3900 E. Raab Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761 Volume 72, Issue I November 2019

The orchestra begins to play right before the scheduled interruption of host, Fortuna Minor. Each year, the performance is hosted by an adult volunteer in character.

Mantra Dave & Olivia PlanggerStaff Reporters

As the bright lights flashed over the stage, NCHS Orchestra director, Mrs. Melissa Siebenthal, took her place to conduct the 25th annual Hauntcert on October 24.

Siebenthal has watched as the Halloween performance has grown and improved throughout her 17 years of involvement. She describes herself as being “really lucky” to have had the opportunity to direct her first Hauntcert performance side by side and learn from one of the original creators of the show, Mrs. Diane Turek.

In the eyes of an audience member, this concert is an isolated moment in time, a 7 p.m. show in the auditorium; but they don’t see all the work - from planning to rehearsing - that makes it all possible.

For Siebenthal, “Hauntcert stress is like no other” - as she has to make sure her students “grow and develop as musicians,” while ensuring that the show is enjoyable for the audience.

What sets apart the Hauntcert from other performances is the production value, which has improved as the years have passed.

In its early years, “the show was simple - there were a few video clips that were always super hard to line up with the music

due to the technology at the time and a few special effects,” Siebenthal said.

However, the school’s orchestras were the first to “use every light circuit” in the new NCHS building after moving from the old high school building, now Kingsley Junior High.

The program has featured a fog machine, strobe and spotlights, projectors to show visuals, as well as many sound effects to add to the audience’s experience of the concert itself.

Students and school staff help make the show spectacular by volunteering their time and abilities. English teachers Ms.

Kevin Vernon and Mr. Tyler McWhorter helped this year with technical issues. Both led Iron Lights and Sound students in assisting the production.

Beyond entertaining the community with their instruments, the Hauntcert aims to entice younger musicians to become a part of the program once they reach high school.

To appeal to a wide audience, the silver anniversary featured favorite songs from past years, including “Let it Go,” “The Evil Eye and The Hideous Heart,” and “Canon Rock.”

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

Photo Courtesy of: Nayonika Banerjee

At first glance, it’s just a small, thin rectangular-shaped cartridge. It might even be confused for a USB drive. But this device has extreme health risks linked to it.

The product produces vapor when used and contains flavored nicotine. If this apparatus sounds familiar, there’s a chance that you have heard of the recent trend referred to as Juuling.

This device may be small, but it represents a substantial problem among teens. 15 to 17-year-olds are 16 times more likely to vape than any other age group, according to the Truth Initiative.

The brand became popular abruptly with the term Juuling representing the general use of e-cigarettes.

Initially marketed as a method to help people quit smoking and promoted as a safer alternative to smoking while still providing users with a quick fix of nicotine, it has become an issue in schools nationwide. Unit 5 is no different - the issue was deemed important enough to be addressed in the fall 2019 NCHS newsletter posted on the school website.

Because of the nicotine pods appealing flavors and discreet design, the product appeals towards a teenage audience. The Juul provides an introduction to the addictive substance nicotine, which can lead to the use of more harmful tobacco products down the line.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 30.7 percent of e-cigarette users started smoking within six months, while 8.1 percent of non-users picked up the habit of smoking.

The Juul’s widespread popularity amongst teens has certainly not hurt its sales - which have increased rapidly since the product’s release in 2015. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Juul sales increased by 641 percent between 2016 and 2017, jumping from 2.2 million sales in 2016 to 16.2 million devices sold in 2017.

Two NCHS students offered a first-hand look at the draw of Juul products: one who has experience with Juuling, and one who has avoided it. Because of the legality and controversy of the topic, the Inkspot has chosen to keep these sources anonymous.

The e-cigarette user, a junior female, reported to be a once-daily user of the Juul product. She, however, has since quit vaping due to the anxiety that resulted from the use of the products.

She began Juuling because of peer pressure: “I hate to say it, but my friend

Nico-teens

the legality of &student perspectives

on the rampant rise of juuling

Charlotte Calmes & Laynee ScheckStaff Reporters

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

15 to 17-year-oldsare 16xs

more likely to vape than any other age group

Photo Illustration: Inkspot Staff

SOMETHING

ABOUT

TO How did Mr. Matt Schweinberg and Peppa Pig help to launch an NCHS student’s TikTok account?

Page 6

A life dedicated to serving others

Profile: Academic support tutor Mr. Regino Dizon helps students forge a deeper understanding

Page 2

2 FEATURES

Father and son were busy working at their family business - a printing press - when a man working for Ferdinand Marcos walked in. The Filippino dictator, this man said, was asking for a favor. A favor that, out of fear, many wouldn’t even think twice about refusing.

It was 1986, an election year- the first in about the last 20 years in the Philippines - and the dictator’s henchman wanted the father to print off 100,000 ballots. Illegally. To bolster Marcos’s votes.

But as the son stood there, watching the exchange between the henchman and his father, the son witnessed his ama do something he found to be out of his character. He lied - saying the shop didn’t have the equipment needed to print off the ballots.

But they did have the equipment - it was locked away in the business’s safe.

American printing press headlines read of tragic accidents and rising crime rates; front-page news consists of economic debit and waging wars. When the majority of the information found in the news is negative - hate crimes, divided government, decline of environmental health - good news seemingly becomes an infrequent phenomenon and at times, non-existent.

Despite what is being displayed on the nightly news or appearing on social media feeds, there is still good remaining - sometimes, it just requires a little more searching.

In a small room, in the back of the library that was once used for lunch detentions, a dose that good can be found.

That room holds the classroom of Regino Dizon, an educational tutor at NCHS.

Dizon is a resource students utilize for tutoring, test make-ups, or additional educational support. Anything “except love lives,” Dizon joked. “I will not touch anyone’s love life,” he said with a laugh - unless he knows the person well.

Dizon is a man best described as having a giving gene, full of integrity and bravery, one that was passed down by his family and brought to fruition the day he witnessed his father deny the request of a powerful dictator.

“I live by the things my father taught me,” Dizon said.

For the typical individual, volunteering is a fraction of their life, but for Dizon “volunteerism” has captivated his whole life. Dizon’s father - who risked becoming one of the casualties listed by a printing press when he lied, doing what was right - taught his son how “volunteerism” is more than actions but a lifestyle. It is “being selfless about oneself.”

Growing up in the Philippines, Dizon

Evie SnoeyinkEditor-in-Chief

Beyond the booksA life dedicated to serving others

Forge tutor Mr. Regino “Reggie” Dizon helps a student during 8th hour. Dizon’s lessons go beyond the curriculum as he tries to pass on his idea of “volunteerism.”

Photographer: Evie Snoeyink

began his life dedicated to “volunteerism” when he was the same age as the high schoolers he now teaches. He volunteered in underprivileged schools teaching math in grade schools and helped a high school math teacher teach college algebra during one summer while he was still in high school himself.

“Does that sound like I am such a nerd?” Dizon asked.

Amongst the headlines of trauma and heartbreak found so prevalent in the American news, so-called “givers” may seem to be a rarity, for Dizon those values encompass all of who is.

Dizon gives every day to the students he works with, letting “volunteerism” be the center of his life through what he teaches students and, more importantly, how he treats them.

“He’s kind. He’s patient, He’s a very good teacher and instructor to everyone who needs,” Ms. Amy Leathery, a teacher who works with Dizon, said. “He helps calm those [students] who are nervous because they don’t get [the material] … and they learn it.”

“I learned from my mom to make it a point every day to make everyone around you happy,” Dizon said, a lesson that only enhances Dizon’s ability to help and mentor students - as his father would be proud.

Before Dizon began as a tutor at NCHS, Dizon substitute taught in Fairbury, Illinois. There, Dizon would do everything he could, telling jokes and “over-acting” to make learning interesting for the students and to teach them beyond numbers and grammar, just as he does now.

Dizon, making his own headlines, became known for his enthusiastic teaching, and the students in Fairbury created an award for him, “the over-actor teachers’ award,” for his ability to make

the lesson entertaining and his ability to [dramatic pause] over-act.

“If you are a teacher,” Dizon said, “use all of your resources, all your abilities so that your kids will inculcate all these life lessons.” So that students will take those life lessons and make them habits in their own lives.

But all of these life lessons Dizon works to instill in his students didn’t just one day appear to him. It was something that Dizon’s father passed along over the years from all that he told his son and the example he set in a time of high risk and high tension.

Not printed by any printing press but hand-typed, students can find taped to the brick walls of the Forge, Dizon’s classroom, a white sheet of printer paper listing the six life lessons that encompass all that Dizon’s father taught him.

Humility is not lessening oneself but an opportunity to think of oneself less.

Learn generosity by giving your all and not counting the cost.

Choose your battles, but if you must fight, do not heed your wounds.

When you toil and do not seek for rest, the habit transforms your character.

Have a fascination in your work with not seeking any reward.

Be grateful for the chance of improving the lives of others.

“I live by the things my father taught me,” Dizon said, and that’s what he wants his students to know how to do as well, and that’s what Dizon set out to teach his students every day.

Giving day-in and day-out can be trying and tiresome, but for Dizon teaching “fulfills [him],” and it’s what he loves to do.

“The joy of [teaching]” and the excitement he gets when he witnesses something click in a student’s mind, and they say, “‘oh my gosh, that was it’” is what makes the constant giving and selflessness fulfilling rather than draining.

“Sure, the grades are improving,” Dizon said, “but we are working with more than just grades; we are working more with their understanding of life.”

Dizon exceeds the job description of what it means to be an educational tutor. He won’t be found lecturing a student on how to do synthetic division in a monotone voice or merely teaching the basics of

Romeo and Juliet. Dizon will be joking with students, over-acting, inspiring students to be better versions of themselves.

What Dizon teaches and wants for his students goes beyond the walls of NCHS. Dizon does not restrict his teaching to textbooks and equations. He uses his moral compass as a lesson guide.

Dizon helps and supports students with their academics and will be there every step of the way to ensure a student does well in school. But he also helps shape the student into being someone that will do well in life; someone who knows and follows the same life lessons that Dizon’s father taught him.

In a day where a TV is flipped to any news channel or any news app is opened and instantly finding all of the things that are going wrong in the world is far easier than finding all the things that are going right, people like Dizon are beacons people need to know still exist. Despite the turmoil and unrest, the good in the world will never disappear.

Society can turn a blind eye to the hurt that is happening across the world, but it can’t ignore all of the good that is happening as well.

Marcos’s henchmen left Dizon’s family printing press that day and, Dizon believes, went to someone else to illegally print off those ballots.

Marcos won the election that year by a margin of about 100,000 ballots.

“The dilemma of lying,” Dizon said is, “are you lying for a purpose in life, or just for the sake of lying?”

Years later, Dizon reflecting on the situation that had happened earlier in his youth said, “I believe my father lied because he is such a good person - to prevent another chaos in the Philippines.”

Sometimes the line between right and wrong can be uncalibrated and blurry.

Sometimes the printing press puts off a headline that reads, “Dictator Ferdinand Marcos wins election.”

But ever so often, the printing press can print a story of strength and bravery and integrity that stands strong amongst evil.

“In memory of [my father], I have started writing down the things he has taught me,” Dizon said….

”

We are working with more than just grades; we are working more with their understanding of life

“

3FEATURES

From the Netherlands to the U.S.: The America experience through another’s eyes

After 3,633 miles and a 14-hour plane ride, Niels Sonneveld traded in bikes for cars, busy streets for cornfields, math for theatre.

With the distance from home, the time change, and unfamiliar faces, the 18-year-old foreign exchange student Sonneveld temporarily traded his home of South Holland, the Netherlands for Bloomington when he landed in Illinois on July 25.

Sonneveld, who, in addition to Dutch, speaks English, German and a little French, had over 50 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America to choose from when he decided to study abroad.

But Sonneveld knew that he wanted to visit the U.S.. “You see everything on TV,” he said,” and just want to experience it.”

TV series like Drake and Josh and iCarly introduced Sonneveld to American high school culture, one he saw as filled with “lots of friendly people” who wanted to hang out together: going out to dinner or even just driving around.

For his year-long stay, the Alexander family will serve as Sonneveld’s hosts.

The Alexanders, with sons - Adam, AJ, and Drew - have helped limit Sonneveld’s homesickness with a bucket list of things to experience while he’s in the states: Chicago, the county fair, and motorcycle rides from his host dad; Dairy Queen runs with his host-brother AJ; playing guitar and singing with host-brother Adam….

“I’m feeling really at home there,” Sonneveld said.

While most NCHS students strive to leave Blo-no, a town that seems to contain nothing but cornfields, Sonneveld sees the beauty of the rural area compared to a big city, South Holland being one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

“It’s more open here,” he said. In the Netherlands, “you can’t drive a car,” Sonneveld said.

There are bike lanes instead of sidewalks, and the streets are full of people. Most people travel by biking or walking because everything is so condensed.

“It’s quieter here,” Sonneveld also said. Densely populated areas like South Holland tend to be noisy, where the only noise in Bloomington-Normal seems to be a few cars on the street.

Although more than just the layout of the city is different. “The people are

more open here,” Sonneveld said. “In the Netherlands, it’s common for people to mind their business and just get around.”

He said how many people say hi to him in the hallways and how he’s made lots of friends who want to do a lot, like ice skating and going to uptown.

Many of Sonneveld’s friends are from men’s choir and theatre, two subjects he would have never chosen to study back home.

With the encouragement of his host mom, Annette Franklin, Sonneveld went from singing alone in his room to in front of an audience.

“She definitely pushed me,” he said. “And I just thought, why not?”

Subjects like math and science are more important in Dutch culture. “You don’t really get anywhere with creative stuff,” he said.

Music and theatre are present in schools, but they aren’t as admired as in the U.S. Their school play lasts three weeks, compared to the months of preparation at NCHS.

“It’s the total opposite,” Sonneveld said, “but I really like it.”

Despite his new interests, Sonneveld still plans to attend college in the Netherlands and major in psychology. 13 Reasons Why,

his favorite TV series, features an in-depth look into mental health.

“I like learning about how the brain works and listening to others,” Sonneveld said.

His young niece has inspired him to work with children, ideally wanting to help kids dealing with neglect or behavior issues.

Sonneveld will return home in July of 2020 after graduating from NCHS. Although he is anxious to see his own family, Sonneveld knows he will dread saying goodbye to everyone and everything here.

“I chose the U.S. for the American experience,” he said. Sonneveld mentioned how he’s learned to try things he isn’t good at and usually wouldn’t do. “I’d just do it, do everything.” “I would definitely go back to America again. You get the full life experience over here,” Sonneveld said

The U.S. won’t be Sonneveld’s last stop as he plans to continue to travel throughout his life. He plans to meet new people and experience different cultures.

“You want to see real-life instead of just on TV,” Sonneveld said.

He dreams of going to China, Tokyo, India, Africa, back to Australia, “I’d like to go just everywhere.”

Shae SimmonsMultimedia Editor

Sonneveld is welcome to America at the Central Illinois Regional Airport by his host brothers after an eight day stay in New York City.

Photo Courtesy of: Annette FranklinBiology teacher Mrs. Cathy Barnes is set to retire from the Science department after 17 years at NCHS.

Barnes is known among students for her unique and quirky expressions in the classroom, like “Cut of my legs and call me shorty.” She even adds the word “bell” to the end of students’ names.

But Barnes’ has a method to her madness. “The main motivation is not everybody’s interested in science,” Barnes said, “and I have a product to sell. I have to maintain attention. Sometimes, that is a way of maintaining attention. A story woven into the lesson is a way of maintaining attention whether people like it or not.”

Be on the lookout for the Inkspot’s upcoming profile on Barnes.

In the mean time, here is a list of some of the most popular

Barnes-isms . . .“Vern...”“You know what I mean, Vern?”“Quickly….”“I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.”“Doesn’t that give you a good feeling?”“The Unit 5 professionals pay me thousands and thousands of dollars.”“Toothly...”“That’s the power of the Home Depot.”“ Meanwhile, back at the ranch…”“It’s so easy your grandma could do it!”“In third grade, Mr. Brumley told me…”

“You know what I mean,

Vern?”

Photographer: Anagha Arla

Anagha ArlaAssociate Editor

Barnes’ biology terminology

While students remember Barnes’ teaching because of her quirky phrases and her energetic personality, Barnes seeks to remember her students too. Barnes writes down the funny things students have said so that she can remember them for years to come. “I write them down. I’ve got a list of them all,” said Barnes.

Want to Win a $20 gift card from our sponsor Fort Jesse Cafe?

1. Follow the Inkspot on at least 2 of our social media accounts - @nchsinkspot 2. Post a photo of you reading the Inkspot - online or in print 3. Tag us in the post

1 random winner will be selected on Friday, November 9 and announced on NCHSinkspot.com

*Must be a current NCHS student or staff member to win

4 FEATURESCONTINUED FROM HAUNTCERTPAGE 1

Vocalists, dancers, and electric instruments were used throughout the program to enhance the audience’s experience with songs like “Canon Rock” featuring soloists Audrie Schuller (‘22) on electric violin and Dylan Krejci (‘20) on electric viola. Electric instruments are unheard of in a traditional orchestra and added a unique dimension to the performance.

While Siebenthal and help from the NCHS staff make this show possible, the orchestra members’ parents play a critical part in assisting with the atmosphere of the production, so that the “student musicians [can] handle the music element,” Siebenthal said.

The Halloween decorations - which featured a pumpkin trail silver cellos hung from the ceiling - were the work of parent volunteers.

Parents also decorated the front of the stage, set up auditorium props, hung items from the catwalk, and decorated walls said NCHS Orchestra Parents Association President, Kim Breach, adding that most of this work goes on during the dress rehearsal two days before the show.

Even though these extra touches add to the experience, they didn’t take away from the focus of the show: the spooktacular music.

As soon as the school year begins, students begin practicing Hauntcert material. “Lots and lots of time” is needed to prepare and pull the show together, according to violinist Emily Dusin (‘20). The months spent practicing help the orchestra

Students rehearse past favorites for the Hauntcert performance including songs from Frozen, The Pink Panther, and Slumdog Millionaire.

think on the fly when things don’t go according to plan.

“We’ve had so many near-disasters that were smoothed over or avoided completely by the heads up abilities of all personnel involved,” Siebenthal added. For example, when last year’s host got sidetracked with his script, the orchestra adjusted to playing the night’s songs out of order.

Even though the many hours of planning, preparation, and practicing are condensed into a one-time, one-hour performance, it is worth it to “see the performance come together,” said violinist Nathaniel Sobery (‘20).

For violinist, Sabrina Chang (‘20), the preparation is there to live up to the Hauncert’s past of touching the hearts of the many watching.

In celebration of the concert’s 25th anniversary, orchestra alumni were invited to record a short clip for the show on what the Hauntcert meant to them.

“I’m not sure if your average concert-goer will appreciate [the videos] as much as I have,” Siebenthal said, “but seeing former students and hearing their voices again has definitely made this Hauntcert a little more emotional for me.”

Even though the Hauntcert is a monstrous undertaking, it “brings so many different people together and unites them in a common goal” each year, it’s all worth it to “help students grow and develop as musicians,” which is what makes this year’s silver anniversary especially memorable for Siebenthal.

Photo Courtesy of: Ellie Stephan

A Sip of ScienceEnding the debate overbest water fountain

Zach HollidayStaff Reporter

Atlantis, the mythical city, said to have sunk from its once regal position atop the ocean’s waves to deep below, sharing a spot with Davy Jones’s locker…

The Holy Grail, the unattainable chalice that Jesus Christ drank from during the Last Supper...

The Fountain of Youth, the epic spring that rewards eternal youthfulness to any who drink from its cleansing waters...

Each of these shares a common historical thread: they have been sought after for hundreds and hundreds of years and have never been found.

Man’s search for these legendary aquatic mysteries has led to today where a new quest has risen: the search for Normal Community’s most exceptional water fountain.

This superior water fountain, according to a poll of NCHS students, is determined through three important factors: cold temperature, a designated water bottle filler, and the rate at which water is dispensed.

Of the nearly 45 drinking fountains on campus, nine can’t easily be accessed: they are outside. Another five, between the East Gym and the cafeteria are inaccessible due to being too dirty to use and retain a clean conscious as well as clean hands - you just can’t get close to them without noticing a thick film of brown gunk on the drain, while the others seem good as new.

That leaves 34 ample candidates for the Inkspot’s illustrious and coveted “Best Water Fountain” award.

Since not all fountains can take first place, let’s take a look at those most deserving of an honorable mention.

First Honorable MentionThe left fountain outside the East Gym

boys bathroom due to a cold temperature of 46.4°F. The fountain is only deserving of an honorable mention due to its pitiful water bottle filling speed - 49.93 seconds to dispense 20 ounces.

Second Honorable MentionThe water-bottle filling hydration

stations that, although lacking the qualities of an overall winner, are still deserving of recognition. They are eco-friendly with their designated water bottle fillers. These newer fountains provide a colder water stream - an average of 16°F cooler than those without - and an easier way to stay hydrated for students on the go.

An overwhelming majority of students surveyed said that their favorite pair of water fountains are the two in the Dance Fitness room. However, this fountain is missing 1/3 of the preferred trifecta: a water bottle filler. It does, however, have a movable spout allowing users to twist it in front of the fountain and fill up their water bottles. It lacks the accuracy and speed of the stations created specifically for filling provide.

A popular theory behind the favoring of these fountains might be their location. Students who use them are coming straight from a p.e. class, looking to quench their thirst. As the first fountains students see, this might simply be a case of supply and demand.

It appears that only one of the two fountains may be perfect. The fountain on the right measured 50°F and filled a 20-ounce bottle in 20.57 seconds, whereas the left fountain was recorded at a chilling 44.6°F, filling a water bottle in 20.61 seconds.

After reviewing the three criteria, the Inkspot staff awards Best Water Fountain at NCHS to the left fountain in the Dance Fitness room.

The quest for knowledge is simply human nature. It is within all of us to thirst for more than we have. To find an answer to a question we have all asked ourselves. To answer one of life’s greatest mysteries. Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? How did we come into being? What is Normal Community’s most memorable water fountain?

Today, we have an answer to at least one of these questions.

The RundownColdest Fountain Left fountain - Dance Fitness room

Fastest Fountain Bottle filling station - Freshman/sophomore hallway

Slowest FountainLeft fountain - outside East Gym boys bathroom

Brokest Fountain Left fountain - East Gym back hallway alcove

The underwhelming water flow of the water fountain outside of the East Gym’s boys restroom.

Photographer: Zach Holliday

Normal Community’s best water fountain based on three student established criteria. The fountain was the coldest of the over 45 measured.

Photographer: Zach Holliday

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like this one, and stay warm all for $30.This limited-edition, extra soft, sweatshirt-style

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5FEATURES

offered me to use hers,” the source said, “and I didn’t like it at first.” But eventually, the popularity of vaping grew among her friends, they liked it and “then I did too,” the student said.

Once she “started to become an everyday user,” the student had to take preventative measures to assure that her parents would not find out. To do this, she counted on adults to buy the products for her. Federal law prevents the sale of nicotine and tobacco products to those under the age of 18; state law raised that age to 21 in Illinois this summer. The adult providing her with the cartridges was also in violation of the law.

Once her parent’s discovered the junior’s Juuling habit, they did not take it lightly. “They have caught me a couple of times, and it was a really big deal,” said the source. “Even before all of the scientific research came out, it was still a big deal to them.”

“The first time that they caught me, they said ‘I swear to God if we catch you doing this, you are going to be in so much trouble because it’s so bad for you.’”

But her parents weren’t aware that the student would continue to Juul, even after they had found out about it. She even knew of the health risks at first but initially dismissed them as things that wouldn’t happen to her.

Although her parents strongly disapproved and she knew it was illegal, those were not, ultimately, the only reasons why she chose to quit Juuling.

The student described two side effects she found concerning to her: headaches from the nicotine withdrawal and extreme anxiety when not using vaping products.

“Part of the reason why I did it,” the source said, “was because I felt like it helped with my anxiety.” But when the health reports started to be release - like the C.D.C’s on the outbreak of a thousand cases of vaping-related lung illness - her anxiety grew.

One of her reasons for vaping became one of the reasons for giving it up.

The student had experienced the

CONTINUED FROM NICO-TEENSPAGE 1

adverse side effects of Juuling; she still believes that it is safer than the alternative.

“I personally think it’s better than smoking,” said the student, “I know a lot of people say it’s not, but it’s not like suffering from lung cancer.”

“Much remains to be determined about the lasting health consequences of e-cigarettes,” according to the American Lung Association. “There’s evolving evidence about the health risks of e-cigarettes on the lungs - including irreversible lung damage and lung disease.” However, lung cancer, long linked with tobacco use, has yet to be definitively tied to e-cigarette usage.

Laws preventing the use of tobacco and nicotine products on school grounds have been in place since 1995. Still, these have not stopped NCHS students from using Juul products during the school day. According to the source, the most prominent place where students tend to Juul in are the restrooms, where they can hide out and use their products secretly. In response, last year, the School Resource Officer has mandated that bathroom doors be kept open during the school day.

But the product is hard to police. Besides the restrooms, students have taken to using their Juul products in the classroom.

“People can sneak it in anywhere,” the student said. “I’ve seen it done in class. If the teacher is turned around, students in the back can do it without being noticed.”

The source described a common technique used to Juul during class without getting caught: hiding the Juuling apparatus in a sleeve and quickly using the device when the teacher was turned around. Since Juuling releases vapor rather than smoke, the vapor dissipates quicker, making it easier to conceal the illegal activity of vaping on school property.

Since Juuling is such a discrete form of nicotine consumption compared to

its alternatives, it is easier for students to Juul wherever they’d like, even if it is unlawful.

Although teen Juuling has spread rapidly - teens are nearly seven times more likely to vape nicotine than adults, according to the American College of Physicians - not all

students are participating in the trend. A junior male who has never Juuled

or witnessed their peers Juuling took a contrasting stance on the topic. Although he has never seen Juuling first hand, the student said that it is inevitable that some of his peers have experience with using Juul products.

He believes that students Juul because of social media and peer pressure. “Having interactions with friends and peers that are familiar with it [Juuling], and physically being around them is a huge cause,” said the student.

The student has never Juuled, he said, because of the health issues that can come from vaping. Despite not using the product, he said he could understand why teens could be attracted to the trend. “Juul products are usually pretty low price, and they’re pretty affordable,” said the student.

“The design and the flavor choices for the individual Juul pods also play a big role because taste can determine what teens choose to buy,” the student said.

With exotic flavors such as “Creme Brulee,” “Cool Cucumber,” and “Fruit Medley,” teens can ingest nicotine without the extreme tobacco taste that one would experience while smoking. Legislation was passed recently to ban the sale of these teen-targeted flavors.

Although the two students had differing opinions regarding Juuling, they both believed that Juuling is a problem in our society that can be stopped by taking simple steps.

If a student is struggling to quit Juuling, the first student - who has gone “one

month strong” without using the product -- recommends reaching out to someone such as a parent or doctor.

“I know talking to your parents is hard,” the former vape user said, “but if you’re battling an addiction where you can’t even go twenty minutes without hitting something, that’s a problem and you need to reach out.”

The non-e-cigarrette using student agreed that reaching out is the best way to combat addiction and that talking to a counselor can be a step in the right direction to quit Juuling.

“Counselors could begin offering a program designed for students that are wanting to quit or thinking of quitting,” the student said, “which could provide an outlet to help them try to stop using the products.”

To encourage someone to stop Juuling, “don’t try to throw statistics in their face,” the former Juul user said. “Let them know that you’ll be there for them if they need help, and make sure to mention that their health should be their main priority.”

The second student suggested that society as a whole should put more effort into steering teens away from Juuling. “We could spread the message via social media,” said the second student, “because that obviously has a huge influence on teens. Social media campaigns would be able to possibly get some more attention directed towards the cause.”

Both students expressed their dislike of Juuling because of the fact that the trend is spreading because students want to “look cool” while doing it. This is often portrayed through social media where their peers are posting photos with Juul products in their hands; teens can begin to feel left out of the illegal activity of Juling.

The second source said that students are experiencing “fear of missing out on what they think is cool to do.”

Both students emphasized that while looking cool may be fun in the moment, suffering the lasting effects of vaping is not worth it in the long run.

“Part of growing up is learning from your mistakes. Being cool is definitely overrated.”

There’s evolving evidence about the health risks of e-cigarettes on the lungs - including irreversible lung damage and lung

disease.

With the deadline for priority admissions come and gone, college-bound seniors are still as stressed as ever. There seems to be a laundry list of things that need doing, and no time to get them done.

Here’s a list to help students prioritize.Finish Application Essays

Seriously. Get them done - while you may have until January to officially submit, the earlier you get them written, the better off you’ll be. Finishing them with plenty of time to spare gives you the option to get feedback from teachers, since they have enough time to properly revise your work. As the deadline approaches, teachers are swamped with requests and may not be able to offer you the feedback you need.Fill Out Financial Aid Forms

It could literally be free money. Most colleges and universities will not give financial aid to students who don’t have the FAFSA or CSS Profile completed. Even if you think you aren’t entitled to any money, it’s worth filling out the form to see what your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is.Apply For Scholarships

Although it may seem like you have no chance to win, millions of dollars in scholarship money goes unclaimed each year due to a lack of suitable applicants according to Forbes. Whatever your skills and interests, there is money out there waiting for you. Write that essay, take that interview, answer that questionnaire - because why not? Get Involved in Something New

You’ve done all of this work to prepare for college, it’s time to do something for you. Get involved with an activity you’ve always wanted to do, or try something that you’ve never had the time to be a part of.Register For AP Tests

AP tests offer an opportunity to get college credit and avoid taking general education classes. The test costs $100 - far less than the cost of a college class. The registration deadline for tests has changed for most classes - from March 1 to November 15. If you want to take an AP test for a class that is either year-long or first semester, do it today - a $40 late fee will be charged if you miss the deadline.

Things for College-bound seniors to do NOW

Mantra DaveStaff Reporter

6 FEATURES

Charlotte Calmes & Laynee ScheckStaff Reporters

SOMETHING

ABOUT

TO

Film. Post. Trend.

A video, originally posted to social media for friends and family, finds its way to the “For You” page - going viral in a matter of minutes. Hundreds of followers are now multiplying to thousands from just one post.

Those short videos, gaining immediate and massive popularity, were posted to the social media site TikTok. TikTok, a video platform reminiscent of Vine, is being used globally by a billion content creators to make and share video clips. TikTok was the fourth most downloaded app of 2018, according to the Business of Apps, a leading media and information brand for the app industry. It has only been increasing in popularity, leading the Apple store in downloads in 2019 and 2nd in the Google Play store behind the messaging platform WhatsApp.

TikTok, the trending social media platform which launched in 2016, but its popularity increased considerably within the last few months. The video platform topped 1 billion downloads worldwide in February, according to Sensor Tower, a leading provider of market information for the app industry.

Amongst the hundreds of millions of users are three NCHS seniors who have found relative popularity on the app with their short, creative videos: Peyton Roman, Terrianna Jones, and Drew Harris.

17-year-old Peyton Roman has only had his TikTok account for about a month but has gained more than 40,100 followers on the app.

“I’d say it was about three weeks after I started,” Roman said , “I went from 200 followers to about 29,000 in about twenty-

four hours.”The rapid increase in followers have

caused the likes on Roman’s posts to rise drastically, and with this increase of likes on each post, his TikToks are more likely to go viral. Roman’s most liked TikTok received 190,000 likes.

“I just make content that people can laugh about,” Roman said, “or sometimes I like to make things that are motivational or relatable because I just feel like anyone can connect and laugh about it.”

Roman likes to keep his account’s content relatively consistent. He usually posts whatever he feels like sharing with his followers. His preferred posts are skits and dance videos, content that his followers also enjoys due to the number of likes Roman gets per video.

Roman films his TikToks once he returns home from school. He tends to set aside only 5 minutes to film a video, but that is enough to gain him TikTok fame. He films solo videos in locations throughout his home, or he films dance videos at school with a group of his peers.

Roman is an avid user of the app because he enjoys the unique content on the platform as well as using his content to make enjoyable videos for his followers.

“I feel like ever since Vine shut down, people have been looking for something new to keep them on their phones and laughing,” said Roman, “and TikTok has done a pretty good job of that.”

When 18-year-old Terrianna Jones opens up the TikTok app, she checks her notifications to see an ever-increasing number of followers and likes on her content. Jones is no stranger to apps like TikTok. She began posting short videos on Musical.ly, another video sharing platform that predated TikTok ; Bytedance - TikTok’s Chinese parent company - combined both platforms back in 2018.

When the company Bytedance merged the apps, Terrianna’s followers were transferred from her Music.ly account to her TikTok. She continues to post videos regularly, and currently has 1.3 million followers on the TikTok platform.

“When Music.ly was still a thing,” Jones said, “I posted this one funny video, and it kind of blew up. That kind of started my rise of fame, every video that I did, it started to blow up.”

With her popularity on TikTok, Terrianna uses the platform as a way to spread happiness and positivity. Terrianna posts dancing and funny videos on her account; this is also the type of content that Terrianna likes to watch on the app herself.

“I try to bring happiness and positivity to my page,” said Jones. “So, if anybody’s having a bad day, I’ll post funny videos to make them happy, so I’m pretty sure that that’s probably why TikTok blew up.”

Terrianna enjoys making TikToks in her free time: after school, after work, and even during the school day. Like Roman, Terrianna films her TikToks in her room or bathroom. However, Terrianna takes

longer to produce a TikTok. Jones takes time to try to perfect the video for her followers. While she makes the TikToks for her viewers, she also makes the TikToks for herself.

“I love TikTok is because I get to be myself,” Jones said, “because I’m not an open book, I’m really scared of my feelings. So when I do TikToks, I’m really open, I’m funny, I just get to be myself. So, it really helped me gain my confidence. I do have low self-esteem a little bit, but when I make my videos, it just makes me really happy.”

TikTok star on campus 17-year-old Drew Harris may not have millions of followers, but Harris’ content features faces that we all know and love, which gives him an edge with NCHS students.

Harris’ rise to fame on the platform began after he posted a video featuring Mr. Matt Schweinberg during his second-hour Civics class. In the video, Schweinberg is shown teaching a class until he becomes puzzled when an inanimate Peppa Pig figurine is

found doing his job for him. After a p p r o a c h i n g the figure, Schweinberg yells a resounding “yeet” and wacks Peppa across the room.

“I just noticed that a Peppa Pig trend was going

around,” said Harris, “so I got Schweinberg to be a part of it. We made the video, and it went viral.”

The video gained popularity soon after being uploaded to Harris’ account. It was not Harris’ first post, but it was by far his most successful.

Harris was used to getting minimal views on his posts, but that changed after posting the Peppa Pig video with Schweinberg.

Although he thought that the idea was amusing, Schweinberg was shocked by the fact that the video gained over 1.3 million likes and 6 million views.

“I was kind of dumbfounded that something that stupid was that popular,” said Schweinberg.

Harris began to gain followers rapidly after the post went viral. He currently sits at over 80,000 followers on the app, after being on TikTok for only four months.

“I only had like 15,000 followers before I posted the Peppa video,” said Harris, “and then after that, my account really skyrocketed. That was probably about a month and a half ago.”

Although it may seem as if making TikToks would take up the majority of his

One-on-one with TikTok users who have achieved school-wide fame

WHEN I DO TIKTOKS, I’M REALLY OPEN,

I’M REALLY FUNNY... I JUST GET TO BE MYSELF.

““

time, in reality, it is fairly simple for Harris to keep up with his large platform and his job at Subway. It only takes Harris 10 minutes to film a video, and then he can return to his busy life.

He tends to film his dance, comedy, and transition-style videos around his house or at school with friends. Harris, along with his friends and classmates, have been amused by the senior’s new-found fame on TikTok.

Harris said that “We [the class] talked about the video for a whole class period, probably for two or three days.” Although the hype surrounding the video may have died down, the class still brings up the viral video from time to time. The excitement regarding the TikTok began to spread around the school, and both Harris and Schweinberg gained recognition from students, even those that they were not originally familiar the two.

“I had a lot of random kids come up to me and say ‘Hey, are you the TikTok dude?’” Schweinberg said. “Somebody actually sent me a tiny Peppa Pig figurine and a box of Peppa Pig cookies.”

Teachers were also enthused that one of their colleagues was “TikTok famous.” As Schweinberg explained his experience of being the star of a viral post, another teacher, Mr. Kevin Suess added to the conversation by saying that Schweinberg “should get sponsored by Peppa Pig.”

Despite the class time that may have been compromised to make the TikTok, Schweinberg didn’t mind the idea of bonding with his class through something that the students found interesting.

Schweinberg explained his openness in making TikToks with his class in the future by saying, “I think we would do it again like we did it the first time, just as a joke and a way to have fun with the class.”

The various students and teachers who were willing to offer a direct look into the world of TikTok all came to a relatively similar conclusion: users turn to TikTok to be entertaining, and sometimes they may just go viral.

Photographer: Laynee Scheck

Photographer: Charlotte Calmes

TikTok Briefs

The NFL announced a

m u l t i - y e a r partnership with TikTok

in early September to bring exclusive content to the short-form video platform.

@NFL provides unique “highlights, sidelines moments, and behind-the-scenes footage,” according to a press release issued by the social media company

In an attempt to reach a wider audience, The American Music Awards became the first award show to announce nominees on TikTok on October 24.

TikTok creators Joshua Cureton, Nick Tangorra, and Brittany Tomlinson posted video annnouncing the nominees for favorite music video, collaboration of the year, and favorite social artist.

AMAs will continue to post original content until the show on November 24 when the fan voted award of “favorite social artist” is announced.

Inkspot Staff

Conversation starters

The moment that awkward silence hits - do you find yourself reaching for your phone? Putting your earbuds back in and turning the music up? Something to fill the void?

If you are struggling to find something to talk about, the Inkspot has your back.

Here are some tried and true topics sure to get a conversation going.

• Do straws have one hole or two?• Are toaster pastries ravioli? • Milk before cereal or cereal before

milk? • Is cereal a soup?• Are hot dogs

sandwiches or tacos?

• What is the correct way to cut a sandwich (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)?

• Since tomatoes are a fruit - is ketchup a smoothie?

• Do you have to wash your legs in the shower?

• Toilet paper: under or over?• Does pineapple go on pizza?• Is it pronounced “GIF” or “JIF”?• Creamy or crunchy

peanut butter?• Does ketchup

belong in the fridge or pantry?

• Do you wash your jeans every time you wear them?

• Ice cream - bite or lick?

• Pancake or Waffles? • Pizza: Square cut or

triangles?

Digital Illustration: Inkspot Staff

7SPORTS

CONTINUED FROM ‘BIRDS BOUNCEPAGE 8

Photo Courtesy of: ISU Media Guide/Press Assets

came out in the second half with the right mentality… and did the little things to win.”

The players took the lessons learned at halftime and implemented them in the second half. Immediately, out of the break the ‘birds looked like a different team. Although the Truman State Bulldogs scored the first basket of the second half, the Redbirds battled back with 48 second-half points to secure the victory.

Truman State was led by redshirt senior Broderic Thomas, a transfer from Southwestern Community College. Thomas posted an impressive 15 first-half points and finished with 21 on the game. Thomas got in foul trouble early in the second half and was limited to 6 points in the half before fouling out late in the game.

The Redbirds open the regular season at home on November 6 against non-conference opponent Belmont.

Football captains tackle stereotypesThree football captains have found a

mutual interest and creative outlet in the engineering program at NCHS, rebelling against the stereotypes that typically paint athletes.

Seniors Omar Abbed, Ethan Johnson and Grant Miller have shown that football players can be just as successful in the classroom as they are on the field by taking the advanced STEM Capstone course offered through the Technology department.

Abbed developed an interest in engineering entering high school, but couldn’t gauge what precisely caught his attention.

“I didn’t really know much about it, but I found it interesting and started taking the courses, Abbed said. “The classes helped me figure out what I like about it.”

For Johnson and Miller, despite attending different middle schools, it was an eighth-grade Gateway to Technology course that grabbed their interest.

“After taking Gateway to Technology, I took Intro to Engineering freshmen year, and that was really interesting,” Miller said.

The middle school course combines elements of engineering and wood/metalworking for an experience that introduces students to the engineering process. While NCHS’s technology department boasts of 13 course offerings, Gateway is true to its name, providing an introduction to the more specialized experiences the high school courses offer.

“We used [computer program] Inventor, and I liked building different things,” Johnson said, remembering his junior high experience in the Gateway course.

The student-athletes also appreciate the combination of different subjects and skills that engineering offers.

“I like how, specifically in the classes, everything is hands-on,” Miller said, “you go from doing stuff online to 3D printing and actually having something in front of you.”

The engineering and football programs partnered to create the mobile television screen that the Ironmen can be seen using on the sidelines of Friday night games. Players and coaches gather around the screen after coming off the field to analyze the film of their last drives.

“It’s kind of a behind the scenes thing that no one really realizes, that the engineering program helps out with the football team,” Abbed said. “It helps us all out as football players and being in the engineering program, it was cool to have a part in that.”

In the past, the technology program has worked to support other NCHS clubs and athletic programs as well; building a training device for the track team’s pole vaulters, a ball cart for the volleyball team....

Abbed and Johnson star on the offensive line for the Ironmen as the only returning starters this year. Of the three offensive captains for the 2018 season, none were offensive linemen. Abbed and Johnson took their leadership roles in stride, with the O-line now accounting for two of the five offensive captains on the team.

NCHS graduate Adam Kraft started alongside the duo last season, before returning as an assistant offensive line coach this year. Kraft has been able to see the captains grow into their roles on and off the field as his own role around them has changed.

“Overall, just physical and mental maturity has lead them to be really great leaders this year,” Kraft said.

Miller finds himself on the other side of the ball, leading the charge on defense for a team that has allowed just 17.7 points per game. Miller shifted from outside to inside the tackle box for his senior year, with the move from OLB to ILB.

“Grant’s intelligence was part of the optimistic approach we had to move him to a new, cerebral position in our defense,” linebacker coach Mr. Dan Murrin said, “we have been able to be more diverse than usual due to his capacity to handle quite a bit from a cognitive standpoint.”

The group shows their wit on the field as well, leading the units on their respective sides of the ball. 2nd-year head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz recognizes the impact that the group’s intellect can have on the team.

“With our linemen, especially with Omar, he has to identify [defensive] fronts and make calls,” Drengwitz said. Abbed has to “make sure the whole offensive line is on the same page. While Ethan is able to communicate and tell the guys next to him what to do.”

The Ironmen run a fast-paced, no-huddle offense that aims to wear on opposing defenses with their tempo. The team’s attack includes a variety of offensive looks and packages that are coupled with the team’s speed to attempt to get teams out of their element, giving Miller an opportunity to gain valuable experience going against them in practice.

“Grant as a linebacker has to make automatic field checks, and you gotta know what to expect from each and every formation,” Drengwitz said.

Making an automatic field check means looking at how the opposing offensive players are lined up before the snap of the football and then telling teammates how to adjust based on where player alignment.

Miller showed his ability to read a defense early in the year by intercepting Normal West’s Division I bound Carson Camp in week two. A pick he returned 40 yards for a touchdown. The score was crucial for Community, as they snuck past

the Wildcats 19-14. This loss was the Wildcats only on the season - resulting in a three-way tie for the conference title.

The three captains are open to pursuing engineering as a profession. Miller feels set on mechanical engineering, while Abbed is stuck between going into biomedical engineering or accounting. Johnson is undecided. College choices remain an uncertainty for the three.

Regardless of what the future holds, these athletes will look back warmly on their time in the engineering program at NCHS.

“It’s always been my favorite class of the year, and I’ve built great relationships with Omar and Ethan,” Miller said.

NCHS looks to engineer a win as they begin IHSA class 7A playoff action Friday, November 1 versus the Reavis High School Rams of Burbank.

The team may be without Abbed, who suffered an ankle injury in the team’s regular-season finale, a loss to Peoria High.

Reid WatkinsSports Editor

Johnson, Abbed and Miller attended a recruiting combine together during the summer. The trio have bonded through football and a mutual interest in engineering.

Photo Used With Permission

Inkspot Staff

‘SPOT SPORTS

SoccerThe Ironmen soccer season ended in the

3A Regional Final with a 5-0 loss to Joliet West.

TennisSenior Grace Walls was

defeated - 6-1; 6-0 in the 3rd round of the tennis State tournament’s consolation bracket by Madeline Hills of

Barrington. Walls accomplished a rare

feat - qualifying for State all four years of her high school career.

VolleyballLady Iron Volleyball finished perfect in

conference play at 10-0 to win the Big 12 Conference title outright.

The win over Danville gave Coach Christine Konopasek her 250th career win - the second winning-est volleyball coach in NCHS history.

Ms. Ellie Daux led the Lady Iron to 488 wins in her 24 years of coaching.

Girls Cross CountryWith a 3rd place finish at

Sectionals, the Lady Iron cross country team advanced to Regionals. Sophomore Olivia Hartke placed 9th in the 3 mile race with a time 18:52. Junior Lauren Sanderson broke the top 20 with a time of 19:27.

Swimming and DivingGirls swimming and diving will compete in

Sectionals Saturday, November 16 at Normal West.

on Quick Hits:Highlights & Brites

8 SPORTS

Lady Iron golf began the season with a clear goal: make it to State. After missing out by just “a couple of strokes last year,” Emily Dusin (‘20) said, this year, “we were determined to qualify.”

Losing Allison Enchelmeyer (‘19) to the Division I golf program at the University of Evansville wouldn’t make that goal an easy one, according to Dusin. Enchelmeyer routinely shot in the low 70s last year.

The start of the season was rough, Amanda Gravelle (‘20) said. The Lady Iron “played a lot of really hard teams this year, so we didn’t win as many [tournaments] as prior years.”

Even when things weren’t going the team’s way, they could always rely on each other. Having a strong and supportive group helped the team manage their nerves, especially since the team had “to stay focused for six hours straight,” said Gravelle. “It doesn’t matter how amazing or terrible you did that day, [the team is] always happy for each other,” Alyvia Burr (‘21) said, adding that “Coach [Michael Aslinger] believes in us when we might not.”

The camaraderie extends off the golf course too - the teammates are all “friends with one another,” Dusin said.

The Lady Iron improved as the year went on, “we definitely peaked at the end of the season,” said Gravelle. The first of those successes came at the Big 12 Conference tournament, where the team retained the conference title for the sixth year in a row, with Mackenzie Biggs (‘20) earning medalist honors.

Mantra DaveStaff Reporter

Olivia PlanggerStaff Reporter

The Ironmen varsity golf team concluded their 2019 season by sending three players as individuals to the State tournament this October.

The team placed second at Regionals and fourth in Sectionals, which did not qualify the Iron golfers for State as a team.

Three players did qualify as individuals for the contest: Kalen Mapugay (‘23), Evan Semonis (‘20), and Griffin McCluskey (‘20).

Semonis advanced past the opening round, playing through poor weather, earning his spot on the course for the final day of the State tournament Saturday, October 19.

Paving the way for State play was a repeat of last year’s first-place finish in the Big 12 Conference - winning the honors on the team’s home course, Ironwood Golf Course.

Coach Nathan Foster said the team’s successes weren’t easy but they were prepared: “With golf, there’s almost a new obstacle every day. We call it ‘embrace the challenge of the day.’”

Avoiding mental blocks and having self-confidence are key factors in obtaining success in any sport, but Semonis acknowledged struggling with both throughout his high school golf years. Semonis said he had “always had trouble believing that [he] can do it.”

On the day of the State tournament, things were different: “I know that I can,” he said before taking the first tee box.

Girls golf accomplishes “State-d” goals

Illinois State men’s basketball faced off against Division II opponent Truman State in an exhibition game last Wednesday to start the 2019-2020 season. Led by 6’4” guard Zach Copeland the Redbirds completed a 74-68 comeback win over the Bulldogs.

While the senior Copeland should have brought experience to the team, he wasn’t able to calm his nerves in the first half. “We had a lot of excitement and didn’t settle down and play basketball,” said the guard.

Tommy OlssonSenior Reporter

‘Birds bounce back against Truman State Bulldogs in exhibition

Photo By: Olivia PlanggerEvan Semonis tees off on the first hole at The Den at Fox Creek. The Bloomington public course hosted the IHSA State golf tournament.

The team’s successes, paired with his hard work, helped Semonis to see his true abilities.

“[Semonis] has worked harder than anybody and put in more hours probably than anybody,” Coach Foster said.

With Foster’s confidence in him, and his own self-confidence, Semonis was ready and focused before approaching the first hole on Saturday - relying on all his preparation to guide him.

While Semonis’ season did not end with a win at State title - very few do - he took away some cherished memories from his experiences with the golf program during his four years.

All of which have “meant everything to me. It’s kind of described my life,” Semonis said.

Next season, the varsity team will be losing three strong players next year: McCluskey, Semonis, and Logan Winn (‘20). Foster acknowledges that there’s a lot of work to be done before then to ensure that the team repeats this year’s successes; but, he is confident in his athletes.

Between winning the Big 12 Conference tournament, advancing as a team to Sectionals, and three State qualifiers, this was a memorable season for the Ironmen.

For the three players that played in the State competition, Foster said that “it’s an accomplishment that I think they’ll remember for a really, really long time. And hopefully, it’s a great memory for them moving forward.”

Gravelle shot a 77 a week later to lead the Lady Iron to a Regional championship. Paced by Gravelle, the team shot a 324 - 13 shots better than runner-ups Joliet Central - and aced the first hole on the road to State.

Sectionals meant competing against regional powerhouses, including Edwardsville and O’Fallon. Led once again by Gravelle, who posted a 2 over-par 74 (tying her career-best) the team finished in third, advancing to State.

When Dusin realized that the team had qualified, she was “ecstatic, because she knew how hard the team had worked over the last couple of years to get there.”

State was a once in a lifetime experience for the team’s four seniors, who were determined to enjoy their last high school tournament. Gravelle called it the “icing on the cake” of a successful senior campaign.

For junior Kate Burr (‘21), it also served as a learning experience: playing against other top teams helped prepare her for next season. Burr said that this year’s competition was “definitely a fight,” but one that the Lady Iron deserved to be in.

Burr has faith in what next year’s team will be able to accomplish, despite losing four varsity members to graduation - Biggs, Dusin, Gravelle, and Emma Winterland.

The end of season success was especially sweet for Gravelle, who called “sinking the birdie putt to win regionals” one of her personal highlights. The season’s accomplishments were a great way to call time on the sport she’s loved since she was five. But it wasn’t the results that mattered most to her: “the people that have meant more than winning any tournament.”

Photo Courtesy of: Emily Dusin Emily Dusin tees off at Ironwood Golf Course, home of the Lady Iron. Dusin described a good day on the course as “all the hard work all coming together.”

“I had to tell these guys to relax and tell myself to relax.”

Copeland had 4 points, and 1 turnover as ISU was down by 13 at the half. They trailed by as many as 15 before mounting a comeback --taking control of the game in the final minutes. The Redbirds shot 58 percent from the field in the second half after posting 30 percent in the first.

The team seemed shaken up after junior forward Keith Fisher III went down in the first half. With just under 8 minutes left in the half, Fisher went down to his knees by

the ISU bench. He was then taken over to the bench and eventually into the locker room by athletic trainers, he came back out in the second half but never got back in the game.

“[Fisher] hyperventilated…, he was struggling to breathe,” said Coach Muller, “it happened last year in practice once. I wasn’t overly concerned, but certainly, it was pretty scary for him and the team. We’ll do some tests, but I think he’ll be ok.”

“I didn’t even recognize this team,” Dan Muller, ISU head coach, said after a poor

first half, “and we didn’t look anything like what we’ve done in practice.”

After only putting up 26 first-half points the Redbirds went into the locker room trailing the Bulldogs by 13. 6’6” senior guard Jaycee Hillsman lead the way for ISU with 5 points and 3 rebounds.

“We came in at halftime, understood what we did wrong in the first half and what we needed to fix,” said Hillsman. “We

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

Boys; girls golf seasons above parTee-rific: Ironmen’s successful season