Ridgewood Reporter

February 1997

Volume 12, Issue 4

Mrs. Prassa graduated from Loyola University last spring, received her certification to teach high school English, and has returned to Ridgewood. She was here last year, observing and student teaching with Mrs. Netterstrom and Mr. Page. Now Mrs. Prassa is teaching Ms. Kovatsis’ English classes.

Mrs. Prassa grew up in LaGrange Park. She enjoys participating in Ultimate Frisbee. Playing music during classes is part of her style. She is a big jazz fan and also a Grateful Dead fan. Travel is big on her list of fun things to do.

The Speech Club sent five members to their first competition. None made it to State finals, but, "We feel pretty good about ourselves, and we hope to do better in the next competition in spring," Ms. Lindenfeld said.

Mike Pauley and Laiza Trujillo competed in humorous duet acting. Sanja Stevovic and Mike Pauley did individual prose readings. Mary Jo Chrabasz and Jessica Poyner performed individual verse readings, and Mary Jo also did an oratorial declamation.

Ms. Lindenfeld said, "We are looking for more people to come join us!" Are you thinking or wanting to join Speech Club? See Ms. Lindenfeld for more details. Practices are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:15 in room 143.

Our Library is on the Net

Ridgewood Library's catalog of books, videos, etc., is open for browsing by anyone in the world through telnet. The address is pluto.ridgenet.org. The database includes 28,000 items. Ridgewood is a beta or test site for the software package. The hardware and software were recently installed by our computer technician, Mr. Mark Lewis. Remember to telnet to pluto.ridgenet.org.

On Saturday, January 25, the annual tradition of the Ridgewood Music Fest was continued. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from Giles, Leigh, and Union Ridge joined Ridgewood students to make up the festival band. Fifth grade, junior high, and RHS students comprised the chorus. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the two groups had several hours to practice together and work with guest conductors. After a lunch break, a concert was given for students’ families and other area residents. It began with the chorus’ "Can’t Help Singin" and "Side by Side." Next, everyone was "rockin’" in their seats when the RHS Jazz/Rock band performed. The concert band concluded the Music Fest with four selections, one of which was "You’ve Got A Friend in Me," from the movie Toy Story.

The goal of the music fest was to introduce grade school students to Ridgewood’s music program and to encourage their participation. Everyone was able to experience working with another director and different students. The goal was to become better musicians.

On Monday, January 27, the combined groups toured Giles, Leigh, and Union Ridge, not only to entertain, but also to recruit future RHS music students.

The band and chorus are selling candy to help finance their trip to St. Louis. Their next concert will be the annual Pops Concert March 26.

Pops Concert

March 26

Check out the display near Room 233 for some inspiration. Testing is one measure of who you are. It is not the only one, but it is important.

FBLA is on a roll

By: Anna Kritikakos

On Saturday February 1,1997 Ridgewood High School hosted the FBLA Northern Area Conference. Over 315 students representing twelve schools participated. Fifteen adults from the school and community volunteered their time to help run the conference. Two of the five "Battle of the Chapters" team are from Ridgewood, Dina Politis and Irene Ziec. The following people won a first place in the competition: Nada Bankovic, Antonella Ciccone, Vince Ho, Anna Kritikakos, Nick Kritikakos, Dina Politis, Chris Soszynski, Peter Stanczak, Thomas Stranc, and Colleen Thesen. These students are eligible to go on to State competition in March and perhaps nationals in late June.

Student Council is active

By: Sofia Frangiadakis from information provided by Valerie Sass

Student Council has created a new program called "Caught in the Act." This program allows students to be written up by a teacher for doing something good. If you commit an act of kindness and are written up for it, you will be eligible for a prize.

April 26th will be Fun Fair Day. Clubs, classes, and activities will be allowed to run booths to earn money and provide entertainment.

Student Council is seeking to restart the Employee of the Month program.

If you want to participate in these activities, or if you have any new ideas, please come to Student Council meetings on Mondays at 7:30 a.m. in Room 149. Any and all help is appreciated.

Student Council Elections March 17

Shakespeare's Macbeth, or "the Scottish play" for those who are superstitious will be performed for the whole student body on March 19. The play will be done by the Shakespeare Repertory Theatre, a professional drama troupe.

Marianne Batocabe, a junior, said "I give to them because I feel bad and because it makes them happy." Mr. Hart, one of everyone’s favorite math teachers, said " I believe people give to others because they want to share what they have, to make them feel good. Especially around the holidays." Jessica Poyner, a sophomore, said, "It makes me happy, and makes them feel good." Chris Soszynski, a junior, said, "I do it because it makes me feel good to do things for others."

I think everyone is right, but Mr. Hart stated it the most clearly when he said a majority of people only give during the holiday season. I wonder why that is. When the holidays come around, I give because I’m in a caring and giving mood. When the season passes, I want to help, but I didn’t think it helped to give just a little. I now realize it doesn’t matter what you give, but that you gave.

I don’t think there will ever be just one reason why people give. But remember, no matter how much a person gives, or how little it is, it is always better than nothing.

By: Scott Shudy

Since the class of ’98 decided not to have a ring dance, a $500 donation from Herff-Jones will be going towards prom.

The class of ’98 gave $148 to "Our Children’s Place," a charitable organization. The contribution will go directly towards the support of children who desperately need attention and care. "Our Children’s Place" said that because of interested and caring people like the juniors, "Our Children’s Place" is able to continue its very successful endeavor of helping abused and neglected children."

ACT Classes have begun! If you are enrolled in the ACT class, be sure to attend on Wednesday nights. You should have received your schedule in the mail if you are enrolled in the class.

Wake up freshmen and start thinking about prom. Yes, it’s not too early if you are interested in having one. Start coming to your freshman class meetings in room 209. Only a few people have shown interest and have been coming to the meetings. Class meetings are held on Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Meanwhile the Class of 97 will have a candy sale on Valentine’s Day.

The Sophomores held a Turnabout Dance on January 31. Ridgewood graduate Tim Ludston was the DJ. The class sold raffle tickets for prizes, which were gift certificates for various stores and restaurants. Prizes were won by Mr. Best, Michelle Gulik, and Annette Tylka.The turnabout dance was a lot of fun. Whoever did not go missed out on a lot of fun.

The following students have been selected by the Faculty as Students of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter:

National Honor Society Is Headed To State Street!!

By: Sofia Frangiadakis

On February 12 Commander Mitchell and his squad will be on their way to State Street. What, you ask, are they going to do on State Street?? They are going to go ice skating. Yes, Commander Mitchell can ice skate!!

Upcoming events include the induction of new National Honor Society members March 18. Faculty members are now rating candidates in the areas of leadership, character, and service. This year’s first level of academic qualification includes 42 juniors and seniors. This is the most eligible students in ten years. The induction ceremony will be a "Spectacular" according to Mr. Mitchell.

Happy Wheels will again be passed out to those students who made Honor Roll.

Ridgewood Reporter needs sports and news writers

We desperately need sports writers or suppliers of information. Let the school know about your hard work and practices. Contact Ms. Flinn or Ms. Sauter if you can help. You can join the staff in homeroom or you can complete assignments on your own.

As a staff member, you will learn to write news articles. You can use this experience to apply for jobs as a newsletter writer for many companies. Public relations is another possibility. This is also a great activity for college and scholarship applications and our own NHS.

We meet in Room 224 during homeroom time. Visit us and see what is happening.

The R.H.S. wrestlers hosted the Conference Tournament on Saturday, February 1st. Brian Floral, Tony Marti, and Peter Wojtow won conference championships. The team will continue competing at regionals February 8 in Lisle.

The R.H.S wrestlers got third place out of sixteen schools at the Aurora Central tournament. They took second place at the R.H.S tournament. Also at the R.H.S meet on Thursday, January 23, they took second place. "We’re real tough, and we’re going to keep on working harder to reach our goal by the end of the season," says Tony Marti.

Girls Soccer returns to Ridgewood

By: Sofia Frangiadakis

The first game is March 25 versus Steinmetz. Practice begins March 10 through 24. If any girl wishes to join, see Mr. Bolanos. It is not too early to start conditioning. Several girls have already begun on their own. Be up to running two miles before practice officially begins.

RHS Varsity Boys’ Basketball victory in the Suburban Prairie Conference Blue Division over Lemont was 59-55. Senior Mike Bujalka had an n awesome steal with 1:20 left in the game. Overall, Bujalka got 26 points, six steals, six assists, and four rebounds. At the free throw line, he came in 10 for 10. Junior Rafael Lizak finished with 12 points and senior Derek Korybko added on nine.

Against Riverside-Brookfield, the score was 33-32. Bujalka’s total was 23 points. He made all six of his free throw attempts in the final frame and now has 16 straight free throws. RHS was 7 of 11 from the line in the last period. Korybko added 11 points.

Against Yorkvillle, RHS had a chance to tie the game at the end, but never got the ball down from the three-point range. Bujalka had 14 points, and Rzewnicki added on 10. Ridgewood lost 38-35.

Against Holy Cross, the score was 49-43 (in a non-conference game). Ridgewood lost to Geneva February 4.

Overall this season’s Girls’ Basketball team has shown a lot of dedication and talent. Also, they have a deep bench with a lot of talent which has helped them achieve a successful record this year. The Varsity Girls Basketball team beat their own record from last year. In conference they are 6-4 with losses to RB and Lemont. At the end of the regular season, their overall record is 17-7. They won their own holiday tournament, defeating University High, Prosser, and North Shore Country Day. This is the first time in 20 years that RHS has taken its own tournament.

The most exciting win this year was against Sycamore. "After an hour and a half ride, we played on their home court and defeated them in front of 300 people. It was the best feeling in the world!" said Kelly Dziwulski. "For me the most exciting win was Melissa Cortese’s buzzer beater shot that put us over the edge against Francis W. Parker," said Angela Karcinski. After the Lady Rebels won against Parker their coach was so upset that he threw a chair onto the court.

The Lady Rebels feel they have a strong chance for success at their regional tournament at Timothy Christian. The Rebels have seen strong play from the four year returning Seniors. Melissa Cortese has shown that she is a strong all around player. She not only knows how to create plays, but she also knows how to finish them. Angela Karcinski, starting as a shooting forward, has shown tremendous improvement this season. She not only has strong moves but can sink the outside shots along with those free throws. Kelly Dziwulski for the past four years has shown tremendous leadership on and off the court. She has always dominated in the post area and now has learned to make her outside shots. Two other seniors that participate on the team are Martha Olsen and Kathy Slowinski. Martha Olsen, in spite of her injury, has shown dedication to the team. Her energy and enthusiasm can be felt by all the players. Kathy Slowinski has also shown tremendous talent throughout the season. She always looks out for her younger teammates. Tremendous play has also been shown by the Lady Rebel juniors. 5’9" Beth Bundalo has shown her jumping ability by averaging 14 rebounds per game. Kristen Keglovitz has had her second consecutive season scoring over 300 points. Also, enormous talent has been shown by the following: Becky Nielsen, Marie Weeks, Deanne Guagente, Tina Stevens, Kathleen Conneely, Jackie Fields, and Megan Norton. Come support your Lady rebels during Regionals at Timothy Christian.

The Drama Club is rehearsing every day for approximately two hours in preparation for its spring performance. The play is a comedy called My Son is Crazy But Promising to be performed March 6-8 in the Auditorium. The cast includes fourteen players. There are no "leads" as all the parts are of equal importance. The set design will be less complicated than the Rumors set. Admission is free to RHS students with ID.

February 6 the Drama Club is attending an improv workshop at Second City in Chicago called Do It! Dine! See It Done! They hope to use a lot of the techniques they learn in the spring production, according to advisor Mrs. Lewandowski.

The Drama Club is also considering producing a variety show later in the spring.

By Scott Shudy

Congratulations to the Mathletes. The Freshmen took third place in the Lemont Invitational last week. A special congratulations to the JR/SR four-person team of Joe Chabura, Bogdan Szeszko, Jay Shah, and Slawek Rokita who won second place in a field of eleven schools.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
--Aesop

The Ridgewood Reporter Staff

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