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The Arrow Thornwood High School

December 2017 Voulme 46 Issue 2

By Ryan Howardand Lauren McLaurin

Listen to victory bells ring as Thornwood’s marching band wins big, earning the Grand Championship trophy, along with three other awards at the Rich Central Band Festival. Band director Dwayne Sand-ers led these hard-working musi-cians to a well-earned victory, and he feels great to accomplish this feat. “I feel good,” Sanders said. “It shows that students can work hard and be rewarded for their hard work.” Sanders believes the band won the four awards of best winds, percussion, drumline, and the Grand Champion trophy be-cause they are signs for growth. “I think we won our awards be-cause it lets us know that there is room to grow in other categories,” Sanders said. Being the one that instructed this band, Sanders feels appreciative. “I feel ecstatic and humbled,” Sanders said. “We were the best of the day.” The band earned AA best winds. “I think our wind play-ers did a good job,” Sanders said. Sanders believes that the band’s

percussion players worked thoroughly. “I feel that they have been working diligently, and the hard work payed off,” Sanders said. Also, Thornwood’s march-ing band won 1st place in drumline, and Sanders deems their commit-ment played a role into their success. “I believe our student’s creativity and dedication gave us the edge that day,” Sanders said. The band had tough com-petition since they were competing against a few other different schools. “There were four other high schools in our category,” Sanders said. Thornwood scored big in this competition, having the best scores in most of the categories. “Our score was the highest except for drum ma-jor and auxiliary,” Sanders said. Sanders wasn’t the only one who had something to say about their victory. Several of the band players all had their own opinions as to how they won their Grand Champion trophy. Junior Paul Johnson plays a trombone in the winds section. He was eager to learn that they were the best in the competition. “I was very excited to find

out we were best because I didn’t know how good the band actual-ly sounded from an audience per-spective,” Johnson said. “So, I was glad to score high in the category.” Johnson had a deep dedication to the band as they prepared for the com-petition, practicing on a regular basis. “I attended class and after school rehearsal every day and prac-ticed over the weekends because that’s the right way to prepare for an im-portant performance,” Johnson said. Senior Breauna Hunt fillsmany roles in the band, being a drum major, student conductor, and a mem-ber of the winds section. She, like her colleagues, is thrilled to have won the Grand Champion trophy. “I feel that we got what we worked for,” Hunt said. “I feel ecstat-ic about winning the Grand Champion trophy because we got to prove that last year’s Grand Champion award we got was not a one-time thing.” Hunt thinks that the tro-phy has representation to their band, one of which showing how much work they have put in. “The GCT represents that we work hard and that we are the best of the best,” Hunt said.

Senior Elijah Hunt plays in the percussion and drumline sections. On top of that, he is a section leader. “I was very excited,” Hunt said. “It was the best way to end the marching season.” To prepare for this competition, the band prac-ticed nonstop as a daily routine. “A lot of practice. We had practice every day, every week,” Hunt said.“A lot of hours went into our show.” Senior Faith Ware played in the winds section, using a trombone. She did her part to winning the Grand Champion trophy. Ware believes that winning the trophy was crucial. “I feel it was well deserved af-ter countless hours of practice during and after school,” Ware said. “Los-ing was not an option because it was imperative that we took home the ti-tle for the second year in the row.” Ware feels that the band prepared themselves with several hours of practice. “Numerous hours of prac-tice throughout the week,” Ware said. “Also, our other march-ing band events prepped us.”

Band Grand ChampionsBand wins 4 awards

SYDNEY DOMINGUEZ PHOTOBand wins AA best winds at Rich Central Band Festival.

SYDNEY DOMINGUEZ PHOTOThornwood’s band prepares for an upcoming winter concert.

VIEWPOINTS2

Photo oPinions

What are you thank-

ful for?

Why?

Thornwood High School17101 South Park AvenueSouth Holland, IL 60473

Editors-in-Chief

Sydney DominguezMichael Granado

Ryan Howard

Staff

Daniela AguilarBria Anekwe

Nickina BevineauCorey BibbsAshley Birts

Demetrius BurnsJordyn Crosby

Anna EdmondsAraceli Gutierrez

Kailee NelsonLauren McLaurinRichelle PerkinsLashonda Saffold

Alejandra VasquezFaith Ware

Briana WilliamsJessica Zavala

PrincipalDennis Willis

AdvisorMrs. Marlene Matthias

The Arrow is produced by Thornwood stu-dents. Opinions expressed do not necessarily repre-sent those of the administration, faculty, or advisor.

Romeo RodgersJunior

Gina CollierEnglish Teacher

Victoria TraylorJunior

Erica PetersSophomore

“My family and ESS. They always make sure I’m

good.”

“Kids who love Animé....because they are beautiful people, and they make me

smile wide!”

“My family and friends. That’s what I’m thankful

for.”

“My family because they are the reasons why I’m

alive today.”

EditorialUse your talents

to spread holiday cheer

We have seen those videos online where someone does something special for someone during the holiday season. Sometimes, they share that kindness to people who they have not seen a day in their entire lives. They give to the less fortunate and bring happiness to their faces, and you can too. Everyone has some-thing creatively special about him, whether he is a singer or good with lights, his special talent can be shared for the better this holi-day season. Here are a few examples how you can share your talents with your community, so people can enjoy the holidays even better. Singing can be shared with anyone, your neighbors, your friends, your family, or some-one you’ve never met before. It is a tradition for some to go out caroling at the doorsteps of neighbors’ homes. For both, it can be a fun and enjoyable activity to take part in. The best part about it, you can have friends carol alongside with you. As they say, the more the merrier. Singing is not the only talent out there. Many people have the ability to cook fantastic meals that they usually make for themselves or their family. But you can cook for the less fortunate, the homeless, and to anyone else that you can share your tasty meals with. A meal does not have to be something elaborate

or anything fancy; anyone will appreci-ate something appetizing and delicious. For those of you that are good with wires and plugs, this next idea is just for you. The holiday season just isn’t the same without claiming bragging rights with the best decorations in the neigh-borhood. Perhaps someone is too old, or they are afraid of heights and just simply cannot decorate their house on a large scale. Here is where you can step in and lend a helping hand. Set up their deco-rations and lights and bring their house to life. Everyone likes to watch a spectac-ular lights show, so not only would you have the thanks of the house owner but possibly the entire neighborhood as well. The holiday season has always been about giving and being thankful. This is your chance to give that a whole new meaning and take it to the next lev-el. Talents are meant to be shared for the world to see, and talent is how ev-eryone becomes who they were meant to be. So take the first steps with your talent and give out to your commu-nity, not to just the people you love but the people you can love as well.

PHOTOS 3

DREAMGIRLS

FEATURES4Radio

commercials broadcastduring passing periods

By Ryan Howard and Lauren McLaurin

Have you heard something dif-ferent from the regular musical tunes during passing period? If so, you’re probably hearing the new radio com-mercials started by no other than Crys-tal Meier-Balousek’s 11th period media production and A/V club students. Meier-Balousek start-ed the radio commercials to promote school activities. “I wanted to promote more school spirit, school activity awareness, and stu-dent involvement,” Meier-Balousek said. Meier-Balousek said the radio commercials could serve as a substi-tute for the morning announcements. “They are another medium for stu-dents to hear what is happening at Thorn-wood in case they miss the morning announcements,” Meier-Balousek said. To get ideas for the radio com-mercials, they receive help from their sponsors as well as in the classroom. “We take suggestions from the teachers, sponsors, and coach-es, and we come up with some as a class,” Meier-Balousek said. The topics of the radio com-mercial are wide spread, rang-ing from all kinds of activities.“We advertised the musical, the blood drive, CCP points, gym jams, LOP, MTSS lab, school spir-

it, band week, Homecoming, and joining clubs,” Meier-Balousek said. Though the topics vary, they can adjust when it is no lon-ger needed to be discussed. “The topics change when they are no longer relevant. For example, the Homecoming ad was no longer played after Homecoming. Some ads will always play,” Meier-Balousek said.

Meier-Balousek said that the radio commercial has been broad-casting since September and on aver-age plays for 30 seconds to 1 minute. “They are mixed in with the music; however, I have been playing only ads on Tuesdays to make sure they are heard,” Meier-Balousek said. A schedule is planned for the commercials, so ev-eryone can hear the messages. “They are mixed in with the hall-way music, so they can be heard before the 1st period, 2nd period, 3rd peri-od, 4th period, 11th period, and after

11th period,” Meier-Balousek said. Miles Somerville was one of many who worked on these com-mercials and liked the experience. “I enjoy the challenge as-pect of the commercials,” Somer-ville said. “It challenges me to push my creativity to the next level.” Jamilah Brown was also stoked by certain aspects of working on the commercials. “I enjoy using my voice for the commercials; I get to use my voice in different ways, sounding more happy,” Brown said. “It’s like voicing a character.” Lendon Smith is also delight-ed by the different use of voices. “What I enjoy about the radio com-mercials is the process of it, changing my voice for the commercials,” Smith said. Many of the students involved, including Elizah Amow, believe the commercials are beneficial to students. “They inform students on things happening in Thorn-wood and can remind people who already know,” Amow said. Lalique VanDyke received valuable information when cre-ating the radio commercials. “I learned that according to the ad’s subject your energy has to be on the same level,” VanDyke said. “I learned it because if it wasn’t, it had to be redone.”

FAITH WARE PHOTO

Media production and A/V club members use chromebooks to make the radio commericials broadcasted in the hallways.

MIKE GRANADO PHOTO

Inside the recording studio,Jordan Zaire works on broad-casts heard throughout the halls during pasing periods.

“I enjoy the challenge as-pect of the commercials. It challenges me to push my creativity to the next level.” Miles Somerville

FEATURES 5

By Bria Anekweand Kailee Nelson Have you ever wanted to be a mod-el? Wondered what the life of a model is like? Well, 17 year-old Aja Collins knew at the age of 13 she wanted to be a model. “After watching many episodes of Amer-ica’s Next Top Model and winning a ‘Best Pre-teen’ competition against other cities, I realized I wanted to take modeling serious,” Collins said. In order to attain her first model-ing appearance, Collins had to undergo a se-ries of classes to make modeling her dream. “Togetmyfirstmodelinggig,Ifirsthadtotake a modeling class and pass the class in order togetintothefieldofmodeling,”Collinssaid.“Inordertogetbookedforashow,Ihadtofirstgotoa casting call and audition, and that’s what I did.” To Collins, the first mod-eling gig was a lot of pressure. “When you’re walking on the run-way, you have to worry about looking good for the cameras and making sure you don’t fall in your heels,” Collins said. However, Collins realized an essen-tial lesson from her firstmodeling experience. “I learned that you just have to have fun,” Collins said. “Instead of being so worried about failing, you should make the best of it.” Modeling makes Collins feel happy. “When I’m walking on the runway, it’s my time to shine, and I take advantage of it,” Collins said. Of course with being a model comes some struggle. Angry runway coaches and bad days play a part in these drudger-ies. Yet, through all the exertions of model-ing, Collins’ family supported her the most. “They supported me by taking me to any rehearsals I have and buying me extra things I might need for a fashion show,” Collins said. Collins had to ad-just to some new beauty standards. “I’ve been told to stay in shape, meaning I can’t eat certain things I would like to,” Collins said. “I adjust to this by eating healthy and working out.” Collins also believes that modeling has changed her in some of the best ways. “It forced me to become mature at such a young age, and because of this, I’ve learned to balance my schedule,” Collins said. “Modeling forces me to keep a clean image and helps me stay out of trouble.” With plenty of models in the in-dustry, Collins admires Naomi Campbell. “She has a very unique walk,

and when she models, she takes breaths away.” Collins said. “She’s amazing.” Collins has participated in numerous modeling gigs including the Hover Board Fashion Show, Dani J Black Ink Crew Chicago Fashion, SnapchatIt Fashion Show, Cat in the Trap for Fresh Empire Show and over 15 seasonal fashion shows. Other than being a model, Col-lins is a runway coach, influenced byothers’ passion and determination. “Something that influenced me to be-come a runway coach was the determination of how other girls wanted to model. They re-minded me of myself when I first wanted tomodel, so I felt as though I had a connection with them,” Collins said. “A runway coach teaches upcoming models how to walk prop-erly on a runway during a fashion show.” Of course there are some aspects that she likes about being a runway coach. “One thing I like is when I help models im-prove their walking,” Collins said. “It makes me so happy because I feel as though I’ve helped some-one come a step closer to achieving their dreams.” There are also some difficul-ties that come with being a runway coach. “Dealing with models who want to give up and convincing them not to,” Collins said. “I like to work with upcoming models who don’t give up.” For any aspiring mod-els, Collins offers some advice. “Never give up. Even if you go to a model call and don’t get picked, still keep trying because modeling isn’t easy at all,” Collins said. “But, if you really have a passion for it, you’ll soon start to realize that it’s all a big game you have, and you have to play your parts right in order to win.”

Teen modelAja Collinsrises to be

runwaycoach

Photos 6A Royal

Mardi Gras Extravaganza

Sports 7

By Mike Granado and Demetrius Burns

Basketball players Samuel Moore and Jalen Cheavers hope to make a trip to state.

Boys’ basketball has potential, aims for state

JulianLong

Daaiyah Wardell

Sports Profiles

Sports at Thornwood: Football and Wrestling

Memorable sports moment: Going to conference in wrestling because it was a new experience

Favorite Athlete: Mi-chael Jordan

Quote that inspires you: “My person to play against is myself because a lot of times I have to battle with my-self to keep challeng-ing myself.”Future Plans: math teaher, accounting, or behavioral analysis

There is one thing boys’ varsity basketball Coach Paul Slavich knows about this year’s Thornwood Thunder-birds; there is tons of potential. The Thunderbirds’ two top newcomers, 6-foot-2 Jalen Chavers and 5-foot-9 Joshua Roseborough, bring plenty of offensive and defen-sive skills and have emerged as lead-ers of the team according to Slavich. Besides Chavers, Slavich said Zachary Carr stands out offen-sively and Joshua Ross defensively. “Looking forward to this season and winning tournaments,” Slavich said. “We have good character kids in the program.” After a 16-11 season that included making the playoffs and many seniors graduating, leav-ing only eight seniors to take hold of the varsity team, Thornwood looks to improve this season. “There are always things to get better at,” Slavich said. “Work on these skills in practice, which is why we practice, so we can get better.” Team captains Samuel Moore and Nick Rucker look to lead the team to the playoffs also in the quest for more hardware to add to Thornwood’s trophy case.

“I have faith, and I know we can make it,” Moore said. Likewise, forward Ken-dall Berry thinks that Thorn-wood can go down to state. “We can go down to state in the playoffs this year,” Ber-ry said. “This is a totally differ-ent team with a great work ethic.” Forward Jalen Mar-tin also thinks Thorn-wood can qualify for state.

“We have the tools, and if we improve on minor faults, then I can see us there,” Martin said. Like Martin, point guard Jalen Chavers thinks Thorn-wood can make it to state. “We are a talent-ed group,” Chavers said. Of the upcoming games, the games against the Thornton Wild-cats have players eager to compete. Forward Jalen Martin is pumped

to play Thornton High School. “In my three years playing for Thornwood, I’m 0-6 against them, and 2 wins this year would mean much to me,” Martin said. Like Martin, Moore an-ticipates the game against Thornton High School. “They are our ri-vals,” Moore said.

Favorite Athlete: Dwayne Johnson

Quote that inspires you: “Hard-work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

Future Plans: I plan on going to a great col-lege and wrestling.

Sports at Thornwood: Basketball

Memorable sports moment: Winning MVP and making the All-Tournament team at the Marian Tourna-ment.

BRIANA WILLIAMS PHOTO

SPORTS8

Starting out the 2017 season 3-1, the Thornwood girls’ basketball team spent a substantial amount of time preparing for the season. “They spent their time conditioning and skill train-ing,” Coach Kevin Green said. In order to result in wins, Green wants to improve many things. “Rebounds, basketball IQ, and shot selection,” Green said. Green said the season could go two ways. “We can be exceptional-ly good or exceptionally aver-age because we have a lot of talent but not a lot of effort,” Green said. The team faces “attitude and individualism” issues. “I will deal with these

issues by using strict disci-pline,” Green said. “That will rectify attitude and individual-ism.” According to Coach Green, two players stand out. “Diamond Stallworth stands out because of her de-fense,” Green said. “Daaiyah Wardell stands out because of her scoring ability.” Team captains are Aya Sgrignoli, Stallworth, and Wardell. Top newcomers are Wardell and Eriona Reed-Guest. Green anticipates a match against Thornton. “We are looking for-ward to playing Thornton High School because they’re our rivals, and we lost to them last year,” Green said. Small forward Maia Moore is thrilled to go against

rival Thornton High School. “I’m almost looking forward to playing Thornton because their school beats Thornwood in almost ev-ery sport and has been for a while,” Moore said. “I feel like this year girls’ basketball could change that.” Forward Wardell is pumped to play Bloom Trail High School. “It’s my former school,” Wardell said. Like Wardell, guard Reed-Guest awaits a game against Bloom. “I transferred over from there,” Reed-Guest said. “Bloom is good competition.” Point Guard Lunden Al-exander is eager to play against several schools. “I am looking forward to playing all the Lincoln Ways

By Briana Williams and Alejandra Vasquez and H-F because I feel those are our biggest competition,” Alexander said. Center Hannah Nor-wood enjoys playing against every school. “I’m looking forward to play all the schools and not just one specific team because I’m ready to show everyone Thornwood should not be un-derestimated,” Norwood said. Reed-Guest equipped for this season by doing AAU, conditioning, and workouts. “To better myself be-fore the season started,” Reed-Guest said. Moore prepared for this season by working since last year’s season ended. “I did this in order to make the next season better not only for myself but for the program,” Moore said.

Diamond Stallworth and Daaiyah Wardell prepare for a game.

Girls’ basket-ball preparesas the season

starts

BRIANA WILLIAMS PHOTO BRIANA WILLIAMS PHOTO

Huddled up, the girls’ basketball team strategizes.