Editor’s Note: Originally published on Nov. 1, 2012, this column has been republished after being the most read story during the week of Halloween.  

Halloween used to be a holiday all about scaring, a holiday for kids to get dressed up as their favorite whatever and go get candy.  However, Halloween is now becoming just another party holiday.  There have always been Halloween parties, but the character of them is changing.  The point is no longer creativity.  The point is now to show the most skin to as many people as possible.

It starts with the costumes being sold.  Costumes being marketed at young adults and teenagers are meant to be sexual.  Go to any Halloween website or store, and you will find entire sections devoted to sexy costumes.

At Party City, for example, they sell costumes with names like “Sexy Nurse,” “Sexy Cop,” or “Sexy Fireman.”  This changes the culture of the holiday from one of trying to frighten someone to one of trying to accomplish a slightly different f-word.  At least we’re still giving out treats (in whatever form they may come in).

You would think that it’s extremely easy to get cold in fishnets when it’s 40 degrees outside.  But you’re not outside.  You’re at what used to be called a costume party.  Costume parties aren’t so much about the costume anymore.  They’re more about which one of the 10 sexy cops at the party would you most like to get “arrested” by or which male stripper has the least of his clothes left on.  For a certain demographic, Halloween means dressing as cat if you’re a girl or just taking your shirt off if you’re a guy.  There must be other things out there with the same amount of sex appeal.  Cats don’t even seem that sexy to me.  I have allergies.  For example, you could go as a nudist.  Just ditch the fish nets and you’re done!

Now, I’m not your mom, so I don’t really care what you do on Halloween. Halloween is a fun holiday for everyone, (besides those poor children in District 69) but fun can come in more ways than one.

It’s time for the last spirit week or the year, Niles West. The spring spirit days for the week of April 7-April 11 have been announced.

Monday- Pajama Day
Tuesday- Tie-Dye Day
Wednesday- Hawaiian Day
Thursday- Country Music Day
Friday- Red and White Day

Some students are very enthusiastic about this week.

“I’m going to participate this year. Especially for tie-dye day and red and white day,” junior Aisha Mahmood said.

Others were only excited for some days.

“I’m going to dress up some days. It depends on the themes for the days. Tomorrow is tie-dye day and I’m wearing a shirt for that,” junior Heba Hantoush said.

The NWN sat down with the 2014 homecoming court Jordyn Glotzer, Sherlina Chauhan, Katherine DeLara, ChiChi Osuji, Veronika Sostaric, Jeremy Pignato, Tommy Galanopoulos, George Tripkos, Andre Eramia, and Mike Wheeler for Q&A to get to know them a bit and find out why they’re running for homecoming king or queen!

NWN: Why did you decide to run for homecoming king or queen? And why do you want to win?

Jordyn Glotzer

Jordyn: I decided to run for homecoming queen because my mom was homecoming queen when she was a senior and my brother won prom king his senior year when his group of friends had their own prom. It has always been something I wanted to do since I was a freshman, I thought I would be candidate because I’m involved in a lot around the school and as one of the leaders on my cheer team I feel like it’s a privilege to be a representative of not only my cheer team, but my senior class. I want to win because it’s tradition in my family and I think I would be a great role model to all the under class men.

Sherlina: I think I’m a good representation of the population of awesome people at Niles West.

Katherine: I decided to run because it seems like a really fun experience. My friends encouraged me to do it, and it’ll be something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

ChiChi: I decided to run because I want to try something different for a change. I’d like to win because it’d be a good experience.

Veronika: I decided to run for homecoming queen because I am trying to make the most of senior year. I do not want to have any regrets when I leave! Also, winning would be such an honor because I would be representing Niles West.

Jeremy: I decided to run for king because it’s my senior year and I wanted a way for people to remember me in a different type of way, and that way was to become homecoming king.

Jeremy Pignato

Tommy: I’m running because when my mom was in high school she was homecoming queen. I think it would be really cool to follow in her footsteps, and I want to be a good role model to underclassmen.

George: Niles West has been good to me for the past four years, and I take great pride in my school. What I really want to do is take the pride to the next level, and what better way to do that than as homecoming king?

Andre: I decided because it’s another way for me to express my leadership in this school. Being a wolf at the end of the day and representing the school is important to me. I want to win because the summer going into my freshman year, I told my brother one of my goals was to be Homecoming King.

Mike: Because ever since I was a freshman, I thought homecoming was awesome. I think that I want to win because it’s good to put on college applications and it would be one of my greatest accomplishments of my high school year.

NWN: What extra-curricular activities are you involved with at West?

Jordyn: I have been on varsity cheerleading for four years. I was in dance marathon freshman year and I also played soccer. I was in wolf pack last year. I also joined homecoming committee this year.

Sherlina Chauhan

Sherlina: Theater, Relay for Life, CEC, National Honor Society, Book Club, Hebrew Club, H2O, and Spanish Honor Society.

Katherine: I’m captain of the cross country team. I play basketball, and I run track. I’m also in Orchestra. I tutor in the Lit Center, and I’m a member of National Honor Society.

ChiChi: Soccer, Futuro Latino, Black Student Union, Sports Medicine Club, and I’m the varsity boys’ basketball manager.

Veronika: This year I am in the a cappella group “Guys & Dolls”, I am the choir board president, I am a member of National Honor Society, I just became a member of the CEC Club, and I am also a member of German Honor Society.

Jeremy: I’m involved with the football, baseball, and indoor track team.

Tommy: Last year I played quarterback, and ran indoor and outdoor track during the off season.

George: Football, Wrestling, DECA, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society.

George Tripkos

Andre: Theater, peer leaders, P.E. leaders, the mentoring program, Spanish Honors Society, National Honors Society, Thespian Honors Society, and I’m the president of thespian society.

Mike: German club, varsity volleyball, I am the manager of girls varsity volleyball, I want to join W.H.O. club, and I’m in leadership council.

NWN: How do you want to make your last year in high school memorable?

Jordyn: I want to be involved in as much as I can! I want to take every last minute of high school in before it’s over. I will be going to every sports game and theater production. I also just want to spend time with my close friends, because that’s where most of my memories are made with the people that have been with me through thick and thin.

Sherlina: By staying involved and taking chances. I want to do stuff I never even thought I’d do.

Katherine DeLara

Katherine: I want to make my last year memorable by working hard in school and athletics. To succeed academically while at the same time doing work in my sports would be the best way to end my high school career.

ChiChi: By trying everything I haven’t tried before, and making the best out of everything I do.

Veronika: I want to make my last year of high school memorable by taking all the opportunities the school offers and making memories with my peers who I might never see again after high school. I also want to leave a positive lasting impression on the school.

Jeremy: I want to make this last year memorable by having it be my best year at West from athletics to the classroom.

Tommy: Hopefully having the best season the school has seen out of football, and to enjoy everyday with my

Tommy Galanopoulos

teammates and friends, because we only have so many days left in school together.

George: Make friendships that’ll last a lifetime, get wild for spirit weeks, and beat North.

Andre: By making the most of every moment that comes my way, staying away from drama, not being mad at people, attending all events at school, and being involved in Dance Marathon. I don’t want to have any regrets.

Mike: I want to not have any hesitation with what I want to do. I want to make it as fun as possible for everyone. It’s our last year together, we should enjoy it.

NWN: What are your future plans? What colleges, if any, are you thinking about?

Jordyn: My plans are to go away for school and get a degree in pharmacy! Don’t let the blonde hair fool ya! I’m a pretty great chemist! But I have applied to three schools so far: University of Iowa, Mizzou, and University of Alabama.

Sherlina: I want to go to Northwestern, and go into the medical field. Maybe become a surgeon, but it’s not dead set or anything.

Katherine: I plan on going to a university and studying physical therapy. My top choice is Marquette, but if I can get into colleges out in Colorado or Hawaii, that would be the dream.

ChiChi Osuji

ChiChi: I plan on going to college to be a nurse or accountant, then I want to go to grad school for law. My top choices are Loyola, DePaul, Elmhurst, ISU, UIUC, and UIC.

Veronika: I am planning to major in Music Therapy. The schools I am applying to as of now are Colorado State University, Ohio University, Florida State University, and the University of Iowa.

Jeremy: I’m not sure about my future plans. I still have the rest of my life to figure that out, but I want to be a gym teacher. The colleges I’m looking at are Northern Michigan and Dubuque Iowa.

Tommy: My hope is to continue playing college football at the highest level I can and get a good education. My dream school to go to would be Ohio State. They’re my favorite football team and it would be cool to go to a big ten school for the next four years of my life.

George: Trying to get into the best business schools I can and take it from there. I dream of being a Wolverine one day #Michigan.

Andre: I’m thinking of Northwestern and DePaul. I want to apply to their business programs and hopefully from there

Andre Eramia

studying accounting. Then after college I want to find a job in California.

Mike: University of Tampa is where I really want to go. I want to study criminology and criminal justice. After college, I want to get a successful job and live in California.

NWN:If you could have one super power what would it be and why?

Jordyn: If I could have one super power it would be superior intellect, because it would give me an amazing mind that could somewhat give me other super powers. I could change my molecular structure using advanced science and math. I could build weapons and machines that could enable me to fly, lift heavy objects, move super-fast, etc. It would be all the super powers in one. I could also solve all the world’s problems, so not only am I a warrior with super powers, but I’m a diplomat and peacemaker who can save the world. I’d get a full ride scholarship to college.

Sherlina: To keep eating all the food without getting as full as fast, and without gaining weight. I’d want to also telepathically be able to bring any food to me.

Katherine: If I could have one superpower, I’d want to fly. Flying makes it so much easier to get to people who need help! Not only that, but it’s just fun and I’d be able to travel the world, which is one of my goals in life.

ChiChi: Persuasion, because I could persuade people with anything I want.

Veronika Sostaric

Veronika:  If I could have one super power it would be the ability to spread positive energy to anyone at any time!

Jeremy: If I had one super power, it would be to be able to fly because I can get from point A to point B without running into traffic, and I’d be able to see views that normal people would not be able to see.

Tommy: If I had to choose any super power, it would be super strength. It would help me out in football a lot, and I would feel like I have all the power in the world.

George: Mind reading. Being able to know someone’s true thoughts would be so beneficial. Imagine always being one step ahead of everyone. The possibilities are endless.

Andre: My superpower would be to teleport because I want to get places quickly. This might sound morbid, but if someone would be passing away, I would want to be there. Also getting to travel from one country to another, it would be really cool.

Mike: To fly because I’m really busy and driving is tedious, so getting where I need to go would be easier. Also it’s fun.

Mike Wheeler

NWN: What are you most excited for for Spirit Week?

Jordyn: I am definitely excited to dress up during the week! That’s the best part about homecoming week! But I’m also excited to perform, to show the whole school what my cheer team has been working so hard at!

Sherlina: Country Western Day, because I’ve never really done that. Also, super hero day because I’m excited to see what people come up with.

Katherine: I’m most excited for the spirit days. I can’t wait to see who goes all out in dressing up.

ChiChi: To finally be a part of the senior red out, because I’ve always been excited for it.

Veronika: I am most excited for the spirit days because as seniors I know our class will go all out. It will be fun to see how everyone shows their spirit, and it will be nice to see our class come together.

Jeremy: The thing that I am most excited for Spirit Week is the football game, because it’s my last homecoming game for high school ever and I love football, so it would mean a lot to me if we were able to win the game and be voted king for homecoming.

Tommy: I’m excited for the pep assembly, it’s a really exciting time to bring the school together, and to hopefully to get everyone excited about the game and dance.

George: THE HOMECOMING GAME. It is the epitome of high school. Looking up at those stands makes you realize how awesome Niles West really is. It’s the most spirit you’ll get to see at once, especially when the band, student section, cheerleaders, and poms all come together..and when we’re winning of course.

Andre: I’m excited for the Homecoming game and go all out on the spirit days. It’s my last year so YOLO.

Mike: I love homecoming week, just the energy and the anticipation, dressing up and it has been a really fun experience. I don’t know any other school that does spirit week like Niles West does. We go all out.

The Skokie Skirmish is the annual football game between Niles North and Niles West. Last year our wolves smoked the Vikings, but this year was a head to head battle until the final buzzer. The game hosted at Niles West was kicked off with a fireworks show and the team emerging from an inflatable Wolf. With an enthusiastic start, everyone from the crowd to the team was pumped up and ready for some Saturday football– but Niles West fans left disappointed with a 48-37 loss.

Despite losing the coin toss, Niles West held the Niles North kick return to 20 yards. The Niles West defense shut down North, forcing a punt on the first drive of the game. The wolves’ offense was not able to generate anything either punting the ball back to North, whose quarterback ran in a keeper for the first score of the game with 6 minutes left in the first quarter.

West’s kick return team hit the field and senior Quran Spillman returned the ball to the 43 yard line, setting up running back Brandon Costantino for a massive 57 yard touchdown run. The wolves attempted for the PAT, but it  was not good making the score 7-6 Niles North.

The wolves kicked the ball down to North on the kickoff, and the vikings fumbled the football on their own 7 yard line. However, they managed to recover it just in time. With West holding North to the 7 yard line, they forced a safety on a bad snap making the score 8-7 wolves with 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter. To end the first quarter, senior quarterback Tommy Galanopoulos threw a touchdown pass to sophomore Matt Metz, making the score 15-7 Niles West.

The second quarter began quickly with Niles West’s defense forcing a North turnover and senior kicker Jeremy Pignato sinking a 37 yard field goal. Niles North retaliated with a running touchdown shortly after with 9 minutes left in the half. The Vikings tried for the 2 point conversion, but were shut down making the score 18-13 with West ahead. Quarterback Tommy Galanopoulos ran in a quarterback keeper touchdown, putting the wolves up 24-13.

On the kick return next play, Niles North returned the kickoff for a touchdown, but failed to get the 2 point conversion.  Senior Brandon Costantino of Niles West made the final score of the half with a 51 yard run for a touchdown. The extra point was good, putting the wolves up 31-19 at halftime.

The halftime show at the game featured Niles West’s Pommers and Marching Band. 

The third quarter began with a Niles North rushing touchdown, making the game 31-26 with the wolves clinging to the lead. Senior Quran Spillman came back with a touchdown catch, putting the score at 37-26 in favor of the wolves. The rest of the 3rd quarter went by quietly until Niles North got to business, putting a touchdown on the board with a successful 2 point conversion to make the score 37-34.

The 4th quarter opened with Niles North hot on the heels of West inching back, but the West defense held the North offense until the Vikings running back slammed down back to back touchdowns, putting the game at 48-37 with two minutes left. The West offense tried for a comeback, but could not muster it up, causing a turnover to end the game with Niles North taking a knee.

Niles West head coach Scott Baum commented on his team’s performance. “We need to work on breaking down and making tackles. And finishing a full game of football. We didn’t play a second half of football and that came back to hurt us and cost us the game. Next week, we need to figure out what we need to do to get better, and correct out mistakes.”

Next week the wolves play their Homecoming football game against Maine East on Friday night at 7 pm.

NWN: What is your favorite part of Homecoming week?

Sherlina: That’s a tough one. I can’t decide between the game or the dance. Both of them are highlights in my year! The game is like the best place to lose my voice (don’t show this to Mrs. Branahl!!!) but the dance is awesome for making my body sore. So I guess they both are great.

Tommy: Besides the game, my favorite part of the week is probably the pep assembly. It’s real exciting and the feeling of being out on the middle of the court during the assembly is indescribable.

NWN: How did you feel when you won?

Sherlina: I was just kajdlkajdslkjdlkajr. I couldn’t hear my name being called except for the “han” in “Chauhan,” and I thought, “Hey, that sounds like my name.” Then I looked around at the other girls, and they were all still in their chairs, so I thought, “Oh, I think it’s me!” Then I proceeded to look like a five year old getting a cookie on stage. It was awesome. Can’t say my queenly elegance was on point, though.

Tommy: I was a little surprised and I was more happy just so I could tell my mom that I won, and if it wasn’t for her I would have never ran.

NWN: What are the activities you’re involved in in school?

Sherlina: Theatre, Choir, CEC, and Relay for Life have been with me all of high school, and I’ve picked up on some other clubs and activities. Book Club, Hebrew Club, and H2O have found their way into my life, and I love them! I’m also a Literacy Center tutor and a tutor leader for this school year. Thespian Society, National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society are also what I’m involved in. And this year, I’m a freshman mentor for the first time! I try to get as much sleep as possible.

Tommy: I play quarterback on the football team, and I run indoor and outdoor track.

NWN: Activities out of school?

Sherlina: Sleeping!!!! Haha, well, that is true. I go to church every Sunday! And I’m going to be managing the social media of the church community. Other than that, most of what keeps me busy is school-related, and I’m perfectly happy with that. There’s so much to keep you on your feet at West. Especially being where I’ve ended up, I can’t imagine needing to look anywhere else.

Tommy: School keeps me pretty busy, so I can’t really say I’m part of any outside of school activities.

NWN: What are your hobbies?

Sherlina:  Singing!!! Even if you can’t sing Beyonce, if you have the privilege of knowing a Beyonce song, you’d better sing that Beyonce song. Reading is another big one. Oh, the places you’ll go! You can make so many references that people won’t get, but it won’t matter, because books take you where you let them take you, and there’s not much more magic in the world than that. Along with that goes writing. You can take yourself somewhere if you can’t find it already existing. And eating food is super cool. Can we all just own it already?

Tommy: It might be random but I love fishing. Anytime I am free on the weekends my dad will pack up the boat and we’ll go find a lake to fish. Other than that, I guess I love watching college football, that’s what I spend most of my weekend doing.

NWN: What are your plans for the future?

Sherlina: Oh, yes. The dreaded question. But I’ve been one of the lucky ones. I know I want to go into the medical field, and I’ve had my eyes on being a surgeon for a while. Something is so cool about the hands-on application of science, in the most valued way possible. Also, dissections just get me so hyped. My English teacher from last year, Mr. Klingenberger, recommended a book to me about what being a surgeon is like, and it both scares and excites me at the same time. But apart from a professional career, I want to keep growing and learning through all the new experiences I’ll find wherever I go. I hope to find myself never getting a full night’s rest, and loving every minute of it.

Tommy: I guess my main future plan would be to play college football. Ever since I started playing it’s been a dream of mine and I hope to get there next year.

NWN: What sets you apart from other people?

Sherlina: What sets me apart? I’d have to say how I find meaning in everything and don’t hold back from thinking and feeling genuinely in any situation, without fear or worry. All of these come from the cornerstone of my existence: living in God. Everything I do comes from His glory, and there are no limits to life, when it’s in the hands of the Lord.

Tommy: I think what sets me apart from everyone else is that I’m just a happy kid. I don’t ever get mad and I’ll always have a smile on my face. I’m open to everyone;  you can ask me anything and I’ll be willing to help with whatever it is. So I guess I’m just an overall kind, friendly person that you don’t really find everyday.

Mario Ljubic contributed to this article. 

Unlike most freshman, Ian Shankar was confident walking into high school despite hearing all the stories of “freshmeat” being picked on and pennied.

 “As long as I put my mind to something I can take it on, which includes the struggles of being a Freshman” Shankar jokingly said.

His favorite class which he’s taking right now is Honors Algebra 2, because not only is it something he’s interested it, but he loves being challenged.

After school, you can catch Ian on the soccer field, as he plays defense for the freshman A soccer team. He also looks forward to volleyball season, and hopes to play back row for the freshman team. Besides looking forward to sport seasons, he’s very excited for his first homecoming, and plans on going with some of his friends. He’s also excited for all the upcoming football games.

 Ian is described by his friends as someone that can always make them laugh, and they know they’ll always have a good time together when they’re with him.

“Hard work and determination is all you need to get you through anything. Put your mind to it, and nobody can stop you,” Shankar said.

Music has always been an important aspect in Walter Lindwall‘s life. He grew up listening to his older sister practicing her viola, and just like any other fourth grader attending Lincoln Hall middle school, Walter got pulled into the beginning of his musical orbit. At a young age, you could see that he was a natural. Just in Middle school, he attended the IMEA music festival. He won an orchestra award, was a principle cellist, and won a division one. In high school he had also won a division 1, and attended the northwestern music festival.

There is a certain passion in his eyes when he plays that is unmatched throughout the orchestra . “I try feel how the piece feels,” he says. Go to any orchestra concert and watch him sitting in the first chair cello section. There is something in him that no one else has.

Steven Katz, the Niles West high school director, has always been supportive of Walter. “Walter Lindwall is a wonderful musician.  He plays very smart, very accurate, but mainly he is very musical.  His playing is really beautiful!”

Lindwall’s cello teacher Nina Wallenberg is an especially influential person to Walter. “She pushes me to be the best I can be.”

There is another person that Walter holds near and dear to his heart. His younger brother  is affected by Cerebral Palsy. What makes music so important to him is being able to play for his brother in a way that makes them sincerely connect.[quote]

To better help himself succeed in the Orchestra, he has taken AP Music theory, an extensive class that builds upon the basic musical concepts  of notes, rhythms, and beats, and takes the honors option of the Symphonic Orchestra to continue pushing himself.

Out of this musical world, Walter enjoys learning about history. He is currently taking three social studies classes just this year including debate, AP European History and AP American Government. Outside of school he is a graduated Boy Scout. At the early age of 16 he received earned the rank of Eagle Scout to represent the many camping trips he endured, dozens of merit badges earned and the voluntary service project he oversaw to help repair the campus of Orchard Village.

Although his college plans are not set in stone, Walter knows he would like to continue to make his passions for history and music a part of his life as he moves past high school.

Note: The Attached Audio is Lindwall Playing an Excerpt from Bach’s First Cello Suite.

Vinny Kabat contributed to this story.

As part of a pilot program for a possible graduation requirement in digital literacy, freshmen are taking an online exam during study hall that is intended to provide them with information of computer operation and productivity tools and to teach basic information about their Chromebooks and Google applications.

The exam is composed of a 48-question pretest, a five-unit online course — which includes: Chromebooks and Google apps, digital citizenship, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations — and a post assessment. A student must score an 85 percent or better on the pretest to avoid taking the online course, according to assistant principal of student services Antwan Babakhani.

According to chief technology adviser Guy Ballard, Atomic Learning wrote the test that is aligned to the ISTE standards. Credits will be earned as “Pass/Fail” if the program does become a graduation requirement, he said. A passing score on the post assessment is 60 percent.

Several  freshmen have complained about the content and difficulty of the test.

“The digital literacy program doesn’t help at all and takes time away from study hall,” freshman Jennifer Si said. “The modules are hard and take a long time to do. Students shouldn’t be required to take this course because we don’t get anything out of it.”

Freshmen who are struggling are allowed to take the test numerous times in order to improve their scores. In addition, the district has hired digital literacy coaches, Michael Anderson and Dane Hilmer, to help students.

Freshman English teacher Kristen Jackson said several of her students were concerned about the test at the beginning of the year because they thought they couldn’t leave study hall.

“They were anxious because they thought they couldn’t meet with me about essays or homework,” she said. “Now, they aren’t worried because they know they can leave study hall.”

Babakhani clarified that students can leave study halls with a pass if they need to visit teachers, counselors, or the Literacy Center.

“Because [the program] is an online, self-paced program, students can work on the Moodle course when time permits,” he said.

Other students said they believe students who understand the content shouldn’t have to take the exam.

“The digital literacy test isn’t really helpful because most of the things we learn are how to search a phrase correctly in Google or how to work your Chrome Book,” freshman Callieh Mohr said. ”Most kids already know that. I think the program should be optional because that way students who need help and don’t understand the Google Apps can take the test and online course to expand their knowledge.”

The scope of this program, however, stretches further than to simply teaching students how to work Google Apps, according to Babakhani.

“The main goal of the program is to provide skills and knowledge students need to collaborate effectively, create innovatively, and live productively in an increasingly global and digital world,” he said.

Note: The Digital Literacy graduation requirement is one of five recommendations that will be discussed at tomorrow night’s Town Hall Meeting held in the South Lobby of Niles West at 6:30.

Students, alumni, parents, and community members gathered last night near Church and Kedvale streets in Skokie to mourn the loss of Niles North senior Max Gadau who had died the night before in a shooting.

The mood was somber as people placed flowers near a photograph of Gadau and lit candles in remembrance.

“At the vigil everyone was silent, and the energy there was so depressing. The situation is so sad, and my prayers go out to Max’s
family,” senior Brianna Casanova said.

Gadau died instantly after he was shot just after 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. Gadau and a 17-year old female were sitting in a car in the 9200 block of Kedvale when they were shot. The female is in critical condition,  according to ABC7.

Niles West students who knew Gadau said he will be missed.

“He was the guy that cared when no one else would,” senior Mike Wheeler said. “He always tried to make people smile and he was so easy going. He was literally the life of the party and he made everything so fun and exciting. He was such a genuine person and always put the people he cared about before him. It sucks that he’s gone and I don’t know if he realized how much of an impact he had on everyone.”

Students said they are struggling with the loss of a peer.

“It’s honestly a tragedy what happened. It really opens up people’s eyes because anything can happen at any time, and people should cherish every moment in life,” senior Atorena Michael said.

In a statement Niles North principal Ryan McTague said, “This is heartbreaking and tragic news. Nothing prepares us for the loss of a student, and our entire school community is impacted and saddened by this tragic event.”

Counselors and social workers are available at both schools for students and staff who may need support.

Emily Butera, Jane Kim, and
Samantha Jahjah contributed to this report.

It’s Stephanie Nahhas‘ senior year, yet she’s still as actively involved as possible around Niles West.

Throughout her years at West she’s taken part in National Art Society, National Honor Society, Poetry Slam, Relay for Life, cross country, Sports Medicine Club, she’s also a Lit Center Tutor, and was the junior class poet last year.

Once this year comes to an end, Stephanie hopes to pursue a major in neuroscience, as well as a minor in both creative writing and psychology, at one of her top three schools: Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin Madison.

“My sister told me about Lake Forest’s neuroscience program, and it interested me, so I looked at other schools’ neuroscience programs. Huntington’s disease runs in my family, so that’s also influenced my interest in pursuing neuroscience,” she said.

Nahhas’ accomplishments in her extracurriculars have been numerous to say the least. In 2013 she won the $500 first place prize in the Luminart’s Cultural Foundation, in 2014 she’s won the $1000 first place prize from the same foundation. In the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards she won three gold keys and one silver key. She was also a national semi-finalist in the National Student Poets Program in which only five poets in the nation win, and she was one of the top thirty. There’s no doubt that passion has been the driving force behind all her artistic achievements.

“Being recognized and awarded for something that I love to do is extremely humbling because it’s a hobby that I use purely for self-reflection and artistic purposes. Being recognized in that context allows me to see that the stories I write can go beyond self purposes and into the span of another’s entertainment,” Nahhas said.

Fellow classmate and friend Valentina Zadro agreed that Nahhas’ accomplishments were well due.

“She always likes to do things outside of the box. She’s never one to do what everybody else is doing, she likes to venture out,” Zadro said.

Aside from her work in AP art here at West, Nahhas is an active member of the poetry slam team, which is coincidentally led by English teacher, Paul Bellwoar, whom she sees as her mentor.

“He knows me really well in general, especially through poetry slam. We tight,” Nahhas said.

Nahhas has great things in store for her whether it’s in her artistic outlets or not, and her friends agree.

“Steph is the kind of friend that most can only wish to have. Simply her presence can brighten your day. Not only does she have a bubbly and gregarious personality, but she shows an incredible amount of talent and persistence in everything she does,” said senior Cassie Bergman.

Fine Arts Friday: Stephanie Nahhas

Photo By: Paulina Michael

Fine Arts Friday: Stephanie Nahhas

Photo By: Paulina Michael

Fine Arts Friday: Stephanie Nahhas

Photo By: Paulina Michael

Fine Arts Friday: Stephanie Nahhas

Photo By: Paulina Michael

Fine Arts Friday: Stephanie Nahhas

Photo By: Paulina Michael

Niles West will be adapting a completely new program next school year: a school-based health clinic. According to administrators, this health clinic’s purpose is to provide medical care to all students, no matter the insurance or economic standing of the student. It’s a plan that has the potential to benefit students; however, the mental health aspect of the care is simultaneously being pushed aside.

At last week’s town hall meeting, superintendent Nanciann Gatta explained that the district wants to focus on teaching and learning and “leave the other functions of the school district, which really have become community centers, to those professionals and experts.”

West has always had an incredible and large team of social workers and psychologists available for students, but this year it’s all taken a turn. Unless a student has an IEP, a 504 plan, or are in special education, the student cannot go see their social worker. Instead, if a student is having a difficult day, rough patch, etc. they have to go consult their guidance counselor. This is a huge shift not only for students, but for guidance counselors and social workers as well.

“I’m saddened because not every student is able to see a social worker,” guidance counselor Ann Alegnani said. “Counselors are very busy.”

Some students have strong feelings when it comes to this sudden and unexplained shift.

“I think it’s a huge problem that they’ve basically cut out student services being available for students. While not everyone needs that kind of help, there are many students who would strongly benefit from checking in with a social worker,” said senior Rachel Brown. “Whether you have some sort of mental illness, or maybe just issues at home that you need to talk about, the student services was the perfect place to get help, with extreme flexibility. But now, the student services room is nearly empty, and there are students suffering because of it.”

Students who saw a social worker or psychologist in previous years are now redirected to go talk to their guidance counselor. This defeats the purpose of having such an available and wide-ranged social work staff, but it also doesn’t leave much room for students in need of the help who don’t have an IEP or 504 plan.

Kids who were in the hospital before, need someone to check in with on a daily or weekly basis, or even kids that just need a place to go talk through what’s going on in their life right now are left with no sort of outlet. Redirecting kids to their guidance counselor is absurd. No disrespect to the counselors, because they are incredible with all the work they do and how much they help us students, but it’s not their job to help a student through a dilemma or rough day, and it never has been. Counselors are always knee deep with work and running around taking care of all the students they have under their belts.

I can say from personal experience, the student services office has always been packed the last few years, and within reason. Students found an outlet there where they felt comfortable confiding in someone and working through problems. But now, they can no longer utilize that resource. I’ve actively used the services provided by the social workers in student services over the past three years, and can now no longer go see the social worker I’ve established a bond with. If need be, I’d have to go confide in my guidance counselor with my personal matters, which would definitely be uncomfortable.

Steve Grossman, teacher and president of the North Suburban Teachers Union, spoke on behalf of the teachers and their concern.

“While we think the health clinic can be great in providing services, we have concern about bringing people from the outside in,” he said.

Concerns are also heightened due to the fact that some of the most at-risk students are being cut short.

“We have lost staff, some left because they saw the writing on the wall and were concerned about losing their jobs,” Grossman said.

Another red flag that’s a bit puzzling is what else will come along when the new health clinic arrives. According to the Heartland Prospectus/Agreement in the Annual Review of Programs, student’s confidential health information and achievement records can and will be used for research.

“D219 and Heartland require that the clinics and their effects on student wellness and achievement be evaluated. Parents must provide written consent before services are provided to their children; the written consent will allow the sharing of information. This information-sharing gives D219 and Heartland a unique opportunity to conduct ground-breaking research into the connection between on-site primary health care and student achievement,” the statement reads. This fact which is published in the prospectus is not being discussed by the administration.

So long story short, students’ private information will be connected to their performance in school to collect data for outside research. This becomes a gray area when students’ whose parents aren’t native English speakers have to sign a form, which they may not necessarily understand or agree with, in order to provide their children with the essential services. And what about parents who disagree with the requirement of data sharing for research, but are in desperate and immediate need of the health clinic services for their children?

Although it’s been stated that this shift in responsibility among the social workers and guidance counselors is due to the health clinic that will be implemented next year, there’s no straight answer when it comes down to why students can’t go see their social workers this year if the health clinic isn’t even here yet. It seems to me that there’s absolutely no substantial reason as to why this is happening, and I have not been able to get any straight answers, only repetitive advertisement and promotion of the health clinic.

“It’s a unique opportunity that’ll benefit all of our kids,” said principal Jason Ness. Apparently counselors are in this current position because, “from a counseling perspective, we want them to work with our gen-ed [general education] students,” he said.

“For kids with real mental health needs — real needs being a tricky situation — who need someone to talk to, we’re broadening the people they can go to,” Ness explained.

Sure, the health clinic will be a great addition to Niles West and will help those in need of medical care. But how will this affect the social and emotional health of students at West this year when they cannot go confide in a social worker? Only time can tell what effects this change will bring. I urge the district 219 school board and administration to reconsider their handling of this shift within student services.

Sports have always been a huge part of freshman Shebin Chacko’s life, but it wasn’t until middle school whenhe found his passion for volleyball.

“I played on the volleyball team for Lincoln Hall for all three years of middle school and I plan on playing volleyball for Niles West for all four years as well,” Chacko said.

“I thought it was going to be easy. Hitting the ball over the net? It seemed simple enough, but I was so wrong,” Chacko said.

Volleyball requires a lot of strength all over the body. So coordination, strategy, and aggressiveness goes a long way in the sport and Chacko has all of those attributes in his favor.

Volleyball isn’t the only thing that keeps Chacko busy. He’s also part of Mock Trial, a club dedicated to law and fighting for justice in court.

“It’s a lot of fun, but requires a lot of hard work. I joined because I think that understanding the law and how a legal court case works is really important,” Chacko said,

Mock Trial is mostly made up of experienced sophomores and upperclassmen according to Chacko.

“There’s only three freshmen on the entire team. I’m the only freshman and guy on the prosecution side which is made up of all sophomore girls. It can be a little overwhelming at times, but they’re hilarious and make Mock something I look forward to,” Chacko said.

The girls on the team say Chacko is one of their favorite freshmen and team members.

“Shebin is an amazing freshman. He’s an awesome addition to the team,” sophomore Mock Trial member Stephanie Schmidt said.

He may be new, but Chacko keeps the team in line and acts like a leader during meetings.

“We tend to get distracted so he keeps us on track,” sophomore Janki Patel said.

Chacko says his high school experience had been great so far with the help of his family and friends.

“My family has always had my back and there have been many teachers and peers that have encouraged me and given me advice throughout this high school experience. I’m really enjoying my freshman year so far,” Chacko said.

When social studies teacher Mr. Matthew Wiemer was growing up, everyone in Glenview recognized his family.

“I’m a twin, and my dad was a blind teacher. He went blind due to complications with his diabetes. He continued to teach for twenty years with an aid after. So my dad was a blind teacher and I had an identical twin,” Wiemer said.

Ever since he was young, he knew he wanted to be a history teacher.

“My dad was a middle school teacher, so I had that model growing up,” he said. “I always thought it was something I wanted to do. My junior year in high school I had a history teacher I really liked. It was Mr. Meyer’s brother, who taught at Glenbrook South. He was my favorite teacher.”

For college, he went to University of Illinois and later Northwestern University.

“I majored in both history and political science,” he said.

Also an athlete, Wiemer explored his athletic interests in college as well.

“When I was younger, I played baseball and hockey. In college, I played two years of baseball,” he said.

Many students appreciate having him as a teacher.

“He makes a lot of relevant jokes that aren’t lame. When we were learning about [former Supreme Court Chief Justice] Roger Taney, he screamed because of how ugly Taney was,” junior Kristin Recinto said. “I think he’s funny.”

Students agree that his style of teaching keeps his classes exciting.

“At first, I wasn’t so sure about his class but the way our schedule worked and the Moodles and the teaching style made the class a little more interesting,” senior Natalie Massih said. “He was awesome and made the class hilarious.”

Many students appreciate his involvement in student government as well. He sponsors student government and Model UN.

“Mr. Wiemer is one of those teachers that has a lasting impact on his students. Fortunately, I’ve had Mr. Wiemer as an APUSH teacher and a government sponsor for all my four years here at Niles West,” senior Cassie Bergman said. “He livens up any situation whether he is in the classroom or out in the real world and I’m glad I’ve gotten to know him.”

Oftentimes you can find senior Nina Saro scrambling between classes trying to fit as much studying and debate work in as possible. It’s no doubt that Saro is dedicated when it comes to her top extra curricular activity.

“Niles West debate has become a new home to me, and being a part of a team that cares so much about every single person on the team always leaves me feeling included and welcome. I honestly cannot say I’ve ever been taken in so gladly by any other activity I’ve ever participated in,” Saro said.

Debate has provided her with an abundance of opportunities whether that be travel or more extensive knowledge.”Traveling around the country and learning all these things that I’ve never even taken the time to consider before has influenced me for the better too, and I really hope more people discover debate soon enough too!”

Although debate has influenced Saro’s high school experience tremendously, her background has also played a huge role in who she is today. “ I was born in Al Hasakah, Syria in 1997 and lived in a small village with my parents and two siblings for a while before we relocated to a lot of different areas in the Middle East,” Saro explained.

Saro’s family was a Christian minority in the country which led to political tension and ultimately her family’s relocation. But her homeland still holds its influence in her life. “I think it’s made me more open minded, not only to new cultures, but new ideas in general. I have a better understanding of the world around me because I realize that there’s always going to be something out there that is different from anything I’ve ever known before.”

When it comes to plans after high school, her dream school is University of Chicago, while her other top contenders are University of San Francisco and UMich. “I’m mostly considering going into political science, and that’s largely influenced by my interest in international relations. I’m really, evidently, into women’s studies as well.”

Those who have left a mark on Saro throughout her high school years are her debate coach Eric Oddo, along with her close friends. “As my head debate coach, he’s been someone to talk to and support me in whatever my current goals are. He’s one funny dude too. Besides that, everything around me has probably influenced me in some way or another, but mostly my close friends Lucy Rees and Rachel Brown…and Imran Khan is always an inspiration.”

“Nina somehow has this ability to be able to carry on a conversation with anyone, and make complete strangers laugh after just meeting her. I don’t know how she does it. She puts effort into school, and works hard to improve in debate, all while juggling the other aspects of her life, so she doesn’t always have it easy,” senior Rachel Brown said.

“I think anyone who knows her recognizes how she has the ability to make literally any situation hilarious; she can lighten the mood so easily and make anyone laugh. She is incredibly easy to talk to, and overall an amazing friend. If you don’t know her, you’re missing out,” senior Lucy Rees said.