Ridgewood High School Norridge

 

Ridgewood Reporter

April 1997

Volume 12, Issue 6

This issue was so large, it had to be split up into two pages to fit on the website. Read the second section after this page.

One of Ridgewood’s Founders Dies
New student council officers have high goals
We’re Back!
Moe Named the Citizen of the Year
New Student Council installed
Congratulations to Mr. Klaus!
Outstanding Students Selected
Take Note
Stressed Out Teens
Seniors Count Down To Prom!!!
Courtyard grows sprinklers
98 get note from advisor
NHS Visits Leigh School
FBLA Members Excel at State
Ms. Robinson helps out Ridgewood Reporter
New Baseball Coach
New student teacher comes to Ridgewood
Student Math Teacher Mr. Kriz
Should the Washrooms be Locked Because of Smoking????
Mr. Kunio Responds
Horoscopes
Mathletes are going to Great America!
Women’s soccer keeps kicking!
Letter to Ridgewood High School Officials
Ridgewood softball off to slow start
Varsity R visits schools
Upcoming Days/ Important Events
Third Quarter Honor Roll Students

One of Ridgewood’s Founders Dies

Photo of Frances Bernero

Frances Bernero, one of the founders of Ridgewood High School, died April 9th on her 83rd birthday. She was elected in 1958 to the original school board that established and created Ridgewood High School in 1960.

Mrs. Bernero served 18 years on the Ridgewood School Board – from 1958-1970 as secretary and from 1972-1976 as president. Mrs. Bernero’s tireless work helped to create our high school district. It was a close vote whether we formed our own school or joined another district. Her efforts helped give us a community high school. One of her goals in helping to create our high school was to use the best technology and teaching methods available. In 1976 the auditorium was named after her in recognition of her work.

Her sons John and Robert both said, "She was proud of her connection with Ridgewood High School." She remained a frequent visitor to the school and the Adult Center until last year. Though her own children were unable to attend Ridgewood, one of her grandsons spent his freshman year here in 1982 while his parents were abroad.

Mrs. Bernero was also active in the community and local politics and charity work. In 1993 she received the Governor’s Award. In 1994 she received the Cook County Sheriff's Award for volunteerism. According to Ms. Sauter, her life epitomized the statement, " I lived, I learned, I gave."

New student council officers have high goals

By Anna Kritikakos

I caught up with the new officers and asked them a few questions.

Q: Randy Messina - why did you decide to run for Student Council President?

A: I felt that it was a prestigious and rewarding position to hold. I felt that the work could be overwhelming, but I decided to make some goals and have confidence. I’m sure I can get the job done right.

Q: What are you planning on doing to make Student Council better?

A: I plan on trying to improve people’s attitudes about attending the meetings. I would like to see more people involved. "Remember the decisions we make affect ALL the students."

Q: Alex Novielli- why did you run for vice president?

A: I didn’t want to run against a good friend, and I also believe that we make a good team.

Q: What are you planning on doing to make Student Council better?

A: I want to make it more organized and make it run more efficiently.

Kristin Keglovitz (Secretary) and Chris Soszynski (Treasurer) want to get more student input for the decisions that Student Council makes.

We’re Back!

By: Natalie Biancalana and Elizabeth Moe

We returned from Washington, D.C. after having one of the best times of our lives taking part in a Presidential Classroom for Young Americans. As a result of being involved in this one week program, from March 15-22, we had many memorable and unique experiences we could never have had otherwise. We had the opportunity to hear the U.S. Treasurer Mary Ellen Woodrow speak. She told us about the difficulties she has had as a woman in politics and also about the different programs offered by the U.S. Treasury, including the issuing of commemorative coins. Another speaker we enjoyed was Tony Nicely, the C.E.O. of Geico Insurance Company. He shared with us some of the experiences he has had working his way up the corporate ladder from a salesman to the head of Geico.

We had the opportunity to sit in on the floor of the House of Representatives, tour the White House, the Smithsonian museums, and the National Mall. We spent two days on Capitol Hill. During this time we were able to visit with representatives from the offices of our senators and representative. We were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, and witnessed a demonstration outside the Supreme Court concerning Internet restrictions for minors.

One of the high points of the week was making new friends from across the country, with whom we have been corresponding with since our return. We would like to thank all of those who supported our taking part in this unforgettable experience!

Moe Named the Citizen of the Year

By Sofia Frangiadakis

Senior Elizabeth Moe was named Citizen of the Year by Ridgewood. The West 40 group of schools asks local schools to nominate a student as citizen of the year, and RHS nominated Elizabeth. She received a certificate and a medal during a ceremony at Westmont High School.

Elizabeth was nominated because she had good grades and was involved in several activities, but she told us that her involvement in Student Council was the primary factor. "I was so honored and surprised that I received it. There are many deserving students here at RHS. I am still very happy about it and proud, and so is my family. My mom screamed when she saw the marquee, and my dad took pictures of it," she said. "I’d like to thank all who nominated me. It means so much to me and to my family."

New Student Council installed

By Scott Shudy

Student Council has elected new officers for next year. They are:

President- Randy Messina, Vice President- Alex Novielli, Secretary- Kristin Keglovitz, Treasurer- Chris Soszynski, Commissioner-Beth Bundalo, Parliamentarian- Heidi Vertelka, Reporter/Historian- Adam Sammartino.

The new officers were installed at the Activities Banquet on April 8.

Congratulations to Mr. Klaus!

The Student Council Executive Board named Mr. Klaus, music teacher, Employee of the Quarter for third quarter.

Outstanding Students Selected

The students listed below were chosen by Ridgewood faculty members as "Students of the Quarter" for third quarter.

Business and Vocational Education: Raymond Burkhart
Computer Science: Andrew Kalinowski
English: Deanne Guagenti
ESL: Wojtek Milewski
Fine Arts: Ewa Prochowska
Foreign Language: Lisa Perna
Mathematics: Mark Puczek
Physical Education: Andrea Hjelm
Science: Susan Micek
Social Studies: Joseph Buttita

Take Note

Musical note By Natalie Biancalana

After many fundraisers and much anticipation, it is almost time for the band and chorus members to go to St. Louis. The three day trip, May 16-18, will begin with the "Music In the Parks" competition. Here, the music students will face some of the best bands and choral groups from around the country. As a reward for their hard work throughout the past year, the students will have the following day to go to the Six Flags in St. Louis and a little time to sightsee before returning.

In addition to preparing for the trip, we are practicing for our annual spring concert which will be on May 14. Also, the annual music awards banquet is being held on May 21.

The following won first places at the Northwestern University Solo and Ensemble contest: Mike Amato, Don Ancona, Joe Chabura, Ray Collado, Jenny DelAngel, Melissa Guynn, Alan Huebner, Mark Kogut, Wojtek Milewski, Brian Miroslaw, Megan Norton, John Szymanski, and Jeremy Wendel.

Stressed Out Teens

By Laura Manrique

R.H.S has five RAP groups that meet every week. They meet different periods so students don’t miss more of one class than another. These five groups are: Concerned Others, Chronic Illness, The Human Potential Growth group, Divorce, and the Stress Group.

The stress program includes many stress relieving techniques. These include visualizations, breathing techniques, and self talk. These techniques really help people, and this is important because stress can contribute to poor grades, poor attendance, bad tempers, headaches, depression, heart disease, and cancer.

The stress groups leaders are Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Netterstrom as well as Mrs. Lewandowski, Mr. Page, Ms. Lindenfeld, Ms. Varanauski, and Mrs. Micklo. The groups are confidential, and group members have to sign a contract to keep it that way. "We have never had a problem with group members not keeping things confidential," says Mrs. Netterstrom.

The group has proven to help teens who are often sad when it ends. See the Rap Core Team if you have any suggestions for other groups or want to join.

Seniors Count Down To Prom!!!

By Sofia Frangiadakis

Prom is closer than everyone thinks, lurking just around the corner with graduation day. The last day for all the Seniors will be May 23, and Prom is the next day. Post Prom will follow about an hour after the Prom ends .

For those of you who are not familiar with Post Prom, it lasts for approximately six and a half hours. Once you enter the building for Post Prom, you will not be let out until the end. It is sort of like a lock in with a DJ, games, raffles, dancing and much more.

Everyone who attends the Post Prom will receive something. So, Seniors plan to attend. It will be a lot of fun. Tickets are on sale for $15. Prom tickets are $80.

The Parents Club is sponsoring a Road Rally on May 10, 1997. Each car will receive a destination and will have to arrive to that destination with the lowest mileage possible to win. The top 3 student and top 3 adults will be awarded prizes. Proceeds go to Post Prom. Courtyard garden photo

Courtyard grows sprinklers

Sprinklers are now being installed in the main courtyard to irrigate the flower beds planned by students. Pictures of the courtyard will be used in displays by the Rainmaker company.

1998 get note from advisor

By Scott Shudy

Recently the Class of ’98 received a letter from Mrs. Micklo explaining that there might not be enough money for prom next year if the Juniors don’t do something. Make sure you read her note to understand where we stand as a class. If you would like to help out, contact Mrs. Micklo or Sue Shrake to sign up for the car wash.

NHS Visits Leigh School

By Sofia Frangiadakis

On March 27 National Honor Society and Mr. Mitchell visited Leigh school. They spent the day making Easter decorations with kindergarten and first grade kids. The teachers were pleased and excited. They loved it so much that they want NHS to come again next year.

On April 10, NHS members served as guides and secretaries during Parent Report Card night.

FBLA Members Excel at State

ByDina Politis

In March FBLA members attended the State Conference in Springfield, Illinois. The following members placed in their respective competitions.
Antonella Ciccone- First Place Job Description Manual
Mary Jo Chrabasz- Fifth Place Computer Concepts
Anna Kritikakos- Fifth Place Introduction to Impromptu Speaking
Dina Politis-Third Place FBLA Principles and Procedures and
First Place Battle of the Areas Team
Peter Stanczak - Tenth Place Desktop Publishing
Thomas Stranc - Tenth Place Desktop Publishing
Jay Shah - Third Place Mr. FBL
Chris Soszynski - Second Place Information Processing
Robert Stranc - Seventh Place Computer Applications
Joanna Szyndlar- Ninth Place Word Processing
Colleen Thesen- Fifth Place Machine Transcription
Irene Ziec- Third Place Ms. FBL
Chapter - Third Place Local Annual Chapter Business Report
Third Place Partnership with Business Project

FBLA members also recently elected some new officers. President Maggie Georgiou, Vice President of Activities Vicki Mraibie, Vice President of Financing Margie Kucmierz, Vice President of Membership Anna Kritikakos Corresponding Secretary Joanna Wieczorek, Recording Secretary Marie Weeks, Treasurer Joanna Szyndlar, Reporter Dina Politis, Historian Chris Soszynski,and Parliamentarian Shawn Aguilar.

Read Part Two

This issue was so large, it had to be split up into two pages to fit on the website. Read the second section after this page.

 
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