The CHIEF October 2019

OCT, 2019

The

PONTIAC TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

UPPERCLASS ACTS

NEW TEACHER INTERVIEW Meet one of the newest additions to our PTHS faculty: Mr. Campbell

Check out which PTHS seniors are this month's Upperclass Acts!

table of contents

03 Letter from the Editors

04 New Teacher Interview

05 Band Update

07 Rivalry Game

08 Extracurricular Updates

09 Upperclass Acts

11 Movie Review

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The

CHIEF

www.pontiac90.org

Over the years, PTHS has fostered a unique sense of community within its walls, and continues to provide opportunities both in and outside of the classroom not common in other schools of our size. While we have not yet reached perfection, I invite all of our readers to step back and take a look at the progress that together we have made in both our school and our communities. Thank you, and please enjoy this month ’ s edition of The Chief !

A NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR

By Joe G i l mo r

Hello, everybody, and thanks for tuning in to this month ’ s edition of The Chief ! I hope everyone ’ s year has been off to a great start as our Homecoming festivities come to a close, culminating in the Homecoming Dance. Homecoming Spirit Week has been accompanied by a resurgence of school spirit throughout PTHS, and I ’ d now like to take a moment to remind everyone that we all have a lot to be proud of as Pontiac Indians.

- Joe Gilmor Co-Editor-in-Chief

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New Staff Interview: Mr. Campbell Interview By: Joe Gilmor

This year, we at PTHS have welcomed several new members to our school faculty and staff. One such addition is Mr. Joseph Campbell, whom I recently had the chance to interview for this month’s edition. Mr.Campbell was born and raised in Kerry, Illinois, a northwestern suburb of Chicago, where he attended Prairie Ridge High School. He was highly involved throughout his school and participated in both football and track and field throughout his high school career. After graduating from Prairie Ridge, Mr.Campbell decided to further his education in community college, though he quickly switched gears after finding the endeavor unsatisfying. Mr. Campbell served a four year stint in the Armed Forces, a time which he claims has touched many aspects of his life, especially his teaching methods and sense of comradery. After leaving the military, Mr. Campbell pursued a degree in Social Studies History Education at Illinois State University. While working on his degree, Mr. Campbell had the opportunity to student teach at PTHS and was immediately drawn to the unique sense of community felt throughout the school. Mr. Campbell says that he greatly admires the small-town feel of Pontiac, and believes that the size of PTHS allows students and teachers to develop close bonds not often present in larger schools.

So far, Mr. Campbell has thoroughly enjoyed his time here and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him in the halls of PTHS.

Band Update: Washington Competition

By Alyssa Rodriguez

On the dreary and rain-filled day of September 21st, many great bands from around Illinois joined in on the annual Indian Showdown hosted by Pontiac. About eleven bands showed up to perform their marching show for the 2019 marching season. While not all of the bands got to perform due to the weather that day, many were troopers and pushed through the rain to show their band off and the hard work they have put into their own shows. The winner of class A (the smallest of the three classes) was Hersher.In class AA, U-High took the trophy for first in their class. The winner of AAA was East Peoria. All bands performed very well brought their all. Our own Marching Indians did not get to perform their show entitled “What Dreams May Come” this year. Nevertheless, the students had the chance to observe other bands and meet other band members from around the area. Since the Indian Showdown is done, the band now focuses on polishing all four of the movements in their show in hopes to do well in upcoming competitions. The first competition for the Marching Indians took place on September 7th at Washington. The band started its day early with rehearsal to clean up a few of the spots in the two movements they performed that afternoon. The Marching Indians ended up taking fourth place in their class and ended up thirteenth out of twenty-five bands. While there is much more work to be put into the remaining movements, it is a good start for the Indians in the competition season. The first competition allows for the band to receive feedback that they can then build off of and improve from for future performances. The band now see how they rank next to other schools from around the state and now have a clear focus on what needs to be worked on. Competitions to come include the Normal Marching Band Invitational on October 12th and their final competition at the University of Illinois on October 26th. Indian Showdown By Alyssa Rodriguez

By Alyssa Rodriguez

Choir Update

As fall officially begins, the choirs of PTHS really start to focus on the upcoming Fall Choral Concert. The first choral performance will be on October 20th and will be held in the high school auditorium. The concert will showcase all of the class choirs which includes Cantabile, Bel Canto, Men’s Choir, and Concert Choir. Along with the main choir, other smaller groups will be heard from as well. Some of the songs that will be performed include “Stand By Me,” “Be Like the Bird,” “All Of Us Be Free,” “Modimo,” and many other great pieces. The students continue to work on all of the music that is soon to be showcased in the following month. In fact, the first debut of some of the PTHS choir students was the singing of the national anthem on the 20th of September during the varsity football game against Prairie Central.

Rivalry Game By: Callie Dalton

A year at PTHS just wouldn’t be complete without the famous-perhaps now infamous- rivalry game against Prairie Central High School. No one can help but crack a smile watching our home team score a rousting touchdown against the rival Hawks. However, to cut to the chase, the 2019 rivalry game was a loss for Pontiac; but to only describe the game as a loss would be selling the spirit of the night quite short. As one might know, not all stories end happily ever after, but be that as it may, is it not the building of character and self realization along the way that makes up a decent tale? It is said that Shakespeare's tragedies provide the most insight.   To begin, the night kicked off with the traditional color song, awakening the inner warrior within our fans, young and old alike.  Adorned in camouflage, the Pontiac student section was an army not to be trifled with, rearing out-stretched palms and roaring battle cry. Pontiac fans stood together proclaiming confidence and unity like no other. However, despite the bombastic encouragement, the Indians fell behind in the first and second quarters. Murmurings of post-game plans began spreading as a plateau of excitement seemed to fall over the crowd.  The ever-present fear of defeat started looking more and more like a reality. Nonetheless, hopelessness in this case seemed to result in audacious positivity and a surge of sportsmanship. The loss became inevitable and the streak of wins in years past was lost, but something far more important was gained that night. A stunningly optimistic attitude was displayed, despite the crushing defeat. It is no accomplishment for a winner to maintain favorability, but it is the attitude of a loser that reveals true character. Yes, the 2019 rivalry game was a loss, and yet, Pontiac still reigns victorious in character and mentality.

By Carson Gregory

Cross Country

The beginning of the school year has come and gone and there have been many student organization opportunities for students to explore. One notable example is Key Club, a worldwide organization with 38 participating countries. Key Club is a student led organization geared towards bettering our local communities and doing nonprofit work. The faculty sponsor of the PTHS branch of the club is Mr. Jack Bristow. I recently got a chance to speak with Ali Barton, Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Lieutenant Governor, and Alec Kridner, Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Secretary. “The best part of Key Club is meeting new friends and making a difference,” Ali said. Her goals this year are to increase members and charter a new club in our district. Alec gives his advice for those considering joining: “Nothing is lost by serving others, service is a benefit to both parties involved.” His goals are to aspire to make service addicting and rewarding for all of those who partake in Key Club. There are many different clubs and opportunities throughout PTHS, but arguably one of the most fulfilling and rewarding ones is Key Club. Coach Mike Lucas is pushing the Tribe past limits the team didn’t even know they had. Long runs and fast workouts are increasing the stamina, strength, and speed of every athlete. The girls’ side is small, only having three runners. However, each runner, Natalie Cassity, Hailyn Dively, and Ashlyn Bernard, are improving with every practice and have hopes of advancing from regionals as individuals to compete at sectionals. Each runner has their own goals, but on the boys’ varsity side, a state reappearance, and improvement, is on everyone’s minds. Seniors Carson Gregory, Leighton Gerdes, Noah Parra, Tucker Riordan, and Kevin Sennot know this season is their last, and are leading the team through tough runs. The training is different and more difficult, but all eyes are undeniably set on the dewey grass of Detweiler Park, Peoria, in early November. Key Club By Ava Nollen School bells not only signal the start to the school year, but to the Cross Country season as well. The Indians won their first meet on August 28 by a total of one point, led by Ethan Schickel, Sam Fogarty, Leighton Gerdes, Carson Gregory, Tucker Riordan, Weiland Torkelson, and Paul Giordono. The season opener was a good sign, but the team knows improvements must be had in order to repeat their state appearance from last year.

Upperclass Acts

Corinne Martin

NICKNAMES: Cori

ROLE MODEL(S): My mom, Ms. Baumgardner

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Cheerleading, Madrigals, Color Guard, Peers in Action, Unified Soccer, Student Council, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, Key Club, National Honor Society, Thespians, and Tri-M. FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Performing in the cheerleading routine at the homecoming pep rallies.

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Speaking at the pep rally when our school received the Unified Champion School National Banner Award from Special Olympics. PET PEEVES: When people randomly come up and touch my hair and when people act like they don’t care or are “too cool.” WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: That I am involved in a lot of things, I love Disney, singing, and dancing, and that I am a dependable friend. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? I would spend it paying for college and then invest the rest, so I can take my family on vacation in the future and create long-lasting memories. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? A water purifier, a multipurpose tool, and Shawn Mendes

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Dancing, traveling, and helping others.

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: I would like to go to college and study Human Development and Family Studies and eventually earn a degree in Occupational Therapy.

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Greatest Showman

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: My favorite class is Mr. Durbin’s Concert choir

LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Upperclass Acts

Carson Gregory

NAME: Carson Gregory

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: Mr. Nollen, Anatomy or AP Bio

ROLE MODEL(S): My mom, dad, and brothers. They each me different aspects of what it takes to be a good person.

FAVORITE BOOK/AUTHOR: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Peers in Action, Track, Unified Basketball, Cross Country, The Chief

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Finding out I got the grant to start Unified Basketball

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Winning the Unified State Championship or going to state in Cross Country.

PET PEEVES: Loud chewing

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: Hopefully that I was just a great overall person. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000?: Donate ½ to St. Jude, pay off as much of my family’s student debts as possible. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? Satellite phone, food, water.

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Biology, Anatomy, and AP Bio.

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Attend Miami University, pre-med, and continue on to become a pediatric oncologist or sports physician.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Step Brothers

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Not Afraid” by Eminem

LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “It always gets better. ALWAYS!”

Film Review

Men in Black: International Review by: Jasmine White

The movie, Men In Black International , is a fantastic movie to watch with family, friends, and other fans of the Men In Black series. While Men In Black: International does not have the two favorite characters, Jay and Kay, of the past Men In Black movies, this addition to the series is still a great watch. Men In Black: International has some great computer graphics including a “star gun” transformation. The details and the computer graphics put into the weapon, especially the star part, are fantastic. The movie also has great action scenes including when Molly and H are fighting Riza and her bodyguard. The two are fighting each other separately at the same time creating a great transitions and flow. To wrap this up, Men In Black International is an amazing movie to watch and I rate it a 5 out of 5.

The Chief Staff

the hopeless romantic you. happiness. the joy you make me feel is out of this world the energy you give me is unmatched you. free-spirit. the freedom you make me feel is unbearable i want to be with you every second every hour always you. happiness. By: Sunshine Holt

Sunny Holt: Co Editor-in-Chief Joe Gilmor: Co Editor-in-Chief

Luke Morrissette Marley Noles Ava Nollen Alyssa Rodriguez

Lauren Smith Jasmine White

Mr. Blair, Faculty Sponsor Dr. Soares, Faculty Sponsor

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