
this place because Mr. will attend, but I would they could ever have.
I would like to remind
McCluskey was the only like to major in finance
person who knew my and work for one of people how I managed to
language. Memories are the biggest banks in come here. It all started
twelve years ago
forever and
when one of the
you all will not
staff members,
be forgotten.
Mr. McCluskey,
I will be
stayed with us
leaving
the
for two and
United States
a half years
on the 27th of
with the Peace
June. When
Corps.
Since
I
arrive
then he has been
back
home
coming to visit
I will keep
myself busy Nare before Heart Hop with his friends. Photo courtesy of my family every
two years during
by working, Nare Matlala ’10.
summertime. He
catching up with my South Africa (FNB).
friends and family, and
My main goal from always brings his friends
applying to a university here on is to give (like Miss Mohr, Mr.
Hezlett, and Mr. Matz)
and anyone who would
like a trip of a lifetime.
I assure you all that it
would be a life-changing
trip if you came to my
village! What I am
saying is, “Please come
visit some day and have
a different view of life!”
Keep up the West Way
and please tell me to
have a safe trip when
you see me in the hall.
My people have a
saying,
“Although
mountains
do
not
move, their shadows
are able to meet.”
Just like us, we will
meet again someday.
Music offers teens
much-needed escape
By Holt Jones ’12
Staff Writer
your identity, getting along
with parents and teachers,
or applying to college.
This amount of pressure on
any teen creates a need to
your childhood innocence,
no longer is when being
friends with someone meant
Whether it be Elvis in the
you enjoyed hanging out
50s, The Beatles in the 60s,
together on the playground,
disco in the early 70s,
where homework was
new wave rock in the
virtually non-existent
80s, Grunge Rock in
or when applying to
the 90s, or Lil’ Wayne
college seemed like
of the current era,
it wouldn’t happen
there will always be
for
an
eternity.
“current” music fads
We escape pressure
with which people
by living in this
will choose to identify.
fantasy world that pop
Teenagers
are
stars have created.
notorious for identifying
Lil’ Wayne bombards
with pop stars of the
his listeners with
era. And no matter how
messages of “living life
eccentric the lyrics,
in the fast lane,” and
the fashion trends, or
acts as if money, power,
the lifestyles of these
sex, drugs and alcohol
Lil’ Wayne is one example of the kind of contemporary
popular artists, teens
bring
happiness.
music some parents “don’t understand.”
will inevitably follow
Some teenagers strive
the lead and often times find an escape from it all. to re-create this fantasy
Teenagers use this music world, in order to postpone
model their lives after them.
Why is it that we identify so to regain control in their the realities of the real world.
much with these music stars? lives. It is something their
So the next time you
Why does Lil’ Wayne have parents do not understand, walk in the house with your
Glen Ellyn teens thinking so teens feel it is way to jeans just below your waist
he is the second coming? rebel during these incredibly screaming out “Imma pick
These are questions that hectic and difficult years. the world up and imma drop it
Not only do teens see it as a on your…..” and your parents
parents of teens have been
asking themselves ever since way to regain control but also act as though your pants are
the days of Elvis. These as an opportunity to live in at your ankles and you’re
genres and artists undoubtedly somewhat of a fantasy world. being brainwashed, tell
As a teen, you are faced them to “stop hatin” because
provide an escape for
teens, from extracurricular with the realities of the real it is for your own sanity.
activities, school, finding world, no longer do you have
Warning: ‘Idol’ not
what it used to be
By Milica Krstic ’13
Staff Writer
Opinion
Everyone has heard of
American Idol and most of us
have watched it at one point or
another, but is it actually worth
watching?
This season is said to be the
best but many of the contestants
have very limited singing
ability. Contestants such as
Tim Urban have rarely been
praised but are continuously
passing eliminations.
Not only have the contestants
gotten weaker, but the overall
show has weakened as well.
It has been proven that Idol
is slowly falling behind in its
ratings and viewers. A few
weeks ago “Dancing with the
Stars” had more viewers tune
in than the record-breaking
“Idol,” so we may be looking
at a final season in the near
future.
Speaking of final seasons, it
is Simon Cowell’s last season.
The strongly opinionated
judge is leaving “Idol” behind
in order to work on his new
show “The X Factor,” which
is coming to Fox in the fall of
2011. The British judge is one
of the show’s best features and
with him leaving many viewers
are bound to leave as well.
Although the contestants
have weakened the show
is still pretty interesting
especially when Ryan Seacrest
and Simon Cowell decide to
share their opinions with one
another.
If you don’t have anything
better to do on a Tuesday or
Wednesday tune in to episode
of “American Idol.”
Did you know...Shaquille O’Neal wears size 22 shoes, and puts on a brand new pair every game?
The Gle
May
Page 6
Never Before, Never Again
Arizona
Arizona State University
Thomas Akey
Mitch Bley
California
Chapman University
Grace Lavery
Pitzer College
Isabel Shorney
Santa Barbara City College
Rudy Gorman
Andrew Bogdanski
Sam Passias
Scripps College
Ellie McElvain
Colorado
University of Colorado
Molly Brasser
Casey Curtis
Chris Kavanaugh
Chris Simmons
Connecticut
Yale University
Adin Lykken
Florida
Florida State University
Sam Heil
University of Miami
Matt Beymer
DJ Zlatanovic
University of Tampa
Clayton Hunter Uteg
Valencia Community College
Miranda Ross
Georgia
Clark Atlanta University
Jamika Hinton
Illinois
American Academy of Art
Angelica Torres
Augustana
Grant Halter
Emma Howes
Lubna Hussain
Kathleen Nannenhorn
Eric Pitts
Lea Schilke
Benedictine University
Patryk Antosicwicz
Nailah Nizamuddin
Jocelyn Uribe
Bradley University
Gordon Cepuran
Chamberlain College of
Nursing
Nayeli Aguilar
Joaquin Borromeo
Lou Jay Sagodraca
College of DuPage
Alberto Perez
Rona Dino
Ann Guese
Yoana Henrnandez
Angel Escobedo
Alaina Kennard
Shannon Bear
Richard Ruffolo
Toan Dinh
Michael Flammini
Rachel Dau
Allan Perez
Clarisse Tolosa
Benjamin Gomez
Fernando Mendoza
Lauren Stumbris
Roberto Lopez
Oscar Aguilar
Aasif Ajmeri
Patryk Jasionowski
Hien Nguyen
Nicholas DeStafano
Anais Vega
Dominic Bizcarrondo
Marcus Nguyen
William Villafania
Zachary Tellock
Taylor Anderson
Rose Rojas
Lizabeth Cobos
Marc Karum
Patrick Riley
Chantal Keck
Kosovare Haziraj
Erick Nguyen
Lauren Bolen
Daisy Aparicio
Jeromey Scott
Sarah Pingel
Anna Martiradonna
Daska Diahn
Christinia Aquino
Mariah Mazalan
Austin Harmon
Julissa Ojeda
Brandon O’Neal
Angelica Pacleb
Demetrius Murray
Jen Plonka
Carmekia McGee
Viviana Lopez
Robert Meacham
Ian Kamphuis
Erica Anderson
Winfield Nguyen
Dung Ngo
Cuong Tang
Pete Svaboda
Carla Carrion
Jim Meisenheimer
Yonas Zego
Juan Velasquez
Lizzy Thorsell
Syed Kaleem
Sajid Asameri
Huda Jarad
Amy Chester
Horace Smith
Haylee Matza
Jessica Kudlicki
Nick Del Boccio
Tony Tran
Alexandra Lagunas
Darnell Johnson
Irvin Romain
Mary Las Cola
Columbia College
Rhonda Stovall
DePaul University
Mickie Anderson
Robert Anderson
Lena Bent
Karishma Riman
DeVry University
Michelle Molina
Eastern Illinois University
Chelsea Johnston
Natalie Nesteruk
Elmhurst College
Rebecca Burlock
Jon Kefaloukous
Harold-Washington Loop
College
Nick Gohl
Tuyen Vo
Nikki Yuson
Northeastern Illinois
University
Jacquelyn Onate
Carmie Orbegoso
Sara Smits
Northwestern University
Ellen Barry
Jody Bianchini
Kyle Issacson
Jenny Sinopoli
Quincy University
Ally Becker
Kevin Thomas
Joel Varghese
Hnin Zin
University of Illinois –
Springfield
Cameryn Barbeau
University of Illinois –
Urbana Champaign
Sonja Bromann
Clare Buse
Megan Calkins
Taylor Conway
Alec Gaines
Abbie Hastings
Anna Heun
Ava Holz
Alex Ion
Illinois Institute of
Technology
Tom Molenhouse
Illinois State
University
Malena Garza
Devon Hartwig
Joseph Hlavaty
Hannah Kellam
Paul Nicholson
Laura Petrushka
Nicole Tokarski
Illinois Wesleyan
University
Cassie Anderson
Nate Evans
Caitlin Felde
Tim Hollowed
Julie Klink
Elizabeth Liubicich
Erica Messerschmidt
Filip Swist
Abbey White
Joliet Junior College
Jeremiah Griffin
Lincoln College
Riley Barbeau
Anthony Palonis
Loyola University
Shahzaib Khan
Shirley Kotadia
Phoebe Mueller
Joe Sawicki
Millikin University
Colleen Jenner
National University of
Health Sciences
Laura Osegueda
North Central College
Jon Adkins
Northern Illinois University
Faraz Ahmed
John Berent
Corvez Johnson
Judith Montero
Cody Myles
Jordan Rush
Vicki Spitzer
Robert
Morris University
Jeremeah Griffin
Roosevelt University
Martyna Waszkielewicz
Southern Illinois University
Adrienne Bell
Shamun Mohammed
Crystal Stevens
Jack Vos
Greg Warfield
University of Chicago
Adam Coleman
Ruth Mulvihill
University of Illinois –
Chicago
Mohammed Amodi
Breah Bower
Rabeal Faiz-Mohammed
Nico Garchitorena
Josh Hudson
Colleen Kane
Melissa Lottich
Abdul Mohammed
Tim Nguyen
Trisha Nguyen
Celeste Pacheco
Jina Paek
Biren Patel
Syed Razui
Faiza Shaikh
Angel Samata
Sergio
Luna
Stuti
Mehta
Steven Menachof
Katie Moore
Brian Pappadopoli
Olivia Schwartz
Michael Stout
Karl Svazas
Christina Taggart
Jonathan Thomas
Elysia Voltaggio
Carly Walker
Daniel Wang
Kristin Wharton
Matthew Zettinger
Western Illinois University
Cayla Marconi
Karin Roug
Amy Zelasco
Westwood College
Jasmine Jackson
Brendan Christopoulos
Wheaton College
Adam Bruere
Indiana
Butler
JT Mesch
en Bard
2010
Page 7
...Here’s the Class of 2010!
Conor Owens
Katie Rimmel
Nathan Rix
Ian Smith
Chris Thompson
DePauw
Will Calderwood
Maddie Lee
Christine Webster
University of Indiana –
Bloomington
Lisa Bent
Eric Boockford
Hannah Flood
Megan Gitter
Jeffery Jensen
Chris Kennedy
Brian Lemenager
Kristen Los
Will Main
International
UNISA- South Africa
Nare Matala
Iowa
University of Iowa
Amber Wilfong
Garret Hookham
Will Caspers
Sean Fagan
Haley Carroll
Audrey Butler
Caitlin Harris
Kelsey Marshall
Deanna Roselli
Wartburg College
Andrew Allen
Iowa State University
Mitch Motsinger
Melanie Waidanz
Robyn Glaza
Leigh Pomnitz
Harvard University
Connor Loftus
Mass. Institute of Technology
Erin Kenney
Wellesley College
Quinn Refer
North Carolina
Elon University
Kelsey Eppen
Michigan
Central Michigan University
Mackenzie Coen
Ohio
Bowling Green State
Nick Telander
Hope College
Chris Geiersbach
Michael Sandoz
Cleveland Institute of Art
Nick Brazeal
Michigan State University
Eleanor Doyle
Abbie Reifel
University of
Michigan
Scott Lembitz
Allyse McGrath
Minnesota
Bethel University
Elise Wetherell
University of Minnesota
Mallory Carter
Claire Meyers
Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Olivia Rearick
Loras
College
Peter Long
Kendall McDougal
J.P Minogue
Rob Neyland
Kate Renwick
Zachary Renkent
Michael Saletta
Taylor Savel
Kris Szewczyk
Drake
University
Eric Baker
Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Billy O’Donnell
Purdue
Charlene Carroll
Shelia Kotadia
Gregory Kuhn
Dorianne Ngantou
Sophie Tompkins
University of Louisville
Stacy Rosch
Wabash College
Sean Buckley
Maryland
Frostburg State University
Joey Busch
University of Notre Dame
Denise Umubyeyi
Univeristy of Southern
Indiana
Nicole Hazemi
Vincennes University
Travia Pickett
Louisiana
Tulane University
Spencer Bane
Johns Hopkins University
Kayla Poulos
University of Maryland
Hayley Miller
Massachusetts
Boston College
Greg Walor
University of Buffalo
Tyler Warden
Miami University
Haley Flynn
Allie Knuepfer
Kyle Radon
Ohio University
Sean Linstrom
Ohio Wesleyan
Jenna Ortega
Pennsylvania
Bucknell University
Cassie Goggin
Penn State
Adam Djendi
Samantha Minnec
Univeristy of Pittsburgh
Jenna Briasco
Missouri
St. Louis University
Nick Craft
South Carolina
Clemson University
Matt Iverson
University of Missouri
Dana Baginski
Kathleen Brown
Hillary Cozzi
Mitch Meyer
Marissa Millonzi
Tommy Nalon
Jessica Niemann
Tennessee
University of Tennessee
Riley Blevins
Tori Bogren
Vanderbilt University
Jack Nevins
Washington University
Annie Houghton-Larson
Liz Weingartner
Texas
Texas Christian University
Elizabeth Ellis
Tori Frappoli
Webster University
Erica Stephan
University of Texas – Austin
Merel Petri
Montana
University of Montana
Sarah Hitzemann
Trevor Snodell
Virginia
University of Richmond
Danielle Frappolli
New York
Syracuse University
Lexi Crovatto
Cornell
Sarah Udelhofen
Alexander Cooper
Marist College
Jack Marston
Hofstra University
James Raveret
Eastman School of Music
Rebecca Tobin
University of Virginia
Maggie Schwartz
College of William and Mary
Phoebe Benich
Washington, D.C.
American University
Katherine Bauer
Julia Kinsey
Justine Payton
Michael Young
George Washington
University
Jordan Dale
Rachel Milkovich
Wisconsin
Carthage College
Steve Haddon
Austin Johanneson
Steve Jones
Lawrence University
Emily Crowe
Brian Zindler
Marquette University
Kaitlin Conti
Bridget Franke
Michelle Hookham
Maggie King
William Loftus
Bailey O’Brien
Cody Olsen
Robyn St. John
Janel Wasisco
Caroline Yin
Milwaukee Institute of Arts
and Design
Cassie Genc
University of Wisconsin –
Madison
Erin Aubrey
Max Fisher
Matt Oxley
Maggie Stropes
University of Wisconsin –
Milwaukee
Ellen Hahne
Other
Marines
Jesus Alvarado
Matt Dusik
Jake Meyer
Tomas Pavia
Anousith Vongsouvanh
Air Force
Elizabeth Gorman
Justin Levesque
Army
Quoc Dinh
Vuong Dinh
Clay Gilbert
Nick Gust
Joey Mola
Ramon Reynoso
Navy
Paul Max
Work Force
Zack Bodford
Nancy Hernandez
Hieu Nyugen
Marcos Salas
Jose Torres
Travel
Haley Cusimano
Pat Carty
Dylan Dusenberry
Undecided
Craig Anderson
Eliza Hinton
Ashley Scott
Alex Stockewell
Kevin Yun
The Glen Bard
Features
Features - Page 9
West alumna runs across USA
Katie Visco, 24, achieves her dream of running from coast to coast
By Lauren Berry ’10
Staff writer
About a year ago, on March 29,
2009, Katie Visco, 24, stepped
foot in Somerville, near Boston,
Massachusetts, to begin her run to
the Pacific Ocean in San Diego,
California.
This would be her run across America.
Through nine pairs of running shoes,
a hurt knee, and 11,000 dollars
raised, Visco ran about 3,132 miles. With the idea in her mind since she
was a freshman at Glenbard West
High School, Visco always wanted
to do something big, something that
would make a difference. While living
in Boston, Visco worked for a year
doing community service with an
Americorps program called City Year.
She worked with high school students
and she constantly would ask them,
“What are your passions and dreams?”
Students would give inspiring answers
and thank her for asking them such a
question they have never been asked
before. She shockingly thought, this is
one of the most important questions of
life, how could they not be asked this
before?
Visco knew at this point that it was
time to turn her dream and passion into
a reality.
Visco and her friend set out to begin
the nine month journey. Before March
29, 2009, Visco had never run more
than 14 miles in one day before. The people Visco met throughout the
different states were excited to help
and contribute.
While running approximately 18 miles
per day, sometimes with people in the
communities as well, Visco stayed
with 85 host families along the way.
Although Visco suffered a knee injury
300 miles shy of her destination, the
thought of giving up did not enter her
mind. Although she had to walk for
part of her journey to build up more
strength, she kept going.
It was not only about running. Visco
explains that her run was more than
just for herself.
“It’s not just running. It’s a metaphor
and an action to inspire people to take
what they love to do and do something
bold with it and to also give back at the
same time,” said. Visco. She ran for
Girls on the Run, a non-profit charity
that focuses on helping young girls
gain self esteem through running.
While running across America, Visco
spoke at many churches, schools and
running clubs to share her story and
influence others to make their dreams
come true.
After her 276 day journey, Visco is
now the second youngest woman to
run across the country and now spends
her time writing an upcoming book
and traveling on a four-month speaking
tour. As a motivational speaker, Visco
plans to spread the word about making
your dreams and passions come to life.
She explains that even though people
thought she was crazy and would end
up not going through with her plan,
everyone needs to share their goals
and make them happen no matter the
circumstances or setbacks.
After running 3,132 miles, Katie Visco, former West student, reaches the Pacific Ocean. Photo courtesy of Visco’s website paveyourlane.com.
Obama reads 10 citizens’ letters every day
By John Bleed ’13
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington DC
20500. This address is possibly the most famous and
well known in all of America. It is the address of the
White House, the home of the President of the United
States.
Like any other house and home in the United States,
it receives mail. But the amount of letters the White
House and the First Family receive is so large it takes
an entire department of the White House to handle it.
The White House receives around 65,000 paper
letters sent to the President every week. On top of that,
it gets around 100,000 emails, almost 4,000 phone
calls, and 1,000 faxes every day according to Mike
Kelleher, Director of the Office of Correspondence
in the White House via whitehouse.gov. The
Correspondence Office tries to respond to all of them
“[S]o they know that the President is listening” says
Kelleher.
The department sorts and categorizes all of the mail
received and chooses ten that are sent to President
Obama himself – who reads ten every day so he can
stay connected with what is going on in the nation.
The President replies to about 20 per week with a
hand-written note.
President Obama says in a video on the White House
website that the letters can be humorous, frustrating,
sad and even angry. The
President also says that
many are “heartbreaking.”
However, some letters are
stories of encouragement
to him as president. Obama
says, “It really gives you a
sense of what’s best about
America. It makes you
want to work that much
harder to make sure that
that spirit is reflected in
our government.”
If you decide to write a
letter and mail it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, send
an email, fax or call the White House, chances
are they won’t be seen or heard by the President
himself. However, someone at the White House will
see it and maybe, just maybe it will be sent to the
Presidential desk in the Oval Office.
Lacrosse storms field, ready for action
By Mitch Anderson ’11
Paisley shorts, mid-high socks, and sleeveless pennies. What does this mean?
The lacrosse season has returned to West by storm.
The 2010 season brings with it an unprecedented amount of new faces and lofty
goals. In only its second year as a school sponsored sport, the team has made
enormous strides.
Coached by Carl Landi and led by captains Tim Hollowed, James Raveret,
Billy O’Donnell, and Joey Busch, the varsity team (3-1 ) looks to improve upon
their heartbreaking loss in quarterfinals of the state playoffs from last year.
Senior player James Reveret believes, “This year we have the athletic ability,
we just need more teamwork. I’d predict this year we’ll do better.”
Other members of the lineup include freshman Eric Strittmater, sophomore
Johnny Caspers, and seniors Spencer Douglas, Mitch Meyer, Steve Hadden and
Jon Kefaloukos. If the team continues the way they’ve been playing, they may
be contenders for the state title.
Did you know... The New York Yankees once held spring training in Bermuda?
The Glen Bard
Features
May 2010 - Page 10
Missing school: dreadful effect of too many absences
By Abby Quaid `13
Staff Writer
Opinion
You’re sitting in class,
staring at the minute hand
as it slowly ticks toward
the time that will release
you from the cinderblock
walls and linoleum flooring
enclosure some like to call
a classroom. Most likely all
that is running through your
mind is, “I wish I didn’t have
to be at school,” right? How
great does it sound to not be
in school for three weeks?
Most of you are probably
thinking that that would be
excellent, a perfect escape
from the world of textbooks
and scantrons. Picture this:
home alone all day, just
you, the television, and no
hectic school work. Seems
like an oasis, correct?
Wrong. In theory, this
is the perfect scenario.
The truth is that when
you are truly homebound
for two and a half weeks
and aren’t able to go to
school, see your friends,
and all of your plans are
cancelled, it is not fun at all.
First off, daytime television
is awful, unless you happen
to be a major soap opera fan.
There is nothing to watch
and what is on is either
extremely old repeats of
episodes you have seen a
thousand times or shows that
are so boring that staring at
the wall is more interesting.
After a few days you will
have all of the shows’
programming
schedules
memorized and you will be
wishing to get some variety
in your now lonesome life.
Slowly a sense of anxiety
begins to invade your body
as you realize that while you
sit on your couch, watching
yet another whiney teenage
show, the rest of the world is
moving forward without you.
Classes continue to move
onward giving tests, papers,
and other assignments and
the pile of unfinished work
grows into a mountain
of
confusing
papers.
The solitude of your new
life begins to eat away at your
conscious and the thought of
going to school seems better
and better each day. The
mountain of assignments
mocks you as it towers
over your spinning head.
This mixture of boredom
and homework anxiety
topped with a large dollop
of missing society becomes
the sundae of your life.
After
personally
experiencing being out of
school for about three weeks,
I can honestly say I would
not wish it upon anyone.
When, in speculation, a three
week excused leave from
school would have been the
best thing a student could
wish for. Yet in reality, it is
a truly dreadful experience.
By Ellen Smid ’13
33 ways to add fun to your summer
By Samantha Moriarty `13
and Lindsie Green `13
1. Go to the Zoo
2. Go to a museum
3. Bike Ride
4. Go to a drive in
5. Write with sidewalk chalk
6. Have a Picnic outdoors or
indoors
7. Take a hike
8. Jump on a trampoline
9. Go swimming in a lake or
pool
10. Visit an arcade
11. Go to a theme park or water
park
12. Play some air hockey
13. Play sports
14. Have a BBQ
15. Bake something
16. Make a video
17.Camp in your yard, or
house
18. Take a walk
19. Go shopping at a mall or
your local stores
20. Watch home movies
21. Watch a sunset
22. Have a luau
23. Test out your old hulahoop
24. Have a fiesta
25. Have a Silly String/
Whip Cream Fight
26. Water fight with balloons
and water guns
27. Walk everywhere for a
day
28. Volunteer
29. Go to the Arboretum
30. Have a bonfire
31. Go to different towns
32. Throw a party
33. Go to a sporting event
(preferably the Cubs)
Did you know.. There are only two days in a year in which there are no pro sports games?
The Glen Bard
Editorial
May 2010 - Page 11
2009-2010
Editorial Staff
Taylor Conway ’10
Editor-in-Chief
Casey Nighbor ’11
Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Elizabeth Ellis ’10
Features Editor
Kelly Molloy ’11
Centerspread Editor
Chris Baron ’11
Entertainment Editor
Katie Howell ’10
Photographer
Kamil Radziszewski ’11
Design Editor
Sophia Conforti ’12
Natalie Salo ’12
Emily Molloy ’13
Abby Quaid ’13
Staff Editors
Brendan Byrne ’13
Did You Know Facts
Ms. Mohr
Ms. Slowinski
Faculty Advisors
The Glen Bard is
published eight times
a year by the students, for the students. The mission of
The Glen Bard is to
provide a public forum to inform, fairly
convey issues and to
entertain. All members of the Glenbard
West community are
invited to submit articles, cartoons or
opinions. Letters to
the editor, signed and
less than 300 words,
are subject to editing
without changing the
content. Each month,
The Glen Bard takes
on a topic in its unsigned editorial. This
editorial represents
the majority opinion
of The Glen Bard’s
editorial board.
West fosters community, self
By Taylor Conway ’10
Editor-in-Chief
With less than a month left
of school, I cannot help but
sit in class daydreaming of
summer and how much my
life will change within the next
six months. While I love my
family and friends, I’m ready to
live in a new environment with
new people. Like most seniors,
I think it’s safe to say that I’m
just ready for change. Don’t get
me wrong though.
Although I’m ready for
change, that does not mean that
I disliked my time at West. Of
course I would like to change
some things about it, like the
never-ending stairs and the
bathrooms on the second floor
by the lunchroom, but when it
comes down to it, this school
means more to me now than
I ever thought it would as I
walked up the stairs on the first
day of freshman year.
I didn’t really know what to
expect in those first few days. I’m
the oldest in my family so I had
no preconceived notions, and
after my experience at Hadley
I had very low expectations
for West. I’ll admit that the
group of frantically cheering
seniors on that first day creepily
frightened me. I legitimately
thought I was entering an insane
asylum with crazy people who
enjoyed clapping their hands
obnoxiously
at
freshmen.
Looking back now, I can’t help
but laugh seeing that I became
one of those crazy, clapping
seniors.
Within the first few weeks
of class, it became apparent
to me that I enjoyed high
school. I loved that fact that I
could leave campus for lunch,
although I rarely ever did, I
loved Saturday football games,
even if our team was less than
stellar back then, and I loved
taking diverse classes like Intro
to Theatre, where I met people
like “basketball Becky” and
“mysterious Moran.”
One of my favorite things
about West though was the
countless amount of clubs and
sports it provided. Of course
there were some clubs that I
joined, and quickly un-joined.
But for the most part, I loved
the fact that every person in
the school, regardless of their
distinct personalities, could find
a club they enjoyed and could
dedicate time to.
Over time, my feelings about
West never changed, only
faded. Perhaps those feelings
were affected by struggling
friendships,
outside
time
commitments, and excessive
amounts of homework thanks
to one of my favorites, Mr.
Fornaciari. Regardless, I’ve
been excited for high school to
end and college to begin.
While I’m still excited for
college, just the other day I
was reminded as to why, deepdown, I love this place that I
have spent my last four years.
I was sitting in Spanish class
last period, pretending, like
usual, to speak with my partner,
when a pass came for me. Like
most students, I was excited
because it most likely meant
that I could get out of class for
something.
Unlike most passes however,
this one was hand delivered by
two students who never run
passes. And written on this note
was my name, the date, and a
time of “NOW.” Possibly one of
the sketchy passes ever created.
Nevertheless, my teacher
reluctantly accepted it and I left
class with the two students in
tow. I soon found out that I was
pulled out of class because I
was involved in newspaper. As
we walked down the hall, they
quickly informed me that The
Today Show was coming to do a
feature on the Glenbard Parent
Series and that they wanted me
there to write an article about
it.
Although I never ended
up writing an article, the
experience, which lasted less
than an hour, was fun, to say
the least. Sure I got to skip class
and take some pictures. And I’ll
be the first admit that it’s pretty
cool that The Today Show did a
feature on a program presented
by our school.
But more importantly, the
events of that day reminded me
that I enjoyed my time at West
because of the sense of belonging
that envelops it. Thanks to
activities like newspaper, I
developed friendships and other
relationships that provided me
with the opportunities to meet
crew members from NBC,
opportunities that ultimately
made me a part of West and
West a part of me.
That being said, to the seniors, I
wish you happiness and success
in all of your future endeavors.
And to the underclassman, may
you find those activities that you
enjoy, make them your own, and
experience all that West has to
offer, for without even knowing
it, our school truly does offer a
lot.
Thank You West Retirees
Mrs. Sanders
Ms.Counihan
and
Ms. Merkle
Mr. Clutter
Mr. Timpanaro
Did you know... that in Pittsburg all the professional teams use the same colors-gold and black?
The Glen Bard
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May 2010 - Page 12
Have a Great Summer!
Did you know... Jackie Robinson lettered in 4 sports at UCLA, the only person to ever do so.