The CHIEF October 2021

CHIEF PONTIAC TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL The

OCT, 2021

UPPERCLASS ACTS

HOMECOMING 2021

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

Read about all of this year's Homecoming festivities and celebrations!

Homecoming 2021 By: Lydia Grampp

After a year off, it can be tricky for freshmen and sophomores to gain full understanding of what Homecoming week is really like. In powder puff, the senior girls took a swift victory over the junior girls, but the success was not so sweet for the senior boys as they accepted a loss from the sophomore boys during buff puff. Some of the spirit themes included twin day and even movie day! The football team put up a great fight against Monticello, and the whole school was filled with a lot of spirit. The dance took place outside in a big tent, and Grace Mund and Devin Wunsch were crowned King and Queen. All around, Homecoming week will be a week not soon forgotten!

Random Facts W I T H B I G MAC By: Emma O'Lone

A new section here in The Chief is all about Mr. McElwee’s random fun facts or opinions on anything. One fact he recently learned and shared is that nearly everyone of European descent alive today is in some way related to Charlemagne the French king. Charlemagne had so many children who also had children, so down the line you can be related to someone from the 10th century. In Mr. Mac’s words, “How’s that for cool?” A second fact he shared involves Star Trek: The Next Generation. Reporters asked why Patrick Stewart (who was cast as the captain of the Enterprise) was still bald if he was supposed to be from the 24th century. The creator of the show, Gene Roddenberry, did not decide to use technology to fix this because he felt that “by the 24th century, no one will care.” Thank you to Mr. Mac for your enlightenment and random facts.

Key Club Exclusives By: Brieaunna Duck

Activities Update

Student Council Were you aware that Key Club is based upon a club for adults? The group, the Kiwanis, is like Key Club's more experienced older sibling. Now since these two clubs are connected, once a month two Key Club members get to travel to a Kiwanis meeting. Recently, I and another classmate were fortunate enough to make it to a Kiwanis meeting that was captivating and worth our time. It was hosted at Family Kitchen in Pontiac and occupied its own room in the back with about 30 people. It started with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, and then we were served a choice of soup/salad or a BLT with French fries. The lunch concluded with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. It was quite fascinating once the talk of the groups’ mission started. The mission was the Evenglow expansion into single apartments. These apartments would be built from scratch and the pre- existing building on the land would be torn down. The speaker went into detail and even handed out pictures of what the lobby and kitchen of the future building would look like. After it was done, we chatted with the members and thanked the speaker for her engrossing speech. The Student Council held a very successful Homecoming, themed Hollywood “Red Carpet.” This was a great event from the Student Council, as it was the first big event that helped return us back to normal this school year after two and counting years in a global pandemic. More events are coming up very soon, one of which is the Season of Giving that involves donations each week. In the coming weeks, Student Council will advertise the different categories of what you can donate. Other events include Teacher Appreciation Week and a post prom. So be on the lookout for the upcoming events from Student Council! By: Jasmine White

Fall Choral Concert

Music Department

By: Conrad Skrzpiec Madrigals 2021 Hey all! Welcome back! Class is back in session, and that means practices are back in full swing! The Music Department is certainly keeping busy, especially our very own PTHS Madrigals! These talented performers are practicing three days a week, every week, preparing for the upcoming performances. The fall concert will serve as a short preview for their main event: the Madrigal Dinners! Dinner and a show, live music, jokes, what more could you ask for? We’re excited to announce that the dinners will be returning, and we have some exciting news; the madrigals are changing venues! Rather than performing at the Elks Lodge as we have done for so many years, we are moving to the Eagle Theater in downtown Pontiac. The theater and other local businesses have been so kind as to provide us their spaces, and we’re so lucky to have such a thoughtful community! Come on down and support these fine folks at the fall concert here at PTHS on October 17th, and join us for the Madrigal Dinners at the Eagle Theater December 3rd and 4th, and with a matinee performance on the 5th! The Pontiac Township High School Choral Program proudly presented its Fall Choral Concert on Sunday October, 17th at 3:00pm in the Pontiac Township High School Auditorium. The event marked their first return to the stage since the Spring of 2019! Guests enjoyed energetic selections from the Concert Choir, two women’s ensembles Bel Canto and Cantabile, Men’s Choir and the Madrigal Singers. Music selections represented many different time periods and styles, along with a few surprises for a tremendous afternoon. The event was free to attend, but patrons could also purchase tickets for the 55th Annual Madrigal Dinners.

Faces in the Crowd By: Hannah Ricketts

Sports Update By: Jack Demopoulos This past month, the FLC teachers recognized four students for their outstanding performance in the semester thus far, and their ability to adapt to new surroundings and situations so quickly. It can be difficult for many freshmen to adjust to high school by the time classes really pick up pace. However, these students managed to exceed expectations, proving how dedicated they are to their education. In English class this month, Addisyn McKinney was recognized for her work ethic and outstanding performance during class. She asks lots of questions and engages considerably during class. Secondly, in Global Studies this month, Conrad Pfaff was recognized for his exceptional understanding of historical thinking skills and positive attitude during class. Next, from Math class this month, Emma Gragert was recognized for her eagerness to support others and natural willingness to help out. She stated that she “feels very honored” to have this opportunity. Finally, from Science class this month, Keyan Durham was recognized for his optimistic attitude and positive outlook in class. In their own way, all of these students managed to stand out from the crowd and prove themselves to the FLC teachers. They showed that they are willing to put the effort into their education, and we should all use them as an example of great ways to get involved in the FLC community and stand out in the crowd. On Friday September 24, we had the pep rally for the Pontiac Indians where fans could cheer on the team before the big game. The Indians played their Homecoming game against the Monticello Sages, which they unfortunately lost 12-42. Fall sports! Time to talk about some fall sports that are coming soon. There was a Girls swimming and diving meet that took place September 30th against LaSalle/Peru and Olympia. The Girls varsity volleyball team played at home against Reed-Custer High School. Boys varsity cross country team ran in the Peoria invite. The Girls varsity golf team played against Prairie Central and Central Catholic. The Boys varsity golf team played against El Paso. In early October, Peyton Cheek, Hunter Trainor, and Dani Grace Schrock made the IHSA State Tournament. Finally, the Boys varsity cross country team ran in the Peoria invite. Congratulations!

Upperclass Acts

Olivia Schickel

NAME: Olivia Schickel

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

NICKNAMES: “O”

ROLE MODEL(S): Frida Kahlo and Leslie Knope

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Singing in the 2020 All-State honor Choir.

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Band, Choir, Madrigals, Key Club, National Honor Society, The Chief, Scholastic Bowl, Art Club, Tri-M FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Making an Epic Hero video project in Rhet III with my friends.

PET PEEVES: Throwing disposable masks on the ground after leaving an establishment.

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: My tendency to fall and hurt myself in public. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? Buy a set of homes in one area so my friends and I could be neighbors. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? My phone to call for help, chocolate chip muffins, and a boat.

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Art history, contemporary fantasy literature, and fun socks.

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Attend college at ISU in a humanities field.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Princess Bride

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “It is better to achieve excellence than to be the best.”

FAVORITE CLASS: English

Upperclass Acts

Samuel Fogarty

NAME: Samuel Fogarty

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: J. R. R. Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy/ The Hobbit

NICKNAMES: Sam

ROLE MODEL(S): My parents and Coach Lucas

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Being able to break all three of Pontiac’s swimming relay records with my friends on the swim team.

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Cross-Country, Swim Team, Track and Field, Scholastic Bowl, National Honors Society, Choir, Madrigals and Jazz Choir, Barbershop Quartet, Tri-M FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Getting to go on the Florida trip my freshman year for Choir with all my friends.

PET PEEVES: Clapping during movies and not using turn signals

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: Hopefully that I am friendly and fun. I try to be nice and a good friend to as many people as I can. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? I would probably invest it and save it to try and make more off of it. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? I would take food, water, and video games so I wouldn’t get bored. LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Make sure to be involved in school and school activities because you only go through high school once, and you never know when things can be taken from you in today’s world. After all, am a senior and I have only had one “normal” year of high school.”

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Swimming, running, video games

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Attend a four-year university to major in biology.

FAVORITE MOVIES: The Greatest Showman or I am Legend

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At The Disco

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: Choir with Mr. Durbin has been my favorite class all throughout high school

Film Review

By Vanessa Kapper

Movie Review: All the Bright Places

Just in time for Suicide Awareness Month, I have just recently finished rewatching All the Bright Places for possibly the millionth time. All the Bright Places, a teenage love story starring Elle Fanning, is a Netflix film showcasing suicide prevention and mental illness awareness. Its elegantly composed music combined with the heartbreaking storyline makes a perfect tear- jerker. All the Bright Places is about Violet Markey, recovering from her sister’s death, and Theodore Finch, a guy stereotyped as a “freak” at school with a gut-wrenching past who both go on an adventure around the beauties of Indiana for a school project. During this time, they learn more about each other and begin to form a teenage romance. What I love about this movie is how dominantly the music plays a role, showing just how important music can contribute to a storyline. By watching this movie, it will give you a sense of individuality and a new perspective on this complex world we live in.

Literature Review

By Paige Olson

Literature Review: Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai

Following the events of World War II, Japan found itself in a desperate attempt to shield the sins of its past, its people becoming "victims of a transitional period of morality." In witnessing this descent of the Rising Sun first hand, Osamu Dazai wrote The Setting Sun . This novel follows Kazuko, a child of an aristocratic family turned country laborer, and her mother. Dazai does a brilliant job of depicting how hopeful Kazuko was in changing her family's view on their new life, though she knew they lacked the spiritual strength to fight through Japan's postwar economic crisis. The never ending stream of consciousness given to Kazuko allows the reader to clearly recognize the many painful experiences she and her family had to go through and reflect on. Dazai's diary-like storytelling establishes a sense of trust between Kazuko and the reader, forcing them to apply the story to their own lives. While reading through this novel, I often questioned my own honesty in accepting changes, and if lying to myself makes them any easier. All of Dazai's novels have become a staple of my home library, The Setting Sun being no different. It's ability to present the intricacies and contradictions of the human psyche make it a must read for anyone wanting to reflect on their own lives, and, like Kazuko, wanting to be the beginning of a moral revolution.

The Chief Staff

PTHS Students Write “Thirty-by- Thirty” Task Force Act

Ava Nollen: Editor-in-Chief

By Olivia Schickel

Aubreigh Carmack Mason Christianson Jack Demopoulos Brieaunna Duck Lydia Grampp Vanessa Kapper Sam Kelly Zoe Noles Emma O'Lone Paige Olson Olivia Schickel Conrad Skryzpiec Jasmine White

In late August of this year, the governor signed into law HB3928, marking one of the quietest yet biggest achievements for PTHS. Written by Pontiac Alumni Emilie Collins and Keagan Hall during the 2020-2021 school year, the bill creates the Thirty-by-Thirty Task Force Act, where environmentalists and legislators will collaborate alongside students to conserve Illinois’s natural beauty. This year, PTHS seniors Ava Nollen, Emma O’Lone, and Olivia Schickel have taken over their peers' successes and have the responsibility of providing the momentum for the task force, continuing their predecessors’ mission. The task force’s goal is aligned with the UN’s and other institutions' intentions to conserve 30% of the world’s land and water by 2030. The alarming global trend of losing nature is harrowing and despairing for our youth, but these students have made the choice to take ownership of their generation’s future, and serve their community in their own way.

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 Dr. Soares or Mr. Blair!