Steinmetz StarVolume 80, Number 2, November - December 2014

www.steinmetzstar.com

Opinion and Holiday Greetings: Pages 2-3

News: Pages 4-8 Veterans Day Pages 6-8

Arts & Entertainment: Page 9

Sports: Pages 10-12

Many schools have stopped requiring uniforms; could we be next?

Seniors enjoy an out-of-uniform day for their panoramic photo in September. No one wore green.

Best wishes to our friends, p. 2 Japanese students share culture, p. 4 Veterans on the Steinmetz staff Basketball team on a hot streak, p. 12Family art event at report card pickup

In this Issue

Photos by Leslie Carmona

Taft Today, Oct. 2014

In her piece supporting Taft’s new, no-uniform policy, Taft editorial writer Kyra Buenaventura quotes Taft princi-pal Mark Grishaber, who said: “Places with uniforms include Catholic schools, post offices, and McDonalds.”

Star reporters Leslie Carmona (back to camera), Felisha Cordero, and Rayna Albelo interview Jones College Prep students Samantha O’Brien and Alex Behle about Jones’ non-uniform policy. Alex said he had previously worn a uniform (while a 7th and 8th grader at Taft), and that it was a relief go to school wearing what he wants to wear. Sam said she didn’t worry about clothes too much and that she has her “bum” days.

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Senior officers excited to represent Class of 2015Black Creativity

Art exhibitors

Donate to the NHS coat drive andJROTC food drive

The National Honor Society coat drive, led by senior Leslie Car-mona, has already resulted in more than 100 coats to be donated Su Casa Charity.

Coats may be dropped off until Dec. 12 in Room 226. Students donating coats will receive service learning hours.

The JROTC canned food runs until Dec. 19. See Page 5 for more information.•

By Gissel Mendoza, Emily Santiago and Jalan Veal

Uniforms are no longer required at Taft, Fore-man, North Grand, Clemente, Lake View, and Roosevelt.

These neighborhood high schools – similar in size, academic performance, socioeconomic and geographic demographics to Steinmetz – have recently joined other schools that never required uniforms. The schools that don’t require uniforms are among the best in the city.

Throughout Chicago, these schools academically out-perform schools that do require uniforms, according to CPS’ levels of performance.*

The following schools do not require uniforms: • “Level 1” Northside, Lane, Lincoln Park, Von Steu-

ben, Jones, Payton, Westinghouse, Whitney Young, King, Lindblom, Chicago Agricultural, and Brooks;

• “Level 2” Prosser, Chicago Academy, Mather, Sul-livan, Amundsen, Lake View, Alcott, Uplift, Disney II, Ogden International, Taft, Foreman, North Grand, Clemente, Roosevelt, Bogan, Curie, Kennedy, Kenwood, Juarez, Kelly, and Morgan Park.

• Nearly all the “Level 3” high schools and charter schools require uniforms. On the northwest side, uni-forms are required at Schurz and Kelvyn Park, schools that are weaker academically than Steinmetz.

(*Source: CPS school locator 2014-2015, http://schoolinfo.cps.edu/schoolprofile/FindaSchool.aspx.)

It is becoming rare for a “Level 2” school like Stein-metz to require its students to wear uniforms.

With Steinmetz’ move last year off probation, many wonder if the uniform policy should change, too.

Principal Stephen Ngo said he isn’t comparing schools.

“I don’t think about the other schools,” he said. “I’m just focusing on Steinmetz. Every school is different.”

Juniors Marisol Bernardino, Maria Reyna; see NHS group

photo - www.steinmetzstar.com

Michelle Sinaloa, Emily Santiago, Koya Scott, Danielle Stencel, Cameron Dukes

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New senior class officers have been chosen. Only the position of

vice-president, won by Emily Santiago, required an election on Dec. 5; the other candi-dates ran unopposed.

Koya Scott, Michelle Sinaloa and Cameron Dukes hold the positions of president, treasurer, and secretary. They had pre-sented speeches at a November senior town hall meeting.

All the officers promised to represent the students and make changes.

“I like the cultural diversity, hardwork, and dedication through-out the school,” Koya said. “I’d like

to see improvements in the senior seminar class for students who are not in OneGoal or IB.”•

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By Angel Quintero

Art teachers Jennifer Bates and Rosanna Mark are thrilled

to announce that three of their students were ac-cepted into the 2015 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhi-bition, Youth Category at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Their work will be dis-played at MSI from Jan. 21, 2015 to Feb. 22, 2015.

Tamaya LevyKiana RobinsonMarquis Rushing •

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2 Steinmetz Star Nov. - Dec. 2014

Star Holiday Greetings2Steinmetz

StarSteinmetz College Prep High School

3030 N. Mobile, Chicago IL 60641

773-534-3030, Star office (x) 25241

www.steinmetzstar.com

Email: steinmetzstarnews@gmail.com

Principal: Mr. Stephen Ngo Assistant principals: Mr. Jaime JaramilloMs. Cheryl Williams Ms. Ruquiyah Rahman-AquilBudget director: Mr. Paul Chase

Star adviser: Ms. Sharon Schmidt

Journalism class reporters, Rm. 333, Per. 3Alexis Bamber, Rebecca Bernstein, Aaliyah Collins, Felisha Cordero, Angel DeJesus, Desiree Erturk, Elizabeth Garcia, Kamari Joiner, Joslyn Hermosillo, Marco Hernandez, Matias Kirk, Jennifer Liera, Angelica Lopez, Rosemary McGurn, Gissel Mendoza, Estephani Paredes, Li Nguyen, Jennifer Padilla, Delilah Perez, Maria Purisima, Marisha Reynolds, Teresa Rodriguez, Emily Santiago, Emony Tate, Devion Thompson, Jailene Torres, Tatiana Turcios, Yureli Velazquez, Claudia Vidalon, Jamilah Zayas

Newspaper Club reporters: Yadira Abarca, Rayna Albelo, Agape Alfaro, Yeovanni Al-varado, Lesli Avila, Karen Bahena, Maria Barajas, Christian Baylon, Victoria Boccia, Leslie Carmona, Kimberly De-gante, Edmund Dones, Kimberly Degante, Kala Geralds, Brian Geans, Harrison Hardy, Rikeya Hargrove, Alejandro Hernandez, Luz Herrera, Monica Laddaran, Diana Lagu-nas, Jemeka Malone, Nayeli Martinez, Gerardo Martinez, Jayline Matias, Dalia Mena, Carmelita Mendez, Destiny Nedohin, Jane Nero, Elizabeth Patino, Jennifer Padilla, Samanthia Ponticelli, Koya Scott, Julissa Tello, Jalan Veal, Marty Vician, Brenda Villegas

The Newspaper Club meets on Mondays after school in Room 333.

The Steinmetz Star welcomes letters, corrections, com-ments, and articles from all members of the Steinmetz community.

Printing: Mr. Hugh Hefner’s December 2014 dona-tion to the Star covers the costs of printing the paper at Topweb in Chicago. •

I want to spend my holidays with my loved ones and take my girl out for our fourth-year an-niversary on Dec. 11, and spend Christmas and New Years next to her. Enjoy your holidays to the fullest.

Roger Quijano

Wishing you all the best

Merry Christmas to the citizens of Ferguson. May God’s love rest and rule in your hearts.

Latanya McSwine, teacher

Merry Christmas to Dillon Francis. I hope you have a lot more videos and keep making more music in 2015.

Magali Martinez

Happy Holidays to my computer classes and robotics team. 01001100 01101111 01110110 01100101.

Latanya McSwine

National Honor Society collects coats for needy

Shout out to my squad, the Streaks basketball team.

Manny Chavez

Shout out to Ms. Chaparro for pass-ing me and helping me in Algebra.

Diego Garcia

Happy Thanksgiving to all my main homies, except Peter Pappas.

Daniel Martinez,

Shout out to all my teacher this year – Ms. Russo (favorite English teacher), Ms. Schmidt, Mr. Kalogeras, Mr. P. and Ms. Johnson, Mr. Arroyo, Ms. Scolire and Ms. Siva. I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year! Thank you all for being so helpful. Jennifer Liera

Merry Christmas from the Class of 2015

Matt Gasienica (class of 2014) chaperoned the Nov. 21 field trip at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism

Merry Christmas to Ashley. I wish for you buckets of glitter and a good time over the break.

Lukasz Rudka

Merry Christmas to all my students I wish for all of you a holiday season and 2015 filled with happiness and success!

Jason Mink, teacher

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To Star reporters: Have a happy New Year filled with new stories and great pictures.

Happy Holidays to Jae, Ed-mund, Leslie and the freshmen in the club. Your enthusiasm is a joy.

Merry Christmas to Latanya, Patti, Dave, Tom, Ted, Bernie, Jim and Deb. Love working next to you. Thanks to Playboy’s Hugh Hefner for many years of support.

Sharon Schmidt, teacher

Nov. - Dec. 2014 Steinmetz Star 3

Star Opinion 3

Letters to the Star

The Star encourages readers to voice their opinions and share their news. Send an email to steinmetzstarnews@gmail.com or comment on www.steinmetzstar.com.

What are your hopes for the holidays?

The Sept. - Oct. 2014 paper, as always, is terrific and the addition of an online edition is wonderful.

I especially enjoyed Marisha Reynold’s advice – applicable to adults as well.

Thanks again to the Star and its staff for an ex-cellent effort.

Judy Eichstaedt, Digital media teacher

November 24, 2014I loved the last issue of Star, especially the

editorial on how feminism is still necessary as most of the battles have not yet been won.

Sincerely,Theresa D. Daniels, Retired teacher

November 6, 2014I had a lot of fun on the field trip to the Tribune

Tower. It was a very good experience. I’m looking forward to working on a newspaper when I’m in

high school. The only downsides to the trip were all the selfies in Millenium Park and the use of the word “rachet.”

Josh Schmidt, 4th grade

“I want to go downtown like every year and help out the homeless.”

Ronnie Ballard, senior

Feminism is necessary Online edition is wonderful

Journalism field to the Tribune was great

“I want for everyone to be grateful with what they have and to enjoy their parents and family to the full-est! And, as a present, I want my dad back.”

Mireya Mendoza, senior

“I want to give back to oth-ers, well, at least to try.”

John Shelby, senior

“I want everyone to be in good health and for the senseless violence to stop.”

Debra Kern, teacher

“I would like the students to believe in themselves to achieve more. I wish they would be-come more self motivated. I would like them to have the point of view of a teacher, to understand where we are com-ing from.”

Ivelisse Cotto, teacher

“My hopes for my students are that they get along with one another, try their best, and be happy. And a little chocolate would be nice.”

Rachel Rezny, teacher

“I would like my students to be more patient.”

Perla Ocampo, teacher

“I hope my students are filled with joy and hap-piness for Christmas. My hope for them is that all of their needs are met and their hearts are filled with love optimism, and that their wonderment never ceases.”

Tara Brownlee, teacher

Jackie Flores (class of 2013) chaperoned the Nov. 5 journalism field trip at the Mash and Chicago Tribune editorial offices.

“The best parts of the holidays are food and spending time with friends and family. The break from school is also great.”

Vicki Renteria, senior

“For a holiday gift, I would love stu-dents to be more respectful and have better attendance.”

Davoud Chitsaztehrani, teacher

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More Star stories online

Navy Band concert on Dec. 5

See www.steinmetzstar.com for more interviews, stories and photos.

For Christmas, all I want is ...By Rikeya Hargrove

If you could have anything in the world for Christmas, what would it be?“A new phone and a baby

pitbull.” –Desmariah Langford, junior

“To end world hunger.” – Mathew Cintron, junior

“Trey Songz with a purple bow.” – Brianna Brinson, junior

“A life-long supply of Bulls tickets.” –Brandon Williams, sophomore

“Loyalty.” – Dante White, junior

“An endless shopping spree.” – Jessica Zacny, senior

“My dad.” – Jared Suarez, sophomore •

Hugh Hefner is ‘thrilled’ to continue to support the Star

4 Steinmetz Star Nov. - Dec. 2014

Star NewsJapanese visitors share culture with IB/MYP students

Earn college credit in dual enrollment program

By Teresa Rodriguez

Community col-lege is a way for students to save

money. For strong stu-dents, it could be free.

The Star scholar-ship is available for all

By Dalia Mena

O pportunities are avail-able to make college less expensive. The

Dual Enrollment Program al-lows high school juniors and seniors to take college classes for free at any of the City of Chicago Colleges.

The requirements for ac-ceptance are a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a 90% attendance rate, as well as a signed permission form by a counselor and a parent/guard-ian. In order to receive college credit, students need earn a C in the course. In addition, students need to take a place-ment test, which shows the

classes students are ready for.

It may seem like a lot, but to me it is all worth it. Last year, I took an English 101 class. After the day was over at Steinmetz I would head on the bus to Wright.

I thought I was going to be in a class with all high school students taking college cours-es. However, that’s now how it was. I was in class with people that were a lot older then me.

At first the class was dif-ficult, but I just had to learn how to manage my time and

I eventually got the hang of things.

There are many resources around the college cam-pus that help you in your classes. For example, in my English 101 class I needed someone to proofread my essay, so I went to

the Writing Center and they helped me through that.

Another helpful resource is the Dual Enrollment Advisor. In my case, at Wright Col-lege, it is Mila Simeonovska. She has always answered my questions and encouraged me to do well in class.

Mila sees this program as a

great way to give high school students a glimpse of what it will be like after graduation, and a great easy way to get ahead in your college career.

It takes a lot of different characteristics to be able to be successful in this program.

“The most important char-acteristics are maturity, good time management, college level readiness, and most of all motivation,” Mila said.

I highly encourage more students to take advantage of this program. This program will save you time and money.

“Dual enrollment is a great program if you’re willing to put in the extra time and work,” said Mila. •

By Karen Bahena

J apanese students from Naha High School came to visit Steinmetz and spend their day with the IB juniors

on November 14. The students arrived during 1st pe-

riod and were welcomed with breakfast in the library. Ms. Bernie Eshoo and the IB MYP/DP coordinators, Katherine Doyle and Nancyanne Ferrarini greeted them and went over the schedule of the day.

Soon after the ball rang, the IB juniors met up with their partners in the library and played a game of charades as a get-to-know-each-other game.

During periods 3rd and 4th, the Japa-nese students gave a presentation in the library about their culture to all the MYP/ IB classes (freshmen to seniors).

They said that Okinawa is known for its food and longevity, meaning the people have a longer life-spans than those in other countries.

They also performed karate and in-vited some people in the audience to go up and practice it with them. They also performed music. After their presenta-tions, they headed to art where they were shown videos about our city, Chicago. They had the chance to make paper flowers and face paint.

At the end they were escorted to the front campus by their partners and said their good-byes. It was a fun experience getting to know people from across the world and learning new things. •

Por Elizabeth Garcia [For an English translation of this story, please see www.steinmetzstar.com]

Mayor parte de los estu-diantes que son nuevos a la escuela no tienen

que lidiar con el problema de ser nuevos a la escuela y al país. En Steinmetz hay estudiantes de todas partes del mundo, por ejemplo México, Guatemala, Salvador, Puerto Rico, Columbia, República Dominicana y Filipinas.

Venir de otro país es un de-safío muy grande. No solo im-plica acostumbrarse a las nuevas costumbres, tienen que aprender

un idioma nuevo. Para algunos puede ser fácil pero para otros es muy difícil.

Tenemos un programa que ayuda a los estudiantes bil-ingües a aprender el idioma y que

también les ayuda en las clases que tienen que tomar.

Todos están de acuerdo con que venir a este país es un gran reto, pero también todos saben que pueden salir adelante con la ayuda de los maestros y de las demás personas que trabajan en la escuela. Problemas pueden ser superados.

“Al inicio del año escolar sentí nervios y miedo porque yo no hablaba inglés y nunca había es-tado en una escuela tan grande,” Wilder Hernandez dijo. Pero lu-ego las cosas cambiaron:

“Me siento más seguro y ya mis nervios se han ido. Mis maestros me ayudan mucho y explicar cosas que yo no entiendo.” •

Chicago City Colleges to offer full scholarships

By Delilah Perez

Parent-child ed-ucator Jessica Alvarez-Becerra

provides support for students at Steinmetz who are pregnant or al-ready parents through the Empowering Fam-ilies Initiative.

“Being a teen mom is challenging; some-times there is conflict with partners or parents,” Ms. Alvarez-Becerra said. “But I’m here for the extra support, and any assistance the girls need.”

The Empowering Families Initia-tive currently helps four students at Steinmetz, but there is room for many more, she said.

The free services include parenting sup-port, educational work-shops, transportation stipends, field trips, weekly home visits, child development re-sources, socialization groups, parent em-powerment, and baby bucks incentive.

Ms. Alvarez-Becerra is in the school several

times a week in Room 224-A. “You can contact me anytime,” she

said. Her office through Metropolitan Family Services is at 3249 N. Central. Office phone: 773-371-3732; Cell: 773-793-5613; Email: alvarezj@me-trofamily.org.•

Help is here for teen momsPrograma bilingüe ayuda a los nuevos estudiantes

Wilder Hernandez

Jessica Alvarez-Becerra

Wright College advisor Mila Simeonovska

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For ’15 graduates with 3.0 GPA

Next year, some students may be going to Wright College for free.

CPS high school graduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher – including undocumented students – and who place into college-level math and English, and enroll in one of Chicago City Colleges pathways.

“CCC will provide waiv-

ers for all tuition, fees and books for three years or until the completion of an associate degree, whichever comes first,” the informa-tion page states (www.ccc.edu/starscholarhip).

Next Star issue: analysis of community college. •

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Photos by Karen Bahena

Activists demonstrate their support of Marissa Alexander on Nov. 24 at Chicago police headquarters, where many people were also protesting the grand jury’s non-indictment of Darren WIlson, the police officer who killed Michael Brown. Photo from www.facebook.com/ChicagoAlliancetoFreeMarissaAlexander. Art used with permission of Molly Crabapple: “The poster was done for the Free Marissa Alexander campaign. Use it to spread the word.”

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Nov. - Dec. 2014 Steinmetz Star 5

Help is here for teen momsShop at thrift stores to save

Star News

No problems for NW side schools ending uniform policies

Protest injustice against Marissa Alexander, #BlackLivesMatter

By Miguel Rabadan

Students can shop the right way by going to thrift stores. Many students get something new for

themselves at stores like Unique, in the Brick Yard, that sell clothes very cheap.

“Unique is my favorite place,” sophomore Yajaira Martinez said. “Mondays are half price.”

Thrift store shopping isn’t hard. Shoppers need to check in often to see what’s new. •

Juniors Miguel Rabadan and Charlie So-lis spent $7 and $9 on the above jacket and hoodie at Unique.

ThanksgivingBy Jennifer Padilla

Thanksgiving isn’t announced like it once was. In the past, it was all about saving money with buying

food and helping those in need. Now it’s about Black Friday.

What is so special about Black Friday? After being grateful the day before, some people go out the next day at 4 a.m. to buy stuff they want but don’t need when there are others who don’t receive a plate of food.

One way to show thanks and to give to others who need help is to donate to the 9th annual JROTC canned food drive.

JROTC will accept donations until Dec. 15. Students do not need to be in JROTC to donate. The goal is 3,000 cans to take to the St. Cyprian’s food pantry.

The Brigade Commander announce-ment on the JROTC webpage asks for help: “Please bring in cans to help those who don’t have the same privileges as we do.” •

Most students at Steinmetz say they want to choose what they wear to school.

“The uniform policy is goofy and unfair,” senior Nathan Calderon said.

Students know the problems administrators hope to avoid with uniforms.

Gang representation won’t be a problem if students aren’t wearing a uniform shirt, Nathan said, “because gangs aren’t a big problem at Steinmetz.”

Administrators also say the uniform alleviates problems that students suffer due to economic inequality.

However, students feel that the attempt to protect some people, while well-intentioned, causes a worse problem of stifling all students’ expression.

Many students like Omar Jacinto shop for clothes they like at thrift stores. Omar said he bought his shirt for $3, much less than Steinmetz wear costs.

By Emony Tate

With all the controversary going on across the nation, Chicago stands in solidarity. As activists hold up

the names of Mike Brown and Eric Garner, with the words “Hands up, don’t shoot,” and “I can’t breathe,” they also hold Marissa Alex-ander’s name up high in protests for equality.

From Ferguson to Chicago to New York to Jacksonville throughout every city in the nation, people are saying Black lives matter. Activists remain strong and ready for the long fight for racial justice.

The injustice against Marissa Alexander, 31, is outrageous. Like the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases, Marissa’s also has prompted protests and fund-raising through-out the country.

Two years ago, Marissa defended herself against her abusive husband when he was threatening her by firing a gun. For this one warning shot, from which no one was injured or killed, Marissa was arrested by Jacksonville, Florida police and charged with aggravated as-sault, which comes with a mandatory sentence of 20 years.

Prosecutor Angela Corey (who worked on the side of George Zimmerman during the Trayvon Martin case) said she wanted Marissa in jail for 60 years.

Unlike Zimmerman, Marissa was denied Stand Your Ground immunity. After two years of appeals and the state’s threat to re-try her for 60 years, Marissa accepted a plea deal with

the State of Florida. The plea deal includes time served (1,030

days), an additional 65 days in Duval County Jail which began Nov. 24, and two years of probation while serving house detention and wearing a surveillance monitor. She is expected to be released on January 27, 2015.

More information is available at www.freemarissanow.org. Chicago activists will meet on Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. at 3709 W. Grand Ave. to discuss the case.

If you would like to engage in a conversa-tion with Marissa you can write her in prison. Her information is as follows.

Marissa Alexander #2013028991500 East Adams StJacksonville, Florida 32202The Star asks if you write her and she writes

back please send in both letters to the editor to be published in the next issue.

To stay involved in cases of racial injustice, follow #BlackLivesMatter.

Details of the incident[A more detailed report of the following is

available on www.steinmetzstar.com]. Marissa had been a victim of domestic vio-

lence by her husband Rico Gray. On the day of Marissa’s arrest he had her cornered, after strangling her and threatening to kill her. She managed to get free but shortly after realized she forgot her car keys.

She then went to take her registered gun back into the house with her for protection. Rico stepped in her way and she fired one warning shot into the ceiling.

In a 66-page deposition Rico states he has

physically abused Marissa and many other women. He also admitted she never pointed the gun at him. In court he recanted those statements.

One of Rico’s babies’ mothers testified against Rico. She said she has been hit in the mouth, pushed into a wall, and beaten out-side. •

Nathaniel Calderon Omar Jacinto

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The reason most large, diverse Chicago neighborhood high schools required uniforms (many beginning their policies, like Steinmetz, in the 1990s) was to create a safer, more academic environment. Administra-tors hoped gang representation and bullying would diminish if students were dressed the same, and that the uniformed look would create a more orderly, academic environment.

For these reasons, Steinmetz still has the uniform.

“Without uniforms, gang vio-lence might increase,” Mr. Ngo said. “There’s a group of students who won’t wear appropriate clothing if uniforms aren’t required.”

Mr. Ngo and disciplinarian Dr. Lorraine Frierson also addressed economic inequality, bullying, and anxiety as additional reasons to en-force a uniform.

“Uniforms take away a lot of peer pressure,” Mr. Ngo said. “It’s not fair for students who don’t have expensive items like other students. Uniforms take away the anxiety for students who don’t have as much as others.”

Dr. Frierson said she saw bully-ing about clothes before Steinmetz adopted the uniform policy.

“I wouldn’t have an issue if there weren’t bullying,” she said. “In the past, girls were bullied because of what they wore. For example, some girl would be bullied if she didn’t wear Gucci. One girl could buy name brands, when the other couldn’t afford it. Since there have been uniforms, there has been no bullying over clothes.”

But the many neighboring schools that have dropped uniforms

are reporting no increased violence, bullying, or safety issues.

No problems related to the new non-uniform status

Teachers at Roosevelt, North-Grand, Chicago Academy and Fore-man told the Star that there are no problems with students not wearing uniforms.

“We got rid of the uniform this school year,” Roosevelt teacher Tim Meegan said. “There are no prob-lems related to non-uniforms.”

Foreman teacher Marty Lombar-do said, “There is no added violence or rampant wearing of inappropri-ate wear.” In addition, he told the Star that the problem of “selective enforcement” of the uniform is now gone.

Without uniforms, teachers and other school staff no longer have to spend time on uniform policy enforcement which, Mr. Lombardo notes, is impossible to do equally.

North Grand, a newer school in the area, opened its doors requiring uniforms. After the original princi-pal left, the current principal made the change.

“The principal decided to end the uniform policy this year,” North Grand teacher Phil Cantor said. “When I started eight years ago is was super strict. We looked like a charter school. I think that was the point. Now we look more like a selective enrollment school, where kids wear what kids wear.”

At Chicago Academy, when the school was forming, teachers “fought to keep out uniforms,” said teacher Jim Cavallerro. “We’ve never had them and it’s fine.”

Happier studentsHigh school students who now

wear what they want to wear to school report no problems, and say they are feeling much happier.

Taft junior Anthony Heatherly said: “I think taking the uniform away was a good idea because we finally get to wear what we want and don’t get in trouble for wearing comfortable clothing. Not as many kids get in trouble. It also makes the students happy because we are comfortable and don’t have to wear ugly clothes.”

While some students worry about what to wear to school, the

positives for them of not wearing a uniform outweigh the negative.

“Not wearing a uniform is harder because it’s more time consuming. You need to figure out what you’re gonna wear and not everyone has time in the morning,” North Grand senior Crystal Cuevas said. “But it feels good to be able to dress how you like.”

Foreman senior Darius Soward agrees that the students feel good.

“Having no uniforms has changed our school because we are more comfortable with wearing whatever we want to wear,” he said. “Students dress very appropriate. If

students are dressed inappropriately there are consequences. We love the no uniform policy and it is much better.” •

Reporters Lexi Bamber, Aaliyah Collins, Felisha Cordero, Angelica Lopez and Rosemary McGurn also contributed to this story.

Let your voice be heard

All readers are welcome to post comments to this story on www.steinmetzstar.com.

Share your thoughts, opinions and ideas.

6 Steinmetz Star Nov. - Dec. 2014

Star Veterans Day6

The Star recognizes veterans of SteinmetzLatanya McSwine, Army Reserves COL John Baynes, Army

SFC Phillip Yangas, Army MSgt. Bezold, Air ForceSFC Garry Frank, Army

Colonel John Baynes served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and in the Army Reserves for 16 years. His jobs in-

cluded Corps of Engineers, Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Project Officer, Operations Officer, Advance Party - Bright Star ‘87, Commander - Team Chief - Op-erational Readiness Evaluations, Strength Management Officer, Group Executive Of-ficer, Senior Army Advisor to 2 and 3 Star Reserve General Officers

He was stationed in Ft. Belvoir, VA, Ft. Campbell, KY, Vietnam, Omaha, Nebraska, Cairo, Egypt, Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, Birmingham, AL, Fort Gillem, GA

“Positive mental attitudes (heard in the phrase ‘Can do, Sir!’), the integrity of the people you work with and for, leadership, high morale, excellent physical standards, and motivated personnel,” are the positives in military, Col. Baynes said.

One of the things that surprised him in

his service is “what people will do with caring leadership and motivation.”

Col. Baynes recommends military service to all his students: “There are no negatives.”

“In high school, college, work, military you get what you earn, you earn what you will get.” •

By Chuck Bezold, attendance

I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 4, 1971, and retired July 31, 1991, after serving 20

years, 6 months, and 27 days. I took basic training at Lack-

land AFB in Texas, and received training to be a Medical Service Specialist at Sheppard AFB. I was stationed at air bases in Illinois and Texas, and had a four year Special Duty assignment to the Chicago Induction Center, as-sisting in giving physical exams to military entrants.

I also spent a year as an Inde-pendent Duty Medical Techni-cian at a radar and communica-tion site in Turkey.

My work as a medic was very satisfying, the only downside be-ing always on call for emergen-cies. I almost was unable to retire at my planned date, because of “Operation Desert Storm.” •

By SFC. Phillip Yangas, JROTC teacher

Ispent 28 years in the mili-tary. I retired as a Sergeant First Class. The majority

of my career was in the Army National Guard.

I held many positions while in the national guard but when I retired I was a training nco in a ambulance company. My job was to insure that the readiness of that company was maintained.

I have made many friends in the military and have nev-er regretted my decision to make the military my pro-fession.

Being away from your

family is the main detractor to military service.

As far as recommending the military for our students, I would say definitely yes. The opportunities available are many and it seems like most of our students would benefit from them. •

S FC Garry Frank served in the Army for 20

years in the infantry, as an Administrative Assistant and career counselor. He was stationed in Fort Monmoth NJ, Fort Ben Harrison, IN, and Korea.

Positives of service include “travel, job satisfaction, security, and friendships,” he said. Last minute deployments for months were surprises, and “too much travel” were negatives. He “absolutely” recommends military service for our students.

“Military training is some of the best in the world,” he said. “It’s great training for future em-ployment. You will develop friendships that will last a lifetime.”•

By Jailene Torres

Latanya McSwine, computer teacher, served in the Army Reserve and Na-tional Guard for 11 years at Fort

Jackson, South Carolina and Fort McCoy, Georgia.

What were some of the positives of military service?

I enjoyed the spirit of the team. The biggest thing I enjoyed is going out to the field as a team knowing somebody has your back, no matter what. Also, growing in leadership was rewarding and fulfilling. The opportunities that you get in the service just don’t exist anywhere else, especially if you do not come from wealth or privilege.

What were some of the negatives?My first memory is the cold and getting

up early in the morning. Being away from home for the first time was bittersweet. At first it was scary, but then it turned into the best experience ever.

Some of the feedback and negative com-ments that you get sometimes can be a bit daunting, people’s negative reaction to the military and the country as a whole.

Am I naive, do I not know that this land was taken and that people were killed and enslaved in order to make this country? Do I not know that America, like most other countries, is filled with contradictions in her philosophical beliefs?

She says that she is for Democracy and yet many people of color feel like they have

no voice; she says that she is a land of im-migrants and yet people are often denied entry and access and are imprisoned and deported regularly.

I know that the bloodstains on our flag are not all patriotic and that we have many sins to account for. But, I will not lay all of those sins at the feet of our soldiers, who only serve at the will of our policy makers.

The military is not for the faint of heart; soldiers are trained to kill or capture our declared enemies . Yes, mistakes happen, but I believe that only in God, is perfection. My Father did not give me the spirit of fear; be that of war, of peace, of foreign policy, domestic policy, or of change. I love this country with all of her flaws and I am proud to have served to make her a better place.

Continued on Page 11

COL John Baynes in Vietnam (on right in both above photos)

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Nov. - Dec. 2014 Steinmetz Star 7

Star Veterans Day 7

JROTC serves veterans at Hillside parade

Staff members who served in the militarySgt. Richie Hernandez, Marines Principal Stephen Ngo, Army Reserves

SFC Tammy Amaro, Army

1SG Roberto Ruiz SFC Robert Davis, Army

S gt. Richie Hernandez served with the United States Marine Corps for eight years.

During his deployment in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-06 and 2007-08 he worked as a motor transport operator, aircraft refueler, hazmat handler, and truck dispatcher.

“Camaraderie, brotherhood, and integrity with-in the people I work worked with,” are positives from his service, Sgt. Hernandez said, as well as, “Pride of country, honor, courage, commitment.”

Sgt. Hernandez said that there were no negatives in his service and that Basic Training was a surprise. He recommends military service to “only a certain few. Most won’t survive basic training.”

Additional thoughts: “Col. Baynes is awe-some!”•

By Kimberly Degante

Marching in a parade the first time made freshmen Yuridia Galaviz and Nicole Espinoza nervous.

Both said they were worried about mess-ing up on Nov. 1, when the JROTC students marched in the Hillside Veterans Day Parade.

“Thanks to the sergeant, I made it,” Nicole said.

“I felt relieved and happy. The parade was worth it. We honored the veterans and to showed respect towards them.”

Yuridia said Steinmetz JROTC is well known and likes “the cred.”

“We want to be known for being amazing and sharp,” she said. “And that’s what I’m gonna try to be.” •

By Stephen J. Ngo, principal

I spent 10 years in the Army Reserve, starting as a Private E-1, fin-

ishing as a Sergeant E-5. My military occupational specialty was Public Af-fairs (46 Quebec).

I worked mainly as a photo-journalist. I wrote, edited, and co-produced an army newspaper for the 86th Army Reserve Command.

As a reservist I was stationed here in Chica-go but I traveled often, including Canada, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, etc. I was sent different places to mainly cover stories of reserve units.

Positives included the training I received in photo journalism, and the people I met. Negatives included the long hours. I was

activated during Desert Storm. There were no set hours. Everything was goal-oriented. Your job was finished when the mission was fin-ished. If I put in 8 hours or 16 hours, it only mattered that I finished the assign-ment.

I had a great expe-rience, absolutely no regrets, so on a per-sonal basis I recom-mend military ser-vice to our students. The part of me that is

a principal wants every student to first go on to some type of post-secondary institution, be it college, trade, tech, culinary, art, etc.

A final thought about military service: I love my combat boots; they are totally goth! •

JROTC instructor Tammy Amaro served in the United States Army for 30 years (20 years active and 10 years reserve). She retired in 2011 with

the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC)She worked in Human Resources (taking care of

soldiers’ personal, financial, and medical records to ensure they were prepared for military service and deployments).

“I was also a training NCO at my last assignment, where I prepared soldiers for the Army physical fitness test and coordinated firing range operations for weapons qualification,” Sgt. Amaro said. “In addition to physical fitness and weapons qualifica-tion, I also prepared the company rosters for unit’s deployments.”

She said she was primarily stationed in the Chi-cago area and Fort Sheridan with plenty of oppor-tunities to travel across the country.

“There are many significant events that occurred for me while I served,” Sgt. Amaro said. “The most significant event was when I met my husband. He was a young soldier who worked as a recruiter aid (supported the recruiting effort) and was the first individual who called me up on the phone and asked me what I was going to do with myself for the rest of my life.

“I joined the Army shortly after that phone call and we got married six years later. My husband and

the Army have been an integral part of my life since I was a senior in high school.”

Sgt. Amaro says she had no significant surprises or negative experiences in her Army service. She recommends military service for students, however, advises them that they must be determined.

“The military is not for everyone and it has be-come very competitive in its selection of candidates for each branch,” she said. “Students have to be very determined and persistent as the recruiting and training process can be daunting. Students need to study and be prepared for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to secure selection into the specific area of study that they would like to train and work in. Students also need to be mentally and physically fit to be accepted and maintained in any of the branches of service. Again, the military is not for just anyone!” •

By Jocelyne Lagunas

SFC Robert Davis is a new JROTC instructor at Steinmetz this year. SFC Davis retired in 2001 after 20

years of service field as an Army Com-bat Medic, Flight Medic, Immunization Specialist, Hearing Conservation tech, Platoon Sergeant, Medical NCO, Com-munity Drug & Alcohol NCO, Army Recruiter, National Registered Paramedic.

Afterwards, SFC Davis worked in retail management, then decided to try some-thing new and motivate cadets to be better person while at it.

SFC Davis has been a JROTC in-structor for almost 10 years. Being a new instructor at Steinmetz, SFC Davis for-tunate enough to learn from the other instructors and the other instructors have learn from him as well. SFC Davis teaches LET 1 classes. SFC Davis enjoys listening to musician Howard Hewitt. •

Will Robles, Army Security guard Will Robles, who left

Steinmetz last month to take a police posi-tion, is the one who suggested that the Star feature veterans.

He has served in the United States Army for 14 months of his six-year obligation in Ft. Benning, Georgia and Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri as military police. He’ll be deployed

to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in May 2015. Mr. Robles said that “everything in a

sense was surprising” about his service. He liked “experiencing true brotherhood,” and said negatives were “embracing the suck.”

He said he recommends military service, “But the branch of service, the occupation, and active duty/reserve all depends on the individual. Do your research.” •

By Gabby Pineda [This article is excerpted from the Dec. 2011 Star.]

First Sergeant Roberto Ruiz (1SG) started working at Stein-metz in the spring of 2011,

coming over from Phoenix Military Academy.

He retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years of service, including a 15-month combat tour in Iraq. He said wanted to join the military as soon as he got out of high school.

“The military was a passion for me,” Sgt. Ruiz said. His father also served in the military and in the Ko-rean War.

Sgt. Ruiz initially served as a Light Combat Infantryman, Military Po-lice, Supply Warehouse Manage-ment, and finished his career as a Transportation Manager. •

SFC Tammy Amaro, 1SG Roberto Ruiz, SFC Robert Davis

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8 Steinmetz Star Nov. - Dec. 2014

Star Veterans Day8

Military veterans are thankful for the opportunities

What do you like about JROTC?

Colleen Walsh, ArmyJames Sloan, Air Force

James Saunders, Air ForceCecily Langford, Army

By James Sloan, teacher

I served in the United States Air Force form 1989 to 1993.

When I left Edwards Air Force Base, California, I was an E-4, an administrative specialist (paper pusher). I am sure that I had it easier than most other people who served. I worked regular hours 0700 to 1630 hours.

My experience was positive and I even had the opportunity to take college courses while I was serving.

I worked in a maintenance squadron and we lost two H1 helicopters on back to back days. There was radio silence for quite a bit of time and no one knew who was dead or alive. By far that was the worst thing to hap-pen while I served.

The Desert Storm War in Kuwait and Iraq

occurred during my service, but I was never personally in danger. I stayed at Edwards for most my tour. The surprise was being stationed in the middle of the Mojave desert for three and a half years.

The Air Force was great and I would rec-ommend it to our students. I feel that almost all of the jobs in the Air Force provide you with skills that may be used when you return to civilian life.•

M ath teacher James Saun-ders served in the Air Force for four years as

an Airman 1st Class, maintenance scheduler. He worked at Chanute Air Force Base, in Rantoul, Illi-nois.

“Travel and job security” were positives, and there were no neg-

atives, Mr. Saunders said in an email.

“I would recommend the mili-tary for students whose parents cannot or will not pay for college,” he wrote. “With the wealth gap and income gap being as profound as it is, college is not a viable op-tion for some groups.” •

English teacher Colleen Walsh got into the military after being a member of Army ROTC at the University of Illinois for

two years and receiving a State Scholarship.“Students can join ROTC, apply for a

scholarship, and get a nice introduction to the military before actually enlisting or con-tracting with ROTC,” she told the Star.

Ms. Walsh served in the Illinois Army National Guard for the standard eight years: six years of regular reserve, and two years of irregular reserve in Champaign-Urbana. She was an 88M, a truck driver.

“I got to do a lot of cool stuff,” she said. “I went to Airborne School and jumped out of airplanes, I went to Germany twice for training, and I learned how to use a variety of weapons. I got to throw live grenades, fire machine guns, and I even shot a real grenade launcher.”

The difficult parts of being in the military helped in the long term.

“You have to learn to deal with people from every walk of life, and sometimes their views aren’t the same as yours,” Ms. Walsh said. “It’s a good life lesson, though.”

She said that she was surprised by the amount of push-ups she could do.

“I recommend military service to anyone who truly has a love and respect for the mili-tary,” Ms. Walsh said. “It’s not an easy orga-nization to be a part of if your heart’s not in it. Don’t just join for the tuition benefits.” •

Cecily Langford, new this year to the school as curriculum director, served in the Army Na-tional Guard for three years. She attended

college first, then decided to enlist.“I was trained at Aberdeen Proving Grounds,

Maryland, as an air conditioning technician,” she said. “The job was important because at the time our work powered night vision goggles.”

Ms. Langford also trained at Fort Jackson, SC and reported to duty at the Armory in Crestwood, IL.

“Physical fitness, human connections and personal discipline,” were positives she experienced, but said that “APG was a rough place for females.”

Ms. Langford said that she was surprised that “the gas chamber wasn’t that bad” and that she could do 55 push ups in one minute.

“Being in the Army really opens your eyes as to how life is lived in all parts of the U.S., by all types of people,” she said.•

By Jesus Vences, senior

I joined the Army and did my basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina this past summer. I went with the Army because the recruiter

kept on calling me and checking up on me and told me about all the benefits. I’d been wanting to join but never really talked about it to anyone, not even my parents knew, be-cause I don’t like putting myself out there. I didn’t say anything until I knew for sure that I wanted to join.

I wanted to be part of the armed forces ever since I was little. I imagined myself in the highest rank there could be.

Basic was more mentally hard then physi-cally hard. Even though I was prepared physi-cally, it wasn’t easy all the time. I had to keep on pushing even when the pain was too hard to handle. That’s when I put my mind to the test and kept on going and pulled through the whole training.

Being away from home for three months, without contact with anyone back home for almost a month at first, was really difficult. That was the first thing that started breaking

people down – no contact, no phone, no calls, no personal items. We had limited sleep for

the first week. Not knowing anyone was one of the first missions we had to overcome and

get used to.I’ve been in the north my whole life and

traveling to the south for the first time and not knowing the climate was awful. The first day I arrived it was super hot and humid, something I’m not used to. After awhile it still sucks, but you get used to it.

After a while I started bonding with some of my battles (short for battle buddies) and it became easier because I had someone to talk to and it didn’t feel like I was alone all the time.

I think one of the best parts was when I met two guys from Chicago about three weeks into training, so it made me feel like I was at home just talking about the city.

I am a PV2 (private) in the Army Reserve. Thanks to JROTC they put me up two ranks. I am going back this summer for AIT, advance individual training, and I will be training to be a mechanic for the U.S Army.

In all honesty, basic training felt horrible, but in the end I ended up having a good time. I had a new experience. I met way different people, trained with some of the best drill sergeants there were to train with, and learned a lot of new skills.

Senior Jesus Vences enlisted in the Army, went to Basic Training over the summer

Continued on Page 11

“We go on cool field trips, like to the Kane County Cougar baseball games. The Navy Band was great. I also like the discipline, honor and pride.”

Jose Maceda, senior

“I like the parades because we put a lot of effort into them.”

Michelle Marrinsophomore

“Learning how to be respectful.”Diane Trujillo, senior

“Steinmetz is a place where you can be yourself; people are honest. Teachers and Mr. Ngo are always pushing students to achieve much more in life than we thought capable.(Egan, till I die). The diversity and clubs are great, but hands down the best part of the school is JROTC. You learn self-discipline.”

Marco Giron Sandoval, senior

“The Creed, the drills, and Sgt. Davis.”

Jane Jones, freshman

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Nov. - Dec. 2014 Steinmetz Star 9

Star Arts & Entertainment 9

The wonder of music Graduate donates painting, shares value of art instruction

Favorite social media

Junior bowling event was a blast

Sweet or sour Skittles? Our poll shows...

By Marisha Reynolds

Raymond Johnson, Class of 1963, do-nated an original

painting this year to show his appreciation for the school and the education he received.

Mr. Johnson said that he was an average student, but like many students here he loved art. His teacher was Mrs. Blithe, and she brought the love of art out of him.

“She encouraged and inspired me,” Mr. Johnson said. He created cartoons for the Steinmetz Star and made a lovely oil painting for his Spanish class. Mrs. Blythe inspired him so much that after graduation he enrolled into the American Academy of Art. His favorite type of art was Surrealism.

Unfortunately, during his years of study he was drafted into the Navy. Luckily, he was stationed in Key West, Florida.

“I still painted when I was in the Navy,”

he said. “I sold some paintings to tourists. The most I ever sold one of my paintings for was $200.”

After his service was over, he had to change his career be-cause he had a wife and child to take care of. He could not af-ford to support his family as only an up-coming artist.

All his life he con-tinued to paint, even when he contracted a

vision problem (Fuchs dystrophy, when the cells in the inner cornea slowly start to die off, causing blindness).

“I was able to paint from my mind,” he said.

His inspiration for the painting he has donated was his 1960 yearbook that pictured the building from an angle. He wanted the colors of a “fall morning” capturing the feel-ing of “cold bricks, but warm when the sun hits you.” •

Review: J. Cole’s Forest Hills Drive has no liesBy Matais Kirk

Hit maker J.Cole is dropping an-other classic Dec 9. A recent leak of the album has hip hop heads

and backpackers calling this “Album of the Year.”

“It goes hard,” junior Emony Tate said. “He goes crazy!”

We haven’t really heard from Cole since his last album “Born Sinner” in 2013. No one knew this album was com-ing, but it is something well needed since hip hop hasn’t had a good album this year.

This album has Cole dropping knowledge on many relatable situations one faces in everyday life. Main tracks to look for are “Wet Dreamz” and “03’ Adolescence.”•

By Gerardo Martinez

The junior bowl-ing event on Dec. 5 kicked

off to a great start. Everyone who went had a blast. Smiles, laughter and, in some cases, serious bowling skills, filled the bowl-ing alley.

Teachers Jen Egan, Michelle Motram and counselor Kim Diaz organized the event with a large group of students.

About 75 students attended. Students and teachers really seemed to enjoy it. •

By Lesli Avili and Monica Laddaran

We all love can-dy in these days, since

we were little. Some of us prefer sweets while others prefer sour.

We have different taste buds in each our DNA that helps us taste the things that to others might seem be bitter-sweet. These taste buds are found in the tongue, throat, and palate that help form the percep-tion of taste. This is the reason why people have different taste when it comes to food.

In a recent poll of a few dozen students and staff, we found that more people prefer regular Skittles than the sour variety.•

By Liz Patino

The Star inter-viewed more than 50 freshmen and a

few teachers about their favorite social media.

Most people like In-stagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.

They use Tumblr, Kik, Messenger and We Heart It much less. •

By Jennifer Padilla

Two years ago arche-ologists found the oldest instrument

in southwestern Germany caves. As of right now, the oldest instrument is a flute, 42,000 to 43,000 years old. Music has been around for tens of thousands of years, and it is still going strong.

What makes music such a wonderful thing is it has a variety of definitions; it lets the audience define the music. A piece of music can become a whole new story to every person and that is the wonder of it.

A piece of music also can have punches or smooth notes to make an effect and at-tract the audience, no matter what story is being made.

Music has multiple positive effects on people, whether it is with a mental illness or daily routines.

Music is a free spirit, but it can be dis-ciplined. Discipline is what lets the music flow and make sense to the audience. As a musician you learn the discipline in music.

In music, a musi-cian is only supposed to think of its notes and the rest of the band in order to blend in. This technique helps out in concentration with everything. It has been proven musicians per-form better in school than non-musicians. Not only does music open another world but it also helps you perform better.

Music helps people with autism. It activates

the part of the brain that is shut down, mak-ing them communicate better. Likewise, music helps with Alzheimer’s disease that affects older people, making them forget. It has been proven that music attacks the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain which plays a key role in memory.

Music is a wonderful thing to learn, play, and to listen to. It should never be taken for granted. More people should learn about the wonders of music and maybe even learn an instrument. •

Fall Arts Fest provides family fun at report card pick-up

Assistant principal Jaime Jaramillo and attendance director Renato Roldan helped coordinate the Fall Arts Fest, which gave families a chance to create art and enjoy dance and music on Nov. 13 during report card pick-up. Ms. Bates and Ms. Mark’s students facilitated craft tables throughout the day; the ASM Spanish Dance Group, the Beat drummers, and Mr. Josh Hasken’s House Band provided entertainment for families and students during the teachers’ lunch break.

Image by Gareth Walton (Pictify.com). Used with permission of the artist. Raymond Johnson loved

Steinmetz art classes

By Marisha Reynolds

Karen Bahena photos

10 Steinmetz Star Nov. - Dec. 2014

Star Sports10

Coaching, a way to spend time with great kids

Blood drives save lives, raise money for Streaks sports

Freshmen volleyball team celebrates fun season

Work out during or after school; stay healthy, Steinmetz!

By Estephani Parades

Teacher Jennifer Egan has coached for 13 years. She’s coached boys track

and cross country, as well as girls track and cross country. This sea-son she was back with the boys.

Do you like being coach?I like being coach. It makes

me very happy because I get to spend time with students in a different way, not related to class. It’s fun. It’s nice to see my stu-dents working hard outside of the classroom, and I don’t have to give them homework and quizzes.

What is challenging? Getting them to listen to me.What is the easiest part?Having so much fun, getting along with

the team. There really isn’t an easy part. Coach-ing is a difficult job, which makes it worth it when my athletes become successful.

Boys let things roll off their backs more than girls. I can be more blunt with boys.

How is your top runner, Brandon Pozos?He is an excellent athlete. He has a tre-

mendous amount of skill. He is a fantastic

runner, however, just like all athletes, he has his moments.

Final thoughts?Every year is special, every year is unique.

Every team is unique and special.

People need to see the good in sports pro-grams at a high school. Sports are super ben-eficial to everyone. They help athletes with their grades, getting into college, and with all sorts of athletic, individual and social skills.•

Senior Brandon Pozos won the Steinmetz Fall Frolic

again this year.

By Rosemary McGurn and Brad Dowling

Steinmetz was awarded a “Healthy

School Certified” designation a few years back and many teachers and students are taking it to heart.

Everyday the weight room is open after school. All stu-dents – guys, girls, athletes, and non-athletes – are wel-come to work out with track coach Paul

Strength Training students, Mr. Dowling, Mr. Mitropoulous, and Mr. Bagdonas collaborated to create a new t-shirt celebrating Steinmetz’ focus on health and fitness. You can add this shirt to your Steinmetz wardrobe if you also believe in good health. It’s sold at student services for just $12

First row: Jeanette Soto, Kimberly DeganteBack row: Leticia Perez, Stephanie Diamond, Allyza Inson, Tiyun Harvey, Coach Yuridia Espinosa, Jemeka Malone, Monica Laddaran, Coach Karena Childs

Bagdonas. Students sign in before they start, and clean up when they’re done.

Several staff members, including assistant principal Raquiyah Rahman-Aquil, Rachel Rezny, Colleen Walsh, Zulma Rivera, Tania Mounji, and Brad Dowling have all com-pleted at least one season on the Marathon

team, that has students and mentors train together in order to complete a half or full marathon to get fit.

Teachers Ernie Mitropoulous and Mr. Dowling are thrilled to instruct one of Stein-metz’ most sought after classes – strength training. •

JV girls basketball starting strong

Jalia Cruz against Roosevelt

By Lissette Hernandez

The Star interviewed freshman Jalia Cruz on the JV basketball game.

What was it like to have a win-ning streak the first two games?

It was an exciting and great way to start off our season.

What made you join basketball?I’ve been playing since I was young and

I love the game.How does basketball affect your school

work and grades?It takes up my time, but I still have to

get things done. So I have to manage my time wisely.

Why do you think the Streaks lost the third game?

The team we were going against was very competitive.

What do you think of Steinmetz and the sports?

It’s nice and decent. We have to put in all of our effort.

Any other opinions/thoughts you’d like to share?

Teamwork is a big part. We should all get along like a family. •

The JV is 4-1, with the next home game Friday, Dec. 12 against Foreman

Teacher Paul Bagdonas, who coordinates the blood drives, Principal Ngo and students hold the oversized check for $6,250 given to the Steinmetz Athletic Department from Life Source. The amount of money given to Steinmetz on Oct. 15 was based on the money raised during the three blood drives of the 2013-14 school year. At the first blood drive of this year in October, Steinmetz donors contributed 190 units of blood.

Photos by Devion Thompson

Yearbook photos

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Nov. - Dec. 2014 Steinmetz Star 11

Star Sports 11

Staff wins another Turkey Bowl

Varsity girls basketball hopes to improve record

What were the surprises?I didn’t know what to expect. I came

with my comfort items from home in-cluding hair curlers and make-up. This earned me first nick name “Ms. South Carolina” because I was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The Platoon Ser-geants yell and give you grief, especially in the beginning but they lighten up as you make progress. Living with the people in a barrack situation was an adjustment.

One training expedition was particu-larly surprising; having to go through a gas zone with a gas mask then taking it off so we could know how it would feel to go through gas zones. At first they had us put on the gas masks to make sure we knew how to put it on and we were all excited and happy because we got it right, then they were like “take it off” and yanked them off our heads and had

us go through the gas zone, we all came out crying. Good times.

Do you recommend military service for our students?

Yes, I believe that every citizen should consider serving. I especially encourage women because they are under represent-ed in certain corporate environments. I found the military to be an equal op-portunity trainer, and the opportunity to cross into male dominated fields is greater.

It’s not as scary as people think it is. It’s more like the real world. The begin-ning is kind of like the hazing phase of getting into a sorority or fraternity. You have to know how to lead as well as fol-low at times. They have different jobs at each branch of the military. It’s not all about combat, the government pays for schooling and you get to travel. You will come back a different and better person and that’s something to be proud of. •

The best part wasn’t just graduation or running out into Hilton field with my battles to my left and right, or even knowing I was coming back home. It was knowing that through the pain and suffer-ing, through the bad and good moments — and all the ruck marches that we did, that last 14-mile ruck march when my feet where heavy and my legs where failing me and all the weight I had on me was pressing my legs to ground with all its force, when it felt like I couldn’t move anymore, when we where still three miles out from our barracks, when I only had one sit up to go to pass that final p.t test with just two days before graduation and my stomach stiffened up and turned solid and felt like the ground was holding my shoulders down – I

Veterans Day: Student and teachers share military service experiences

never quit, I never gave up.I always kept on pushing forward, no matter

how hard it got with my battles supporting one another. We knew that in the end it was all going to be worth it. And in my head all I kept was my

family back home waiting for me to return with that uniform on. I was ready to thank them all and hopefully one day be able to repay them and give them everything they need, because they deserve it all for always helping me.•

Sophomores lead bowling team

By Jalan Veal

The annual Turkey Bowl game (staff and alumni versus the football team) was held on Nov. 25, the day before

Thanksgiving break. As usual, the staff won. One of the stand-

outs was security Noah Washington, who flat-tened sophomore Larry Behning.

Teacher Debra Kern’s drumline provided entertainment for the few fans. Although the day was sunny, temperatures were in the 20s.

“I was really cold,” Diego Hernandez said.

“I still had fun playing against the teachers and last year’s players. It felt good once again putting on my cleats and playing for with my family, the football team.” •

Diego Hernandez Quintin Powell

Chris Molina

By Devion Thompson

While the bowl-ing team does not have a lot

of players or spectators, it’s serious and it’s fun.

“Everyone is dedi-cated,” senior Quintin Powell said.

Nine bowlers make

By Joslyn Hermosillo and Jalan Veal

Swish! Steinmetz scores! Just like every year, girls

basketball season has finally came around. But this time the Streaks are more than just a team. They’re an entire family.

They prepare for each game by

running many defensive and offen-sive plays and shooting drills. Prac-tice runs through the entire week after school Monday-Friday 3:25 to 5:25, and some Saturdays.

There are no set MVPs for both JV or Varsity because they all play well together and know how to ex-ecute very well on the court. This season they have gone against Roo-sevelt, Lake View, Sullivan, and

Amundsen. Varsity has a record of 1-4 and JV has a record of 4-2.

The manager is sophomore Brooke Santiago.

“I help out with suggestions whenever needed, support for the girls and anything else the coach may need me to do,” she said.

The Star also interviewed Coach Dejuan Brooks, who is coaching the girls for his first time.

How does it feel being a new coach?

Kind of nervous but good. Did you always want to coach? Not until I was able to figure out

ways how to help the players. Do you think your girls can

win it?Of course.Do you think your girls are the

best?

They have a ways to go because many are new to the sport. There’s no such thing as “the best.” There are good, great and poor plays. To me the best players are the ones who gives their 110 percent, come 365 days of the years, and don’t com-plain, no matter how hard it gets.•

up the team; the strongest are sophomores Chris Molina and Alexander Paszkowski.

There has been a girls bowling team, but not enough girls showed an interest this year so they cancelled it.

The team is 1-2. Last year, under coaches Sgt. Billy Hill and Sgt. Garry Frank, the team came in 2nd in the conference.

Sgt. Frank continues to work with the bowlers on their form, Quintin said, and Tim McNulty took the head coaching position

“He’s a right there guy, very motivation-al,” said Chris, who is captain of the team.

Chris bowls regularly, having improved to a 150 average game over the past year by working with a coach in Niles. He said he came to the sport five years ago after attending a bowling birthday party.

The team practices on Wednesdays at Mont Clare Lanes on Harlem. The Streaks

have five games this year.“We didn’t think we liked bowling that

much,” Diego Hernandez and Jeferson yPaz said. “But once we started playing we found out we were enjoying it and found there were cool people on the team.”•

Jesus Vences Ms. McSwineContinued from Page 8 Continued from Page 6

Season opener against Roosevelt Jamilah Zayas

Photos by Devion Thompson

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Photo by Coach Garry Frank

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12 Steinmetz Star Nov. - Dec. 2014

Star Sports12

Matt Rivera and Tavaris McCullough: ‘All Tournament’ in Thanksgiving play

Seniors Leslie Carmona, Isabel Rios, Aliyah Velez, Heilly Dejesus, Roksana Stefanek, Justyna Szczech, Stephanie Escovar, Vicky Jackson, Jocelyne Lagunas

Girls cross country awards

Most Valuable RunnerMarianna FurykMost Dedicated AthleteCintia GarciaMost Improved RunnersMaria Figueroa, Diana Levko

Best New RunnerGabriela Caudel Extraordinary Leadership AwardDiana HerreraTeam Captains:, Diana Herrera, seniorVivian Palma, junior

Streaks swim team awards

Most Valuable Swimmer: Vicky JacksonMost Improved: Justyna Szczech

Most Dedicated: Aliyah VelezJV Most Valuable: Sandra Castrejon

Varsity Streaks on a hot streakWith 6 wins and 1 loss,

the Streaks varsity basketball team – led

by senior Matt Rivera and soph-omore stand-outs Tavaris Mc-Cullough and Marquis Rushing – is on a hot streak.

The Streaks crushed North-side College Prep 72-47 in their first game of the season on Nov. 24. The game was part of the Northside Thanksgiving Tour-nament, a 5-team round robin.

Sophomore Tavaris Mc-Cullough, who got 40 points in the game, “couldn’t miss,” Coach Brad Dowling said. In addition, the whole team was motivated.

“The guys were so gung-ho against Northside,” Dowling said. “They thought they were the underdogs. They gave 100 percent from the word go.”

Although the Streaks won their next game, beating Chi-cago Academy 55-38 on Nov. 25 at home, they didn’t play as well.

“The beginning was terrible,” Dowling said. “They came out flat.”

Against lesser opponents sometimes players let down a little, Dowling explained. Al-though they were losing in the first half, the Streaks came back and won decisively in their first home game.

The Streaks easily beat Sulli-van and Payton, but lost to Jones

By Angel DeJesus

The Streaks 2014 MVP Matthew Rivera had something to say during the winning streak, when the basketball team was 4-0, before it lost by only 4 points to Jones.

“I love that we’re 4-0, but we can end the season with only 4 wins if we don’t continue our hard work and effort on the court,” he said. “I really expect us to go undefeated because of the players we have and the chemistry we have together. We are a championship team.”

With great players and coaching staff, the Streaks are poised for a championship. Head coach Brad Dowling was surprised at the strength of this year’s team.

“I really didn’t expect this group of guys to come together this quick; it’s amazing,” he said. “The defense is good. We come out with a lot of energy and force turnovers. Also we have three really good guards (Marquis Rushing, Matthew Rivera, and Tarvaris McCullough).

“We usually have slow starts, but finish out strong which is good and bad. Also, we have players missing out practice, which isn’t the key to keep a streak going. Everyone needs to be involved equally.”

The coach responded to the Star’s questions about Matt Rivera:

“Well, when he’s hot, he is hot. He will make about every-thing when he is hot, very consistently. But, unfortunately, every player has their mistakes and with Matthew, he will turn the ball over because he will keep his head down instead of passing it to an open man when getting trapped.” •

68-64, narrowly losing their bid for first in the tournament. The Streaks took 2nd in the tournament, with Tavaris and Matt named “All Tournament.”

The Streaks also beat North Grand in an exhibition game, and Sullivan a second time, in the Streaks first conference game.

The next home game is Dec. 11 against Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy. The next conference game is Dec. 18 at Wells.

The “Basketbrawl,” in which the team plays alumni and staff, is Friday, Dec. 19. The game is played during 6th, 7th, and 8th periods. Tickets to attend the game will be sold at

Student Services.•

Matt Rivera Tavaris McCullough

Marquis Rushing handles the ball in the win against Chicago Academy.

Winning streak will continue with hard work

Pre-game warm-ups

Photos by Rikeya Hargrove

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