CHIEF April 2019

APR, 2019

The

PONTIAC TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

PTHS SPRING PLAY Read all about this year's spring play "You Can't Take It With You!"

UPPERCLASS ACTS

See who made this month's Upperclass Acts!

table of contents

03 Note from the Editor

04 Winter Dance

05 Disney Trip

06 Spring Play

07 Cop Shop

08 Upperclass Acts

11 Student Poetry

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The

CHIEF

www.pontiac90.org

Hey, everybody! Thanks for tuning in to this month’s edition of The Chief ! Spring has sprung, so now it’s time to get out of bed and go back to our studies. How did you spend your break? Well, if you are a member of the PTHS Music Department, you probably spent it soaking up the sun while performing at Walt Disney World. What a blast! If you weren’t away on vacation, you probably spent your time hard at work knocking out those remote learning assignments. I hope everybody had a great time over spring break; now it’s time to kick off our last quarter of the year. Hang in there, and I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of The Chief ! A NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR BY JOE GILMOR

PTHS Winter Dance By Lauren Smith

One of the highlights of the school year is always the Winter Dance! This year, the Yearbook Club worked diligently on planning the board game themed dance. The theme, “Love is Just a Game” was perfect for Valentine's Day and the decor definitely stood out. Decorations included giant UNO cards, a massive Operation board, and huge playing cards scattered around the walls of the gymnasium. The club members worked hard after school to set up for the dance, and it was a huge hit! Posters were handmade by students and streamers and balloons were hung up as well. Large blowup dice were also purchased and made an awesome decoration at the entrance. This year, Ms. Babb took song requests from members of the club and compiled a list of those songs so that the DJ knew just what to play! Set up went smoothly thanks to the amazing volunteers that helped, making the dance one to

Attention Pontiac FFA members! We have a few things coming up this month as well as next month as well. For this month, we have our monthly Chapter meeting on April 10. Please come out and join us for socialization, food and monthly updates on what is going on with our Chapter. We currently have our Farm & Agribusiness Management Career Development Event (CDE) going on. This CDE helps students to learn business skills and apply economic principles to agriculture businesses by competing with other chapters in our section. We also have our Ag Extravaganza coming up in the month of May. Remember to get out and participate and to keep true the FFA Motto: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” By Luke Morrissette

Music Department Disney Trip

After hours and hours of rehearsals, the Marching Band and Choir finally got to see their hard work pay off. On March 22, the Marching Indians performed “Robin Hood” down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. This consisted of several run-throughs of the song during the approximately twenty minute performance. For many it was their first time at the “happiest place on earth,” but for everyone involved it was a memory that no one will forget. The next day, the Disney choir performed at Disney Springs. They sung eight songs ranging from “God Bless America” to a song titled “Kalá kallá.” This concert lasted around ten minutes and was just as much an experience as marching down Main Street was. While students that went on the trip performed and went to two hour clinics, down time at the parks was also built into the days’ schedules. The Music Department went to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Universal, and Epcot while down in Florida over spring break. Even though it was a trip of a lifetime, both the Band and Choir will now start preparing for their own respective spring concerts that are just around the corner. By Alyssa Rodriguez

By Alyssa Rodriguez

Opening night for this year’s spring played titled “You Can’t Take It With You” was March 15th and the last showing was on the 17th. The play followed the story of Alice Sycamore as she falls for Tony Kirby, the son of a refined businessman. During the show the audience was introduced to many flamboyant characters such as Essie, Alice’s sister who longs to be a ballerina, and Penny Sycamore who is the mother of Alice that “writes” plays throughout the show. When watching, the people of the crowd were sucked into the chaotic family drama and at the end were set at peace when the two completely different families put aside their differences for Tony and Alice. The cast included only a handful of seniors who brought the characters to life, but on the flip side gave a chance to underclassmen to start learning from actors older than themselves. This play was not one to miss; the actors and crew will definitely remember “You Can’t Take It With You” for playing roles that helped them grow as thespians. On February 23rd, the Math Team went to the regional competition which was held in Peoria. The tests that the Math Team has taken in the competition is solo, two person team, an oral presentation, an eight-person team with no calculator and one with a calculator. The tests were all spaced out and gave small breaks in between each one. I have participated in the two eight-person team test and the solo one. This was my first time being in a math competition and I felt nervous and excited on the way there. Once we had arrived at the place the competition was taking place, I felt more nervous. While going to get a table in the common area, there were tons of other schools and I felt a tiny bit intimidated. The solo test was first, so we went our separate ways to our respected rooms by our grade level. When I entered my room I was assigned there were little people and I felt less nervous. Throughout the day I started to feel less nervous and comfortable. There were fun moments during our break when we went to grab our lunch with each other. Before we left the place to go back, we all got a picture together in the room where we holed up in. We didn’t stay for the award ceremony because the competition was on the same day as the Sweetheart Dance, but we found out that some tests the team entered got a good place. By the end of the day, my impression of the competition is that it is really fun and nice to do. I am definitely joining the Math Team next year to do it again! Math Team Competition By Alyssa Rodriguez

BY CARSON GREGORY Cop Shop By Officer Enderli

You most likely will not be surprised to read this article focusing on Scott’s Law and distracted driving. This comes after a week of two Illinois State Troopers losing their lives in the line of duty, both involved in motor vehicle crashes, making three Troopers since January 1, 2019. Also known as the “Move Over” Law, Scott’s law was named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen, of the Chicago Fire Department, after he was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash. In short, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, you are required to 1) Proceed with due caution, 2) Change lanes if safe and possible to do so, and 3) Reduce your speed. “Authorized Emergency Vehicle” is defined as “any vehicle authorized by law to be equipped with oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights, while the owner or operator of the vehicle is engaged in his or her official duties. You can read the full statute on the Illinois General Assembly website, and search 625 ILCS 5/11-907. Since the beginning of this year, two Illinois State Troopers have been killed as a result of Scott’s Law violations: Trooper Christopher Lambert and Trooper Brooke Jones-Story. Sixteen ISP Troopers have been involved in motor vehicle crashes in the last three months. Violations of Scott’s Law can be punishable up to fines of $10,000 with the potential for a Driver’s License Suspension, dependent upon circumstances. Remember, the decisions you make effect more than just you. Unfortunately, three Illinois State Trooper’s families have been affected by a decision one person made. Do not be surprised to see an increase in distracted driving enforcement this month, as the month of April has been deemed National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As a police officer, I can tell you there is never a shortage of people who drive while on their cell phones, even after the law was passed a few years ago. Of course, there is more to distracted driving than just using a cell phone. I have seen my fair share of disturbing distracted driving behaviors over the past years. Illinois Law states, “a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device.” There are some exceptions to this law, which include but not limited to a person reporting an emergency situation, a driver using a hands-free device (19 or older), or a driver parked on the shoulder of a roadway. Distracted driving, specifically cell phone usage, seems to be a rising primary cause of motor vehicle crashes. As a result of the on-going distracted driving issues, be prepared for a new law making a first offense of this section, 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2, a moving violation.

I hope you all enjoy the spring weather we are beginning to experience in Illinois, and remember to “Move Over and Slow Down” and “Hang up and Drive”.

Upperclass Acts

Magda Vincent

NICKNAMES: Mazzy, Mazz, Mazzie, Mayzzi, and the list continues

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: Mr. Woith’s Engineering class

FAVORITE AUTHOR/S BOOKS: Sojourn by R. A. Salvatore and The Reader by Traci Chee

ROLE MODEL(S): The McElroy Brothers are my role models and the kind of people I want to be like. They’re goofy and funny, but also do what they can to make what they do help people and give people, who may not usually have one, a voice.

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT(s): My freshman and sophomore Sweetheart dances

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: I am the current president (supreme ruler) of the LACC Tech Club

PET PEEVES: When people don’t listen to teachers and vice versa

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: The freshman year talent show. I performed a hula hooping routine to “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy and from that moment forward everyone knew that I’m a dork with niche talents. 3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Production Design for both theatrical and cinematic projects, Technical drawing, and running away with the circus PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: I am planning on attending ISU and majoring in production design. Maybe adopting another cat and starting a garden. FAVORITE MOVIE: Too many to name one so here’s my top 3: The Crow (1994), Howl’s Moving Castle (2005), and Tank Girl (1995)

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: All of my niche knowledge and talents. And that I sometimes carried a skull around with me. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? I would spend most of it commissioning artists to draw pictures and donating it to people’s GoFundMe’s. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? A hatchet, a survival guide, and a tarp LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Spite is a great motivator. Love yourself out of spite y’all, just don’t let spite ruin any relationship with other people trying to help you.”

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Get Up” by Mother Mother

Upperclass Acts

Nicolle Leon-Araujo

NICKNAMES: Nikki

ROLE MODEL(S): The role models in my life that I look up to everyday would be my parents; coming from Venezuela years ago was a tough journey, yet they could never regret it. A celebrity role model that inspires me is J. Cole; he is a very peaceful person that promote keeping away from bad habits, which I appreciate greatly.

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: James Dashner, a speculative fiction writer, would have to be considered my favorite author. He, also, wrote my favorite book, The Maze Runner . MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Being rewarded as captain of the cheerleading team for the 2018-2019 school year was an amazingly positive moment for me. It made me feel appreciated, and it enveloped me with a feeling that people believed in me. PET PEEVES: Two large pet peeves of mine are when people constantly move their leg up and down and they can’t sit still and when people cancel plans last minute. WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: My friends would definitely remember me as someone who can always crack a joke at any moment and as someone who is very truthful. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? Having $1,000,000 would be a dream, and spending it wouldn’t be tough; I’d start out with paying off any debts that I or my family would have. Then, responsibly, I would buy my dream life, including a nice house, cars, clothes, etc. The final expense to pay would be to go on vacation with my family. Lastly, the remaining money would be put away for future necessities. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? If this were ever the case, I would need my phone, my dog, and a notepad/pencil.

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: National Honors Society, Cheerleading, Key Club, and Art Club

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: My fondest memory of high school so far is making friends within the cheerleading team; I’ve gotten to know so many great people over the last four years.

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Cheerleading, Science, and Art

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: I plan to go to either Loyola University Chicago or University of Illinois in Chicago, majoring in biological sciences or biochemistry, respectively. I will be enrolled in the pre-med programs, as well.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Pretty in Pink

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Don’t Stop Me Now,” by Queen, is a song I can always listen to when I need to inspiration or motivation.

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: My favorite teacher is Mr. Vogt by far; he makes his students feel welcomed to his classroom. Anatomy has definitely been my favorite class; that class was a catalyst, which amplified my love for the human anatomy.

Music Review

Billie Eilish Music Review: By: Rebecca True

At seventeen, most of us were cramming for SATs and working our first jobs. We were thinking about where we’d go to college, scared out of our minds at the prospect of moving out. For Billie Eilish, she became a megastar by seventeen with her entire debut album topping the charts. You’ve likely heard plenty of her songs. She is renowned for her spooky music videos, strange and baggy clothes, and contrastingly beautiful voice. The top song on Spotify is one of her album’s songs titled “bad guy.” Her songs are typically melancholy, which has been slightly controversial with some accusing her of promoting depression. Regardless, Billie is doing incredible things for someone of high school age. Her music has without a doubt propelled her into a successful career.

Student Poetry

What is Spring? By Madison McDormand Spring is coming rather, it is already here. March 20th marks the start of spring this year. Lovely flowers and sunny skies It is now time for winter’s goodbyes. Children play, children sing, Yay, oh yay, what a wonder is spring! Soft and sweet is the breeze, Happy and buzzing are the bees. Thankful are we a happy bunch, We who enjoy a simple picnic lunch. A blanket smooth and yet so soft. The smell of food is prominent with a waft. Children romp and families run Under the warm and generous sun.

home sweet home By Sunshine Holt

we are captivated by the ghosts of this town who lie in the cemetery

across the street this is depression that sits upon our land as if our tears weren’t enough to fill the river that splits the town in half. run, run we have to get out before this place consumes us

We all gather in good company, What a joyous bunch are we!

Grateful are we who enjoy the warm light And, the kind moon during the night. As the snow melts we lose some fun, Yet we find a growing happiness at the setting sun. Sure it is true winter has gone to hide But, we will all finally be outside.

Lovers of heat and indulgers in light Can later and later say goodnight.

like the ones who couldn’t who didn’t get out.

Smiling are we who see, All the beauty as the ice melts into sea. Fish and marine life actively flow As we swim to and fro. Look, a frog who hops on past, Of mingling animals he won’t be last. Splish and splash in nature's joyous bath. We’ll walk upon the shore, a calming path. So spring is not like fall, The leaves on the trees stand prominent and tall. Again the world will being to grow, Our love for earth is obvious in our glow. Graceful creatures let us welcome spring, Let our joy outwardly ring!

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

Caitlyn Cotter Carson Gregory Clay Miller Luke Morrissette Madison McDormand Alyssa Rodriguez Crysta Saucedo

Lauren Smith Gabriel Travis Becca True Jasmine White

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

Enjoy creative writing? If you ever would ever like to see your creative pieces in The Chief , contact Mr. Soares or Mr. Blair!